Zulum Targets Closure of Borno’s Largest IDP Camp as Resettlement Drive Enters Final Phase

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has announced plans to shut down the Bama Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, the largest displacement facility in Borno outside Maiduguri, within the next month, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to end years of mass displacement caused by insurgency.

The governor made the declaration on Thursday after personally supervising a screening exercise for displaced families at the Government Science Secondary School IDP Camp in Bama, where he spent more than three hours verifying beneficiaries eligible for the state’s resettlement programme.

Zulum said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that only genuine households are captured as the government moves to complete the return of displaced residents to their ancestral communities.

“We are here to examine the remaining displaced people that are living in the IDP camp with a view to ensuring the closure of Bama IDP camp,” the governor stated.

The planned closure represents another significant step in Borno State’s post-insurgency recovery programme, which has seen thousands of displaced persons return to their communities after years of conflict triggered by the activities of the terrorist group Boko Haram.

Over the last seven years, the state government has facilitated the resettlement of residents in several communities across Bama Local Government Area, including Darajamal, Nguro Soye, Goniri, Banki and Abbaram. Bama remains one of the areas most devastated by the insurgency, with large-scale destruction of infrastructure and prolonged displacement of residents.

According to Zulum, only three communities—Mayanti, Goniri and Bula Kuriye—remain to be fully resettled before the camp can be permanently shut down.

“We have three communities that are left to be resettled, namely, communities from Mayanti, Goniri, and Bula Kuriye. By the next one month, the Bama IDP camp, which is the largest camp in the state outside the state capital, will be closed,” he said.

The governor’s visit also featured inspections of major infrastructure projects underway in Bama as part of the administration’s reconstruction and urban renewal agenda.

Among the projects inspected were the construction of a modern shopping complex and the dualisation of the Bama township road. Zulum praised the quality of work being executed, describing the projects as critical to restoring economic activities and modernising the town after years of devastation.

He recalled that the historic Bama Market was destroyed during insurgent attacks about 15 years ago before being rehabilitated under the administration of Nigeria’s current Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

To further strengthen commercial activities, the state government is constructing a modern shopping complex with 156 shops in front of the market while simultaneously remodelling the entire facility.

“We are trying to provide a befitting shopping mall in front of the market, totaling 156 shops, while also remodeling the market as part of our urban renewal programme,” Zulum said.

He noted that the market redevelopment is designed to stimulate economic growth, improve livelihoods and provide a more conducive environment for businesses and traders.

The governor also disclosed plans to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity through the dualisation of major roads within Bama, particularly the strategic township road linking Maiduguri, Bama and Gwoza. Existing roads across the town, he added, would be rehabilitated before the end of his tenure.

The inspection tour extended to High Islamic College and teachers’ quarters in Konduga, underscoring the administration’s continued focus on rebuilding educational infrastructure and improving public services in communities affected by conflict.

Zulum was accompanied by senior government officials, lawmakers and community leaders during the visit. The move to close the Bama camp is expected to signal a new phase in Borno’s recovery efforts as authorities push to transition displaced families from temporary shelters to permanent community-based resettlement

Zulum Targets Closure of Borno’s Largest IDP Camp as Resettlement Drive Enters Final Phase

Zulum – I Will Hand Over a More Secure and Prosperous Borno to Gubio

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured that he will hand over a more stable, secure, and economically prosperous Borno to the next administration.

Governor Zulum gave the assurance on Monday when he received prominent sons and daughters of Gubio Local Government Area, led by elder statesman Alhaji Gambo Gubio, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Maiduguri, alongside the APC gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.

The delegation also included the Chairman of the Borno State Civil Service Commission, Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio; a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Fanta Baba Shehu; the Executive Chairman of Gubio, Hon. Mali Bulama Mali; a retired Commissioner of Police; and former Council chairmen.

The Governor noted that despite the challenges confronting the state, particularly insecurity, his administration remains committed to consolidating on the gains achieved over the years and laying a stronger foundation for sustainable development.

“Security is the most difficult issue. Insha Allah, before I leave, the situation will be better than now. I will hand over a more stable, more prosperous, and more secure government to Engr. Mustapha Gubio, Insha Allah,” Zulum declared.

He emphasised that sustaining achievements is often more difficult than attaining them, urging continued support and prayers for the APC governorship candidate.

