Gov raises alarm after Boko Haram launches deadly drone attack

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has expressed deep concern over the growing use of drones by Boko Haram terrorists to launch attacks on Nigerian troops, describing the development as a grave threat to national security.

Zulum made the remarks on Friday during a post-assessment visit to Mafa and other communities hit by coordinated terrorist attacks in the early hours of Thursday.

Despite credible intelligence warning of an impending assault on Mafa, the attack still occurred, prompting the governor to call for urgent collaboration between federal and state authorities, as well as the military high command, to address lapses in the security architecture.

“Honestly speaking, we had credible intelligence that Mafa would be attacked, and it was duly circulated to all relevant authorities,” Zulum said. “I believe there might be sabotage within that has to be identified and addressed. We don’t have to blame each other; we have to come together and resolve this situation.”

The governor was particularly alarmed by reports that terrorists deployed drones during the attacks, including in Dikwa.

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“This is frightening,” he said. “The proliferation of drones, particularly in the hands of non-state actors, is of great concern for the entire country. We have to do something to stop the rampant use of armed drones.”

Zulum urged the federal government to urgently review and reinforce Nigeria’s airspace and border security to prevent further drone-enabled assaults.

“This is not an issue confined to Borno alone,” he warned. “Our borders need to be strengthened, and our airspace needs to be strengthened as well. This is the right time for the security architecture to thoroughly look into strengthening the capability of our airspace to curtail the use of armed drones by terrorists.”

While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts, Zulum called on residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and remaining vigilant.

“We are here to commiserate with the victims and build the confidence of our people,” he said. “I urge the community to be vigilant and report credible information to the Nigerian Armed Forces. The members of the CJTF should also be resilient enough to complement the effort of the Army.”

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled multiple coordinated attacks on military positions in Borno and Yobe States between midnight and 4am on Thursday.

Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, spokesperson for the Joint Task Force North East (OPHK), said in a statement that the terrorists launched simultaneous assaults on Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko, but were met with fierce resistance.

“The combined ground and air efforts resulted in the neutralization of over 50 terrorists across all the locations,” Uba said.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to defending the region and called on citizens to remain cooperative and alert.

Gov raises alarm after Boko Haram launches deadly drone attack