Zulum Launches 500 Electric Tricycles to Boost Clean Environment, Create Jobs

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has unveiled the distribution of 500 electric tricycles worth ₦1 billion to promote a cleaner environment and create employment opportunities for youths in the state.

The youth employment initiative targets about 1,000 Keke Napep operators across Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.

The environmentally friendly electric tricycles were earlier inaugurated on December 20, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to modernise transportation and ease economic hardship in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the empowerment programme on Thursday at the Government House, Maiduguri, Governor Zulum said:
“The e-tricycles initiative was designed to empower less-privileged Keke Napep riders and reduce transportation costs for commuters across Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.”

He added:
“I am privileged to launch this empowerment programme today for about 1,000 beneficiaries among tricycle riders in Maiduguri and Jere, to the glory of God and for the benefit of humanity.”

Zulum explained that the tricycles were procured months ago, and the event marked their formal distribution to beneficiaries.

“These eco-friendly tricycles represent a significant step towards modernising transportation while promoting environmental sustainability and mitigating climate change in the state,” he said.

The governor disclosed that a designated committee would oversee the payment structure, while the state government would subsidise 30 percent of the cost to make the tricycles affordable.

He further noted:
“The e-tricycles are being given to riders with the dual purpose of empowering them economically and reducing transportation costs for the public.”

Zulum urged beneficiaries to strictly adhere to the guidelines provided by the committee, stressing that compliance is key to ensuring accountability and the long-term success of the programme.

The governor also revealed that 16,783 registered Keke Napep riders from 25 associations across Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere would each receive ₦50,000 as financial support to cushion economic hardship.

“We have approved a financial intervention amounting to ₦1 billion to support transportation workers and ease the impact of hardship on their livelihoods,” he said.

He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to make productive use of the opportunity, while commending the organising committee and the Commissioner for Transportation for successfully coordinating the initiative.

Earlier, Chairman of the Borno State Empowerment Committee (BOEC), Hon. Saina Buba, said each tricycle can cover up to 65 kilometres on a single charge.

He added that beneficiaries were carefully selected by association leaders, noting that the process was free from government interference.

Boko Haram Attack in Borno Kills Four Soldiers, Civilian

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed four soldiers and a civilian in an attack on Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The incident, which occurred around 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, is the latest assault on communities located along the southern fringe of the Sambisa Forest, an area frequently targeted by insurgents.

The Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Alhaji Mada Saidu, confirmed the attack on Thursday, stating that the civilian victim was a mother of three.

“There was an attack in Mussa ward yesterday afternoon. They killed one civilian, a woman, and four soldiers recently deployed to the council area,” Mr Saidu said.

A military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the slain soldiers were personnel of the 115 Task Force Battalion operating in the area.

“Four of our troops attached to the 115 Task Force Battalion were killed while ensuring that the terrorists did not gain entry into the Mussa community,” the source said.

The source added that the attackers were few in number but carried out a coordinated assault aimed at infiltrating the town.

“The insurgents were not many, but it was a coordinated attack aimed at entering the town. The troops stood their ground, but unfortunately, the four were killed,” the source said.

Residents said the attack triggered panic, with many fleeing their homes as gunfire lasted for about 30 minutes.

“We heard heavy gunshots around noon, and people started running into nearby farmlands,” a resident said. “If not for the military’s defence, they would have entered the town and caused massive destruction.”

Mussa, a farming community, has been repeatedly attacked due to its proximity to insurgent hideouts in the Sambisa axis.

The latest incident underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Borno State despite sustained military operations against insurgents in the North-east.

Zulum mourns slain soldiers, donates N50m to families of fallen troops

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and seven other soldiers of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), describing their sacrifice as a painful but heroic loss in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the state.

Zulum made the remarks on Wednesday, during the burial ceremony held in honour of the late military officers and soldiers, who lost their lives in the line of duty at the Maimalari Cantonment military cemetery, Maiduguri.

“Today, we are gathered here in solemn memory to witness yet another sad event, the burial of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and seven other troops of Operation Hadin Kai, who paid the supreme price in the discharge of their duties while protecting the lives and property of our people,” he said.

Zulum, in an emotionally laden voice, extended condolences on behalf of the government and people of the state to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, as well as the bereaved families in the country.

Zulum described the recent targeted Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist attacks on military commanders as a deliberate attempt to weaken the morale of troops.

The governor assured us that efforts are underway to reverse the ugly trend. at the theater’s command of operations.

“The resurgence in the killing of combatant officers and men is a deliberate attempt to demoralise our armed forces, but we shall do everything possible to reverse this trend, Insha Allah,” he stated.

The governor commended the courage and resilience of the Nigerian military, noting that soldiers remain the primary targets in the ongoing conflict.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of both the federal and state governments to strengthening the military’s capacity to end approximately 17 years of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorism in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

“The Federal Government under the leadership of President Tinubu, alongside the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and the Northeast Governors Forum (NEGF), is making frantic efforts to provide the necessary support and assets needed to protect our armed forces and civilians,” he said.

Zulum announced N50 million in financial assistance as immediate relief for the bereaved families.

“As an immediate support to cushion the effect of this tragic loss of lives, the Borno State Government will release N50 million to the family of late Brig-Gen Oseni Braimah and other deceased personnel,” declared Zulum.

The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes and urged their families to remain steadfast in faith.

The Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General Christopher Musa (rtd.), paid glowing tribute to Brigadier General Braimah and other gallant soldiers killed in the line of duty during the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice for national peace and security.

He commended the Borno State Governor for his steadfast support in the fight against terrorism.

“I want to appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, for his outstanding commitment in supporting the fight against terrorism in the North-East. We salute you, sir,” he said.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, also mourn the deceased personnel and express determination to bring to an end the war against insurgency and other forms of criminality.

The solemn event was attended by a senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; the member representing the Marte/Monguno/Nganzai federal constituency, Hon. Bukar Talba; the Secretary to the Borno State Government, acting Chief of Staff to the Governor; and senior military and state government officials.