Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed concern over the increasing presence of terrorists of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) extraction in some parts of the state, and therefore called for urgent security measures to curtail the trend.

The governor, who acknowledged that peace had returned to 11 local government areas of the state, however, said Abadam and Guzamala local government areas were still under the control of Boko Haram terrorists.

The governor spoke Wednesday when he received in audience the Senate Committee on Army, led by its Chairman, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, at the Council Chamber of the Government House Maiduguri.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly Abdulkarim Lawan had told journalists that 99% of communities in Guzamala local government area where he hails from were under the control of Boko Haram terrorists.

While commending the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, the Nigerian Armed Forces and volunteers for major gains recorded in the state, Zulum nevertheless said he was deeply worried about the increasing presence of the ISWAP in some parts of the state, especially in southern Borno.

Zulum said: “I am pleased to inform you that we have started witnessing gradual return of peace, but more needs to be done, because, presently, Guzamala and Abadam Local Government Areas are still under the control of Boko Haram.

“Although, the current Service Chiefs, the Theatre Commander, and indeed our General Officer Commanding 7 Division are up and doing. We want to commend the military and other paramilitary personnel for their gallant efforts to see to the end of terrorism in this part of the country.”

“Unfortunately, the government and people of Borno state, especially those from southern and northern parts of the state, are worried over the increasing number of ISWAP groups who have been terrorising their communities.

“Just few days ago, I received a security report that in some communities of Mandaragirau axis in Biu Local Government Area, there are reports that over 500 Boko Haram/ISWAP groups have been converging with over 300 motorcycles and even celebrating parties/marriages amongst themselves without confrontation.

“Honestly speaking, we have to do something about the operations of ISWAP in Borno State, if nothing is done to check them and chase them out, it may be bad not only for people of the North-East, but the entire nation at large.

“ISWAP are more equipped, sophisticated, intelligent and dangerous as they grow from strength to strength. ISWAP are collecting taxes along major roads in Damboa and other axis in southern Borno. It is very unfortunate.

“But the good news is that about 11 local government areas of Gwoza, Bama, Marte, Monguno, Kaga, Gubio, Mafa, Dikwa, Ngala and host of others are becoming more peaceful than before, and this could be attributed to about 20,000 surrendered members of Boko Haram who are now in our custody.

“I want to use this opportunity to solicit for prayers from all and sundry for total restoration of peace not only in Borno state, but the country as a whole.” Zulum said.