Terror Alarm in Borno: Insurgents Establish New Fortress Near NNPC Exploration Site

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Fresh security concerns have emerged in Jere Local Government Area following reports that fighters linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have established new hideouts in the Tuba settlement close to facilities of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Local sources, including farmers and community leaders, said the insurgents have constructed what they described as a fortified base around Tuba, located within the outskirts of Jere council area in Maiduguri. According to the sources, about 200 motorcycles belonging to the fighters were sighted around the area, raising fears of renewed attacks in parts of northern Borno.

A resident, Modu Isami, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the insurgents appear to be monitoring strategic locations around the oil exploration site.

“The terrorists have positioned themselves around communities close to the NNPC exploration site,” he said. “They are watching settlements such as Dusuman, Ngom, Jabarman, Gongulong Lawanti and Koshebe, as well as areas around Muna Garage, which is about 20 kilometres east of Maiduguri.”

Isami added that other locations believed to be under surveillance by the armed groups include Madinatu, the Maiduguri cattle market, and motorists travelling along the Maiduguri–Monguno and Maiduguri–Mafa highways.

According to him, the insurgents often move in small units of about five motorcycles at a time, advancing toward Ngom community along the Maiduguri–Dikwa road before crossing into the Maiduguri–Mafa axis and sometimes heading toward Konduga Local Government Area.

Security observers say such movements could enable the fighters to reach areas bordering the notorious Sambisa Forest, long known as a major hideout for extremist groups operating in the Northeast.

A 65-year-old local hunter, Konto Aliyu, described the development as alarming, warning that the newly established fortress could threaten both nearby communities and oil exploration infrastructure.

“The presence of this fortress in our council area is dangerous,” Aliyu said. “It could endanger residents and the drilling facilities of NNPC, which were inaugurated in 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Aliyu also warned that military installations in Jere, Konduga and Maiduguri could become targets if the insurgents intensify their movements across forest corridors sometimes referred to locally as the “Timbuktu Triangle”.

He further suggested that the insurgents’ frequent movement on motorcycles might be a diversionary tactic aimed at distracting security forces while preparing coordinated attacks on several communities across northern Borno.

Communities that could face potential threats include Gajiganna, Gajiram, Mafa, Dikwa, Konduga and Bama — towns that previously suffered devastating attacks during the peak of the insurgency between 2014 and 2016.

The hunter called on the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, to intensify operations around the Tuba axis to dismantle the suspected hideouts.

He also urged security authorities to collaborate with local hunters and vigilante groups to strengthen patrols and establish additional checkpoints along the major highways leading into Maiduguri in order to prevent possible attacks and protect surrounding communities.

 
Zulum Declares 10-Day Prayers, Fasting to End Terror, Kidnappings in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called for a sustained 10-day period of prayers and fasting aimed at seeking divine intervention to end the wave of kidnappings and terrorist attacks ravaging parts of the state.

The governor urged Muslims to take advantage of the last ten days of Ramadan to intensify prayers, particularly the night supplication known as Tahajjud prayer, for peace and stability in the troubled state.

Zulum made the call in a statement issued in Maiduguri by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, while the governor is currently in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, performing the lesser pilgrimage, Umrah.

According to the governor, the renewed attacks by insurgent groups must not weaken the resolve of residents to remain united in confronting insecurity.

“The recent coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists should not dampen the spirit of resilience and unity of purpose needed to confront our common enemy,” Zulum said.

He stressed that the final days of Ramadan represent a sacred period for supplication and urged citizens to dedicate the period to seeking God’s mercy and intervention.

“As we usher in the last ten days of the holy month, let us intensify our prayers to the Almighty God and beseech Him through acts of worship so that we may attract His mercies, blessings and rewards,” the governor said.

Zulum disclosed that he had already joined other Muslim faithful in Mecca to hold special prayers for lasting peace in Borno State and across Nigeria.

Beyond the Muslim community, the governor also appealed to Christians observing the Lenten season to join in prayers for an end to the violence.

“I also want to call on the Christian community who are observing Lent to join in special prayers to end this madness of killings and abductions,” he added.

The governor described the resurgence of attacks as a temporary challenge, expressing confidence that unity among citizens and divine intervention would help overcome the crisis.

While sympathising with families who lost loved ones in recent attacks, Zulum reassured residents that his administration would continue to support the military and other security agencies in their efforts to defeat insurgency.

Borno State has endured more than a decade of insurgency linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP, a conflict that has destroyed communities, displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives across the region.

Zulum reaffirmed that the state government remains committed to working with security forces and communities to restore lasting peace and stability.

Zulum Sets 2027 Deadline to Wrap Up Projects, Vows to End Security Gaps in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has declared that his administration will decisively address lingering security concerns and complete all ongoing capital projects across Borno State before leaving office in 2027.

The governor made this known on Thursday during the first 2026 meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) held at the Government House in Maiduguri, where he outlined his administration’s priorities for the coming year.

Zulum explained that several projects spanning healthcare, education, agriculture, and security sectors remain at different stages of completion across the Southern, Central, and Northern Senatorial Districts. He assured council members that the government would intensify efforts to ensure their delivery within the lifespan of his tenure.

According to him, 2026 will serve as a consolidation year, focused on strengthening the gains recorded in socio-economic development while ensuring that ongoing initiatives are brought to fruition.

“Though we have witnessed significant improvement in security across many communities, we will not relent in safeguarding every part of our state,” the governor said, stressing that no area would be left vulnerable.

Beyond infrastructure and security, Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs), noting that his government would invest in sustainable, long-term solutions designed to endure beyond his administration.

He also underscored the importance of expanding social welfare programmes to cushion vulnerable citizens. Social protection, he said, remains a cornerstone of the rebuilding process in post-conflict Borno.

“We must continue providing essential services, but we must equally strengthen social protection mechanisms to secure the future of our people,” he stated.

The council meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, and Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, alongside commissioners and other senior government officials.

With a firm 2027 target in sight, the governor signalled a renewed push to solidify his administration’s legacy in security stabilisation, infrastructure delivery, and social welfare reform across Borno State.