Governor Zulum raises concern over growing strength of ISWAP in Borno

Governor Zulum raises concern over growing strength of ISWAP in Borno

By: James Bwala

Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umar Zulum has expressed fear over the growing activities of Islamic State for West African Province, ISWAP in northeast Nigeria.

The governor had earned that, ISWAP with growing strength now is capable of overrunning the region if the government did not take urgent steps in curtailing it’s growing number. 

Governor Zulum reportedly made this known at the weekly ministerial briefing organized by the Presidential Communication Team at the presidential villa, Abuja on Thursday.

” ISWAP is becoming more educated and sophisticated and is massing up in Borno state exploiting its closeness to the Sahel. Unless something is done quickly to stop them, the Boko Haram insurgency will be a child’s play compared to what ISWAP can do.” Zulum said.

He said there is need for urgent change in military strategy in order to secure Borno and the entire northeast region before these elements of ISWAP grow into a greater monster that will further imperil the security of the country.

 “All that I have said now, would never be feasible without the support of the government. But notwithstanding all the contributions of the federal government, we still have some challenges.

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“One, I said it before, a growing number of ISWAP in some parts of the state is a matter of great concern to everybody. Why? In the shores of Lake Chad, again in southern Borno State. Luckily enough, I was told there was military deployment yesterday to southern Borno state to fight the insurgents in the Tudun Katarangwa.

“But I think this is an early warning system. We shouldn’t allow ISWAP to grow. ISWAP is more sophisticated, more funded and they are more educated. And we shall do everything possible to defeat ISWAP.” Zulum said.

Governor Zulum raised concern over growing strength of ISWAP in Borno