Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to urgently review Nigeria’s air safety and defence systems following a shocking drone attack by Boko Haram terrorists on a military base in the state.
Governor Zulum made the call on Friday in Mafa town, describing the incident as a dangerous escalation in the group’s operations. The attack, which reportedly involved the use of an armed drone against military troops, has raised fresh concerns about the growing sophistication of terrorist activities in the North-East.
Speaking to newsmen, Zulum said the development exposes a major weakness in Nigeria’s airspace security. “This is frightening. In Dikwa, I was told drones were used. The proliferation of drones, especially in the hands of non-state actors, is a serious national concern. We must act quickly to stop the spread and misuse of armed drones,” he said.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the governor warned that the incident is not just a threat to Borno State but to Nigeria’s national security. He urged the federal authorities to strengthen the country’s borders and airspace surveillance systems to prevent future drone-related attacks. “This is the right time for our security agencies to upgrade their airspace capabilities to curb the use of armed drones by terrorists,” Zulum added.
Governor Zulum, while commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts, urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their communities. “We are here to commiserate with the victims and to build confidence among our people,” he said.
The governor also advised members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to continue supporting the military through intelligence sharing and local patrols. “Our people must stay alert. The fight against insurgency requires everyone’s cooperation,” he emphasized.
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, Zulum disclosed that there was credible intelligence warning of a possible attack in Mafa before the incident occurred. He called for collaboration between state and federal governments, as well as the military high command, to identify and close existing security gaps.
“I believe there might be elements of sabotage that must be investigated. We should not trade blame; rather, we must work together to resolve this challenge,” the governor stated.
