Borno State

By Abdulsalam Alkali

In the scarred landscape of Northeast Nigeria, where Boko Haram’s insurgency has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions since 2009, the quest for peace remains a daily struggle. As military campaigns degraded the group’s territorial hold, a more complex and contentious challenge emerged. What to do with the thousands of fighters and their associates who surrendered or were captured?

The Federal Government’s answer was Operation Safe Corridor, a deradicalization program run from a military-controlled camp in Gombe State. But for the epicentre of the conflict, Borno State, this felt distant and disconnected from the realities of its ravaged communities.

In response, the Borno State Government, under Governor Babagana Zulum, began crafting its own approach, which later became known as “The Borno Model.” 

The model is a non-kinetic approach that handles former Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters through disarmament, demobilization, deradicalization, rehabilitation, reconciliation, and reintegration known as the (Triple D, Triple R).

Unlike the military-run, camp-based system, the Borno Model is fundamentally community-centric. According to the document, “The Borno Model’s philosophy is rooted in an audacious blend of practicality and traditional norms. The model argues that sustainable peace cannot be achieved by isolating ex-combatants in distant camps, only to return them as strangers. Instead, it advocates for a localized process of rehabilitation and reintegration directly into communities, heavily mediated by local organizations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and victims.

“The model operates on the premise that a significant portion of those in Boko Haram/ISWAP were either forcefully recruited, coerced, or driven by poverty rather than ideology, and that the path to peace requires a form of conditional forgiveness”.

This model has translated into a bold and visible policy as thousands of “repentant Boko Haram” members and their families have been received, housed in temporary “transition camps,” and then resettled in their (or new) communities, often with vocational training and start-up kits.

According to an Institute for Security Studies research document, over 160,000 people had left Boko Haram/ISWAP, with over 100,000 fighters and their families, and an additional 6,900 minors surrendering unconditionally since the program commenced.

Nevertheless, this bold program unfolds against a background of profound pain and frustration, especially for the victims of Boko Haram. 

For communities that have endured massacres, abductions, and arson, the sight of former perpetrators receiving housing and support is a bitter pill to swallow.

Many survivors ask: where is our own rehabilitation? The fears of recidivism, accusations of injustice, and deep-seated trauma that no government program has adequately addressed persist. In the streets of Maiduguri, there is a blend of emotions and concerns among its residents. While some people view this program as a viable way of achieving peace, others see it as something forced upon them by the government.

WHAT VICTIMS SAY

For Bakura Modu, who lost his parents to the insurgents, “Only God will reward us for what we have gone through,” he said with mixed emotions. Bakura Modu lost his entire family, three of his brothers and his parents were killed during the 2014 Bama attack. Bakura escaped the attack and came to Maiduguri, later took shelter with his uncle. Now he struggles to live in Maiduguri with no support from the government. Bakura has not heard or felt carried along in the rehabilitation program.

Like Bakura Modu, Ya Kaltum Bukar, 58, lost her husband and six of her children to Boko Haram insurgents. During the peak of Boko Haram insurgency in Maiduguri, “They came during Ramadan in 2012 and killed my husband and three of my biological children, and after two weeks, they returned and shot three again,” she said. 

YaKaltum only became familiar with the rehabilitation and reintegration program on Radio Programs. Now she struggles to survive in this economy, coupled with health complications.

On returning ex-Boko Haram fighters, Bakura Modu was skeptical, having had no previous knowledge or involvement: “The government has done a lot in resettling people and building homes, but not all victims of the insurgency were carried along,” he said.

According to Barrister Abba Kyari Muhammad, the Borno Model does not strictly adhere to the standard model of transitional justice. He stated that the model largely focuses on disarming insurgents, rehabilitating and reintegrating them back into society, while neglecting other core components of transitional justice, including prosecution, truth-seeking, reparation, and institutional reforms. “These obvious lapses in the implementation of the Borno Model render it something other than transitional justice,” Barr. Kyari stated.

