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Tag: Babagana Umara Zulum

  • Zulum cuts leave short to host envoys, UN coordinator in Maiduguri

    Zulum cuts leave short to host envoys, UN coordinator in Maiduguri

    Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Tuesday cut short his annual leave to host the envoys from India, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, Malaysia, and Qatar in Maiduguri.

    The delegation was accompanied by the United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro.

    The visit was aimed at assessing the humanitarian situation in Borno State, which has faced insurgency for over a decade.

    During the visit, the delegation toured selected education, health and human capital development projects executed by the Zulum administration.

    The tour was led by Acting Governor Umar Usman Kadafur.

    Fall lauded the state government’s development efforts, noting that the state had made remarkable progress despite security challenges.

    “Beyond the headlines around security issues, there are transformative developments taking place in Borno State,” he said.

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    The UN coordinator highlighted education programmes, the girl-child education initiatives, vocational training centres and malnutrition treatment facilities as key interventions addressing the root causes of the crisis.

    Doro also expressed satisfaction with the level of development recorded in the state, despite the years of conflict.

    “I am happy with what I have seen. Considering the crises the state has faced for over 10 years, the level of development is commendable,” he said, adding that the vocational training centres and comprehensive schools visited were equipped to empower beneficiaries and support poverty reduction.

  • Zulum raises the alarm over use of drones by Boko Haram to attack soldiers

    Zulum raises the alarm over use of drones by Boko Haram to attack soldiers

    • Says rampant use of armed drones must be stopped

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to conduct an immediate and comprehensive review of Nigeria’s air safety and defence mechanisms.

    The call came on Friday in Mafa town after Boko Haram terrorists reportedly deployed a drone to attack military formations in Borno and Yobe states, marking a dangerous escalation in the group’s operational capabilities.

    Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’, successfully repelled the simultaneous attacks last Thursday in Katarko village of Yobe State, as well as Mafa, Gajibo, and Dikwa local government areas of Borno State. The operations left over 50 terrorists dead, with a cache of arms and ammunition recovered.

    Briefing newsmen, Governor Zulum expressed deep concern over the emergence of drones as a new threat. He noted that the successful use of a drone to target a key military asset exposes a critical vulnerability in Nigeria’s airspace security.

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    “One thing I want to comment on is the issue of drones. This is frightening. In Dikwa, I was told drones were used. The proliferation of drones, particularly in the hands of non-state actors, is of great concern for the entire country. We have to do something to stop the rampant use of armed drones,” Zulum said.

    The governor stressed that the threat extends beyond Borno State, calling it a direct concern for national security. He urged the strengthening of Nigeria’s borders and airspace capabilities to counter armed drone attacks by terrorists.

    While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces, Zulum called on citizens to cooperate with security agencies by reporting credible information about suspicious activities. He also urged vigilance from local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members to complement military efforts.

    “We have credible intelligence that Mafa would be attacked and have duly shared it with relevant authorities. There is a need for state and federal governments, alongside the military high command, to identify gaps and address them. There might be sabotage within, which has to be identified and resolved. We must work together rather than blame each other,” he added.

  • After Marte, Kala-Balge, Zulum visits Wulgo

    After Marte, Kala-Balge, Zulum visits Wulgo

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, continued his visit to communities affected by the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks by travelling to Wulgo town yesterday.

    Wulgo, located on the fringes of Lake Chad, was recently attacked by armed insurgents, forcing troops of the Multi-National Joint Task Force, hitherto protecting the town, to retreat.

    By visiting Marte, Kala-Balge, and now Wulgo, Zulum aims to achieve a unified front in the fight against insecurity and to stimulate local support for sustainable peace and development.

    During his tour, the governor engaged with local leaders, listening to their concerns.

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    He announced plans to accelerate the deployment of humanitarian aid, strengthen security efforts, and provide modern irrigation and rain farm implements to facilitate economic revitalisation in the town.

    The governor emphasised the importance of community-led resilience programmes while also encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the recovery of their town.

    “I am here today to commiserate with you over what has happened in the last couple of days.

    “While I encourage you to be resilient enough, I want to assure you that my administration is fully committed to doing everything within our power to ensure that this town is not completely deserted or taken over by Boko Haram,” Zulum said.

  • Insecurity: Governor Zulum should shun misinformation

    Insecurity: Governor Zulum should shun misinformation

    • By Dahiru M. Lawal

    The recent media scuffle between Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Borno Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, underscores the dangers of sensational headlines and misinformation in shaping public discourse and distorting reality.

