Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has emphatically reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to ensuring that no Local Government Area (LGA) within the state succumbs to the control of Boko Haram or ISWAP terrorists. This declaration came amidst a period of heightened security concerns, marked by an alarming increase in coordinated raids by these insurgent groups across Borno since early 2025, which reportedly saw at least 15 military outposts overrun and deadly attacks on civilian populations. The governor had previously taken measures such as announcing a state-wide call for fasting and prayer for peace, and banning the sale of alcohol and petrol in certain areas due to the escalating threats.

In a significant move to address the escalating crisis, Governor Zulum met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Monday, May 26. The governor stated he was there to brief the President on the critical security situation in the North-East region, particularly Borno State. This crucial meeting followed Governor Zulum's urgent appeals for federal intervention, notably after an attack on Marte town, and his stark prior revelations concerning alleged connivance of some military officers and politicians with terrorist groups, which had prompted figures like Peter Obi of the Labour Party to call for decisive federal action and investigation into these serious claims.

During the closed-door meeting, discussions centered on developing and implementing new strategies to curb the advances of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Key among the strategies discussed was the bolstering of security through the rapid deployment of forest guards. Governor Zulum highlighted that plans were underway by the Federal Government for the establishment of these forest guards, a move he described as a potential "game-changer." President Tinubu had previously approved the creation of a new corps of armed forest guards tasked with securing Nigeria’s 1,129 forests, an initiative also backed by the Senate, which urged rapid recruitment and deployment, prioritizing individuals from affected communities for their local knowledge.

President Tinubu gave Governor Zulum assurances that the federal government would do everything possible to control the situation and support Borno State. Beyond the forest guard initiative, the talks also covered the expedited delivery of arms and equipment to military formations in the North-East. Governor Zulum acknowledged the sophisticated weaponry employed by the insurgents, stating, "Some of the Boko Haram and ISWA members are using some sophisticated weapons. I believe the federal government is also working in this direction." He affirmed his commitment to complementing federal efforts by strengthening community resilience and mobilizing local volunteers.

Governor Zulum expressed optimism that his appeals to the Federal Government were beginning to yield positive results, noting that "within the last couple of days, the Nigerian armed forces have taken some certain decisions that will curtail the imminence of the insurgency." He reiterated his firm stance: "No local government shall be allowed to be taken over by Boko Haram or ISWAP members. It will never happen now." He called upon the Nigerian Armed Forces, civilian authorities, and all concerned parties to rise to the challenge of defending the local government areas.

Recent military engagements underscore this renewed effort. Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the New Marte area of Borno State in the early hours of Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The assault began around 1:35 a.m., with insurgents reportedly arriving on approximately 20 motorcycles and with a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), targeting the location of the 50 Task Force Battalion.

A fierce joint land and air operation ensued, with personnel from the army and air force engaging the attackers. Reinforcements from the 24 Task Force Brigade Garrison and the 134 Special Forces Battalion were swiftly mobilized. In the grueling battle, scores of terrorists were neutralized. Tragically, two Nigerian soldiers paid the supreme price. The Nigerian Army confirmed that troops were in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, and an ongoing exploitation operation was being conducted to track them down and recover weapons. Reports indicated that the VBIED, intended to cause maximum damage, was abandoned by the fleeing terrorists and later recovered by troops, along with several motorcycles. Lifeless bodies of terrorists and traces of blood on their withdrawal routes further suggested significant casualties among the insurgents.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) played a critical role in the New Marte engagement, providing crucial aerial reconnaissance and offensive fire support, which significantly contributed to the neutralization of a large number of the fleeing insurgents. Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reported that ISWAP fighters were later observed hastily evacuating at least 15 dead bodies of their comrades following the failed midnight assault. Equipment casualties for the military included damage to one gun truck and a tyre of a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.

In a separate incident, acting spokesman at the Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, Reuben Kovangiya, disclosed that terrorists also met their waterloo when they made a daring attempt to attack the Forward Operating Base at Kumshe, receiving a "bloody nose" from the gallant troops. These successes reflect a renewed jointness and team spirit in the fight against terrorism.

Governor Zulum concluded his remarks after meeting President Tinubu with a note of confidence, stating, "I believe, inshallah, with the support of the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Armed Forces, we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents." The collaborative efforts between the state and federal governments, coupled with the resolve of the Nigerian military, aim to bring lasting peace and enable socio-economic activities to thrive in the North-East region.