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World Bank earmarks $30 million to fight desertification in Borno

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World Bank earmarks $30 million to fight desertification in Borno

By: Bodunrin Kayode

30 million dollars has been earmarked for the Borno State Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid landscapes (ACRESAL) project aimed at battling desertification due to climate change by the world bank.

The grant which is to be spread across six years for various projects to counter erosion and other forms of challenges in the savanna is to attract a counterpart funding of N500m from the Borno State government.

This was revealed by the coordinator of the project in the State Ayuba Peter while addressing newsmen in his office in maiduguri over the weekend.

Ayuba said that the project will be of immense benefit to Borno residents because they reside within the sahel savanna region which is the worse hit from gradual desert encroachment, one of the haul marks of climate change.

The coordinator told newsmen in his office in maiduguri that the world bank “support implementation team” was in maiduguri to fast track the execution process of some already marked sites like Ngamdu which has been on the drawing board since the era of the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed management projects (NEWMAP).

“We benefitted about two years of the NEWMAP project and they had to fold up which is why ACRESAL inherited the projects and had to bring them to the front burner for speedy execut

” The project actually started in July 2022, to address some of the challenges we faced in the north of Nigeria when it comes to climate changes. And that is why there is need for agro climatic resilience which is why the World Bank will be helping us to get to our targets hopefully. “

Speaking on stakeholders of the project at federal and state levels, the coordinator went on:” The project involves the ministry of Environment of each of the 19 northern states and the federal capital territory (FCT) and our Commissioner of Environment Eng. Emat Kois is the chair of the state steering committee. The Commissioners of Agriculture and water resources are co-chairs of the project. “

Responding to the current uneven spread of the project due to security reasons, the Coordinator said that for now projects being executed can be found in Bayo especially in Briyel, Uba and Ngamdu in Kaga council areas respectively”.

He posited that security concerns in certain areas marked out, has been a major challenge which is why other desirable areas have not been considered for implemention for now.

“projects inherited from NEWMAP are flow and erosion control in Ngamdu, which was not implemented because the timing was not favorable to the completion before the period expired. Coupled with the fact that pending projects were added to assist the benefitting community further.

Ayuba confirmed that Borno Governor Babagana Zulum has released the first batch of counterpart funding totalling N100m which qualifies the state to move into the second stage of the loan scheme.

“We believe his excellency is highly committed to the project as such the release of the next counterpart funding of N400m will not be an. Issue.” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Borno Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has visited the Ngamdu erosion site which he says is critical to his people.

He said that over 500 residents in Ngamdu in Kaga council area used to be displaced during the peak of the rainy season adding that whatever dykes that are to be built should be constructed to save the people from these annual torrents which threaten the lives of the residents.

World Bank earmarks $30 million to fight desertification in Borno

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Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

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Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly engaged armed bandits in a heavy gun battle during a clearance operation at Yankuzo area in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.

Security sources said the operation followed aggressive fighting patrol on armed groups into the area, believed to be a stronghold used by suspected bandit elements operating within the axis.

According to the sources, troops advanced into deep into the terrorists enclave of Ado Allero in the early hours of the day and made contact with the armed men, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes.

Residents reported heavy gunfire during the confrontation.

Although details of casualties were still being assessed at the time of filing this report, security sources confirmed that troops maintained dominance of the general area and continued pursuit of fleeing armed elements.

Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

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Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

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Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three kidnapped victims during a swift response to a distress call in Kusheri village area of Niger state.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on April 21, 2026, when armed bandits invaded the community and abducted three civilians identified as Abdullahi, Saidu Julfe and Kamilu Joddi.

According to the sources, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Dokan Karji immediately mobilised after receiving the distress alert and advanced towards the area of operation.

On arrival, the troops discovered that the attackers had already fled the scene with the abducted victims towards the Kafin Gora axis.

The troops subsequently launched a pursuit operation, engaging the fleeing suspects in intermittent contact before successfully rescuing all three hostages unharmed.

The rescued victims were later handed over for medical evaluation and debriefing, while troops withdrew to base after securing the general area.

Security sources confirmed that the situation within the area of responsibility remains calm but unpredictable, adding that patrols and surveillance operations have been intensified to prevent further incidents.

They further noted that troop morale and combat effectiveness remain high as operations continue across vulnerable communities within the state.

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

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Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

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Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a suspected Boko Haram insurgent during a confrontation in Lotori-Garbiya village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe state.

Sources said the incident occurred on April 20 at about 7:00 p.m. after gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram elements stormed the community and imposed illegal levies on residents.

According to the sources, security forces were swiftly mobilised following a distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

One of the suspected insurgents was killed during the encounter, while others reportedly fled into surrounding bushes.

The sources said an AK-47 rifle and two Kasea motorcycles were recovered at the scene.

Security authorities confirmed that the area had been placed under close surveillance, while patrols were intensified to prevent further attacks.

They added that efforts were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the group.

Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

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