News
Zulum Advocates Agricultural Investment as Key to Addressing Insurgency in Africa
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
Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have foiled a series of ambush attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Damasak–Gubio road in Magumeri axis of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the troops, who were on a fighting patrol as part of Operation Desert Sanity IV, came under fire from suspected terrorists on arrival at Binduldul.
Sources stated that the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. Reinforcements led by the Commanding Officer of the Battalion later exploited the scene, recovering two motorcycles, one AK-47 rifle, five blankets, three praying mats, a spare motorcycle tyre and two gallons of engine oil.
The sources added that one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter.
Furthermore, at about 3:05 p.m. on the same day, while withdrawing from the area, the troops encountered another ambush involving an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack followed by heavy gunfire from ISWAP fighters near Kardio village.
The soldiers successfully repelled the assault, safely detonated another IED along their main supply route, and returned to base without any casualty.
Photographs from the operation indicated successful recovery of items and neutralisation of threats in the area.
Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person and injuries to three others following an attack by suspected Fulani militias on Kopmur village, Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22 at about 4:00 p.m., when the armed assailants stormed a house where some local farmers had taken shelter and opened fire.
The attack led to the death of Dashan Mwanar, 42, while Sonma Mwanar, 32, Kyenkyes Dakup, 26, and Joy Vumshak, 25, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bokkos Division, led a team to the scene, where the injured victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The police said the deceased’s remains had been released to his relatives for burial after the family declined an autopsy.
Meanwhile, sources assured that investigation is ongoing, with intensified efforts to apprehend the culprits and prevent further attacks in the area.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified search and rescue operations following the abduction of a school principal and his daughter in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22, 2025, at about 3:00 a.m., when a group of armed kidnappers invaded the residence of Mr. Zakari Yelwa, Principal of Narati Government Secondary School, located opposite the Technical College, Abaji.
The assailants reportedly forced open the door to the residence and abducted Mr. Yelwa and his daughter, Hafsat Zakari, to an unknown destination.
Upon receipt of the distress call, a combined team of police operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, vigilante groups, and local hunters was immediately deployed to the scene.
The team has since launched a coordinated search operation, combing the surrounding bushes and hills in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
Police authorities assured residents of Abaji that all efforts are being made to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and urged the public to report any useful information that could aid the ongoing operation.
FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja
Nigeria-Germany Trade Volume Hits €3 billion – Envoy
Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri
NEC Endorses President Tinubu’s Proposal To Revamp Training Institutions For Security Agencies Nationwide
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
News6 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
