Army troops foils ISWAP attack on picketing troops in Konduga, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on picketing personnel in the North East, of Konduga Borno state.

According to sources at about 1215 hours on February 26, picketing troops at checkpoint came under attack by elements of Boko Haram terrorists.

The soldiers responded aggressively while the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), led by the Sunray team, swiftly mobilised to the contact point where fire was exchanged with the terrorists. The attackers reportedly fled into the Yale Forest following the encounter.

In the aftermath, troops conducted exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route and recovered one PKT believed to belong to the attackers.

The sources confirmed that the operation did not result in any casualties or injuries among the JTF personnel, and no equipment was lost.

The JTF added that monitoring of the area continues, and the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain satisfactory.

The sources said that the latest operation demonstrates the continued vigilance and readiness of the JTF in the North East to protect civilians and deny terrorists freedom of movement.
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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

Nigeria, Israel Move to Deepen Strategic Alliance on Security, Health, Technology

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Israel have taken fresh steps to strengthen their strategic partnership, with renewed commitments to collaborate on border security, counter-terrorism, health systems support, agricultural technology, and innovation.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known in Abuja during a high-level meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman.

At the heart of the discussions was Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insurgency and terrorism, with Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighting Israel’s globally recognised expertise in border management and intelligence coordination as an area from which Nigeria could draw practical lessons.

She emphasized that strengthening collaboration in defence, intelligence sharing, and security training would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address evolving security threats. According to her, activating the long-standing Nigeria-Israel Joint Commission would provide the institutional backbone required to translate diplomatic goodwill into measurable outcomes.

Beyond security, both countries signaled readiness to scale up cooperation in healthcare delivery. Israel has pledged to donate between 50 and 60 fully equipped ambulances to Nigeria in phases, alongside training for emergency response personnel who will operate them.

Describing the initiative as transformative, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria’s emergency response framework requires urgent reinforcement, particularly in improving first-responder systems across states and rural communities.

“This marks the beginning of institutionalising an ambulance culture in Nigeria,” she noted, pointing to persistent gaps in rapid medical response that often determine survival outcomes in critical cases.

Freeman described Nigeria as a strategic partner, citing its demographic weight and leadership role on the continent as central to Israel’s diplomatic outreach in Africa. He said deepening ties with Nigeria aligns with Israel’s broader engagement strategy across key sectors including agriculture, technology, and innovation.

He disclosed that arrangements were already underway with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health to commence delivery of the ambulances, starting with an initial batch of three to four units. Beyond emergency health support, Freeman said Israel is also prepared to expand access to its agricultural technologies to support Nigeria’s food security drive.

The renewed push builds on earlier diplomatic engagements between the two countries. In August 2025, Odumegwu-Ojukwu held a comprehensive political dialogue in Abuja with Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz, where both sides underscored the global nature of terrorism and the need for coordinated international action.

At that meeting, Nigeria and Israel agreed to intensify cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence exchange—particularly in tracking terror financing—border innovation, agriculture, culture, tourism, and multilateral diplomacy. Both sides also committed to regular consultations and exchange programmes aimed at strengthening institutional linkages.

Wednesday’s meeting signals a continuation of that trajectory, as Abuja and Jerusalem seek to convert diplomatic engagement into concrete partnerships capable of addressing security vulnerabilities, boosting healthcare capacity, and driving technological advancement.

For Nigeria, grappling with complex security challenges and striving to modernise key sectors of its economy, the evolving partnership with Israel represents both a strategic calculation and a practical pathway toward capacity building in critical national priorities.

Nigeria, Israel Move to Deepen Strategic Alliance on Security, Health, Technology