Borno Gov meets with COAS over insurgency, says the worst is over

.As Army arrests 4 kidnappers in Edo

…Kwara Gov condemns Eruku attacks, calls for new layers of security deployment in state

AHMED MARI, Maiduguri and GBENGA OLARINOYE, Ilorin with agency reports

Governor Babagana Zulum, of Borno state has said that the worst of Boko Haram insurgency is over, even as he acknowledged recent surges in attacks by the terrorist groups.

Governor Babagana Zulum made the statement on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Shaibu Wahidi, in Maiduguri.

While delivering his remarks at the meeting, Governor Zulum explained his statement by reflecting on the more escalated security situation the state had previously endured.

He stated that compared to the peak of the crisis years ago, the current security landscape, despite recent setbacks, shows significant improvement.

He also called on the people of Borno State to continue giving their necessary cooperation and support to the military and other security agencies. He emphasised that the war against terrorism requires a collective effort, urging residents to be vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security operatives to prevent attacks and ensure a lasting return to peace in the state.

“Yes, we have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and the security forces, but the worst is over; we shall continue to collaborate and provide the needed intelligence to our security forces to bring this madness to an end,” Zulum said.

“The frequency and scale of attacks on our communities then were overwhelming.

Today, while we grieve any single setback, we can also see that the worst is indeed behind us. The trajectory is towards peace, and we are committed to sustaining it,” he added.

Zulum commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the recent tactical setbacks across the theatre.

He praised the sacrifice and bravery of the officers and soldiers, describing them as heroes who, in some cases, pay the ultimate price for the nation’s security.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to reiterate that we stand with the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

We will not take their sacrifice for granted,” the governor said.

Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Wahidi, while giving the assurance of the Army headquarters to provide necessary logistics to the troops, also commended Governor Zulum for his support to the armed forces.

, “I want to most sincerely, on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, extend our appreciation to His Excellency for visiting us at a time like this. We appreciate your support in Borno, the COAS said.

General Wahidi further said ““We have confidence in our society here in the theatre and from the Army headquarters, we will provide all the necessary resources needed to ensure they achieve their mission.”

The meeting was attended by the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullaho Ishaq (Rtd) and other senior government officials.

Meanwhile The 4 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, Benin City, Edo State has intensified its crackdown on kidnapping and related criminal activities along the Ahor and Uselu-Nahor axis of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers in a coordinated operation.

Speaking to newsmen while parading the suspects at the Brigade Headquarters in Benin City, the Operation Officer, Captain Victor Adebanjo Omotosho, said the troops conducted a “cordon and search operation” in both communities following rising concerns about persistent kidnapping incidents in the area.

According to him, the operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025, resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons.

Captain Omotosho said: “During the early hours of today, the troops of Headquarters 4 Brigade conducted cordon and search operations at Ahor and Uselunahor communities.

Four suspects were arrested and some weapons recovered, which include one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a pump-action gun, and other items.”

He added that two vehicles — a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Highlander Jeep — were also seized during the operation, alongside other exhibits displayed during the parade.

Captain Omotosho noted that kidnapping activities along the affected corridors had become disturbing in recent months, but emphasized that the Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, has continued to make concerted efforts to curb the menace.

He described the latest arrests as “a positive development in the collective fight to rid Edo State of criminality.”

The four suspects, however, gave varying accounts of their arrest, denying involvement in kidnapping operations.

Frank Anthony, one of the suspects, said he was asleep when soldiers stormed the house where he was staying.

He claimed that he was only staying in the community because he could not afford accommodation in his hometown.

Another suspect, Endurance Egwasa from Ahor community, said he was at home with his partner when soldiers arrived unexpectedly.

For Sunday Alex, he alleged he had only attended a burial and decided to sleep at his family house in the village.

The fourth suspects, Stanley Osazuwa, who identified himself as a painter, said he had rented a room after attending a burial that ended late.

The Army reiterated that the operation was part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating around Ahor, Uselu-Nahor, and neighbouring communities.

Security agencies in Edo State have intensified joint operations to restore safety along major highways and rural communities that have witnessed repeated criminal attacks.

The Brigade assured residents that similar operations would continue until kidnapping and other violent crimes are completely suppressed.

The Edo State Government has repeatedly expressed commitment to supporting military and security formations in ensuring peace and stability across the state.

The Army described Sunday’s development as a significant step toward achieving that goal.

Incidentally, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has requested that more and urgent security deployment be made to Ekiti Local Government Area, especially Eruku axis, to immediately curtail the new wave of attacks in the area.

“The Governor has sought immediate deployment of more security operatives to support the existing security architecture in the area,” according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye.

“He requested that this new measure be activated immediately.

The Governor wholly condemns the unconscionable attack, sympathises and identifies with the people of Eruku and environs, especially families and the CAC directly impacted by the condemnable attack of Tuesday November 18th, 2025.

“The state government will continue to support the security agencies to tackle these challenges and ensure safety of lives and properties across the state.”

The Governor, similarly, commended President Bola Tinubu for the deployment of 900 additional troops in Kwara, saying this is expected to strengthen security in the state.

“We have indeed seen appreciable calm in many areas previously affected. We sincerely thank the President for this. We are confident that the additional troops will provide further deterrence, overall safety for our people, and permanent calm,” the statement added.

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