Sahel Security Think Tank Visits Zulum to Explore Borno’s Success Model

By Babagana Jidda

Kanempress

March 7, 2025

A security think tank focused on the Sahel region, the Alliance of Sahel Institute for Security Studies, along with members of the Norwegian Institute for Conflict Resolution, met with Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, to study the innovative security strategies implemented by his administration to combat insurgency.

The meeting, which took place in Maiduguri, aimed to explore the “Borno Model,” a community-driven approach that has been credited with reducing insurgent activity and fostering the reintegration of former militants. This model, recognized as one of the most successful of its kind globally, has seen around 300,000 insurgents and their families surrender to authorities. The Borno State government has also carried out extensive development projects, including the construction of schools, hospitals, markets, and livelihood support for victims of the insurgency.

Governor Zulum emphasized the importance of building the trust of local communities, saying that development and security efforts go hand in hand. The delegation, which included experts and policymakers from the Sahel region, is now looking to replicate this model in other countries in the region facing similar security challenges, such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

The visit underscores the growing recognition of Borno’s approach as a potential solution to the broader security issues in the Sahel.