- Over 20,000 Boko Haram members have surrendered in Borno State
Governor of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday announced that two Local Government Areas (LGAs) in his State – Abadam and Guzamala, are still under the control of Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ group.
The Governor’s position was was earlier corroborated by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, who told Journalists that 99 per cent of the communities in Guzamala LGA where he hails from, are under the control of the terrorists.
The Governor, who hosted a joint delegation of the Senate Committee on Army led by its Chairman, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume and top Nigerian Army officers from Army Headquarters, Abuja at the Government House, Maidiguri, said that although the military and para-military services must be commended for their gallant efforts to end of terrorism in the Northeast region, Boko Haram/ISWAP groups are amusing in increasing numbers especially in Southern and Northern Borno State where they have been terrorizing the communities.
According to Governor Zulum said: ” I am pleased to inform you that we have started witnessing gradual return of peace, but more need to be done, because, presently, Guzamala and Abadam Local Government Areas are still under the control of Boko Haram.
“Although, the current Service Chiefs, the Theatre Commander, and indeed our General Officer Commanding 7 Division are up and doing. We want to commend the military and other para military personnel for their gallant efforts to see to the end of terrorism in this part of the country.
“Unfortunately, Government and people of Borno state, especially those from Southern and Northern parts of the state are worried over the increasing number of ISWAP groups who have been terrorizing their communities.
“Just few days ago, I recieved a security report that in some communities of Mandaragirau axis in Biu Local Government Area, there are reports that over 500 Boko Haram/ISWAP groups have been converging with over 300 motorcycles and even celebrating parties/marriages amongst themselves without confrontation.
“ISWAP are more equipped, sophisticated, intelligent and dangerous as they grow from strength to strength.
“ISWAP are collecting taxes along major roads in Damboa and other axis in southern Borno. It is very unfortunate.
“But the good news is that about 11 local Government areas of Gwoza, Bama, Marte, Monguno, Kaga, Gubio, Mafa, Dikwa, Ngala and host of others are becoming more peaceful than before, and this could be attributed to about 20,000 surrendered members of Boko Haram who are now in our custody.
” I want to use this opportunity to solicit for prayers from all and sundry for total restoration of peace not only in Borno state, but the country as a whole.” Zulum stated.
Ndume earlier in his address told the governor that they were in Borno to assess the security situation and to thank Borno State Government for its unflinching support towards restoration of peace and end the carnage perpetrated by terrorists in the north east region.