Borno

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Recent findings from the Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have revealed a startling trend in the Ortese Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp situated in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.  

According to Mrs. Grace Wende, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, approximately “200 new births per month” were recorded in the camp. 

Wende, speaking on behalf of the board, expressed concern over the high number of births and underscored the necessity for government intervention.  

She stated, “It is quite high, and Government needs to do something about it.”  

Furthermore, she highlighted the underutilization of family planning products provided to the residents of the camp, stating the need to “intensify demand creation generation.”

 By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Borno State Government has employed 15 people with disability who have undergone formal educational system. 

The new employees were said to have obtained bachelor’s degree certificates, NCEs, diplomas, and vocational training certificates. 

The state governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, was disclosed to have approved their employment with effect from May 1, 2024. 

The governor commended their efforts for not being lazy, and despite their disability, they decided to pursue education. 

He directed Commissioner of Education Lawan Abba Wakilbe to review the activities of all the blind schools in Borno State in order to train more people with disability. 

Zulum also ordered the Ministry of Education to work out modalities for introducing the teaching of special education courses at the College of Education Bama. 

Borno State Branch Chairman Nigerian Association of the Blind, Mohammed Mustapha, expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for approving employment for his members.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Nigerian Air Force announced on Tuesday that its air component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) had successfully neutralised over 30 militants, including two high-profile leaders, Ali Dawud and Bakurah Fallujah im Borno State. 

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, disclosed that the airstrikes, carried out over the weekend, targeted the hideouts of ISWAP terrorists nestled within Kolleram village along Lake Chad’s shores.  

The precision strikes, executed on April 13, 2024, resulted in the destruction of numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and logistical assets, severely disrupting the terrorists’ operational capabilities. 

Gabkwet reported that the Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) post-strike revealed the elimination of key figures such as Ali Dawud, Bakurah Fallujah, and Mallam Ari.  

Additionally, intelligence gathered indicated the effective obliteration of a vital facility within the Kolleram enclave, disrupting the terrorists’ food processing activities. 

The success of these airstrikes shows  the NAF’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and safeguarding Nigerian citizens.  

By neutralising top terrorist operatives and dismantling their logistical infrastructure, the operation has significantly weakened ISWAP’s presence in the region. 

The airstrikes, complementing ground forces’ ongoing efforts on the Lake Chad flank, mark a crucial advancement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism endeavours, signalling a resolute stance against extremist threats.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Borno State Police apprehended a young man and woman for engaging in an inappropriate act within the premises of the All Saints Protestant Church on Monday, located in the Police College, Maiduguri, Borno State. 

The two defaulters involved have been identified as Kaka Ali Umar, a resident of Damboa Road, and Khadija Adam, who resides in the Ngomari area of Maiduguri.  

Rev. Danjuma Adamu, the pastor of the church, recounted how the couple was discovered engaging in an inappropriate act inside the sacred space.

Rev. Adamu expressed profound disappointment at the desecration of the church premises, describing the incident as deeply regrettable and unacceptable. 

Upon discovery, prompt action was taken, and the police were alerted immediately. They defaulters were subsequently arrested and detained at the Metro Division of the Police.

They did not deny the allegations and admitted to their involvement in the incident. 

The news of the duo’s behaviour has stirred widespread condemnation and disbelief among members of the community, who view such actions as a blatant disregard for the sanctity of the church.

Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation and pursue appropriate legal measures against the individuals involved.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest of Ahmad Mohammed, aged 42, for allegedly supplying drugs to insurgents in Borno State, as part of a recent crackdown on drug traffickers and dealers. 

According to Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mohammed was apprehended along with 23 other suspected traffickers and dealers. 

He was found to be supplying illicit drugs to insurgents in the border region of Banki, between Nigeria and Cameroon. 

Mohammed’s arrest took place on Friday, February 9th, at a checkpoint in Borno State. Upon inspection of his luggage, NDLEA operatives discovered 20,000 capsules of tramadol, intended for delivery to the border town. 

In a separate incident, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck with registration number Lagos JJJ 64 YC on Sunday, February 4th.

The truck was transporting 367 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa, weighing 4,037 kilogrammes, from Akure, Ondo State, to the Shabu area in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State. 

Three suspects, identified as Shuaibu Yahaya Liman (35), Monday Audu (33), and Linus Samuel (42), were arrested in connection with the seizure.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nasiru Isa Kwarai, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), disclosed that six out of Borno State’s 27 local government areas (LGAs) are excluded from the ongoing 2023-24 Demographic Health and Survey (NDHS) due to escalating security concerns. 

He stated this in a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Monday. 

Kwarai identified the omitted LGAs as Chibok, Magumeri, Abadam, Mobar, Marte, and Guzamala, citing them as potential flashpoints necessitating heightened security logistics.

“The safety of our staff is paramount, and conveying them to these areas poses significant risks,” Kwarai Sa’id. 

Despite the exclusion, Kwarai assured that the impact on the omitted LGAs would be mitigated as neighboring communities and participating LGAs would indirectly influence them.

