Borno Governor Zulum Pledges Logistics, ₦50,000 Each for Soldiers Deploying to Two Communities

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a ₦50,000 welfare allowance for each soldier preparing for deployment to Maiwa and Koshebe communities, alongside a pledge to provide operational logistics to support security operations in the areas.

Zulum made the announcement 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.

The governor said the visit was part of efforts to identify measures to improve security along the Maiduguri–Mafa–Dikwa–Ngala highway, a strategic economic corridor connecting several communities in eastern Borno State.

He described the road as an important route for trade, transportation and cross-border commercial activities, noting that improved security would allow residents to travel safely, transport agricultural produce and rebuild their livelihoods.

“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.

Addressing troops scheduled for deployment to Maiwa and Koshebe, the governor pledged continued welfare support and the provision of operational logistics to enhance their activities.

He also announced a payment of ₦50,000 for each soldier preparing for the deployment to the two communities.

Koshebe has previously witnessed deadly attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. On November 28, 2020, insurgents attacked rice farmers working in fields around the community, killing more than 100 people, many of them seasonal farm labourers from Sokoto State.

In November 2023, suspected insurgents also attacked farmers harvesting rice in the Karkut and Koshebe areas of Mafa Local Government Area. At least 13 people were reportedly killed, while others were declared missing.

Zulum’s administration has continued to provide logistical and welfare support to security agencies as part of efforts to strengthen military operations, improve security and facilitate the return of displaced residents to their communities.

The governor was accompanied during the visit by the member representing Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; the member representing Dikwa Constituency in the Borno State House of Assembly, Mohammed Zakariya; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; and other senior government officials.