Tinubu, Zulum discuss forest guards, arms deployment amid insecurity in Borno
By Kunle Sanni
Amid rising insecurity in Borno State, President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum met on Monday to discuss urgent security measures, including the deployment of forest guards and the accelerated delivery of military equipment to the Northeast.
Speaking to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Governor Zulum said he briefed the President on the worsening security situation in Borno, where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents have ramped up attacks.
“The President has assured me that the Federal Government will do everything possible to control the situation,” Zulum stated. “Most importantly, plans are underway to establish forest guards. That will be a game-changer.”
Since early 2025, insurgents have overrun at least 15 military outposts in Borno, conducting coordinated night raids, ambushing convoys, and reportedly using armed drones. Security experts note that reduced infighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP, combined with support from foreign advisers, has enabled more sophisticated attacks.
On May 19, Zulum warned that insurgents were just one town away from taking over Marte Local Government Area, a strategic location near Lake Chad. He urged immediate reinforcement, warning that several councils could fall under militant control.
President Tinubu recently approved the creation of a national forest guard corps to protect Nigeria’s over 1,100 forests, which often serve as hideouts for terrorist groups. The Senate has called for expedited recruitment and community-based deployment.
However, the Professional Hunters Association and the Nigerian Forest Security Service have cautioned against political interference in the recruitment process, warning it could undermine the initiative’s effectiveness.
Zulum also raised concerns about the insurgents’ growing arsenal. “Some Boko Haram and ISWAP members are using sophisticated weapons. I believe the Federal Government is taking steps to address this,” he said.
