Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno state, says the Nigerian Army lacks the requisite equipment to fight terrorists.

Speaking in an interview on News Central on Wednesday, Zulum said terrorists are now deploying sophisticated technology in their operations.

The Borno governor said the bureaucratic bottlenecks attached to the procurement of military equipment should be removed.

Zulum urged President Bola Tinubu to listen to the army on what it requires to end insurgency in the north of the country.

“We must prioritise security. National and subnational governments must pool resources together to procure equipment,” he said.

“The army does not have the necessary equipment on ground to fight the insurgency. Right now, the insurgents are using drones to fight soldiers on the ground.

“A few days ago, I visited the chief of army staff. He said he is looking for about 32 drones and he would end the insurgency.

“My plea is that let us deal with this matter decisively. The president of Nigeria should listen to those that can distinguish between the right and wrong. Those that can tell him the right thing and not sycophants.

“He needs to understand what is happening on the ground.

“A few days ago, I said there is an insurgency in Borno state. I commended the federal government for doing very well and that we should come together to resolve the issues.

“Some people said there is no insecurity in Borno state. We should not politicise insecurity.”

On the state police debate, the governor said the existing security apparatus should be strengthened rather than create a new policing system.

Borno state is the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, which has led to the death of more than 50,000 people, and the displacement of millions from homes since 2009.

There have been renewed terrorist attacks in Borno in recent times.