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By Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu  As the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, marks his first year in office, the Nigerian Army has recorded another significant operational victory against insurgents, neutralising 48 terrorists and recovering a large cache of weapons and ammunition in Borno and Yobe States. The latest successes followed the foiling of coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on military positions in Bitta, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, and the North East Theatre Training School (NETTS), Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. The operations, which took place between October 29 and 30, 2026, further demonstrate the Nigerian Army's sustained offensive against terrorist groups and its determination to deny them freedom of action across the North East. In Bitta, troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, successfully repelled an attempted te...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on the Federal Government and governors of the North-West and North-Central states to adopt its proposed peace initiative, claiming insecurity in the regions could be addressed within 45 days through dialogue and coordinated action. KACRAN National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, made the appeal in a statement, proposing two weeks of engagement with relevant stakeholders, followed by one month of implementing agreed peace measures. Bello urged governments to unite traditional rulers, religious leaders, security experts and other stakeholders to establish dialogue with armed groups, alongside firm security measures against those who reject peaceful settlement. He cited dialogue efforts in parts of Kaduna and Katsina states as examples of how engagement could contribute to resolving security challenges. He also commended Kaduna State Governor, Malam Uba Sani, for his ef...

By Yusuf A. Yusuf, Damaturu Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has reaffirmed his support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, declaring that the state remains firmly aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, who represented Governor Mai Mala Buni, stated this on Friday during the distribution of campaign vehicles and materials by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement for Door-to-Door Campaign at the 27th August Stadium in Damaturu. Gubana said there was no need for an extensive campaign to convince voters in Yobe to support Tinubu, describing the state as “hundreds percent” behind the President. According to him, the state has already restructured its campaign machinery from the state level down to the ward level ahead of the 2027 elections. He assured the delegation of the movement of Yobe’s support for the President, while commending the organisers fo...

By Yusuf A. Yusuf, Damaturu The Yobe State Government has commenced bilateral discussions with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of preparations for the 2027 state budget, with a strong emphasis on realistic projections, effective implementation and measurable benefits to citizens. The discussions, organised by the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Damaturu, brought together members of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, commissioners, permanent secretaries, executive and managing directors, directors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. Declaring the exercise open, the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, stressed that the bilateral process should go beyond considering what MDAs request and instead focus on what government and citizens would ultimately receive from public spending. He urged MDAs to align their proposals with government priorities, eliminate duplication and ensure that pro...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to collaborate with the six North-East Governors to drive job creation, agricultural transformation, and natural resource exploration in the region. In a press release signed by National President Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, the association praised the NEDC as "unarguably one of the most successful Federal Government institutions" in Nigeria, highlighting its achievements in rebuilding schools, houses, and offices destroyed by insurgency. KACRAN, which acknowledged itself as a direct beneficiary of the Commission's livestock development programmes—including potable water for pastoral communities, animal feeds, and palliatives for internally displaced persons—stated that the NEDC has nearly completed its reconstruction mandate and should now shift focus to building a solid economic foundation for the regio...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu The Northeast Governors' Forum (NEGF) says it has transformed power supply from a problem that each state handles independently to a shared regional energy agenda for the sub-region. It also wants member states to take full advantage of the new electricity law and the region's abundant sunshine to expand solar and mini-grid technologies. The position was stated in an eleven-point communiqué issued in Maiduguri on Saturday at the end of the Forum's 13th meeting.  The communiqué, signed by Forum’s chairman and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and read by the Vice Chairman of the Forum and Adamawa State Governor, Alhaji Ahmodu Umoru Fintiri. The governors noted that the Dadinkowa hydropower plant in Gombe State now feeds the national grid.  They described this as one result of their joint efforts to provide power and energise the sub-region. The Forum restated its long-standing concern over what it called the seeming n...

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna Sixty-five women and community leaders from across Kaduna State have been trained as community paralegal navigators to help residents access justice and prevent disputes from escalating into violence. The two-day workshop supported by the German Embassy, Abuja brought together participants from the state’s three senatorial zones and focused on basic legal rights, early conflict intervention and appropriate referral of cases. Speaking at the opening, Co-Executive Director of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, Samson Auta, said the training would equip participants with the knowledge and skills to guide victims of human rights violations through relevant legal and institutional processes. He added that the partnership with the German Embassy in Abuja is focused on strengthening local capacity and improving protection for vulnerable members of society. In many Kaduna communities, land disputes, family matters, resource conflicts and human rights vio...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Yobe state have received 4,800 defectors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), National Democratic Party (NDC), African Democratic Party (ADC) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Potiskum local government area of Yobe state. The defectors were received into the fold of the party and handed over flags by a Party Leader in Yobe state and the 2023 Senatorial Candidate, Halilu Mazagane on behalf of the leaders of the party. “Today is a happy day for us here in Potiskum to receive defectors from ADC, APC, NDC and the NNPP. The people that are coming to the PDP have seen our blueprint and our mission for the common man” “As you can see, most of them are women and youths who are eager to see development in their communities. The other parties lack administration coupled with the hardship, that is why they are decamping to the PDP” he said. Mister Mazagane who is also contesting for the ...

By Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu The North-East’s search for the next generation of team-sport stars took centre stage in Damaturu as Yobe State hosted the North-East zonal elimination of the 1st National Intermediate Games for Team Sports from September 10 to 12, 2026. Held at the 28th August Stadium, the event was organised by the Presidency’s National Sports Commission through its Grassroots Sports Development Department. For athletes from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, it was more than a qualifying contest, it was a rare opportunity to be seen, scouted and prepared for the national stage.  Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, declared the competition open.  He described it as a celebration of youth, skill, dedication, camaraderie, unity and the spirit of the North-East, noting that the region has a strong history of producing remarkable sporting talent. Buni said the games give young ath...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,  Damaturu The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has taken its consultative campaign to the traditional palaces of Jajere and Ngelzarma emirates, urging residents to come out en masse and vote for all party candidates in the forthcoming general elections. State Party Chairman,Alhaji Mohammad Gadaka, made the call on Sunday while leading a high-powered delegation that included the APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali; his deputy,Barrister Saleh Samanja and other top party officials to the two emirates. The visit is part of the party's ongoing consultation with traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and community leaders across the state ahead of the presidential, senatorial,House of Representatives, governorship, and state assembly elections. Chairman Gadaka expressed confidence in the party's chances at the polls, citing the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mai Mala Buni as evidence of the APC...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State is set to officially welcome thousands of defectors from opposition parties into its fold. According to a statement signed by the Yobe State APC Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Gadaka, the decampees are crossing over from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The grand reception ceremony is scheduled to hold in Nangere town at exactly 11:00 AM. The Chairman extends a special invitation to all sons and daughters of the APC from the Zone B Senatorial District, which comprises the local government areas of Nangere, Potiskum, Fika, and Fune . The announcement, made available by the Chairman’s Press Secretary, Hajiya Sa’adatu Maina, urges all party members to turn out en masse to receive the new entrants into the party. All party executives, stakeholders, and supporters are urged to be punctual and ensure a peaceful gathering. Thi...

  By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has Thursday rounded off a two-day working visit to Yobe State with the launch of a statewide animal vaccination campaign and the announcement of bold plans to transform the state into Nigeria's foremost livestock processing hub. Commending Yobe for its proactive approach to livestock development,Hon.Maiha noted that the state was among the first to establish a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development after the creation of the federal counterpart a move he described as both timely and strategic. "Yobe State was among the first to establish a Ministry of Livestock Development following the President's creation of the federal counterpart,and it is clear why. The infrastructure, vegetative resources, and expertise here are second to none," the Minister said. He also singled out the L-PRESS program for praise, calling it one of the most vibrant agricultural initiatives cu...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  For Ambassador Fatima Mohd Paga, the UN Women Focal Person for Yobe State, the fight for women's economic empowerment is personal, urgent, and deeply connected to the everyday struggles of the women she serves. That is why, when the Yobe State Government rolled out a support package for bean cake (akara) sellers complete with energy-efficient stoves, bags of beans, and cooking oil ,she did not hesitate to speak out in strong commendation. In a press statement released to journalists in Damaturu, Ambassador Fatima Paga,a seasoned diplomat and gender advocate, described the intervention as a "significant step" that addresses the intersecting challenges of poverty, environmental degradation, and gender inequality. "This intervention is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy, reducing dependence on traditional cooking methods, and improving the livelihoods of women who make up the majority of small-scale food vendor...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Maiduguri  The Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, alongside all the 27 District Heads and key stakeholders from the Biu Emirate, have unanimously endorsed the nomination of Alhaji Ali Isa Abdullahi as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate and running mate to the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Engineer Mustapha Gubio, for the 2027 general elections. The endorsement was made on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri.  The meeting was presided over by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, also had in attendance former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Adamu Shettima Yuguda Dibal; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; Senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN); members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly and o...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  The Coalition of 17 Local Government Areas Progressive Movement (COLGAS) for Buni and Baba Mallam Wali (BMW) has officially launched a robust Permanent Voter Card (PVC) awareness campaign,initiating a statewide public outreach to ensure all eligible residents and All Progressives Congress (APC) affiliates are registered before the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) impending deadline of July 26, 2026. Flagged off in the state capital, Damaturu, the initiative is spearheaded by the Coalition’s Director-General, Alhaji Musa Aji Suleiman.  During the launch, Suleiman highlighted voter registration not merely as a procedural formality but as a profound public obligation and a critical instrument for civic engagement. "INEC has commenced the enrollment exercise, which will continue until July 26. This presents a prime opportunity for every eligible citizen who has yet to register to visit the nearest INEC office a...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu  The Yobe State Government has formalized a 20-year concession agreement with Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTD) for the operation and management of the Potiskum trailer park, marking a significant milestone in the state's infrastructure development strategy. The agreement, signed on Friday, represents the state government's commitment to fostering sustainable infrastructure through private sector partnerships, according to Dr. Aliyu Isah Chikaji, Director-General of the Yobe State Agency for Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion (YAPPPIP). "The Potiskum trailer park is a critical logistics infrastructure that would improve the movement of goods, enhance road safety, reduce indiscriminate parking of heavy-duty vehicles, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic activity within Potiskum and beyond," Dr. Chikaji stated. He emphasized that under Governor Mai Mala Buni's administration, the state has create...

