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23/04/2026

Zulum Commends President Tinubu for approving N68 Billion for Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP)

Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving N68 billion operational support to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).

The Emergency Plant project, initiated in 2021 as a presidential intervention, was a critical response to the prolonged power outage caused by insurgents vandalizing power infrastructure, leaving the state without electricity for nearly two years.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum said the swift intervention by the Federal Government under the distinguished leadership of President Tinubu is not only timely but will mitigate security challenges and improve the economic livelihoods of the people of Borno State.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, i wish to most profoundly appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for approving N2 billion monthly OPEX intervention funding from March 2026 to December 2028, totaling N68 billion to bridge the existing funding gap in the operations of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP),” Zulum stated.

“The MEPP intervention by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has been pivotal in restoring power supply to Borno State,” Zulum stated.

“This has not only revived economic activities but has also significantly improved livelihoods and strengthened efforts to address security challenges.”

Governor Zulum noted that the 50MW power plant, commissioned in December 2023, has catalyzed socio-economic development, created employment opportunities, and supported small and medium enterprises across the state.

He further explained that the availability of stable electricity has enhanced security by empowering communities economically and reducing vulnerabilities linked to insurgency and criminality.

The governor explained that the presidential approval will ensure a sustainable power supply to the Maiduguri metropolis and environs, thereby further strengthening the state's resilience.

Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to ensure sustainable development in the energy sector and lasting peace and stability in the state.

21/04/2026

At Kogi Security Summit: Zulum Advocates Use of Technology, AI

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s security architecture, urging stakeholders to deploy technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat rising threats.

Speaking at the Kogi Security Summit on Tuesday in Abuja, Zulum argued that traditional methods alone cannot defeat sophisticated criminal networks. He advocated for the integration of surveillance drones, biometric tracking, and predictive analytics to pre-empt attacks.

“For us to address the insecurity, we need to possess modern technological warfare; technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics are now deployed to combat crime,” Zulum said.

Beyond hardware, Zulum stressed that security is a collective burden. He urged citizens to “own the issues of insecurity” by actively participating in intelligence gathering and community policing, rather than leaving the fight solely to security agencies.

Furthermore, Zulum charged authorities with tackling the root causes of insecurity, particularly poverty and infrastructure deficits. The Governor noted that unemployment, hunger, and lack of basic amenities create fertile ground for recruitment by criminal elements.

“While it is critical to purchase equipment such as vehicles, MRAPS, drones and other facilities to confront the insecurity, but most importantly, without addressing the underlying factors such as poverty, road infrastructures, agriculture, among others, insecurity will not end. So, I want you to dedicate some of your funding to addressing such issues.”

“Understanding the socio-economic and political dimensions of every crisis is very important. Increasing poverty, climate vulnerabilities, infrastructural deficit, illiteracy, among others, have to be addressed if we want security in our communities.”

“The security of lives and property is the cardinal objective of any administration; the nexus between peace and security cannot be overemphasised. It is only when there is security that there will be peace; and without peace, there will be no development,” Zulum stressed.

Zulum was accompanied by the member representing Marte, Monguno Nganzai federal constituency, Hon. Engr Bukar Talba.

01/04/2026

Zulum Congratulates Radio Nigeria @75

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has congratulated the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, on 1st April.

Governor Zulum described Radio Nigeria as one of Africa’s pioneer broadcasting institutions, noting its significant contributions to Nigeria’s independence struggle, the entrenchment of democratic governance, peaceful coexistence and the promotion of sustainable development.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the Governor commended the corporation for its critical role in fostering peace, unity and stability, particularly through its local-language broadcasts during the peak of Boko Haram insurgency and in the ongoing post-conflict recovery efforts.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Borno State, I heartily felicitate with the management and staff of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria on the occasion of your 75th anniversary,” Zulum stated.

He further acknowledged that “FRCN remains a dependable public broadcaster that has consistently promoted unity and development in Borno State throughout the 16-year insurgency period.”

The Governor also lauded the corporation’s remarkable growth over the past seven and a half decades, highlighting its expansion to about 50 FM stations nationwide, which has significantly enhanced grassroots reach and public engagement.

He urged Radio Nigeria to remain steadfast in its mission of “Uplifting the People and Uniting the Nation,” while continuing to uphold professionalism and national cohesion through responsible broadcasting.

30/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Zulum Dissolves Borno State Executive Council

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council.

The decision is to provide an enabling environment for any member of the council who may wish to contest elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

The Governor has therefore directed all Commissioners to hand over the affairs of their respective ministries to the Permanent Secretaries on or before Friday, April 3, 2026.

Governor Zulum expressed his profound appreciation to the outgoing Commissioners for their dedication, commitment, and invaluable contributions to the development and service of the people of Borno State.

Signed:
Bukar Tijani FASN, FSSN, JAAS
Secretary to the Borno State Government

21/03/2026

Zulum Pledges Jobs, Skills Training for Borno Youth

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating job opportunities and expanding vocational training programmes for youths across the state.

Governor Zulum made the pledge on Saturday while receiving the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who paid the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri.

