MARTE, BORNO STATE – Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, returned to Marte on Thursday after spending a night in the community last Saturday, underscoring his ongoing commitment to restoring peace and fostering development in the volatile Lake Chad region. The Governor’s recent visit follows a concerning surge in Boko Haram attacks that have displaced thousands and threatened the stability of the area.
Governor Zulum, who has been coordinating security logistics and building resilience among affected residents since leaving Maiduguri last week, embarked on an extensive tour, visiting nine communities: Marte, Kala-Balge, Wulgo, Ngala, Lugumani, Gajibo, Koibe, Dikwa, and Ajiri.
During his stay in Marte, Governor Zulum held a crucial closed-door meeting with military commanders to strategize on modalities for restoring lasting peace to Marte and its environs. His presence on the ground aimed to assess the efficacy of the recent “re-resettlement” efforts in the town, which had faced a significant setback with a recent attack on May 11, where ISWAP overran the 50 Task Force Battalion base, leading to casualties and displacement.
“I am here to monitor the efficacy of our ‘re-resettlement’ of the residents we conducted a few days ago. I am very happy to note that the community is fully back, and soldiers are on ground. Normal economic activities have resumed in Marte,” Zulum stated, expressing optimism that normalcy would be restored soon. This sentiment comes amidst reports of Marte LGA having only one town remaining under government control out of over 300, a situation Governor Zulum has publicly expressed grave concerns about.
Governor Zulum also used the opportunity to commend the federal government and the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift and positive response to his plea for enhanced security in Marte. “The federal government and the Nigerian Armed Forces have responded positively to our request to enhance security in the affected communities. We have seen many troops deployed and many pieces of equipment deployed,” he affirmed to journalists in Marte.
He added, “I want to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces for the cooperation they have been giving us; without their support, we couldn’t have done much. I want, once again, to commend all stakeholders that have contributed to our search for peace and the restoration of normalcy.
The Governor was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including members representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai constituencies at the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Bawu Musami; Permanent Secretary of Government House, Barr. Mustapha Ali Busuguma, and several other senior officials.
The intensified operations by Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno State, particularly since January 2025, have highlighted the urgent need for a robust and sustained security response. Governor Zulum’s hands-on approach and direct engagement with affected communities and military leadership signal a determined effort to reclaim lost ground and ensure the safety and return of displaced populations. His recent overnight stay in Marte, a town that was recently deserted due to an attack, underscores the gravity of the situation and the critical need for continued vigilance and support.
