Northeast
REUTERS’ REPORT: EVEN AT GUNPOINT I WON’T COMMIT ILLEGAL ABORTION, BORNO MEDICAL DONE TELLS NHRC PANEL
REUTERS’ REPORT: EVEN AT GUNPOINT I WON’T COMMIT ILLEGAL ABORTION, BORNO MEDICAL DONE TELLS NHRC PANEL
–As Army General reaffirms military’s protection policy for women, children
By: Babagana Wakil
The Borno state Commissioner of Health, Prof. Muhammad Arab has said that he will not compromise the ethics of the medical profession including carrying out illegal abortion even at gunpoint, adding that Reuters’ report is disturbingly false.
According to Prof. Arab who is a Fellow West African College of Physicians, Reuters’ report seeking to indict the state government as an accomplice of Nigeria military in the allegation of abortion of 10,000 pregnancies, massacre of children and other Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) does not hold water since there is no policy of the state that supports illegal abortion.
The Commissioner who is a Consultant Pediatrician said contrary to the report purporting that two state government hospitals; Specialist Hospital Maiduguri and Umar Shehu Ultra-Modern hospitals, Maiduguri were used by the military to carry out abortion, he stated that all the medical facilities in the state are run with the highest level of professional ethics and that all medical records are intact.
He made the testimony before the 7-Member panel chaired by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Abdu Aboki, saying that life is sacred and must be treated accordingly.
The former Chairman Hospital Management Board of Specialist Hospital Maiduguri denied allegation that the state hospitals usually receive corpses of pregnant women who bled to death as a result of illegal termination of pregnancies, saying that even brought-in-dead must be certified and issued death certificate by a doctor before the corpse will be deposited in the hospital.
In the same manner, the Commander of the Nigerian Defense Academy, Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf informed the panel that Reuters report was issued with a “malicious intent”, describing it as “untrue”.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/alleged-extra-judicial-killing-petitoner-fails-to-prove-the-identity-of-accused-in-the-death-of-uchenna-emmanuel-says-police/
Continuing, Major General Yusuf who was former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maiduguri said that at the heat of the insurgency which coincides with the period Reuters’ report is refers, nobody could muster the courage or have the presence of mind to talk about keeping women and girls for the purpose of illegal abortion.
The state Executive Member stated that the premium respect the military has for women and children is so impeachable that it has waived several opportunities to neutralize the insurgents just because they shielded themselves with women and children.
Therefore, he said it defies logic for anyone to believe Reuters’ report which alleged that the military was implementing a programme of abortion, massacre of children and other heartrending gender-based violations between the period of 2013 and 2021.
Similarly, the Consultant orthopedic surgeon, Colonel Stephen Onuchukwu told the panel that it is inconceivable that trained medical officers or military personnel will get involved in secret or illegal abortion.
According to him, soldiers at the frontline do not have the luxury of time to think about how to abort pregnancies or kill children believed to have been fathered by Boko Haram, pointing out that it was the military that rescued most of the Chibok girls that were abducted by Boko Haram in 2014 among other rescues.
Also in his oral evidence, the Director Borno state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Abdullahi Suleiman said that the allegation of illegal abortion cannot be proven in the various IDPs camps in the state.
He stated that SEMA Officials normally coordinate the activities of the camp while development partners like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), UNICEF and Civil Society Organisations assist in providing their basic needs like water, food and sanitation.
REUTERS’ REPORT: EVEN AT GUNPOINT I WON’T COMMIT ILLEGAL ABORTION, BORNO MEDICAL DONE TELLS NHRC PANEL
News
Book Launch: Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Invest in Education, Announces N50 Miliion Donation
Book Launch: Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Invest in Education, Announces N50 Miliion Donation
By: Our Reporter
Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his adminisration’s commitment to continue to invest hugely in the education sector and reposition the state for a more prosperous future.
The governor made the commitment at the graduation ceremony and official launch of the Book “Echoes of Memory” authored by the daughter of Borno State Deputy Governor, Aisha Umar Kadafur.
Aisha kadafur, a law graduate from Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, is an advocate of peace and a campaigner on girl-child education.
The 25-page book is a collection of 25 different peoms from diverse themes such as girl-child, morality, technology, mental heath among others.p

Professor Zulum congratulated the celebrant for the accomplishment, describing education as the most effective weapon that can transform an individual and the society.
“Today, we gather not only to rejoice over an academic milestone but to honour a young lady whose passion for learning and writing has produced a meaningful contribution to literature and personal development,” Zulum said.
“Government of Borno State under my leadership together with my deputy and other members of council shall do everything possible to transform the education sector and reposition the state to greater heights. We will, insha Allah, deliver to the good people of Borno State both concrete and quantum values,” he assured.
“Education remains the most powerful weapon through which we can transform individuals and societies. When a young person, especially one from our state, distinguishes themselves through both academic excellence and intellectual creativity, it rekindles our hope for a brighter future. Aisha’s journey is a reflection of what is possible when vision meets commitment.
“The book “Echoes of Memory” is not just a title, it is a voice, a voice of reflection, courage and inspiration. It mirrors the thoughts and experiences of a young mind determined to leave a positive mark on the world. Through her words, Aisha reminds us that stories have the power to heal, to inspire and to shape our collective understanding of life.
“I feel a deep sense of pride seeing one of our own youths achieving such an outstanding feat. It gives me renewed confidence that our investments in education, empowerment and human development are not in vain. It is our young people, like Aisha, who will carry forward the torch of progress, peace and prosperity for our dear Borno State and Nigeria at large.
Governor Babagana Zulum during the Book presentation re-echoed the cordial working relationship between himself and the deputy governor “looking at the relationship between myself and the deputy, I said I must be around, I felt in my absence there will be a missing link, which is the father of the family. indeed I am the father of Aisha,”.ll

