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“It breaks my heart to see an 11 year old surrendered from Boko Haram enclave with three children” Borno Commissioner
“It breaks my heart to see an 11 year old surrendered from Boko Haram enclave with three children” Borno Commissioner
By: Zagazola Makama
At just 11 years old, Fatima (not her real name) has lived through experiences unimaginable to most. With three children in tow, she surrendered from a Boko Haram enclave, carrying the weight of trauma and responsibilities far beyond her years. Her story, shared by Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, spotlighted the urgent plight of vulnerable children and young mothers emerging from the insurgency.
“She’s just a child herself,” Wakilbe said. “To see an 11-year-old with three children is heartbreaking. This reflects the harsh reality of many girls and women caught in the insurgency, particularly in border communities like Bama, Banki, and Gwoza.”
Fatima’s surrender is part of a growing wave of young girls and women being repatriated or rescued, often from neighboring countries like Cameroon. Many, aged between 13 and 15, return with children born in captivity. With limited options, some resort to prostitution to survive, a crisis that the Commissioner attributes to extreme poverty and a lack of viable alternatives.
The Commissioner’s call to action underscores the need for urgent intervention. “Poverty is the driving force behind these vices,” he explained. “We need to establish Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in vulnerable areas. These centers can provide skills and startup packs for young mothers like Fatima, enabling them to rebuild their lives.”
Wakilbe stressed that traditional education systems are ill suited to address the unique needs of conflict affected children and girls. Many have witnessed violence, displacement, and abduction, leaving them in need of tailored rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
Efforts to integrate these children into regular schools have faced significant challenges. Wakilbe cited the example of some Chibok girls who struggled in secondary schools and were eventually transferred to specialized programs like the Second Chance School.
“Without long term planning, we’re failing these children,” Wakilbe said. “Donor agencies often miss the mark, implementing programs that don’t address immediate needs. For instance, teaching local languages in areas dominated by other dialects is less impactful than providing a foundational education in English.”
Despite graduating over 300 women through the Second Chance Program and equipping them with vocational skills, the challenges persist. Underage mothers like Fatima remain some of the most vulnerable.
During a courtesy visit by Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, CEO of the Allamin Foundation for Peace, the Commissioner highlighted the need for collaborative efforts.
Allamin echoed these concerns, sharing insights from her foundation’s work in deradicalizing women and girls.
“Our initiatives, supported by the military and local communities, have helped hundreds of women and girls surrender and reintegrate,” Allamin said. “But the magnitude of the problem requires sustainable, proactive solutions.”
Allamin noted that the challenge extends beyond personal experiences; it calls for urgent action from local authorities, NGOs, and international organizations.
“In our foundation, we have Built vocational education centers and providing tailored programs for rehabilitation which has been helping in addressing the immediate needs of these victims.
“We also Established community awareness programs which foster understanding and acceptance, helping to mitigate the stigma faced by those returning from captivity.
Zagazola Makama understands that the plight of women and girls who fall victim to abduction by Boko Haram presents an alarming reality in Borno State, Nigeria. Many of these victims, after enduring harrowing experiences, return to their communities only to face severe stigmatization and an array of abuses. This issue is compounded by the trauma they have experienced during their captivity, which often includes being forcibly married to militants and bearing children under traumatic circumstances.
Upon returning to their communities, these victims encounter immense societal rejection. A former female member of Boko Haram, who chose to repent and return to her family, poignantly described the painful atmosphere awaiting those who escape the clutches of the insurgency.
She noted, “The Boko Haram tagged Nigeria as the land of sinners. When they come back from the bush, they know they are already living in hell.” This metaphor encapsulates the emotional and social turmoil that victims like her face. Rather than finding solace and support upon their return, many feel further isolated and condemned by their communities.
The stigma attached to being a victim of insurgency extends beyond mere judgment. Victims often experience verbal, physical, and psychological abuse from individuals who view them as tainted or unclean due to their experiences. Such treatment fosters an environment of despair, compelling many to engage in desperate measures to survive.
Prostitution and other nefarious activities have become common among these women, driven by a need for financial stability and, in some cases, by the misguided belief that engaging in these activities may offer them an escape from their grim realities.
The cycles of poverty and violence exacerbate these challenges. Economic hardships and limited access to education and employment opportunities leave few alternatives for victims, perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability. While some women resort to these activities as a means of survival, others may find temporary pleasure or a sense of agency in reclaiming control over their lives, despite the risks involved.
Furthermore, the broader societal neglect exacerbates the situation. Many young mothers remain trapped in a system that fails to recognize their unique needs. Efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate these individuals often lack the necessary resources and long-term planning to be effective. For instance, initiatives focusing solely on education without addressing immediate economic needs fall short of providing the comprehensive support required for successful reintegration.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
“It breaks my heart to see an 11 year old surrendered from Boko Haram enclave with three children” Borno Commissioner
Zulum Honored as 2024 New Telegraph’s Governor of the Year
…Pledges greater achievements in coming years
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has been awarded as the 2024 New Telegraph Governor of the Year, celebrating his exceptional leadership and transformative achievements in the state.
