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Tribute to the late flight Sergeant Temitope Beckley

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Tribute to the late flight Sergeant Temitope Beckley

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Dear Tope, I am still in shock that you had to leave so early at just 50. Seven years before your father our dear uncle Alaba left at 57. And my own father your uncle too same 57, all of the Akinlawon stock of the Beckleys in Lagos.

Sad you had to leave us so early. I am sad because of the bond we shared as special cousins or what people of your generation call besties. You were a jolly good fellow to me in particular whenever our paths crossed. Aburo (little brother), as I used to call you, family may share the same names sometimes and blood but very few are real friends within a particular family. If there are friends within our family, you are definitely one of them. A very jovial fellow who looks out for the others. A friend indeed among brothers and cousins. Your eyes always glittered when you were around me. And of recent you became more concerned about me when you heard that I was in the North East Nigerian war theatre of operation Hadin Kai. I assured you that because He lives i will always face tomorrow.

How we built our friendship

I remember my brief stay with you guys at the family house in folarin street, Mushin. Trying to rediscover myself as Uncle Alaba would call it anytime he asked me to escort him to EMPLAN consult were he was working then. Each time we returned, you were always close by asking the right questions the little ones always asked their older brothers. I enjoyed your restlessness at that young tender age, wanting to know a lot of things out there especially when we watched TV together and you did not understand what was going on. With the kinds of questions your probing mind used to ask, I always knew that you were going to become one of the shining lights of the family. I even dreamt of you joining me in serving God and country as a media practitioner one day. But you had other plans and ended up at the Nigerian Air Force as you did till your last breath on Sunday March 1st 2026 due to a protracted illness.

When I later started my studies to train as a journalist and found myself staying at Akobi crescent with Uncle Akobi, you never forget to stop by and check on me. You kept the flame burning. Your appearances were always remarkable with that glitter in your eyes which used to lighten up my weekend whenever you showed up. Brother Akin was always at hand to host us. Whenever he wasn’t around, we would go out to hang out as young people to have fun. You were always with the older ones hardly having time for your generation. Distance would now separate us when I was posted to Taraba state by the then daily times as its maiden correspondent. But we always met along the way until you joined the air force.

Your worries about Nigeria

Tope, at your level in the service in the military, you already knew the difference between right and wrong and you were very methodical and meticulous in the way you conducted your affairs. You asked more questions as always but this time as a seasoned personnel of the Nigerian Air Force. You knew where you were coming from and were you wanted to be in the nearest future. I encouraged you that in all things we should give thanks to our Creator. The one who is and is to come. You were on course in your relationship with him.

I remember our last discussion, about the insurgency challenge the military is dealing with at our backyard in Borno. Your perception about the Nigerian Air Force which you served till your natural passing. And your projection for the future in terms of security for the country. I asked for your family and you updated me that they were fine. I was worried about the fact that I am yet to meet your loving family but you assured me that we would surely meet someday even though your spouse was in Canada pursuing her dream. The telephone chat zeroed down to why I called. I actually chatted you because I remembered your father the great Uncle Alaba who had gone to the great beyond. And I wanted to honour his memory with a tribute 29 years after his demise. You promised feeding me with the extra details I wanted to add to what I got from your big sis Tosin. But that never happened. I never got the pictures of Uncle or the details I wanted. That has been rested for his 30th anniversary now.
Rather what I got was a rude shock of your sudden collapse and departure from this world. Tope, you suddenly joined your father in the great beyond at the untimely age of 50. We can’t question God Almighty our Creator over this decision. We would rather give thanks to him for the life you lived because He said we must give thanks to Him in all things.
Aburo, all I can say now is permission granted because you never sort for anyone’s permission to bow out. This was the command of your creator, the All knowing I Am who decides when it is time to come or to leave this world. Tope, be rest assured that some of us will never forget coming across your path in this short life. Enjoy your sleep great soldier until we meet to part no more.

Broda Sam.

Tribute to the late flight Sergeant Temitope Beckley

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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