“I want to confess to the gathering that my stay with the deputy governor in the last six years needs not to be overemphasized. I cherishe him and I think people from other parts of the country would come and emulate from Borno State how governors should work with their deputies,” Zulum stated.
The governor launched copies of the book for N50 million “On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I am donating the sum of N50 million for this book launch. May the Almighty Allah bless the celebrant for the good work that she has done,” he concluded.
Book Launch: Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Invest in Education, Announces N50 Miliion Donation
News
Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri
Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
Hamza Ibrahim Idris, a bereaved husband in Maiduguri, Borno, has paid a touching tribute to his late wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was allegedly murdered by suspected phone snatchers.
In a heartfelt message titled “Ga Masoyiyata Nurse Hadiza Musa”, the widower expressed deep sorrow over the death of his wife, describing her as a virtuous woman, devoted mother, and compassionate health worker who dedicated her life to saving others.
“It’s been three days since my heart has burned with the pain of losing my wife, my life partner, Nurse Hadiza Musa, who was killed in cold blood by those who snatched her phone,” he wrote.
“She was not just a wife she was my confidant, the mother of my three children, and the other half of my soul. We lived in love, understanding and mutual support, building dreams and hoping to grow old together. But now, that dream has been shattered,” he said.
The grieving husband described Hadiza as a woman of faith, humility and kindness who always put others first.
“As a nurse, she devoted her life to saving others with a smile and compassion. Yet, the life she saved was taken unjustly she died in faith and martyrdom,” he added.
He recounted the pain of their children’s repeated questions: “Daddy, where is Mommy?” a reminder, he said, of the irreplaceable void left by her death.
“Each time I hear those words, tears flow. In their faces, I see hers a woman of truth, love, and belief,” he said.
Offering prayers, he said: “Oh Allah, the Most Merciful, forgive her shortcomings, elevate her rank, grant her Aljanna Firdaus, bless her children, and give me strength and patience.”
He added that though Hadiza was gone, her love remained in his heart and prayers, expressing hope of reuniting with her in the hereafter “where there will be no pain, no tears, and no separation.”
“May Allah forgive and have mercy on my beloved wife, Nurse Hadiza Musa. May her grave be a garden of paradise. May He grant me patience and protect our children,” he concluded tearfully.
The incident, which occurred recently in Maiduguri, has sparked outrage among residents who have called for stronger security measures to curb rising cases of phone snatching and violent attacks in the city.
Widower mourns slain nurse wife in Maiduguri
News
Troops kill over 50 terrorists as they repel multiple attacks in Borno, Yobe — military
Troops kill over 50 terrorists as they repel multiple attacks in Borno, Yobe — military
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have killed more than 50 terrorists and repelled multiple coordinated attacks on military locations across Borno and Yobe States, in what has been described as the biggest blow against insurgents in 2025.
The Nigerian military said the simultaneous attacks occurred between midnight and 0400 hours on Thursday when terrorists launched assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo and Katarko, situated within Sectors 1 and 2 of the Joint Operations Area.

Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East (OPHK), in a statement on Thursday in Maiduguri, said the troops fought gallantly and professionally, repelling the attacks and inflicting devastating losses on the terrorists.
“In all instances, troops stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy, decisive and bloody blow,” Uba stated.

He said the coordinated ground and air operations, backed by precision strikes from the Air Component of OPHK, led to the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists across all the locations.
According to him, troops also recovered 38 AK-47 rifles, seven PKT machine guns, five RPG tubes, two GPMGs, hand grenades, and thousands of assorted rounds of ammunition after the clashes.
“The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by the Theatre’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force,” Uba added.
He disclosed that over 70 wounded terrorists were being pursued by ground troops, with the Air Component maintaining close coordination to ensure total clearance of the fleeing remnants.
Intelligence reports, he said, indicated that the attackers who stormed Dikwa and Gajibo manoeuvred from the Cameroon axis, while those who attacked Katarko emerged from the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious terrorist enclave.

Uba said some gallant troops sustained injuries but were in stable condition, while some vehicles and buildings in Mafa and Dikwa were gutted by fire following RPG and drone attacks by the terrorists.
He noted that despite the heavy onslaught, the troops maintained control of all their positions and repelled the coordinated strikes with renewed strength and professionalism.
“The Military High Command has commended the gallantry, doggedness and renewed charge of the troops. Their steadfast performance once again reaffirms the military’s unwavering resolve and capacity to defend the nation’s territorial integrity,” he added.

Security analysts described the coordinated defeat of the terrorists across multiple fronts as the single largest operational success against insurgents in 2025, marking a major turning point in the counter-terrorism campaign in the North East.
Troops kill over 50 terrorists as they repel multiple attacks in Borno, Yobe — military
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