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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’
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
By: Michael Mike
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday commissioned newly completed nursing quarters and two mega primary schools in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to quality education in the state.
The projects were executed under Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, which has continued to prioritize infrastructure development in the health and education sectors.
The newly inaugurated nursing quarters, located beside the State Specialist Hospital, consist of eight blocks of six flats each. The housing units are fully furnished and fitted with air-conditioning systems to improve living conditions for medical personnel.
In the education sector, Senator Tinubu also commissioned Aliyakeri and Abbaganaram Mega Primary Schools. Each facility features 48 classrooms designed to accommodate thousands of pupils, alongside ICT centres, modern sports facilities, e-learning platforms, and solar-powered systems to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady commended Governor Zulum’s leadership style, describing the projects as people-focused and impactful.
“What we have seen so far in Borno is quite encouraging. You have done very well, and I am truly honoured to be part of this commissioning,” she said.
Governor Zulum’s administration has reportedly completed 104 mega schools across the state, with additional projects ongoing across Borno’s 27 local government areas.
During the event, Senator Tinubu also flagged off a N200 million empowerment programme targeting 2,000 vulnerable women. Each beneficiary is expected to receive N100,000 alongside a sewing machine to support small-scale businesses and improve household income.
The First Lady praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with national efforts to strengthen community-based economic empowerment and food security programmes.
Under the distribution plan, 400 women were selected from Maiduguri metropolis, 200 from Jere Local Government Area, 100 from Biu, while 50 beneficiaries were drawn from each of the remaining 24 local government areas.
In addition, eight outstanding education workers, including teachers, head teachers, principals, TVET coordinators, and ministry staff, were presented with brand-new utility vehicles in recognition of their service.
In a related gesture, Governor Zulum also presented a house to a ministry watchman, Baba Modu Fandi, in appreciation of his dedication, while Senator Tinubu further supported him with an additional ₦2 million financial assistance.
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men are receiving treatment at a hospital in Niger State after sustaining serious injuries in a violent altercation reportedly linked to a dispute at an illegal mining site.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred in a Fulani settlement near Iwa village in Gurara Local Government Area.
The sources said the matter was reported to the police on April 25 at about 1:30 p.m. after the victims were brought in by the Officer-in-Charge of Iwa Outstation.
According to the sources, the confrontation began on April 24 at about 9:00 a.m. when Jibril Yusuf, 22, allegedly went to the hut of Haruna Tukur, 35, and set him ablaze after a misunderstanding at an illegal mining site.
The sources further stated that Haruna Tukur, in retaliation, attacked Jibril Yusuf with a machete, severing his fingers during the violent exchange.
Both men were rushed to the General Hospital in Gawu Babangida, where they are currently responding to treatment.
Security operatives said investigations have commenced to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while the case remains under active review.
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
A heavy windstorm following a downpour has caused partial damage to structures at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State, leaving two children injured.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 8:00 p.m. when strong winds brought down parts of the camp infrastructure during the rainfall.
The sources said police personnel were immediately mobilised to the scene to restore order and provide security, while some corps members were safely evacuated from affected areas.
According to the sources, no loss of life was recorded in the incident.
However, two girls identified as Fati Abdul, 12, and Adewumi Adesola, 11, sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were taken to a medical facility, treated and later discharged.
The sources added that normalcy has since been restored at the camp, while the area remains calm and under observation to ensure continued safety of occupants.
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
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