Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has urged the Nigerian Army to begin “Operation Lake Sanity immediately” to clear insurgents from the Lake Chad islands and waterways, blaming their presence for persistent attacks on communities in northern Borno, northeastern Nigeria.
Zulum made the call in Maiduguri while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who visited troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai, to assess their operations and boost morale.
The governor said a comprehensive military operation had not been conducted in the Lake Chad islands, locally known as the Tumbus, for about 10 to 15 years.
He stressed that lasting peace in Borno would remain difficult without clearing insurgent strongholds in the area.
READ ALSO: Borno Governor Seeks Full Military Offensive to Secure Lake Chad
Zulum acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support and ongoing consultations among the service chiefs towards launching the operation.
He, however, urged the Army Chief to intensify efforts to ensure its prompt commencement.
He also called for the strengthening of the amphibious command in Baga to improve the clearance of waterways and enable security forces to maintain a presence at strategic locations around Lake Chad.
In his remarks, General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace in Borno State through sustained cooperation with the state government and other stakeholders.
The Army Chief commended Zulum and the people of Borno for their significant support for military operations, describing their contributions as important to the progress recorded in the fight against insurgency.
Shaibu said “his visit was part of routine engagements to assess operations, encourage commanders and address challenges facing troops.”
He also explained that the recent training of 1,000 forest guards was designed to strengthen security efforts and protect designated communities.
Zulum welcomed the initiative, noting that the trained guards had completed their programme and had been deployed to Borno.
He said the state government would work with the Theatre Commander to identify their operational needs and ensure effective deployment.
The governor also commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the deaths of officers and soldiers during operations, praying for the repose of their souls and strength for their bereaved families.
Zulum commended Gen Shaibu’s contributions to security in the state, recalling his previous roles as Brigade Commander in Bama, General Officer Commanding in Borno and Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai.
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://von.gov.ng/governor-zulum-seeks-launch-of-lake-chad-offensive/&media=https://von.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/IMG-20261018-WA0083-e1792324758624.jpg&description=Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has urged the Nigerian Army to begin "Operation Lake Sanity immediately" to clear insurgents from,.....){kind=link}