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Tag: Zulum

  • Zulum hails troops for silencing top ISWAP chiefs

    Zulum hails troops for silencing top ISWAP chiefs

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has hailed troops of the Civilian Joint Taskforce ( CJTF ), hunters and vigilantes for killing an Islamic State of West Africa Province ( ISWAP) commander, Abu Fatima and two others in the state.

    Zulum made the commendation during his visit to some communities in the northern part of the state, especially Kukawa Local Government Area, over renewed insurgent attacks.

    He said his visit to military formations in Baga, Kukawa and Cross Kauwa to see the troops was to motivate them.

    The governor said, “ As part of my assessment tour to local government areas, I decided to move to some of the local government areas in the northern part of the State, especially Kukawa.

    “I am here to see the troops of the armed forces, the CJTF, hunters and vigilantes to motivate them and see how we can solve their problems. Recently, troops have done very well. You can remember that one of the senior ISWAP members and his two fighters were killed.

    ‘’Although recently, we lost some of our men, the troops have done very well. We were there to commiserate with them and, most importantly, to strengthen their resilience. We have listened to them. I went to Kukawa, Baga and Cross Kauwa.”

  • Borno, FG review strategy to tackle resurgence of terrorist attacks

    Borno, FG review strategy to tackle resurgence of terrorist attacks

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno says his administration, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is reviewing strategies to confront the recent resurgence of attacks in parts of the state.

    Zulum announced this on Saturday during a statewide broadcast, where he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen local security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering, and support frontline security personnel with necessary tools.

    “In recent months, I have held extensive consultations with our federal partners and the leadership of various security agencies.

    “I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration between Borno State and the Federal Government is stronger than ever.

    “Together, we are working on comprehensive strategies to strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip our security agents with the necessary tools to confront the threats before us,” he said.

    The governor said that President Bola Tinubu and the Service Chiefs had given firm assurances to support Borno in addressing its security challenges.

    He reiterated the state’s resolve to reinforce volunteer forces, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilantes, and hunters, as well as to improve community-based intelligence and early warning systems.

    “Let me warn against colluding with these armed groups, either individually or as a community, as they are our collective enemy,” he said.

    The governor also addressed the ongoing water scarcity in Maiduguri and its environs, attributing it to the destruction of key infrastructure caused by last year’s catastrophic flood.

    “I appeal for your patience and understanding as we finalise efforts to fully re-establish the water supply system,” he said.

    On rising criminal activities within Maiduguri metropolis, he announced the reconstitution of the Anti-Social Vices Committee, tasked with tackling all forms of violent crimes and maintaining public order.

    He called for unity among citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society groups to support peacebuilding initiatives in the state.

    “We are fully aware that the road to lasting peace is not an easy one. But with unity, perseverance and faith, we shall all overcome it, insha Allah,” he assured.

    Meanwhile, the governor called on residents of the state to observe a voluntary fast on Monday, May 19, to seek divine intervention for lasting peace and stability.

    “In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity,” he said.

    “Fasting is more than a personal spiritual act; it is a communal expression of our shared hope.

    “Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose,” he added.

    The governor commiserated with the families of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and prayed for them  to bear the irreparable losses.

  • Borno gov, Zulum bans sale of petrol in Bama

    Borno 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 governor condemns deadly terrorist blast

    Borno governor condemns deadly terrorist blast

    Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed sympathy for the victims of a bomb blast suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents along the Maiduguri–Damboa highway.

    The blast, believed to be caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), killed eight people and injured 21 others on Saturday. The targeted civilian vehicles were travelling along the highway.

    Fourteen of the injured victims sustained severe injuries, while seven others were treated for minor wounds at the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri.

    Zulum, who visited the victims, described the incident as regrettable, especially as Borno had not experienced an IED attack in over a year.

    “It is unfortunate this is happening now. We haven’t witnessed an IED attack for over a year,” Zulum said. He noted the road had been closed for a month.

    Zulum expressed grief over the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Nigerian military and other security agencies.

    “I urge the Nigerian military and other security agencies to strengthen surveillance along the highway to prevent further attacks,” he said.

    The governor emphasised that Borno would continue working closely with the Nigerian military and federal government to tackle insurgency.

    “I assure the people of Borno that, ‘Insha Allah’, under my leadership, we will not allow the security situation to worsen,” Zulum added.

    He also pledged to enhance local security systems, including supporting the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and youth volunteers involved in counter-insurgency operations.

    Meanwhile, Zulum expressed satisfaction with the results of a recent meeting with military chiefs in Abuja, where concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities were raised.

