TheNewsGuru

Tag: Borno State

  • Death toll rises in Borno suicide bomb blast

    Death toll rises in Borno suicide bomb blast

    No fewer than 24 persons were killed and several others injured by a female suicide bomber on Friday night at Konduga Local Government Area of Borno.

    ASP Nahun Daso, the Borno Police Command, spokesperson, who confirmed this on Saturday said the improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated at a food joint, where the attacker targeted residents who had gathered in a large number to buy food.

    Daso said the body of the suicide bomber was severely dismembered by the blast, with only the head recovered from the scene.

    “Following the incident, a joint response team comprising the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, Military, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters was deployed to the scene,” he added.

    The spokesperson said that the area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched for other possible explosive devices, but none was found.

    “The injured victims were evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), where they are currently receiving treatment, while the remains of the deceased were also deposited at the hospital mortuary.

    “The victims were confirmed dead by medical personnel on duty,” he said

    Daso said efforts were ongoing to profile the victims and contact their relatives for proper identification and burial in line with their religious practices.

    He said that security had been reinforced in Konduga and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.

  • Democracy Day: Gov Zulum pardons 66 prison inmates

    Democracy Day: Gov Zulum pardons 66 prison inmates

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has granted state and partial pardons to 66 inmates serving various jail terms at the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre.

    The governor also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced the jail terms of several others.

    Zulum made the announcement on Thursday during a visit to the custodial centre as part of activities marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration.

    He said the decision followed recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, in line with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “Based on the powers conferred on me and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, I hereby grant state and partial pardons to 66 inmates of the Maximum Custodial Centre.

    “I have also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced the jail terms of some other inmates as part of activities to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day,” he added.

    Zulum further announced plans to strengthen the vocational training centre within the facility, to provide inmates with intensive literacy, numeracy and digital skills programmes.

    “I have directed the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to liaise with the management of the centre to enhance vocational training opportunities for inmates,” he said.

    The governor also donated 300 bags of rice, 50 Jerry cans of cooking oil, five cows and  cash assistance of N20,000 to each of the 1,280 inmates in the facility.

    He explained that the cash would be kept in custody of the correctional centre’s management, in line with procedures.

    “Let me clarify that the N20,000 cash assistance will be handed over to officials of the Correctional Centre, as stipulated by law, but you will have access to it whenever needed,” the governor said.

    Zulum advised the inmates to maintain good conduct and avoid actions that could undermine the peace and development of the state.

    In his remarks, Controller of the Borno State Correctional Service, Mr Ahmed Bawa, described the governor’s intervention as historic and unprecedented.

    “This is the first time in history that we have received such immense support from the Borno State Government under the leadership of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum,” he said.

    Bawa recalled that in May, the governor donated 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of cooking oil and 10 bulls to the custodial centre.

    Speaking on behalf of the inmates, Mr Daniel Simon, thanked the governor for his magnanimity, noting that the dividends of good governance under Zulum were being felt even behind bars.

  • Buratai was never attacked by terrorists – Aide

    Buratai was never attacked by terrorists – Aide

    Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has dismissed the report that he was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by his spokesman and former army spokesman, Retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman on Monday, in Abuja.

    Usman described the purpoted report of attack on the general as “mischievous and utterly false.”

    According to him, the former army chief was not attacked in any way contrary to what has been falsely reported by some online media outlets.

    He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, he celebrated the Eid festivities peacefully in Abuja in the company of family, friends, and well-wishers, has remained within the Federal Capital Territory since then.

    “This baseless rumour is a product of the reckless imagination of the purveyors of fake news, individuals whose sole aim is to malign him, spread fear, confusion and misinformation.”

    Usman accused the fabricators of the fake news of not only being mischievous but also deeply irresponsible and must be condemned in the strongest terms.

    ”I sincerely extend my heartfelt and profound appreciation to the countless patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians, friends, associates and admirers of His Excellency, who reached out with genuine concerns, prayers and goodwill.

    “Your overwhelming show of love and support is deeply cherished and speaks volumes about the enduring respect and affection we are privileged to receive from across the country and beyond,” he said.

    Usman reminded those he referred to as harbingers of fake news, that truth would always prevail.

    According to him, no amount of falsehood or malicious propaganda can tarnish the image of a man who had devoted his life to the service of this great nation.

