Boko Haram Razes School, Kills Resident in Fresh Attack on Borno Community

By Tada Juth, Maiduguri

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched a fresh attack on a community in Borno State, killing one resident and setting parts of a secondary school ablaze in Kautikari village, Chibok Local Government Area.

The attack occurred on Saturday evening at the Government Day Secondary School, Kautikari, a community located on the outskirts of the state, reigniting concerns over the safety of schools and rural communities in the insurgency-prone region.

According to local sources, the attackers stormed the village on motorcycles at about 6:45 p.m., targeting the school and other facilities. The assault reportedly killed one resident and destroyed several classrooms by fire.

Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Education Secretary of Chibok Local Government Area, Malah Kyari, said the affected section of the school was the Junior Secondary School.

“I can confirm that the insurgents attacked the Kautikari community yesterday, killed one person, and set ablaze one block containing five classrooms and an office at Kautikari JSS,” Kyari stated.

The spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, also confirmed the attack, noting that security forces successfully repelled the assailants and prevented further destruction.

“They attacked Kautikari village, where they burnt classrooms at the Government Day Secondary School and killed one person, a man,” Daso said.

“The suspected insurgents faced strong resistance from joint security forces, averting further losses. As of now, the area is calm, and intensive patrols are ongoing.”

Daso added that security personnel also thwarted an attempted infiltration by suspected insurgents into Maiduguri later on Saturday night.

The Zonal Inspector for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, overseeing Bama, Chibok, Gwoza, Askira/Uba, and Damboa, Samaila Manza, said authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the attackers.

“I was informed that terrorists attacked the village, but we have not verified the actual extent of the damage they caused,” he said.

Residents said the attackers arrived in large numbers and appeared determined to destroy the school infrastructure.

“I learned they entered Kautikari on motorcycles. Many residents have fled for safety. They targeted the school and set it on fire. It was during their entry into the community that a man was killed,” a local source who requested anonymity disclosed.

The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing communities in southern Borno despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in the region.

Zulum Applauds Tinubu, Ribadu, Security Forces as 434 Ngoshe Abductees Regain Freedom

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security stakeholders for their efforts in securing the release of 434 residents of the Ngoshe community who were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents earlier this year.

The governor gave the commendation on Monday in Pulka while receiving a fresh batch of 357 freed captives. He disclosed that dozens of other victims had earlier regained their freedom in separate releases, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 434.

The victims were kidnapped during a Boko Haram attack on Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area located near the Mandara Mountains along Nigeria’s border region.

Zulum praised President Tinubu for his commitment to restoring peace and security in the North-East, noting that the president’s direct involvement played a significant role in facilitating the release of the captives.

According to the governor, the federal government’s determination to tackle insecurity has continued to yield positive results across the country.

“I wish to sincerely thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support and dedication to ensuring peace and stability in Borno State and Nigeria as a whole,” Zulum said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, and local security volunteers, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, vigilantes, and forest guards.

The governor described the operation as a product of strong collaboration among security agencies and community-based security groups working towards the safe return of the abducted men, women, and children.

Explaining the figures, Zulum said the latest group of freed captives accounted for about 357 persons, while others had been released in smaller batches over the past weeks and months.

“We are celebrating with the people of Ngoshe over the return of about 434 abducted residents. The group that was received today constitutes the largest batch, while others had regained their freedom earlier, bringing the total number to 434, he stated.

The governor further revealed that the state government had committed substantial resources to rebuilding the Ngoshe community and creating conditions for the safe return of displaced residents.

He said rehabilitation projects in the area were nearing completion and that discussions were ongoing with community members and security authorities to facilitate a secure and dignified resettlement process.

As part of immediate support measures, Zulum directed the distribution of food supplies and other relief materials to the rescued victims.

He added that the returnees are currently undergoing medical examinations and psychosocial care at a government facility before being reunited with their families and communities.

Zulum Moves to Complete Legacy Projects

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has intensified efforts to ensure the completion of major infrastructure and social development projects across the state before the expiration of his tenure in May 2027.

The governor has embarked on a comprehensive inspection tour of ongoing projects in Maiduguri and several local government areas, directing contractors to accelerate work and meet delivery timelines.

Among the projects receiving attention are the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Borno State Orthopaedic Hospital, General Hospital Kaleri, the Post Office Flyover, Tashan Kano–Mashidimami Express Road, the 4,000-capacity International Conference Centre, and the Tandari–Nietel Shoe Factory Express Road.

The inspection exercise continued over the weekend with visits to Kukawa and Monguno local government areas.

In Monguno, Governor Zulum assessed the expansion of the College of Nursing, a project aimed at increasing the state’s capacity to train healthcare professionals and address shortages in the health sector.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, the governor said his administration remains committed to delivering projects that would have lasting benefits for the people of Borno.

He noted that completing ongoing projects and putting them to use before the end of his tenure remains a top priority.

Zulum also inspected construction work at the Monguno Central Market, where new shops are being built to stimulate commercial activities and improve livelihoods. He further disclosed plans by the state government to facilitate the reopening of Government Senior Science Secondary School, Monguno.

Speaking during the visit, the Senator representing Borno North and Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, commended the governor for executing numerous development projects across northern Borno.

According to the senator, the projects have improved access to essential services and brought relief to communities recovering from years of insurgency.

He said the interventions have delivered tangible benefits to residents and contributed to rebuilding lives and livelihoods affected by the Boko Haram conflict.

Governor Zulum’s inspection tour is widely viewed as part of his administration’s drive to consolidate its development achievements and ensure that critical projects are completed and fully operational before he leaves office in 2027.