Boko Haram: Zulum announces ₦50k for each soldier deployed to Borno communities

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced ₦50,000 support to each soldier preparing for deployment to the two communities of Maiwa and Koshebe villages. Our Correspondent report that Koshebe in November 28, 2020 came under massacre when some armed Boko Haram militants launched a devastating attack on peasant and laborer rice farmers working in the fields (near Zabarmari and Maiduguri), where over 100 farm laborers—many of whom traveled from Sokoto State in northwest Nigeria for seasonal harvest work—were rounded up, tied, and their throats slit.

Likewise, in November, 2023, suspected Boko Haram insurgents again targeted rice farmers harvesting crops in the Karkut and Koshebe general areas of Mafa Local Government Area, killing at least 13 farmers and leaving others missing. But Zulum assured that he will provide the needed support to strengthen security along the Maiduguri–Mafa–Dikwa–Ngala highway, ensure safe travel, and revive trade in communities recovering from years of insurgency.

The Governor gave the assurance on Friday during a visit to the headquarters of the 24 Task Force Brigade in Dikwa Local Government Area where he met with the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Aminu Gumel. “My visit is primarily aimed at exploring measures to strengthen security along the strategic economic corridor, which connects Maiduguri to several communities in eastern Borno and serves as a vital route for trade, transportation and cross-border commercial activities,” Zulum said.

The highway links communities along the corridor to markets and facilitates the movement of agricultural produce, essential commodities and other goods. Zulum said improving security along the route would help residents travel safely, trade and rebuild their livelihoods. Addressing troops preparing for deployment to Maiwa and Koshebe villages, the governor pledged “to provide operational logistics and sustain welfare support.

He announced ₦50,000 support to each soldier preparing for deployment to the two communities”. Governor Zulum’s administration has consistently supported military operations with logistics and welfare assistance as part of efforts to improve security and help displaced residents return to their communities. The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the member representing Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba; member representing Dikwa Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Mohammed Zakariya; Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; and other senior government officials.