Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has urged the Federal Government to immediately review Nigeria’s air safety and defense strategies following a recent attack by Boko Haram using drones.
The governor made the appeal on Friday in Mafa town, after terrorists reportedly deployed a drone to strike a military formation in the state—a development he described as a significant escalation in the group’s operational capabilities.
Speaking to journalists, Zulum raised alarm over the emerging drone threat, warning that the attack exposed serious vulnerabilities in the nation’s airspace security.
“One thing I want to highlight is the use of drones. This is alarming. In Dikwa, I was informed drones were deployed. The proliferation of drones, especially in the hands of non-state actors, poses a grave concern for the entire country. Immediate action is required to curb the use of armed drones,” Zulum said.
He emphasized that the threat extends beyond Borno State, framing it as a national security issue.
“Our borders and airspace must be reinforced. This is urgent and cannot be limited to Borno alone. Security agencies need to strengthen airspace capabilities to prevent armed drones from being used by terrorists,” the governor added.
While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts, Zulum also called on citizens to assist security personnel by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
Addressing the public, Zulum said, “We are here to support the victims of recent incidents and reassure our people. I urge everyone to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Civilian Joint Task Force must also remain resilient and assist the military.”
He further disclosed that intelligence indicates a potential attack on Mafa, which has been communicated to relevant authorities. Zulum stressed the need for collaboration between state and federal governments, as well as military leadership, to identify security gaps and prevent future incidents.
“There may be internal sabotage that must be addressed. This is not the time for blame; we must work together to resolve these threats,” he concluded.
