Northern govs in joint push against resurgent attacks

Following the surging banditry, insurgency and terrorist activities in the North, Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum Muhammadu Yahaya, is exploring a joint approach with fellow governors in the region to tackle the issue, The PUNCH has exclusively learnt.

Monday’s gunmen attack on Zike and Kimakpa communities in Plateau State’s Bassa Local Government Area by gunmen, which claimed a reported 51 lives, including a family of eight, came less than two weeks after armed men also struck multiple villages in the Bokkos area of the state killing 52 people. Homes were torched, property destroyed and several persons sustained injuries.

Again, the death toll from Tuesday evening’s deadly attack on Otobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State has risen to 11, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, Senator Ali Ndume revealed that there were 252 Boko Haram attacks from November 2024 to April 2025, causing 380 deaths in Borno State alone.

The three geo-political zones in the region has been hard-hit by the incessant terrorist activities, with the North-west recording an unprecedented wave of kidnappings, maiming, killings, population displacements, cattle rustling, and disruption of socio-economic activities due to the rise of armed bandits while the North-central is afflicted by a multi-layered crisis rooted in long-standing tensions between ethnic and religious groups, and attacks by criminal groups and armed bandits, such as killings, kidnapping, burning of houses and robbery.

The country has also been grappling with a long-running insurgency in the North-east, primarily driven by the Islamist armed group Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province.

In recent years, the crisis has intensified following an increase in bandit attacks, which have resulted in widespread displacement across the entire northern region.

According to an SMB Intelligence report, over 1,356 farmers in northern Nigeria lost their lives to banditry attacks between 2020 and 2024. Within the same period, N139m was paid as farm levies to bandits who demanded at least N224m across the North between 2020 and 2023.

The SBM Intelligence, an Africa-focused market and security intelligence consultancy, corroborates data from Global Human Rights Nigeria that disclosed that 24,816 people have been killed and 15,597 kidnapped in Africa’s most populous nation in the last five years.

“In the same period leading up to June 2024, at least 1,356 farmers were killed across the country, with most of the killings occurring in the North,” the report added.

Following the latest Plateau killings, President Bola Tinubu insisted “enough is enough” while detailing Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the military to put an end to the bloodbath.

Mutfwang swung into action, announcing a ban on night grazing and restricting the use of motorcycles across the state following incessant attacks.

Speaking in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, the governor also prohibited the transportation of cattle by vehicles after 7pm.

Mutfwang said the directives took immediate effect, with the restriction on motorcycle use in place from 7pm to 6am across the state until further notice.

He described the killings as “coordinated acts of terror” intended to displace residents and deny them their right to live peacefully on ancestral lands.

“The tragic echoes of Dogo Na Hawa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and the Christmas Eve massacres in Bokkos remain vivid. The cycle continues, but it must not endure. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,” the governor said.

Governors collaborate

On what governors in the region were doing to put an end to the decades-long mayhem, Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House Ismaila Misilli, told The PUNCH that Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, was consulting with the other 18 governors in the region for a “joint approach” to the issue.

Misilli said, “Yes, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya is fully engaging with his colleagues in exploring a joint approach to address the rising wave of banditry and terrorist attacks across the North.”

“As Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Yahaya has been at the forefront of efforts to rally his fellow governors towards finding a lasting and collaborative solution to the insecurity plaguing the region. Since the recent escalation of violence, particularly in Plateau State and other affected parts of the North, the governor has not relented in his resolve.

“He has continued to reach out, both privately and through official channels, to his colleagues, security chiefs, and relevant stakeholders, urging for stronger inter-state cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated security operations, and the NSGF Chairman is always leveraging his leadership role in the NSGF to achieve that goal,” he added.

In similar vein, the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, last week disclosed his determination to woo his counterparts in the North Central region to hold a security summit as one of the major ways to tackle rising insecurity within the region.

Governor Alia stated this made this while interacting with the advisory team sent by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to look into the security situation in the state.

He said, “Benue has experienced increased attacks in recent times and those are mostly coming from very specific local governments, and the heat of it all is Kwande, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Gwer-West.

“I am aware that Benue State is not the only state that is affected by this but I want you to know that we have suffered quite intensely, and the Benue people in those local government areas have undergone what is beyond imagination.

“As I speak, we have a team that is working in conjunction with the state and private sector on having a Benue security summit. We want to hold that first and then I’m already in talks with my colleague governors in the North Central for us to hold a North Central Security Summit.”