The Sallah visit, a longstanding tradition of the Borno Emirate, symbolises respect and solidarity between the traditional institution and the state government.

Welcoming the Shehu and his entourage, Zulum said his administration would intensify efforts to empower young people through employment and skills acquisition initiatives.

“We will continue to create job opportunities and provide vocational training to accommodate the teeming youth of our state,” Zulum said.

He also appealed to the monarch to sustain prayers for lasting peace and stability in Borno and Nigeria, while assuring continued government support to the traditional institution.

The governor further disclosed that efforts were underway to connect the remaining local government areas to the national electricity grid.

Zulum commended the Shehu for his resilience and commitment to leadership, particularly for remaining in his palace during the peak of the insurgency.

Shehu of Borno said the Sallah homage remained a key tradition of the emirate to felicitate with the government and people of the state.

“This visit is part of our longstanding tradition to identify with the government and the good people of Borno during festive periods,” Shehu Garbai said.

The Shehu also acknowledged the developmental strides recorded under the Zulum administration and urged the government to sustain efforts in youth empowerment, job creation, and security.

The royal father was accompanied on the visit by senior members of the Borno Emirate Council, including the Waziri of Borno, Alhaji Mutawalli Shettima Bukar, Imam Idaini, the Chief Imam and traditional title holders.

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum also received Sallah homage from delegations of the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Al-Ansar University, and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri.

The delegations congratulated the governor on the successful completion of Ramadan and commiserated with him over the recent bomb blast in Maiduguri.

Responding, Zulum expressed appreciation for their visit and reaffirmed his administration’s support to federal institutions operating in the state.

20/03/2026

Zulum Greets Muslim Ummah on Eid-El-Fitr

…Re-commits to ending insecurity

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah in the state on the occasion of Eid-El-Fitr marking the successful completion of the month-long Ramadan fast.

Ramadan offered the opportunity for the Muslim faithful to renew their faith, boost spiritual depth, charitable giving and other acts or worship.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum urged the people of the state to imbibe and sustain the lessons learned during the period to recharge their spiritual beings towards rebuilding a secure, peaceful and prosperous Borno society.

He described this year's Ramadan as unique, especially with unprecedented charity reach outs to the indigent population by his administration. He noted with deep satisfaction and total gratitude to Allah that his administration has reached over 300,000 vulnerable persons with food and other essential items across the 27 local government areas

Although the state has recorded series of attacks, which have claimed the lives of some military men and civilians, the Governor reiterated his resolve to tackling the security situation head-on.

He saluted the courage, resilience and commitment of the people to all initiatives aimed at deepening security and peace building among the various components of the society fragmented by the Boko Haram insurgency over the years.

Governor Zulum expressed profound grief over the resurgence of terror attacks across parts of the state, especially the triple su***de bombings of Monday, March 9, in Maiduguri, which claimed the lives of 28 persons and injured over 100 others.

He, consequently, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for sending the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima to condole with the people of Borno over the tragic incident and also deploying the Service Chiefs with a charge to review and deploy strategies towards ending the insurgency.

Zulum lauded the military for the ongoing offensive operations in the Sambisa Forest, stressing similar coordinated operations in Mandara mountain, Lake Chad area and other hideouts of the insurgents.

He expressed his unbreakable promise to double down in supporting the security agencies and volunteer forces in the prosecution of the counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations.

Governor Zulum recalled that the people of Borno have gone through harrowing situations over the last 15 years due to the Boko Haram insurgency. He, however, urged them to sustain the impressive resilience to the impacts of terror, which they have built over the years.

With the renewal of terror attacks, especially su***de bombings, Zulum strongly urged the people to uphold their decades-old personal and communal initiatives for their safety and protection in attack situations, as the security agencies deploy new and stronger strategies at plugging all loopholes the terrorists seize to carry out their cowardly attacks on communities.

The governor expressed optimism that the security agencies are, more than ever before, crafting and deploying the most-successful strategies at combating the terrorists towards ending the insurgency.

While strongly advising the public to heed the warnings by security agencies to steer clear of crowded locations unguarded by security agents, and be mindful of suspicious persons, Zulum assured the residents of the state that the Eid-El-Fitr praying grounds will be heavily secured for the Muslim faithful to observe their yearly sacred ritual without any fear of attack.

He wished the Muslim Ummah Happy Eid-El-Fitr celebration.

19/03/2026

(KANURI VERSION) Statewide Broadcast by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum CON, FNSE, mni.

19/03/2026

STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF BORNO STATE, PROFESSOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM, ON THURSDAY, 19TH MARCH 2026

My dear good people of Borno State,

I address you today at a moment that requires both our solemn reflection and our resolute unity.

Fellow citizens, the recent resurgence of insecurity in parts of our dear state over the past few weeks is deeply concerning. As the Chief Security Officer, let me assure you that the overall security environment, while tested, remains under control, and we are doing everything possible to protect lives and property.

Over the past seven years, we have worked tirelessly to restore peace and prosperity to the great land and rebuild our state. Within the period, we have responded with prompt, positive actions on every occasion. We have not allowed the dark dreams of the wayward ones to take root, and instead, we have fostered hope and resilience among the communities affected by the conflict. Through a combination of consultations and collective planning, with the strong support of our security agencies and the civilian JTF, the Almighty Allah (SWT) has helped us achieve some measure of success and peace.

