News

Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

By: Inuwa Bwala

At his 52nd birthday, I wrote a piece on Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum in which I made some philosophical allussions to trends in the birth of successful men in life.
Now 54, I have a very strong urge to reproduce that write up, with slight modifications in the order of narrative, but retaining the central theme of celebrating the man.
In that piece I wrote, that, “most successful people in life are often those who have known suffering, who have known loss, who have met failures, defeats and general challenges and have found their ways out of those depths of abandonment.
I am familiar with the adage that, “success has many parents, but failure is an orphan”and I feel that, maker of above statement seem to have Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum at the back of his mind.
Perhaps, there was no significant landmark at his birth in that obsecure Mafa environment, typical of a rural setting. There might not have been signs either, that, a unique child had been born. But as the saying goes, “The year you were born marks only your entry into the world. Other years when you prove your worth are the ones worth celebrating.
What people are celebrating today is not his birth, rather his rise from obsecurity to walk in the corridors of power and affluence. Here is a man who was born into poverty, unnoticed by the world , but who turned around his fortunes for the best through sheer personal efforts.
Professor Babagana Umara Zulum’s exploits in life today have given him so many parents and siblings, each of whom want to identify with him, not only on occasions like this, but all the time.
I dare say, that, from a humble but noble background, Zulum rose from the obsecure Mafa town of Borno State to walk in the corridors and pull the reins of power in a manner that is uncommon in the country’s history.
So, I woke up this morning at a labyrinth: with the urge to write something and be amongst the many fans of Professor Zulum, knowing today marks his fifty fourth birthday, but not knowing at which point to take off.
It is further compounded by the fact that, there is no language one can use as accolade on the Governor that has not already been used by others.
The story of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum is no longer new; one unique thing about it however, is the fact that, behind the fine and impressive stories told about the man is a very expensive sacrifice, which many leaders may not be able to offer, for the service of other men and the country.
Professor Zulum’s life story often elicits emotions looking back at where he came from, compared to where God has catapulted him today.
No story can be more expensive than the story of a man who had to ferry firewood from the bush, serve as motor boy, commercial bus driver and performed other minimal jobs in order to survive and to pay for his way through school to the point of Professorship.
I could imagine as a young man, when he trekked in the hot sands of Maiduguri to attend lectures from where he worked for others on empty stomach.
Everytime I mention Zulum, I never fail to pay special tribute to his predecessor, Senator Kashim Shettima, whom God blessed with the exceptional foresight to promote his candidature. Many people did not believe Kashim Shettima when he told stakeholders, before picking Zulum, that he was giving Borno the best. Events have vindicated him.
Of all the sacrifices Zulum has to offer, the most expensive remains his offer to die, but so that peace will come to Borno and that his people are bailed out of so many years of suffering.
Fifty times they tried to take his life and fifty times he survived. At every instance, Zulum returns to the enclave where attempts were made on his life, giving people a sense of citizenship and offers of livelihood.
Very often, his lieutanants are reluctant going with him to some of the dangerous spots across the state, but very often too, such spots are his favourite places to visit.
I do not want to delve into his developmental projects, as I believe the compendium on his media outings has adequately captured that. I also know that documentaries have covered all areas, but I could not resist mentioning some of those attributes that stand him out.
I believe that Zulum’s successes are not measured by his accomplishments alone, but by the opposition he encountered and the courage with which he maintained the struggle for peace, justice and equity in Borno state.
These could be seen in many of his actions and utterances, which have also served as the compass for members of his cabinet and his other aides.
Perhaps, his quest for a peaceful Borno remains one of the legacies Governor Zulum shall always be remembered for.
His passion for the return peace and the relocation of citizens to their ancestral abodes remain uncompromising. This perhaps informed his often dangerous forays into hitherto very dangerous enclaves.
I would have continued, but that will take me into areas, I earlier tried avoiding, but it remains an irresistible desire to always join millions of Nigerians on whose lips the name of Professor Zulum as always been the sweetest song.”
At the time I was r one above piece, I read the Governor from a distance. Having come closer, as a council Chairman under his tutelage, it is almost irresistible praising him to near point of psychophancy.
His re-election for a second time: which a walkover remains the most eloquent testimony of the love his people have for him.
The second d stanza of his leadership promises to bring for more interesting stories.
I wish our Governor a happy 54th birthday and pray, that, the God who gave him grace to succeed and who saved him from the hands of those who wished him dead, will uphold him

Random Thoughts On Gov. Zulum @54.

News

Operation Hadin Kai debunks Fake news on ISWAP enclave in Tuba, Jere in Borno

Published

3 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Operation Hadin Kai debunks Fake news on ISWAP enclave in Tuba, Jere in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Reports circulating online claiming that Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents have established a new enclave in Tuba, Jere Local Government Area, have been strongly condemned by military sources in Operation HADIN KAI, describing the claims as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to spread fear.

