TheCable

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, says there has been a “serious” improvement in the security situation in the state.

Zulum spoke on Friday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

The governor frowned at reports claiming that insurgence is rising in the state, adding that security agencies have been supporting his administration to ensure maximum safety.

“To be sincere and candid, the security situation in Borno state has improved by more than 85 percent. Economic activities are ongoing perfectly in Borno state,” Zulum said.

“I just read some script a few days ago saying that insurgency is increasing in Borno State. The story is not right.

“The Nigerian army is giving us the desired cooperation, the police, the paramilitary as well as air force and all other components of the Nigerian military are supporting us. 

“But most importantly, I want to assure you that as the chief security officer of Borno State, the state is doing well in terms of security. There’s a serious improvement in our security situation.

“And I commend the service chiefs for their efforts and I commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The governor had earlier said all communities in the state are now free from Boko Haram’s grip.

He added that about 140,000 insurgents have surrendered in the last 18 months and commended the defence chief for his role in restoring peace to the state.

Reiterating his statement, Zulum said the state has recorded remarkable improvement but noted that the government is still in the process of resettling displaced persons.

“Honestly speaking, none of the 27 local government areas of Borno State are under the control of insurgents,” the governor said.

“However, we have few local government areas that we want to ensure that people are completely resettled. Now, people are partially resettled there, especially the Abadam local government and then the Guzamala local government.

“But by and large, in terms of the security situation in Borno state, I think the government is doing very well, the Nigerian military is also doing very well. And then nothing has happened, we keep on improving.”

The governor added that the outcome of his meeting with the president was successful, adding that Tinubu assured him of the necessary support needed to subdue insurgency in the northern state.

Zulum also said Tinubu was committed to eradicating insecurity in the country at large.