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Tag: Borno State

  • Zulum swears in 27 LG chairmen, warns against waste, absenteeism

    Zulum swears in 27 LG chairmen, warns against waste, absenteeism

    Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday swore in and formally charged the 27 newly elected Local Government Council (LGC) chairmen, tasking them to prioritise workers’ welfare, security, transparency, and grassroots development.

    The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri, attracted a large crowd of party supporters and residents from across the state.

    Speaking through the acting governor and deputy governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, Zulum stressed that the timely payment of salaries and staff entitlements was non-negotiable, while insisting that local government workers must report promptly to duty to enhance productivity and restore discipline.

    The governor urged the chairmen to be prudent and strategic in managing public resources, describing them as the lifeline of their communities.

    “You must be guardians of every naira, aligning every project and programme with the pillars of our 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative,” he said.

    He cautioned against vanity projects, urging the chairmen to focus on interventions that directly improve lives, security, and human dignity.

    “You are accountable to God Almighty, the law, and the people. Your offices must be temples of transparency. Engage your communities and welcome scrutiny. The era of government as a closed entity is over,” Zulum declared.

    The governor further warned against absentee leadership, insisting that the chairmen must reside and work within their respective local government areas.

    “Your office is not a throne; it is a workstation in the midst of your people. Your presence is vital for security, oversight, and for the people to feel your impact,” he said.

    Zulum also charged them to work closely with security agencies and traditional institutions, pay close attention to security challenges, and combat illegal mining and deforestation to protect the environment.

    He directed the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs to intensify supervision of council activities to ensure effective service delivery.

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    The governor commended the immediate past council chairmen for what he described as their dedication and selfless service, wishing them success in their future endeavours.

    “You have not just won an election; you have entered into a covenant with the people of Borno State. This ceremony is not a celebration of power but an induction into a furnace of responsibility,” he said.

    Zulum congratulated the chairmen on their peaceful election conducted by the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC), which he described as free and fair, noting that their success was critical to the implementation of the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Meleh, urged the chairmen to remain focused on grassroots development through the execution of capital projects, people-oriented programmes, and humanitarian services in line with the state’s development blueprint.

    He commended BOSIEC for conducting a hitch-free election and thanked Governor Zulum for supporting credible local government polls. He also acknowledged the Borno State House of Assembly for extending the tenure of council chairmen from two to three years.

    Sugun Meleh warned against financial recklessness, stressing that his ministry would not hesitate to sanction any official found wanting in the discharge of duties. He urged the chairmen to govern with humility, inclusiveness, and a strong commitment to the protection of lives and property.

    In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijani, advised the chairmen to involve their people in governance, uphold discipline, and remain accountable to the state government, the ministry, and the House of Assembly.

    The Nation reports that Governor Zulum has conducted three circles of local government elections since his assumption of office as governor in 2015.

  • Three children found dead in father’s car booth in Maiduguri

    Three children found dead in father’s car booth in Maiduguri

    Maiduguri, the Borno State capital was thrown into grief and outrage yesterday following the discovery of three young children’s bodies, including two belonging to a prominent political supporter of Governor Babagana Zulum, Zannah Jaridama Bornoye.

    The discovery comes days after Bornoye posted a viral video and social media attacking alleged “cabals and hypocrites” around the governor.

    Bornoye, a staunch supporter of the governor, had accused certain high-ranking figures around the governor of hypocrisy, sabotage, and self-enrichment through contracts and government’s positions.

    In a viral video posted on his Facebook page,  Bornoye lamented that many alleged “die-hard loyalists” were only interested in “contracts, big houses, and fat pockets” while undermining the governor’s vision and fighting him “underground.”

    Bornoye in the video challenged the figures he criticised to drag him to court.

    The deceased were Mama (14), Anwar (28 months), and a third child belonging to his neighbour.

    The bodies were found in the boot of an old vehicle in Bornoye’s compound in the morning.

    The children had been reported missing for nearly 24 hours. Jaridama had earlier used his Facebook page to plead for their safe return, even offering to surrender himself in exchange for their lives, stating: “It is me they are after, not my children.”

