ISWAP control two Borno border councils to Niger, says Zulum

ISWAP control two Borno border councils to Niger, says Zulum

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has declared that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists still control two border councils to the Niger Republic.

According to him, the terrorists in Abadam and Guzamala Local Government Areas collect taxes from farmers and fishermen on the shores of Lake Chad.

The Governor raised the alarm yesterday (Thursday), before the Senate Committee on Army led by Sen. Ali Ndume in Maiduguri, while on an oversight function of military formations in the state.

“I am informing you that peace is gradually returning to the state,” he said; noting that there is however much to be done, as the two councils are controlled by the insurgents in the border areas with Niger.

While commending the military and other Services Chief, he said: “We wanted to see an end to the ongoing terrorism that claimed many lives and property in the state.”

“Unfortunately, Government and people of Borno state, especially those from the south and north senatorial districts are however worried over the increasing terrorists’ activities of ISWAP.”

According to him, the terror group has been terrorizing several communities in the two districts, comprising 16 councils.

He added that security reports reaching him indicated that over 500 terrorists on 300 motorcycles converge at Mandaragirau to conduct parties and marriages among themselves without being confronted by the military and other security agencies.

The security non-confrontation; was a result of ISWAP being more equipped and intelligent in terrorists’ attacks on military personnel and civilians in Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region.

Besides, he added that the terrorists are collecting taxes along the Damboa/Biu road, including southern parts of the state.

Governor Zulum said that despite the insecurity situation, 11 councils of Gwoza, Bama, Marte, Monguno, Kaga, Gubio, Mafa, Dikwa, Ngala, and two others in the border areas of Cameroon are peaceful with limited attacks.

He attributed the improved security situation to the surrender of over 20,000 Boko Haram terrorists and their families to the Army.

“I solicited prayers for the total restoration of peace in the state and the country at large,” he said.

Responding, Ndume said that the Senate committee members are to assess the current security situation and to thank the State Government for its support to restore peace.