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.

2027: APC Stakeholders Push for Power Shift in Borno South, Back Askira for Senate

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri 

Political undercurrents in Borno South Senatorial District took a decisive turn on Tuesday as influential stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) openly opposed the continued stay of Senator Ali Ndume in the National Assembly, signalling a growing demand for power rotation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The position emerged from a series of high-level consultations held across Biu, Gwoza and Shani, where party leaders and community influencers rallied behind the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira, urging him to contest the senatorial seat.

The move, according to participants, reflects a broader agitation to end what they described as the prolonged dominance of Gwoza Local Government Area in representing the district at the Senate since 1999.

Speaking on behalf of elders and party stakeholders, a Second Republic politician and APC chieftain, Sule Gambo, said the agitation is rooted in a long-standing agreement that the seat should rotate among the constituent local government areas.

“We began this journey with a clear understanding that representation would be shared. Askira/Uba yielded the position to Gwoza in the spirit of fairness,” Gambo said. “But that understanding has not been honoured, and the process has stalled. It is only that other areas are given the opportunity to serve.”

He stressed that the district, which comprises Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza and Askira/Uba, must return to the principles of inclusiveness to foster unity and equitable development.

Gambo further described Askira as a capable figure with the intellectual depth and leadership qualities required to reposition the district at the national level.

Adding her voice, a prominent women’s leader, Dr Hawa Mai-Musa, warned that women, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate, are prepared to insist on fairness in representation.

“For over two decades, the Senate seat has remained in one axis. For justice and balance, it should now shift to other areas like Chibok and Askira/Uba,” she said. “Engr. Askira has demonstrated capacity, and we stand firmly behind him.”

Traditional authorities have also weighed in on the unfolding debate. The Galadima of Uba Emirate, Alhaji Adamu Jafiya, called for a new direction in leadership, noting that the district requires a representative focused on development and stability.

“Our people desire leadership that prioritises progress and delivers tangible results, not endless controversies,” he said.

Meanwhile, an aide to the Deputy Speaker, who requested anonymity, said his principal is yet to make a formal declaration but is actively consulting stakeholders across the district.

“He is listening carefully to the people and engaging widely before taking any decision,” the aide said.

The growing calls for rotation underscore rising political tensions in Borno South, as competing interests begin to shape the battle for the 2027 Senate seat. Analysts say the unfolding developments could redefine alliances within the APC and significantly influence the region’s political landscape in the months ahead, particularly as various factions vie for power and support in the lead-up to the elections.