    Borno State Police Commissioner Nazir Abdulmajid confirmed that operatives were deployed to the scene, adding that the bodies had been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for an autopsy.

    “For now, we cannot really say this was what really transpired. And we have not established that it was linked to any political killing. But the autopsy will give the proof (to determine) if they were kidnapped and killed or they entered the boot and locked themselves, leading to their death,” he explained.

  • Death toll in Borno community attack hits 50

    Death toll in Borno community attack hits 50

    The death toll in the weekend  attack  on Darajamal community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State  by Islamic State West Africa Province(ISWAP) terrorists has risen to 50, security and humanitarian sources said yesterday.

    The insurgents stormed the remote village on Friday night, shot indiscriminately and  residents were forced  to flee into nearby bushes.

    Scores of villagers died and several houses burnt.

    In response to the attack, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Air Component, launched  a  counteroperation.

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    It was learnt that the military using Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, tracked the terrorists as they retreated towards the Sambisa axis, and the Air Component carried out precision strikes, neutralizing over 30 attackers.

    The operation, according to security source was largely successful as ground reinforcements later secured the community and adjoining villages.

    The  source added that “Clearance and search operations are still ongoing to prevent reprisal attacks and reassure displaced residents”

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum and senior military commanders have  visited Darajamal to assess the humanitarian and security situation. This visit underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in the region.

  • Long overdue resolution

    Long overdue resolution

    It is unsurprising that the unreleased girls kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State, in April 2014, continue to make the headlines. The same is true of Leah Sharibu, the unreleased Christian schoolgirl abducted in Dapchi, Yobe State, in February 2018.  The whereabouts of these victims are unknown. The unresolved abductions mean that there is no closure. This is mainly why they remain in the news.

    The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, brought up the matter again during a multi-agency meeting on anti-kidnapping, organised in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency in Abuja, on June 29. He made an effort to reassure the public that the authorities had not forgotten these unresolved abduction cases, and were still pursuing freedom for the victims.   

    Eleven years after Boko Haram abducted a total of 276 girls from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, 87 of them are still believed to be in captivity.

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    Also, Leah Sharibu was among the 110 schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamist terrorists from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, more than seven years ago. Sadly, five of the kidnapped girls reportedly died in captivity. Others abducted with Leah were set free a month after the incident. Those released were Muslims. Leah, the only Christian among them, was not released because she refused to renounce her faith and convert to Islam.

    On the Chibok and Dapchi incidents, Laka said: “Since when they were kidnapped, those who were rescued were not just rescued one time; It was a gradual process. Negotiations were conducted to get them out. Operations were conducted… I was in the theatre, and I know what the military and intelligence agencies put in to rescue the initial set of the Chibok girls.” He added: “We haven’t given up hope on them; some of them were married to some of the insurgents. Some have come out.”

    He continued: “There is the issue of this lady, Leah Shaibu. We are not always talking about it. It doesn’t mean we don’t care. It doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about them. We are still on it. Our prayer is that the whole 87 or 80 plus that are left will be rescued by God’s grace.”

    Talk is cheap! The authorities must recognise the time factor, and that the resolution of these kidnap incidents is long overdue.

  • Suicidal man cuts off organ after wife refuses to return

    Suicidal man cuts off organ after wife refuses to return

    A 50-year-old man, Modu Isa, in Bama, Borno State attempted suicide after his former wife refused to return home.

    The Nation gathered the incident occurred on Friday evening in Hausari Ward.

    According to eyewitnesses, Isa stabbed himself three times in the stomach and cut off his penis with a knife as community members rushed to his aid and reported the incident to the police.

    The police responded promptly, recovering the knife as evidence and evacuating Isa to General Hospital, Bama, where he is receiving treatment. 

    Read Also: Tackling the persistent issue of begging in Borno State

    The case has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Maiduguri for further investigation.

    It is gathered that Isa’s former wife, Bayanxe Modu, whom he had divorced three times, declined to return to his house, prompting the desperate act.

