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“The First Regular Combatant: Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari’
“The First Regular Combatant: Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari’
By: Balami Lazarus
Whenever I read a book, especially nonfiction, where you feel history sandwiched between facts and figures, reading through the book was an emotional journey of pain and tears because of the situations that subsequently arose to the killing of Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari and others. This work gave me an insight on the modern history of the Nigerian Army, where our indigenous officers and men played a role in the growth and progress of the Nigerian Army. ‘The First Regular Combatant: Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari’ written by one Haruna Yahaya Poloma, of which I got a copy through my able President of my Alma Mata, Brigadier Maimalari Secondary School Old Students Association (BBRIGMSSOSA), Mr. Danladi Abatcha.
In this review, I will not bother you with the fundamentals of a book review, like the publisher’s name, year of publication, chapters/pages, and so on, since I am not under any obligation or examination condition to do that. However, it is worth noting that it is registered intellectual material with the International Standard Book Number (ISBN: 978-978-958-109-2). The book captured everything said in print by those the author interfaced with, past and present, in the course of writing. And this review is automatically in line with what Prof. Helon Habila said in the blurb at the outside back cover page: “Haruna Poloma’s narrative style is an ingenious and innovative approach to life writing. It does what biographies do best, mixing history and literature… documenting the past through dialogue and description.” This is exactly what the author did in his work.
The content of the book is principally centered on the late Brigadier Zakariya Abubakar Sadiq Maimalari from cradle to his last days in a bloody military coup de dat of 15th January 1966. Poloma gave detailed accounts of Maimalari’s life, concentrating more on his military life and career through findings and available source materials aided by schoolmates, friends, relatives, associates, and most importantly, his professional military colleagues, both seniors and juniors.
Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari’s military career was traced and catalogued beautifully from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the UK with historical pictures as an officer cadet. The author was able to add other pictures of the subject as a fully commissioned officer and places he worked up to the last dark day of 15th January 1966 when he was killed by Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, his Brigade-Major, at a point blank range in IIkoyi, Lagos. Poloma’s book is therefore a one-stop literature on official military matters that has to do with the late Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari. I believe anyone that cares to go through the book will have his/her mind disabused because his/her impression of who Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari was and what became of him were all presented in the book. Let me now give some knocks to the work where most times I do have disagreement with some authors who are refusing to take corrections or suggestions on why they should be different in their style of work or publishing, as the case may be.
In one of my recent reviews, an author angrily disagreed with my observations, corrections, and/or suggestions and shamelessly came up with unwarranted porous excuses. But for Yahaya’s book, I will say his picture on the back cover page boldly written About the Author” as part of the blurb that has wrongly become an in-thing promoted by printers and amateur publishers is uncalled for. In professional publishing, it will rather be inside the back cover page and very brief. Be as it may, I therefore write this review with the utmost sense of purpose as an experienced publisher. Finally, the author, Mr. Haruna Yahaya Poloma, has done a good job on Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari. It was well researched, written, and presented. Kudos, my brother.
*Balami, a Publisher/Columnist: 08036779290.
“The First Regular Combatant: Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari’
Troops ambush terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road, recover logistics in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully ambushed Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno, forcing them to flee and abandoning logistics items.
A military source said the operation was conducted in the early hours of Thursday by a combined team of 50 Task Force Battalion/24 Task Force Brigade and 134 Special Forces Battalion, supported by volunteer forces.
The source disclosed that the troops, who had laid in wait at Momoh village along the Marte–Dikwa road, made contact with the insurgents moving on bicycles at about 12:45 a.m.
“On sighting the terrorists, the troops engaged them decisively, compelling them to retreat in disarray,” the source said.
He added that troops immediately carried out exploitation of the general area, leading to the recovery of eight bicycles believed to have been used by the insurgents for mobility, as well as some beverages suspected to be part of their logistics supply.
The Marte–Dikwa axis has remained a critical corridor in counter-insurgency operations, with sustained military pressure limiting the activities of insurgents in the area.
The source reaffirmed the commitment of troops to sustain aggressive operations to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety of communities across Borno.
Troops ambush terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road, recover logistics in Borno
Army troops neutralized 8 Boko Haram in Borno failed attack, recover arms
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, Borno, killing several insurgents and recovering arms and ammunition.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday when terrorists advanced from multiple directions toward the base.
According to the source, troops who had taken ambush positions engaged the insurgents with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
“The troops demonstrated resilience and tactical superiority, effectively repelling the assault and immediately launching a counter-exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route, inflicting further casualties on the fleeing insurgents,” the source said.
He confirmed that no personnel of the Nigerian military was killed during the encounter, although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
The source added that at least eight terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while troops recovered seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four RPG bombs, and a cache of ammunition.
“Blood trails were observed along the withdrawal routes, indicating that several other insurgents escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said.
He further disclosed that injured personnel from the encounter were currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility in Biu.
Zagazola gathered that additional bodies of fleeing terrorists were sighted along their escape corridors toward the Timbuktu Triangle, a known insurgent enclave. We saw four more bodies,” said sources.
The military sources also revealed that abandoned weapons and casualties were observed in Garin Mallum and Garin Gajere, suggesting heavy losses suffered by the insurgents during the failed attack.
The military leadership urged to sustain the operational tempo, retain the initiative, and consolidate on the gains recorded against the insurgents.
Army troops neutralized 8 Boko Haram in Borno failed attack, recover arms
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria is set to sharpen its policy direction in the global space ecosystem as Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited prepares to host the 2026 Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja.
The Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this in a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Corporate Communications, Stephen Kwande, noting that the event will convene top government officials, regulators, and international stakeholders to shape the future of satellite governance and digital infrastructure.
Egerton-Idehen said the forum is coming at a critical time when countries around the world are strengthening their space capabilities as part of broader national development strategies.
According to her, satellite technology is increasingly linked to economic growth, national security, and digital connectivity, making strategic investments in space infrastructure a priority for many nations.
She explained that the conference is expected to attract high-level participation, including cabinet members, defence authorities, development finance institutions, and technology innovators from across Africa.
The NIGCOMSAT boss also highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in global space policy, pointing to her emergence as Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association as a sign of the country’s expanding role in international satellite governance.
She further cited ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the Kenya Space Agency as part of broader efforts to strengthen partnerships within Africa’s evolving space ecosystem.
Egerton-Idehen described the upcoming satellite week as both a reflection of Nigeria’s 20-year journey in satellite development and a strategic platform to define the country’s next phase in an increasingly competitive global space economy.
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
Troops ambush terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road, recover logistics in Borno
Army troops neutralized 8 Boko Haram in Borno failed attack, recover arms
Nigeria Positions Itself for Global Space Leadership at Satellite Week 2026
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