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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’
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack by Boko Haram on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The President mourns the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, and those caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.
He describes the attack by the terrorists as a heartless assault on hapless citizens, urging Nigerians in Borno and elsewhere not to succumb to fear.
President Tinubu commends the military for their swift response, which led to the killing of scores of terrorists and their subsequent forced retreat.
He charges the military and other security agencies to work urgently to rescue those kidnapped by the terrorists.
Additionally, he directs the armed forces to intensify their efforts to protect civilians nationwide and prevent attacks on military installations in the North East.
President Tinubu prays for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks and friendly fire and extends his sympathies to their families and the Borno State Government.
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently marked the 2026 World International Civil Defence Day with a weeklong series of activities, themed “Towards a safer society.”
A statement by the command’s spokesperson CSC Bulus James, stated that the celebration began with briefings and sensitization of staff on NSCDC’s critical roles in Crisis Management, Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Counter-terrorism, and VIP Protection.
On Thursday, 26th February 2026, officers and men, led by Acting Commandant DCC Obe Ndubuisi, embarked on a road match from the State Headquarters through the Kano Motor Park community and concluded at the headquarters, where the Acting Commandant delivered speeches on behalf of Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, including messages from the Commandant General and the State Commandant.
On the 27th February, 2026, Muslim faithfuls gathered at Al-Ansar Masjid for Jumaat prayers, with ACG CBRNE Hameed Abudurin from NHQ Abuja in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.
He was also present at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of a joint special training program held at the Nigerian Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Training School, Maiduguri, in collaboration with UNMAS which offered him the opportunity to celebrate alongside the Muslim faithfuls.
Prayers were offered by the Chief Imam Borno State, and NSCDC. Worshippers expressed gratitude for NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.
This was followed by the grand finale at the NSCDC Glorious Chapel which held a special Sunday service at the Command’s multipurpose hall, attended by guests from sister security agencies on 1st March, 2026
Goodwill messages were delivered, followed by a keynote address from Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, delivered by Acting Commandant Obe Ndubuisi.
.DCC Paul Ochola delivered an exhortation on “Selfless Service to Humanity: Towards a Safer Environment.” The service concluded with pleasantries and a group photograph.
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.
Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.
Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.
He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.
“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.
Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.
“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.
He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.
“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.
The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.
As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.
“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.
“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
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