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Ngamdu community in Borno will soon get respite against rainy seasons as N1.5b project nears completion… acresal boss

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Ngamdu community in Borno will soon get respite against rainy seasons as N1.5b project nears completion… acresal boss

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The annual rainy season flooding that used to evict residents of Ngamdu community in Borno state will soon be history as the coordinator of the Agro-climatic resilience in semi arid landscapes (acresal) Peter Yakubu has revealed.

He stated that work on all expected structures in Ngamdu to mitigate this flooding which used to overwhelm the only highway in and out of the state is well over 50% competed.

Making the revelation recently in his office in Maiduguri coordinator of acresal program Peter Ayuba stated that about N1.5 billion would be spent on the project which will involve the pulling down of about 74 homes and the laying of massive drainages in the area to curtail the litany of woes experienced by residents who used to flee from their water logged homes during the rains to avoid drowning.

He said that Governor Babagana Zulum is keen on seeing the completion of the project before the commencement of the next rains which is why he followed the world bank partners up to their office to ensure an amiable conclusion of many of the grey areas in all the flood prone areas of the state.

“Actually with the Governor’s support, we have achieved more than expected considering that most of the actions in the work plan has been implemented. I can tell you that more than 80 percent of last year’s target was achieved. The project started in 2022 and we commenced implemention in 2023 making progress up till now.

“The Governor on visiting Ngamdu last year, which you are aware of agreed to visit the world bank to see that all the details of the Ngamdu project as outlined will be achieved.

” It was in that meeting that the Governor requested the world Bank Chief to come to see things for himself after the devastating Maiduguri flood. He visited some schools, Alau Dam and bridges that were destroyed and more. ” Said the coordinator

Yakubu said that Zulum also submitted a request for support for farmers whose crops were destroyed by the last flood in Maiduguri.

Speaking on the problems created by the flood in Maiduguri, he said some of it would be included in the work plan for 2025 like desilting of river Ngadabul which is a seasonal river flowing into Lake Chad.

Bulldozer, elevators and swamp buggies have been bought to assist in desilting the rivers. Which normally should have lessened the effects of the flood if it was not loaded with too much silt.

On the Ngamdu flood plain, he told this reporter that so many houses have been affected and marked for demolition but they had to wait until the Governor approves N100m for their compensations before they can ask residents to leave their homes adding that the entire Ngamdu anti flood project will cost about 1.5b naira for now.

“We are constructing a channel through the town and the pond and it would be emptied across on the other side of the road.

“The contractor would have finished long ago but for compensations for homes to be pulled down which is supposed to have been taken care of but causing a little bit of delay.

“And this is caused because some of them made mistakes in their names and it affected their payments which is why some of them are here to correct the anomalies to get their final compensations.

“About 74 houses were involved so we are not taking the matter lightly which is why we started implementation in the early part of December. About 18 to 20,000 people above 60 years were also given some support of 50,000 each.” He noted.

The Coordinator revealed that the Ngamdu fish pond will be expanded to become larger to produce more fishes for commercial purposes.

On the plan of acresal to intervene in the Maiduguri flood, he described the collapse of the Alau Dam as an unplanned accident adding that they have however planned desilting of the rivers criss crossing the state capital to enable them mop up further floods due to rainfall.

Bakin kogi tipper flood plain

“Bakin kogi” tipper he stressed was originally 13 metres wide but the Governor does not want it that wide. “This is why he did not agree with the world bank and their specifications which insisted on 13 metres because up to eight or nine sub drainages and streams enter that place at the same time during the rains and cause flood in the surrounding settlements.

“They finally agreed on 6.9 metres for the specification of the construction and a Chinese company will soon be given the opportunity to handle it.

“It will drain Bulumkutu through the railway down to kogi tipper while another one from 777 and Bintu sugar enters there too.

“The size of the place was estimated wrongly before but partially corrected during Modu Sheriff but what we are about doing now is to ensure that the floods stops once and for all and people do not live in fear during the rains.” He maintained.

On Uba town, Yakubu posited that his agency will drain the area adjoining the Emir’s Palace and link up with the big river that passes through Lassa.

This has to be done because the terrain is flat and it affects the flow of rain water which causes resultant flooding adding that there are similar interventions in Lassa, Uba, Uvu except Askira which they have not done any form of construction and are yet to intervene.

He told this reporter that
Lassa will get about N130m, Uba about five billion naira while Uvu is just a linear drainage costing far lower.

On Askira town, the coordinator stated that the Governor directed the ministry of works Commissioner Engineer Gubio to take over the Palace of the Emir and start work.

