Easter 2026: Zulum Urges Christians to Keep Faith Alive, Sustain Peace in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has congratulated Christians in the state on the occasion of the 2026 Easter celebration, urging them to uphold the values of sacrifice, forgiveness, love and peaceful coexistence.

In an Easter message released by his Special Adviser on Media, Malam Dauda Iliya, the governor described the season as a solemn and spiritually significant period that reflected the triumph of hope over despair and called for deeper reflection, prayer, and unity among the people.

Zulum noted that Easter comes at the end of a 40-day Lenten observance, a sacred period during which Christians commit themselves to fasting, repentance, abstinence, self-discipline and spiritual renewal.

“As Christians across the world celebrate this year’s Easter, which commenced on Friday, I warmly felicitate with my Christian brothers and sisters in the state and beyond,” the governor said.

He assured the people of Borno that his administration would continue to prioritise their safety, welfare, and overall well-being, despite the prevailing social and economic challenges.

The governor said the state government had stepped up intervention measures to support vulnerable households, revealing that more than 300,000 families had so far benefited from palliative distribution aimed at easing hardship.

“This year, we have scaled up our palliative distribution to reach more than 300,000 families in an effort to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship. It is encouraging to note that many vulnerable households have benefited from this intervention,” he said.

Zulum also called on residents to remain united and avoid actions capable of threatening the peace and stability of the state, especially in the current political season.

He stressed that Borno’s progress and recovery can only be sustained when citizens reject division and work together in the collective interests of peace, development, and social harmony.

“Borno belongs to all of us. We must shun divisive tendencies, especially during this political period,” he said.

The governor expressed optimism that the state would continue to make progress in overcoming insecurity and rebuilding communities affected by years of insurgency.

He said it was encouraging to witness the level of religious harmony between Christians and Muslims in the state and urged residents not to allow any force to undermine that unity.

“It is heartening to observe the level of religious harmony between Christians and Muslims in the state. I urge all residents to sustain this spirit as we continue to take deliberate steps towards achieving lasting peace,” he added.

Zulum commended traditional rulers and religious leaders from both faiths for their efforts to promote understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among the people.

He also paid tribute to the Nigerian Armed Forces, other security agencies, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters and vigilantes for their continued sacrifices and recent successes in the fight against insurgencies in the state.

The governor said their courage and commitment remain central to the ongoing efforts to restore peace and secure a more stable future for Borno State.

CP Abdulmajid disburses N5.51m to families of fallen officers in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The State Police Commissioner, Naziru Abdulmajid, has disbursed N5,512,280.26 to ten family members of the fallen police officers in the state.

According to the command, the payments are under the Group Life Insurance (GLI) and the Inspector-General of Police Welfare (IGPW) schemes.

The spokesperson of the command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nahum Daso, disclosed yesterday in Maiduguri that “the commissioner’s disbursement of N5.51 million to the families of the fallen officers has underscored the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) commitment to the welfare of its personnel and the 10 families of the fallen heroes.”

Daso, in his statement, further assured the families that additional welfare support will also be provided to “sustain and enhance” the well-being of the beneficiaries of the NPF schemes.

Speaking on behalf of the 10 next of kin beneficiaries, Solomon Japhet expressed his profound appreciation to the IGP, Olatunji Dissu, and the Borno state command for the welfare support.

He noted that the gesture serves as a source of relief and encouragement to the respective families of the gallant fallen officers in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to giving priority to the welfare of officers and men while honouring the sacrifices of those who paid the supreme price in serving the country of Nigeria.

Borno Police Move to Curb Electoral Violence, Warn Youths Against Thuggery

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Borno State Police Command has intensified efforts to forestall electoral violence in the state, warning residents—especially young people—against political thuggery and other acts capable of undermining democratic processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The police gave the warning during a community sensitisation and stakeholder engagement held at the Lamisula Police Divisional Headquarters in Maiduguri, where security officials and community leaders gathered to discuss the need for peaceful participation in the electoral process.

Addressing participants, the Commissioner of Police in Borno State, Naziru Abdulmajid, said the electorate must reject violence and all forms of electoral misconduct if democracy is to thrive at the grassroots and beyond.

He said the police would not tolerate actions such as ballot box snatching, intimidation of voters, disruption of polling activities, or other offences that threaten the credibility of elections.

“Electoral violence and related offences pose a serious threat to democratic values and peaceful coexistence. The public must understand that credible elections can only take place in an atmosphere of peace, order, rights, and sustained community collaboration in ensuring peaceful elections, including in border communities near Cameroon, Chad, and respect for the law,” the commissioner said.

Mr Abdulmajid noted that the command’s engagement with communities was part of a broader strategy to educate residents on their civic responsibilities and strengthen trust between the police and the public before the next electoral cycle.

He also stressed the need for communities to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts to prevent political unrest, particularly in vulnerable areas across the state.

The police commissioner further highlighted the importance of adherence to the rule of law, respect for human rights, and sustained community collaboration in ensuring peaceful elections, including in border communities near Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

The engagement was attended by members of the Police Management Team, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Evans Shem Elam; Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, Babagana Saje; and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Finance and Administration, Ibrahim M. Sumaila.

Also present were Divisional Police Officers from across Maiduguri and senior officers of the command, alongside political and community stakeholders.

Among them were the Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Ali Umar Bolori; Mala Tijani Ngala; Lucy Dalma; the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Abatcha Nanabe; district heads; religious leaders; and representatives of various communities.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Mr Nanabe commended the police for taking what he described as a proactive step toward sustaining peace and stability in Borno.

He said early engagement with the public would go a long way in discouraging violence and improving public confidence in the electoral system.

“This kind of sensitisation is timely and necessary. Communities have a major role to play in promoting peace and discouraging violence before, during, and after elections,” he said.

The police command reiterated its commitment to providing a secure environment for residents and ensuring that future elections in the state are conducted peacefully and in line with democratic principles.

It also urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities or movements to the nearest police station.