“Boko Haram on the Verge of Taking Over Entire LG in My State,” Nigerian Governor Raises Alarm

• Governor Babagana Zulum has alerted the federal government and the military that only one town remains under government control in Marte LGA of Borno state
• In a statement issued on Sunday, Governor Zulum warned that Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents are on the verge of taking over the entire 300 towns in the LGA
• Governor Zulum appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army to take swift and coordinated action to prevent the complete collapse of government control in the area

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has raised a fresh alarm noting that only one town out of 300 remains under government control in Marte Local Government Area, warning that Boko Haram terrorists are on the brink of taking over the entire LGA.

"Only one town left" - Zulum calls on FG, military

The governor issued the warning on Sunday, May 18, following his visit to the area, where he appealed to the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently deploy decisive strategies to prevent Marte town from falling completely into the hands of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.

As reported by The Punch, Zulum, who visited Marte on Saturday, May 17, assessed the situation on the ground and explored sustainable solutions to restore stability to the region.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the governor said his visit was aimed at fostering community cooperation, resilience, and continuous support for security agencies.

“Hitherto, Marte Local Government comprises over 300 towns and villages. Now we have only one standing. If we cannot maintain this one, then we will lose the whole local government to the insurgents, which will be very obnoxious, and I think we will not allow this to happen.

“Therefore, I am calling on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army so that we can put our heads together and hold our ground for this single town in this LGA to remain,” he added.

Terrorism: Zulum bans sale of fuel in Bama LGA

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Babagana Zulum banned petrol sales in Bama LGA, including Banki, to tackle growing security threats in Borno state.

The decision, according to the governor, followed consultations with security agencies and is a strategic move in Borno’s counterinsurgency operations.

Zulum ordered strict enforcement as violators would face legal consequences regardless of status or influence.

Read more about Borno here:

• Gov Zulum bans sale of alcohol in Borno
• Breaking: Tension as army captain gunned down in Borno
• Tragedy as Bomb explosion kills many travelers, injure others in Borno
• Concerns rise over recent attacks in Borno

Gov Zulum bans sale of alcohol in Borno

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Governor Babagana Zulum officially banned the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Borno state, citing rising criminal activities and social vices.

Zulum accused both the current and former security personnel of actively contributing to the criminal behaviour in Maiduguri.

The governor set up a reconstituted committee and ordered them to clamp down on illegal hotels, brothels, and criminal hideouts in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.

Source: Legit.ng