Zulum Donates N50m to Family of Slain Army Officer in Borno Attack

Zulum Donates N50m to Family of Slain Army Officer in Borno Attack

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has donated N50 million to the family of the late Lt. Col. OC Okolo, who was killed during a Boko Haram attack in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack, which occurred on February 16, 2026, was attributed to insurgents linked to Boko Haram operations in the North-East, an area that has remained a major theatre of Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign.

The donation was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, who said the support reflects Zulum’s continued commitment to families of fallen security personnel.

According to the statement, the governor reiterated that his administration would continue to stand by the families of officers and soldiers who lost their lives in defence of the country.

He also noted that the state government would maintain regular visits and support for families of personnel killed or declared missing in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the region.

On April 10, 2026, Zulum, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (retd.), presented the donation during a memorial service held in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

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The gesture, according to the government, forms part of broader humanitarian and welfare support programmes for families of fallen soldiers and those wounded in action during military operations in the North-East.

Zulum expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased officer, describing Lt. Col. Okolo as a “gallant, dedicated and committed officer whose sacrifices for national security will not be forgotten.”

“My heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends and colleagues of Lt. Col. OC Okolo on his painful demise,” the governor said.

He prayed for the repose of the officer’s soul and asked God to grant the family strength to bear the loss.

In response, a representative of the family, Prof. Stanley Okolo, expressed appreciation to the Borno State Government for the financial support and solidarity shown during their period of grief.

The family also commended the delegation sent from Maiduguri to attend the funeral service on short notice, describing the gesture as deeply comforting.

The funeral was attended by senior military officers and representatives, including officials from the Nigerian Army and Operation HADIN KAI, alongside members of the local community and military welfare organisations.

Borno State remains one of the most affected regions in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency, with repeated attacks on military formations and civilian communities despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.

Zulum has consistently combined governance with humanitarian interventions, providing financial support, resettlement assistance, and welfare packages for both civilians and security personnel affected by the conflict.

Zulum Donates N50m to Family of Slain Army Officer in Borno Attack