    “Our discussions during the security council were positive. We highlighted the resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno and stressed the need for cooperation.

    “We met with the service chiefs in Abuja and received assurances from them that they would do everything possible to manage the situation,” Zulum added.

    The state government has called for greater cooperation between local intelligence networks and security agencies to improve early warning systems and prevent future attacks.

  • 95% of Borno protesters underaged – Zulum

    95% of Borno protesters underaged – Zulum

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has alleged that 95 per cent of the youths that participated in Thursday’s violent protests in Maiduguri were children under 14 years.

    Zulum made this known in a broadcast to the people of Borno where he also declared the lifting of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state.

    Zulum said: “Over 95 per cent of those who participated in the so-called Thursday protests were children under 14 years. Most of them do not know why they are protesting.

    “A six- year-old child carrying a placard is amazing; he must have been directed by someone. Most of those children are not from Borno.

    “While we are not discouraging the Almajiri education, we must however have their teachers or guardians looking after them.”

    Zulum said that a situation where thousands of children were living in Maiduguri in the name of Almajiri without care from anyone needed to be looked into.

    He said that some of the actions of the hoodlums that hijacked the Maiduguri protests included the destruction and looting of public properties including hospitals.

    “In what could have been a major disaster, attempts were made by the hoodlums on several occasions to attack the Maiduguri Emergency Power Gas Plant, however, it was averted by our gallant security forces..

    “Violence has no place in our society and I implore citizens to reject any call to arms or act of aggression.

    “As we lift the curfew on Saturday, any person that engages in looting and violent activities will be dealt with accordingly,” Zulum said.

    He reiterated the commitment of his administration to positively transform the state, citing interventions in various sectors, particularly infrastructure, health and education.

    Zulum said: “We have distributed rounds of food and non food items palliatives within Maiduguri and other LGAs, scaled up our support to farmers through sales of fertiliser, and provided seeds and farm inputs to enhance food production.

    “We want to also invest in irrigation agriculture and livestock development.”

    NAN

  • Removal of railway coaches from Borno “suspicious, unfair’’ – Zulum

    Removal of railway coaches from Borno “suspicious, unfair’’ – Zulum

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has described the removal of some railway coaches from Maiduguri to other states by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as “suspicious and unfair”.

    Zulum made this known on Tuesday in Maiduguri when he visited the Maiduguri Railway Terminus.

    According to him, his government will follow all legal procedures to ensure that infrastructures meant for the state are not moved to other parts of the country.

    Zulum said that the state government was not informed about the decision to move the coaches until residents intercepted them as they were being moved.

    “About five months ago, some of the rail infrastructure were conveyed to other states of the federation without the knowledge of the security operatives and Borno Government.

    “This time around the community raised alarm when they saw the movement of these rolling stocks from Maiduguri to other parts of the country.

    “When we contacted the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, they said the rolling stocks would be moved to Jos for a complete overhaul and be dispatched elsewhere.”

    Zulum stressed that the decision to relocate the rail infrastructures was “crudely pursued” by the NRC.

    “On this note, I want to announce that nobody will move out any of the rail infrastructures here in Borno without recourse to the rule of law.

    “I urge you to remain calm and not to take the law into your hands.

    “I want to, once again, note that these infrastructures will not be moved anywhere, insha’Allah, Borno is one of the states in Nigeria and we have equal rights,” Zulum said.

    The governor noted that with the removal of railway management from the exclusive list, Borno would partner NRC to maximize benefits of rail transportation.

    It would be recalled that hundreds of Maiduguri residents stormed the Maiduguri Railway Terminus on Sunday to protest the removal of train coaches from Maiduguri to Jos for repairs by the NRC.

  • Zulum orders demolition of brothels in Maiduguri within 72 hours

    Zulum orders demolition of brothels in Maiduguri within 72 hours

    Borno governor Babagana Zulum on Tuesday ordered the demolition of brothels and other black spots in Maiduguri, the state capital.

    Zulum gave the directive during a visit to ‘Bayan Quarters’, a settlement around Railway staff quarters believed to be habouring criminals, prostitutes, and illicit drug traders.

    The governor expressed concern over the rise in criminal activities associated with brothels and directed government agencies to dismantle them within 72 hours.

    He noted that the activities were posing a threat to the security as hoodlums perpetuate social vices that undermine the well-being of communities and the dignity of the individuals involved.

    Zulum explained that while the settlement, which harbours criminals and minor girls engaged in commercial sex activities would be demolished within 72 hours, the illegal brothels have 12 hours to vacate.

    “The government has been duly informed of the activities that are going on here; this settlement is completely illegal. People are killed here, this place serves as a breeding space for insurgents.