“What matters is not just success; managing success is more difficult than achieving success itself. Managing success and managing the affairs of Borno State is not easy, but with collective support, prayers, and guidance, God will give him the wisdom and energy to succeed as a candidate and, Insha Allah, as Governor,” he said.

Extolling the leadership qualities of Engr. Mustapha Gubio, Governor Zulum described him as a man of integrity, humility, and composure whom he has known for more than two decades.

“Alhaji Mustapha Gubio, I have known him for the past 26 years, since he was a student at the University of Maiduguri. His integrity is evident; he is humane, very gentle, and composed. Insha Allah, God will help him to steer the mantle of leadership of Borno State,” Zulum stated.

The Governor added, “We will continue to pray for our gubernatorial candidate so that the Almighty will give him the wisdom and the wherewithal to steer the leadership of the state.”

Reflecting on the challenges he encountered at the beginning of his administration in 2019, Zulum recalled the sacrifices required to confront the state’s security and humanitarian crises.

“When I took over the leadership of the state, in the first 55 days of my administration, I saw my children only three times. The first four years were really challenging, but Almighty Allah has helped us to see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit. “As Muslims, when we seek Allah’s guidance and pray for the best outcome, we must accept His decision with complete faith and conviction, knowing that whatever He chooses is ultimately the best for us,” Zulum remarked.

Leader of the delegation, Alhaji Gambo Gubio, commended Governor Zulum for his pivotal role in the emergence of Engr. Mustapha Gubio as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

“We are here today to express our profound gratitude and thanks for this remarkable occasion. Words alone cannot adequately convey the depth of our feelings or fully capture all that we wish to say. However, we remain sincerely grateful and deeply appreciative,” Alhaji Gambo said.

He described the APC candidate as a worthy son of Gubio and expressed confidence in his future leadership.

Alhaji Gambo also acknowledged Governor Zulum’s achievements in security, infrastructure development, and governance, noting that “Zulum is succeeding,”.

The courtesy visit was attended by the APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; commissioners, special advisers, and other government officials.

Zulum – I Will Hand Over a More Secure and Prosperous Borno to Gubio

Zulum moves to complete ongoing projects before tenure ends

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has embarked on an intensive project inspection tour across the state, signalling a decisive push to fast-track the completion of all ongoing developments before his tenure officially ends in May, 2027.

The governor, who spent the week assessing multiple project sites in the state capital, Maiduguri, issued firm deadlines to contractors and demanded accelerated work schedules to ensure timely delivery.

Part of the projects lined up for completion are Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Borno State Orthopaedic Hospital, General Hospital, Kaleri, Post Office Flyover, Tashan Kano-Mashidimami Express Road, 4,000-capacity International Conference Centre, Tandari-Nietel Shoe Factory Express Road, among many others.

He continued over the weekend, visiting Kukawa Local Government Area on Saturday before proceeding to Monguno on Sunday.

In Monguno, Zulum inspected the ongoing expansion work at the College of Nursing, a strategic initiative aimed at significantly increasing human resources for the health sector. The upgraded facility is expected to train more nursing professionals, addressing critical manpower shortages in Borno’s healthcare system.

Speaking to journalists after the tour, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to leaving a legacy of completed, functional projects that directly benefit citizens.

Zulum also inspected Monguno Central Market works where new shops are being constructed, which, according to him, have huge economic value addition. He also noted that the state government will work towards the reopening of the Government Senior Science Secondary School, Monguno.

Senator representing Borno North and Chief Whip
of the Senate, Senator Mohanmed Tahir Monguno, expressed appreciation to Governor Babagana Zulum for the numerous developmental projects executed in the area, describing them as impactful interventions that have improved the livelihoods of the people.

“We sincerely thank Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for all the well-meaning projects he has executed in Monguno Local Government Area and across northern Borno. These projects have brought real dividends of democracy to the door steps of the people and has brought succor to the people especially against the backdrop of the devastation occasioned by Boko Haram insurgency,” Monguno said.

The governor was accompanied on the trip by the Senator representing Northern Borno, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma; the Chief Medical Director, Hospital Management Board, Professor Abubakar Kullima, among other senior government officials.

Zulum moves to complete ongoing projects before tenure ends