Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum has said that he has spent about N100b cumulatively in 2025 to improve security in the state.

He made the revelation recently when
visited the Emir of Uba Ali Ibn Mamza at his Palace.

The Governor noted that the visit aims at assessing the current security situation in Askira/Uba council area of the state and its environs and preparing to step up where there are obvious challenges in the security architecture.

The Governor however acknowledged that he is aware that the lingering insecurity situation actually scares road contractors who have been hired to construct road networks in and around the communities.

He nonetheless assured the Monarch and residents of more road constructions in the near future with a proposal for the establishment of a tertiary institution a computer training institution and more.

” I am on a tour most especially to asses the security situation in this area of the state. I will meet with the security agents to make sure we have greater input in the security in Askira/Uba.

” Security is important without it, peace cannot be guaranteed. I have plans to construct roads but the problem is no contractor will want to come down here and work.

“That’s why I will be establishing a quarry in Gworza which will be backed by the purchase of 100 trucks so that our road maintenance agency can construct roads easily.

“On higher institution I assure you, i will build a higher institution before I leave office. I will also build a Computer Institute, Jamb training center and a tertiary institution in Uba. We have a lot of plans for education, health and more. We spent a lot to make we put structures on ground”.

Responding the Emir of Uba Alhaji Ali Ibn Samaila (ii) said “You’ve done a lot for us with many projects. If not for you we will be suffering.

“If the Constitution was amenable we would want you to continue with the good works. May God bless you”.

Tragedy struck the council area recently when about 13 female farmers were abducted in Askira Uba. While residents lamented their plight, one escaped back home leaving 12 others in the Sambisa who were later rescued by hunters.

Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state

Cross River: Army foils abduction, rescues victims from suspected sea pirates

By: Zagazola Makama

Four passengers abducted by suspected sea pirates on the waterways between Nigeria and Cameroon have been rescued unharmed by the Nigerian Army, security sources confirmed.

The incident occurred on 2 December 2025 when Ebuka Clinton, Alice David Albino, Usin Divine, and another passenger boarded a commercial speed boat from Ikang Beach, Bakassi, to Isanghele Fishing Pond in Cameroon.

They were intercepted and taken hostage by suspected sea pirates to an unknown location on the waterways.

On spotting a Nigerian Army patrol boat, the assailants fired sporadically and abandoned the victims in their attempt to escape to the Cameroonian creeks using another speed boat.

One of the victims, Blessing Bassey Edem of Ikang, sustained a bullet injury on her right buttock. She and the other passengers were later rescued and conveyed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for treatment, where they are reported to be responding to medical attention.

Authorities are monitoring the waterways to prevent further abduction attempts.

Cross River: Army foils abduction, rescues victims from suspected sea pirates

NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reinforced its commitment to combating corruption by inaugurating new heads of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) and unveiling a robust Corruption Prevention Strategy.

Commandant General (CG) of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi on Wednesday charged the newly inaugurated ACTU heads to lead by example, enforce compliance without fear or favour, and resist undue pressure by upholding the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The CG, represented by the Deputy Commandant General (Administration), DCG Adeyinka Ayinla, delivered the keynote address at a one-day sensitization workshop, inauguration ceremony, and integrity award event held at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.

Audi stated that the new NSCDC Corruption Prevention Strategy is designed to reduce misconduct, promote due process, and reinforce internal discipline within the Corps. He applauded the support of President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of Interior, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, stressed that corruption undermines service delivery, erodes public confidence, distorts development priorities, and weakens the security architecture of a nation.

Aliyu, represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, assured the NSCDC of the Commission’s continued partnership in championing preventative measures across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and appreciated the Corps for its strong anti-corruption posture.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NSCDC ACTU, Acting Commandant Audrey Obeh, described the gathering as a “transformative moment” and a testament to the Corps’ dedication to integrity and national development. She commended the Commandant General for his visionary leadership, which has provided an enabling platform for the ACTU to thrive.

“The inauguration of ACTU Heads, integrity awards, and unveiling of the NSCDC corruption prevention strategy all demonstrate how we are intentionally strengthening the pillars of accountability within our system,” Commandant Obeh stated.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of integrity awards to deserving officers and staff.

The CG of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, received the Integrity Champion and Visionary Award.

The erstwhile Chairman of NSCDC ACTU, Commandant of Corps Remi Ekundayo, bagged the Distinguished ACTU Chairperson Emeritus Award.

Other recipients included ASCII Amanze Abraham Onyedikachi (ACTU Integrity, Ethics and Compliance Award), and CSC Aremu Rafiu (Kwara State Command), CSC Akinwande Adesola Comfort (Oyo State Command), SC Umar Abubakar Ladan (Borno State Command), and SC Yusuf Ibrahim Yusuf (Jigawa State Command), who all received the ACTU Outstanding Performance and Distinguished Service Award.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives from sister agencies, including the Controller General of Immigration, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit