2027: Group Endorses Engr Gubio For Borno Governorship

By Melvin Anthony

A political group, Southern Borno Youth Advancement Initiative ( SOBYAI ) ,has endorsed Engr Mustapha Gubio , the immediate commissioner of works for the Borno State governorship ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group said Gubio’s experience in public service and infrastructure development makes him a credible choice to succeed Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

The Group in their call titled: “The 2027 Gubernatorial Succession In Borno State: A Call for Continuity, Competence, and Consolidation of Security Gains,” said the Southern Borno Youth Advancement Initiative (SOBYAI), after extensive consultations across youth structures, community leaders, and professional groups in Southern Borno, wished to make its position clear to the good people of Borno State, distinguished stakeholders, the revered Borno Elders Forum, the vibrant youth constituency, and all leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.

A statement signed and issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Maiduguri by SOBYAI President , Hon. Suleiman Tanimu and the Secretary Comrade, Suleiman Abdullahi respectively, noted that Borno State today stands at a decisive crossroads.

The group said while remarkable progress has been recorded under the visionary leadership Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, they are equally confronted with the stark reality of resurging security threats, with insurgent elements attempting to regroup and destabilise the hard-won peace of our communities.

These circumstances according to them demand that the choice of the next leadership be guided by prudence, foresight, and an uncompromising commitment to continuity.

“The administration of Prof. Zulum has set a high governance benchmark through massive infrastructure renewal, aggressive resettlement of displaced persons, institutional reforms, agricultural revitalization, and a people-centered approach to security.

“Key milestones include: Rebuilding of communities and dignified return of IDPs across Local Government Areas.

“Over 1,000 capital projects delivered, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

” Recruitment of teachers and healthcare workers, plus scholarships for indigent students. Transparency, accessibility, and hands-on leadership that restored public trust”, the group said.

They added that this legacy is too valuable to be left to uncertainty, opining that Borno requires a successor with the technical depth, administrative discipline, and moral clarity to consolidate these gains and chart a path to greater stability and prosperity.

“It is the considered view of SOBYAI that Engr. Mustapha Gubio represents the most credible and prepared individual to sustain and advance the Zulum legacy.

” Engr. Gubio is a distinguished engineer and public servant whose career reflects a rare blend of technical competence, administrative acumen, and genuine compassion for the people of Borno.

” He has, over the years, demonstrated track record of executing complex, high-impact projects with efficiency and accountability, consistent with the standards set by Governor Zulum.

” Deep understanding of Borno’s security architecture and the socio-economic drivers of conflict, positioning him to sustain counter-insurgency and peacebuilding efforts.

” In Engr. Mustapha Gubio, we see a bridge between the remarkable foundations of today and the greater Borno we all aspire to tomorrow. He is a builder, a stabilizer, and a leader for these trying times.

” SOBYAI therefore respectfully appeals to all stakeholders; the Borno Elders Forum, traditional institutions, party leaders, women groups, and the youth to prioritise competence, continuity, and character in the forthcoming 2027 gubernatorial selection process.

“The peace, rebuilding, and future of Borno must supersede all other interests. We are confident that with Engr. Mustapha Gubio, the developmental trajectory initiated by Prof. Zulum will not only be sustained but accelerated for the benefit of every citizen of Borno State,” SOBYAI concluded.

2027: Group Endorses Engr Gubio For Borno Governorship

Several terrorists killed as Air Force destroys enclave in Sambisa Forest air strike

By: Zagazola Makama

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated several terrorists following a precision air interdiction mission conducted on a known terrorist enclave at Yuwe in the Sambisa Forest general area.

Military sources said the operation was carried out on April 19 at about 5:45 p.m. by the Phantom Formation in collaboration with the Grey Raptor platform in support of battlefield air interdiction operations.

The mission, was launched following credible intelligence and confirmatory intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) that revealed active terrorist presence and fortified structures, including suspected bunkers within the area.

Upon arrival over the target location in the Sambisa Forest axis of Sambisa Forest, the air crew identified designated targets and engaged them with precision munitions.

Security sources said the strike successfully destroyed multiple terrorist logistics structures, including shelters and operational hideouts, while several terrorists were killed in the attack.

The operation is part of sustained air and ground offensives aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their supply chains, and denying them freedom of movement within the theatre of operations.

Military high command reiterated that ongoing joint operations are designed to maintain pressure on terrorist elements and ensure the gradual restoration of stability across affected areas.

They further assured that intelligence-led air strikes will continue in coordination with ground forces to dismantle remaining terrorist networks and enclaves.

Several terrorists killed as Air Force destroys enclave in Sambisa Forest air strike

One killed by Fulani bandit in isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

A 32-year-old man, identified as Mr Gideon Luka from Mangu but resident in Sabon Gida, has been killed in an isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Gyel District of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Operation Steadfast Peace (OPEP) were alerted to the incident and swiftly mobilised to the scene, where the victim was discovered with machete injuries on the forehead and stomach.

According to an eyewitness, Mr Dogara Peter, who was with the deceased before the incident, the attack occurred on April 19 at about 7:00 p.m. when both men were riding on a motorcycle from Sabon Gida to SOT area in Gyel District.

The eyewitness said they were ambushed near Sabon Gida Primary School by two unidentified youths, one of whom was reportedly armed with a stick.

He explained that he managed to escape during the attack and initially believed his companion had also fled the scene.

However, residents later launched a search in the early hours of the morning and discovered the victim’s body.

Security sources confirmed that the victim was evacuated for assessment, while troops extended condolences to the family and urged residents not to take the law into their own hands.

They added that preliminary investigation had commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

One killed by Fulani bandit in isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Plateau