  • NURTW officials arrested for transporting consignment for terrorists

    NURTW officials arrested for transporting consignment for terrorists

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Borno State over alleged involvement in suspicious activities linked to terrorism.

    The suspects, identified as Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were apprehended in Liya, Biu Local Government Area, while receiving a waybill from a truck driver, an action that aligned with earlier intelligence reports.

    Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka in the southeast also arrested a tax collector for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Anambra State. A sum of N1.5 million was recovered during the operation.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, disclosed these developments at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

    “The items include 13 pairs of military uniforms and some high-voltage batteries, among others.

    “Troops also arrested another terrorist’s logistics supplier, Shaibu Bulama, at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State, 11 collaborators, and rescued seven kidnap victims across other theaters in the Northeast.”

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    According to Kangye, troops recovered some quantities of arms and ammunition, and safely detonated some Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

    He said, “As a result of sustained military operations in the North East theatre, 16 family members of terrorists, including 4 adult females and 12 children, surrendered to troops in Bama LGA on 14 July 2025. Preliminary investigations indicate that the group surrendered from Bakura Jega village.”

    In the South East, Kangye said troops on July 10, 2025, arrested a POB/ESN terrorists’ collaborator who was commissioned by the terrorists to collect taxes from the locals on their behalf in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.

    “The troops recovered the sum of N1,500,000.00 from the suspect,” he said.

  • News Central TV offers Zulum platform for community engagement

    News Central TV offers Zulum platform for community engagement

    The disruptive News Central Town Hall meeting made an appearance in Borno State, bringing together major stakeholders, security personnel and affected individuals in the state.

    The governor of Borno state, Prof. Babagana Zulum made a surprise appearance at the Town Hall meeting sharing his drive and passion for the state.

    The event provided a platform for open discussion, fostering community engagement and highlighting key issues affecting the state.

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    The Town Hall meeting served as a vital forum for residents to share their concerns, ideas, and experiences, while also providing an opportunity for leaders to engage with the community and address pressing issues.

    Governor Zulum outlined his administration’s achievements in education and security, “we have taken out from the streets nothing less than one million children, the statistics are there and the World Bank and the United Nations can give testimonies to what I said.”

    Several leaders and stakeholders also shared their struggles since the beginning of the conflict in Borno state.

    Through this initiative, News Central reaffirms its dedication to promoting informed discourse and community development. The Town Hall is a continuing effort in fostering positive change and progress in Borno State and beyond.

  • NDPHC boosts supply to Borno with injection station 

    NDPHC boosts supply to Borno with injection station 

    Vice President Kashim Shettima commissioned a new 1×7.5MVA 33kV/11kV distribution injection substation at Borno State University, a project executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

    The substation, commissioned as part of the Eid celebrations, is expected to significantly improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply to the university and extend benefits to vulnerable communities in the surrounding area.

    Head, Corporate Communications & External Relations, Mr. Emmanuel Ojor made this known in a statement. 

    The statement noted that the project, implemented under NDPHC’s Distribution Intervention Projects, comprises a 1×7.5MVA 33/11kV injection substation, 3km of 33kV transmission line, 2.5km of 11kV distribution line, 2.5km of low-tension (LT) line, and three 500KVA distribution transformers.

    Speaking at the commissioning, Shettima—who also serves as Chairman of the NDPHC Board—described the project as a key step toward achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope power sector reform agenda, which aims to attain universal access to electricity through targeted interventions spearheaded by NDPHC.

    Speaking shortly after the commissioning, the Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, emphasized the company’s role in bridging the infrastructure gap across Nigeria’s electricity value chain.

    “We are here to commission and hand over a special intervention project to the distribution company that will manage and operate this asset,” she said. 

    “This 7.5MVA distribution injection substation is a testament to our mandate of scaling power generation and associated transmission and distribution networks, ensuring quality and uninterruptible electricity reaches the last mile.”

    She further noted: “This project affirms our commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in promoting energy inclusion and enhancing electricity access for underserved communities in Borno State.”

