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Zulum Pledges Support for Successful 2025 Hajj Operations
Zulum Pledges Support for Successful 2025 Hajj Operations
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensuring the success of 2025 Hajj exercise.
Governor Zulum made this pledge on Friday while receiving the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, and other National Commissioners during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Maiduguri.
“As the Governor of Borno State, I will do everything humanly possible and exercise the political will to ensure the success of the Hajj exercise. Borno is among the leading states committed to Hajj activities in the country,” Governor Zulum stated.
While congratulating Professor Usman on his recent appointment as Chairman of NAHCON, Governor Zulum assured him of Borno State government’s readiness to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate seamless operations for the upcoming Hajj.
The governor highlighted the success of the 2024 Hajj, noting that pilgrims from Borno State faced no significant challenges during the exercise.
He praised the timely airlifting of pilgrims, the provision of quality accommodation in the Holy Land, and other support measures.
However, he urged NAHCON to address lingering issues regarding accommodation for pilgrims and VIPs in Mina and Arafah which he described as contentious during the 2024 Hajj.
Governor Zulum also called for the establishment of a realistic benchmark for Hajj fares, citing the fluctuating exchange rate as a critical factor.
He advised the commission to provide interim figures to enable state pilgrims’ boards to begin preparations in advance, with room for adjustments as needed.
“The transition in the abolishment of the foreign exchange regime has significantly impacted the 2024 Hajj. However, we are optimistic that the situation will not repeat itself in the next pilgrimage,” the governor remarked.
Zulum further warned against any acts of sabotage that could hinder the state government’s efforts to ensure a successful 2025 Hajj.
In response, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, assured Governor Zulum of the commission’s determination to reform Hajj operations for a seamless 2025 exercise.
He revealed that committees have been established to oversee the selection of airlines, feeding arrangements, and accommodation for pilgrims.
Additionally, Professor Usman announced ongoing discussions with service providers on conducting transactions in Naira instead of U.S. dollars, a move aimed at reducing Hajj costs.
The NAHCON delegation included National Commissioners and senior management staff who pledged to work collaboratively with Borno State Government to ensure a smooth Hajj experience for all pilgrims.
Zulum Pledges Support for Successful 2025 Hajj Operations
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forced have neutralised two suspected notorious bandits during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told Zagazola that the operation followed credible intelligence received on Tuesday at about 1:00 p.m.
The report indicated that a criminal gang led by one Senen Hemen, also known as Orpa, was sighted along the pipeline axis between Gbeji and Igbongom communities in Ukum.
According to the sources, security forces were promptly mobilised to the location, where the gang engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
During the exchange, Hemen and another gang member identified as Mzungweve Ichur, both from Igbongom, were shot dead, while others fled the scene with gunshot injuries.
The sources confirmed that the corpses of the two suspects had been recovered and deposited at a private mortuary in Gbeji, while a manhunt had been launched in the surrounding bushes to track the fleeing accomplices.
The sources assured residents that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid Ukum and adjoining areas of violent criminal gangs.
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a worshipper from a mosque in Gbonkan Village, Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Sources said that the victim, identified as Amadu Usman, was kidnapped on Monday night while praying at the mosque alongside his elder brother, Adamu Usman.
The sources said seven armed men invaded the mosque at about 9 p.m. and whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.
The sources said that a joint team of security forces, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters had since launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing surrounding bushes to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Police, Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes, have repelled a bandit attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Sources said that the incident happened on Tuesday evening when armed bandits launched an attack on a hunters’ camp in Naalma village.
According to the sources, the troops and other security operatives responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw.
“During the operation, Usman Lawal, 35, the Commander of the Hunters’ group, sustained fatal injuries. One of the bandits was neutralised while the rifle earlier seized from the hunters’ commander was recovered.
“Other fleeing bandits are suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops are currently conducting cordon-and-search operations within the area,”said the sources.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
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