Uncategorized
Zulum Declares 2026 Year of Consolidation, Intensifies Security and Reconstruction Drive in Borno State
Zulum Declares 2026 Year of Consolidation, Intensifies Security and Reconstruction Drive in Borno State
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has declared that his administration will intensify efforts to eliminate residual security threats and fast-track the completion of critical infrastructure projects across Borno State in 2026, describing the year as decisive for consolidating hard-won gains.
The governor made the commitment on Thursday during the first State Executive Council meeting of the year at the Government House in Maiduguri, where he addressed commissioners and senior government officials on the administration’s priorities.
Zulum said although relative stability has returned to many parts of the state after years of insurgency, the government would not relent until every community is safe.
“We have made measurable progress in restoring peace, but our task is not finished. Security remains the foundation upon which every other intervention stands. We will continue to support security agencies and ensure that no part of Borno is left vulnerable,” he stated.
A central pillar of the 2026 agenda, according to the governor, is the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with emphasis on durable, long-term solutions rather than temporary relief.
He explained that the state government would deepen investments in housing, healthcare, education and livelihood programmes to ensure that returning families can rebuild their lives sustainably.
“Our goal is not just to return people to their communities, but to restore dignity, economic stability and hope. Resettlement must translate into real recovery,” Zulum said.
The governor also announced plans to strengthen social protection systems to shield vulnerable populations from economic shocks and the lingering effects of conflict. He described social protection as a strategic tool for stabilisation and inclusive growth.
“Social protection remains central to our rebuilding process. As we provide infrastructure and social amenities, we must also strengthen support systems for widows, orphans, and the most vulnerable in our society,” he added.
Zulum directed members of the executive council to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing projects across the state’s three senatorial districts. These projects cut across road construction, healthcare facilities, schools, water supply schemes and agricultural development initiatives.
He warned against delays and cost overruns, stressing the need for accountability, transparency and rigorous supervision.
“Every project must reflect value for money and must be delivered within schedule. Our people deserve visible and measurable progress,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe; and other top officials.
With the renewed focus on security consolidation and accelerated development, the Borno government signalled its determination to shift from emergency response to structured recovery, anchoring the state’s future on stability, infrastructure expansion and strengthened social systems.
Zulum Declares 2026 Year of Consolidation, Intensifies Security and Reconstruction Drive in Borno State
Uncategorized
NDLEA Smashes N16.9bn Drug Ring in Lagos, Seizes 4.3 Million Opioids in Major Crackdown
NDLEA Smashes N16.9bn Drug Ring in Lagos, Seizes 4.3 Million Opioids in Major Crackdown
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered and raided three illicit drug warehouses concealed within a residential estate in Lagos, recovering opioids valued at nearly N17 billion in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough against drug trafficking networks.
The intelligence-led operation, carried out on April 17, 2026, targeted properties in the Okota area, specifically within Park View Estate in Ago Palace. At the sites—located on Olukayode Awofisayo Street and Charles Ndumetu Street—NDLEA operatives discovered a large cache of opioids, including 2,360,000 pills of high-potency tramadol (225mg) and 1,909,400 bottles of codeine syrup. The seized substances, stored in thousands of cartons, have an estimated street value of N16.9 billion.
Reacting to the operation, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa described the raid as a decisive strike against a major drug syndicate. He said the scale of the seizure underscores both the sophistication of drug cartels and the agency’s growing intelligence capabilities.
“The scale of this recovery—nearly 4.3 million units of lethal substances—is a testament to the fact that our officers are staying several steps ahead of these merchants of death,” Marwa said. “To find such volumes hidden within residential estates like Park View and busy hubs like Okota shows the desperation of these cartels.”
He commended the professionalism and dexterity of NDLEA operatives, emphasizing that the agency remains resolute in dismantling drug networks across the country.
“There is no safe haven for drug traffickers in Nigeria,” he warned. “Whether they hide their illicit goods in elite mansions or suburban warehouses, our reach is long and our resolve is firm. We will continue to degrade your financial base, dismantle your networks, and bring the full weight of the law upon you.”
The NDLEA said the operation marks a significant step in its ongoing campaign to curb substance abuse and disrupt the supply chains of dangerous narcotics circulating within Nigeria.
NDLEA Smashes N16.9bn Drug Ring in Lagos, Seizes 4.3 Million Opioids in Major Crackdown
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State and rescued two victims with gunshot wounds.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on April 26 when troops deployed at Sanga responded to a distress call regarding the activities of suspected kidnappers along the Kurmin Goro village axis.
The sources disclosed that the armed suspects fled the scene upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their mission.
According to the sources, two victims were rescued during the operation, both of whom sustained gunshot wounds.
The victims were immediately evacuated for medical attention.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and surveillance in the area to prevent further criminal activity and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Buratai District, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising two of the attackers in the process.
According to sources, the attack occurred in the early hours of April 25, 2026, when troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion detected a large number of terrorists attempting to infiltrate their defensive location at LIMA 3 Chara using surveillance systems.
The troops immediately engaged the attackers and held their ground while reinforcement teams swiftly mobilised to the location to support the operation.
The combined response forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray after a brief but intense firefight. During the exchange, two terrorists were neutralised, while one motorcycle used by the attackers was destroyed. Troops also recovered a cache of ammunition from the scene.
No casualties were recorded on the side of the friendly forces, while the situation remains under close monitoring as exploitation operations continue.
Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons
NDLEA Smashes N16.9bn Drug Ring in Lagos, Seizes 4.3 Million Opioids in Major Crackdown
China Hands Over Landmark ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, as Leaders Call for Stronger West African Unity
NISER, NiDCOM Advocate Stronger Diaspora Policy to Boost National Development
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind TreeÂ
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESSÂ Â
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)Â
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
