Zulum Advocates Agricultural Investment as Key to Addressing Insurgency in Africa

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stressed the critical role of agricultural investment in addressing insurgency and conflict in Nigeria and across Africa.

Governor Zulum stated this during a high-level panel discussion on “Public-Private and Development Partnerships for Agri-Food Transformation” at the headquarters of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The event was part of a three-day working visit by the President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to Nigeria.

The visit aimed to explore innovative agricultural practices, agribusiness models, and strengthen strategic partnerships between the two nations.

With its own history of conflict and post-war rebuilding efforts, Sierra Leone is eager to adopt strategies that have proven effective in conflict-affected regions.

In this regard, the country is keen to learn from Borno State’s agricultural initiatives, which have demonstrated remarkable resilience despite 16 years of Boko Haram insurgency.

Speaking alongside Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Governor Zulum shared insights into Borno’s agricultural transformation.

He highlighted the state’s substantial investments in solar-powered irrigation, large-scale farming, and public-private partnerships, which have already begun yielding significant results.

Governor Zulum noted that Borno State possesses over 1,000 tractors, 1,000 combine harvesters, and other modern agricultural machinery, which are key to boosting food security and economic development.

“My administration has invested significantly in agriculture. We currently have more than 1,000 tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural equipment capable of revitalizing the sector,” he stated.

He further emphasized that leveraging technology, large-scale farming, and climate-smart agriculture can address insecurity while creating sustainable and inclusive food systems across Africa.

“The Boko Haram insurgency has triggered an acute humanitarian crisis, devastated our social and economic fabric, and deepened poverty and fragility in the sub-region,” Governor Zulum stated.

“To tackle insurgency, we must address its root causes, including endemic poverty and pervasive illiteracy. When I assumed office, many agricultural lands were left uncultivated. I immediately began establishing mega farms in relatively peaceful areas to reverse this trend.”

Governor Zulum was accompanied by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijjani; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Bawu Musami; and renowned agriculturalist Dr. Musa Inuwa Kubo.

Others in attendance included the Chairman of the Borno Social Investment Agency, Hon. Yuguda Saleh Vungas, and the Special Adviser on Agriculture and Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Barrister Mustapha Busuguma.

Zulum Advocates Agricultural Investment as Key to Addressing Insurgency in Africa

NSCDC Boss Asks Officers to Desist from Inter-Agency Rivalry

By: Michael Mike

Commandant-General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr. Ahmed Audi has called on officers of the Corps against inter-agency rivalry and called for strengthened synergy.

The CG also urged personnel to leverage on the already existing relationships between security agencies by respecting boundaries.

Speaking on Wednesday at the commissioning of the newly renovated NSCDC FCT Command headquarters Quarter Guard, Audi told the officers and men of the command to be more committed in the discharge of their duties and build synergy.

Audi while urging the personnel to leverage on the already existing relationships between security agencies by respecting boundaries, said: “Don’t envy your brothers rather leverage on the experiences of officers and agencies that had been there for years and learn from them.

“Humble yourself, don’t embarrass the corps by ensuring you don’t intimidate anyone as accidental discharge is not acceptable according to the standard operating procedures of the corps.”

The CG called on officers to be committed in the discharge of their duties while adequately protecting Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI).

While inaugurating the quarter guard, Audi said that “quarter guard” symbolised regimental discipline which was essential for the image of the corps.

He said: “Quarter guard is a highly regimented exercise that is precisely used to commission dignitaries during visits.

“This is commendable as I urge you to put it to use maximally so that the service will be portrayed in a good manner.”

He commended the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu for his exemplary leadership roles in ensuring the Corps was strategically positioned in the territory.

“ As a leader you should be able to impact on the lives of your subject; Dr Odumosu knows where he is going and the management of the corps is proud of you and will continue to support you,” Audi said.

NSCDC Boss Asks Officers to Desist from Inter-Agency Rivalry

Troops Neutralize Boko Haram Bomb Expert, Amirul Bumma, others in Sambisa Forest

By: Zagazola Makama

At least nine Boko Haram fighters, including Amirul Bumma, the chief bomb maker of the terror group, have been eliminated in a fierce battle with Nigerian troops in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the encounter took place in Bama Local Government Area during a clearance operation under Operation Desert Sanity 4.

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 21 Armoured Brigade, 199 Special Forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and hybrid forces launched the offensive based on intelligence that insurgents were regrouping in a well-fortified enclave between Sabil Huda and Njimiya, near Alai Dala Stand.

The insurgents, caught off guard, attempted to resist but were overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower. In the aftermath of the battle, it was observed that the terrorists had brought hospital beds to the battlefield, intending to evacuate their casualties an indication of the devastating blow they suffered.

A battlefield damage assessment revealed that several high-profile Boko Haram figures were among those neutralized, including: Amirul Bumma, Boko Haram’s chief bomb maker, Bakura Ghana, Awari, Malam Kalli, Malam Usman Bula Kagoye, Ibrahim Bula Abu Asma’u
and Two others yet to be identified

In addition to neutralizing these insurgents, troops recovered a significant cache of high-caliber ammunition.

Meanwhile, in a desperate attempt to retaliate, Boko Haram fighters planted multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the troops’ withdrawal route. However, the troops successfully detected and neutralized about ten of these explosives, preventing potential casualties.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna, praised the troops for their success in the operation.

He lauded their bravery and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in the Northeast and across Nigeria.

Troops Neutralize Boko Haram Bomb Expert, Amirul Bumma, others in Sambisa Forest