He stated, “The results obtained in these neighboring areas will also be applied to the excluded ones,” addressing concerns about potential data gaps. 

Represented by Haruna Ibrahim, the Director of the NPC in Borno, Kwarai underscored the critical role of the NDHS exercise in collecting high-quality data on vital indicators such as fertility rates, maternal and child health, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, and nutrition. 

Anticipating that major stakeholders would leverage this data to make informed decisions, Kwarai highlighted its potential to address the unique needs of citizens, enhance health outcomes, and alleviate disease burdens nationwide. 

While urging media involvement, Kwarai called on press outlets to utilize the five-month period to educate the public on the NDHS exercise. He emphasized the importance of dispelling cultural and religious misunderstandings surrounding the program.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has today inaugurated 107 gas and electric-powered buses, including taxis, in Maiduguri, Borno State. 

The initiative, a part of phase II of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s metro transport scheme, aims to address the challenges posed by the withdrawal of fuel subsidies.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s media aide, Bashir Ahmad, shared images of the event on his social media handle. 

He noted that the project, designed to enhance public transportation, is a commendable effort to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy withdrawal. 

In his post on Monday, December 11, Ahmad expressed gratitude, saying, “God bless Gov. Zulum!” 

As the city embraces eco-friendly modes of transportation, the unveiled buses and taxis are expected to contribute to reduced environmental impact and enhanced mobility for residents.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The Borno Police Command confirmed the arrest of two suspects, Adamu Ibrahim and Bukar Wadiya, in connection with the alleged murder of 24-year-old Fatima Alhaji-Bukar. 

Fatima is said to be a resident of Dikechiri, Bayan Gidan Dambe area in Maiduguri metropolis. 

The incident unfolded on October 18, 2023, when Adamu Alhaji Ibrahim, presenting himself as the victim’s husband, arrived at the Gwange Division seeking urgent police intervention.

Preliminary findings suggested a history of domestic disputes, primarily linked to accusations of marital infidelity. 

Upon investigation, the police discovered the victim’s lifeless body in her residence, surrounded by disturbing evidence, including a short pestle, a bag, rope, a blood-stained rug carpet, a knife, and a Honda vehicle.

Notably, there were no signs of forced entry, indicating that the perpetrator likely had access to the house and was later confirmed to be the husband. 

The suspects, Adamu Ibrahim and Bukar Wadiya, were promptly apprehended as prime suspects.

The Borno Police Command is diligently conducting an in-depth investigation, aiming to bring justice to the victim and her family in this tragic incident.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In an effort towards ensuring transitional justice and reconciliation, the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, an indigenous non-governmental organisation, announced the successful deradicalization and reintegration of 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno State. 

At the inaugural meeting of a media forum on transitional justice and reconciliation in the state, Executive Director Hamsatu Allamin revealed the foundation’s commendable achievement.

The women were not only deradicalised but also empowered and reintegrated into society as part of the foundation’s new programme aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation in Borno. 

Mrs. Allamin emphasised the importance of this new programme in facilitating transitional justice in the state, particularly following the mass surrender of Boko Haram members.

She underscored the crucial role of the media in creating awareness about transitional justice and the responsibilities of various stakeholders in ensuring its success. 

“The objective of this forum is to engage media professionals in vital conversations concerning the promotion of transitional justice and reconciliation efforts within Borno State and the broader North-Eastern region of Nigeria,” stated Mrs. Allamin.

She highlighted the media’s influence in shaping public discourse and framing issues, emphasising its role in fostering a development-oriented approach to transitional justice and social cohesion. 

In response, Abdulkareem Haruna, Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Borno Chapter, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s collaboration with the media in promoting reconciliation.

He reiterated the commitment of journalists in Borno to work towards peace and normalcy in the state. 

The successful deradicalisation and reintegration of these 30 women represent a positive step towards healing and reconciliation in Borno State, as efforts continue to bring an end to the conflict and secure a peaceful future for the region.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The North East Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, has called upon the military to take decisive action against insurgents who refuse to surrender during the ongoing mass surrender by terrorists in the sub-region. 

Governor Zulum made this appeal during the 8th meeting of the forum held in Maiduguri. 

In his address, Governor Zulum commended the military for their efforts in restoring relative peace to the sub-region, which has enabled the return of normalcy to many areas affected by insurgency. 

He acknowledged the military’s unwavering determination and significant progress in the fight against terrorism. 

However, he stressed the need to eliminate those insurgents who persist in hiding and refuse to lay down their arms. 

Governor Zulum stated, “I want to call on the Nigerian military to reach into the enclaves of the insurgents who are not ready to lay down their arms. We must pursue them to their hideouts in the remote nook and cranny and neutralize those who refuse to surrender.” 

He underscored the negative socioeconomic impact of insurgency on the sub-region and emphasised that lasting improvements could only occur once the threat of terrorism was fully subdued. 

Additionally, Governor Zulum addressed challenges posed by erratic rainfall patterns and recent floods, calling for federal government intervention. 

He urged the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise support for irrigation farming to mitigate the effects of reduced rainfall on crop cultivation.