“Traitors Within”: Zulum Confirms Boko Haram Has Allies in Government and Military
By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja
In the heart of Borno, a mother stands in the ruins of her village, clutching a photograph of her children — victims of yet another Boko Haram assault. But her pain runs deeper than loss. What keeps her awake is the thought that someone in power — perhaps a politician in Abuja — tipped off the killers.
This is the ugly truth Governor Babagana Zulum has now brought to light.
A Nation Betrayed
Over a decade ago, former President Goodluck Jonathan stunned the country when he declared that Boko Haram had sympathizers in his own government. Fast forward to 2025, and Governor Zulum is echoing the same chilling reality: there are informants and collaborators within Nigeria’s political and military ranks.
“We have informants and collaborators within the Armed Forces, within the politicians, and within the communities,” Zulum said on News Central. “Let’s remove contractocracy. In six months, we can end this madness.”
How It All Began
In 2012, Jonathan’s bombshell—alleging Boko Haram had penetrated the executive, legislature, and judiciary—was met with shock and silence. No names. No arrests. The insurgency flourished.
By 2014, Boko Haram had kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, a scar that never healed. In 2025, Borno remains a battlefield. The recent fall of Marte Local Government—leaving just one village standing—proves how much ground has been lost.
Insiders Undermining Nigeria
Dr. Sam Amadi, Director at the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, bluntly summarized the crisis:
“There have been repeated compromises in war plans. The Nigerian state has been captured by religious and ethnic interests. This makes it impossible to fight terrorism effectively.”
Similarly, policy lawyer Dr. Evans Ufeli revealed that soldiers have been caught smuggling weapons to insurgents. Politicians, he said, are playing dangerous games — aiding Boko Haram to serve their own selfish interests.
“The NSA has failed to contain this crisis. There’s no serious prosecution of the sponsors of Boko Haram. This is betrayal at the highest level.”
Political Fallout and Finger Pointing
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) didn’t hold back. Spokesperson Debo Ologunagba said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has allowed insecurity to spread “like cancer.”
“Under the PDP, the insurgency was contained in the North-East. Under the APC, it has reached Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger. The Buhari government failed. Tinubu’s is failing too.”
Borno alone has seen over 36,000 deaths and 2 million displaced since 2009. Over 20,000 were displaced from Marte alone in 2025, despite the surrender of 30,000 insurgents — proof that the violence continues.
Social Media Firestorm
Governor Zulum’s blunt warning sent shockwaves through social media.
- Aisha Yesufu tweeted: “Traitors in power? No wonder we’re bleeding.”
- Kemi Olunloyo wrote: “Zulum’s got guts, but will Abuja listen?”
- Senator Shehu Sani demanded: “Investigate now, or Nigeria’s done!”
But Abuja’s response? Vague promises of “review” and “reform.” Nigerians aren’t buying it.
Time for Action
The time for talk is over. Nigerians want results:
- Root out traitors through stricter vetting of military and political personnel.
- Prosecute collaborators without fear or favor.
- Rebuild public trust through transparent intelligence operations and real accountability.
“Nigeria can’t win this war if the enemy is sitting in government offices,” said Dr. Ufeli. “We need bold leadership, not lip service.”
A Final Plea
Think of the Borno mother standing in the ashes. She is every Nigerian—betrayed, broken, and waiting for justice. The fight against Boko Haram isn’t just against insurgents in the bush. It’s against the traitors in suits, in uniforms, and in power.
Until Nigeria unmasks them, the killings won’t stop.
