INTERNATIONAL NEWS SYNDICATE

‎ ‎Police in Nigeria’s northeastern city of Maiduguri said on Monday that they had recovered and safely defused an unexploded ordnance discovered beneath a telecommunications mast, averting what authorities described as a potentially devastating blast in a densely populated neighborhood. ‎ ‎The device was found in the Federal Low Cost area of the city after residents reported a suspicious object at about 11:06 a.m., according to a statement issued by the Borno State Police Command. Officers immediately deployed an Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit, which secured the area and rendered the device safe. ‎ ‎In the statement, released on December 15 by the police spokesman, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, authorities said preliminary examinations showed that the device had protruding wires and was “strategically placed to cause severe damage.” ‎ ‎Police said it...

‎ By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde ‎ ‎The Permanent Secretary of Borno State’s Ministry of Transport and Energy, Mohammed Bukar El-Sadiq, has donated essential supplies to Islamic scholars in Malam Fatori town, aiming to support education and improve living conditions in the region. ‎ ‎During the donation event in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area, El-Sadiq presented 100 mattresses, 150 mosquito nets, and 90 blankets to local religious leaders. The items are intended to assist scholars who live in modest conditions while pursuing their Islamic studies. ‎ ‎“This donation is part of the state government’s broader commitment to supporting education and welfare in remote communities,” El-Sadiq said. “We recognize the critical role these scholars play in nurturing the next generation and promoting social cohesion in Borno State.” ‎ ‎Local scholars expressed gratitude for the support, noting the practical impact of the items on their daily lives. “These mosquito nets and b...

‎By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde ‎ ‎A councilorship candidate in Nigeria’s conflict-affected Northeast region has offered soccer jerseys to help youth recreation activities in the border town of Malam Fatori, Abadam LGA, Borno State. ‎ ‎The contestant running for Kudokurgu Ward, who is campaigning on a platform involving youth development and rebuilding, donated jerseys and a ball to the Malam Fatori Football Club. ‎ ‎According to local residents, this donation could not have happened at a better time, given that sports offer youngsters an essential platform as they live in an area that has been conflict-driven and displaced for decades. ‎ ‎Leaders from the community who attended the brief handover ceremony recognized that the donation was a morale booster for young players who practice on sandy grounds with minimal equipment. ‎ ‎Abadam LGA, which borders Niger, has been facing challenges associated with Boko Haram attacks and as a result, sports infrastructur...

‎By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde ‎ ‎A councilorship candidate in Nigeria’s conflict-affected Northeast region has offered soccer jerseys to help youth recreation activities in the border town of Malam Fatori, Abadam LGA, Borno State. ‎ ‎The contestant running for Kudokurgu Ward, who is campaigning on a platform involving youth development and rebuilding, donated jerseys and a ball to the Malam Fatori Football Club. ‎ ‎According to local residents, this donation could not have happened at a better time, given that sports offer youngsters an essential platform as they live in an area that has been conflict-driven and displaced for decades. ‎ ‎Leaders from the community who attended the brief handover ceremony recognized that the donation was a morale booster for young players who practice on sandy grounds with minimal equipment. ‎ ‎Abadam LGA, which borders Niger, has been facing challenges associated with Boko Haram attacks and as a result, sports infrastructur...

‎ ‎By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde ‎ ‎ ‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff, to serve as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence, following the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar earlier this week. ‎ ‎The nomination was formally transmitted to Senate President Godswill Akpabio in a letter delivered on Tuesday, in which President Tinubu urged the Senate to confirm the retired general, citing his “distinguished record of service” and “proven leadership in complex security environments.” ‎ ‎General Musa, who will turn 58 on December 25, served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. A career infantry officer, he is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced military commanders. In 2012, he received the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering, an honour recognizing professionalism and excellence in military service. ‎ ‎Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa completed his early education in the stat...

‎By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde ‎ ‎Borno State’s education commissioner on urged parents in Damboa to return their children to school, warning that rising dropout rates threaten the region’s recovery from years of conflict. ‎ ‎He made the call at a town hall meeting organised by the Zenith of the Girl Child and Women Initiative Support (ZEGCAWIS), which brought stakeholders together to discuss barriers to schooling and ways to improve retention, especially for girls. ‎ ‎“Education is the bedrock of any meaningful society,” said Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation. He said many children in Damboa Local Government Area remain out of school and appealed to parents and guardians to ensure enrollment and regular attendance. ‎ ‎Teachers, parents, youth leaders, women’s groups and local officials attended the forum, which focused on strengthening community support for education in an area affected by insecurity and displacement. ‎ ‎Aish...

By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde ‎Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Monday held a high-level dialogue with leaders of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), stressing the need for religious tolerance and collective action as the state continues to confront the humanitarian and security fallout of a 15-year insurgency. ‎ ‎The meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri focused on strengthening cooperation between the state government and major religious bodies in efforts to counter extremist narratives, rebuild trust and reinforce community resilience. ‎ ‎Governor Zulum, in an address to the faith leaders, warned against attempts to frame the Boko Haram conflict as a religious war, calling such narratives “false, dangerous, and alien to the history of Borno.” ‎ ‎“Boko Haram is not a religious crisis. It is an assault on our civilisation and humanity,” Zulum said, noting that both Muslims and Christians have suffered mass casu...

‎By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde ‎ ‎Nigeria’s defense minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, resigned on Monday, citing health reasons, according to a statement from the presidency. ‎ ‎In a letter dated Dec. 1 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Abubakar said he was stepping down “with immediate effect.” The president has accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for Mr. Abubakar’s service, said Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy. ‎ ‎The presidency said Mr. Tinubu is expected to notify the Senate of a nominee to replace Mr. Abubakar later this week. ‎ ‎Mr. Abubakar, 63, served two terms as governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023 before his appointment as defense minister in August 2023.  His departure comes as Mr. Tinubu declares a national security emergency, with additional details on the initiative expected soon. ‎