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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
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Zamfara says its operatives have recovered 15 cows rustled by armed bandits during an attack on Gidan Kwagiri village in Damba District of Gusau Local Government Area.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 when the bandits invaded the community and carted away cows and sheep belonging to residents.
According to the sources, upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Damba Division mobilised personnel alongside patrol teams from the Department of Operations to pursue the attackers.
The team was said to have successfully recovered 15 cows, which were subsequently handed over to their owners.
Efforts, however, are ongoing to track down the suspects and recover the remaining rustled animals, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks.
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested suspects linked to cattle rustling in Benue State, following two separate security incidents in Guma Local Government Area.
Security sources said that on Feb. 15, troops responded to an attack on herders at Amua Village, located between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam. The attack left one herder dead, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention. The remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial according to local customs.
In a related operation on the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by vigilant youths concerning suspected cattle rustling. The troops arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders. He also implicated two accomplices, Akpehe and Ashinge, who are still at large.
Further investigation led security operatives to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended along with the recovered meat exhibits. Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the attacks and criminality, affirming the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to halting killings and cattle rustling in the Joint Operations Area.
He urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace. Major General Gara also reassured law-abiding residents of the strong resolve of the Joint Task Force to protect lives and property across the region.
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents showed that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on Feb. 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted to involvement in the interception and to knowing individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.
The charges, filed under TABU DET CR/99/2026, include: Count One, Allegedly admitting during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two, Allegedly stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Three, Allegedly using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, and instilling apprehension among Nigerians, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case, filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, is set to proceed with investigations and trial proceedings.
Authorities said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the accused will be required to respond to the charges.
The trial is expected to attract significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitive security issues involved.
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
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Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
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