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Zulum Advocates Agricultural Investment as Key to Addressing Insurgency in Africa
Zulum Advocates Agricultural Investment as Key to Addressing Insurgency in Africa
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stressed the critical role of agricultural investment in addressing insurgency and conflict in Nigeria and across Africa.
Governor Zulum stated this during a high-level panel discussion on “Public-Private and Development Partnerships for Agri-Food Transformation” at the headquarters of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event was part of a three-day working visit by the President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to Nigeria.
The visit aimed to explore innovative agricultural practices, agribusiness models, and strengthen strategic partnerships between the two nations.
With its own history of conflict and post-war rebuilding efforts, Sierra Leone is eager to adopt strategies that have proven effective in conflict-affected regions.
In this regard, the country is keen to learn from Borno State’s agricultural initiatives, which have demonstrated remarkable resilience despite 16 years of Boko Haram insurgency.
Speaking alongside Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Governor Zulum shared insights into Borno’s agricultural transformation.
He highlighted the state’s substantial investments in solar-powered irrigation, large-scale farming, and public-private partnerships, which have already begun yielding significant results.
Governor Zulum noted that Borno State possesses over 1,000 tractors, 1,000 combine harvesters, and other modern agricultural machinery, which are key to boosting food security and economic development.
“My administration has invested significantly in agriculture. We currently have more than 1,000 tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural equipment capable of revitalizing the sector,” he stated.
He further emphasized that leveraging technology, large-scale farming, and climate-smart agriculture can address insecurity while creating sustainable and inclusive food systems across Africa.
“The Boko Haram insurgency has triggered an acute humanitarian crisis, devastated our social and economic fabric, and deepened poverty and fragility in the sub-region,” Governor Zulum stated.
“To tackle insurgency, we must address its root causes, including endemic poverty and pervasive illiteracy. When I assumed office, many agricultural lands were left uncultivated. I immediately began establishing mega farms in relatively peaceful areas to reverse this trend.”
Governor Zulum was accompanied by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijjani; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Bawu Musami; and renowned agriculturalist Dr. Musa Inuwa Kubo.
Others in attendance included the Chairman of the Borno Social Investment Agency, Hon. Yuguda Saleh Vungas, and the Special Adviser on Agriculture and Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Barrister Mustapha Busuguma.
Zulum Advocates Agricultural Investment as Key to Addressing Insurgency in Africa
Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 68 Battalion have intercepted 11 youths during a routine patrol in Mallam Fatori area of Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the interception occurred along the Bulagana–Cheisa axis on April 2 during ongoing clearance operations in the area.
According to the sources, the individuals were found moving in the area with 12 donkeys when they were stopped and briefly interrogated by troops.
The sources added that the youths were later handed over, alongside the animals, to relevant authorities in a neighbouring country for further necessary action.
The military said the patrol was part of sustained efforts to maintain security dominance and prevent exploitation of border communities by criminal elements.
Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno
Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 22 Brigade have recovered ammunition and other logistics items during a fighting patrol in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
A security source disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on April 2 at Daban Lema, where troops of the brigade, operating from the Patrol Base, encountered signs of suspected terrorist activities in a deserted location.
According to the source, the troops immediately carried out exploitation of the area, leading to the recovery of four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one empty PKT ammunition belt link.
Other items recovered include four mobile phones, two head warmers, two small solar panels, and assorted repair tools believed to have been used by the suspected terrorists.
The source added that the recovery indicates the presence and movement of suspected criminal elements within the area, noting that troops have intensified surveillance and patrols to deny them freedom of action.
Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation
Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack on residents at Dutse Uku in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A security source said the troops responded swiftly to a report of sporadic gunshots in the area at about 11:50 p.m. on April 2.
According to the source, upon arrival at the scene, the suspected criminals fled, abandoning their operation due to the prompt intervention of the troops.
He said the troops rescued two victims who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and immediately evacuated them to a hospital for medical attention.
The source further disclosed that two suspects, dressed in black attire, were arrested at the scene.
Items recovered from the suspects include a cutlass and a knife.
He added that the suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the group.
Zagazola report that despite heightened security, there has been report of pocket of attacks in some communities.
The source reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau
Troops intercept suspected Boko Haram logistics convoy conveying 13 persons in Borno
Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno
Troops, CJTF arrest three suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno
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