News
Zulum Sends 103 Students to China for Studies; Reiterate Commitments to Education During Farewell
Zulum Sends 103 Students to China for Studies; Reiterate Commitments to Education During Farewell
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum reaffirmed the state’s dedication to fostering an inclusive society through quality education and robust healthcare services.
Zulum made the pronouncements when the state hosted a farewell ceremony for 103 indigenes who were awarded scholarships to pursue medicine and engineering at six universities in China.
The event was held at A Class Event Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, the 30th of October 2024, with the students set to start their departure tomorrow, Thursday, the 31st of October 2024.

Governor Zulum, represented by Hon. Ahmadu Jaha Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency, outlined the state’s 25-year development plan, emphasising the strategic importance of education and healthcare.
He congratulated the scholarship recipients, noting that nearly 1.5 billion Naira had been allocated annually for their tuition and living expenses.
Hon. Jaha stressed the recipients’ ten-year bond of service to the state, ensuring that their education benefits the community.
Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted the government’s significant financial commitment, stating that over 11 billion Naira had been allocated for scholarships since 2019, with 1.28 billion Naira specifically for this initiative.
He also mentioned the allocation of $45,638.00 for medical insurance, residency permits, and physical check-ups.
Engineer . Wakilbe urged the students to prioritise their studies, maintain good health, and uphold discipline. He announced the distribution of students across the following universities:
- Jinzhou Medical University: 10 students
- Anhui Medical University: 30 students
- Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics: 12 students
Liaoning University of Technology: 20 students - Hefei University of Technology: 18 students
- Xuzhou Medical University: 13 students
Permanent Secretary Aishatu Musa Sheikh emphasised the importance of good character and advised the students against drug use and other vices.
Dr. Bala Isa, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Scholarship Board, congratulated the recipients and highlighted the rigorous programs offered by the selected universities.
Prof. Gutti, Vice Chancellor of Borno State University, urged the students to adhere to Chinese rules and regulations and emphasised their role in shaping Borno State’s future.
Hon. Gambomi Marte, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, supported by the member of the committee, Engineer Ali Lawan Yaumi, reinforced the importance of education and its potential for Borno State’s youth.
A scholarship recipient expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the aspiration to contribute to the community’s future.
The farewell ceremony celebrated the students’ achievements and acknowledged their responsibility as future leaders. The scholarship initiative represents a substantial investment in Borno State’s youth, aiming to empower them to positively impact their communities.
Zulum Sends 103 Students to China for Studies; Reiterate Commitments to Education During Farewell
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE 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 Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
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
