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Sambisa Forest: The quest for peace, socio-economic stability in Lake Chad basin
Sambisa Forest: The quest for peace, socio-economic stability in Lake Chad basin
By Zagazola Makama
Recently, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno, once again breaks the jinx when he drew the attention of the international community to the urgent need to reclaim Sambisa Forest which is on the verge of extinction.
Zulum made the call while delivering a speech few weeks ago in New York at the United Nations High-Level Segment Roundtable with the theme: “Forest-based solutions to the triple planetary crises: A focus on people, science, technology, and finance.”
One wondered why the governor of the war-ravaged state would premise his presentation to the International community on Sambisa forest while his people at home are grappling with myriads of social, economic, security and humanitarian challenges.
The governor’s action is not far fetch considering the importance of Sambisa forest to the social and economic survival of not only Borno State but to a larger extent the whole of northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Arguably, reinvigorating Sambisa forest will propel Zulum administration’s social and economic development programmes, provides livelihood, enhance peace restoration and dignified resettlement of displaced persons, as well as preserve biodiversity, fauna and flora, protect the environment and mitigate impacts of climate change.
Commenting on the deflating forest resources, Mr Aminu Ibrahim, an environmentalist, said urgent intervention are necessary to protect the forest from further destruction.
Ibrahim commended Zulum over his commitment to reclaim Sambisa forest, protect the environment and preserve the ecosystem.
He noted that the governor’s plea was in a right direction which called for the support of all to address the menace.
As simply put by Ibrahim, we can only appreciate Zulum’s bold steps by understanding the strategic importance of Sambisa forest to the environment and lives of the people in northern Nigeria.
The Sambisa Forest, located in Borno State in North-East Nigeria, covering an area of about 518 square kilometers. The British colonial administration gazetted the forest as a reserve in 1958, and In 1977, the area was re-gazetted as a National Game Reserve for the preservation of rare animals. It’s abundant greenery was home to various species of wild animals.
In 1991, the Borno state government incorporated Sambisa into a national park, thus upgrading its status. And during the 1970s and 80s, Sambisa forest attracted tourists from far and near.
Presently, the story has changed following the invasion of the Sambisa by the Boko Haram insurgents since escalation of the crisis in 2013.
The famous tourist attraction forest now provides a space for the organisational, operational, logistical and technical infrastructure of Boko Haram, including command units, armoury, training grounds, detention and execution camps, landmines and artisanal bomb making factories as well as settlements. It is also the major destination for the insurgents’ victims of abduction and detention.
From 2014 to date, Sambisa forest has been a major front of counter-insurgency operations by Nigerian military which culminated in gross destruction of its resources. Despite the significant successes made by the Nigerian security forces in gaining entrance and reclaiming the forest, some parts of it are still under strong control of the Boko Haram insurgents.
Sambisa forest in comparison to other areas of Nigeria, is the most strategically auspicious base for the pattern of asymmetric guerrilla warfare deployed by Boko Haram. It is extremely sparse and expansive, and therefore very difficult to govern.
It is also located within a trans-territorial area characterised by porosity of borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republics.
Paradoxically, the abandonment of the management of Sambisa forest sequel to the takeover by Boko Haram insurgents, resulted to the gradual disappearance of animals, destruction of biodiversity and ecosystem.
To reverse the tide and ensure effective utilisation of the forest resources to aid sustainable Recovery, Rehabilitation and Resettlement programmes, governor Zulum advocated for the revival of the Sambisa.
Zulum said that: “Borno State has been significantly impacted by the crisis of insecurity caused by Boko Haram insurgency which has led to widespread displacement of communities, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of livelihoods.
“The conflict has also exacerbated environmental degradation, including deforestation and loss of biodiversity in our major forest (Sambisa Forest), further exacerbating the vulnerabilities of our region.
“The loss of forest cover is resulting soil erosion, reduced water availability, loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability to climate change impacts”.
Zulum noted that the shrinking of Lake Chad, a vital source of water and livelihood for millions of people in the region, is a direct consequence of climate change resulting from the incessant destruction of Sambisa forests.
The governor lamented that deforestation in Borno State has been driven by a combination of factors, including population growth, agricultural expansion, unsustainable land use practices, need for energy and the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Zulum also some of measures adopted by the Borno state government to reclaim the forest to include rehabilitation and restoration, community engagements, monitoring and evaluation, as well as collaboration with development partners.
Corroborating Zulum, Mr James Audu, a conservationist, said considering Sambisa’s vast area of landscape traversing many territories and large scale destruction of forest resources, urgent international commitment is imperative to address one of the worst global environmental disasters triggered by prolonged conflict in the Sahel region.
Zagazola Makama, is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
Sambisa Forest: The quest for peace, socio-economic stability in Lake Chad basin
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has said the principles of the United Nations Charter offers guidance to Nigeria and other African countries bedeviled by terrorism and other violent conflicts.
The message was given by the Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of United Nations.
Ochogwu said: “Today, October 24, 2025, marks exactly 80 years since the entry into force of the United Nations Charter. As the world commemorates this historic milestone, we are reminded of the enduring vision of the Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. This vision remains profoundly relevant to Africa and to Nigeria, where the pursuit of peace, justice, and inclusive development continues to shape our collective aspirations.
“In today’s complex and rapidly changing security environment, the principles of the Charter, namely sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law offer essential guidance. Across Africa, the persistence of violent conflicts, terrorism, and governance challenges underscores the urgent need to strengthen multilateral cooperation, preventive diplomacy, and mediation capacities. Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and her experience in regional peacekeeping and conflict resolution affirm our commitment to these ideals and to the transformative role of international law in sustaining peace and security.
“The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) stands as a bridge between national policy and global peace initiatives. We reaffirm our partnership with the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and institution-building. In this decade of action, we must deepen investments in peace infrastructure, youth empowerment, and cross-border cooperation to realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
He added that: “As we look to the future of the United Nations in Africa, the challenge before us is clear: to make peace sustainable, justice accessible, and security inclusive. The continued faith of Member States and communities in the principles of the UN Charter is an enduring source of hope for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous continent.”
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity.
By Fathia Adenike
The heartbeat of Nigeria’s bustling cities and quiet villages lies ìtàn a Yoruba word meaning “story” or “history” a powerful force shaping cultural identity. Across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscapes Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa,and beyond. Storytelling isn’t just tradition; it’s a living bridge connecting past, present, and future.It’s an Oral Threads of Heritage,From moonlit Yoruba folktales whispering òrìṣà deeds to Igbo elders recounting ancestral proverbs, Nigeria’s oral traditions transmit values, wisdom, and belongings. These stories embed moral codes, communal bonds, and cosmological maps that ground Nigerians amid rapid change. Ancient myths seep into contemporary Nigerian life. Olókun’s oceanic power meets Lagos’ tech-driven streets; Ọṣun’s fertility echoes in art exploring feminine resilience. Writers like Chinua Achebe Things Fall Apart and Ben Okri The Famished Road weave such mythic threads into explorations of identity, disrupting colonial ruptures.
Today, Nigerian storytelling leaps into digital realms. Podcasts like “The Nairaland Podcast and Twitter threads” retelling folklore showcase ìtàn’s adaptability. Social media becomes a virtual àbù̀ (drumbeat), amplifying voices across Nigeria’s youthful diaspora.
Ìtàn fosters cultural resilience. As Nigeria navigates urbanization, migration, and tech disruption, these stories offer anchors. They articulate collective memory, mediate conflict, and nurture belonging across ethnic lines Igbo, Yoruba.
Hausa in a nation of profound diversity.In Nigeria’s mosaic, ìtàn remains a vital pulse reminding Nigerians, globally, of roots nourishing identity’s complex, beautiful branches. ìtàn remains an irreducible heartbeat reminding Nigerians globally of identity’s deep, branching roots nourishing complex beauty. As Nigeria braids tradition with cutting edge innovation, these stories transmute into luminescent beacons, diachronistic continuity. Resonating poignantly in diaspora conversations spanning oceans.
Echoing vibrantly in Nigeria’s creative expressions celebrating Ultimately, ìtàn transcends mere retrospection; it dynamically sculpts Nigeria’s unfolding narrative vectors. These andaren’t antiquarian tales; they’re heritage-infused blueprints propelling Nigeria’s stories into uncharted tomorrows narratives carrying ancestral essence into modernity’s unspooling scroll. ìtàn brings identity filaments, affirming storytelling as Nigeria’s quintessential cultural DNA.
How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity
ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture
LAGOS, NIGERIA – October 11, 2025 — Nigerian sportswear brand, ShightVault is making bold strides in redefining the culture of movement and style in Africa. The brand recently led a major collaboration with the Èkó Runners Club, hosting a vibrant community event themed “RUNWITHLAGOS” at The Finery, Ikoyi.
The activation brought together over 280 guests, including more than 140 runners who took part in a 5KM morning run through the heart of Lagos. The day unfolded into a full lifestyle experience, from yoga sessions and high-intensity training classes to ice baths, networking, food, drinks, and friendly competitions, blending wellness and urban culture in one energetic celebration.
At the center of it all was ShightVault, showcasing its limited-edition collaborative run-fit, a sleek performance line that sold out quickly at the venue.
Speaking at the event, Riches Efe Arhiakpore, Executive Director of ShightVault, described the collaboration as a reflection of the brand’s growing vision:
ShightVault is more than a sportswear label, it’s a movement. This collaboration with Èkó Runners Club represents how we want to connect fashion, fitness, and community. We’re open to working with more run clubs across the country and internationally as we expand our reach in both the sports and fashion industries.
The event was powered by key sponsors including KNGSMN, Pocari Sweat, ZoneX, Red Bull, and Glacee Table Water, alongside partners who helped deliver one of Lagos’ most engaging fitness activations of the year.
As ShightVault continues to grow beyond Nigeria’s borders, the brand is positioning itself as a global voice for African sportswear innovation, bridging performance, design, and cultural expression in every stride.
ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
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