Climate change/ Cattle management/ over grazing/ long or short term solution

On the position of his agency on cattle management, he said that over grazing management has been one of their serious management challenges so far.

Yakubu added that there has been a deliberate plan for three Ruga’s and with the one in mafa completed, they hope there will be another at Gubio and Rumigo in southern Borno respectively.

The Challenges that Nigeria must face is the free movement of cattle and all manner of animals from economic of west African countries (ECOWAS) countries.

As long as cattle keep committing atrocities in the savannah, there is no way we can have achievements in the area of consistent deforestation.

“This is because they not only eat out trees, they uproot most of our trees in northern Borno with impunity. No checks at all at the borders.

“Even the nymph trees are being eaten by Camels. If you must plant trees in northern Borno, they must be protected for about four to five years from cattle, camels elephants and all manner of animals.

“Even the cows have trampling effects on new seedlings. We succeeded in establishment of about 30 hectares of nymph trees in magumeri already, but animals are threatening these trees by eating and uprooting them. They come all the way from Kala Balge to eat up our trees.” Said the coordinator.

Our major problem is the herders who do not control the animals, they eat up the trees and the branches causing over grazing which is one of the major problems associated with climate change in the state.

“If we don’t maintain these fences they will eat up the entire foliages and that is not good for us at all. They come in from all the border states to eat up out trees and return before the rains and floods.

“Over grazing is one of our major challenge in the savannah today and we must do something to stop this frustrating challenge. They eat most of the sweet trees like Adua, Balanitis Gum Arabic rendering useless the landscape and put the terrain in trouble.

Speaking on countering measures of the state government so far, he acknowledged that the Governor has done a lot from the climate change agreement.

“The ten million seedlings raised, solarization of the town, hospitals, bore holes and a lots of CNG and electric buses are all on the streets of Maiduguri while public buildings are also using solar now.

“We were expected to calculate the amount of carbon emission in our atmosphere before we traveled for the last summit but we could not. So these are the areas we may be able to focus on that soon.” He concluded.

Ngamdu community in Borno will soon get respite against rainy seasons as N1.5b project nears completion… acresal boss

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Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri

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Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri

By: Zagazola Makama

Hamza Ibrahim Idris, a bereaved husband in Maiduguri, Borno, has paid a touching tribute to his late wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was allegedly murdered by suspected phone snatchers.

In a heartfelt message titled “Ga Masoyiyata Nurse Hadiza Musa”, the widower expressed deep sorrow over the death of his wife, describing her as a virtuous woman, devoted mother, and compassionate health worker who dedicated her life to saving others.

“It’s been three days since my heart has burned with the pain of losing my wife, my life partner, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was killed in cold blood by those who snatched her phone,” he wrote.

“She was not just a wife she was my confidant, the mother of my three children, and the other half of my soul. We lived in love, understanding and mutual support, building dreams and hoping to grow old together. But now, that dream has been shattered,” he said.

The grieving husband described Hadiza as a woman of faith, humility and kindness who always put others first.

“As a nurse, she devoted her life to saving others with a smile and compassion. Yet, the life she saved was taken unjustly she died in faith and martyrdom,” he added.

He recounted the pain of their children’s repeated questions: “Daddy, where is Mommy?” a reminder, he said, of the irreplaceable void left by her death.

“Each time I hear those words, tears flow. In their faces, I see hers a woman of truth, love, and belief,” he said.

Offering prayers, he said: “Oh Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive her shortcomings, elevate her rank, grant her Aljanna Firdaus, bless her children, and give me strength and patience.”

He added that though Hadiza was gone, her love remained in his heart and prayers, expressing hope of reuniting with her in the hereafter “where there will be no pain, no tears, and no separation.”

“May Allah forgive and have mercy on my beloved wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa. May her grave be a garden of paradise. May He grant me patience and protect our children,” he concluded tearfully.

The incident, which occurred recently in Maiduguri, has sparked outrage among residents who have called for stronger security measures to curb rising cases of phone snatching and violent attacks in the city.

Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri

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Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey

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Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey

By: Zagazola Makama

Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu’s appointment as the new Chief of Army Staff marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to consolidate gains in the fight against insurgency and strengthen national security.

Before his elevation to the apex position in the Nigerian Army, Gen. Shuaibu served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North-East, where his 14-month tenure was defined by tactical innovation, operational success, and deep civil-military engagement. His leadership transformed the counter-insurgency landscape, restoring relative stability to vast areas once dominated by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

Upon assuming command of OPHK, Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu prioritized operational readiness, launching an extensive refurbishment of key military assets to boost troop morale and combat capability. He spearheaded the repair of vital armoured platforms, including ten VP1 Type 89 APCs, five BMPs, three Steyr APCs, and six Camel MRAPs, ensuring optimal deployment for the 2024 dry-season operations.

