Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has charged the newly appointed chairman of the Yusufari local government area to consider security of lives and property as the priority of the administration.

Buni gave the warning today while swearing in Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the chairman of the council following the death of Alhaji Bah Abba Aji some few days ago.

According to Buni, the death of the chairman has created a vacuum that must be filled for continuity in governance, and this justifies the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the new chairman of the Yusufari local government council.

He urged him to be a good team player for a result-oriented administration that would give members of the council and people of the local government area a sense of belonging.

Governor Buni also urged the new chairman to conduct government business transparently to promote accountability and probity as well as to channel government resources into areas of need that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.

He appealed to the people of the local government area to support the new chairman for a smooth and successful administration that would meet the needs of the people.

Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari

Troops clear terrorist enclaves, neutralise IEDs in Sambisa offensive

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have cleared several terrorist enclaves and neutralised multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs during an ongoing offensive into the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V, involved troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade (SAB) and 26 Task Force Brigade, operating in conjunction with vigilante forces.

According to the source, the troops departed their Harbour Area at about 9:20 a.m. on Dec. 31, and conducted clearance operations along designated withdrawal routes within the Sambisa axis.

“The troops successfully cleared the terrorist enclaves of Garin Kago, Garin Alhaji Bita and Garin Malam Muazu during the operation,” the source said.

The areas were described as active terrorist locations; however, the insurgents reportedly fled before the arrival of the advancing troops.

“Despite the terrorists’ withdrawal, several life-support structures within the enclaves were identified and destroyed in line with operational guidelines,” the source added.

During the withdrawal phase, troops encountered three buried IEDs, which were promptly detonated in situ by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team without incident.

The troops later returned safely to Brigade Headquarters at about 4:45 p.m., while casualties recorded during the operation were immediately evacuated to the 7 Division Medical Hospital for further medical attention.

The operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to degrade terrorist networks, dismantle logistics bases and deny insurgents freedom of movement within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

Troops clear terrorist enclaves, neutralise IEDs in Sambisa offensive

Education Gets Highest Share as Zulum Presents N890.33bn 2026 Budget to Borno Assembly

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has presented an N890.33 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with the education sector receiving the largest allocation.

The budget, titled “Budget of Sustained Recovery and Growth,” places strong emphasis on capital development, with over 61 per cent of the total expenditure devoted to capital projects, while recurrent spending accounts for about 39 per cent.p

Addressing members of the House of Assembly, Zulum disclosed that the proposal comprises N353.77 billion for recurrent expenditure and N536.56 billion for capital expenditure, stressing that the spending plan is designed to deepen recovery efforts and accelerate development in the state.

According to the governor, the budget reflects the administration’s commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, revitalising the economy and improving the quality of life for residents following years of insurgency.

The sectoral breakdown of allocations showed that education tops the list with N135.43 billion. The funds are expected to support the construction and rehabilitation of schools, teacher recruitment, and scholarship programmes across the state.

The works and housing sector received N94.27 billion to fund road construction, bridge projects and housing development, while the health sector was allocated N66.41 billion for the completion of hospitals, procurement of medical equipment and supply of essential drugs.

Other key allocations include N58.71 billion for the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to facilitate the return and resettlement of displaced persons, N44.95 billion for agriculture to boost food production, and N21.35 billion for water resources projects. Funds were also set aside for information and internal security to strengthen peace and stability.

On the revenue side, the state expects N317.69 billion from the Federation Account, N44.30 billion from internally generated revenue, and N417.23 billion from capital receipts, including grants and development funds.

In his response, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, assured the governor that the legislature would give the budget proposal prompt and thorough consideration to ensure it aligns with the state’s development priorities before passage.

Education Gets Highest Share as Zulum Presents N890.33bn 2026 Budget to Borno Assembly