News
New Residential layouts will not distort master plan of greater Maiduguri…..Bababe
New Residential layouts will not distort master plan of greater Maiduguri…..Bababe
By:Bodunrin Kayode
The Executive Secretary (ES) Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) Eng Adam Bababe has said that the new residential layouts being created by his agency will not distort the foundations of the existing master plan of the city.
Bababe said that the phased layout which is being built along the new Maiduguri ring road would naturally fall in line with the letters and spirit of the master plan which he said is currently in the online market being purchased by interested residents of Borno.
The ES agreed that full update of the master plan is long overdue adding that a gradual process is however on the way to ensure that residents enjoy the fruit of the reviewed master plan that would satisfy every resident.
Eng Bababe said this during a recent news conference in which he unveiled a digitalized method for the application of land by residents of the state who desire to own their own land for the building of new homes to reduce the current deficit which came about by the lingering insurgency.
Bababe revealed that the Borno government has spent over 1.68 billion naira compensating 732 original farm owners along the newly computerized plots that are now being allocated on phase one of the new allocated plots.
The ES further hinted that about eleven families refused the cash compensation because they felt the money the government was offering them for the land taken for the layout purpose was inadequate compared to the real value of land they possessed from their ancestors.
They rather opted for alternative amount of land acres in another area to continue with their original type of farming pastime before the government decided to create the layouts to deal with accommodation deficits in greater Maiduguri.
Eng Bababe also hinted that 16.5km of phase one of the proposed layout plan was well planned with effective arterial road connections linked to the old designs thereby making the road networks to be very effective in tandem with the original master plan of Maiduguri.
He maintained that his engineers have prepared five phases of the layout which is meant to be sold to the public but for now they are dealing mostly with the phase one which will stretch from now till November 2026.
“When you consider the fact that the original master plan of Maiduguri was first proposed and presented in 1976 and the fact that it was supposed to be reviewed in 1981 but it did not get its first review so you can imagine the chaotic situation we met on ground which I have been trying to fix since I assumed duty here.
“As a result, you can see that it is going to be very difficult to enforce 100% the original letters of the plan on ground because it is quite a long time reviews have not taken place in the State capital. But I assure you that we will soon get a comprehensive and workable one ready that would take into cognizance most of our challenges as a developing capital.” Said Bababe.
The ES however regretted that if the government decides to stick to all the letters of the original master plan in the creation of a greater Maiduguri, there would be heavy collision with many interest secular and religious and that would not be very good for the government in power.
On their step by step treatment of past mistakes, the ES said that over 1000 homes were given notice to leave certain areas before the 2024 flood in the capital but only few of them responded to the notice.
A large chunk of them refused to leave until the flood actually covered and almost took some of them along before they realized that it was the reality and they had to move on their own.
On the mistake of approving petrol filling stations in residential areas
Bababe noted that it is on this same premise that his agency when it came on board refused to allocate new filling stations to petrol dealers who built stations any where they wish without the approval of town planning authorities.
In response to this reporters questions, he said he does not envisage any legal challenge in court by residents who may so despise filing stations in their vicinity because of the obvious hazards they pose to their right to life.
The BOGIS boss posited that the drafters of the new constitution have been very careful not to indulge in such flagrant approvals that would endanger residents in the entire phase one to five in the new master plan.
“. For clarity, i can assure you that we stopped the approvals of any new filling stations in the state since 2021 so there is nothing new now in this new allocations.
“Any filling station you see now that looks new were renovated out of older once sold out to the new buyers. New ones are yet to get any form of approvals from this office.
“And for the records out of 211 filling stations inside the books only 78 are completed and out of that only eleven of them are actually functional you can check them out” Said Bababe.
The ES went further to reiterate that the town planning authorities have equally been approving filling stations so any new one seen are actually being controlled by town planning authorities who decide where to fix them accordingly.
The ES maintained that there must be at least 200 metres from one filling station to another and they are doing their best to adhere to it.
Meanwhile the sales of the lands in the phase one to medium, low and high classification purchasers are still ongoing because all payments and collections of documents and deeds will be done online as expected.
A demonstration was made on the spot in the BOGIS compound where a prospective buyer got his approval immediately.
New Residential layouts will not distort master plan of greater Maiduguri…..Bababe
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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