Troops arrest high-profile bandit in Taraba

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a high-profile suspected bandit linked to the notorious gang led by the wanted criminal, Akiki Utivi, also known as “Full Fire.”

Zagazola report that the suspect, identified as Mr. Saawuan Wuaiyolna, 35, of Tiv extraction, was arrested on Wednesday at Takum Junction in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The source said the arrest was made by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Wukari, following credible intelligence on the suspect’s movement.

“Wuaiyolna, who hails from Atereyange in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, was nabbed while allegedly monitoring troops’ activities in Wukari to facilitate planned attacks and kidnappings by the gang.

“He was also found with a motorcycle, which he claimed he brought to sell in Wukari,” the source said.

The military described the arrest as a major breakthrough against the “Full Fire” syndicate, which has been terrorising communities across parts of Taraba and Benue States.

It added that the general security situation in the area of responsibility remains calm but unpredictable, while assuring that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
End

Dikwa idps displaced by massive Flooding

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Heavy rainfall have caused an overflow of river Dikwa resulting in massive flooding, which has seriously affected Alhaji Bashir camp and the Reception centre for internally displaced people (IDP’s).

The flooding resulted in the displacement of many IDPs, who are currently stranded in open
areas without adequate shelter and support to their existence.

Humanitarian workers allege that the rainfall recently has severely affected IDP sites, causing general damage to shelter and forcing residents to relocate to safer and dry grounds within the town.

“The displaced families from Alhaji Bashir Camp were housed in the High Islam school building on Gamburu road which is the main road connecting the town to Maiduguri about 90km away.

“The LGA chairman also suggested relocating the idps to the Rabiri area, where temporary shelters could be set up. Some IDPs are staying near the gas station, along the road, while others have found accommodation with relatives and friends in different camps.” Said the source.

A breakdown of those affected at the Alhaji Bashir Camp included 753 households, totaling 4385 individuals.

The flooding is also said to have damaged 803 shelters, which were a mix of emergency, makeshift and mudbrick structures.

A breakdown of damage of the make shift structures include 210 emergency shelters, 325 makeshift and 268 mud brick shelters.

As at the time of writing this report, 43 latrines have been blocked on site while some were submerged by the polluted flood water.

All affected idps and residents have been relocated from the camp to the main road, where they are currently staying in open sites and are in urgent need of assistance.

Most of those relocated from idp camps in Maiduguri to their ancestral homes were settled in their council head quarters like Dikwa as IDP’s preparatory to any time the military would be able to liberate their surrounding communities for them to move in gradually.

Dikwa idps displaced by massive Flooding

Zulum calls for the need for institutionalized collaboration and coordinated reforms to beat terrorism in Nigeria

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Governor Babagana Zulum has called for the need for institutional collaboration and coordinated reform to effectively confront the menace of terrorism in the nation.

He said that such collaboration between the national and the sub nationals in the sector will have a strong effect on the lingering terrorism in the country counter corruption and resolve land disputes by securing investments for a better society.

Prof. Babagana Zulum, reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, National Assembly and other sub nationals to deepen reforms in the State judicial system especially at the grassroots level.

Governor Zulum made the commitment recently at the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat held at the International Conference Centre of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.

He reaffirmed Borno State’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, the Judiciary, the National Assembly, and development partners to strengthening reforms in the current judicial system, especially at the grassroots level.

The Governor stressed the need for the deployment of technology which will make judicial delivery faster, transparent and accountable to the citizenry, noting that Borno State had already adopted the use of digital technology to bridge justice delivery gap.

“In Borno State, we are already witnessing how digital tools have enhanced case tracking, enabling virtual court sittings, thus improving prison decongestion and streaming access to legal aid especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“If deployed strategically, technology can bridge the gap between rural and urban justice access. This is particularly important in Borno State where we continue to recover from a protracted insurgency and humanitarian crisis. Justice must serve as a foundation for healing, rebuilding trust and restoring the social contract.

“I urge all of us here as policymakers, jurists, administrators and stakeholders to see coordination not as a procedural matter, but as a moral imperative. Our people deserve a system that works, not one riddled with delays, duplications, or inefficiencies”.

The retreat themed “Strengthening Justice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation and Coordinated Reform” underscores the importance of deployment of digital tools to fast track judicial process.

Also speaking Attorney General of the federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, lauded Governor Zulum’s people-centred transformation and reforms in the justice sector.

“Just like other sectors, your impact in the justice sector has been profound. The launch of Borno State e-Justice project in partnership with Law Pavilion has positioned the state as a pacesetter in digital transformation.

“With tools such as the Case Management System, e-Library, and electronic mail tracking for legal processes, Borno is pioneering efficiency and transparency in judicial service delivery.

“Borno under your leadership has become a case study in resilience and renewal. You have shown that governance is not about slogans but about solutions; not about rhetoric but about results.

“You have elevated the standard of leadership by demonstrating that ideas, when backed by courage and action, can transform societies, no matter the odds.

“In a state that has endured some of the toughest trials in our nation’s history, you did not succumb to despair. Instead, you applied innovative thinking, sound judgment, and a data-driven approach to policy and the results are visible to all”. Said Fagbemi.

The Attorney General called for the need to update the nation’s legal frameworks to support these innovations and invest in digital literacy, cybersecurity, and data management for the professionals.

He maintained that by fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging the transformative power of technology, they can build a justice system that is more efficient, more accessible, and more equitable for all Nigerians.

Zulum calls for the need for institutionalized collaboration and coordinated reforms to beat terrorism in Nigeria