According to the sources, recent operations conducted by troops of 212 Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, across Tuba and surrounding areas including Dusuman, Jabarmari, Gongulong, Ngom, and along the Maiduguri-Monguno and Maiduguri-Mafa highways, found no evidence of any terrorist enclave, concentration, or movement as claimed in the reports.

The military sources expressed outrage over the circulation of such unverified stories, noting that some media platforms appear to be serving interests contrary to national security and public safety. “These claims are false, sensational, and do not reflect the reality on the ground,” the sources said.

They pointed to previous instances of deliberate exaggeration, where some outlets reported that 40 or even 100 soldiers were killed during attacks in Konduga figures that were never corroborated by even the insurgents themselves. Another example cited involved reports claiming Boko Haram had taken over Ngoshe, only for videos of troops firmly securing the area to emerge, exposing the lies. Despite this, some media still went ahead to report that Army has recaptured Ngoshe without providing further details of how the Operation tool place.

“Who are these media outlets serving?” the military sources demanded. “Are they advancing national or public interest, or are they actively trying to support the terrorists to disintegrate the country through fake narratives?”

While acknowledging operational challenges in the theatre, the military sources emphasized that troops continue to maintain operational dominance, safeguard residents, and protect highways and strategic installations across the North East region.

In other countries, citizens rally around their military to support them in countering violent extremism. Hardly will you find active citizens working as though they are tool of terrorists propaganda. They warned that unverified reports undermine troop morale, endanger civilians, and distort public perception of ongoing security efforts in the country.

Journalists and media platforms were urged to exercise professionalism, verify facts before publication, and avoid being used as instruments of destabilisation. Residents were advised to rely only on credible sources and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The military remains committed to defeating terrorism, ensuring stability in Borno State and the broader North-East, and will not be distracted or demoralized by falsehoods masquerading as news.

Operation Hadin Kai debunks Fake news on ISWAP enclave in Tuba, Jere in Borno

News

Fresh tension in ISWAP camps as top commander Modu Kunduli neutralised by troops in Borno

Published

3 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Fresh tension in ISWAP camps as top commander Modu Kunduli neutralised by troops in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Fresh tension and anxiety have gripped Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) camps following the neutralisation of one of its top commanders, Modu Kunduli, by troops of Operation HADIN KAI during a failed assault on the Army Forward Operation Base in Mayanti village, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sources say the late commander met his end during a last week’s failed mission targeting the Army Forward Operation Base at Mayanti village. His death is expected to create a significant leadership vacuum within ISWAP, particularly in Sambisa Forest, given his mastery of local terrain and fluency in Fulfulde, Kanuri, and Marghi.

Zagazola report that Kunduli, a high-profile ISWAP commander, had been orchestrating attacks across Borno and Adamawa states for the past ten years, dating back to the era of Boko Haram founder Abubakar Shekau. He joined ISWAP shortly after the death of Shekau in 2021z

He was notorious for terrorising communities in Askira Uba Local Government Area, including Lassa, Multaku, Uvu, Wamdeo, and Ruimirgo villages. Reports also indicate his involvement in attacks on Vita, Yamtage, Izge, Pulka, Warabe, Limankara, and Ubawa villages in Gwoza Local Government Area.

Beyond Borno, Kunduli held operational control over Galta, a border community linking Adamawa and Borno states, overseeing large swathes of territory in Madagali and Michika Local Government Areas of Adamawa. His deep knowledge of the Sambisa Forest terrain, coupled with his leadership capabilities, earned him the command of several ISWAP branches across the region.

Zagazola note that Kunduli’s elimination represents a major blow to ISWAP’s operational capabilities in the north-east, disrupting the group’s command structure and its ability to coordinate attacks across Borno and Adamawa states.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI continue to exploit the area and maintain aggressive patrols to prevent remaining insurgents from regrouping.

Military sources have assured residents that the offensive will continue until the remnants of the terrorist group are decisively neutralised.

Fresh tension in ISWAP camps as top commander Modu Kunduli neutralised by troops in Borno

News

Lake Chad Basin Commission appoints Amb. Ibrahim Babani as Executive Secretary

Published

6 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Lake Chad Basin Commission appoints Amb. Ibrahim Babani as Executive Secretary

By: Zagazola Makama

The designation of Amb. Ibrahim Babani as the new Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) has sparked fresh expectations for stronger regional cooperation, environmental recovery and security stabilisation across the Lake Chad region.

Babani’s appointment was announced at the 71st Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the LCBC, held on March 6, 2026, in N’Djamena, Chad, where ministers and commissioners from member states deliberated on strategies to address the region’s pressing challenges.

The meeting, chaired by Mr Passale Kanabe Marcelin, Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy Resources and current Chairman of the LCBC Council of Ministers, brought together representatives of the commission’s member states, including Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic.