Barr. Kyari lost his mother to the insurgents in 2013, skipped classes while at school, lost his livelihood, and was displaced multiple times within Maiduguri as a result of the insurgency. He said, “Upon all that happened, I am still yet to receive an apology from the government or other authority, let alone compensation.”  He further stated that it is evident there is no meaningful victim compensation within the current transitional justice framework.

LACK OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM

Research by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) clearly outlined the lack of community participation in the rehabilitation and reintegration program, stating that “Communities are not involved enough in reintegration even though they facilitated disengagement and are the first point of contact for ex-Boko Haram associates.”

Speaking as both a victim of the insurgency and a professional, Barr. Abba Kyari stated that “I cannot recall encountering any form of victim compensation, reparation, or even apology to those who lost their loved ones. Available evidence suggests that internally displaced persons who are the true victims are largely abandoned, while repentant Boko Haram members are housed, clothed, and well taken care of in government-owned facilities.”

PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF THE PROGRAM.

Moreover, a source from the Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Resettlement (RRR) stated that the program has had both its prospects and challenges, but the government is doing everything within its powers to carry all people along. He noted that victims are also supported with skills and are resettled in their communities as peace gradually returns.

The anonymous source also noted that the Reintegration Committee was constituted by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, and it is working round the clock to return refugees from neighbouring countries like Niger, Cameroon, and Chad.

He also clarified that not only ex-fighters undergo rehabilitation it also includes victims, abductees, and communities ravaged by Boko Haram. “All are being rebuilt and resettled, apart from Abadam Local Government that was recently opened after more than a decade of desertion, and it has improved peace in the state,” he noted.

Similarly, Samuel Orahii, reintegration coordinator at Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, a. leading organisation working with the government on community engagement and reintegration, noted that some of their work is confidential and sensitive, however, a lot of success has been achieved, and normalcy has almost been sustained. On the Borno Model, Mr. Samuel stated that “the Borno Model is more of a traditional justice, as communities are involved,” noting that ex-Boko Haram fighters are remorseful, recently, one ex-Boko Haram fighter sought forgiveness on a live radio program on transitional justice sponsored by Allamin Foundation”.

The ISS findings, however, show a lack of adequate funding for the program, stating that “The Borno Model faces persistent challenges, especially in providing sufficient economic support to deserters once they leave the camp. Many former Boko Haram members interviewed in March and June 2025 said they left the group with few employable skills, little start-up capital, and no tools to begin a livelihood. The state has introduced vocational training in the camps, teaching skills such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, and mechanics. It also provides a one-off payment of ₦100,000 (about US $67), but this isn’t enough to restart a life after years in the bush.”

On issues around sustainability of the program, Barr. Kyari noted that the sustainability of the program lies in its economic implications, which largely remain unaddressed. “These people are accustomed to a lavish lifestyle and unrestricted control over territories and resources, yet they are now expected to survive on minimal support. This arrangement is neither realistic nor sustainable and represents a ticking time bomb if left unsolved.”

DOES THE REHABILITATION PROGRAM LEAD TO PEACE?

Moreover, despite the sustained rehabilitation and reintegration program, communities resettled, and livelihoods restored, it remains debatable whether the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-Boko Haram combatants have brought peace or otherwise. Many experts agree that since the collapse of leadership upon the death of Abubakar Shekau, many ex-fighters have retreated and laid down their arms, surrendering to Nigerian authorities. Subsequently, with intensified military aggression by Nigerian forces and the loss of many territorials holds by the insurgents, the group has systematically shifted its focus from ransacking communities to abductions, collecting ransom, and taxing in some areas within the Lake Chad region.

A HumAngle tracker from the last quarter of 2025 indicated that Borno State experienced the highest number of abductions, with over 161 people in a total of 31 kidnapping incidents. “A total of 116 incidents with fatalities were experienced,” the report stated. According to sources interviewed by HumAngle, the group has raked in over ₦1 billion through these random operations. 

This report is corroborated by Yerwa Express News’s recent report of the abduction of seven fishermen from Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area in Borno State by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, with a ransom demand of ₦30 million.

This report is supported by HumAngle Foundation under ‘Fellowship on Strengthening Community Journalism and Human Right Advocacy In Northern Nigeria (SCOJA)’.

By Imam Malik ABDULLAHI Kaga

Your Excellency, Sir,

Permit me to respectfully introduce myself. My name is Imam Malik Abdullahi Kaga, a young advocate for youth inclusion in governance in Borno State. I hail from Wajiro village in Kaga Local Government Area and currently reside in Jere Local Government Area.

Your Excellency, I write this letter with two sincere intentions. First, to express my profound appreciation for the remarkable transformation that Borno State has experienced under your leadership. Second, to humbly advocate for the emergence of a worthy successor who will continue, and perhaps even surpass, the legacy you have built.

History often remembers leaders not only for what they achieved while in office, but also for the institutions, systems, and leaders they helped shape for the future. In this regard, your tenure stands out as one that will be remembered for courage, sacrifice, and a relentless commitment to rebuilding a state that once stood at the centre of one of the most difficult humanitarian and security crises in our nation’s history.

Since assuming office as Governor, Borno State has steadily moved along the path of recovery, stability, and development. Across critical sectors, specifically security stabilisation, education revival, healthcare expansion, infrastructure rebuilding, and human capital development, your administration has restored confidence and renewed hope among citizens.

Across the state, the impact of your leadership is visible. The name Zulum has come to represent resilience, discipline, and purposeful governance. In the eyes of many citizens (both indigenous and non), you have demonstrated that leadership is not merely about holding office, but about service, courage, and responsibility.

Indeed, like every human endeavour, governance inevitably carries moments that fall short of expectations. Yet the weight of your accomplishments far outweighs such moments. May Allah forgive your shortcomings and reward your sincerity and dedication in the service of the people of Borno State.

Your Excellency, Sir,

As elections gradually approach, conversations about the future leadership of Borno State will naturally intensify. This moment, however, not merely presents a political transition, but an important historical responsibility. 

The foundations your administration has laid must not only be preserved but strengthened. The Borno 25-Year Development Framework provides a clear vision for transformation and development; the leadership that succeeds you will be responsible for ensuring this vision continues to move forward with the same discipline and determination.

Over the years, Your Excellency, you have mentored and entrusted many young, capable individuals with leadership responsibilities across government parastatal and ministries. Many of them have grown under your guidance and have demonstrated commitment, discipline, and service in various capacities. This is one of the enduring strengths of your administration. You have not only governed but also cultivated leadership.

Among those who have served under your watch are individuals who have observed your work ethic, your decisiveness, and your relentless focus on results. Such individuals understand the philosophy that has driven your administration. 

Your Excellency, therefore, you are uniquely positioned to recognise who among those you have mentored possesses the character, vision, courage, and administrative capacity required to sustain the momentum of your achievements.

Your Excellency, sir, across the world today, younger leaders are increasingly demonstrating the capacity to drive reform, strengthen institutions, and accelerate economic development. When youthful energy is combined with discipline, experience, and mentorship, it often yields bold, transformative leadership.

Sir, closer to home, the youthful leadership within your administration stands as clear proof that young minds can bring innovation, energy, and integrity to governance. These qualities speak directly to the four enabling foundations of the Borno 25-Year Development Framework. 

One of the most defining qualities of your leadership has been decisiveness. At critical moments, your ability to make firm and timely decisions restored confidence in governance and accelerated progress across many sectors. This quality has become a hallmark of your administration.

As Borno looks toward the future, it is important that the leadership which follows continues to embody this same strength of character, clarity of purpose, and courage in decision-making. Such leadership will ensure continuity, preserve stability, and sustain the progress already achieved.

Your Excellency, sir, many citizens across the state quietly share a hope that the next phase of Borno’s leadership will not only preserve your legacy but also elevate it even further. In most conversations across the state, one often hears a phrase that captures this aspiration in simple language, the desire for what some describe as a “Zulum Pro Max.”

By this, people mean a leader who embodies the courage, discipline, integrity, and commitment to service that have defined your tenure, while also building upon the strong foundation you have established.

