News
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
News
Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has charged personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to continue to offer excellent services to its clients, declaring that efficient customer service is a right and not a privilege.
Comptroller General of the Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, gave the charge in Abuja when she declared open the 2025 SERVICOM Customer Service Week.

She assured that the Service is on an irreversible path of reform, modernization and improved transparency in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The CGIS noted that the week-long event, themed “Mission Possible” with the NIS sub-theme “Meeting and Exceeding Expectations”, was an opportunity for officers to recommit themselves to the principles of courtesy, timeliness and citizens-centered service delivery.
She said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service must not only meet expectations but exceed them. Every passport issued, every permit processed, every encounter at our borders is a test of our professionalism and integrity. We must continue to build public trust and prove that we are a Service that delivers”, the CGIS declared.
She noted that on assuming office in 2024, she raised concerns over negative practices that dented the Service’s image and challenged officers to “go back to the drawing board.”
Nandap said that directive resulted in far-reaching reforms, including the passport automation and contactless processing system, designed to minimize physical interaction and eliminate bottlenecks.
She highlighted that: “Others are the deployment of e-gates and body cameras at airports, enhancing border security while promoting transparency; Intensified sensitization campaigns across formations to combat corruption and entrench professionalism.
“These reforms are already paying off,” she noted, citing improved national ratings, commendations and awards recently received by the NIS at government performance review retreats.
Nandap however urged NIS personnel nationwide to use the 2025 Customer Service Week as an opportunity to recommit themselves to exceeding public expectations, charging officers to uphold the Service’s reputation at all times.
She added that: “This celebration is not for fanfare. It is a solemn call to renew our pledge of service and to institutionalize transparency, courtesy and excellence as our standard culture.”
Earlier, Special Assistant to the CGIS on SERVICOM and Reform Champion, Barr. Muhammad Awwal Abubakar, a deputy comptroller of immigration, described the Customer Service Week as “a call to reflection, action and renewal.”
He emphasized that the global theme “Mission Possible” challenges public institutions to see obstacles as opportunities for innovation rather than excuses for inefficiency.
“Customer service is not a privilege given by government institutions but a right owed to the people. Our duty is to ensure that every interaction with the NIS leaves citizens and travelers with confidence in our integrity and efficiency”, Abubakar said.
The 2025 NIS SERVICOM Customer Service Week will feature activities across commands and formations nationwide, highlighting innovation, best practices and the Service’s ongoing transformation agenda.
Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients
Crime
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A herdsman has been killed and 36 cows shot dead by unknown assailants in a fresh attack at Ndinn village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident, which occurred on Monday evening, is the latest undocumented violent attacks that have continued to claim lives and property in parts of the state.

Witnesses said the attackers ambushed the herder, identified as Abubakar Alhaji Woda, while he was grazing his cattle, and shot him dead before opening fire on his herd, killing 36 cows on the spot.
Residents described the attack as unprovoked and expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in rural parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring local government areas.
They lamented that despite several similar attacks in recent weeks, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators continue to operate with impunity.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FUYODA Riyom chapter coordinator, Muhammad Saidu, described the attack as “a heartbreaking reminder of the persistent insecurity and injustice faced by peaceful Fulani communities in Plateau.”
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served,” Saidu said.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and called on the government to take decisive steps to restore confidence among pastoral communities who continue to suffer silent losses in the ongoing communal crisis.
“May Almighty Allah grant Abubakar Alhaji Woda Jannatul Firdaus, forgive his shortcomings, and comfort his family with patience and strength during this difficult time,” he added.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Plateau State Government or security agencies regarding the attack.

Zagazola report that the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau State has often been reported only from the angle of reprisals, while several attacks on herders go undocumented or receive limited attention.
Community leaders have called on security operatives to fish out the perpetrators and ensure justice is served to prevent further escalation of hostilities in the area.
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
News
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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