Troops neutralize five terrorists, rescue 3 abducted children in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised five Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Sabsawa village of Borno state.

The Sector 1 troops during their offensive and aggressive operations on 20th and 21st February, 2026 also rescued three abducted children on the outskirts of the Subsawa terrorists’ hideouts.

OPHK Media Information Officer Lt Col Sani Uba on Saturday in Maiduguri via a statement disclosed, “Our ground troops successfully foiled a terrorists’ attack, killing five of them, before rescuing kidnapped civilians in a separate operation conducted over the weekend.

Besides the rescue of the abducted children, Uba added: “In a major encounter, troops of Sector 1, while on a fighting patrol, made contact with suspected terrorists around Sabsawa village by responded with an overwhelming superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray.”

The lieutenant colonel revealed also that during troops’ exploitation of the area, five terrorists were neutralised.

In a related development across the theatre, Uba stated that the troops under Sector 1, deployed at Ngurosoye in the Bama Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, rescued three abducted children.

He said the rescued teenagers included Abba Abba, 12; Fatima Abba, 8; and Aisha Abba, 6, of the same family in the Subsawa village.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted about two months ago along the Gubio axis by suspected terrorists before being moved to Bula-Daloye,” said Uba.

According to him, the rescued teenagers have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for necessary further action.

Meanwhile, troops also recorded the surrender of an 18-year-old terrorist suspect, Abubakar Abubakar, at Geidam in Yobe State, where he is currently in the custody of Army for profiling.

The military high command commended the troops for their sustained morale and fighting efficiency, assuring that pressure on terrorist elements will be maintained until lasting peace and economic stability are achieved in the Northeast.

CS-SUNN Applauds Appointment of Prof. Mu’azu Shehu as Gombe Head of Civil Service

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Gombe State Chapter, has congratulated Professor Mu’azu Shehu on his appointment as the new Head of Civil Service in Gombe State.

A statement issued by the State Coordinator, Rebecca Caleb Maina, was made available to newsmen in Gombe on Thursday.

The organization described the appointment made by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya as well-deserved and a recognition of Professor Shehu’s long-standing commitment to public service.

According to CS-SUNN, Professor Shehu’s elevation to the state’s top civil service position reflects his vast administrative experience and consistent record of professionalism.

Before his appointment, he served as Permanent Secretary, General Duties, and as Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, roles in which he was widely acknowledged for his strategic leadership and coordination of government policies.

The group expressed confidence that his leadership would further strengthen ongoing reforms within the state civil service, enhance operational efficiency, and improve service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.

“As a coalition dedicated to promoting nutrition advocacy, transparency, and sustainable development, we are optimistic about strengthening collaboration with the civil service under Professor Shehu’s stewardship,” the statement noted.

“We look forward to supporting policies and programs that will improve the nutrition and well-being of women, children, and other vulnerable groups in Gombe State.”

CS-SUNN also paid tribute to the outgoing Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, commending his dedication and contributions to the growth and stability of the state’s public sector. The organization wished him a peaceful and rewarding retirement.

Stakeholders have widely welcomed Professor Mu’azu Shehu’s new role, seeing it as a step toward consolidating administrative reforms and advancing good governance in Gombe State.

Zulum Rolls Out 33,000 Tonnes of Ramadan Relief for 300,000 Vulnerable Residents in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

In a major humanitarian gesture to ease the burden of the holy month, Babagana Zulum has approved the distribution of 33,000 tonnes of Ramadan palliatives to residents across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.

The food items, comprising rice, millet, and sugar, are targeted at about 300,000 vulnerable residents, each expected to receive three bags to support their households during Ramadan.

Flagging off the distribution at Ramat Square in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Governor Zulum said the initiative was designed to cushion the impact of economic hardship, particularly on widows, orphans, internally displaced persons, struggling farmers and low-income earners.

He urged members of the distribution committee to uphold integrity and fairness in carrying out the assignment.

“To members of the committee in charge of this distribution, let transparency be your watchword. Let fairness be your guide,” the governor declared. “These items are for free distribution to those in need, not for sale or for your friends and family members.” They are meant for widows, orphans, internally displaced individuals, farmers whose fields are yet to fully recover, and daily wage earners struggling to survive.”

Zulum warned that any official found diverting the food items would face strict legal consequences, stressing that his administration would not tolerate abuse of public trust.

In a show of inclusiveness, the governor announced that Christian residents observing the Lenten season, which coincides with this year’s Ramadan, would also benefit from the gesture.

“This support will also extend to our Christian brothers and sisters who are fasting during Lent,” he said, noting that his administration remains committed to promoting unity and equal support for all faith communities in the state.

Over the years, the Zulum-led government has consistently provided assistance to Christian communities, particularly during festive periods. Annual Christmas food distributions and free transportation for non-indigenous Christians travelling to celebrate with their families have become a regular feature of the state’s welfare programs.

The senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, and the secretary of the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of the poor amid prevailing economic challenges.

In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ali Abdullahi Isa, assured that the agency would ensure a smooth and transparent distribution process across all benefiting communities.

The large-scale intervention underscores the state government’s continued efforts to provide relief and strengthen social support systems during one of the most spiritually significant periods of the year.