Zulum Gives ₦150m to Families of Fallen Soldiers, Announces Scholarships

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated ₦150 million to families of three military officers killed in recent insurgent attacks, in a move that underscores ongoing support for fallen soldiers in Nigeria.

The donation, part of the Borno State government support for military families, was shared equally among the families of late Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, Lieutenant Colonel Salihu Iliyasu, and Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, with each family receiving ₦50 million.

Zulum personally visited the bereaved families to deliver the cheques and express condolences. He first met the family of Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu, describing the late officer as a dedicated and committed servant whose sacrifices for the nation would not be forgotten. The governor then travelled to Niger State and Kano State, where he presented ₦50 million each to the families of Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko and Lt. Col. Umar Farouq.

Babagana Umara Zulum Gives ₦150m to Families of Fallen Soldiers

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Beyond the financial assistance, the governor announced additional welfare measures, including scholarships for orphaned children of slain security personnel, as part of a broader commitment to long-term family support. He also extended the gesture to families of volunteer forces who lost their lives while supporting military operations, highlighting the importance of community-based security efforts in the fight against insurgency.

Zulum reiterated that the intervention is not just symbolic but reflects a sustained policy of support for troops and their families, noting that the Borno State Government has consistently provided logistics, humanitarian assistance, and welfare packages to security personnel operating in the North-East.

He further revealed plans to visit more families of officers killed or missing in action, assuring that no affected family would be abandoned. According to him, such efforts are necessary to honour the sacrifices of those who died defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Describing the fallen officers as gallant patriots, the governor praised their courage and dedication in the fight against insurgency, adding that their contributions would remain a lasting legacy. He also prayed for the repose of their souls and for strength for their grieving families.

The governor was accompanied by senior government officials, including Permanent Secretary of the Government House, Mustapha Ali Busguma, during the condolence visits.

Security analysts say the Zulum donation to military families is a morale-boosting intervention that reinforces public support for the armed forces and strengthens ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria’s North-East.

Zulum Gives ₦150m to Families of Fallen Soldiers, Announces Scholarships

Foreign Intelligence Operations Behind Recent Nigeria Killings – Gumi

Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has raised alarms over the pattern of recent killings in Nigeria, suggesting that the violence may be linked to clandestine foreign intelligence operations, rather than purely domestic issues.

Gumi made the allegation in a Facebook post on Tuesday, just two days after the Palm Sunday attack on Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, Plateau State, which left more than 20 residents dead and several others injured. He condemned the shedding of innocent blood, stressing that the attacks “have nothing to do with religion”.

“The pattern suggests a clandestine foreign intelligence operation. Many unscrupulous Nigerians are willing to serve as foot soldiers for these mercenaries,” Gumi wrote. He cited previous violent incidents, including the March 16, 2026, coordinated bomb blasts in Maiduguri, which killed at least 23 people and injured over 100, and the Palm Sunday killings in Jos, highlighting the complexity and coordination of these attacks.

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Gumi warned against reliance on foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security architecture, urging the government to seek support only from benign superpowers for satellite intelligence and military equipment while strengthening domestic security capabilities. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to develop self-sufficient strategies that respect the country’s sovereignty and human lives.

The cleric prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and comfort for families who lost loved ones. He also warned that external interference in Nigeria’s security affairs could exacerbate tensions, especially in conflict-prone regions such as the Middle Belt and North East.

While Gumi’s claims have sparked discussion, security agencies have not verified any foreign intelligence involvement, and some officials continue to attribute the attacks to domestic armed groups and criminal networks. Nevertheless, his statement has reignited debate over the role of external actors in Nigeria’s security challenges and the need for innovative, homegrown solutions.

Foreign Intelligence Operations Behind Recent Nigeria Killings – Gumi

EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its demand for the retrial of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, insisting that the case be concluded by the original trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.

At the resumed proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC counsel, Chile Okoroma (SAN), informed the court that the commission had formally written to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, seeking a fiat to enable Justice Ojukwu—now serving in the Calabar division—to return and conclude the long-running trial.

Okoroma explained that the request was in compliance with the directive of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which had earlier ordered a retrial of the defendants. He emphasised that the prosecution had already made substantial progress in the case, having called at least 17 witnesses, and argued that justice would be best served if the same judge continues the matter.

According to him, the EFCC is currently awaiting an official response from the Chief Judge regarding the request.

Counsel to the defendants, Joe Agi (SAN), did not oppose the application for adjournment, paving the way for the court to defer proceedings.

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Justice Lifu subsequently adjourned the case to April 30, 2026, for re-arraignment or further proceedings, stating that the decision was made in the interest of justice.

The planned re-arraignment had earlier been stalled on March 13 due to the absence of Lamido and his co-defendants in court.

The development follows a major ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on January 16, 2026, which ordered a fresh trial after overturning earlier decisions of the Court of Appeal.

A five-member panel of the apex court, in unanimous judgments, set aside the July 25, 2023 rulings of the appellate court, which had upheld a no-case submission by Lamido and others and struck out the 37-count charge on jurisdictional grounds.

In its lead judgment delivered by Justice Abubakar Umar, the Supreme Court reinstated the earlier decision of Justice Ojukwu, which dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission and directed them to enter their defence.

The EFCC’s case centres on allegations that Lamido, during his tenure as governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015, abused his office and laundered funds obtained as kickbacks from contractors awarded state projects.

Other defendants in the case include his sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, as well as Aminu Wada Abubakar and two companies—Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.

Legal analysts note that the EFCC’s push for the original trial judge to continue the case is aimed at avoiding a fresh start (trial de novo), which could prolong the already protracted proceedings and require recalling witnesses.

The outcome of the Chief Judge’s decision on granting the fiat will determine whether the case proceeds seamlessly or restarts entirely before a new judge.

EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge