News
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
News
Locals Cry Out for Help as Lakurawa Terrorists Menace Kebbi Villages Against Mechanized Farming

Locals Cry Out for Help as Lakurawa Terrorists Menace Kebbi Villages Against Mechanized Farming
By Zagazola Makama
Residents of some villages plagued by the Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi State have cried out to the Nigerian military and government to intervene and protect them from the terrorists who have been wreaking havoc in their communities.
The terrorists have issued a chilling warning to farmers in some villages in Augie Local Government Area, threatening to execute anyone who replaces their cattle-farming method with mechanized farming machines. This warning has sent shockwaves through the communities, which have already been devastated by massive cattle rustling carried out by the Lakurawa terrorists.
The terrorists’ actions have forced the villagers to dispose of their remaining cattle used for farming, and some were considering using small mechanized farming machines. However, the terrorists’ warning has made it clear that this option is no longer viable.
A source who reported the warning to the authorities said, “Now, the terrorists are dictating how we should farm, forbidding us from adopting modern farming methods that replace traditional farming with tools tied to cattle.” The source added, “When we farm with cattle, they come and seize them, and we’re large-scale farmers, farming for our needs and commercial purposes.”
The warning from the terrorists has created a sense of hopelessness among the villagers, who feel they are being strangled by the terrorists’ demands. They are desperate for the government and military to intervene and provide protection.
An intelligence source confirmed that the terrorists’ warning was indeed issued to the villages, and that anyone found not abiding by the warning will face severe consequences, including execution. However, the matter is receiving due security attention, offering some hope that the situation may be addressed soon.
End
News
KSrelief to Drill 78 Solar-Powered Well Across 10 States in Nigeria

KSrelief to Drill 78 Solar-Powered Well Across 10 States in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) has concluded plan to drill 78 medium-depth, solar-powered well across 10 states of Nigeria.
The Centre has signed a cooperation agreement via video conference on Tuesday with a civil society organisation to implement the project.
According to a statement from the Centre, the initiative is expected to benefit approximately 733,350 individuals.
KSrelief’s Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programmes, Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz signed the agreement at KSrelief’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The agreement is aimed to provide safe drinking water for both people and livestock, support domestic water needs, and enhance water access in low-income areas.
It also seeks to reduce the spread of waterborne infections and parasitic disease vectors, ultimately helping to save lives, particularly among infants.
Additionally, the project contributes to improved nutrition by providing a reliable source of clean water.
The statement said the initiative is part of a broader range of humanitarian and relief projects in the water and sanitation sector, implemented by the Kingdom through KSrelief, aimed at improving the quality of life and reducing the spread of diseases and epidemics in vulnerable countries worldwid
KSrelief to Drill 78 Solar-Powered Well Across 10 States in Nigeria
News
Nigeria Finalizes Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates

Nigeria Finalizes Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian government has finalized arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in Israel and Iran as crisis between the two nations escalate with incessant bombings.
The arrangements of the Nigerian government was communicated on Wednesday signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The statement read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalizing arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries.
“All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by necessary security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.
“The Ministry commends the efforts put in place by our Missions in Tel Aviv, Israel and Tehran, Iran for their dedication and commitment to reaching out to the Nigerian Community in these difficult times.
“We wish to assure the general public that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens, both at home and abroad, and is working in close coordination with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in affected areas.”
The statement added: “In the same vein, the Government of Nigeria reiterates its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties involved to embrace dialogue, respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians.
“Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability.”
The government promised to provide further updates from time to time through official channels as operations progress.
Nigeria Finalizes Evacuation of Citizens from Israel, Iran as Crisis Escalates
-
News1 year ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics10 months ago
Kashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident