News
N12 Million Lands Controversy: Borno correspondent chapel holds emergency congress
N12 Million Lands Controversy: Borno correspondent chapel holds emergency congress
…As NUJ Chairman threatens journalist in Maiduguri
By: James Bwala
The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Borno State, held an Emergency Congress Meeting on Monday, 7th February 2022, on the controversy surrounding the alleged sale of NUJ Borno Council plots of land in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
The chapel following its Congress condemn unequivocally, the alleged sale of the Union property by some officials of the union without due process and flagrant disregard to the NUJ Constitution.
A communique signed by the Chapel Chairman and Secretary Mr Haruna Daura and Mr Timothy Olanrewaju to that effect states that “We call the officials involved, to as a matter of urgency, do everything legally possible to retrieve and return the said property.
“The chapel is appalled that despite the gravity of the act, the leadership of the union has refused to call a properly constituted SEC Meeting or Congress, where the issue can be addressed.
“As far as we, as a chapel are concerned, the meeting held on 25th January 2022, was more like an abridged stakeholders’ meeting, and its convocation did not conform with Article 5, Section F (g & h) of the NUJ Constitution.
“We call on the leadership of the union to convoke Congress Meeting within 7 days from now.
“We advise former leaders of the union and our elders to comport themselves properly against any unbecoming utterances or act(s), concerning the land matter.
“We demand clarity from the National Secretariat of the union, over the controversial approval given for the sale of the land in question.
“We commend the Council Officials that tendered their resignations, for upholding a high level of standard and integrity; especially our own Mr Dauda Iliya.
“We, as concerned and bonafide members of the Union, have resolved to pursue this matter to its logical conclusion, to restore the dignity of the journalism profession.”
Meanwhile, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Bulama Talba has threatened to deal with a particular journalist said to have been pushing for his resignation following the alledged controversial land sales owned by the NUJ in Maiduguri where the Chairman and few others were criminally involved.
In a text message purportedly sent to the journalist by the state Chairman of the NUJ, the threat reads: “Thank you I heard all that you are saying. You that you don’t have even a recognised medium yet we allowed you to practice what you think is right?
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” Anyway no problem. You have so soon forgotten that you tried to sleep with someone’s wife and a member which is the highest crime anyone can commit in NUJ but we allow you got away with it. Secondly, you are no more an NUJ member because you are sacked from Tribune yet you remain in Borno State and in the NUJ platform. All these problems we are going address including our own when we call a Congress very soon. You think you are smart we shall see.
“We have filed all your crimes to the national secretariat and very soon you will hear from us.”
The Chairman forwarded a letter purportedly send to the National Secretary of NUJ which reads: “Sir, We write to draw the attention of the national secretariat to one Mr Kayode Bodurin who was sacked by Tribune Newspaper as their correspondent here in Borno State. Mr Kayode once tried to sleep with someone’s wife who is also our member with Channels TV and the case is still ongoing and will be sent to you for final judgment. Mr Kayode is presently a threat to politicians in Borno State from the reports we are receiving which include blackmail and extortion among others.
“We, therefore, suggest to the national secretariat to suspend Mr Kayode from NUJ pending further investigations on his atrocities.”
It could be recalled that, the leadership of the Borno NUJ were alledged to have told members that out of the 12 million naira land proceeds, they have remitted one million naira to the National body as dues for members.
While the issue is degenerating, there are fillers that the leadership of the union will be coming to Maiduguri to address the matter however, continuing silence on their coming and the situation on ground regarding the controversial land sale is making various chapels call for congress in order to deal with the issue once and for all.
N12 Million Lands Controversy: Borno correspondent chapel holds emergency congress
Crime
Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos
Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has announced the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Festac Division, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, who passed away while receiving medical treatment in Lagos.
The incident occurred on Oct. 24, 2025, at about 11:30 p.m., when the officer reportedly died at the Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, during a medical session for fibroid treatment.
Following the report, a delegation from the Command visited the hospital to confirm the development and make necessary arrangements.
“The corpse was evacuated to a public morgue for preservation and autopsy,”sources said.
The Command said arrangements were underway, in collaboration with the late officer’s family, to accord her a befitting burial.
CSP Ngbanoyen was described as a dedicated and disciplined officer who served the Nigeria Police Force with commitment and professionalism.
The Command expressed condolences to her family, colleagues, and friends over the tragic loss.
Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos
News
Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri
Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
Hamza Ibrahim Idris, a bereaved husband in Maiduguri, Borno, has paid a touching tribute to his late wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was allegedly murdered by suspected phone snatchers.
In a heartfelt message titled “Ga Masoyiyata Nurse Hadiza Musa”, the widower expressed deep sorrow over the death of his wife, describing her as a virtuous woman, devoted mother, and compassionate health worker who dedicated her life to saving others.
“It’s been three days since my heart has burned with the pain of losing my wife, my life partner, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was killed in cold blood by those who snatched her phone,” he wrote.
