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
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 Area of Responsibility have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 1329hrs on April 19, when the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base through Charlie/Delta Company axis.
The attackers, operating with two gun trucks, were sighted advancing toward the entrance gate of Mairari town along the Gajiram axis.
Troops immediately engaged the advancing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.
Following the encounter, troops dominated the general area with patrols, while air support was also deployed and hovered over the vicinity. However, no further terrorist presence was observed after the exchange.
Security sources said exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to prevent regrouping and to secure surrounding communities.
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation MESA have arrested two suspected terrorist logistics couriers along the Obajana–Kabba road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Sources said the operation was conducted at about 0010hrs on April 20, following credible intelligence report on the movement of suspected terrorist logistics couriers.
Troops of 12 Brigade mounted a snap checkpoint at RA Oshokoshoko and intercepted a vehicle conveying the suspects en route Obajana from Makurdi.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a sack containing 314 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and three AK-47 magazines, concealed behind the driver’s seat.
Other items recovered include two mobile phones, a driver’s licence, a National Identification Number (NIN) slip, and an identity card.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State
News
Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa
Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Nasarawa State have intercepted stolen livestock allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Bokkos in Plateau State and sold through illicit channels, leading to the arrest of a suspect who claimed to have purchased the animals from a paramount ruler.
Police sources said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia on April 19 regarding suspicious cattle being traded at the Lafia cattle market.
Acting on the tip-off, detectives swiftly mobilised to the market and arrested one Alhaji Ziya-U Inusa, a resident of Dengi in Plateau State, who was found in possession of eleven cows suspected to have been stolen.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he purchased twelve cows from a paramount ruler in Plateau State (name withheld) but transported only eleven due to limited vehicle capacity.
Further investigation led to the emergence of one Abdullahi Adamu from Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, who identified himself as the rightful owner of the recovered livestock.
Adamu explained that the cows were part of a larger herd of 57 cattle rustled in May 2025 by armed youths in Bokkos, adding that all previous efforts to recover the animals had been unsuccessful until the latest operation.
Security sources confirmed that the recovered cattle have been secured, while investigations are ongoing to unravel the network involved in the rustling and illicit sale of the livestock, including the alleged role of intermediaries and buyers.
The incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks against the livelihoods of pastoralist communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and other parts of Plateau State.
Zagazola has consistently reported how Berom militia have engaged in livestock theft. In most cases, the victims (Fulani herders) are killed and buried in shallow graves, while in some instances, troops or police intercept the criminals and recover the stolen livestock.
The latest such incident occurred on April 16, when troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded to a rustling incident in Mangu Local Government Area, where suspected criminals fled before security forces arrived.
Similarly, on April 15, troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) recovered 48 rustled cattle in Yelwa village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Sources said the recovery followed a distress call received at about 0635 hours reporting the rustling of cattle belonging to a resident of the community.
In another operation on April 13, troops foiled an attempted cattle rustling in Bassa Local Government Area, recovering 92 cattle after pursuing suspected youths who abandoned the animals while fleeing.
Zagazola reports that such incidents are among the main triggers of the cycle of reprisal attacks, further escalating tensions in affected communities.
Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State
Three Killed in Barkin Ladi Amid Rising Tensions Over Livestock Poisoning in Plateau
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