News
Zulum swears in Special Advisers, LGA Chairs, Perm Secs
Zulum swears in Special Advisers, LGA Chairs, Perm Secs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has presided over the swearing-in of 29 Special Advisers, 27 Local Government Chairpersons, and seven Permanent Secretaries to the Borno State Civil Service.
The oath of office was administered at an event held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House by the Chief Judge of Borno, Kashim Zanna, represented by Hon. Justice Haruna Mshelia.
The newly sworn-in 27 Chairpersons, including a lady from Jere Local Government, emerged as winners at the 2024 Local Council election held on the 20th of February.
The 29 Special Advisers have a blend of Yoruba, Igbo, indigenous technocrats and politicians from across the Local Councils in the State.

Speaking after presiding over the oath of office, Zulum urged the new council chairpersons and other sworn-in officials to live up to the expectations of the government and people of the state while carrying out their various responsibilities.
He said: “To the elected Local Government Chairmen, while congratulating you on your victory at the polls, I urge you to discharge your duties with utmost honesty, impartiality, compassion and fairness. You must work assiduously for the actualization of the shared prosperity mantra of our government.”
According to the governor, local governments are an integral part of the overall development focus and strategy of government.
Zulum therefore requests the new council bosses to ensure adequate attention is given to tackling the menace of poverty, joblessness, and insecurity.
He called on the new Special Advisers to consider the interest of the state at all times while discharging their duties, noting that as advisers to the governor, each of them works for the entire state.

He added that: “To the special advisers, you should advise devoid of personal interests or that of a section of the state. As special advisers, you are for the whole state and must consider the interest of the state first before any other interest. You are expected to provide expertise and knowledge in specific areas of focus, such as policy development, economic matters and social issues or any other field relevant to the government’s agenda.”
In their separate remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service and the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs called on the newly sworn-in officials to imbibe strong patriotism, resolute dedication, sincerity and genuine commitment to the welfare of our people.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of all the sworn-in officials, Hon. Tukur Digira extended gratitude to Governor Babagana Zulum for the opportunity to serve the state.
He also gave assurance to the governor of their commitment to their responsibilities and in making a positive impact on the people of Borno State.
He said: “We understand the weight of the responsibilities bestowed upon us. We pledge to work diligently, utilizing our exceptional skills, knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to the success of this administration. Our advice will be honest and well-informed, sir.”
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, Senators for Borno South, Ali Ndume, Borno North, Barrister Mohammed Monguno, and Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan and the APC’s National Vice Chairman for the North, Ali Bukar Dalori.
The Shehu of Borno, represented by Mallam Terab of Borno, Terab Kyari Sanda, the Shehu of Dikwa, Bama, and the Emirs of Biu, Gwoza, Askira, Shani, and Uba, were also in attendance.
Others in attendance include Borno’s APC Chairman, the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, Members of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba and Zainab Gimba, Secretary to Borno State Government, Hon Bukar Tijjani, the Head of Service Barrister Mallam Fannami, commissioners, and other government and party officials.
Zulum swears in Special Advisers, LGA Chairs, Perm Secs
News
Troops repel kidnapping attempt on Makurdi–Kura road, driver killed in crossfire
Troops repel kidnapping attempt on Makurdi–Kura road, driver killed in crossfire
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have repelled an attempted kidnapping along the Makurdi–Kura road in Benue State, but a driver was killed during a crossfire between soldiers and suspected bandits on Wednesday evening.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. when a group of engineers travelling from Kura to Makurdi encountered armed men who had blocked the road, intending to abduct passengers in a bus ahead of them.
According to a local source, soldiers on routine patrol were behind the engineers’ vehicle and immediately engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing the assailants to flee into the bush.
During the exchange of fire, Ochoche Otokolo Ekwu, the driver of the engineers’ vehicle, was hit by a stray bullet and died on the spot.
The source said the Divisional Police Officer of ‘D’ Division mobilised a patrol team alongside tactical units to the scene, where the corpse was evacuated and deposited at a mortuary in Makurdi.
The source added that security operatives are currently combing nearby bushes to track the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks along the route.
Troops repel kidnapping attempt on Makurdi–Kura road, driver killed in crossfire
News
Police Officer goes missing after signing out rifle in Katsina
Police Officer goes missing after signing out rifle in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
A police officer has been declared missing in Katsina State after signing out a service rifle for duty and disappearing without a trace.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Nov. 23 when PC Ahmed Tukur attached to the Danmusa Division, reported for duty at about 6 p.m. and signed out an AK-47 rifle with breech number 13492 for standby duty.
Shortly after collecting the weapon, the officer left the station for an unknown location and has not been seen since.
A source told Zagazola that all efforts to contact him, including visits to his residence and reaching out to relatives, have yielded no clues about his whereabouts.
The source said the command has launched sustained efforts to trace the officer and recover the missing rifle, describing the situation as “a serious operational and security concern.”
Police Officer goes missing after signing out rifle in Katsina
News
Community leaders’ engagement and intelligence gathering are key to the security situation. – Governor Bini
Community leaders’ engagement and intelligence gathering are key to the security situation. – Governor Bini
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Governor Hon. Dr. Mai Mala Buni CON has said that the security challenges in the nation need to involve community leaders and individuals for intelligence gathering so as to cut off sources of illegal arms supply in the country.
He said by involving the community leaders and individuals for intelligence gathering, it will arrest the sponsors in order to restore peace and stability to Nigerians.
Governor Buni disclosed this today when he received members of the forest guards training and evaluation committee at the Government House, Damaturu.
Ably represented by his Deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune). He urged Nigerians to emulate the sacrifices made by our forefathers to end security challenges and build a better Nigeria.
The governor assured that recently the service chiefs have given assurance that they will do everything possible within their reach to bring to an end the current insecurity, especially in Northern Nigeria.
He informed the delegation that the Yobe state government has been working tirelessly to improve the security situation in the state.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Major General H. I. Mabeokwu, told the governor that they were in Yobe State to brief the governor on the ongoing training of 865 forest guards in the state.
According to Major General Mabeokwu, the committee had earlier visited the Yobe state camp to monitor the ongoing training and inquired about the needs of the trainees and the standards set for the training.
“Your Excellency, we have made significant strides in not only training those forest guards but also raising their awareness about the importance of forest conservation.” Major General Mabeokwu said.
He commended the governor for his generosity in terms of welfare for the instructors and trainees as well as relocation and renovation of the training camp and facilities used to enhance the training.
The committee members comprise the Nigerian Army, Navy, DSS, NNSBS, and NPS across the security agencies.
Community leaders’ engagement and intelligence gathering are key to the security situation. – Governor Bini
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