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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
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tuba have arrested three suspected cattle rustlers during an operation in Karnuwa general area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation followed intelligence provided by a local resident, Malam Muhammadu Ardo, concerning alleged cattle rustling activities within the area.
The troops reportedly mobilised to Karnuwa at about 12:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, where they apprehended the suspects identified as Mallam Mohammad Abatcha, 28; Mallam Mamman Bukar, 18; and Malam Modu Hassan, 30.
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while using a pickup vehicle with registration number WW 806 GZ Delta, allegedly employed in transporting stolen cattle.
The rustled cattle were recovered and immediately handed over to their rightful owners at the scene of the arrest.
Items recovered from the suspects included a bow and arrow, three mobile phones, five national identity cards and the sum of N20,650.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspects admitted to repeatedly stealing and selling rustled cattle to buyers in Maiduguri.
Security sources further disclosed that investigators suspect possible links between the suspects and members of the Islamic State West Africa Province or Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad due to alleged inconsistencies observed in their statements during interrogation.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 29 Battalion operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have uncovered an illegal refining site and recovered about 600 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources said the discovery was made at about 10:00 a.m. on May 12, 2026, during ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region.
The troops reportedly discovered the illegal refining site around Asa community, where a large cooking pot loaded with stolen crude oil was found stockpiled in sacks.
Military authorities said the recovered products and equipment were handled in accordance with operational directives guiding anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation Delta Safe.
The operation was conducted without any confrontation or security incident.
The Nigerian military has continued to intensify operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta region.
Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi at Kafur, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have raided a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 12:30 p.m. on May 12, 2026, at Huguma village following intelligence on illicit drug activities within the area.
During the raid, troops apprehended one suspect identified as a major supplier of illicit drugs and other substances to terrorists and criminal elements operating within Kafur Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
Items recovered during the operation included 146 grams of suspected cannabis and 16.5 grams of a substance identified as Exol-5.
The suspect and the recovered drugs have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists
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