Zulum Applauds Tinubu, Ribadu, Security Forces as 434 Ngoshe Abductees Regain Freedom

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security stakeholders for their efforts in securing the release of 434 residents of the Ngoshe community who were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents earlier this year.

The governor gave the commendation on Monday in Pulka while receiving a fresh batch of 357 freed captives. He disclosed that dozens of other victims had earlier regained their freedom in separate releases, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 434.

The victims were kidnapped during a Boko Haram attack on Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area located near the Mandara Mountains along Nigeria’s border region.

Zulum praised President Tinubu for his commitment to restoring peace and security in the North-East, noting that the president’s direct involvement played a significant role in facilitating the release of the captives.

According to the governor, the federal government’s determination to tackle insecurity has continued to yield positive results across the country.

“I wish to sincerely thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support and dedication to ensuring peace and stability in Borno State and Nigeria as a whole,” Zulum said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, and local security volunteers, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, vigilantes, and forest guards.

The governor described the operation as a product of strong collaboration among security agencies and community-based security groups working towards the safe return of the abducted men, women, and children.

Explaining the figures, Zulum said the latest group of freed captives accounted for about 357 persons, while others had been released in smaller batches over the past weeks and months.

“We are celebrating with the people of Ngoshe over the return of about 434 abducted residents. The group that was received today constitutes the largest batch, while others had regained their freedom earlier, bringing the total number to 434, he stated.

The governor further revealed that the state government had committed substantial resources to rebuilding the Ngoshe community and creating conditions for the safe return of displaced residents.

He said rehabilitation projects in the area were nearing completion and that discussions were ongoing with community members and security authorities to facilitate a secure and dignified resettlement process.

As part of immediate support measures, Zulum directed the distribution of food supplies and other relief materials to the rescued victims.

He added that the returnees are currently undergoing medical examinations and psychosocial care at a government facility before being reunited with their families and communities.

Zulum’s Assurance Secures Maiduguri 2026 NSE Conference Hosting Rights

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has officially received the hosting rights for the 2026 Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is scheduled to hold in December in Maiduguri.

On Tuesday, the NSE President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, made the presentation. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu made the presentation during a dinner that Governor Zulum organised in honour of the visiting NSE leadership.

The high-profile conference, tagged “Maiduguri 2026,” is themed “Engineering Innovations for Enhanced Security and Sustainable National Development” and is expected to attract about 10,000 engineers, experts, and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking earlier during a courtesy visit by the NSE delegation, Governor Zulum assured the body that Maiduguri remains safe and fully prepared to host the international gathering, dismissing concerns over security in the state.

He noted that Borno State has successfully hosted several major national and international events in recent years without any incident, citing conferences and cultural gatherings as evidence of improved stability.

“In 2025, Maiduguri hosted several national and international events including the National Council on Power, National Council on Education, Kanem-Borno Cultural Summit, Qur’anic Recitation Competition, and the National Council on Health, among others,” the governor said.

According to him, the successful hosting of such events demonstrates that “Maiduguri is secure and ready,” while also highlighting the state’s reputation for hospitality.

Governor Zulum also expressed appreciation over the NSE’s decision to confer honorary fellowship on prominent businessman and philanthropist Dr. Muhammadu Indimi, describing the recognition as “well deserved” and long overdue in view of his contributions to education and infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Responding, NSE President Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu commended the Borno State Government for its sustained efforts in improving security and rebuilding confidence in the state.

He said the Society was impressed by the relative peace currently enjoyed in Maiduguri and across Borno, adding that the environment assured a successful conference.

Rabiu further disclosed that the NSE Council would hold a preparatory meeting in Maiduguri in July to assess security arrangements and confirm readiness ahead of the December event.

“We have consistently received positive reports about events held in Maiduguri without security incidents,” he said, expressing optimism that the 2026 conference would be peaceful and successful.

The courtesy visit was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; top government officials; and members of the NSE delegation.

The 2026 NSE conference will further position Borno State as a growing hub for national dialogue, professional exchange, and post-conflict development in Nigeria.

Crackdown in Maiduguri: Police Arrest Eight, Seize Illicit Drugs in Renewed War Against Substance Abuse

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

As concerns continue to grow over the impact of drug abuse on youth and community safety in Borno State, the police have intensified efforts to dismantle networks involved in the distribution and consumption of illicit substances.

In a fresh operation targeting criminal activities linked to substance abuse, the Borno State Police Command arrested eight suspects and recovered various prohibited drugs during coordinated raids in parts of Maiduguri, the state capital.

The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Anti-Social Vices Unit carried out the operation as part of an ongoing campaign by the command to tackle drug-related crimes and other social vices across the state.

According to the police, the exercise was conducted in compliance with directives issued by the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, who has ordered intensified actions against drug trafficking, abuse and criminal activities associated with narcotics.

Speaking about the development, the spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the latest arrests demonstrate the police’s determination to rid communities of activities that threaten public safety.

“The operatives of the command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Anti-Social Vices Unit have recorded another significant success,” Mr Daso said in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

He disclosed that on 1 June 2026, at about 2:20 p.m., officers carried out a targeted raid in the Bulumkutu and Dala communities within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.

“The RRS Anti-Social Vices Team conducted a targeted raid operation in the Bulumkutu and Dala areas of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, which led to the arrest of eight suspects for alleged possession and consumption of prohibited substances,” he stated.

The police spokesman said a search conducted during the operation resulted in the recovery of several suspected illicit drugs and controlled substances.

Among the items recovered were 46 capsules of Tramadol, 12 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, commonly known as Indian hemp, and two D5 tablets.

Security experts have repeatedly warned that the abuse of hard drugs and controlled substances is a major contributor to violent crimes, juvenile delinquency, and other forms of insecurity in many communities.

Mr Daso noted that the suspects have already been arraigned in court, while the recovered substances have been submitted as exhibits to support prosecution.

The latest arrests underscore the Borno State Police Command’s broader strategy of combining intelligence-led operations with community engagement to curb the spread of illicit drugs.

The command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies by providing credible information that could assist in identifying criminal hideouts and drug distribution networks.

Reaffirming their commitment to public safety, the police say they will continue to target individuals and groups involved in drug-related offences and other criminal activities throughout the state.

Residents with useful information were encouraged to contact the police through the command’s emergency lines as authorities sustain the campaign against substance abuse and criminality in Borno.