Gazargamu Emir Dies at 80 in Egypt After Prolonged Illness

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

The Emir of Gazargamu, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibn Saleh Geidam, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.

The first-class traditional ruler passed away on Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt, where he had been receiving medical treatment, according to family sources.

His son, Engr. Tijjani Hamisu Bala, General Manager of the Yobe State Road Maintenance Agency (YORMA), confirmed the monarch’s death in a statement issued in Damaturu.

Announcing the passing of his father, Bala described the late Emirat as a respected leader, mentor, and father figure whose life was dedicated to serving humanity and advancing the welfare of his people.

“With profound sorrow and complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah, I announce the passing of my beloved father, namesake and traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibn Saleh, the Emir of Gazargamu, who returned to his Creator today, June 9, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, after a prolonged illness,” the statement read.

He said the late monarch would be remembered for his wisdom, humility, courage and steadfast dedication to the development of Gazargamu Emirate and Yobe State.

“His fatherly guidance, exemplary leadership, and enduring legacy will continue to motivate generations,” Bala said.

The family prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased and asked that he be granted Al-Jannatul Firdaus, while also seeking strength and patience for the family and the people of the emirate during the period of mourning.

At the time of filing this report, the family had not announced details regarding funeral arrangements. It was also unclear whether the late emir would be buried in Nigeria or Egypt.

Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibn Saleh Geidam reigned as Emir of Gazargamu for 34 years, having ascended the throne in 1992 during the administration of the late Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

Gazargamu, the seat of the emirate, holds historical significance as the capital of the ancient Kanem-Bornu Empire.

Born in 1946 in Mairari, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, the late monarch received his early education at Geidam Elementary School and Yerwa Senior Primary School before attending the Institute of Administration at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He obtained a higher Islamic teachers’ certificate as well as a diploma in Sharia and civil law.

Before becoming emir, he served in various capacities, including as a teacher, area court assistant registrar, chairman of the Geidam Local Government Area, and commissioner of agriculture in the old Borno State.

In May 2020, he was appointed Chancellor of Yobe State University, a position he held alongside his traditional responsibilities.

His death marks the end of an era for one of northern Nigeria’s most revered traditional institutions.

Ex-IGP Alkali Baba Bows Out of Yobe APC Governorship Race Ahead of 2027

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race under the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Yobe State, a move seen as a major political development within the ruling party ahead of the next general elections.

Baba announced his decision on Thursday in Damaturu, stating that his withdrawal followed extensive consultations with party leaders, elders, and stakeholders across the state and beyond.

The former police chief said the decision was taken in the interest of unity and stability within the APC as preparations intensify for the 2027 polls.

According to him, the remaining aspirants in the race include former Yobe State Secretary to the Government, Baba Malam Wali, Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, Barrister Kashim Musa Tumsah, and Engineer Mai Hajja.

Speaking on his withdrawal, Baba expressed appreciation to the people of Yobe State and acknowledged the support and guidance he received from prominent political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

He explained that stepping aside was a difficult but necessary decision aimed at strengthening party cohesion and ensuring APC’s victory in both Yobe State and across the country during the 2027 elections.

Baba urged his supporters and party loyalists to remain peaceful and continue supporting the APC and whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.

The former IGP also reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Yobe State, expressing optimism that the ruling party would sustain economic growth and stability in the state.

His withdrawal is expected to reshape the political calculations within the APC as the contest for the party’s governorship ticket gathers momentum ahead of next week’s crucial party activities.

Yobe Recruits 1,886 Forest Guards to Strengthen Anti-Terror War Along Niger Border

By  Njadvara Musa. Damaturu

The Yobe State Government has recruited 1,886 forest guards to reinforce security operations and safeguard communities located along the state’s border with the Niger Republic.

The newly engaged guards are expected to support ongoing counter-insurgency operations in vulnerable communities across Geidam, Nguru, Yusufari and Yunusari local government areas, where security threats linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP activities have persisted.

Speaking during the official deployment ceremony on Tuesday in Damaturu, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.), said the initiative was designed to complement the efforts of troops under Operation Hadin Kai, local hunters and other security agencies operating in the region.

According to him, the forest guards will help close security gaps frequently exploited by insurgents operating around remote settlements and forest corridors, particularly within the Yusufari and Sasawa forest belts.

Abdulsalam noted that Yobe had remained one of the states heavily affected by insurgency since the extremist movement first emerged in Kanama in 2003 before escalating into full-scale violence in 2009.

He explained that attacks intensified in the state from 2011, forcing the Yobe government to shoulder a large share of security responsibilities, including logistics, operational vehicles, troop allowances and feeding support for security personnel.

“Between 2011 and 2015, the state government handled significant operational responsibilities because much of the federal response at the time was concentrated in Borno State,” he stated.

The retired army officer said military operations in the Northeast had evolved through several phases, from the Joint Task Force Restore Order to Operation Zaman Lafiya, Operation Lafiya Dole and the current Operation Hadin Kai, with each transition aimed at improving counter-terrorism strategies.

He identified Gulani, Gujba, Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Bursari, Yusufari and Geidam as the most affected local government areas in Yobe East Senatorial District due to their proximity to international borders linking Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

According to Abdulsalam, insurgents often infiltrate Yobe through neighbouring parts of Borno State before retreating to the Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad axis after launching attacks.

He, however, maintained that apart from the Bulabulin Forest in Yusufari Local Government Area, where insurgent presence has been reported, there are no major Boko Haram camps inside Yobe State.

The security adviser commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups and local hunters for sustaining coordinated efforts against insurgent activities and supply routes.

He also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for supporting grassroots security initiatives across the region.

Abdulsalam revealed that Oluyede personally facilitated logistics, feeding, operational equipment and allowances for about 200 local hunters assisting security operations in vulnerable communities.

He added that the newly recruited forest guards had already been armed, placed on salary structures and deployed to strategic flashpoints to enhance surveillance and rapid response operations.

The adviser further disclosed that the Yobe State Government continues to provide welfare assistance to families of local hunters and security volunteers who lost their lives while supporting military operations.