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A Bulwark for Borno’s Resilience: A Few Of Zulum’s Security Feats
A Bulwark for Borno’s Resilience: A Few Of Zulum’s Security Feats
By Dauda Iliya
Weighed on the scale of the insecurity ravaging the entity he was entrusted with the responsibility of governing since May 29, 2019, the feats accomplished by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State on the restoration of security as sine qua non for the recovery of the state from an appalling terror-orchestrated retrogression, and positioning it on the trajectory of prosperity have been exceptionally weighty.
With countless encomiums showered on the Professor of Agricultural Engineering-turned-governor from all nooks and crannies of the country and the globe over the last seven years of his governorship, even the most unapologetic critics of his administration would attest to this incontrovertible fact.
Prof. Zulum assumed the governorship of the state, smouldering with resilience, the passion to pilot the ship of the state to the shores of recovery and prosperity, and the unshakeable resolve to sustain the tempo of the search for lasting security for his dear, beleaguered state.
As the bulwark of Borno’s Resilience, Zulum has, for the past seven years, been unyielding in his strong commitment to the restoration of security and the recovery of the state. On countless instances, he mortgaged his safety and security as he trotted around the state, ministering to the numerous needs of the terror-traumatized population.
He was personally attacked several times when he was the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement.
In 2020 alone, Governor Zulum was attacked four times in what seemed a coordinated scheme to frustrate his efforts at relocating over hundred of thousands of internally Displaced Persons (IDP) to their ancestral homes across the local government areas of the state,
most-notably during his visit to the fishing community of Baga in Kukawa LGA, where his convoy was ambushed in the year 2020. He survived the attack that could have frustrated the entire relocation and resettlement programme of the IDPs across the state.
On September 25 2020, the governor’s convoy was again attacked by suspected insurgents on its way to Baga, leaving several persons dead. Less than 48 hours later, on Sunday, September 27, another attack was launched on the governor’s motorcade in Monguno, on its way back to Maiduguri, the State capital, but no casualty was reported.
Governor Zulum was not only unruffled by such attacks but also unrelenting in his travels around the state to deliver services. The more the attacks on his convoy, the more he smouldered with the gusto and commitment to rebuild Borno from the rubble of insurgency and position it on the trajectory of prosperity in the class of its sister states of the federation.
In the face of such attacks, he stood face-to-face with the stark reality that daring all such frustrating challenges was the only way open to him to do his work. There was just no other way. He, therefore, resolved to dare all such challenges. He has, incontrovertibly, been daring the challenges most uncommonly.
Daredevil, absolutely incredibly, and prepared most particularly for sustainable recovery projects and programmes, he was fully aware that his administration had to contribute whatever was necessary, however many resources it could, to restore security.
Security is the duty and responsibility of the federal government, but its state and its people are the ones suffering and dying because of its lack. Therefore, while pleading passionately with the federal government and the military to please not allow the terrorists to retake his state from him, he promptly swung into action, contributing a huge quantum of resources that the security agencies need to fight terror.
He does this, while frontally tackling the massive humanitarian crisis ignited by the terror, simultaneously joining forces with the military to check or, at least, minimize the sudden terror resurgences before they reach an appalling state and rage that might take decades to subdue.
For Zulum and every stakeholder in the security of Nigeria, it would be most scary to witness any mass exodus of displaced communities, sacked once again by the resurgence, back to the already closed Maiduguri metropolis IDP camps, which were the most nauseating features of the 2014-2024 insurgency-precipitated humanitarian crisis.
In response to the series of resurging attacks, most scarily between the end of April and the middle of May 2025, most especially around Marte, Damboa, Gajiram, Chibok and the Mandara Hills of Gwoza, Zulum, therefore, hastened to Marte Local Government Area to assess the situation and provide support to the affected communities while deepening his pleas to the federal government and the military to hasten to his rescue before the terrorists retake Marte.
Between 2024 and 2025, Boko Haram/ISWAP tried several pranks to clip Zulum’s wings as he soared higher in his search for security for his state. The terrorists have been marauding into the Borno terrain from their border enclaves, tormenting resettled communities, killing scores, to, apparently, scare Zulum from going ahead with his UN-praised Borno Model of societal recovery.