Nigeria was represented by Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation and First Commissioner of Nigeria to the LCBC, alongside Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Second Commissioner.

The Lake Chad Basin Commission remains one of Africa’s most important regional bodies, responsible for coordinating water resource management, environmental restoration and socio-economic development among countries sharing the Lake Chad Basin.

The basin supports more than 40 million people across the five member states, whose livelihoods depend largely on fishing, farming and pastoral activities linked to the shrinking lake.

Over the past decades, however, the region has faced severe environmental degradation, climate change impacts and the devastating effects of the ISWAP/Boko Haram insurgency, which has displaced millions and disrupted economic activities. These complex challenges have made the role of the LCBC increasingly strategic in driving recovery, stabilisation and resilience across the basin.

Stakeholders believe Babani’s emergence as Executive Secretary comes at a critical time when the commission is intensifying efforts to implement several large-scale regional programmes.

These include the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery and Resilience (RS-SRR) for areas affected by Boko Haram violence, as well as projects aimed at ecological restoration and socio-economic reintegration of vulnerable populations.

During the meeting, commissioners reviewed progress in implementing the strategy and emphasised the need to accelerate key initiatives, including the development of a regional transitional justice policy and improved coordination of stabilisation interventions.

They also recommended the organisation of the sixth edition of the Governors’ Forum in Niger, alongside meetings of traditional rulers and civil society organisations to strengthen community-based recovery efforts.

Prior to his appointment, the incoming Executive Secretary of the LCBC, Amb. Ibrahim Babani, served as Director of External Affairs (DEA) at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and also doubles as Head of Mission (HoM) of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), bringing extensive security and diplomatic experience to his new role.

Babani’s leadership will therefore be critical in coordinating these initiatives and ensuring that they translate into tangible benefits for affected communities. Another priority expected to dominate Babani’s tenure is the restoration of the Lake Chad ecosystem, which has shrunk drastically over the past half century due to climate change, drought and unsustainable water use.

At the session, commissioners reviewed progress on the Inter-Basin Water Transfer Project, a major initiative designed to replenish the lake by transferring water from other basins.

The Council of Ministers commended the LCBC Executive Secretariat for successfully mobilising funding from the African Development Bank for the project and urged faster implementation of technical support programmes aimed at restoring the lake’s ecological and economic functions. Environmental experts believe that restoring the lake is crucial for reducing poverty, preventing conflicts over natural resources and addressing some of the root causes of insecurity in the region.

The Ministers also reviewed progress on the Lake Chad Region Recovery and Development Project (PROLAC) and encouraged continued engagement with the World Bank to secure financing for a second phase of the initiative.

Similarly, they called for further advocacy with the African Development Bank to support the second phase of the Project to Support the Socio-Economic Reintegration of Vulnerable Groups in the Lake Chad Basin (PARSEBALT).

Both initiatives focus on rebuilding infrastructure, supporting livelihoods and reintegrating vulnerable groups affected by years of insurgency and displacement. These programmes complement military efforts against extremist groups by addressing the social and economic conditions that fuel instability.

Despite its strategic importance, the LCBC continues to face financial constraints that could hamper implementation of its programmes.

During the session, commissioners raised concerns about the accumulation of unpaid contributions by member states and urged governments to settle their arrears and ensure regular payment of statutory dues.

They also mandated the chairman of the Council of Ministers to escalate the issue to the highest political authorities within member states to guarantee sustainable funding for the commission’s activities.

The council approved the commission’s 2026 Annual Work Plan and Budget, estimated at 15.13 billion CFA francs, with over 12.63 billion CFA francs allocated to development programmes and 2.50 billion CFA francs for operational costs.

The meeting also adopted key annexes to the Lake Chad Basin Water Charter, including frameworks governing the management of water infrastructure and procedures for notification of planned measures affecting shared water resources.

Commissioners further endorsed a Five-Year Investment Plan and directed the Executive Secretariat to organise a donors’ roundtable to mobilise international support.

Babani’s leadership comes at a time when the Lake Chad region is at a crossroads. While military operations have significantly weakened insurgent groups in recent years, millions of people still face humanitarian challenges, environmental degradation and fragile livelihoods.

The effectiveness of the LCBC in coordinating development, environmental restoration and stabilisation initiatives could determine whether the region moves toward lasting peace and prosperity.

The Council of Ministers concluded the meeting by expressing appreciation to development partners for their continued support and announcing that the next budgetary session will be held in Bangui, Central African Republic.

For many stakeholders in the Lake Chad Basin, the appointment of Babani represents not only a change in leadership but also a renewed opportunity to accelerate recovery, strengthen regional cooperation and secure the future of one of Africa’s most vital ecosystems.

Zagazola is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad regional

Lake Chad Basin Commission appoints Amb. Ibrahim Babani as Executive Secretary