By Dr. Zanna Hassan Boguma FCIPDM FWIP
(Zanna Boguma of Borno)
9th April, 2025

While I hesitate to speak on this matter, I must express my sympathy for the Minister, though his recent statement in response to Governor Zulum’s concerns is deeply regrettable. The governor’s remarks followed a joint security meeting involving top security chiefs and traditional rulers in Borno and Yobe States, and they reflected a serious reality on the ground.

Unfortunately, the Minister’s response comes across as overtly political and ill-advised. Statements like his are dangerous because they can inflame tensions, especially among citizens already disillusioned with the state of the nation. Such remarks have the potential to incite unrest and should have been avoided entirely.

Every Nigerian has the right to voice concerns over the unrelenting attacks on military outposts and civilian targets across Borno. As the Chief Security Officer of his state, Governor Zulum has a duty to speak out on these issues—not out of political interest, but based on intelligence and evidence. His warnings are not baseless or made for publicity; they stem from actual developments on the ground.

The Minister’s counterstatement, therefore, should have been more measured. Irresponsible and unverified comments only fuel misinformation and may become self-fulfilling prophecies.

Our politicians must rise above partisan interests when dealing with the grave issue of insurgency. They should act as statesmen committed to national unity and security. When I read the Minister’s comment on Facebook, I was dismayed. Leaders should use their platforms to seek solutions, not to deepen the crisis or silence critical voices.

The role of any public official, especially a minister, should be to support efforts aimed at securing our nation, not to politicize them. Too often, we’ve seen key figures downplay the real threats Nigerians face—either by dismissing legitimate concerns or by failing to take responsibility.

This denial does not align with the tragic reality. Recent attacks in Sabon Gari and Wajiroko in Damboa LGA, Wulgo in Ngala, and Goniri in Yobe State cannot be dismissed. The evidence—videos and photos of stolen arms and ammunition—is widely circulated on social media, shared even by the insurgents themselves.

It is unbecoming of the Minister of Information to ask Nigerians to ignore the governor’s “red alert.” We challenge him to visit Borno and travel the following routes by road: Maiduguri to Baga, Maiduguri through Damasak to Malamfatori, Maiduguri to Damboa and Sabon Gari, Maiduguri to Marte and Ngala, Maiduguri to Gwoza, and behind the Mandara Hills into Sambisa Forest. Let him witness the situation firsthand.

No one should sit comfortably in Abuja and dismiss the experiences of people in Borno. We live with the consequences of insecurity every day—we are the ones confronting this crisis directly.

Governor Zulum’s statements were not made casually. They were informed by a high-level security briefing, and they reflect the stark reality we face. Acknowledging these facts does not diminish the efforts of our armed forces. In fact, it honors their sacrifice.

The governor has also gone beyond rhetoric—providing logistical support, new operational vehicles, and essential equipment to all military and security agencies across the state.

So we ask: where were you when all this was happening?

Please, do not politicize our security. Do not trivialize the loss of our soldiers and citizens. Our lives are at stake, and it is high time everyone, especially those in leadership, put people before politics.