Your Excellency, the decision regarding the future leadership of Borno State carries immense significance. History will remember not only the progress achieved during your tenure but also the path charted for the years that follow.

May Allah continue to guide your wisdom, strengthen your resolve, and bless Borno State with lasting peace, stability, and prosperity.

In my next letter, I intend to respectfully share my thoughts on one of your mentees, whom many Bornoans believe reflects the qualities needed to advance this vision and carry Borno State to the next level of development.

Yours sincerely,
Imam Malik Abdullahi Kaga.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has acknowledged receipt of a formal petition alleging medical negligence and unprofessional conduct in the treatment of Alhaji Nuhu Dantani, who died at the facility on March 31, 2026.

In an official letter dated April 17, 2026, and signed by the Director of Administration, Idriss Omar, on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Prof. A. Ahidjo, the hospital management confirmed that an internal investigation has been initiated into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The petition was filed by Hamza N. Dantani Esq. of Potent Attorneys in Abuja, who is acting on behalf of the deceased’s family. The legal complaint cites systemic failure and demands accountability for the loss of the elder statesman, who was admitted under Hospital Number 760494.

In the hospital’s response addressed to the family’s legal counsel, management extended “heartfelt condolences” and acknowledged the severity of the allegations.

“We understand the gravity of the concerns raised and wish to assure you that the Hospital takes allegations of medical negligence and unprofessional conduct seriously,” the statement read in part. “A thorough investigation into the matter has been initiated, and appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that justice is served.”

The hospital has not disclosed the details of the specific clinical incident or the nature of the alleged negligence pending the outcome of the investigation. The case has highlighted patient safety protocols at one of Northeast Nigeria’s largest tertiary healthcare institutions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s military has suffered another devastating loss after a senior army officer was killed in a coordinated attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

Colonel I.A. Mohammed, Commander of the 242 Battalion, died when his convoy was ambushed by fighters in the Moguno area, near the town of Boron. According to military sources, the troops were reinforcing a military camp under attack when their formation was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), followed by heavy gunfire from insurgents hidden along the route.

Several other soldiers also lost their lives in the attack. Casualty figures have not been officially released, but a military source confirmed that the death toll includes the commanding officer and other ranks.

Colonel Mohammed’s death marks the fifth loss of a top-ranking military officer in Nigeria in 2026 alone — all within the first four months of the year. The repeated targeting of senior commanders has raised urgent questions about operational security and the resilience of the military’s command structure in the northeast counterinsurgency campaign.

As of press time, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement, but an internal security briefing described the incident as a “well-planned ambush with high-grade explosives.”

The insurgency in Borno, which has persisted for over a decade, continues to exact a heavy toll on both combatants and civilians, despite repeated government claims that Boko Haram has been largely defeated.

By Anas Abbas 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed more than 25 terrorists in a coordinated night air raid around Bula in Yobe State and the Banki axis of Borno State.

Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja. 

He explained that the operation was carried out on September 18, following actionable intelligence provided by ground troops.

According to Ejodame, a combination of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and strike aircraft tracked terrorist movements and spotted multiple groups north of Banki. The terrorists were then hit in three successive precision strikes along their movement routes and assembly points.

“Real-time updates were relayed to ground forces and base operations, enabling synchronised action. The strike aircraft engaged the terrorists in three successive precision strikes, effectively neutralising more than 25 fighters,” Ejodame stated.

He added that post-strike surveillance confirmed that ground forces had maintained their defensive positions, with no further threats detected.

Ejodame said the operation highlighted the Air Force’s unwavering support for ground troops and its commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action in the North-East.

The operation comes just days after Boko Haram insurgents attacked the Darajamal community in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno on September 8, killing at least 63 people, including five soldiers. The attackers, who rode in on motorcycles, shot indiscriminately, razed houses and vehicles before military reinforcements arrived.

Governor Babagana Zulum had described that incident as “very sad,” confirming the death toll and pledging government support to the affected families.

