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Jubilation as Borno Emerges Winner of the male category of the 2025 National Qur’anic Competition
Jubilation as Borno Emerges Winner of the male category of the 2025 National Qur’anic Competition
By: Bodunrin Kayode
There was massive jubilation at the convocation square of university of Maiduguri as Borno State emerged as the winner in the male category of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition tagged, ‘Borno 2025’.
Announcing the results over the weekend, the Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Professor Abubakar Yelwa, declared Musa Ahmed Musa of Borno as the winner of the male category of the competition.
Also after a ten day stiff competition, in the unimaid campus, the winner of the female category was also Hafsat Muhammad Sada of Kano State
The ten day competition, which is the 40th in the series since inception, saw 296 contestants from 30 states competing across six categories to win grand prizes.
In his remark, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, stated that the successful hosting of the 2025 Qur’anic competition signalled the return of peace to the state.
He noted that the event symbolised the people’s commitment to peace, education, and the pursuit of knowledge which were key factors of development.
“To host this milestone 40th edition is not just an honour for Borno State, it is a profound affirmation of our enduring commitment to peace, education and the noble pursuit of knowledge, particularly the divine wisdom contained within the Holy Qur’an.
“Borno State remains resolute in its mission to rebuild, restore peace and prioritise education, both secular and religious.
“The successful hosting of this national event is a clear signal to the world. Borno is back, Borno is safe and Borno is a centre for learning and spiritual growth,
“To those who have emerged as the ultimate champions in their respective categories, I offer my most profound congratulations.
“Your success is not merely a victory in a competition, it is a crowning achievement born of countless hours of discipline, commitment, and reverence for the Word of Allah.
“And to every young man and woman who participated, who stood before the judges and recited from the Holy Book, I want you to know that you are all winners.
“The true spirit of this competition lies not just in the prizes won, but in the noble pursuit of knowledge and the courage to participate.” Said Zulum.
Governor Zulum also expressed appreciation for the support of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; his wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Governors and their deputies; royal fathers; Usman Dan Fodio University; and other prominent personalities who contributed to the success of the occasion.
Also speaking, Prof Attahiru Jega Pro Chancellor, Usman Dan Fodio university Sokoto said he believes that the whole exercise is about knowledge passed from generation to generation adding that the 40th celebration of the activity is a celebration of excellence that is worthwhile.
Chair of the local organizing committee (LOC) and secretary to the Borno State government, Tijani Bukar said he was excited that the program ended in peace and those who participated were happy with the officiating and entire conduct of the occasion.
The event was attended by Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima; the Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Dikko Umoru Radda; the Sokoto State Deputy Governor; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; other traditional rulers; members of the National and State Assemblies; the APC Deputy National Chairman; commissioners; Islamic scholars; and other dignitaries.
High points of the event was the presentation of gifts to the winners by wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima.
End
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tuba have arrested three suspected cattle rustlers during an operation in Karnuwa general area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation followed intelligence provided by a local resident, Malam Muhammadu Ardo, concerning alleged cattle rustling activities within the area.
The troops reportedly mobilised to Karnuwa at about 12:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, where they apprehended the suspects identified as Mallam Mohammad Abatcha, 28; Mallam Mamman Bukar, 18; and Malam Modu Hassan, 30.
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while using a pickup vehicle with registration number WW 806 GZ Delta, allegedly employed in transporting stolen cattle.
The rustled cattle were recovered and immediately handed over to their rightful owners at the scene of the arrest.
Items recovered from the suspects included a bow and arrow, three mobile phones, five national identity cards and the sum of N20,650.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspects admitted to repeatedly stealing and selling rustled cattle to buyers in Maiduguri.
Security sources further disclosed that investigators suspect possible links between the suspects and members of the Islamic State West Africa Province or Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad due to alleged inconsistencies observed in their statements during interrogation.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 29 Battalion operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have uncovered an illegal refining site and recovered about 600 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources said the discovery was made at about 10:00 a.m. on May 12, 2026, during ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region.
The troops reportedly discovered the illegal refining site around Asa community, where a large cooking pot loaded with stolen crude oil was found stockpiled in sacks.
Military authorities said the recovered products and equipment were handled in accordance with operational directives guiding anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation Delta Safe.
The operation was conducted without any confrontation or security incident.
The Nigerian military has continued to intensify operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta region.
Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi at Kafur, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have raided a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 12:30 p.m. on May 12, 2026, at Huguma village following intelligence on illicit drug activities within the area.
During the raid, troops apprehended one suspect identified as a major supplier of illicit drugs and other substances to terrorists and criminal elements operating within Kafur Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
Items recovered during the operation included 146 grams of suspected cannabis and 16.5 grams of a substance identified as Exol-5.
The suspect and the recovered drugs have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
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