Idris Denies Dismissing Governor Zulum’s Concerns on Security Situation in Borno

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said at no time did he dismiss the alarm by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, that the state was now losing grounds to terrorists.

 In a terse remark, yesterday, he described as completely false the report that he asked that Zulum should be ignored over his security concerns.

 “Kindly disregard the reports claiming that I did so. I urge all media platforms to be accurate and responsible in their reporting,” Idris said.

He reiterated what he said on Tuesday saying security was improving in many parts of the country, even if acts of violence have not been completely eradicated.

He assured the people that security agencies were working round the clock to ensure that the situation in some parts of Borno State and other places were brought under control.

The minister said the Tinubu administration was committed to eradicating acts of banditry and terrorism across the country, noting that successes achieved by the security agencies in the last 18 months was an indication that indeed Nigeria was gradually returning to normalcy.

“The synergy we have seen in the operations of security agencies especially in the last two years and the massive investment in hardware and other equipment indicates the seriousness which the federal government attaches to this issue.

“Government calls on all, especially the subnational governments, to join hands to ensure rapid eradication of the remaining pockets of criminal elements wherever they may be,” he said.

Governor Zulum had raised the alarm about spike in security challenges at an expanded security meeting in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

At the meeting where he addressed stakeholders including the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, sector commanders; the commissioner of police and heads of other security agencies; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Economic; the Shehu of Bama as well as the emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira and Gwoza, he voiced concern over the recent Boko Haram attacks on major military formations across the state.

He said the state was at risk of returning to insecurity where many of the local government areas of Bornu State were under the care of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

“Many military locations were dislodged, especially in Wulgo, Sabongari, Wajirko among others. It seems we are losing ground and this is a very important thing that we need to discuss.

“Peace has gradually returned to Borno within the last three years, but we are witnessing sporadic attacks in recent times,” Zulum remarked at the meeting.