News
Zulum at IITA, NSPRI, NCAM; seeks partnership on food security, agriculture
Zulum at IITA, NSPRI, NCAM; seeks partnership on food security, agriculture
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, paid visits to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) and the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) in Ilorin Kwara State.
Governor Zulum’s visit was to forge strategic partnerships with the three agricultural research institutions and technology providers to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector affected by the over one decade of insurgency in Borno State.
The Governor led a high-level delegation that comprised of Professors of agricultural engineering, technical staff from the Borno State Ministry of Agriculture and members of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineering.
With the visit, Borno State Government intends to harness innovation, improve productivity, support livelihood and ensure food sufficiency for the state’s population through sustainable agricultural practices.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a leading research institution which is known for its expertise in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) is an institution that focuses primarily on providing effective technologies for mitigating post-harvest losses of all crop categories in Nigeria, while the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) provides intervention to advance mechanization of the agricultural sector.
Zulum noted that the collaborations will foster knowledge transfer, as experts from IITA, NSPRI, and NCAM will engage with local farmers, extension workers, and policymakers.
“Our visit was to know exactly what these institutions are doing and see how the Government and people of Borno State will benefit from the outcome of the research conducted by these institutions,” Zulum said.
Zulum took a tour of the facilities in all the institutions.
At IITA, the Governor was conducted round by the Director General, Dr Simeon Ehui, the Executive Director, Professor Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, at the NSPRI and at NCAM by the Executive Director, Dr. Abdulgafar Rasheed Kamaldeen.
Zulum at IITA, NSPRI, NCAM; seeks partnership on food security, agriculture
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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