Zulum, leveraging the fascinating successes of the security agencies – The North-East Operation Hadin Kai Theater Command in Maiduguri and the Multi-National Joint Task Force headquartered in Ndjamena, Chad Republic, seems solidly determined to ensure that Borno recovers from the terror-inflicted humanitarian crisis and, as a competent representative of the Nigerian authorities, squeezes terror out of the shores of Nigeria.
Excitingly, undeterred by the persistent resurgence of terror across the Northern, Central, and parts of the Southern zones of the state, Governor Zulum, smouldering with an uncommon determination and daredevil stance on recovery, still trotted around, resettling communities and instilling resilience to withstand the resurgence of terror.
Support to Military/Security Agencies and Volunteers
Governor Zulum has demonstrated exemplary leadership in addressing the state’s pressing security concerns through deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
In the last one year, Zulum has procured and distributed 481 operational vehicles to the military, Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, other law enforcement agencies, the Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes.
Additionally, in November 2025, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum distributed 63 operational vehicles to security agencies in Maiduguri to enhance surveillance and combat emerging threats.
The beneficiaries include 30 vehicles for 10 sectors of the Civilian JTF, 16 for Rapid Response and Anti-Social Vices units, 10 for paramilitary organisations, six for local hunters, and one for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Zulum said the initiative aligns with his administration’s sustained efforts to strengthen security logistics across the state. “We will continue to support the security apparatus to ensure Borno is completely free from insurgency,” he stated.
Earlier in 2025, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum distributed 110 brand-new operational vehicles, 500 motorcycles, and 280 houses to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
According to the distribution formula, 60 vehicles will be allocated to the Nigerian Police and 50 vehicles and 500 motorcycles to the Nigerian military.
Zulum also approved an upward review of the monthly allowances to volunteers under the Borno Youth Empowerment Scheme, popularly known as the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Vigilantes Hunters, and Neighbourhood Watch.
Zulum approved an upward review of the monthly allowance for each volunteer from ₦30,000.00 to ₦50,000.00, while leaders of the volunteer groups will now receive ₦150,000.00 each.
The reviewed allowance has already started hitting their accounts, resulting in a revised monthly expenditure of ₦232.4 million.
“The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Vigilantes, Hunters, and Neighbourhood Watch have consistently demonstrated gallantry, resilience, and unwavering commitment in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents,” Zulum stated.
In recognition of these sacrifices and in appreciation of their steadfast dedication to peace and security, Zulum also approved an upward review of allowances for the
leaders of the volunteer groups to ₦150,000.00 each.
Zulum’s Tour to Pulka/Ngoshe
Over the last seven years, Zulum has maintained his routine of visiting communities affected by attacks to commiserate with them, build their resilience, and console them with humanitarian aid. Most recently, he paid a confidence- and resilience-building visit to the displaced persons in Ngoshe, who are currently taking refuge in Pulka.
Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on 4th March, forcing residents to flee their homes.
This was the second time Governor Babagana Zulum has visited victims of Ngoshe, in expression of grave concern about the security situation not only in Gwoza, but also in the entire State.
Addressing the displaced persons at the Pulka Central Primary School, Zulum said the visit was aimed at reinforcing government support, boosting public confidence, and engaging stakeholders on improved security strategies.
“The major reason why we are here is first and foremost to once again sympathize with them and to convey our deepest sympathy, and to assure them that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Borno State Government will do everything possible to strengthen the security of the entire Gwoza community,” Zulum said.
He reassured residents of Gwoza and surrounding communities of strengthened security measures and sustained humanitarian support following recent attacks, stressing that all those in captivity will be rescued.
Governor Zulum spent the entire Saturday night coordinating security activities in Pulka following the recent attacks in Ngoshe, Pulka, and other communities in Gwoza. That was the first time a sitting Governor has slept in Pulka, a community 22 kilometers from Gwoza.
He noted to them that leadership is all about commitment and sacrifice, a hallmark of his administration since he assumed office.
