Arms Awareness Drive Reaches IDP Camps in Yobe, Targets Illegal Weapons and Community Safety

By  Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

A coordinated effort to curb the spread of illicit weapons in Nigeria’s Northeast has taken root in Yobe State. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in partnership with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Community Development Service (SALWCDS) and the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, has launched a sensitisation campaign in displaced communities.

The outreach, held at the Abujan Mai Mala Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp and the Mohammad Gombe farming community, combined advocacy on small arms proliferation with hygiene education and the distribution of food items to vulnerable residents.

The initiative forms part of a broader regional intervention that targets communities affected by conflict across the six states of the Northeast.

Speaking at the event, the North-East Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retd), who was represented by his assistant on strategic communication and information, urged displaced individuals to embrace unity despite the trauma of insurgency.

He encouraged residents to support peacebuilding efforts by fostering cooperation and vigilance within their communities.

The campaign, themed “Promoting Health and Peace in Our Communities,” seeks to address the persistent challenge of illicit arms circulation, which authorities say continues to fuel insecurity in the region.

The SALWCDS team leader, Bulus Seth Kazachat, said the program aims to educate residents on the dangers posed by small arms while promoting peaceful coexistence.

“Our goal is to ensure that communities understand the risks associated with illegal weapons and take responsibility by reporting suspicious movements,” he said.

Kazachat urged residents to alert security agencies whenever they notice individuals in possession of unlawful arms, stressing that timely information could prevent violence.

He added that while the group is working to improve the living conditions of displaced persons, the government and stakeholders need to provide more support.

“We cannot do this alone. We appreciate the support from SEMA, but we call for greater intervention to strengthen these efforts,” he said.

He pointed out that, in addition to raising awareness, the initiative aims to find ways to reduce the flow of illegal weapons into Nigeria, highlighting the severe effects of small arms in conflict-affected states like Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe.

The campaign underscores growing collaboration between government agencies and community-based groups in tackling insecurity while addressing the humanitarian needs of affected populations, particularly in regions severely impacted by violence and displacement due to the proliferation of illicit weapons.

Yobe Council Clears ₦59.8bn for Roads, Power, Markets and Healthcare

By Abubakar Musa, Damaturu

The Yobe State Executive Council has endorsed a total expenditure of ₦59.8 billion to fund a range of infrastructure and public service projects across the state.

The decision was reached at the council’s meeting held in Damaturu on Monday, where key proposals spanning multiple sectors received final approval.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the approvals cut across critical areas, including road development, healthcare delivery, energy, transport, commerce, and sports.

According to him, the largest share of the funds—₦34.1 billion—will go into road construction projects. These include the development of a 59-kilometre road linking Kaliyari to Bayamari, as well as a 53-kilometre stretch connecting Bayamari to Geidam.

He added that ₦8.5 billion has been earmarked for market infrastructure, covering the construction of the Jajimaji Modern Market and additional works at the Machina and Buni Yadi markets.

In the energy and transport sectors, Bego said ₦5.3 billion has been approved for the acquisition of 800KVA power generators and the installation of underground armoured cables and switchgear systems at the Government House in Damaturu.

The commissioner further disclosed plans to expand solar-powered street lighting across the state, with 2,200 integrated 100-watt units to be installed in all 11 local government headquarters, including Bara, Babbangida, Dapchi, Yunusari, Fika, Damagum, Nangere, Jakusko, Jajimaji, Machina and Yusufari.

Other energy projects include the construction of a 33KV transmission line from Bukarti to Kanamma, installation of transformer substations, and expansion of the electricity distribution network in Kanamma.

He noted that public health facilities will also benefit from improved power supply, with new generators to be installed at the Specialist Hospital, Family Support Hospital and the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu.

Bego said the council also validated ₦5.5 billion for healthcare-related projects aimed at strengthening service delivery across the state.

Additionally, ₦3.3 billion has been approved for ongoing upgrade works at the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu as part of efforts to boost sports infrastructure.

He explained that the approvals reflect the government’s commitment to improving living standards through targeted investments in infrastructure and essential services.

Yobe APC Opts for Consensus Primaries, Backs Tinubu for Second Term

Abubakar Musa, Damaturu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has resolved to adopt a consensus approach for selecting its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This decision was disclosed by Ahmed Lawan while addressing journalists after a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Damaturu on Thursday.

According to him, the consensus method will be applied across all elective positions in the state, including governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primaries.

“Our party has carefully reviewed the options provided under the Electoral Act, and we have agreed to proceed with consensus as our preferred method,” Lawan said. “This approach has consistently served us well in Yobe, promoting unity and reducing internal friction.”

He expressed confidence that aspirants who may not emerge through the process would align with the party’s collective decision, noting that internal structures exist to engage and reconcile all stakeholders.

Lawan also assured that the party was working towards a strong electoral outing in 2027, projecting millions of votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside victories for APC candidates contesting legislative seats.

Earlier at the meeting, party leaders unanimously endorsed Tinubu as their candidate for a second term, reaffirming their loyalty to the administration.

In his remarks, Governor Mai Mala Buni said Yobe had recorded significant gains under the current federal leadership, citing ongoing development projects and policy interventions as evidence of progress.

The meeting drew key party figures from across the state, signaling early efforts by the APC to consolidate its base ahead of the next electoral cycle.