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    Engr. Bello Babayo, NDPHC’s Executive Director, Networks, highlighted the technical impact of the project, stating that it will enable the evacuation of 6MW of electricity to customers in the area.

    “The university community, in particular, will benefit from stable, reliable, and efficient electricity,” Babayo said. “We always emphasize that power generation must be matched by robust distribution; this project helps close that gap and supports industrial and commercial clusters in this environment.”

    The Managing Director of Yola Electricity Distribution Company, Abdulrahman Isa, expressed appreciation to NDPHC and the Federal Government for the intervention, noting that the facility would significantly enhance service delivery to the university and surrounding communities.

    “NDPHC has been a strategic development partner, consistently contributing to the generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure that enables us to deliver improved service to our customers,” he said.

  • Mbaya from Borno wins RHI’s #EveryHomeAGarden Competition’s N25mn prize

    Mbaya from Borno wins RHI’s #EveryHomeAGarden Competition’s N25mn prize

    … As fed govt plans mainstreaming RHI’s agric innovations through urban farming

    Mrs. Veronica Kidafa Mbaya from Borno State has emerged as the winner of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s #EveryHomeAGarden competition. 

    She will receive a grand prize of ₦25 million, following an additional ₦5 million announced by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND). 

    National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who announced the winner, commended the women who participated for their dedication to growing healthy food for their families and communities.

    Speaking at the award event held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Senator Tinubu encouraged women across Nigeria to embrace home gardening, emphasizing its role in fostering food security and community well-being. 

    She thanked state first ladies and RHI coordinators for their vital contributions.

    “After careful deliberations, with gratitude to God, I am happy to announce that the winner of the Renewed Hope Initiative “#EveryHomeAGarden” Competition is Mrs. Veronica Kidafa Mbaya from Borno State. Congratulations to our winner”, First Lady Tinubu said.

    She said the other 19 contestants will each receive ₦2.5 million, including contributions from NADFUND, state first ladies, and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

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    The competition, launched on October 25, 2023, aimed to promote home gardening as part of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s food security drive. 

    According First Lady Tinubu, finalists were selected after thorough inspections by delegations led by wives of top government officials. 

    State-level participants also received ₦1 million each for their entries, showcasing the broad engagement and impact of the initiative.

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has decided to adopt the #EveryHomeAGarden program for nationwide implementation, reflecting its success. 

    The First Lady expressed gratitude to the ministry and NADFUND for their support.

    “In reviewing the entries, members of the RHI Governing Board sat down to thoroughly select the best three entries. Delegations headed by the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the wife of the Deputy Senate President, and wife of the Chief of Staff travelled to Borno, FCT and Sokoto to inspect the gardens before selecting the overall winner, as we have just seen in the documentary. 

    “We were all very impressed with the quality of entries, making it hard to choose a winner. As we have promised, the winner of the #EveryHomeAGarden Competition will be going home today with the sum of Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000.00).

    “In addition, RHI Governing Board has graciously approved the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) to the finalists from each State who submitted entries to the RHI Office. I have also been informed that State First Ladies/RHI Coordinators will be giving an additional One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00). 

    “As you have heard from the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND), Mr. Mohammed Abu Ibrahim who has graciously announced an additional Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) to the winner and Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) each to theother Nineteen (19) entries submitted, making it a total of Twenty-Five Million Naira (N25,000,000.00) to the winner and Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,500,000) each to the other contestants. We appreciate NADFUND for this support”. 

    The First Lady, however, urged participants to continue nurturing their gardens and inspire others to join the initiative, underscoring the importance of food security for all Nigerians.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced plans to institutionalize the agricultural programs of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) under the newly adopted National Urban Agriculture Programme. 

    The initiative, including the #EveryHomeAGarden program, will be integrated into the ministry’s 2025 Budget to ensure sustainability and nationwide implementation.

    Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this in his speech at the event, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to leveraging its research institutes, agricultural colleges, and extension services to support home gardening and other agricultural innovations.

    He noted that these efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for food security and economic development.

    The minister commended the #EveryHomeAGarden competition for promoting creativity and dedication to sustainable household farming practices. 