    “I have directed that everybody should vacate the place,” Zulum said.

    Zulum also announced the revocation of the land titles where such criminal activities were perpetuated, pointing out that the titles were initially approved for the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

    “I understand that this land was approved by the Borno Government to be used by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), but it has been rented out illegally with all forms of criminal activities taking place.

    “For this reason, the government has revoked the earlier approval; henceforth, the land belongs to the Borno Government,” Zulum said.

  • No Borno community is still under Boko Haram – Zulum

    No Borno community is still under Boko Haram – Zulum

    Borno’s Gov. Babagana Zulum says there is no community in the state still under the control of Boko Haram.

    Zulum made the declaration on Tuesday in Maiduguri when he received visiting Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.

    “I am pleased to inform the general public that as at now, we do not have any community that is under the control of Boko Haram in Borno.

    “Within the last 18 months, about 140,000 Boko Haram members and their families have repented and surrendered,’’ Zulum said.

    He commended the military for its sacrifices in the restoration of peace in Borno.

    The governor acknowledged the role Gen. Musa played as Theatre Commander in the restoration of peace to Borno before his elevation.

    “Throughout your stay in Borno, there was improved peace, especially in terms of promotion of military-civilian relationships.

    “This among others contributed largely to the successes that we have seen so far,’’ Zulum stressed.

    He reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to provide the needed support to the military for maximum success in its assignment of restoring peace in Borno.

    Earlier, Gen. Musa said he was in Borno to boost troops’ morale and to thank the government and people of Borno for their support.

    Musa, who recalled his stay in Borno as Theatre Commander, said he received maximum support from the governor and from the people of Borno.

    “You made work here extremely easy; if every state is lucky to get somebody who will give this kind of support, I am sure the security situation would have been dealt with.

    “Throughout my career, it is Borno that I have the best of support as a commander,’’ Musa said.

    He noted that kinetic and non-kinetic approaches would continue to be applied in the fight against insurgency.

    Musa and his team paid similar visit to the Shehu of Borno.

  • Zulum probes hospital staff for allegedly rejecting accident victims

    Zulum probes hospital staff for allegedly rejecting accident victims

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has directed the Ministry of Health to investigate and fish out medical staff on duty for allegedly rejecting victims of accidents rushed to Umaru Shehu Ultra Modern Hospital in Maiduguri.

    Zulum gave the directive on Thursday at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital.

    The governor’s visit to the facility was in response to a video clip that went viral on social media showing how some medical officers allegedly rejected accident victims brought to the hospital.

    He gave 24 hours for a probe team to identify the medical workers involved and to recommend appropriate sanctions.

    “What happened is inhuman and unacceptable,” Zulum said as he addressed health workers at the hospital.

    “A situation where patients are left crying for help, yet a hospital rejects them? We will not allow such a situation to repeat itself.

    “I see no reason why disciplinary action will not be taken against the erring staff in this hospital.

    “If any medical doctor or any personnel in any of our facilities is not willing to attend to patients without cogent reason, he or she should equally be fired without hesitation,” Zulum declared.

    He ordered that: “Within the next 24 hours, the Hospital Management Board and the Ministry of Health should investigate the incident and ensure disciplinary measures are enforced against all those on duty that refused to admit victims of the accident brought here.”

    The governor noted that the state government has invested heavily in the health sector, including the welfare of the medical officers, across the state.

    He therefore called on medical officers to reciprocate the gesture by providing quality healthcare services to all patients without discrimination.

  • How Shettima’s emergence as VP will affect my administration – Zulum

    How Shettima’s emergence as VP will affect my administration – Zulum

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno says the emergence of Alhaji Kashim Shettima as incoming vice-president would help to reduce his administration’s burden as Borno recovers from insurgency.

    Zulum made the declaration in Maiduguri on Friday at a Sallah luncheon for stakeholders graced by the vice-president-elect.

    The governor said with the incoming vice-president, the government and people of Borno have a reliable brother and a team player to lean on for support in the recovery process.

    “President Buhari has been complaining that I am the only one suffering in Borno with no one supporting me.

    “By the grace of God, in the next four years to come, I have with me a brother and indeed my boss that will support me and support the government and people of Borno.

    “This will reduce our burden and will ensure our progress and development,’’ Zulum said.

    He urged the people of Borno to continue to prayer for the vice president-elect to succeed in discharging the responsibility of his office.

    Reiterating the commitment of his administration to deliver more people-oriented programmes, Zulum urged for more unity among elected leaders for the betterment of Borno.

    He also thanked security agencies in the state for their commitment to return of total peace and normalcy in the state.