Maiduguri

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 Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

Last year, the Kano-Maiduguri Road suffered severe damage from flooding. The disaster caused immense hardship for ordinary citizens, displaced several communities along the route, and inflicted economic losses in hundreds of millions of naira. It also disrupted access to Maiduguri from key states such as Abuja, Kano, Jigawa, and Yobe, effectively cutting off the northeast from the rest of the country.

It will be recalled that on 15th August 2024, a Federal Government delegation led by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi and the Governor of Bauchi State visited the affected site. They assessed the extent of the damage and promised urgent intervention, recognising the road’s economic significance not just for the northeast, but for the country as a whole. Unfortunately, to the dismay of the affected communities, no tangible action has been taken since that visit, only temporary fixes that have had little to no impact.

Residents are now growing concerned that if urgent intervention is not undertaken before the rains intensify, the road could suffer even more extensive damage than last year. This poses a serious threat to lives and property, as was previously experienced.

The rehabilitation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road is not merely about filling potholes or patching the surface – it is a vital aspect of regional and national development. The benefits of well-maintained roads are immense: improved safety and reduced accidents, enhanced economic activities, better quality of life, strengthened social integration, and even environmental advantages.

Beyond the infrastructural failure, there are concerns about the federal government’s perceived neglect of certain regions. This is especially disheartening considering that this region gave the current administration some of its highest votes. 

As an optimist and a believer in equitable governance, I hold firmly that all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria deserve equal attention and investment. Every part of this country matters. Mr. President must lead with sincerity of purpose and see all Nigerians as his constituency.

It is worth noting that during his visit, the Minister of Works acknowledged this imbalance, stating: “Let me make it clear that the shortfall in road distribution was not the doing of President Tinubu, nor mine. However, the President is addressing it. That is why the fourth legacy project has been initiated, stretching from Akwanga to Jos to Bauchi State. We are pleased that work is progressing significantly on major portions of the road in Bauchi State.”

The Minister further pledged that the President is determined to provide adequate funding for legacy projects through various intervention mechanisms. We hope that the government will act swiftly and treat this as a matter of national urgency by repairing the damaged sections of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, particularly within the Jama’are and Azare-Potiskum axes.

As an engineer, the Minister of Works should set a precedent prioritising action over rhetoric. When entrusted with responsibility, those in positions of power must demonstrate competence and a genuine commitment to service.

This is a humble but firm appeal to the federal government to urgently address the long-standing issue of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, which has been in disrepair since last year’s devastating floods.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Azare, Bauchi State.

By Uzair Adam

Following a series of late-night explosions at the Giwa Barracks armoury in Maiduguri, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has advised residents to avoid picking up strange objects that may be remnants of the blasts.

The explosions occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, sending shockwaves across Maiduguri and sparking panic in multiple communities as loud bangs and flames lit up the night.

Military authorities later attributed the incident to intense heat, which reportedly caused the munitions to detonate.

During a press briefing after inspecting the scene, Major General Abubakar cautioned residents—especially those living in Jiddari Polo, Fori, and nearby areas—to remain alert and report any suspicious fragments or debris to security operatives.

“Some of the items scattered by the blasts may seem harmless but could be extremely dangerous,” he warned.He was joined at the site by senior officers, including the Commanding Officer of the 73 Battalion, Lt Col N. Dalha, and the Joint Investigation Centre Commander, Colonel Ahmad.

They confirmed that the only armoury within the barracks was completely destroyed, despite combined firefighting efforts by the military and federal and state fire services.

While acknowledging the damage, Abubakar praised the swift and courageous response by troops and emergency personnel, which he said helped prevent further devastation.

He called for calm and assured the public that the situation had been contained and there was no ongoing threat.

By Uzair Adam

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of eight individuals over the alleged killing and secret burial of a newborn baby at a private hospital located in Kwatam along Baga Road in Maiduguri.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Nahun Daso, disclosed the development in an interview with the press on Saturday.

According to him, the incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. on April 18, 2025, after concerned residents alerted the police to a suspicious act at the hospital.

Daso said officers from the Ite Division responded immediately, secured the premises, and apprehended the suspects at the scene. 

Forensic experts were later deployed, and the baby’s remains were exhumed for examination.

He added that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation to uncover the circumstances behind the act.

The police called on the public to continue supporting security efforts by sharing timely and credible information.

By Uzair Adam 

The Borno State Police Command has successfully recovered eight unexploded devices from the Dala and Gwange areas of Maiduguri, the state capital. 

This discovery was made on Friday following distress calls about unidentified objects suspected to be explosive ordnance.

According to ASP Grace Michael, the command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, the police received a distress call about unidentified objects clustered near an uncompleted building in the Dala-Abuja Talakawa Area, Maiduguri. 

The police swiftly moved to the scene and recovered six projectiles and one unexploded mortar bomb.

Later that day, the police received another distress call from the Gwange Area about an unidentified object washed ashore on the Gwange river bank. 

The police quickly recovered one unexploded Hand Grenade (UXO).

Preliminary investigations revealed that the ordnance was washed ashore due to the recent devastating flood incident in the state. 

The Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Yusufu Lawal, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety and security.

By Abdurrahman uba wada

Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s Borno State, experienced severe flooding following the collapse of the Alau Dam. The disaster submerged homes, displaced families, and crippled vital infrastructure, creating a crisis of historic proportions.