    He emphasized that the program’s success underscores the importance of home gardening as a solution to food insecurity and a pathway to better nutrition and livelihoods.

    In her welcome address, the National Vice Chairman of the RHI, Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, commended the creativity and dedication of the participants, highlighting the art and science of gardening and the resourcefulness displayed in the entries.

    The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND), Mr. Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, announced the additional prizes of N5 million and N500,000 each respectively for the winner and the other 19 contestants. 

    Speaking to journalists after the event, winner of the #EveryHomeAGarden competition, Mrs. Veronica Kidafa Mbaya, said she initially never expected to win the competition due to environmental challenges like heavy rain and drought experienced in her home state of Borno.

    She expressed pride in successfully growing corn and vegetables despite the difficulties. 

    She also highlighted the demand for these vegetables and the joy she felt from providing for her family and community. 

    With the win, Mrs Mbaya anticipates increased expectations and the need to work harder, seeking divine support for health and wisdom to continue contributing positively. 

    She also plans to encourage others by sharing practical farming tips and fostering a sense of community through collective small-scale farming efforts.

    The event had dignitaries from various sectors, including members of the National Assembly, state first ladies, spouses of the leadership of the National Assembly, spouses of service chiefs, as well as contestants from across the states.

  • Tackling the persistent issue of begging in Borno State

    Tackling the persistent issue of begging in Borno State

    Sir: The Borno State government has taken commendable steps to address the persistent issue of street begging. By providing jobs and paying stipends to some beggars, the administration aims to empower the less privileged and curb the culture of dependency. However, despite these well-meaning efforts, begging remains a visible and growing challenge in various parts of the state, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current approach.

    In Maiduguri, the state capital, beggars of all demographics which include men, women, children and the elderly can be seen congregating in areas like the Post Office, Baga Road, Circular Road and other bustling parts of the city. While the government’s financial support is intended to uplift the vulnerable, it appears to have inadvertently encouraged more people to turn to begging in hopes of accessing this assistance. This unintended consequence has made it clear that a reassessment of the strategy is necessary.

    Providing money to beggars may seem like a humane approach, but in reality, it risks fostering dependency and entrenching the problem further. Instead of discouraging begging, financial incentives often boost morale among those involved and attract others to the streets. This not only undermines the government’s efforts but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and vulnerability.

    Young women and children are among the most affected, with alarming reports of exploitation linked to begging. Some young girls fall prey to street predators, resulting in cases of sexual abuse and rape. Similarly, young boys face the risk of being drawn into criminal activities such as theft, under the guise of begging. These incidents highlight the urgent need for a more robust and sustainable solution.

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    Rather than relying on financial handouts, the government should adopt a multi-pronged approach to address the root causes of begging. Job creation should remain a priority, but it must be complemented by vocational training programs tailored to equip individuals with marketable skills. Empowering the youth, particularly young women, with sustainable livelihoods can help reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.

    Moreover, there should be strict enforcement of anti-begging laws to discourage the practice in urban areas. Simultaneously, rehabilitation centres should be established to provide support and guidance to those transitioning away from begging. These centres can offer counselling, skill development, and connections to employment opportunities, ensuring that individuals are not left stranded when removed from the streets.

    Public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in changing societal attitudes towards begging. Educating citizens on the harms of giving money to beggars and encouraging alternative forms of support such as donating to credible charities can help reduce the allure of street begging.

    The government must also prioritize the protection of women and children who are at risk of abuse and exploitation. Strengthening community policing and introducing safe spaces for vulnerable populations can go a long way in curbing predatory behaviour. Additionally, collaboration with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can help provide targeted interventions for those most in need.

    Addressing the issue of begging in Borno State requires a shift from short-term fixes to sustainable, long-term solutions. While the government’s efforts are commendable, a more strategic approach is essential to eliminate the practice and tackle the socio-economic challenges that fuel it. By investing in skills development, enforcing anti-begging laws, and safeguarding the vulnerable, Borno State can take significant strides towards eradicating begging and building a more equitable society.

    •Babagana M Hassan,Maiduguri, Borno State.