Troops foil IED threat on Dikwa–Gajibo road, safely detonate explosive

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have discovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Dikwa–Gajibo road in Borno State, preventing what could have been a deadly attack on security personnel and commuters.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the device was discovered at about 10:10 a.m. on July 27 by troops of the 81 Division Task Force Battalion while conducting a routine picketing patrol along the Dikwa–Gajibo axis.

The sources said the patrol team immediately secured the area and alerted the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, which responded promptly and carried out a controlled detonation of the IED at the scene.

No casualties or damage were recorded during the operation.

Military sources described the successful detection and neutralisation of the explosive as part of ongoing efforts to counter the use of improvised explosive devices by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists targeting troops and civilian traffic in the North-East.

The operation underscores the continued vigilance of security forces in maintaining the safety of key supply routes and denying insurgents the opportunity to disrupt military and civilian movement across the theatre of operations.

Security sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness.

Troops foil IED threat on Dikwa–Gajibo road, safely detonate explosive

Zulum Commends UMTH over Proposed Partnerships and Support to two Medical Centers in the State

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has commended the decision by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to support two comprehensive health centres in Rumirgo and Baga communities before he leaves office.

The Governor in a recent visit to UMTH also assured that the state government would provide the required infrastructure and facilities before the outgoing hospital management completes its tenure, paving the way for the partnership to commence.

“Before you leave office, we shall do everything possible to ensure that the required facilities are on the ground so that the partnership will be implemented. I also commend those working with you because, without the support of the staff, such achievements cannot be made,” Zulum said

While touring the hospital, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the UMTH to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in resettled communities across the state.

During the visit, to inspect drugs, medical equipment, and consumables donated to UMTH from the United States, which were transported to Maiduguri with support from the Borno State Government at the Stroke Center of the Teaching Hospital, the governor said he was impressed with the development.

Zulum disclosed that discussions are underway with UMTH and development partners to replicate the initiative across 20 general hospitals in the state, including the 10 newly constructed facilities, by attracting more medical equipment and healthcare interventions.

He commended the outgoing Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as remarkable achievements that have transformed the institution despite limited resources even as he thanked the Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Mairo Mandara, for facilitating the connection with the United States.

“We have witnessed phenomenal growth and development in this teaching hospital since you assumed duty. I want to assure you that posterity will judge you positively for all the good works that you have done for us in Borno State and indeed in Nigeria,” he added.

Responding the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, also commended Governor Zulum for the N500 million intervention following the 2024 flood disaster and other invaluable support to the hospital.

He said that N75 million out of the amount was used to ship the donated equipment, which includes state-of-the-art endoscopy and ultrasound machines, ICU beds, theatre beds, incubators, monitors, dental chairs, and other critical medical supplies.

“Part of the N500 million you gave us, precisely N75 million, was used in shipping these donated items from the United States. All these items came at no cost to the hospital apart from the shipping expenses, and today they are worth hundreds of millions of naira.

“We have over 20 modern ICU beds, advanced diagnostic equipment, and many other medical facilities that will be distributed across our departments. We believe Borno State can also benefit from similar donations through this same partnership,” noted the CMD.

According to the CMD, the hospital’s standalone Stroke Centre, is the only dedicated stroke facility in the country, noting that the centre currently has nearly 100 patients on admission, most of them receiving specialised treatment for stroke, significantly improving healthcare delivery in the region.

Professor Ahmed Ahidjo would be leaving office this year after a successful two term tenure as CMD of the premier hospital in the North East country axis of the country.

He will be remembered as the first CMD in the history of the hospital to transform the infrastructure of the facility by building centres for easy access of services for both Nigerians and visitors from neighboring foreign countries.

Zulum Commends UMTH over Proposed Partnerships and Support to two Medical Centers in the State

Notorious bandit commander Iliya Mai Rasha killed in Guga battle as death toll among attackers rises

By Zagazola Makama

One of the notorious bandit commanders neutralised during Sunday’s fierce gun battle between security forces and armed bandits in Guga Village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, has been identified as Iliya Mai Rasha, a notorious criminal linked to several deadly attacks in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Mai Rasha was among the senior bandit commanders who joined the assault on Guga at the invitation of notorious kingpin Idi Abasu Aiki.

The sources said the attack, which occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on July 26, involved more than 200 heavily armed bandits drawn from criminal networks operating across Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State.

However, a combined force of local hunters, the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade mounted a coordinated response, engaging the attackers in a prolonged gun battle that forced them to retreat with heavy losses.

Security sources said more than 40 bandits were neutralised during the encounter, including at least eight senior commanders, while Idi Abasu Aiki reportedly sustained life-threatening gunshot wounds.

The killing of Iliya Mai Rasha is considered a significant operational success, as he had long been linked to violent attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities in Tsafe and adjoining communities in Zamfara State.

The operation, according to the sources, has dealt a major blow to the criminal network operating across the Katsina–Zamfara axis, with follow-up clearance operations continuing to recover abandoned weapons and pursue fleeing bandits.

Five members of the hunters’ team were, however, killed during the operation after they were caught outside the frontline, highlighting the heavy sacrifice made by local security volunteers in defending their communities. Military authorities and the Katsina State Government have continued to commend the courage of the troops, hunters and community watch personnel who repelled the attack and restored calm to the affected area.

Notorious bandit commander Iliya Mai Rasha killed in Guga battle as death toll among attackers rises