By Anas Abbas

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has condemned the killing of 58 civilians and five soldiers by Boko Haram insurgents in Darajamal, a community in Bama Local Government Area.

Zulum, who visited the community on Saturday, expressed deep grief over the attack, which occurred on Friday night.

He sympathized with the families of the victims and assured residents of government’s commitment to strengthening security.

“We are here to commiserate with the people of Darajamal over what happened last night that claimed the lives of many people. It is very sad,” the governor told journalists.

“This community was resettled only a few months ago, and people had returned to their normal activities. Unfortunately, they have now suffered another Boko Haram attack.”

Confirming the casualty figures, the governor disclosed that 63 persons were killed, including nearly 60 civilians and five soldiers. He stressed the urgent need to complement the efforts of the military with the newly trained Forest Guards.

“The numerical strength of the military is not enough to cover everywhere,” Zulum noted. “So far, two sets of Forest Guards have been trained. Deploying them to vulnerable communities and forests will go a long way in preventing further attacks.”

Also reacting, Senator Kaka Lawan of Borno Central, whose constituency covers Darajamal, condemned the killings, describing the attack as a crime against humanity.

He pledged legislative support to Governor Zulum’s efforts to restore lasting peace in the state.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

I am writing this article not as a distant observer but as someone who walked through flooded streets, stood side by side with victims, and spent sleepless nights wondering how many more people would survive the next downpour. I have seen firsthand the destruction that floods bring to Borno State, and I feel morally obligated to appeal to both the federal and Borno State governments.

This isn’t just another seasonal disaster—it is a pattern that is worsening every year, and if nothing is done urgently, the consequences will be even more devastating. With recent flood warnings placing Maiduguri and Ngala on high alert, it is time to confront this problem with the seriousness it demands.

On the night of September 10th, 2024, the people of Maiduguri experienced a calamity that was both preventable and predictable. The Alau Dam collapsed, releasing a force of water that surged through communities, homes, and markets. Over 400,000 residents were displaced, and more than 150 lives were lost in a matter of hours.

The city turned into a watery grave, with roads cut off, houses submerged, and businesses completely destroyed. The damage wasn’t limited to infrastructure—it shattered lives, disrupted families, and exposed the deep infrastructural weaknesses we have long chosen to ignore.

Almost a year later, thousands of those affected are still struggling to rebuild their lives. Many families remain without shelter, forced to live in makeshift tents or overcrowded compounds. Traders who once ran thriving businesses in Monday Market, Gwange, Moduganari, and Customs areas are still unable to return to their stalls. 

Some have relocated entirely, while others now rely on daily handouts to survive. The truth is, for many of them, recovery has barely begun. What is even more painful is knowing that much of this suffering could have been avoided if the right steps had been taken early enough.

I was part of a team that responded immediately after the flood hit. Alongside Kyari Alto Mohammed and Mohammed Umar, we coordinated a massive grassroots relief effort that reached some of the hardest-hit areas in Maiduguri. With no institutional backing, we mobilized resources through social media, friends, and personal savings.

We cooked thousands of meals each day, provided water, distributed sanitary items, and gave cash support to vulnerable families, including women who had just given birth in the middle of flooded neighborhoods. We were physically present in communities like Gwange, Bulabulin, Abbagaram, Customs, Bayan Quarters, and 505 when few others dared to step out.

Our effort was not driven by any political ambition or media recognition, but by the sheer urgency of the situation. Still, we were humbled when our work received national attention. The Nigerian Defence Headquarters acknowledged our commitment. Daily Trust and Arewa Agenda ran stories documenting our activities. We were not the only ones helping, but we were among the few who stayed consistent long after the cameras left. That recognition only strengthened our resolve to keep going until real solutions are implemented.

The crisis wasn’t just about hunger or shelter. In one instance, we received a call that a woman in labor was stranded near the Customs area. With the help of team members, we transported her to a nearby clinic, and she delivered safely. This is just one of many stories that reveal how fragile life becomes during disasters, especially when there is no functional system to protect the most vulnerable. You cannot hear such stories and return to business as usual.

