Six Terrorists’ Family Members Surrender to Troops in Gwoza

By Zagazola Makama

Six family members of Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State after escaping from the terrorists’ enclave in the Mandara Mountains.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the surrender occurred in two separate incidents on July 24, with all the individuals voluntarily presenting themselves to troops of C Company, 192 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed in Gwoza.

According to the sources, the first group, comprising Samaila Vuringwa, 55; Falmata Samaila, 13; and Walida Samaila, 10, surrendered at about 7:45 a.m.

Preliminary investigations revealed that they escaped from the Wa’a terrorist enclave located in the Mandara Mountains before making their way to the military location.

Items recovered from the family included primary and secondary school certificates as well as the sum of ₦460,000.

In a related development, another three family members identified as Amina Nahadiye, 64; Zainabu Zaza, 62; and Amina Mugula, 61, surrendered to the same troops at about 1:35 p.m. on the same day.

Military sources said preliminary screening also established that the second group escaped from the Wa’a enclave in the Mandara Mountains.

Items recovered from them included two torchlights and the sum of ₦252,000.

The six individuals have since undergone preliminary profiling, documentation and security screening and are currently in the custody of 192 Battalion for further investigation and processing in line with established operational procedures.

Security sources said the latest surrender underscores the sustained pressure being mounted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI against terrorist strongholds in the Mandara Mountains, compelling more insurgents and their family members to abandon the enclaves.

Military authorities added that operations across the North-East theatre remain generally calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining aggressive clearance operations and sustained dominance of key operational areas.

Six Terrorists’ Family Members Surrender to Troops in Gwoza

After Zagazola Investigation, Katsina Govt Orders Total Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Maidabino School

By Zagazola Makama

The Katsina State Government has ordered the comprehensive rehabilitation of the dilapidated Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Maidabino, in Dan Musa Local Government Area, following a recent investigative report by Zagazola Makama that exposed the deplorable condition of the school and the hardships faced by its students and teachers.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, the state government acknowledged public concern generated by the report and reaffirmed Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to revitalising public education across the state.

The government’s response came days after Zagazola Makama published an investigative report titled “Inside Katsina’s Forgotten School: Over 1,000 Students Learn on Bare Ground as Billion-Naira Education Budgets Fail Maidabino,” which highlighted the appalling learning conditions at the school.

The investigation revealed that more than 1,000 students from Junior Secondary School One (JSS1) to Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) were receiving lessons in roofless classrooms, sitting on bare ground, stones and broken concrete blocks due to the absence of desks and chairs.

It also exposed the shortage of teachers, with only one volunteer instructor, Malam Ibrahim Salisu Maidabino, a farmer who is not employed by the government, shouldering the responsibility of teaching students across multiple classes and subjects without receiving any salary.

The report further detailed the absence of basic facilities, including functional classrooms, laboratories, a library, computers, electricity, potable water and sanitation, while noting that soldiers deployed to secure the community against bandit attacks occasionally assisted in maintaining order and encouraging students because of the severe manpower shortage.

Responding to the report, the Katsina State Government said the school had already been captured under its ongoing educational infrastructure intervention programme and assured residents that rehabilitation would commence in line with the approved implementation schedule.

According to the Commissioner, although the school had earlier been identified for rehabilitation, implementation was delayed by the security challenges that affected Maidabino and surrounding communities, forcing the government to prioritise the restoration of peace and the protection of lives and property.

He explained that with security now significantly improved through sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies, displaced residents were gradually returning home, school enrolment was increasing and government was moving to the next phase of rebuilding critical public infrastructure.

The Commissioner disclosed that the rehabilitation project would include the renovation of classrooms, replacement of damaged roofs, rehabilitation of floors, provision of desks and other classroom furniture, upgrading of sanitation facilities and other essential works aimed at providing a safe and conducive learning environment for both students and teachers.

He reiterated that Governor Radda’s administration remained committed to strengthening the education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, teacher development and improved learning facilities across Katsina State.

“The Katsina State Government appreciates the concern expressed by the author of the social media post and other well-meaning citizens. We assure the public that the rehabilitation of the affected school will commence in line with the implementation schedule of the approved intervention programme.

“The Government remains resolute in ensuring that every community benefits from the dividends of improved security, quality education, and sustainable development.
Together, we will continue to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Katsina State.

The government also appealed to communities, parents and school management committees to support efforts aimed at protecting and maintaining public facilities to ensure their sustainability.

The swift response by the Katsina State Government has been widely welcomed by residents and education stakeholders, who described it as a demonstration of responsive leadership and evidence that constructive journalism can contribute meaningfully to governance and public service delivery.

The government’s intervention offers renewed hope that students may soon study in an environment that reflects the dignity and quality of education they deserve.

While commending Governor Radda for responding promptly to the concerns raised, residents expressed hope that the promised rehabilitation would be executed without delay and extended to other underserved schools facing similar challenges across the state.

Zagazola Media Network

After Zagazola Investigation, Katsina Govt Orders Total Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Maidabino School

Governor Buni reflects on the passing away of the Emir of Ngazargamu and others in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, of Yobe State, has mourned the passage of sons and daughters of the state, describing the deaths as a giant loss to their families, communities, and, indeed, the state in general.

The governor disclosed the information in response to the sad deaths recorded across the state within short periods in recent times.

Governor Mai Mala Buni called for prayers for the repose of their souls and support to their families, adding that “it is indeed a trying moment for us, but we firmly believe that it is the will of Almighty Allah.”

He consoled the families of the deceased and the people of the state, noting that, “As faithful, we all know death is a necessary end; it will always come at the prescribed time as ordained by Allah (SWT).”

According to Governor Buni, we have lost one too many in recent times, from the late Emir of Ngazargamu to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Bukar Aji; former Permanent Secretary Alhaji Ligali Ma’aji; Alhaji Yakubu Dokshe; Hajiya Mairiga Umar; Alhaji Kafchi Shettima; and some others.

“The deceased persons have, in their individual capacities, contributed greatly to the people and the state at large,” Gov. Buni added.

“As Muslims, we accept the will of God and pray for the repose of their souls. May Almighty Allah grant them Aljannah Firdausi and their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Governor Buni prayed, May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings and bless their souls with Aljannah Fiddausi. Ameen.

Governor Buni reflects on the passing away of the Emir of Ngazargamu and others in Yobe