Elaborating on the major agenda of the proposed North Central Security Summit, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kula Tersoo, told The PUNCH that it would discuss proactive measures to tackle security challenges within the region.

Teerso said, “You know that the North Central region has been facing rising insecurity ranging from killings and kidnappings in recent time, so the summit will be on how to tackle the security challenges within the region.”

Maiduguri meeting

In a related development, Governor Yahaya on Tuesday lauded the theme of the Northern Traditional Rulers Committee meeting in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where there was a strong call for the adoption of innovative strategies to address the persistent insecurity plaguing the region and hindering its socio-economic development.

The meeting was formally declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by the Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum.

Yahaya, who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Jatau, said the meeting’s theme: “Enhanced Security as a Panacea for Stability and Development of the North,” was not only relevant and necessary but inevitable for the region’s restoration.

Yahaya emphasised the deterioration of peace, unity, and economic self-reliance in northern Nigeria, citing insecurity as a critical barrier to agricultural prosperity and overall development.

He called on traditional rulers and regional stakeholders to re-evaluate their roles and strategies, encouraging collaboration among all actors in the security architecture.

He referenced Gombe State’s inclusive ‘Security Council Model,’ which involves not just law enforcement but traditional, religious, and community leaders, noting its effectiveness in addressing local security issues.

“Insecurity is no longer just a matter for law enforcement agencies,” he said. “It is our collective duty. Everyone must be involved—traditional rulers, community heads, and citizens.”

Governor Zulum commended the traditional rulers for their ongoing efforts in addressing insecurity across the region and the nation at large. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining the fight against insecurity.

“The nexus between security and development cannot be overemphasised. The Federal Government will continue to work assiduously with sub-national governments and traditional institutions to tackle lingering security challenges across the North and the entire country,” he said.

Also speaking, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, emphasised that the primary aim of the meeting, which is the seventh and the first to be held in Maiduguri, was to foster unity and provide lasting solutions to the insecurity that has hampered development in the North.

The Sultan called for peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups and warned against tribal profiling or any actions that could incite division and unrest.

He stressed the resolve of traditional rulers to ensure the total eradication of Boko Haram and other forms of insecurity in the region.

Middle Belt groups

Meanwhile, the National President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, noted that the insurgency had gone beyond a tolerable level, following the daily attacks in the two states.

“Before, they used to deceive people that it was farmers-herders crisis, Nigerians have been intimidated to the extent that if you are attacked by a herder and you fight back, you will be jailed or killed like the judgment that took place in Adamawa as confirmed by the Supreme Court. So, farmers, peasants and other Nigerians are at the receiving end in whatever case,” Pogu state.

Citing the Director-General of the DSS, Pogu emphasised that the first line of defence was the community, advising people to wake up and defend themselves against attacks.

He charged the governors of both states to protect their people, while also urging the people to take action, noting that while Christianity preached peace, it didn’t advocate for passivity in the face of violence.

“The governors of these states need to sit up and plan strategies for the defence of their people The best defence is attack. That is what military strategists tell us. We also have what they call asymmetric warfare,” Pogu stated.

He added, “If a group is going to act, nobody will tell you what they will do, but we all know that the insurgency has gone beyond tolerable level. During former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, people were killed in their hundreds and these attacks are still on, especially in Plateau and Benue states.

“There are attacks in other areas but these are the two that have been so glaring because they occur on a daily basis.

“Just going by what the Director General of the DSS said some weeks ago, the first line of defence is the community. So, we will advise our people to wake up. You don’t just sit down and then somebody comes at night and massacre you like chickens.

“So, there are so many things one can do under the circumstance but not doing anything is not an option. When violence comes to meet you, you don’t just fold your arms and allow yourself, children and relatives to be killed like chickens. So, the people must wake up and defend themselves, that’s all I can say.”

Leader of the three socio-cultural groups in Benue State, Mdzou U Tiv, Ochi’Kidoma and Omi’Ngede, Iorbee Ihagh, has condemn the unabated insecurity in the state.

Ihagh, who also doubles as the President General, Mdzou U Tiv worldwide, said, “The incessant attacks of armed herders across the North Central, especially Benue State, go beyond conflict but aimed at taking over our land.

“The proposed security summit is a welcome development, since this has become a common problem within the region.”

Ihagh appealed to the Federal Government to deploy more security operatives to the region and empower the security chiefs to drive herders away from the region.