Aisha Mohammed, a resident of the hard-hit Gwange area, described the rapid onset of the floodwaters, which left little time for her family to escape. Neighbourhoods like Fori, Galtimari, and Bulabulin were severely affected.

State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, issued an urgent evacuation order, stressing the importance of moving to higher ground immediately. This event echoed the 1994 Alau Dam failure that submerged half the city. Prof. Ibra Baba Goni, a hydrologist at the University of Maiduguri, emphasised the dam’s critical role in flood control, water supply, and irrigation.

Local authorities and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) worked tirelessly to respond, but the scale of the disaster was overwhelming. Flooding disrupted water supply, paralysed transportation, and forced school and business closures. Climate change played a significant role.

Prof. Peter Akpodiogaga-a Ovuyovwiroye Odjugo from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) noted a 20% increase in extreme rainfall events over the past decade. Maiduguri’s situation was particularly dire due to strained infrastructure from years of conflict.

Relief efforts continued, with experts considering long-term solutions like upgrading the dam, improving drainage, and relocating vulnerable communities. Community spirit remained strong, with local youth groups assisting evacuations and neighbouring states pledging support. The Borno State Emergency Management Agency established relief centres, accepting food, water, and medical supply donations.

The Alau Dam collapse highlighted Maiduguri’s vulnerability to natural disasters. As waters receded, the city faced rebuilding and reimagining a resilient future.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

A United States congressman, Major Owens once said, ‘I have a great deal of respect and admiration for people who put themselves on the line.’

Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s political doppelganger, Awana Alhaji Gana, often describes him as an exemplary leader because, according to him, he was taught as a child in Islamic school that a leader is a servant of the people and a loyal servant sacrifices his life to protect his masters – the people.

Indeed, this was justified by Shettima when he was the governor of Borno State. He stood his ground to protect his people and never ran away from battle, putting his life on the line and confronting the monsters called Boko Haram.

He mobilised the police, rallied soldiers and established the Civilian JTF – a group of patriotic young people who are always ready to sacrifice their lives for their country – which helped to stem the tide of the insurgency.

The fear in Maiduguri in 2014 was so intense that some notable persons, politicians, and non-politicians had to relocate their families to Abuja. Shettima, who was abroad at that time, canceled the assignment, returned home, and mobilised residents to rise in defense of their ancestry. They succeeded in pushing the enemies back. That was the time when everybody thought the cursed elements had hoisted their flags in the city of Maiduguri.

Based on the sleepless nights he had endured in the latter part of his first tenure – moving from one shooting or bombing scene to the other and liaising with the federal government to protect Borno people – most observers actually thought he would just chicken out and not bother to seek a second term in office. But he contested, won, and sustained the fight against the enemies.

VP Shettima has always attracted the best brains to himself, being a first-rate intellectual as well. This was why it wasn’t difficult for him and this remarkable look-alike to find each other and connect.

Unlike other politicians who only read articles written by their admirers and watch activities done by others in their names without appreciation, Shettima keeps his eagle eyes around, following everything that involves his name and showing appreciation. He doesn’t look down on people, which is why his political network is full of diverse people of all classes.

This reminds me of the first time he called to appreciate me when I wrote an article titled “Kashim Shettima: Courage, Conviction Cannot Kill a Man,” in 2022 which was published in many national dailies across the country.

Interestingly, when VP Shettima met Alhaji Gana, who politically mimics him, he observed the striking similarities between himself and the latter.

Kashim Shettima is known for visiting his friends, honouring their special invitations, and standing with them during trying times. These quintessential traits have been maintained by his political doppelgänger whose friends work with him. Awana attends marriages, condoles with people who lost their loved ones, and organises a caricature of every political event the VP has attends.

VP Shettima once again showed the humane side of him recently when he posted on Facebook that: “On Tuesday, I paid a condolence visit to the family of my brother, friend, and colleague at Zenith Bank, Chief Kester Christopher Kenechuku Ogualili, who passed away on May 3, 2024. Kester and I have come a long way, and now that he is no more, we will step in to fill the vacuum created by his demise.”

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Borno and can be reached via email: lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com

By Uzair Adam Imam

Witnesses recounted an incident in Maiduguri as repentant Boko Haram insurgents made an attempt to storm a police station, aiming to free their arrested comrades allegedly involved in drug offenses.

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, unfolded with the assailants clad in military attire and brandishing cutlasses.

Confirming the incident, Borno State’s Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Daso, reported that officers on duty successfully repelled the attackers.

Daso explained that the breach stemmed from a joint police operation targeting illicit activities at Kasuwar Fara, where eight individuals, including alleged drug peddlers and repentant insurgents, were apprehended with illicit substances.

Following the arrests, the attackers, purportedly repentant Boko Haram members, struck the police station at Ibrahim Taiwo, but were promptly thwarted.

Subsequently, they targeted Nigeria Immigration Service and NDLEA checkpoints, setting ablaze some structures.

An ongoing investigation seeks to identify the perpetrators behind these acts.

Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of chaos as the attackers forcibly entered the police station, freeing some detainees and injuring officers on duty.

Despite efforts by police operatives, reinforcements were necessary to regain control.

The incident has left residents apprehensive about Maiduguri’s safety, with some drawing parallels to past attacks.

Fanta Modu, a local resident, urged a reevaluation of the government’s approach to reintegrating repentant insurgents, questioning their true intentions.

Governor Babagana Zulum’s spokesperson, Abdulrahman Bundi, stated that official comment would follow once the government receives comprehensive information on the matter.

 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.