“Leadership is not about living in your comfort zone and then addressing people and addressing their concerns, but coming directly to the doorsteps of the less privileged. This has been my tradition, this has been my culture since I assumed duty as the governor of the state,” Zulum said.
“I cannot remember when I lived consecutively for 10 days in my office or even one week since I assumed duty. I’m always in the remote areas attending to people, and I believe this is what we should do from now on to the end of my own administration,” he noted.
Governor Zulum, on Sunday, visited Ngoshe to see for himself the level of damage, which is about 40 kilometers away from Gwoza. He disbursed cash and relief items to over 30,000 people affected by the recent incident.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting the affected community, the Governor described the level of destruction as shocking and heartbreaking.
He assured residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area that the government will rebuild homes and public infrastructure destroyed by recent attacks, while intensifying security efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.
…Vows Ngoshe Will Not Fall Again
Governor Zulum reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal and the Borno State governments to decisively address the lingering security challenges in the state, assuring residents of Ngoshe that the town would not be allowed to fall back into the control of insurgents insha Allah.
Addressing troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion Ngoshe, Zulum said efforts are ongoing to strengthen the military’s capacity.
“I want to assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria, and indeed the Government of Borno State, under the leadership of the Armed Forces, will do everything possible to contain the lingering security situation,” he said.
The governor emphasized the strategic importance of Ngoshe, warning that its fall could have wider security implications for surrounding communities.” Ngoshe is very important. The fall of Ngoshe would send a very bad signal to Pulka, Kirawa, Gwoza, and even Bama. We shall not allow this town to be taken over again by insurgents,” he assured.
These efforts at restoring security to Borno, exceptionally commendable as they may seem, constitute just a modicum of the vast array of accomplishments Governor Zulum has registered in this most critical requirement for the very existence and prosperity of every entity.
As the Agricultural Engineering-turned-governor winds up his two-tenure governorship stint, it is most-crucially imperative for Borno, its stakeholders and entire people to comb, with a fine tooth comb, the state’s political cum public servants class to sieve out a personality possessing the character, credibility and capacity of Zulum to sustain the tempo of search for lasting security and consolidate on Zulum’s accomplishments, but add value to those accomplishments.
Zulum’s successor should be a genius or, at least, exceptionally talented and committed to doing something strikingly new.
“Towering genius distains a beaten path; it seeks regions hitherto unexplored,” Abraham Lincoln would say.
Dauda Iliya is the Special Adviser on Media/Spokesperson to the Borno State Governor
A Bulwark for Borno’s Resilience: A Few Of Zulum’s Security Feats
Honouring a Fallen Shield
Ashlee Momoh Foundation Leads Heartfelt Tribute to Fallen Hero Brig. Gen. Braimah
A Tribute to Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah
Issued by the Board of Trustees, Management, and Volunteers of the Ashlee Momoh Foundation Abuja, Federal Capital Territory 
To the family of the late Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah
To the Government and People of Edo State, And to the gallant Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that the Ashlee Momoh Foundation joins the nation in mourning the loss of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who paid the ultimate price following the midnight attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh. His passing, alongside the brave officers and soldiers who fell beside him, leaves a silence that words can scarcely fill.
A Life Defined by Service
General Braimah was more than a soldier. He was a shield for the vulnerable, a steady hand in moments of crisis, and a living testament to the courage that defines the Nigerian spirit. His leadership inspired those under his command, and his devotion to duty protected countless lives he would never meet. To lose a commander of such calibre, together with his courageous troops, is a grief that travels far beyond the frontlines — into the homes, hearts, and hopes of a grateful nation.
To His Family
We recognise that while the nation mourns a General, you mourn a husband, a father, a son, and the quiet pillar of your home. The cost of service is borne most heavily by those left behind, and no public tribute can ease that private weight. We acknowledge the enormity of your sacrifice. The absence of such a man creates a stillness that only time, faith, and love can gently soften. In this dark hour, please know that you do not grieve alone.
To Edo State and Nigeria
Our nation has lost a strategic mind and a fearless protector. His absence will echo in the ranks of the military and in the hearts of every citizen who has slept soundly because of men like him. His death is a solemn reminder of the ongoing cost of our peace — and of the urgent, continuing duty we all share to honour that price through action, unity, and care for those who stand on the frontlines in our name.
