By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — When Boko Haram terrorists attacked Kirawa, a rocky agrarian  community in Borno State, the destruction was swift and brutal. But so was the response from Governor Babagana Zulum.


Upon learning of the assault, which left many dead and homes burned, Governor Zulum immediately rerouted his itinerary to be on the ground in Kirawa. He had been in Diffa, Niger Republic, where he met with a high-level delegation to strengthen cross border security cooperation.


His swift arrival in Kirawa, traveling by road with military and government officials, demonstrates his hands-on approach to leadership.

Combined security troops welcoming troops welcoming Governor ulum to  Kirawa

Addressing the residents who had fled, Zulum urged them to return. “We are sorry for what has happened,” he said. “I appeal to you to be patient as we are making arrangements to improve the security here.”


His visit was more than just a gesture of sympathy; it was a promise of action. He announced the immediate approval for a new hospital, water facilities, and other essential infrastructure. He also revealed plans to deploy additional security forces and establish a new Civilian JTF post to bolster the town’s defenses.


Beyond the immediate crisis, Zulum used the visit to address the broader security situation. He publicly appealed to the Nigerian Armed Forces to “be more committed” and “scale up military operations” in the state. He argued that a pause in operations had contributed to the renewed insurgency, and that sustained military pressure was necessary to prevent terrorists from reversing hard-won gains.
While a strong local response is vital, Governor Zulum’s commitment to peace extends far beyond Borno’s borders.

Governor Zulum being received in Diffa Region of Nigeria

Recognizing that insurgency is a regional problem, he, last week, undertook a working visit to the Diffa Region of the Niger Republic. This high-level delegation, which included security and economic officials, focused on strengthening crucial cross-border collaboration between Nigerian and Nigerien forces.


The meeting with Diffa’s governor, Brig. Gen. Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma, centered on strategic issues like joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and consolidating the fragile peace in areas recently liberated from insurgents. Given that thousands of Nigerians displaced by the conflict are taking refuge in Diffa, this collaboration is not merely about security, but also about the humanitarian challenge of safely returning refugees to their homes.

Governor Zulum in crucial security meeting with Nigerien military officials

Zulum’s proactive engagement with a neighboring country underscores a key tenet of his strategy: that lasting peace and recovery depend on a unified, regional front against terrorism. By leveraging improved security to facilitate the return of displaced farmers to fertile lands, his diplomatic efforts are directly linked to his broader vision of rebuilding Borno’s economy and restoring a sense of normalcy for his people.