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Arewa: Zulum lists 5 steps to address banditry, insecurity

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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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Senator Lawan commissions new ICU at Specialist Hospital in Gashua

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Senator Lawan commissions new ICU at Specialist Hospital in Gashua

By: Yahaya Wakili

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON, Sardaunan Bade, has commissioned a new state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Specialist Hospital Gashua, in Bade local government area of Yobe state. He also donated a brand new ambulance to the hospital to enable it to cope with emergencies.

According to him, the Intensive Care Unit at the Specialist Hospital in Gashua is one of the only two in Nigeria, with the other located in Ekiti State.

“This facility, which I am honored to have played a role in establishing, is a testament to my commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, he said.

“As a representative of the people of Yobe North Senatorial District, I have witnessed firsthand the pressing need for enhanced healthcare services in our communities.

The lawmaker further revealed that the absence of adequate critical care facilities has resulted in countless preventable deaths and immeasurable suffering. The realization of this ICU today is a significant step towards addressing this challenge.

This ICU is equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by highly skilled health care professionals. It features advanced ventilation systems, patient monitors, and life-saving equipment that will enable us to provide the highest level of care to critically ill patients.

“From victims of road accidents to those suffering from severe infections, ailments, or respiratory distress, this ICU will serve as a source of hope for our people.

He commends His Excellency, the Governor of Yobe State, Rt. Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, for giving health a place in priority areas. He has placed health on the list of top priority areas of concern, and he has constructed so many medical facilities across the state.

“What we have done here is actually to complement what the state governor is doing. After all, this establishment is a state government establishment. So, this infrastructure to support what is already here.” he said.

“I am grateful to His Excellency, Governor Buni, for giving us the opportunity to complement the efforts by state government.” Senator Lawan added.

The president of the Ninth Senate maintained that the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital is not to serve Yobe North Senatorial District (Zone C) alone but other parts of the state.

Senator Lawan commissions new ICU at Specialist Hospital in Gashua

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Again, troops dismantle illegal bunkering sites, recover 115,000 litres of stolen crude in ongoing operations in Niger Delta

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Again, troops dismantle illegal bunkering sites, recover 115,000 litres of stolen crude in ongoing operations in Niger Delta

By: Michael Mike

In a significant victory against illegal oil bunkering, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have dismantled over 15 illegal refining sites, arrested 10 suspects, and recovered more than 115,000 litres of stolen crude oil across the Niger Delta region.


According to, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operations, part of ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage, also led to the seizure of 30 cooking pots, 11 vehicles, and several boats used in illicit activities.


In Rivers State, after receiving intelligence on oil theft at SIAT Farm in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), troops intercepted a truck carrying 40,000 litres of stolen crude. In Okrika LGA, three illegal refining sites were dismantled, and two wooden boats with 26,500 litres of stolen products were seized.

Similar successes were recorded in Degema LGA, where four illegal refining sites were taken down, and over 16,000 litres of stolen crude and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered.


Operations along the Imo River led to the destruction of several makeshift camps, wooden boats, and cooking equipment, while at Okoloma, Obuzor, and Ukwa Creeks, 15,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated. Troops also uncovered a pipeline vandalization site in Akuku-Toru LGA, arresting one suspect and seizing three gas cylinders.


In Delta State, a trailer siphoning crude from a pipeline in Ozoro, Isoko North LGA, was intercepted, and two suspects were arrested. Similar operations in Ika South LGA and Orhiomwon, Edo State, led to the recovery of vehicles filled with stolen products.


Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States also saw successful raids, with troops deactivating illegal refining sites and seizing stolen products. In Nembe LGA, over 2,800 litres of stolen crude were recovered, while in Southern Ijaw, another 2,500 litres were confiscated. In Akwa Ibom, troops intercepted drums of premium motor spirit near Oron waterways, likely prepared for smuggling to neighboring countries.


The Nigerian Army continues its relentless crackdown on illegal oil activities, ensuring that economic saboteurs are denied freedom of action.


Danjuma reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eradicating illegal oil bunkering and safeguarding the nation’s resources.

Again, troops dismantle illegal bunkering sites, recover 115,000 litres of stolen crude in ongoing operations in Niger Delta

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Zulum commissions 500 resettlement houses

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Zulum commissions 500 resettlement houses

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has commissioned a 500 resettlement housing estate in Konduga Local Government Area in the central part of the state.

The resettlement houses have public facilities such as schools, a primary healthcare centre, water facilities and other basic needs.

In an event held on Sunday in Konduga town, Zulum noted that the resettlement marked the beginning of the closure of IDP camps in Konduga local government area. About 500 families benefited from the gesture.

In addition to the houses, each family also received food items, blankets, mats, mattresses, rubber buckets and wrappers.

Similarly, each head of the household received N50,000; while the housewives received N20,000 as part of the resettlement package to support them in picking up the pieces of their lives.

Those resettled were from the 10 communities displaced by the Boko Haram insurgents: Towuri, Modu Amsamiri, Goniri, Mairamiri, Lawanti Grema Gogobe, Bula Bowuri, Zarmari, Amusari, Bula Bakaraye and Furi.

Meanwhile, Zulum has directed the Ministry for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to complete the construction work for 500 houses in Dalwa town within six months.

He also directed the construction of another 500 houses in Aulari town also in Konduga Local Government Area.

Zulum also directed the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to immediately assess the College of Business and Administration Konduga and determine the extent of the destruction the Boko Haram insurgents wrecked on the college.

Zulum commissions 500 resettlement houses

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