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Council elections take place in Borno as Zulum votes at at his country home
Council elections take place in Borno as Zulum votes at at his country home
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Governor Babagana Zulum has voted in today’s council election which took place in the 27 council areas of the state.
The Governor who voted at Ajari two polling unit 006 in Mafa central Ward, headquarters of Mafa council area cast his vote at about 12.23pm this afternoon.
Professor Zulum, cast his vote at this years Council election held across the 27 Local Government Areas and 312 political wards in Borno State today Saturday.
The election was contested by six political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
Speaking after casting his vote, Governor Zulum expressed satisfaction with the turnout in the council election which should produce new chairmen before the next general election in 2027.
“You have seen the turnout, you know this is my hometown. So, my general assessment of the process is good. It is expected that the 2027 election will also be well.
“This is a litmus test, and Insha Allah, in 2027, APC will win from the President down to each member of the state Assembly. Borno is the home of APC, more so, I am a son of this town,” Zulum stated.
Meanwhile Senator representing Borno Central senatorial district, Kaka Shehu described the Borno State local council election as credible.
He described the election as transparently clean and rancour-free adding that: “I must commend the State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting a well-organized election, and the security agencies for enduring security, peace and order at all the polling units and across my senatorial district,”
Senator Lawal, while assessing the conduct of the poll after casting his vote at his Lawan Asheik Alhaji Sadiq polling unit, Shehuri South Ward, Maiduguri metropolis told newsmen that he was impressed with the conduct of the election.
“I’m also impressed with the voter turnout, in spite of the hard times, which shows that the electorate are committed to genuine democratic governance in Borno State and Nigeria adding that “for me, the election is credible.”
Reps member, Abdulkadir Rahis, who voted at his Wakil Hassan polling unit, Gwange one ward, Maiduguri metropolis, told newsmen that he was impressed about the rancour-freeness of the election coupled with the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere which prevailed across his constituency.
Both NASS members expressed confidence that the pending 2027 general elections would also credible and rancour-free.
Also speaking to newsmen, the Deputy National Chairman (DNC) North of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Ali Dalori expressed satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout witnessed during the elections.
He described the exercise as a clear sign of public trust in the democratic process, rule of law and grassroot inclusivity.
The APC Chieftain commended the orderly conduct of voters across the state and praised their commitment to peaceful participation.
He told reporters soon after he casted his vote at the Dalori/Wanori Primary School, Kajeri polling unit in Konduga council area of the state that he was excited at the defiance of people across the state against existing security threats by insurgents.
Dalori said that, although his office in Abuja was preoccupied with a lot of schedule duties, but as a grassroot politician, he had to move to the state, to exercise his franchise at his polling unit by electing credible leaders who would continue to complement efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum in providing dividends of democracy to the local communities.
His words: ” Let me use this medium to express satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout witnessed during the Borno State local government elections. It is a clear sign of public trust in the democratic process, rule of law and grassroots inclusivity.
“In my polling unit, the massive participation reflects citizens’ growing confidence in democratic governance. I wish all contestants success.
” I commend Members of the State Electoral Body, security agencies and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment which led to the orderly conduct of voters across the state.
He however expressed optimism that his party, the APC will come out victorious in all elective positions such as the Chairmanship and Councillorship across the 27 local government areas, considering the numerous people- oriented projects executed by the present administration.
This reporter recalls that, the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pulled out from the exercise claiming that their efforts were fruitless as the state is already a one party state.
Council elections take place in Borno as Zulum votes at at his country home
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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