And yet, after all this pain, the structural root of the problem—Alau Dam—remains unrepaired, unexpanded, and not reconstructed. The dam was not just overwhelmed by water, it had been weakened over the years due to a lack of maintenance, and nothing meaningful has been done to strengthen or expand it since. If we are serious about preventing future disasters, Alau Dam must be reconstructed with modern engineering standards that can withstand extreme events. A city like Maiduguri cannot be left at the mercy of a dam that is both outdated and unreliable.

The rivers and drainage systems that cut through Maiduguri—especially those in Monday Market, Gwange, Moduganari, and the Custom area—have become bottlenecks. They are either blocked by debris or too narrow to carry runoff during the rainy season. When the water rises, these waterways overflow into neighborhoods, turning entire communities into flood zones. Dredging and expanding these channels is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Every rainy season without action only increases the cost of the next disaster.

Recent warnings by the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment indicate that Maiduguri and Ngala are likely to face flooding again this year. With Cameroon releasing water from the Lagdo Dam and rainfall levels projected to be high, the signs are clear. If we do nothing, we are walking into another tragedy with our eyes wide open. We must stop acting like this is a surprise. It is not. We know what will happen. The question is whether we care enough to act.

I believe this is the moment for not just boldness, but proactive leadership. The federal and state governments must go beyond relief donations. They must invest heavily in preventive infrastructure. Rebuilding Alau Dam is step one. Dredging and expanding the river systems within Maiduguri is step two. And step three should be the construction of new multipurpose dams on the outskirts of the city. These new dams will not only help with water management, but they can also be used for irrigation farming, thereby creating jobs for our teeming youth population.

Imagine a system where the floodwaters are not a threat but an opportunity—collected, stored, and channeled into large-scale farming projects. It is possible. With the right planning, we can turn our flood problem into a source of prosperity. But this requires vision and political will. It means prioritizing infrastructure over rhetoric, and people over politics. It means spending money on what matters, and doing it now—not after lives are lost.

As we advocate for these changes, we must also fix our early warning systems. The people of Borno deserve timely, reliable alerts that can help them prepare for emergencies. This includes real-time monitoring of rainfall levels, dam pressure, and river volumes. Alerts should be disseminated through radio, TV, community leaders, and even SMS. Preparedness should not be a privilege; it should be a right for every citizen.

We also need a comprehensive flood response plan that includes evacuation routes, designated shelters, emergency food reserves, and mobile clinics. What we had last year was an improvised reaction. We must transform that into a formal system that is tested and improved regularly. Communities must be trained on how to respond to flooding so that panic does not claim more lives than the water itself.

For those still displaced by last year’s flood, the government must provide real support. This means not just money, but long-term assistance to help them rebuild homes, restart businesses, and recover their dignity. A casual donation of rice and wrappers is not enough. These people need real pathways to recovery, or else they will remain in a cycle of suffering.

This appeal is not just coming from me alone, but from the thousands who survived, the families still grieving, the mothers still nursing babies under destroyed roofs, and the fathers who cannot provide because their means of livelihood was washed away. They may not have access to media or public platforms, but their voices matter. I am simply amplifying what they live every day.

I also call on humanitarian organizations, development partners, and civil society groups to push for structural interventions. The burden cannot rest on volunteers alone. We need coordinated support, technical expertise, and funding directed toward long-term flood prevention—not just short-term relief distribution.

Let us not pretend that this problem is unique to Borno. Other states across Nigeria are also at risk. But Borno remains among the most vulnerable due to its topography and its already fragile infrastructure. If we get it right here, we can create a model for flood resilience across the country.

To my fellow citizens, especially those in leadership, I ask: how many more people must die before we act? How many more homes must be destroyed before we acknowledge that climate change, poor planning, and neglect are a deadly combination? This is a moral question, not just a technical one.

As someone who has worked in the mud, cried with victims, and seen hope disappear under dirty water, I say this with a full heart: enough is enough. Let this year be different. Let this be the year we prepared, not the year we mourned again. Let us not wait until the next rainy season swallows another community before calling a press conference.