Our Commitment
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation was established on a simple, enduring principle: no hero’s sacrifice should result in the neglect of those they loved. Our mission places military families, widows, and vulnerable communities at the centre of our welfare, advocacy, and humanitarian work. We believe the legacy of men like General Braimah must be honoured not only in the words spoken today, but in tangible support sustained across years — in the education of their children, the dignity of their spouses, and the security of the communities for which they gave everything.We stand for a Nigeria where the blood of our heroes becomes the seed of a more secure and compassionate society. We remain firmly dedicated to strengthening the structures that care for our veterans, their dependents, and the families left in the wake of their service, so that the flame of their sacrifice is never allowed to dim.
A Final Word
May the soul of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, and the souls of the gallant soldiers who fell with him, rest in perfect peace. May the Almighty comfort his family, strengthen his comrades-in-arms, and grant our nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss — and the resolve to be worthy of his sacrifice.
With deepest sympathy and abiding respect,The Board of Trustees, Management, and Volunteers Ashlee Momoh Foundation Restoring Hope, Rebuilding Lives
Ashlee Momoh Foundation Leads Heartfelt Tribute to Fallen Hero Brig. Gen. Braimah*
Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026
By: Michael Mike
A powerful coalition of global and national leaders has challenged Nigerian students to take ownership of the future, as the Lagos Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LASSMUN) 2026 opened with a resounding focus on digital transformation, equity, and sustainable development.
At the heart of the gathering was a clear message: young people are not just participants in tomorrow’s world—they are already shaping it.
Delivering a keynote message, António Guterres underscored the United Nations’ unwavering belief in the capacity of youth to drive meaningful change. He told delegates that Model UN platforms are more than academic exercises—they are training grounds for leadership, diplomacy, and problem-solving in an increasingly complex world.
He emphasized that building a better future demands stamina, courage, and a deep commitment to fairness, urging students to always center the needs of the most vulnerable in their decision-making.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, reinforced the importance of education as a cornerstone of national progress, describing LASSMUN as a strategic investment in the next generation of leaders.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to strengthen education systems through innovation, infrastructure, and policies that promote critical thinking and character development. According to him, the discipline and engagement demanded by Model UN simulations mirror real-life governance and should inspire students to lead with integrity and purpose.
Providing a broader intellectual perspective, Efosa Osaghae, represented by Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, said digital transformation holds immense promise for addressing global inequalities in education. However, he warned that without deliberate policies to ensure inclusiveness, technology could deepen existing divides.
He called for sustained investments in digital infrastructure, improved access, and stronger policy frameworks to ensure that no learner is left behind in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.
The Director of the United Nations Information Centre Abuja, Ronald Kayanja, took the message further, reminding participants that youth are already central to global efforts on peace, climate action, and sustainable development.
He urged delegates to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation—core values of the United Nations—while also developing the critical ability to distinguish facts from misinformation in an increasingly polarized information landscape.
Earlier, LASSMUN President Damilola Ogunsanwo set the tone for the conference, describing it as a transformative experience that instills discipline, collaboration, and respect for global processes.
Also speaking, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuf, emphasized that Model UN bridges classroom learning with real-world application, equipping students with essential skills such as negotiation, public speaking, and teamwork.
Adding a development perspective, Ms. Genevieve Chukwuezi, representing the United Nations Development Programme Lagos Office, highlighted how technology proved indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity in learning despite widespread school closures.
She stressed that digital transformation must go beyond access to technology, focusing instead on innovation, scalability, and the ability to translate ideas into practical solutions that drive economic and social progress.
In a striking intervention, the conference Secretary-General, Praise Oyekunbi, cautioned against superficial adoption of technology, warning that digital tools without equitable access risk entrenching injustice rather than solving it.
“Technology without equity is not progress—it is exclusion,” she declared, drawing attention to the urgent need for inclusive digital policies.
With debates and committee sessions underway, LASSMUN 2026 is shaping up as more than a conference—it is a platform cultivating a new generation of informed, responsible, and globally conscious leaders ready to confront the defining challenges of the 21st century.
Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026
News
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, security institutions, and the education sector have called for urgent early intervention, stronger enforcement of anti-bullying policies, and expanded youth empowerment programmes to address rising cases of bullying in Nigerian schools.
They made the call at a Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools convened by International Alert Nigeria on Friday in Abuja, where experts warned that bullying is increasingly becoming a major driver of mental health challenges and broader social risks among young people.
NDLEA links bullying to drug abuse risks
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa, warned that persistent bullying could expose young people to substance abuse and other harmful coping behaviours.
Represented by Henrietta HoldGod of the agency’s Counselling and Psychosocial Support Unit, he said victims of bullying often suffer anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.
He stressed that in some cases, affected students may resort to drugs as a coping mechanism, noting that prevention of bullying directly aligns with NDLEA’s broader preventive mandate.
“Protecting children from bullying also means protecting them from pathways that may lead to drug abuse and other harmful behaviours,” he said, adding that safer schools are essential for building resilient communities.
NAPTIP urges zero tolerance and collective responsibility
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, described bullying as a violation of human rights that requires collective action across homes, schools, and communities.
Represented by NAPTIP Director Rebecca Enwusoyere, she called for strict zero-tolerance policies in schools, stronger parental engagement, and sustained community advocacy.
She also urged stakeholders to equip young people with skills to identify, resist, and report bullying, stressing that awareness campaigns, peer education, and safe reporting channels are critical to preventing silent suffering among victims.
Experts warn of rising mental health burden
A Senior Research Fellow in International Education and Development at the Open University, Dr. Margaret Ebubedike, said bullying had worsened in the post-COVID-19 period, with significant consequences for students’ mental health and learning outcomes.
She noted that bullying extends beyond individuals to affect families and the education system, disrupting academic engagement and undermining safe learning environments.
Citing regional data, she said between 27 and 50 percent of children in Sub-Saharan Africa experience bullying, warning that Nigeria’s situation appears more severe, with more than half of secondary school students reportedly affected.
“Tackling bullying requires a collective response involving parents, educators, policymakers, and communities,” she said.
Security agency warns of wider societal risks
The Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, cautioned that unresolved bullying cases could escalate into broader security threats if not addressed early.
Represented by CSC Adeoye Adegoke, he emphasised the need for early reporting systems and coordinated institutional responses to prevent escalation.
Federal Government reiterates policy commitment
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling bullying through the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Schools.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Augustine Udo said the policy provides a framework for accountability, protection, and enforcement, urging stakeholders to move from policy discussions to practical implementation.
She called for stronger reporting mechanisms and increased empathy among students, teachers, and parents.
The Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria also confirmed that implementation guidelines and a dedicated committee have been established to ensure nationwide rollout of anti-bullying measures across schools.
Experts push for system-wide action
Behavioural Change Communication expert, Ms. Ayotola Ilori, said data shows bullying is widespread, with about 32 percent of Nigerians aged 12 to 17 affected, while as many as 85 percent are either victims, perpetrators, or both.
She welcomed the 2025 National Anti-Bullying Policy but warned that policy design alone is insufficient without full system-level implementation across schools nationwide.
Ilori also called for coordinated action across all 774 local government areas, urging students to speak up and avoid silence when facing bullying.
International Alert calls for practical interventions
Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udo, said the initiative was prompted by growing concerns over recent bullying incidents, including a widely reported case in Edo State.
Represented by Programme Manager Sunday Jimoh, he said the dialogue aimed to move beyond awareness creation to actionable policy solutions.
He noted that bullying is not limited to schools but also exists in workplaces, sports, and leadership spaces, describing it as a broader societal challenge.
Udo said the organisation is working with schools to establish Youth Peace Clubs, where students are trained in conflict resolution and the psychological impact of bullying.
He added that safe reporting systems are also being developed to ensure victims can report incidents before they escalate.
At the end of the dialogue, organisers said a communiqué and policy roadmap would be developed to guide future advocacy and strengthen government engagement on anti-bullying interventions nationwide.
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria
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Ashlee Momoh Foundation Leads Heartfelt Tribute to Fallen Hero Brig. Gen. Braimah
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