    Zulum, in a public outburst, labelled a federal Minister as “naive,” among other unflattering terms, based on a misrepresented media report. While Minister Idris chose not to respond, the incident raises serious concerns about the media literacy of public officials—especially in the context of sensitive national security matters.

    More troubling is the way this controversy injects politicised narratives into the urgent issue of insurgency resurgence in the Northeast, potentially undermining joint efforts against Boko Haram and ISWAP through the weaponization of disinformation.

    At a time when Nigeria faces fragile security challenges, it is unfortunate that Governor Zulum admonished a federal official who has demonstrated professionalism and commitment to national unity. The circulating claim that Minister Idris dismissed the Governor’s security concerns and urged others to ignore him has no basis and only serves to inflame tensions.

    After reviewing official statements and credible news sources, there is no verifiable evidence to support the allegations made against the Minister. The one instance where Idris publicly rebuked a state over security was in September 2023 when he cautioned Zamfara State officials against politicising federal rescue efforts. Even then, his position was framed around fostering cooperation, not dismissiveness.

    In fact, the Minister has consistently acknowledged progress in Borno’s security landscape. In October 2023, he noted that insurgent control had been eliminated from all local government areas in the state, with security improving by over 85 percent. His recent comments on renewed terror threats were distorted by sensationalist reportage, and Governor Zulum should not have reacted with public outbursts.

    The Minister has since categorically denied making any disparaging remarks about Governor Zulum and reaffirmed the federal government’s full support for all state governments combating insecurity. This should have prompted discreet consultations, not public condemnation driven by misrepresentation.

    This type of premature confrontation is counterproductive. Rather than targeting a federal minister who has shown poise and restraint, Governor Zulum would do well to focus on fostering collaboration and trust—ingredients vital for defeating the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP.

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    There are lessons in history. Under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, then-Governor Kashim Shettima—now Vice President—persistently sought federal assistance through quiet diplomacy and consistent advocacy. It wasn’t sensational rhetoric that brought results, but perseverance anchored in mutual respect.

    Governor Zulum must tread carefully. The fight against terrorism will not be won through ego, emotion, or media dramatics. It demands strategic thinking, verified information, and respect for institutional collaboration. Now more than ever, leaders must rise above misinformation and guide with clarity and foresight.

    The people of Borno deserve more than political distractions; they deserve results. They need a leadership that unites, not divides; that builds bridges, not burns them. Governor Zulum should channel his passion into constructive partnership, not polarizing rhetoric. That is the path to peace and victory.

    Dahiru M. Lawal, Executive Secretary, Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR) writes from Abuja. Email: mdlawal001@gmail.com

  • Zulum inaugurates 500 houses for IDPs

    Zulum inaugurates 500 houses for IDPs

    Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, commissioned the 500 resettlement houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Logumani community, Ngala local government area located in the central part of the State.

    The newly constructed Logumani community is made up of units of two-bedroom semi-detached low-cost houses, with basic amenities such as a primary school, health centre, police station, and borehole for water provision.

    The houses were distributed to over 500 families which the governor said was part of Borno State Government’s efforts to provide shelter for people displaced by the Boko Haram conflict.

    Logumani residents were displaced as a result of the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, they were previously taking refuge in Dikwa, Ngala, and other communities.

    The governor in his address, gave assurance that his administration would not relent in providing basic services to the people of the state.

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    According to him, “I want to commend our partners, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and others for donating to the stabilization facility that makes this possible. I want to assure you that the government of Borno State will not relent in providing necessities to its people.”

    Shehu of Dikwa, Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-kanemi, the Senator for Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, member House of Representatives for Bama, Ngala, and Kala-Balge constituency, Dr Zainab Gimba commended Governor Zulum for the leadership he has been providing.

    Others who commended the governor included the member, State House of Assembly representing Ngala Local Government, Bukar Abatcha, and the Caretaker Chairman of Ngala, Abdurrahman Abdulkarim.

    Meanwhile, Babagana Umara Zulum distributed livelihood support packages to returnees that were displaced for nearly a decade by Boko Haram insurgency.

    The governor presented allocation letters of houses to some of the beneficiaries with each up of male and female heads of households receiving N50,000 in cash.

    Other items they received were one bull and one cow, a bag of rice and maize grain, a water pump, clothing materials, seedlings, and insecticide to boost irrigation farming. Meanwhile, female beneficiaries that are housewives each received N20,000 in cash and a wrapper.

    Babagana Zulum expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to addressing the security challenges faced in Borno State. He also commended the Nigerian military for their sacrifices in combating criminal activities.

    The governor’s entourage to Logumani had the member House of Representatives for Marte, Monguno, and Nganzai constituency, Bukar Talba, members of Borno State House of Assembly, commissioners, and other senior government officials.