The cost of inaction is too high. The reward for preparation is immeasurable. Borno deserves more than sympathy—it deserves protection, planning, and progress. The time to act is not tomorrow. It is today. It is now.

I write this with the urgency of someone who has seen too much loss. I write it because I believe we can prevent the next disaster if we decide to. I write it because Borno’s future should not be shaped by floods, but by the collective courage to build something better. May our leaders rise to the occasion, and may we never have to write this story again.

Lawan Bukar Maigana is Daily Trust’s 2024 Hero and can be reached via email: Lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A cleaner at a tertiary hospital in Maiduguri, Faiza Abdulkadir, has been widely commended for her integrity after returning N4.8 million that was mistakenly transferred into her bank account.

Faiza, who earns a monthly salary of N30,000 and supports five children, discovered the error and immediately took steps to return the funds. She explained that she was motivated by her conscience and faith.

“When I confirmed it was genuine, I knew it wasn’t my money. I decided to transfer it back for my peace of mind and quest for paradise,” she said.

The incident, which initially caused her significant distress, has since drawn national attention.

Local residents and activists have hailed her as a role model and are urging the government to provide her with support and official recognition.

Calls for Faiza to receive a national honour are growing, and a fundraising effort has already gathered over N135,000 to assist her and her family.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Alumni of the University of Maiduguri have voiced strong opposition to reported plans to rename the institution after former President Muhammadu Buhari. In a statement issued by Muazu M. Dikwa, a 2004 LLB graduate, the alumni group described the move as “ill-advised” and one that fails to reflect the university’s unique heritage and regional significance.

The group emphasised that the University of Maiduguri has long stood as a symbol of resilience and academic excellence in Nigeria’s North-East. They argued that changing its name would undermine its historical identity, which is deeply tied to its geographic location and the challenges the region has faced.

The statement also pointed out that former President Buhari has already been honoured with the naming of the Federal University of Transportation in Daura, Katsina State—his hometown. The alumni maintained that this existing tribute is more appropriate and sufficient in recognising Buhari’s contributions.

“We urge the relevant authorities to reconsider any such proposals,” the statement read. “Focus should instead be on strengthening the university’s capacity and supporting its mission in the region.”

The alumni group called on all stakeholders—students, faculty, community members, and especially the people of Borno State—to resist any attempt to alter the name of the institution.

The University of Maiduguri, established in 1975, has played a crucial role in advancing education in Nigeria’s North-East, despite the security challenges it faces.

By Zailani Bappa

In the last few days, we have been engaged in a debate over whether it was right or not for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) after the late President Muhammadu Buhari. I want to add my voice to this as well.

I am a staunch fan and supporter of the late President, and I cherish his exemplary qualities, which are truly uncommon among our present-day crop of active politicians. I respect him alive and in his death. I am also a graduate of UNIMAID.

Despite the above, I strongly disagree with Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to rename my alma mater after President Muhammadu Buhari at this time. The move, to my understanding, is self-serving, dishonest and, obviously, unpopular. And if the President has to do it, there are so many other things available to manipulate for achieving political ambition. 

Just imagine renaming the University of London, or the Oxford University or the Harvard University to another name at this hour. These names have become top brand symbols worldwide and are synonymous with the excellence the Universities are demonstrating.

So is UNIMAID. Its service of excellence has become synonymous with this name for more than five decades. Universities with names of persons, such as Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University, built their present reputation from the outset, along with those names.

In truth, if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wanted so desperately to seize the demise of President Muhammadu Buhari to advance his political opportunities in the Northern part of Nigeria ahead of the upcoming elections, he should have renamed the University of Ibadan or the University of Lagos after the late President which will prove to the Northerners more of his nationalistic and unbiased posture. 

After all, the latter of the above Universities was reportedly saved from this kind of unwholesome political decision by his active participation when it was to be renamed after the late MKO Abiola. I will sign and urge everyone to sign the petition currently circulating, which opposes this highly offensive decision.