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Isa Gusau: A part of me is gone

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Isa Gusau: A part of me is gone

By: Yakubu Ahmed BK

Innalillahi Wa’inna Ilaihirrajiun. Death – the ultimate leveler has knocked on the door (as it will on ours) of Malam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser, Media and Strategy to the Borno state Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Isa was a complete gentleman, a professional and a loyal friend who gave his all to what he so much loved. Years my junior but almost at par with those who began before him.

Our paths crossed in Maiduguri early 2000 or thereabout and we clicked almost immediately, because we shared many attributes. He was Daily Trust’s Correspondent in Borno and I was Concord Press Correspondent there too, after I had spent 10 years as a Reporter and later a News Editor with Borno Radio Television Corporation BRTV. If you work in Borno, you just have to be at your best. Borno has a way it builds your confidence and sharpens you into a courageous person – and of course into a go getter. He was courageous, and one thing nobody can take away from him was his professionalism – one hell of a writer if you would.

It was not for nothing that he meritoriously served former Borno state Governor (now Nigeria’s Vice President) Kashim Shettima as SA Media for eight solid years from 2011. It was not for nothing again that Kashim Shettima’s successor Babagana Umara Zulum inherited him – and was glad to have done that. Isa was somewhat irreplaceable, no carbon copy of him, take it or leave it.

We spoke last some two weeks ago and believe me even though we were close, he never uttered a word about what he was going through healthwise other than the general knowledge even amongst his closest friends that he had some challenges which we all thought he had dealt with since his surgery at a hospital in India a year ago. It was he who called and as usual, he had some professional suggestions on how I should handle certain PR issues of my Principal in my position as the Commissioner for Information and Culture Kebbi state. We have become used to checking on one another on the professional realm. Each time either of us called, it must be about what either he or I thought should be done to advance the frontiers of image making for our respective bosses.

Since my appointment as Information Commissioner some five months ago, he became restless for me to hit the ground running and to make “that first impression.” The advises we offered to each other were mutual, but I must confess that I drew much more from his fountain of knowledge than he did from mine. That was obvious because he has image managed and PR consulted much earlier than myself and had done it more successfully. The fact that he achieved that much in a state that was not his attested to his capacity and ability in the area he had chosen for himself.

A part of me is gone and I just can’t decipher where to run to when I hit that point of creative slowdown. Of course, we drew from each other but my sense of loss was made worse by the reality that I must dig out with bare hands since one of the shovels is gone. Allah ya jikan Isa Gusau.
Yakubu Ahmed BK is Commissioner for Information and Culture, Kebbi state.

Isa Gusau: A part of me is gone

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Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina

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Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Katsina State have foiled a livestock rustling attempt and recovered 22 stolen animals in Jibia Local Government Area.

Police sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 following a distress call received at about 12:45 a.m. that suspected armed bandits had rustled livestock from neighbouring Niger Republic.

According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia swiftly mobilised a joint team comprising police, military and community watch personnel to the area.

They added that the operatives strategically blocked the escape routes of the suspects and engaged them in a gun duel.

“The superior firepower of the security team forced the bandits to abandon the rustled animals and flee into the bush,” the sources said.

The sources disclosed that all 22 sheep and goats were recovered intact during the operation.

They noted that the area has been cordoned off, while aggressive clearance operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Further developments will be communicated as investigations continue, the sources added.

Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina

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Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno

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Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have neutralised several Boko Haram terrorists during an ambush operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:33 a.m. on April 13 when an ambush team of 202 Battalion deployed at Bravo Kilo sighted a terrorist crossing the parapet at a defensive company location.

According to the sources, the troops engaged and neutralised five of the suspect on sight.

The sources added that the operation is part of ongoing clearance and ambush missions aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement in the North-East theatre.

Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno

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Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram member in Yobe

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Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram member in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 233 Battalion have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS member within the Damaturu Military Cantonment in Yobe State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 11:00 p.m. on April 12 between Charlie 2 and Charlie 3 areas of the cantonment in Damaturu Local Government Area.

According to the sources, troops recovered a bag containing clothes and a SIM card from the suspect.

They added that during preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed he was heading to Potiskum and identified himself as an almajiri from the 1000 Area of Maiduguri.

The sources, however, noted that his statements were incoherent, while further physical examination reportedly revealed a rifle sling mark on his shoulder, raising further suspicion.

They said the suspect is currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram member in Yobe

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