Zulum shares 63 patrol vehicles to combat criminality in Maiduguri

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has handed over 63 patrol vehicles to security agencies and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operating in Maiduguri and its environs.

Out of the 63 vehicles, 30 were given to the 10 different sectors of CJTF, 16 to Rapid Response and Anti-Social Vices, 10 to paramilitary organisations, 6 to hunters and one to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

According to a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, the distribution aims to enhance the mobility and response capacity of the police, other security outfits, and the civilian joint task force in tackling security threats such as armed gangs and other forms of criminality within the state capital and its surrounding areas.

He noted that this latest donation is one of the numerous vehicle distributions by the Zulum administration since 2019 all of which are targeted at strengthening the security architecture and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.

Zulum, while presenting the vehicles, reiterated his government’s commitment to providing continuous logistical support to security forces. He emphasised that security is part of the cardinal priorities of his administration.

He said: “We are here in continuation of our efforts to support the security apparatus in Borno State with equipment and logistics needed for them to function effectively.”

“I want to assure you that the government of Borno under my leadership will continue to support you with a view to achieving the noble objectives in ensuring the state is rid of insurgency.”

He also commended President Bola Tinubu and the security forces for their efforts to restore normalcy in Borno.

He stated: “Let me also use this opportunity to extend my profound appreciation to the president and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tunibu, the services chiefs, theatre commander, sector commanders and all officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces that are in operation hadin Kai, and indeed all paramilitary organisations in Borno State for the great works that they’ve been doing in the state.”

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur, Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, Naziru Abdulmajid, the State Director of the State Security Service, Adamu Umar and the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abdulrazaq Haroon.

Also in attendance are the Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, commissioners, special advisers and other top government officials.

Zulum shares 63 patrol vehicles to combat criminality in Maiduguri

Electoral officer rescued as one killed, others injured in Kontagora election violence

By: Zagazola Makama

One person was killed while several others, including security personnel, sustained injuries during a violent attack by thugs at a polling unit in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday.

Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at Central Ward, Bashari Polling Unit, during the local government council elections.

According to the sources , the Electoral Officer (EO) for Kontagora LGA, Mr. Umar Abdulkadir, was held hostage and threatened by thugs before being rescued by a patrol team that responded to a distress call.

The rescue operation, however, turned violent as the thugs engaged in a serious fracas, resulting in the death of one Abdullahi Bala, 60, who was stabbed during the attack, while one Shehu Habibu sustained injuries to his right hand.

The security operatives attached to the electoral office were also attacked and injured, and one patrol vehicle was vandalised during the incident.

The deceased and the injured victims were taken to the General Hospital, Kontagora, for autopsy and medical treatment.

The command said investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest all the perpetrators involved in the election-day violence.

Electoral officer rescued as one killed, others injured in Kontagora election violence

KACRAN Asks NEDC to Prioritise Livestock Development In 2026 Policies And Programmes

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), a critical stakeholder in the North East region, has called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to significantly incorporate Livestock Development into its 2026 policies and programmes.

The group in a signed statement by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello, while appreciating NEDC’s efforts, acknowledged the tireless efforts and significant achievements of the Commission since its inception in rebuilding and rehabilitating the North East.

It also commended the Commission for its successes in infrastructure, renovation and construction of schools, houses, hospitals, health centres, roads, reconstruction of bridges destroyed by insurgency and provision of accommodation to displaced persons.

KACRAN also commended NEDC for the training of thousands of forest guards and the distribution of utility vehicles to security operatives to help combat insecurity; the
prompt provision of support and assistance to victims of various incidents, including the vital role played during the major floods in Maiduguri last year and for the consistent
distribution of relief materials and palliatives to internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The group said: “We believe the NEDC has performed commendably and is a true partner in progress for the region’s State Governments.”

They however said: “Despite these successes, KACRAN draws the attention of the NEDC to the profound and disproportionate impact of insecurity and insurgency on the region’s pastoralist communities.”

They noted that pastoralists operate primarily in the bushes, the epicentre of the conflict, making them and their livestock the most vulnerable. They claimed that countless pastoralists have been killed, and hundreds of thousands of livestock—their sole means of livelihood—have been stolen or rustled.

They decried that: “A critical shocking assessment reveals that North East pastoralists have been at the receiving end of the Commission’s programmes. We have received minimal direct benefits from the annual billions allocated for the region’s development projects, as these projects mainly focus on urban infrastructure (houses, roads, bridges) that do not and would never address our unique desired needs.”

They further stated that: “On behalf of millions of North East pastoralists, KACRAN passionately appeals to the NEDC leadership to address this imbalance with immediate and long-term actions:

“Livestock Distribution: Just as the NEDC builds and distributes houses, we urgently request the Commission to procure and distribute thousands of livestock to our members whose herds were stolen or destroyed by insurgents.

“Essential Support: We call for the provision of animal feed, water points, relief materials, and palliative support for our internally displaced members who have been completely ruined by the insurgency.

“Policy Integration: We urge the NEDC to make a serious and dedicated commitment to Livestock Development in its 2026 Policies and Programmes. This is the only way to ensure fairness and compensate for the structural neglect our communities have faced since the Commission’s creation.”

They stated that: “KACRAN believes that by engaging in robust livestock development, the NEDC can truly align with the spirit of fairness and inclusive development, thereby helping the North East pastoralist communities rebuild their livelihoods and contribute fully to the region’s economic recovery.”

KACRAN Asks NEDC to Prioritise Livestock Development In 2026 Policies And Programmes