Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has extended a lifeline of N100 million to families of soldiers killed in action and those wounded in the ongoing military operations against insurgents in the northeast.
The governor made the donation on Saturday during a special Eid El-Kabir Sallah luncheon held at Maimalari Military Barracks in Maiduguri. The event was jointly hosted by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
Presenting the cheque to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdussalam Abubakar, Governor Zulum announced that each wounded soldier would receive N500,000. He added that the remaining portion of the fund would be shared among families of soldiers who paid the ultimate price in the fight to restore peace in the troubled region.
“We can never repay the sacrifices you’ve made for our safety, but this token is to demonstrate that we do not take your efforts for granted,” Zulum said, addressing the military officers in attendance.
The presentation was witnessed by top military brass and government officials, including the Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Godwin Mutkut. Also present were House of Representatives member Engr. Bukar Talba, Secretary to the Borno State Government Alhaji Bukar Tihani, Head of Service Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, Acting Chief of Staff Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, and Borno APC Chairman Hon. Bello Ayuba.
Governor Zulum commended the unwavering courage of the armed forces, praising their resilience under extreme conditions and their dedication to the country despite personal risks and long separations from their families.
“The commitment you continue to show on the frontlines—often in life-threatening situations—is a sacrifice we recognize with the deepest gratitude,” he said. “We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you, not just in words, but through action and sustained support.”
Zulum also assured military leaders of the Borno State Government’s unwavering collaboration with all security agencies to defeat insurgency and rebuild war-affected communities.
The gesture was widely praised by military officials, who described it as a morale booster for troops and a symbol of meaningful civilian-military cooperation in the region.