Governor Zulum received the prestigious award on Friday at the Grand Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, alongside seven other governors, the Ministers of Aviation and Information, the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, corporate organizations, and other distinguished personalities.
The award acknowledges Governor Zulum’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding public infrastructure in communities destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency, revitalizing the state’s economy, and enhancing security, allowing citizens to go about their daily lives without fear.
Governor Zulum’s outstanding leadership has earned him numerous accolades in 2024, including: the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper of the year, the NUJ Good Governance Award, the Nigeria’s Pride Award for Leadership in Security and Public Service, and the Fellowship Award from the Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN), among others.
Governor Zulum who was represented at the event, by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, expressed gratitude to New Telegraph Newspaper for recognizing the administration’s developmental strides in rebuilding the state after 16 years of insurgency.
“I am delighted that the New Telegraph has showcased His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, as the Governor of the Year 2024. This recognition underscores that Nigerians are keenly observing and appreciating the impact of his governance at both national and sub-national levels,” Dr. Kadafur stated.
He reaffirmed that Governor Zulum’s administration remains committed to delivering his 10 point agenda and improving the lives of the people of Borno State.
“The Governor’s recognition is a testament to his dedication to the people. Zulum has become a household name in Nigeria for his commitment to good governance and impactful projects across various sectors,” he added.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Emet Kois; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya; Senior Special Assistant Media, Baba Shiekh Haruna; Senior Special Assistant office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Alfred Buba and SSA to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Habu Ibrahim.
Zulum Honored as 2024 New Telegraph’s Governor of the Year
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Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
By: Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the release of Usman Daina, the Secretary of Munya Local Government Council, who was abducted by armed bandits.
Daina was freed unhurt following a sustained pursuit operation by security forces. However, authorities have stated that efforts are still ongoing to rescue other victims who remain in captivity and to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.
Zagazola Makama had reported that On Feb. 21, 2025, heavily armed bandits launched an attack on Munya Local Government Area, abducting several residents, including the council secretary.
It was gathered that that the assailants moved from Chibani forest through the Shakwata axis before striking various communities, including the Dandaudu area of Munya LGA.
The attackers invaded homes, looted food supplies, and forcefully took away multiple victims.
Following the abduction, the Nigerian Army troops, police tactical teams, vigilantes, and other security forces were deployed to track the movements of the kidnappers.
Their aggressive pursuit led to the successful release of Daina, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining captives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.
Sources said that the security forces are currently conducting aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and ground raids on identified bandit hideouts in the region.
Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
Borno Deputy Governor Inspects Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement, Assures Completion Soon
By: Our Reporter
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, who also serves as the Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock Development, has inspected facilities at the Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement in Uba town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area
The visit was aimed at assessing the level of preparedness for the commissioning of the second Ruga settlement in Borno State.
During the inspection, the Deputy Governor toured key facilities, including a milk dairy farm, feed production center, skills acquisition hub, school, veterinary clinic, police station, housing units, and water facilities.
Addressing community leaders, Dr. Kadafur reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring the successful takeoff and sustainability of the settlement.
He urged the local vigilante groups to collaborate with security agencies to maintain peace and security in the area.
As part of the visit, the Deputy Governor paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, the Emir of Uba, where he reaffirmed that the Rimirgo Ruga Settlement is 95% completed and noted that his assessment is aimed at identifying gaps that require attention before the official commissioning.
Dr. Kadafur disclosed that Rimirgo would be the second Ruga Settlement to be commissioned, following the Ngarnam Ruga Settlement in Mafa Local Government Area, which was launched last month.
The deputy governor also announced plans for the construction of a two-kilometer road linking the settlement to the main road, as well as the addition of 100 new housing units, complementing the existing 50. This, he said, would enhance adequate accommodation for settlers and help in reducing conflicts between farmers and herders.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Askira/Uba LGA, Hon. Abubakar Umar Mazhinyi, commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his administration’s achievements in education, healthcare, water, and sanitation.
The Chairman , however, appealed to the state government to establish a tertiary institution in the LGA, citing the difficulty residents face in sending their children to distant institutions.
In a related development, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur represented Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the coronation ceremony of His Majesty Dr. Ali Danburman as the PTIL MADAGALI of Madagali Chiefdom in Gulak town, Adamawa State.
The ceremony, held at the Gulak Township Stadium, was graced by dignitaries, including the Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who officially presented the Staff of Office to Dr. Ali Danburman. The newly crowned PTIL MADAGALI is recognized as a Second Class Emir in the Adamawa State Traditional Council and presides over fourteen district heads in Madagali Chiefdom.
Borno Deputy Governor Inspects Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement, Assures Completion Soon
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Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
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