Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State appealed to President Bola Tinubu on Saturday for the resources needed to keep large‑scale military campaigns against Boko Haram active in the state. The request was made during a meeting with the [Chief of Army Staff](https://www.nigerianarmy.gov.ng) Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu at the Government House in Maiduguri, with the governor emphasizing the urgency of launching Operation Lake Sanity to curb insurgent activity around the Lake Chad basin and the Timbuktu corridor.
**What did Governor Zulum request?**
He called for an immediate deployment of additional troops to strategic points such as Kareto, Sabon Gari and Wajirogo, arguing that permanent military formations there would boost security and stability. Zulum also urged the clearance of Baga Water and the reopening of the Biu–Damboa–Maiduguri road, which has remained closed due to insecurity.
**Why is the appeal significant?**
The governor said that improved safety in these zones is essential for restoring normal social and economic activities, allowing residents to live and work without fear. He praised Lt. Gen. Shaibu for the security gains achieved under his command, noting the officer’s previous role as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North‑East.
**How did the army chief respond?**
Lt. Gen. Shaibu thanked the [Borno State Government](https://borno.gov.ng) for its ongoing assistance, especially the infrastructure projects that have helped transform the region. He explained that his visit was part of a routine assessment of troop operations and an opportunity to discuss challenges with commanders on the ground.
The army chief highlighted the resilience of soldiers fighting the insurgency and urged them to maintain momentum in restoring peace. He assured Governor Zulum that the concerns raised would be addressed so that troops can perform their duties effectively, and pledged continued cooperation from the state government.
**What are the next steps?**
Both officials expressed a shared commitment to enhancing security, resettling displaced communities such as Mairari, Koshebe and Maiwa, and ensuring that the Biu–Damboa–Maiduguri corridor reopens for civilian use. The governor also offered prayers for soldiers killed by the insurgents, underscoring the human cost of the conflict.
The meeting concluded with mutual promises to sustain joint efforts against the [Boko Haram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boko_Haram) insurgency, aiming to bring lasting peace to the North‑East.