We do not believe that the decrease in past attacks signals the end of the insurgency. No, it is not. In fact, at the leadership level, we are very conscious of the fact that much more needs to be done to permanently address the root of this madness and the menace of illogical attacks among our peace-loving people.

The recent spike in activity by these criminal elements is a direct consequence of the sustained and aggressive military operations being conducted across the theatre. These operations have dislodged the criminals, forcing them to flee and seek respite by infiltrating our communities.

However, I want to reassure you that the worst days are over. We have been constantly assessing the situation, and a robust, coordinated response is already in motion. These cowardly elements who seek to disturb our peace will obtain no sanctuary in Borno State. We will deal decisively with their recent resurgence.

Fellow citizens, this fight is not the responsibility of the military alone; it is a collective effort. I must emphasise the importance of cordial, close collaboration with our military. They are here to protect us, and they need our eyes and our ears. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of our gallant soldiers, security personnel and our volunteer forces who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. My heart also goes out to every civilian whose life has been disrupted by this situation. Your resilience is the bedrock of our state, and the power of prayer in unison is a weapon no enemy can withstand.

Furthermore, let me issue a stern warning to any individual or group that aids or collaborates with these criminals. To those who feed them with information, shelter them and their sympathisers, and provide logistical support, your time is up. You are not patriots; you are enemies of the state. You will be hunted down and made to face the full wrath of the law. Your actions betray our collective peace, and we will no longer tolerate them.

Let me at this juncture commend the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for releasing the necessary funding to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJT) and several other military operations across different theatres in Nigeria. This support is vital to the sustainability of the ongoing military operations.

I also wish to extend my appreciation to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who represented the President for the sympathy visit over the recent unfortunate incident.

I also want to extend our profound gratitude to the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), other law enforcement agencies, our dedicated CJTF, hunters, and vigilantees. Your professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices are the only reasons we have a state to return to. The nation owes you a tremendous debt that can never be fully repaid.

To our revered traditional rulers, I appreciate your steadfastness and your role as the custodians of our culture and conscience. I am equally grateful to our religious leaders and the entire people of Borno for their relentless prayers. I want to urge my colleagues in the political class to unite and support our efforts to restore peace. Our people look up to us for leadership, not division.

My dear people, as the political season intensifies, tensions may rise. But we must align our political interests with the stark realities of our security situation, including ongoing threats from insurgent groups and the need for community stability. Let us not allow politics to undermine the hard-earned peace we have built. I therefore call on all aspirants and their supporters to prioritise the greater interests of Borno State above their personal ambitions.

Since assuming office in 2019, I have been fair, just, and inclusive in my dealings with the entire political class. My loyalty to His Excellency, the Vice President, need not be overemphasized.

Furthermore, as a leader, I have embraced all and sundry. I have never betrayed the trust of members of the national and state assemblies, as well as political office holders of Borno extraction, at the state or national level.

Therefore, I want to call on all political actors to be wary of elements seeking to exploit the current situation to create unnecessary political instability.

As we look to the future and choose a new leader for our state, I urge all citizens to pray fervently for a worthy successor. Let me remind us that power belongs to Allah and He grants it to whom He wills.

As we approach the end of Ramadan, I call on all residents, both Christians and Muslims, to use this last hour of fasting and Sallah celebration to intensify prayers for peace, unity, and stability in our state and the country at large.

Consequently, let me use this opportunity to encourage citizens of Borno to be more vigilant. As we gather to break our fast toward the end of 2026 Ramadan, let us pay attention to our environment. Let us identify strangers, report suspicious movements to security agencies, and take the necessary precautions.

Once again, and with all the emphasis I can command, I urge you all to remain calm and observe your Eid prayers within your communities.

In conclusion, I seek your understanding and forgiveness for our wrongdoings and reassure you that Borno shall not fall into the hands of Boko Haram insurgents, insha Allah.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the people of Borno State.

Thank you and God Bless You

18/03/2026

Breaking News..

16/03/2026

SECURITY ALERT: BORNO POLICE URGE CALM AMID RECENT INCIDENTS

The Borno State Police Command has reassured residents that security agencies are on high alert following recent security incidents reported in some parts of the state.

In a public advisory issued on Monday, March 16, 2026, the Command said it is working closely with other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

According to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso Kenneth, the Command understands the fears and tension among residents and has already taken necessary measures to address the situation.

The police therefore urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.

Residents were also encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activities to the nearest security formation.

For emergency situations or security-related information, the public can contact the Borno State Police Command through the following numbers: 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.

The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across Borno State while calling on residents to cooperate with security agencies in ensuring a safe environment for all.

16/03/2026

Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Explosion, Calls for Calm, Vigilance in Worship, Public Places

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has condemned in the strongest terms the explosion that occurred in some parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.

Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the festive period beckons.

“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” said Zulum.

He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.

The Governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.

He called on residents to remain calm, go about their usual activities, and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies.

13/03/2026