*Warns that Boko Haram, ISWAP remain persistent security threat in North East
By Patrick Wemambu
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has warned that Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain serious security threats in the North-East, urging security agencies to strengthen collaboration and develop practical strategies to end insurgency.
Fintiri spoke on Thursday while declaring open a two-day meeting of federal and state security administrators in Yola. He was represented by his deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta.
The governor acknowledged that military operations had significantly weakened the conventional capabilities of insurgents but cautioned that their continued use of asymmetric tactics, rural hideouts and cross-border routes posed persistent dangers.
“We cannot afford the luxury of premature victory speeches,” he said, warning that emerging security threats could undermine the region’s socio-economic development.
Fintiri stressed that tackling insecurity required more than military action, noting that grassroots engagement, social justice and inclusive governance were essential to achieving lasting peace.
He said Adamawa’s creation of seven additional emirates and chiefdoms was intended to strengthen local administration and promote community participation in governance.
The governor also raised concerns about the use of digital platforms by insurgents to recruit vulnerable youths and spread misinformation, urging security agencies to adapt their strategies to address emerging threats.
On border security, he called on the Federal Government to deploy advanced surveillance technology, drones and joint patrols, while accelerating the establishment of One-Stop Border Posts to check illegal migration, arms proliferation and smuggling.
Fintiri further called for increased funding for security agencies to improve operational capacity, provide modern equipment and enhance the welfare of personnel serving in difficult conditions.
He identified poor coordination among security agencies and gaps between intelligence gathering and field operations as challenges requiring urgent attention.
“The operational disconnect between intelligence gatherers and field tactical teams must end. Victory belongs to unity, not institutional ego,” he said.
The governor urged participants to move beyond discussions and develop actionable measures capable of addressing the region’s security challenges.
Among the proposals he highlighted was the adoption of unified digital freight and transit tracking platforms across states and major transport corridors. He said the system would help monitor suspicious cargo, curb illegal checkpoints and secure trade routes.
Fintiri described Adamawa’s hosting of the meeting as a sign of improved stability in the state, recalling that security concerns had previously posed challenges to holding such gatherings in the North-East.
As part of efforts to strengthen security operations, he announced the donation of 300 motorcycles and 16 security vehicles to support policing across the state’s 15 chiefdoms and 21 local government areas.
The meeting brought together security administrators from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to deliberate on security challenges and strategies for improving coordination among relevant agencies.
