Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has said that his administration is committed to secure all the border communities against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorism to protect lives and property in the state.
According to him, the vulnerable border communities, which are with Cameroon, Chad and Niger were severally attacked by the insurgents between 2014 and 2025.
Zulum made the security pledges on Saturday, when he paid a confidence- and resilience-building visit to the displaced persons of Ngoshe, who are currently taking refuge in Pulka.
Ngoshe, a border community with Cameroon in Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA) was attacked on 4th March 2026, forcing many residents to flee for safety in the adjoining bushes and hills.
This is the second time the governor has visited victims of the Boko Haram attacks in Ngoshe, stating that, “I am deeply disturbed
about the worsening security situation not only in Gwoza, but also in the entire state.”
Addressing the internally displaced persons (iDPs) at the Pulka Central Primary School, Zulum said that his visit was aimed at reinforcing government support, boosting public confidence, and engaging the stakeholders on an improved security strategies of protecting lives in the border communities of Ngoshe, Gwoza, Banki, Kirawa, Gambouru/Ngala, Rann, Baga, and Damasak.
Regarding his unscheduled second visit to Ngoshe, Zulum stated: ” “The major reason why we are here is first and foremost to once again sympathize with them and to convey our deepest sympathy, by assure them that the Federal and State governments will do everything possible to strengthen security in the entire Gwoza LGAs, including the several border villages with Cameroon.
He reassured residents of Gwoza and other communities of a strengthened security measures and sustained humanitarian support, following the recent attacks on Ngoshe, stating that all the abducted persons in captivity of the Boko Haram will be rescued by the military.
Zulum also informed them that the state government will rebuild the destroyed infrastructures and ensure a safe, dignified return of any person willing to return to the reclaimed border community.
He urged the displaced persons to collaborate with the military and other security agencies in enhancing resilience to prevent future attacks.
Beyond the securing of border communities, the governor disclosed: “Tons of food and non-food items would be distributed to the displaced households,” adding that humanitarian assistance would also be extended to the Pulka community, which has received IDPs from neighbouring areas affected in the recent attacks.
“Most of them have left their homes for about two weeks, and we believe there is a need to provide palliatives. By tomorrow morning, we shall provide food and non-food items to heads of households and married women,” he said.
Regarding the security situation in border communities, Zulum said: ” Consultations would be held with military commanders and local security outfits, including the Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes, to strengthen counter-terrorism operations in the affected areas.
“Tonight, we shall discuss with the Brigade Commander, military officers, and all security personnel on how to strengthen security around this general areas,”
Zulum emphasised that ongoing counter-terrorism efforts are being driven by what he described as, a strong collaboration between security forces and the local communities.
“What is ongoing here is a result of a very serious partnership between the army, other security personnel, and the community. The Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes are working under the command and control of the Nigerian Army,” he noted.
The Governor was accompanied by the Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume; members of the House of Representatives; the House of Assembly member representing Gwoza; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs; his Transport and Energy counterpart; and stakeholders from Gwoza Local Council.
