Troops force terrorists to flee, recover logistics during clearance operation in Askira Uba

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working in conjunction with local hunters, have forced suspected Boko Haram terrorists to abandon their logistics and flee during a clearance operation in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on July 24 as troops of 115 Task Force Battalion advanced on a clearance operation towards Rumirgo.

The troops encountered the terrorists at Surajo Village, where the insurgents fled on sighting the advancing forces, abandoning three bicycles and two coolers in their haste to escape.

The recovered items were secured by the troops, while the fleeing terrorists were pursued as the clearance operation continued.

Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist hideouts, deny insurgents freedom of movement and sustain pressure on Boko Haram elements operating in the southern axis of Borno State.

Further details of the operation are expected as exploitation of the area continues.

Troops force terrorists to flee, recover logistics during clearance operation in Askira Uba

Zulum Appoints Four Special Advisers, Technical Aide to Boost Governance, Reconstruction

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has appointed four Special Advisers and a Senior Technical Assistant (STA) as part of efforts to strengthen governance and accelerate post-insurgency reconstruction across the state.

The appointments, announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, are aimed at reinforcing the administration’s drive for effective governance, sustainable development and the rebuilding of communities affected by years of insurgency.

The newly appointed Special Advisers are Engr. Ali Goni Lawan, Hon. Ali Sheriff Galgal, Hon. Bukar Aliyu Daja and Hon. Makinta M. Zarami. Governor Zulum also approved the appointment of Engr. Gujja Bukar Dalori as Senior Technical Assistant on Reconstruction.

According to the statement, the appointments were made in line with the powers vested in the governor under Section 196(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The government said the appointments form part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and support ongoing reconstruction initiatives following nearly two decades of insurgency in the state.

Governor Zulum congratulated the appointees and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them by demonstrating commitment, professionalism and selfless service.

He charged them to leverage their experience and expertise to support his administration’s vision of rebuilding communities, consolidating peace and improving service delivery to the people of Borno State.

Zulum Appoints Four Special Advisers, Technical Aide to Boost Governance, Reconstruction

Diaspora experts urge AI adoption, mentorship, healthy living to unlock Nigeria’s youth potential

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s leading professionals from the diaspora and across key sectors have called for a stronger national commitment to mentorship, artificial intelligence (AI) skills development and healthy living as essential tools for empowering young people and driving sustainable national development.

The call came at the 2026 National Diaspora Day Youth Empowerment Summit organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja, where speakers argued that Nigeria’s youthful population can only realise its full potential through deliberate investment in knowledge, innovation and human capital.

Held under the theme, “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,” the summit featured a high-level panel that brought together experts in healthcare, technology, education, law enforcement, media, philanthropy and sports to examine practical strategies for preparing Nigerian youth for an increasingly competitive global economy.

Moderated by youth development expert Hon. Bobby-Diggi Olisa of the Canvas Institute, New York, the discussion featured Prof. Bisi Ademuyiwa of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Founder of Rooted in Naija; Assistant Commander General of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nnoruka Kenechi; clinical pharmacist and Ribbon Rouge Foundation founder, Morenike Eniola Olasebikan; Nigerian-American basketball player and Carriage Foundation founder, Ejimofor Anosike; U-VOL Foundation founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Faith Adole; veteran broadcaster Kierian Umeayo; ARCO Group’s Head of Branding and Communications, Christopher Okoigun; and Chief Executive Officer of Cecy Intelligence, Dr. Emiri Odogwu.

A recurring message from the panel was that mentorship remains one of the most effective pathways for nurturing future leaders. Speakers urged Nigerians in the diaspora to deepen their engagement with young people through mentorship, sponsorship, career guidance and professional networking.

They also encouraged young Nigerians to remain open to learning, cultivate discipline and leverage digital platforms responsibly to build careers and meaningful professional relationships.

Artificial intelligence emerged as another major focus of the conversation, with speakers warning that technological disruption will increasingly shape employment opportunities worldwide.

Dr. Faith Adole advised young Nigerians to see AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, urging them to acquire relevant digital skills that complement their existing expertise and improve their competitiveness in the evolving global workforce.

Beyond technology, the panel stressed that personal well-being is inseparable from productivity and leadership. Participants were encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate rest and greater attention to mental health.

The experts also challenged young people to identify problems within their communities and develop innovative solutions while continuously upgrading their skills to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The panel concluded that long-term national development depends on sustained investment in education, volunteerism, entrepreneurship and inclusive opportunities that allow young Nigerians to thrive.

The session ended with a renewed commitment by the panelists to continue supporting initiatives that connect Nigerian youth with global opportunities, strengthen diaspora collaboration and equip the next generation with the confidence, networks and capabilities needed to contribute to Nigeria’s development while competing successfully on the international stage.

Diaspora experts urge AI adoption, mentorship, healthy living to unlock Nigeria’s youth potential