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Arewa: Zulum lists 5 steps to address banditry, insecurity

Arewa: Zulum lists 5 steps to address banditry, insecurity
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, spoke at the 10th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial lecture and Merit Award on Saturday. During his speech, he outlined 5 steps that can address the lingering insecurity in parts of the north.
Zulum delivered a keynote address at the event held at the Government House in Maiduguri. Vice President Kashim Shettima was represented by the Special Adviser to the President, Political Matters, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.
Also in attendance were Governors Mohammed Inuwa Yahya of Gombe, and Mohammed Bago of Niger State, as well as the Senate President, represented by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, and Shehu of Borno Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi.
The Governor stated: “The chosen theme for this year’s lecture, ‘Creating Pathways for Peace: Tackling Banditry and Insurgency through Good Governance for Sustainable Development,’ is both relevant and timely. It highlights the challenges we have faced over the years, particularly in the wake of Boko Haram crisis. It is evident that good governance is crucial in curbing future insurgencies.”

Governor Zulum outlined 5 steps, including infrastructural development, educational reform, healthcare enhancement, empowerment and job creation, and security collaboration.
Zulum acknowledged that while his administration combined both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to addressing Boko Haram crises, the root causes of insurgency have also been looked into critically.
He stressed that to contribute to curtailing banditry, insurgency, and other forms of insecurity, Borno has undertaken projects in many key sectors.
“Here in Borno State, we have undertaken various projects since assuming office with the aim of promoting good governance and tackling all forms of insecurity,” Zulum added.
The Governor highlighted the successes achieved in the last 5 years while emphasizing the 5 key steps to addressing insecurity.
Regarding infrastructure, Zulum noted that the rebuilding and reconstruction of critical infrastructure were undertaken. This includes the rehabilitation of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities that were destroyed during the peak of Boko Haram insurgency.
The Governor also emphasized the prioritization of education with various initiatives implemented to revitalize the sector. These initiatives include the establishment of new schools, recruitment of qualified teachers, provision of learning materials, and scholarships for students.
“By investing in education, we aim to provide opportunities for the youth, making them less susceptible to radicalization and recruitment by insurgents,” Zulum explained.

He further highlighted the significant improvement in access to quality healthcare delivery, which contributes to the social stability in Borno. Comprehensive reforms, such as the renovation and equipping of health facilities, recruitment of medical personnel, and provision of essential drugs.
Zulum highlighted the critical need for job creation and empowerment in order to deter young people from engaging in criminal activities. He said various empowerment programmes such as skills acquisition training through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), entrepreneurship support, and youth employment schemes have been implemented by his administration.
Zulum also stated that in the last 5 years, he has maintained active collaboration with security agencies to enhance the security situation in Borno State. This includes providing support and resources to the military, police and other security forces to strengthen their capacity to combat insurgency.
“We have shown that through effective governance, a conducive environment can be created to tackle the challenges of insecurity and pave way for lasting peace and sustainable development,” Zulum said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman Board of Trustees, SABMF and former Governor of Niger State, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, said the rise of banditry and other forms of insecurity is a direct consequence of deep-rooted socio-economic and governance issues and urged everyone to come together and address it.
The guest speaker, Prof Tijjani Muhammed Bande, Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, presented a paper titled “Beyond Lamentation: Uprooting Banditry and Insurgency Through Good Governance For Sustainable Development.”
The event was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno, Umar Usman Kadafur, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Senator Muhammad Ali Ndume, Engr Bukar Talba, Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan and the Shehu of Dikwa, Bama and Emirs of Biu, Gwoza, Askira, Shani and Uba among other dignitaries across the 19 states of the north.
Arewa: Zulum lists 5 steps to address banditry, insecurity
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Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis
By: Zagazola Makama
Maj.-Gen. Rogers Ibe Nicholas (rtd), Chairman of the Fact-Finding Committee on Insecurity in Plateau State, says the crisis in the state involves both indigenes and non-indigenes across all ethnic and religious divides.
Nicholas, a former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, made this known while reacting to reports that the committee’s findings had indicted Fulani herdsmen as the aggressors in the prolonged conflict.
He clarified that the committee’s report, submitted last month to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, did not attribute blame to any single ethnic group, stressing that the violence in Plateau was a multi-dimensional problem involving various communities.
“The committee was set up by the state government to make findings and recommendations, which have been submitted to the government. The document is still classified until a white paper is issued,” Nicholas said.
He explained that during the committee’s engagements with community leaders across the state, it became evident that all sides had suffered and contributed to the cycle of violence.
“I think people need to be corrected based on the statement that Fulani are the ones causing the problem. The report did not say that,” he stated.
“While we are clear, everybody — all the ethnic groups in Plateau — are in one way or another involved in the crisis. In some areas, fingers have been pointed at particular groups, but our findings show that every community has played a part,” Nicholas added.
He further noted that many of the attacks in the state were reprisals triggered by earlier assaults, which often led to further bloodshed and destruction of property.
Nicholas maintained that the committee’s recommendations, once made public, would help guide the government in addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering lasting peace in the state.
Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis
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Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense

Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense
Adamawa State High Court IV sitting in Yola on Wednesday adjourned a case challenging the Adamawa government for the creation of the Fufore emirate council from Adamawa emirate to November 3rd and 4th for defense.
Justice Musa Usman who presided over the case said, this at the end of two days hearing from the principal witness, plaintiffs.
The case which was filed by the three traditional titles holders of Adamawa emirate; Alhaji Musa Halilu, Dujuma Adamawa, Mustapha Dahiru, Yarima Adamawa and Alhaji Mustapha Ahmadu, Sarki Noma Adamawa that due process was not followed before the creation of Fufore emirate.
Manga Nurudeen (SAN), counsel to the plaintiffs, told newsmen at the end of the seating that they had called four witnesses in the case and concluded.
“As you may have seen, the court has adjourned to 3rd and 4th of November for the defense, for the government and the new airmen to bring their own witnesses to be cross examined.
The defense counsel, state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Afraimu Jingi, also said they have successfully taken the evidence of the plaintiffs during the two days of seating.
“They listed five witnesses they were able to call four and they closed their case.
“And fortunately we have been able to answer the questions to our mind that we thought we can discredit them to our mind which is left to the court to determine”, he said.
According to him, they were satisfied with the proceedings and they do not have any burden on them as the next agenda will be defense.
Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense
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NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence

NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening grassroots security and community-based intelligence across the country as tools for tackling insecurity.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi gave the commitment during his working visit of Anambra State as part of his continued strategic operational tour of the South East.
Audi, who was received by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, noted that his visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of personnel, understanding field challenges, and reinforcing the Corps’ operational capacity in the region.
Speaking during the courtesy call at the Government House, Awka, the Commandant General commended the Governor for his administration’s proactive efforts in maintaining peace and stability. He also solicited greater logistical and infrastructural support to enhance the NSCDC’s performance in the state.
He said: “Security must begin from the grassroots. That is where the people live, work, and build the future. The Corps remains resolute in delivering quality service and ensuring that the confidence of Nigerians, particularly Ndi Anambra, in our operations is not misplaced.”
Soludo, in his response, commended the NSCDC for its professionalism, discipline, and resilience, especially in safeguarding critical national assets and public infrastructure.
He said: “Here in Anambra, the Light of the Nation, our greatest asset is our people: creative, enterprising, and innovative. They are the engine of our economy. Ensuring their safety and prosperity is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the NSCDC for standing firm in that mission.”
The governor pledged continued partnership and support for the Corps, affirming that security remains the foundation for the state’s economic growth and innovation-driven development.
The Commandant General’s tour of Anambra is part of a nationwide operational assessment aimed at improving welfare, operational readiness, and synergy among security stakeholders. It underscores the NSCDC’s renewed focus on community trust, proactive engagement, and service excellence under Prof. Audi’s leadership.
NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence
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