Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Maiduguri, Borno State — Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has issued a stern warning to residents as violence linked to Boko Haram and allied insurgent groups rises in the region. He declared that anyone found aiding, sheltering, or collaborating with extremists will be treated as a traitor and pursued relentlessly by security forces. The warning comes as attacks in and around Maiduguri, the state capital, have marked a significant increase in violence after a period of relative calm.
In a statewide broadcast from Maiduguri, Governor Zulum said the recent spike in militant activity was linked to intensified military operations, which have forced insurgents out of their traditional hideouts and into civilian areas. He described the situation as deeply concerning but stressed that the government, together with national security agencies, remains committed to safeguarding lives and restoring stability.
Zulum emphasized that residents must not provide shelter, food, information, or any form of assistance to Boko Haram or its splinter factions, including the Islamic State West Africa Province. He warned that even passive support could be construed as complicity. “You are not patriots; you are enemies of the state. You will be hunted down and made to face justice,” he said.
The governor’s warning followed a series of coordinated explosions in Maiduguri, including attacks at the city’s post office, Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and parts of the Kaleri neighbourhood. The blasts, believed to involve suspected suicide bombers, killed at least 23 people and injured more than 100 others.
State police confirmed that investigations into the bombings are ongoing, with security agencies deploying resources to contain the aftermath and prevent further attacks. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
The surge in violent incidents represents a significant security challenge after a period of relative calm in Maiduguri. Boko Haram and its affiliates have waged an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria for nearly two decades, displacing millions and causing thousands of deaths. The recent bombings are among the deadliest the city has experienced in recent years and have caused widespread fear, straining local medical facilities and emergency responders.
Zulum highlighted that collaboration between local communities and security agencies is crucial to fighting insurgent networks, which have increasingly targeted both military and civilian infrastructure. He urged residents to report suspicious activity, emphasizing that credible public information has been key in previous counter-terrorism operations.
The federal government, including President Bola Tinubu, has condemned the bombings and directed senior security officials to temporarily relocate to Maiduguri to coordinate operations aimed at neutralizing the insurgent threat. Nigerian military operations across Borno and the Lake Chad Basin continue to dismantle insurgent networks, often in partnership with regional forces.
The resurgence of attacks has also drawn attention to the humanitarian impact, with casualties straining hospitals and residents living under heightened threat levels. Many civilians have endured repeated waves of violence, displacement, and disruption to daily life over the past two decades, leaving communities deeply affected and anxious.
Governor Zulum’s warning underscores the critical importance of local cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, signaling a firm stance against anyone who might enable extremist groups. Authorities continue to work to stem fresh attacks and safeguard lives in a region long scarred by armed conflict, emphasizing that residents’ support is essential to restoring security and stability.
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