  • BREAKING: NAF foils planned Eid-el-Kabir terror attacks in Borno

    BREAKING: NAF foils planned Eid-el-Kabir terror attacks in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has foiled plans by Boko Haram terrorists to carry out terror attacks aimed at disrupting Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Borno State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information Headquarters of NAF made this known in a statement on Saturday.

    Recall that Vice President Kashim Shettima had on Friday arrived Maiduguri, the Borno state capital to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir with his immediate family and people of the State.

    According to Air Commodore Ejodame, NAF, under Operation HADIN KAI, foiled the planned terror attacks in a series of precision airstrikes conducted on the 5th and 6th of June 2025.

    The statement reads: In a series of precision airstrikes conducted on 5 and 6 June 2025, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under Operation HADIN KAI, decimated key Boko Haram hideouts at Tumbumma Baba and Chiralia in the Southern Tumbuns, Borno State.

    “Acting on credible intelligence, NAF aircraft targeted terrorist structures reportedly used for storage and coordination, delivering direct hits and crippling planned attacks aimed at disrupting Eid celebrations.

    “Battle Damage Assessments confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of key logistics structures. This pre-emotive action underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to safeguarding civilian lives and supporting national security objectives”.

    TNG reports before departing Abuja for Borno, Shettima joined other Muslim faithful to observe Eid-Kabir prayers at the National Eid ground along Airport Road, Abuja.

    On arrival at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri, Shettima was received by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan and other top government officials in the state.

    The festival, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim, who was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command before being divinely granted a ram to sacrifice instead.

  • Troops eliminate terror kingpin Abu Fatima in Borno

    Troops eliminate terror kingpin Abu Fatima in Borno

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a notorious terrorists’ commander, Amir Abu Fatima, during a special military operation in the Kukawa axis of northern Borno.

    The confirmation was made in a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Nigerian Army on Friday.

    The operation, which was conducted in the early hours of the day, was executed by Special Forces of 19 Brigade under Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai, targeting insurgents hideouts in Lake Chad region.

    A reliable military source also told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operation was a “precision decapitation strike,” aimed at neutralising Abu Fatima, who had been on the most-wanted list of security agencies due to his role in orchestrating multiple high-profile attacks in the Lake Chad Basin.

    The military source further said that the elite troops infiltrated the terrorists enclave and engaged the fighters in a fierce firefight.

    “Abu Fatima was critically wounded and captured alive but later died from excessive bleeding due to gunshot wounds,” the source added.

    The source further disclosed that his second-in-command, as well as several bomb-makers and foot soldiers, were also neutralised during the operation.

    Items recovered from the terrorists include several AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, components for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and other military-grade weapons.

    The sources described the success of the operation as a major tactical and psychological blow to terrorists’ networks operating within the region.

  • Zulum offers N5m each to families of 8 slained CJTF members

    Zulum offers N5m each to families of 8 slained CJTF members

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has donated N5 million each to the families of eight members of Civilian Joint Task Force ( CJTF) who recently died in an explosion on the Dikwa to Marte road.

    Zulum who made this known on Friday during a condolence visit to the families of deceased in Maiduguri, also granted scholarship to their children.

    Civilian JTF is a volunteer security group that supports military operations against insurgents in Borno State and other parts of the North-East.

    ”I want to announce a financial assistance of N5 million to each of the bereaved families to cater for their immediate needs.

    ”Furthermore, the Borno Government will provide full educational scholarship to all children of the deceased CJTF members.

    ”For those who left no children, we shall extend assistance to their close family members,” he said.

    The governor said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to assisting the families of security personnel and members of the CJTF who paid the supreme price of defending his people

    Zulum described the deceased as martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their communities and assured that their bravery would always be remembered.

    He prayed for the repose of their souls of the deceased and urged the bereaved families to take solace in the heroic legacy left behind by their loved ones.

    The CJTF operatives died on Tuesday after they ran into an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the area.

  • Troops neutralise 16 terrorists in Borno

    Troops neutralise 16 terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised 16 ISWAP terrorists during a swift and decisive operation in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno.

    The Army disclosed this in a post on its official X handle on Friday.

    It stated that the terrorists were sighted around 1 a.m. on Friday and were immediately engaged with sustained indirect fire.

