Boko Haram: Zulum Berates Nigerian Military Over Latest Abduction

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has lambasted the Nigerian Military over the abduction of 35 travelers along the Maiduguri-Damaturu expressway in the state.

Recall that Boko Haram insurgents, who reportedly appeared in military uniforms, attacked a large convoy of commuters near Garin Kuturu in Jakana at about 5 pm on Friday.

Military sources told TheCable that Boko Haram members were said to have mounted a roadblock on the highway with five Hilux vans before taking away 35 passengers.

“The passengers first sighted a burning fire, but they thought it was bush burning, not knowing that they had already ambushed a Dangote’s truck driver and set it ablaze,” a source said.

During a visit to Jakana on Monday, Zulum expressed disappointment that security operatives cannot secure a distance of 20 kilometers.

He said majority of the attacks within the last two years happened between Auno and Jakana, a distance of about 20 kilometers.

“I have had occasions to defend the Nigerian military in order to boost the morale of commanders and their troops at the front lines because I know the true picture of things,” he said.

“However, I am really disappointed that despite all support from both the federal government and from us in Borno state, our military is failing to secure an area of 20 kilometers, which is the distance between Auno and Jakana.

“And incidentally, majority of Boko Haram attacks along this Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano road, keeps happening between Auno and Jakana. So, if the military cannot secure 20 kilometers, how can they keep us with the hope they will defeat the Boko Haram?

“With all you (journalists), we drove from Maiduguri to here, Jakana. We did not see soldiers on the road. We did not see even our own Rapid Response Squad on this road and they were trained, employed, kitted and paid to protect all Nigerians within their areas of operation and these Nigerians include travelers plying this busy and important road.”