Also, a former Military Administrator of Plateau State, Rear Admiral Bitrus Atukum (retd.), slammed the Federal Government for fighting the killers with “kid gloves.”

He said, “What is difficult in ordering the Army to go and fish them out? These people would come down from the hills, wreak havoc and disappear again. And that is where they hide their weapons. So, I believe that in addition to what the security agents are doing, they can do more. But in doing more, they should look at the legislation that should have been in place.

 “These people killing fellow human beings should be labelled terrorists, they are actually terrorists but we have been shying away from that. Instead, people who commit lesser offences are charged with this kind of offence. I think the number one action is to declare these people as terrorists and to come out clearly in saying who these terrorists are. Not just labelling them unknown gunmen because they are known now. Enough is enough.”

FG assures citizens

In the midst of the mayhem, the Federal Government assured citizens of its commitment to nip the rising insecurity in the country in the bud.

Speaking at the first quarter media stakeholders’ seminar for top media executives in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised the administration’s unwavering resolve to combat security threats across the country.

The minister, who was represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, highlighted recent investments in military equipment, personnel training, and intelligence gathering as proof of the government’s seriousness in tackling insecurity.

He said, “The Tinubu administration is unrelenting in its commitment to overcoming these threats and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians.

“Under President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda of the Cardinal objective is undoubtedly to guarantee our national security through clear and strategic focus on investing in the right tools, system, and personnel to ensure, to secure our nation.

“This includes massive investment in the acquisition of military assets, the training and retraining of armed forces and security personnel, and the strengthening of intelligent gathering mechanisms across all levels.

“This effort reflects the seriousness with which President Bola Tinubu is confronting the security challenges at home.”

The minister also urged the media to stop giving publicity to terrorists, describing such coverage as fuel for their operations.

He said, “The media, without doubt, is a worthy partner in our national security architecture. As the watchdog of society, the press must strike a delicate balance between the public’s right to vote and the imperative to protect national interests.

“I urge our media stakeholders to deny terrorists the oxygen of publicity by refusing to give prominence to their cowardly acts.”

Instead, he advised the media to focus on the sacrifices of the military and the resilience of affected communities.

He said, “Instead, let us simply amplify the arising of our armed forces, the resilience of our protected community, and the progress being made daily in the pursuit of peace. Conversely, what the media must not amplify in the spirit of unity and national cohesion is negative rhetoric that trail communal classes, as seen in recent situations. Insecurity and terrorism are not uniquely Nigerian challenges.

“National security is a collective responsibility. The media must play a pivotal role in educating the public and encouraging them to volunteer timely and useful information to security agencies.”

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, emphasised the evolving role of the media in modern warfare.

 “As we are all aware, the contemporary security landscape is not only characterized by conventional and asymmetric threats but also involves a battle of narratives. The information space is as contested as the battlefield,” Musa said.

“The 24-hour news cycle and social media demand real-time responses. Commanders and media professionals must work together to ensure that the right messages are conveyed at the right time to the right audience.”

Military tackles B’Haram

In a bid to tackle the resurgence of terrorist attacks in Borno State, the military is set to deploy additional equipment and combat support assets to reinforce its ongoing operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents.

Military sources, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, confirmed that high-level assessments had been conducted on the ground in Borno, prompting the decision to bolster the state’s military presence.

“We have been working tirelessly. Our troops have been doing a lot to stem the attacks. But in view of the recent incidents, there have been several meetings, and some top officials have visited to assess the situation. We are deploying new assets and combat enablers to the state,” one of the sources said.

The renewed violence has taken a heavy toll on several areas. On January 27, suspected insurgents launched a deadly attack on a military base in Malam-Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area, killing a commander, two senior officers, and 17 soldiers.

Just two days earlier, 20 fishermen were reportedly killed by terrorists in Gadan Gari, a fishing village in Bama Local Government Area.

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, raised the alarm over the deteriorating security situation, warning that the state is gradually ceding ground to terrorist groups.

“As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on a daily basis without confrontation signal that Borno State is losing ground,” Zulum said last week.

Echoing the governor’s concerns, Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, disclosed that three local government areas — Gudumbari, Marche, and Abadam — were currently under the control of Boko Haram.

“As I’m speaking to you now, three of our local governments are under Boko Haram. That is the honest truth of it,” he said.

“From 6pm, you cannot go anywhere except in Southern Borno. Even there, in seven of the nine local governments, you can’t move between local governments after 5pm until 8am when the Army finishes scanning the roads manually.”

Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, for official comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.