News
Zulum pledges support for Leather and Hides Industry to boost Borno economy

Zulum pledges support for Leather and Hides Industry to boost Borno economy
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the leather and hides industry in the state to drive economic growth.
Zulum made the commitment on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST), Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum emphasized the sector’s critical role in not only advancing Borno State’s economy but also contributing to the nation’s economic development.
He highlighted the state’s efforts to revive the Neitel Shoes Company which had been dormant for over two decades, noting that with continued political will, significant transformation in the leather industry is achievable.

He hailed the upgrade of the Maiduguri Extension Centre of NILEST to a Regional Centre, a move that will enhance coordination of leather-related activities across six states in the region.
He expressed strong support for the sector stating, “We will give you the desired support to promote the sector. With the degree of seriousness, we can achieve success. However, where there is corruption, progress will be difficult. Let me assure you that the government of Borno State will work with you and your team for the growth and development of the leather industry.”
Governor Zulum further directed the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Tarpaya Asarya, to collaborate with NILEST to create job opportunities for unemployed youths, promote capacity building, and facilitate other benefits linked to the sector’s growth.

The governor also ordered the immediate dispatch of 60 Borno State indigenes to NILEST in Zaria for training in leather technology, footwear design, and innovation.
“As the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Leather Policy, we aim to thoroughly study the policy document to explore more opportunities for growth and partnerships,” Governor Zulum added.
In response to recent flood damage, the governor also instructed the reconstruction of the Centre’s damaged perimeter fence and the allocation of two housing units for staff members of the institute.
Director General and CEO of NILEST, Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, announced that the Maiduguri Extension Centre has officially been upgraded to the Northeast Regional Centre, with Borno State indigene, Dr. Usman Ali Busuguma, appointed as the new Northeast Regional Manager.
He expressed his appreciation to the governor for his keen interest in ensuring productivity in leather and leather products.
Zulum pledges support for Leather and Hides Industry to boost Borno economy
News
Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno

Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Recent reports claiming that former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), narrowly escaped death in an alleged Boko Haram ambush in Borno State are categorically false and misleading.
Zagazola Makama can confirm that there was never any attack on the retired general, contrary to statements made by Senator Ali Ndume and recklessly amplified by several media outlets without a shred of verification.
What actually happened was a coordinated three-pronged attack by ISWAP terrorists on military facilities in Buratai town, Biu Local Government Area, on Friday. The assault targeted the Battalion Headquarters, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Command Secondary School – not Lt.-Gen. Buratai or any convoy associated with him.
Let us be clear:
Lt.-Gen. Buratai was nowhere near the ambush, and at no point was his life in danger. This is not a matter of semantics, it’s a matter of truth versus dangerous misinformation.
Zagazola Makama, has previously reported how the ground troops, with critical support from Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano jets, repelled the attackers decisively.
During the encounter, two ISWAP gun trucks were destroyed, while a third was recovered during follow-up operations. Several terrorists were killed, including over 20 in airstrikes during their retreat through Mangari.
So how did this snowball into a national headline falsely claiming a “near-death” experience for the former army chief?
Because some politicians spoke irresponsibly, and certain media platforms ran with the story without basic verification, an unforgivable dereliction of journalistic duty, especially in a region as sensitive as the North East.
The media owes the public and the Armed Forces of Nigeria the duty of responsible reporting, not alarmist fiction wrapped in sensational headlines. The security situation in Buratai is under control, and troops continue to dominate the area to prevent any further attacks.
Let this stand as a final and factual rebuttal:
There was NO attack on Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai. Period. Stop twisting the truth for cheap headlines.
Fact Check: No attack on former COAS Buratai – what really happened in Buratai, Borno
News
Again, NAF Jets Decimate Terrorist Enclave in Bukar Meram in Lake Chad

Again, NAF Jets Decimate Terrorist Enclave in Bukar Meram in Lake Chad
By: Zagazola Makama
As part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and deny them freedom of action, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has conducted another successful air interdiction mission at a terrorist enclave in Bukar Meram, located in the southern axis of the Lake Chad region.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed by sources that the mission, which was executed in the early hourz of Monday, June 9, at about 0545 hours, was carried out under the auspices of Operation KALACHEN WUTA II.
The sources said that the operation formed part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting terrorist activities before, during, and after the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah period.
He said that intelligence-led surveillance revealed that the terrorists were regrouping at the Bukar Meram location with intent to launch coordinated attacks on Marte and Monguno general areas.
Prompted by this credible intelligence, the Air Component swiftly mobilised to engage the enclave. Airstrikes were conducted with precision, leading to the neutralisation of several terrorists.
The strikes also resulted in the destruction of critical terrorist logistics, including supply vehicles, makeshift shelters, and weapons storage points.
The decimation of the enclave not only inflicted significant losses on the terrorists but also disrupted their operational planning and movement.
The sources added that Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted after the mission confirmed that the planned attacks on Marte and Monguno were effectively thwarted.
Further intelligence gathering is ongoing to assess enemy reactions and possible movement patterns following the successful interdiction. Ground troops have also been placed on heightened alert to exploit the gains of the airstrike and maintain pressure on fleeing remnants.
Again, NAF Jets Decimate Terrorist Enclave in Bukar Meram in Lake Chad
News
French tourist found dead in Gboko hotel

French tourist found dead in Gboko hotel
By: Zagazola Makama
A 67-year-old French national, Mr. Pietier Gilles, has been found dead at a hotel in Gboko town in Benue state.
Zagazola Makama report that the deceased, believed to be a French tourist, was found dead on Saturday at Hotel Jovina, Gbokon, where he had lodged on June 6.
According to a police sources, on Sunday, the hotel manager, Mr. Emmanuel Terhide Laha, reported the incident to the “A” Division Police Station at about 5:45 p.m. on June 8.
Laha informed the police that the tourist fell ill on June 7 but declined to be taken to a hospital. Concerned about his deteriorating condition, the hotel management brought in a medical practitioner to examine him. He was, however, discovered to have died.
“On receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer led a patrol team to the hotel where photographs of the scene were taken. The body was evacuated to the General Hospital in Gboko for preservation and autopsy,” the police said.
Gilles reportedly arrived in Nigeria from Niger Republic on May 19, 2025, traveling on a sports bicycle as part of what is believed to be a long-distance tour.
Police sources said investigation will be conducted, and all relevant diplomatic channels are being engaged to handle the situation appropriately.
French tourist found dead in Gboko hotel
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