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Rebuilding Borno via Resettlement and Family Reunification: The Zulum Style
Rebuilding Borno via Resettlement and Family Reunification: The Zulum Style
By Zagazola Makama
For the past five years, families in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and other towns across the North-East region have been struggling to rebuild their lives from the devastation caused by the Boko Haram insurgency. This insurgency threatened the social fabric and economic life of the people.
In 2009, Boko Haram terrorists intensified their attacks on people, government officials, and institutions. From 2013 to 2014, at the peak of the insurgency, the terrorists controlled large areas of the North-East region and extended their attacks to border communities in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republics.
This caused large-scale displacement and destruction of public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, markets, businesses, religious places of worship, and financial and government establishments.
The terrorizing effect of Boko Haram’s activities on the social and economic life of the people was so devastating that schools, hospitals, businesses, government, and financial institutions closed down in many areas of Borno State. According to official statistics, the damage caused by the insurgency was over $6 billion as of 2015.
To fast-track recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of the war-torn region, the Federal and Borno State Governments initiated and implemented viable programs, including economic empowerment, reunification of missing persons, and deradicalization of repentant insurgents to foster sustainable social and economic development.
According to official records, the Borno Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development empowered 325,000 women and girls through its skill acquisition training program across 18 local government areas of the state. The ministry also reunified separated families and provided food and non-food items to 152,000 households in 2023, and 162,000 households in 27 LGAs under its family tracing and reunification scheme.
On reintegration of ex-combatants into their communities, the ministry created forums for peace, reconciliation, and community engagement in 27 LGAs and neighboring countries. Some 66,000 ex-combatants returned to their communities in 2023, and 40,042 transitioned into civilian life in 2024.
In 2023 alone, the ministry created safe and comfortable spaces for 982 victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) seeking support in 13 LGAs of the state. To promote child rights and protection, the Borno State Children Parliament was established, with 30 delegates representing the state at national parliament conferences and participating in conferences held in Kenya and Ethiopia.
The state also enacted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP Law), renovated the International Women Centre in Maiduguri, and extended outreach programs to enhance advocacy for women’s participation in leadership.
Under the administration of Babagana Zulum, the Borno government has successfully resettled thousands of displaced persons in their ancestral homes to hasten rehabilitation and resettlement of those affected by the insurgency.
Highlighting the extensive rehabilitation project, Zulum said the state government plans to construct 85,000 houses to fast-track the resettlement of two million displaced persons in 66 communities across the state. This statement was made in March during a meeting with the North-East Ambassadors’ Group, chaired by the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery. The group comprises High Commissioners, Ambassadors, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator to Nigeria, Defense Attachés, and other humanitarian partners.
Zulum further explained that the state government would construct schools, clinics, police posts, marketplaces, water points, secured farmlands, and vocational training centers in each of the 66 communities. He added that the government would commit 15 percent of its annual budget to fast-track the resettlement of displaced persons while expanding Maiduguri metropolis along six axes to accommodate people who choose to integrate into the city. According to the governor, the state requires about $2.7 billion to achieve sustainable solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“I am committed to resettling our people into decent homes in secure areas, supporting them to reintegrate into communities or relocate to another place as they wish, respecting their choices and dignity. Implementing the durable solutions pathway for IDPs will also significantly reduce the recruitment of jobless young men by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), which is a threat to national and international security,” Zulum said.
The governor emphasized the importance of his administration’s Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Resettlement (RRR) program to mitigate internal displacement and pledged to build on the achievements in security and peace restoration. He praised development partners for their support of the Regional Stabilization Facility and the one UN offer, noting that it has significantly impacted the lives of people affected by insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
For the deradicalization and integration of repentant insurgents and their families into society, the federal government set up a center in Gombe to reform and change the radical mindset of ex-insurgent fighters. Meanwhile, the Borno government established a rehabilitation center for the rehabilitation and skills acquisition training of the clients.
Importantly, more than 160,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, adherents, and their families have surrendered to Nigerian authorities. Many of them have completed their deradicalization process, rehabilitation, and skills training programs.
Some resettled families praised the initiative for accelerating the recovery and stability program of Borno State and the North-East region in general.
Ms. Adama Ali, one of the resettled family members, expressed joy over the program, saying she was reunited with her son lost in 2014 when insurgents attacked her village in Bama. Ali, a mother of three, said that the insurgents killed her husband and separated her from her son for the past ten years. “I’m happy to be reunited with my son; I have my family now,” she said.
Mr. Bukar Kime, a resettled farmer in Konduga, commended the state government for the support extended to them. He said the government distributed fertilizers, seeds, and inputs to enable them to cultivate their farmlands. “This will enable us to feed ourselves and stop relying on food handouts from the government,” Kime said.
Mr. Ahmed Shuwa, a civil society activist, said the RRR initiative by the Borno government would build resilience, provide livelihoods, and encourage sustainable social and economic development in the state.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
Rebuilding Borno via Resettlement and Family Reunification: The Zulum Style
Koton-Karfe Jailbreak: Killers of Correctional Officer Would Be Brought to Justice- NCoS
By: Michael Mike
The fleeing inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, which expressed jailbreak on Monday would have to face justice especially the killing of a Senior Correctional Assistant (SCA) Shuaibu King David
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) regrets to announce the tragic demise of Senior Correctional Assistant (SCA) Shuaibu King David during the unfortunate escape incident at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, on 24 March, 2025.
The Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche made this vow on Tuesday while on behalf of the entire Nigerian Correctional Service extended heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the late personnel, noting that the service and ultimate sacrifice of the falling hero would forever be remembered and honoured.
The statement read that SCA Shuaibu King David, in the line of duty, bravely stood his ground in an effort to prevent the escape of inmates and protect the integrity of the custodial centre. His courageous sacrifice reflects his unwavering dedication to service and national security.
Nwakuche said the Nigerian Correctional Service is working closely with relevant security agencies and communities to recapture those still at large and bring them to justice, adding that measures are being taken to enhance security in all custodial centres across the country to prevent such occurrences in the future.
He added that: “The Service remains committed to ensuring the safety of officers and the security of custodial facilities nationwide.”
Koton-Karfe Jailbreak: Killers of Correctional Officer Would Be Brought to Justice- NCoS
Nigeria, Spain Sign MoU on Political Consultations
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Spain have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations, establishing a mechanism for regular dialogue to advance areas of mutual interest and consolidate cooperation between Spain and Nigeria.
Joint Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria issued on Tuesday read that: “Today, in Madrid, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, José Manuel Albares, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, held a working meeting aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between both countries within the framework of the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025-2028.
“During this meeting, both Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations, establishing a mechanism for regular dialogue to advance areas of mutual interest and consolidate cooperation between Spain and Nigeria.”
It added that: “Nigeria is a strategic partner for Spain in West Africa, a region of special priority within the Spain-Africa Strategy. Likewise, Spain is a strategic partner for Nigeria and a key ally within the European Union, playing an active role in promoting stronger relations between the EU and the African continent. In this context, both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in various fields, including economic development, security, education, energy, and the fight against climate change.
“They also discussed the regional situation, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa, highlighting the importance of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a key player in regional stability and development. Additionally, they exchanged views on other challenges facing the continent.
“On international affairs, the Ministers shared their concerns regarding the situations in Gaza and Ukraine, reaffirming their commitment to peace, stability, and respect for international law.
“Both Ministers agreed that this visit represents a significant step in deepening relations between Spain and Nigeria. They reiterated their commitment to continuing close cooperation for the benefit of their peoples and the strengthening of Africa-Europe relations.”
Nigeria, Spain Sign MoU on Political Consultations
NAPTIP, DSS Smash Cross-Country Human Trafficking Syndicate
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Agency Prohibition of Ttaffickixlng in Persons (NAPTIP) and officials of the Department of State Service (DSS) have smashed a human trafficking syndicate headed by a female truck driver who is alleged to be a staff of one of the nation’s topmost cement company.
A statement on Tuesday by the press officer of NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye read that a suspect, Hassana Jacob, 33 years old, an alternate female truck driver of a popular Cement Company was arrested along with the Cement Truck branded in the name and logo of the Company together with six other suspected members of the gang namely Aisha Suleiman, Murtala Tanimu, Shamsu Tanimu, Adamu Jacob, Abubakar Ahmed, and Ali Muhammed.
Adekoye said they were caught in Abuja by the operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) while trying to sell off their latest victim, a 3-year-old girl that was stolen from Damaturu, Yobe State.
He said investigation revealed that Hassana Jacob commands a professional human trafficking syndicate that specializes in stealing children from age 1 and above, selling them to interested buyers at the rate of N600,000 each.
Adekoye, said investigation revealed that because Hassana because she is a Truck Driver with this popular Cement Company, had several successes stealing children at any of the terminals across the country, evading security checks on the roads, and delivery of stolen children to her gang members at any location without being noticed.
He said it is strongly suspected the syndicate has membership across the country with different assigned roles, with some members of the trafficking ring, hunting and luring victims to the truck terminal where they will be picked up by Hassana, others arrange interested buyers at any of the terminals across the country even before the arrival of the victims thereby making it fast for the gang leader to dispose of the stolen child and collect her money.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, while thanking the Director General of the DSS for his sustained support to the agency which culminated in the arrest of the smashing of the notorious human trafficking syndicate, expressed sadness over the situation describing it as a heinous crime against humanity.
The NAPTIP Director General who was represented by the Director, Research and Programme Development, Mr. Josiah Emerole, said: “I am deeply sad by the latest arrest. It is painful to note that human beings will organize a criminal gang, use a branded vehicle of a Company, move from one part of the Country to another, steal children belonging to other families, and sell them to interested buyers whose motives for the children are not known.
“They create everlasting sorrow and pain for those families and smile to the bank after selling those children. This is unimaginable and it is a condemnable act of wickedness. This is more painful when the arrowhead of this evil syndicate is a woman who knows the pain of motherhood.
“I sincerely appreciate the support of the Director General and Operatives of the DSS for the agency in the fight against human trafficking. I thank other sister law enforcement agencies also and I sue for more robust cooperation as we continue to scale our activities to ensure the protection of our children from human traffickers in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the 22-tired cement truck used to traffic the Child has been impounded by NAPTIP.
NAPTIP, DSS Smash Cross-Country Human Trafficking Syndicate
Koton-Karfe Jailbreak: Killers of Correctional Officer Would Be Brought to Justice- NCoS
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Nigeria, Spain Sign MoU on Political Consultations
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