These efforts culminated in the historic deep-clearance operations into Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuktu Triangle in early 2024, which dealt devastating blows to terrorist hideouts, supply chains, and command structures. His coordinated offensive operations neutralized more than 567 terrorists and dismantled several high-value enemy enclaves between February 2024 and March 2025.

Under his leadership, the integration of air and ground components reached new heights. The Nigerian Air Force component executed over 230 sorties and 232 interdiction missions, clocking more than 567 flight hours, while the UAV Command carried out 760 ISR operations totaling 6,674 hours. These precision missions enhanced battlefield awareness, enabling ground troops to conduct over 9,800 patrols, 2,700 ambushes, and 990 clearance operations with high success rates.

Intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of 161 terrorist logisticians and the surrender of over 121,000 insurgents and their families — a remarkable milestone that shifted the dynamics of the North-East conflict toward peacebuilding and reintegration.

Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s counter-insurgency philosophy went beyond the battlefield. He introduced the Local Community Policing and Peace Enforcement (LCPPE) model in February 2024 — an initiative that deepened trust between the military and local communities. This approach paved the way for stabilization operations, including the resettlement of more than 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kukawa and other restored communities.

He also promoted civil-military cooperation through humanitarian and religious initiatives, including a Qur’anic Recitation Competition aimed at fostering moral resilience and unity among troops and civilians. Three participants were later sponsored for the Hajj pilgrimage — a gesture that reinforced goodwill and trust.

A hallmark of his tenure was the focus on infrastructure and troop welfare. He initiated the renovation and modernization of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Headquarters complex, constructed new escort and drivers’ lounges, refurbished soldiers’ accommodation, and built 30 two-bedroom community-based quarters for military families.

Additionally, the installation of long-range surveillance cameras in Monguno, Gajiram, and Kekeno enhanced operational intelligence and perimeter monitoring, further strengthening theatre-wide security.

Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s command period witnessed the elimination of several notorious terrorist leaders, including Tahir Baga and Abu Rijal, whose deaths crippled jihadist coordination and recruitment. His effective decapitation strategy was complemented by humanitarian outreach, leading to a steady return of normalcy in major population centres across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

In recognition of these achievements, the North-East Theatre under his command received the Security Watch Africa Award in December 2024 as the Most Outstanding Defence Command in Africa, underscoring the effectiveness of his leadership and innovation in asymmetric warfare.

Now as Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shuaibu is expected to replicate his transformative approach on a national scale. Security analysts and defence watchers believe his deep operational experience and emphasis on community-driven stability will guide the Nigerian Army toward renewed efficiency and professionalism.

His appointment signals continuity, discipline, and modernization — values he consistently championed throughout his command. Stakeholders within defence and civil sectors alike express optimism that his era will usher in strategic reforms to fortify Nigeria’s military capabilities and accelerate victory against insecurity.

Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu’s rise from Theatre Commander to Army Chief embodies the success of merit, dedication, and results-oriented leadership, a journey rooted in courage, intellect, and an unyielding commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria.

Waidi Shuaibu: from Theartre Commander to Army Chief — chronicling a transformative leadership journey

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Yobe: New commissioner for the livestock ministry, Hon. Yerima Mahmoud, promises to deliver on the mandate

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Yobe: New commissioner for the livestock ministry, Hon. Yerima Mahmoud, promises to deliver on the mandate

By: Yahaya Wakili

The newly appointed Commissioner of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Hon. Yarima Lawan Mahmoud, has expressed his gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Dr. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, for giving him another opportunity to save the people of the state.

Hon. Yarima Lawan Mahmoud disclosed this today when he received the delegation from his local government led by the party chairman, Alhaji Ba Mariu Mohammed.

He reaffirmed his commitment to work closely with the local government authority and the party executives to strengthen the life of our people.

Earlier speaking, the leader of the delegation, who is also the party chairman of the Yunusari local government area, Alhaji Ba Mariu Mohammed, said they were at the Yarima Lawan Mahmoud residence to congratulate him on his recent appointment as a commissioner in the ministry of livestock development.

Alhaji Ba Mohammed further said the visit will also allow them to discuss areas of mutual collaboration aimed at improving the unity of the members of the party.

The commissioner then thanks the delegations who took their time to come from Yunusari to Damaturu to congratulate him on his appointment and pray to Almighty Allah to return them back home safely.

Yobe: New commissioner for the livestock ministry, Hon. Yerima Mahmoud, promises to deliver on the mandate

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