Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has mobilised Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) fighters and Nigerian troops to Kirawa in Gwoza Local Government Area following the withdrawal of Cameroonian soldiers that left the border town exposed to Boko Haram.
The insurgents invaded Kirawa on Wednesday, killing residents, burning 50 houses, eight vehicles, and heavy-duty equipment, forcing locals to flee.
During an on-the-spot assessment on Friday, Zulum expressed disappointment that his earlier warning to the military against leaving Kirawa without security was ignored.
“Yes, Cameroonian troops have withdrawn, but that doesn’t mean the Nigerian Army should leave the area vacant. We resettled this town about seven years ago, but now insurgents have displaced the returnees,” he said.
The governor confirmed that two lives were lost in the attack but thanked God casualties were not higher. He also met with the Theatre Commander of the Nigerian Army and the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, where it was agreed that troops would soon be redeployed to Kirawa.
Zulum pledged support for the Civilian JTF and vigilantes with equipment and hinted at plans to introduce modern security technology to protect the town. He urged residents not to panic but to resist Boko Haram incursions, while also calling on the Nigerian military to demonstrate greater commitment.
“We are pleading with the Federal Government and the Chief of Defence Staff to release funds and procure equipment so that military operations can resume fully, especially now that the rainy season is almost over,” Zulum appealed.
The governor stressed the need for sustained military presence and operations, not short-lived interventions, and reminded authorities that victories against insurgents must be followed by stabilization, reconstruction, and resettlement.
He warned that if Kirawa remains displaced, other nearby communities like Pulka and Ngoshe could also fall, threatening Gwoza and cutting off key roads. Zulum, however, thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his swift response and measures to prevent further attacks.
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