“She was not just a wife she was my confidant, the mother of my three children, and the other half of my soul. We lived in love, understanding and mutual support, building dreams and hoping to grow old together. But now, that dream has been shattered,” he said.
The grieving husband described Hadiza as a woman of faith, humility and kindness who always put others first.
“As a nurse, she devoted her life to saving others with a smile and compassion. Yet, the life she saved was taken unjustly she died in faith and martyrdom,” he added.
He recounted the pain of their children’s repeated questions: “Daddy, where is Mommy?” a reminder, he said, of the irreplaceable void left by her death.
“Each time I hear those words, tears flow. In their faces, I see hers a woman of truth, love, and belief,” he said.
Offering prayers, he said: “Oh Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive her shortcomings, elevate her rank, grant her Aljanna Firdaus, bless her children, and give me strength and patience.”
He added that though Hadiza was gone, her love remained in his heart and prayers, expressing hope of reuniting with her in the hereafter “where there will be no pain, no tears, and no separation.”
“May Allah forgive and have mercy on my beloved wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa. May her grave be a garden of paradise. May He grant me patience and protect our children,” he concluded tearfully.
The incident, which occurred recently in Maiduguri, has sparked outrage among residents who have called for stronger security measures to curb rising cases of phone snatching and violent attacks in the city.
Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri
News
Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey
Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey
By: Zagazola Makama
Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu’s appointment as the new Chief of Army Staff marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to consolidate gains in the fight against insurgency and strengthen national security.
Before his elevation to the apex position in the Nigerian Army, Gen. Shuaibu served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North-East, where his 14-month tenure was defined by tactical innovation, operational success, and deep civil-military engagement. His leadership transformed the counter-insurgency landscape, restoring relative stability to vast areas once dominated by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
Upon assuming command of OPHK, Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu prioritized operational readiness, launching an extensive refurbishment of key military assets to boost troop morale and combat capability. He spearheaded the repair of vital armoured platforms, including ten VP1 Type 89 APCs, five BMPs, three Steyr APCs, and six Camel MRAPs, ensuring optimal deployment for the 2024 dry-season operations.
These efforts culminated in the historic deep-clearance operations into Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuktu Triangle in early 2024, which dealt devastating blows to terrorist hideouts, supply chains, and command structures. His coordinated offensive operations neutralized more than 567 terrorists and dismantled several high-value enemy enclaves between February 2024 and March 2025.
Under his leadership, the integration of air and ground components reached new heights. The Nigerian Air Force component executed over 230 sorties and 232 interdiction missions, clocking more than 567 flight hours, while the UAV Command carried out 760 ISR operations totaling 6,674 hours. These precision missions enhanced battlefield awareness, enabling ground troops to conduct over 9,800 patrols, 2,700 ambushes, and 990 clearance operations with high success rates.
Intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of 161 terrorist logisticians and the surrender of over 121,000 insurgents and their families — a remarkable milestone that shifted the dynamics of the North-East conflict toward peacebuilding and reintegration.
Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s counter-insurgency philosophy went beyond the battlefield. He introduced the Local Community Policing and Peace Enforcement (LCPPE) model in February 2024 — an initiative that deepened trust between the military and local communities. This approach paved the way for stabilization operations, including the resettlement of more than 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kukawa and other restored communities.
He also promoted civil-military cooperation through humanitarian and religious initiatives, including a Qur’anic Recitation Competition aimed at fostering moral resilience and unity among troops and civilians. Three participants were later sponsored for the Hajj pilgrimage — a gesture that reinforced goodwill and trust.
A hallmark of his tenure was the focus on infrastructure and troop welfare. He initiated the renovation and modernization of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Headquarters complex, constructed new escort and drivers’ lounges, refurbished soldiers’ accommodation, and built 30 two-bedroom community-based quarters for military families.
Additionally, the installation of long-range surveillance cameras in Monguno, Gajiram, and Kekeno enhanced operational intelligence and perimeter monitoring, further strengthening theatre-wide security.
Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s command period witnessed the elimination of several notorious terrorist leaders, including Tahir Baga and Abu Rijal, whose deaths crippled jihadist coordination and recruitment. His effective decapitation strategy was complemented by humanitarian outreach, leading to a steady return of normalcy in major population centres across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
In recognition of these achievements, the North-East Theatre under his command received the Security Watch Africa Award in December 2024 as the Most Outstanding Defence Command in Africa, underscoring the effectiveness of his leadership and innovation in asymmetric warfare.
Now as Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shuaibu is expected to replicate his transformative approach on a national scale. Security analysts and defence watchers believe his deep operational experience and emphasis on community-driven stability will guide the Nigerian Army toward renewed efficiency and professionalism.
His appointment signals continuity, discipline, and modernization — values he consistently championed throughout his command. Stakeholders within defence and civil sectors alike express optimism that his era will usher in strategic reforms to fortify Nigeria’s military capabilities and accelerate victory against insecurity.
Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s rise from Theatre Commander to Army Chief embodies the success of merit, dedication, and results-oriented leadership, a journey rooted in courage, intellect, and an unyielding commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria.
Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey
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