Borno Agency for the Great Green Wall Plants Trees at Key Infrastructure Projects to Combat Desertification

The Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall (BAGGW) has taken significant strides in its mission to mitigate climate change, combat desertification, and restore the environment in Borno State. As part of its ongoing efforts to address desert encroachment, the Agency has launched a tree planting initiative at newly commissioned infrastructures across the state.

Following the directives of His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum CON, the Executive Governor of Borno State, the Agency recently planted a total of 700 seedlings at several key locations. These efforts are aimed at replacing depleted vegetation due to urban development and contributing to the greening of Borno.

By: Our Reporter

At the Higher Day Islamic School in Miringa, 400 seedlings were planted, marking a significant contribution to the environmental sustainability of the school’s grounds. The Biu Dental and Eye Hospital, another important infrastructure project recently commissioned by Governor Zulum, saw 200 seedlings planted to enhance the ecological balance around the hospital. Additionally, 100 seedlings were planted at the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Shaffa, located in the Hawul Local Government Area, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to environmental preservation.

In a move to create lasting green spaces across the state, the agency also initiated the establishment of the ‘Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum CON Green Zone,’ a dedicated area aimed at counteracting the effects of desertification and promoting environmental sustainability.

Amb. Usman Aliyu, the Director-General of the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall, confirmed that the tree planting initiatives are part of the broader goals of the Agency to create green zones within major urban and rural centers of Borno. As part of this, the Agency continues to engage in activities such as soil restoration, afforestation, and community awareness programs, all designed to protect and preserve Borno’s natural environment for future generations.

In addition to the tree planting efforts, the Borno Agency for the Great Green Wall is actively working to combat the effects of climate change in the state by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, supporting local farmers, and rehabilitating degraded land. These initiatives are crucial not only for restoring the environment but also for improving the livelihoods of Borno’s residents.

This ongoing commitment to environmental restoration aligns with Governor Zulum’s vision for a greener, more sustainable Borno, and sets a strong example for other regions facing similar environmental challenges. The planting of trees at these commissioned infrastructures is a powerful symbol of Borno State’s determination to tackle desertification and climate change while ensuring a healthy future for its people.

Through these collective efforts, the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall continues to lead the way in creating a greener, more resilient environment for all.

Borno Agency for the Great Green Wall Plants Trees at Key Infrastructure Projects to Combat Desertification

NSCDC Arrests 17 Vandals for Attacks on Pipelines in Niger Delta

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 17 suspected vandals for their alleged role in the killing of an officer of the corps during an operation in the Niger Delta.

A statement by the spokesman of the corps, Afolabi Babawale on Monday read that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad [CG’S SIS] in a tactically coordinated Intelligence base operations have arrested 17 suspects for the alleged role played in a renewed hostility attack on oil and gas Installations in the Niger Delta region.

They were accused of attacking NSCDC Operatives and Tantita Security Service base which led to the killing of Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu with Service number 6363 and stealing of a speed boat belonging to Tantita Security Services.

Speaking on the arrest, the CG’S SIS Boss Commandant Apollo Dandaura hinted that a high profile syndicates of 17 sea pirates were arrested by his men in synergy with other sisters security agencies, following an intelligence base coordinated operations at Tonogbe, Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on 6th March, 2025.

He said: “Earlier in January 21st, 2025, there was an attack against the Joint Task Force combining operatives of the NSCDC and Tantita Security Services at their Base in Torugbene II unit at Ekeremo LGA in Bayelsa State by suspected vandals and Sea pirates who were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons”.

“Upon arrival at the base, they shot sporadically at the officers and innocent civilians which led to the killing of ASC Umar Aliyu, his Ak 47 official Riffle was carted away, Ebikame Seimeneyefa of Tantita Security was shot and Tantita Speed Boat was also hijacked and stolen”.

Dandaura disclosed that an intensive undercover and investigative operation was carried out in synergy with sisters security agencies and Tantita, which led to successful tracking and arrest of the 17 suspects.

He said: “We mounted a round the clock and relentless onslaught against the suspects in collaborations with sisters security agencies and the Tantita Security and succeeded in smashing the 17 deadly Sea pirates led by a notorious vandal, kidnapper and armed robber called Ziakede Amatu, who hails from Norgbene community in Ekeremo, Bayelsa State and has been terrorizing the community and all neighbouring states.

“From our preliminary investigation carried out by the Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad squad, the suspects volunteered the following information stating that the same syndicate launched attack against the State Honourable Minister of Petroleum, Hon. Lokpobiri Heineken at his residence on the 1st of January this year.

“According to the kingpin, while engaging in illegal refining of petroleum products in 2023 at Abonima Rivers State, he worked under another notorious suspect called “Emergency ” (Original name unknown); they had 7 Ak 47 which was kept safe in the forest but after refining the products one day the suspect Emergency left suddenly and never returned.

“Ziakede Amatu later migrated from Rivers to Bayelsa State and hinted some Elders in his community about the seven [7] Ak 47 Riffles in which he was advised to withdraw them from the hide out and use them for protection of the community.

“The Suspect, Ziakede after a failed attempt to join the Tantita Security Services, procured Tantita Security Services uniforms to use in his renewed hostility attack on oil installations in order to divert attention, disguise and destroy the good work of Tantita Security while carrying out their dastardly act.

“Further confession revealed that the suspects embarked on this mischievous blackmail against the Tantita Security Chairman, Ekpemupolo Owiezide Government aka Tompolo since they could not infiltrate and get some Surveillance contracts sublet to them; hence the move to vandalise Oil and Gas Installations and this culminated to the attack on NSCDC and Tantita Operatives, leading to the killing of the late officer.”

The exhibits recovered are one AK47 Riffle, two empty Ak47 magazines, charms, 15 Tantita Security uniform (shirt and trouser), 15 Tantita Security T-shirt and 15 black boots.

TheCommander CG’S SIS thanked the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi for enabling the Squad to carry out her responsibilities with necessary logistic support which has engendered its remarkable achievements in fighting crimes and criminalities, combating illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta, carrying out Investigative operations and dislodging criminal minded persons from their hideouts.

He noted that with the ongoing thorough investigation, other suspects would be apprehended in due course and made to face the full wrath of the law.

NSCDC Arrests 17 Vandals for Attacks on Pipelines in Niger Delta

Man Arrested for Killing Sister-in-Law in Kano

By: Zagazola Makama

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Anas Yakubu, for allegedly killing his sister-in-law, Fatima Adamu, in Baura Village, Albasu Local Government Area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 16 at about 12:30 p.m. following a misunderstanding between the suspect and the victim.

“Yakubu allegedly hit Adamu, 35, with a pestle on her head, causing severe injuries. She was rushed to the General Hospital in Albasu, where she was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the spokesperson said.

Police have arrested the suspect, and released the victim’s body to her relatives for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Man Arrested for Killing Sister-in-Law in Kano