    “The main thrust of the attack targeted the Brigade, prompting the swift deployment of air support to reinforce ground troops,” the Army said.

    It added that the combined firepower from both ground and air forces overwhelmed the insurgents after about two hours of intense engagement, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

    The Army said “16 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter. A pursuit operation is currently ongoing to track down fleeing elements.”

    The military also confirmed that an ammunition storage area was hit during the exchange but was swiftly brought under control, with no further escalation recorded.

    The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive against all terrorist elements in the North East and restoring lasting peace to the region.

  • Gov. Zulum bans sale of petrol in Bama

    Gov. Zulum bans sale of petrol in Bama

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has directed the immediate ban on the sale of petrol in filling stations across Bama Local Government Area, including Bama town and Banki.

    The directive followed consultations with security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to address security challenges in the area.

    Malam Dauda Iliya, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Maiduguri.

    “I have directed the immediate ban on the sale of petrol in Bama town, Banki, and other parts of Bama Local Government Area with immediate effect,” Zulum said.

    He warned that anyone found violating the directive would face the full wrath of the law.

    “Let me make it clear, there will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of this ban.

    ”Security agencies have been given strict orders to clamp down on any filling station or individual contravening this directive. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

    Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state and called for the support and cooperation of residents in the ongoing fight against insurgency.

    The governor has consistently implemented measures aimed at cutting off supplies to insurgents and curbing their mobility in conflict-affected areas.

  • Borno Govt. to close down Muna IDP camp

    Borno Govt. to close down Muna IDP camp

    Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced plans to close down the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri within the next few weeks.

    The governor made the announcement during an early morning visit to the camp on Monday.

    Zulum said that the decision to shut down the camp was in line with his administration’s ongoing efforts to close all formal IDP camps within Maiduguri and its environs.

    Muna, established at the height of the humanitarian crisis in the state, currently hosts about 10,000 displaced persons.

    The governor however noted that about 75 per cent of its residents had already been resettled.

    He assured the remaining inhabitants that the government would provide support to improve their means of livelihood as they prepare to return to their communities.

    He noted that the closure of the camp would mark another significant step in the state’s transition from emergency humanitarian response to long-term recovery and resettlement.

    During his first term, Zulum had pledged to close all IDP camps in the state capital, a goal he has largely achieved with the closure of more than 12 camps already.

  • NAF kills scores of terrorists in multi-wave airstrikes

    NAF kills scores of terrorists in multi-wave airstrikes

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has in a milti- wave airstrikes eliminated scores of suspected terrorists at Warawara, near Wajiroko, and Chinene in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Ali said that the NAF had sustained its counterterrorism operations tempo in the North-East, executing decisive airstrikes in multiple waves on Wednesday and dealing a severe blow to insurgent activities.

    He said that the NAF, guided by painstaking Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, identified a number of terrorists stockpiling logistics and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) around Wajiroko.

    According to him, surveillance later tracked their movement to a concealed location housing a gun truck, ammunition stockpiles, and fuel reserves.

    ”In response, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) executed multiple waves of air interdiction missions.

    ”The first wave struck the terrorists’ logistics hub, destroying gun trucks and critical supplies.

    ”The other followed with sustained rocket and cannon attacks, ensuring the complete annihilation of terrorist’s assets.

    ”Later that day, NAF aircraft targeted another terrorist enclave at Chinene in the Mandara Mountains.

    ”Intelligence reports indicated that insurgents had relocated there following a previous air raid on Degbewa on March 16.

    ”Overhead reconnaissance confirmed the presence of active structures, prompting the execution of strikes that set terrorist hideouts ablaze.”

    Ali added that the fleeing insurgents were subsequently engaged and neutralised, further crippling their operational capacity.

    According to him, battle damage assessment and corroboratory intelligence confirmed the neutralisation of scores of terrorist fighters.

    He said the airstrikes also destroyed four terrorist gun trucks, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, and several makeshift shelters, forcing the insurgents to abandon their positions degrading their operational capabilities.

    ”These successful air interdiction missions underscore the NAF’s unwavering commitment to neutralising insurgents, disrupting their logistics, and denying them safe havens.

    ”With sustained pressure on terrorist elements, the NAF remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security in the country,” he said.