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu  Yobe State Governor,Mai Mala Bun has charged the people of Ngazargamu emirate to unite and support the new Emir, Alh. Mahmud lbn Mustapha, for a successful reign of office that would be beneficial to all. The governor stated this Thursday when the new emir and his subjects paid a thank you visit to the Governor at the government house damaturu  He reminded the people that development can only be achieved under a peaceful atmosphere. "The Ngazargamu emirate is renowned for commerce and Islamic education, it is your collective responsibility to sustain and improve these great legacies" Buni charged. The Waziri of Ngazargamu, Alh. Baba Kankare, who spoke on behalf of the emirate, thanked the governor for approving the peoples choice as the new Emir. "Your Excellency, you gave us our choice, the peoples will, we appreciate you so much and thank you very much, thank you" the Waziri noted.

The Yobe State council of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has decorated Gov. Mai Mala Buni as the grand patron of the council in recognition of his contributions to the development of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. State Chairman of the council, Alh. Adamu Jajere, said the history of Nigeria's democracy cannot be written without the mention of Gov. Buni's name. "You have contributed immensely to the stability of democracy in Nigeria. "Your Excellency has also entrenched developmental politics in Yobe state with the state being the priority of politicians" he said. He assured that the council would also play its part in building a strong democracy and good governance. Responding, Gov. urged politicians to always play politics without bitterness and placing the interest of the state above personal interests. "Yobe belongs to us all, and everyone of us has an obligation to contribute to the development of the state. "We may b...

By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu  The Yobe State Government has allocated N500 million to procure and distribute nutrition commodities in the fight against child malnutrition, as authorities raise alarm over the theft and illegal diversion of lifesaving therapeutic food meant for vulnerable children. Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, disclosed this on Wednesday during a high-level stakeholders engagement meeting with law enforcement agencies, legislators, civil society organisations, and development partners in Damaturu, the state capital. Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina, the Commissioner said the government is deeply concerned about the high rate of malnutrition among children under five, describing it as both a public health crisis and a national security threat. The meeting brought together heads of security agencies, members of the State...

Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, today expressed appreciation with the healthy political developments in Yobe state ahead of the 2027 general elections. The President gave the commendation when he received Gov. Mai Mala Buni and the APC Governortorial candidate, Baba Malam Wali Mni, at the Aso Villa, Abuja. The President further commended Gov. Buni and other stakeholders of the party for the successful primary election that produced Malam Wali as the party's governorship candidate. He described Gov. Buni as a political strategist with invaluable strategies that has consistently contributed to the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and remains a worthy treasure for the party. "With Gov. Buni at the helm of affairs, l have no doubt that Yobe state will always be delivered to the party. He said Yobe state is blessed to have a seasoned bureaucrat with huge wealth of experience, and who had consistently been part of the system as th...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  The Yobe Strategic Engagement Initiative for Bola Tinubu,Mai Mala and Wali (BMW) has Wednesday held its inaugural mandate convention, successfully uniting factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure overwhelming victories in the 2027 general elections. The convention, organised at the Art and Cultural Centre auditorium in Damaturu,the group pledge massive votes for Alhaji Baba Malam Wali (BMW) for governor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) for re-election, and all other APC candidates in the state. The YSEIB State Coordinator, Barrister Muhammad Saleh Ahmed, outlined three critical challenges hindering the APC's electoral performance in the state such as ;low voter registration and turnout, opposition strongholds, and internal party divisions following primaries. He revealed, according to INEC data, that Yobe has only 1.4 million registered voters, and the 2023 presidential election attracted fewer than 300,000...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu  Dr. Mukhtar Yerima, MD/CEO of GENEEDXX NIGERIA LIMITED and the Betara of Gujba Emirate, has received three distinguished honours from prominent national institutions in recognition of his humanitarian service, social justice advocacy, and good governance commitment. The African Centre for Civil Rights,Social Justice and Good Governance presented Dr. Yerima with its Humanitarian Award, with Centre leader Dr. Bashir Shehu lauding him as "an exceptional leader whose passion for serving humanity inspires individuals and organizations across the country." The award ceremony highlighted Dr. Yerima's integrity and lasting societal impact. In a parallel recognition,Blueprint Media Group, Abuja, conferred its Humanitarian Award of Excellence on the philanthropist, citing his consistent contributions to peacebuilding, community development, and nation-building.  The media house noted that the award celebrates personalities whose service has ...

By Ibrahim Shaibu,Damaturu Two hundred young innovators from across Nigeria’s six northeastern states converged on the Yobe State capital this week to showcase how small grants and big ideas are tackling deep rooted governance challenges in their communities. The North East Youth Idea Summit, themed "Transforming Nigeria's Local Governance: Harnessing AI and Youth Innovation for Transparency," served as a celebration of grassroots problem solving. Organized by the Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability Initiative,the event highlighted a powerful truth, modest funding, when paired with youthful energy, can produce extraordinary results. Mu’azu Alhaji Modu, CEO of Spotlight, revealed that 25 exceptional youths were selected as Civic Innovation Awardees of Dr. Kole Shettima received $100 grants (roughly ₦140,000) each to launch community projects. The outcomes, he noted, have far exceeded expectations. "We gave them seed money, and they built superb d...

By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu The Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, has distributed cash assistance to 40 vulnerable patients receiving treatment at two major health facilities in Damaturu as part of its Humanitarian Outreach Programme. Twenty patients each from the Women and Children Hospital (Family Support Hospital) and the Yobe State Specialist Hospital benefited from the intervention on Thursday. The funds were sourced through contributions and savings made by members of the chapel. Speaking during the disbursement, the Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, Comrade Nabilu Balarabe, said the initiative reflects the chapel's commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society beyond its traditional role of reporting events and holding government accountable. "This is a community development project initiated by this administration of the chapel. We decided from day one that we would not only concentrat...

By Yusuf A Yusuf  In a decisive move to strengthen party unity, the Yobe State leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accompanied by its governorship candidate, paid a crucial consultative visit to Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the Minister of Police Affairs, at his Abuja residence. The high-powered delegation, comprising Yobe APC State Chairman Alhaji Mohammad Gadaka and the party's flagbearer Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, described the meeting as a cornerstone of their ongoing reconciliation efforts across the state. The visit carried deep political significance, serving as a symbolic acknowledgment of Senator Gaidam's towering influence as the undisputed political leader of Yobe State. Far from being a routine courtesy call, the gathering showcased political maturity, humility, and steadfast loyalty to the party's founding ideals. By honoring Senator Gaidam, whose visionary leadership and personal sacrifices cemented APC's dominance in Yobe, the current p...

By Ibrahim Shaibu, Maiduguri  Security agencies operating in Nigeria's North East have formally agreed to dismantle operational silos, committing instead to a unified intelligence-sharing framework aimed at choking the supply of illicit weapons fueling insurgency in the region. The landmark decision emerged from a high-stakes strategy dinner convened in Maiduguri by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).  The gathering led by Director General DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd)marked the first time commanders from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, military, and state security apparatus sat side-by-side to codify a joint operational roadmap. Representing the DG, Brigadier General MS Adamu delivered a firm directive: isolated efforts must give way to collective action. "This is a family of security patriots," he stated, stressing that collaboration is no longer optional but an operational necessity. The centerpiece of the new approac...