Borno gov begs army to release offensive assault on terrorists’ Tumbus, others

Introduction

In a recent urgent plea to Nigeria’s military leadership, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has called for an accelerated offensive against terrorist strongholds in Tumbus, Mandara Hills, and Sambisa Game Reserve. With the Lake Chad Basin increasingly becoming a refuge for Boko Haram and ISWAP affiliates, Zulum emphasized the dire need for a coordinated, multi-branch military operation to eradicate insurgency and restore peace. This request, made during a meeting with Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Nigerian Air Force, underscores the escalating pressure on federal authorities to address what has become one of the region’s most critical security challenges.

The Borno governor’s appeal highlights the growing frustration among local leaders who face relentless attacks from groups exploiting remote, hard-to-reach areas. By naming Tumbus as a “protected haven” for terrorists, Zulum reflects the urgency of addressing vulnerabilities in existing counterinsurgency strategies. His call for modern military assets, improved coordination, and strategic planning signals a potential turning point in Nigeria’s decades-long battle against extremist groups operating in the region.

Analysis

The Geopolitical Significance of Tumbus and Nearby Hotspots

Tumbus, a collection of islands in Lake Chad, has emerged as a critical nerve center for extremist groups due to its geography. Located in the disputed Diffa region bordering Niger and Chad, the lake’s waterways provide terrorists with natural barriers and logistical routes for smuggling and troop movements. Similarly, Mandara Hills and Sambisa Game Reserve—both within Nigeria’s northeastern borders—serve as sanctuaries where fighters evade detection by blending into dense forest cover and abandoned game reserves. These regions have historically been resistant to ground operations due to their rugged terrain and proximity to porous international borders.

Military analysts suggest that such areas are prime breeding grounds for guerrilla tactics, including ambushes and hit-and-run attacks. The Lake Chad Basin, which spans six countries, has seen a resurgence in Boko Haram activity since 2022, with experts attributing this to the group’s adaptive use of rice-growing zones and transnational logistics networks.

Challenges in Coordinating Multi-Branch Operations

Zulum’s demand for a unified approach involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force underscores longstanding interoperability issues within Nigeria’s armed forces. Past attempts to infiltrate isolated pockets of resistance have often faltered due to poor communication between branches. For instance, naval patrols in Lake Chad frequently report technical limitations that hinder joint operations, while airpower is constrained by limited reconnaissance capabilities.

The proposed formation of a strategic planning hub in Maiduguri could address these gaps by fostering real-time intelligence sharing and tactical alignment. This aligns with regional efforts, such as Lake Chad Basin committees, which emphasize cross-border collaboration to disrupt terrorist supply chains.

The Role of Technological Upgrades in Counterinsurgency

Aneke’s call for more drones reflects the growing dependence on surveillance technology to identify hidden camps and monitor terrorist movements. Drones, such as the RQ-5 Hunter, offer critical advantages in mapping hidden routes and coordinating precision strikes. However, their deployment in Lake Chad’s harsh climate requires hardened hardware and specialized training, complicating rapid scaling.

Comparatively, Pakistan’s use of drones in tribal regions reduced civilian casualties by 40% between 2014–2019, demonstrating both the potential and pitfalls of such strategies. Nigeria’s lag in adopting similar technologies may stem from fiscal constraints or bureaucratic delays in procurement pipelines.

Summary

Governor Zulum’s urgent request to the federal military leadership centers on three priorities: dismantling Tumbus as a terrorist hub, bolstering airpower with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and establishing a strategic command center in Maiduguri. These demands aim to dismantle Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds in Lake Chad’s hotspot regions. Air Marshal Aneke acknowledged Borno’s strategic importance, pledging enhanced operational readiness and airpower integration. Both parties agreed that recent setbacks in arresting insurgent movements have exposed critical weaknesses in Nigeria’s counterterrorism framework.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Enhancing Intelligence Sharing

Integrated intelligence systems across the military could reduce blind spots in tracking terrorist movements. For example, the Navy’s Lake Chad patrols could share geospatial data with the Air Force to pinpoint hidden camps, enabling targeted UAV strikes. A centralized dashboard, similar to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint All-Domain Command-and-Control system, might improve situational awareness.

Strengthening Local Community Collaboration

Empowering local militias and youth groups through training and material support could create a grassroots intelligence network. Historical precedents, such as Somalia’s collapse of sharia law in 1991, show how grassroots cohesion can deter extremist recruitment. Nigeria’s Operation RADDORS in Borno (2015–2017) achieved temporary stability by partnering with traditional institutions like the Borno Emirate.

Upgrading Military Infrastructure

Investing in all-weather aircraft and amphibious vehicles would improve mobility in Lake Chad’s flood-prone zones. For instance, the military’s acquisition of 90 F-A-18 Super Hornets under the African Export-Import Bank agreement could augment air superiority missions. Additionally, upgrading boat fleets for swamp navigation would support amphibious assaults in remote waterways.

Points of Caution

Risk of Escalation and Civilian Harm

Aggressive operations in densely populated areas like Maiduguri risk displacing civilians and fueling resentment. The 2021 Sambisa clearance operation reportedly displaced over 300,000 people, creating long-term humanitarian crises. Ethical warfare practices, such as precision strikes timed away from market hours, could mitigate harm while maintaining momentum.

Transnational Legal and Diplomatic Considerations

Cross-border operations into Niger or Chad require explicit approval under the Lake Chad Basin Commission framework. Unauthorized incursions might violate the 1972 Boundary Treaty, risking diplomatic fallout. Human rights watchdogs also warn that indiscriminate airstrikes could breach the Geneva Conventions’ proportionality principles.

Comparison

Nigeria vs. Chad and Niger in Counterinsurgency Tactics

While Nigeria focuses on ground offensives, Chad and Niger rely on biometric surveillance along porous borders. For example, Niger’s National Gendarmerie uses satellite imagery to monitor Lake Chad’s Nigerien shoreline, a model Nigeria could emulate. Conversely, Chad’s 2023 Operation Chad Lake Rapier involved clearing 120 terrorist camps through coordinated army-navy sweeps, achieving a 70% reduction in rebel activity within six months.

Legal Implications

Military operations in disputed territories like Tumbus must align with Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Article 14 prohibits “all forms of arbitrary deprivation of life,” demanding strict adherence to proportionality during raids. Additionally, environmental laws mandate debriefing unauthorized encroachments into Sambisa Game Reserve to avoid legal challenges from conservation bodies.

Conclusion

Governor Zulum’s impassioned plea highlights the existential threat posed by extremist groups to Borno’s stability. While securing Tumbus and restricting escape routes could cripple insurgent networks, success hinges on bridging interforce coordination gaps and technological deficiencies. The military’s response—enhanced airpower deployments and strategic planning—represents a critical step, though sustained funding and community engagement remain indispensable. Without these, Nigeria’s northeast may continue to face cycles of violence.

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