Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has extended financial assistance worth ₦100 million to Nigerian military personnel injured in combat and to the families of those who lost their lives in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts across the state.

He made this announcement during a formal visit to Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri on Saturday, where the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force jointly hosted him. The donation comes as a morale-boosting gesture amid persistent security operations in the North-East.

Direct Support for the Frontline

Governor Zulum presented a ₦100 million cheque to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who leads the multi-faceted campaign against insurgent groups operating in Borno and surrounding states.

According to the governor, each wounded soldier will receive ₦500,000, while the remainder of the fund will be distributed to the families of fallen military personnel.

The presentation took place in the presence of Nigeria’s top military leaders, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, as well as the Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Godwin Mutkut.

Saluting Courage and Sacrifice

During his address, Governor Zulum praised the Armed Forces for their unwavering courage and dedication in the face of relentless security threats.

“We deeply value the bravery, endurance, and sacrifices made by our troops,” he remarked. “You continue to serve with distinction under extremely harsh conditions, often separated from your families for long stretches. Your selfless actions will never go unnoticed.”

He emphasized that Borno State recognizes the military’s critical role in stabilizing the region and restoring civil governance and economic activity to previously volatile communities.

Continuous Collaboration with Armed Forces

Reiterating his administration’s commitment, Zulum pledged to maintain strong partnerships with Nigeria’s military institutions and other security agencies. He assured them of sustained government backing for ongoing operations and the post-conflict recovery phase that aims to rehabilitate displaced populations and rebuild devastated towns.

“Borno will always stand by the Nigerian Army and all other security formations,” the governor stated. “We are fully committed to working side by side with you to defeat terrorism and rebuild our communities into safe, thriving environments.”

Context: Borno’s Protracted Security Crisis

For over a decade, Borno State has remained the epicenter of Nigeria’s insurgency crisis, primarily driven by terrorist factions such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The conflict has displaced millions, killed thousands, and led to large-scale destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods.

However, in recent years, sustained military offensives under Operation Hadin Kai and regional collaboration through the Multinational Joint Task Force have made notable gains in recapturing territories and weakening insurgent strongholds.

Still, the humanitarian toll continues to mount, with thousands of civilians dependent on aid and over 50,000 military personnel actively engaged in operations across the North-East.

President Tinubu’s Security Agenda

Governor Zulum’s donation aligns with the broader national security agenda introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has emphasized defense as a top priority in his administration.

In December 2024, Tinubu presented the “Budget of Restoration” to a joint session of the National Assembly, proposing ₦4.91 trillion for defense and internal security—a figure that represents the largest single allocation in Nigeria’s history.

During his presentation, Tinubu declared:

“Security is the foundation of all progress. We have significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and police forces to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate control over every inch of Nigerian territory.”

The overall federal budget for 2025 was pegged at ₦47.9 trillion, underscoring the administration’s strategic focus on stability, economic rejuvenation, and national cohesion.

Targeted Military Investments

The ₦4.91 trillion budgetary allocation aims to enhance the operational strength of the:

• Nigerian Armed Forces

• Nigeria Police Force

• Paramilitary agencies, including the Civil Defence, Immigration Service, and others

This massive investment will support the procurement of modern equipment, improvement in personnel welfare, and enhancement of intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Analysts believe this financial push could be pivotal in overcoming decades-long challenges, especially in regions like Borno, where terrorism has thrived amid infrastructural decay and institutional fragility.

Civil-Military Relations Strengthened

Zulum’s latest gesture reflects a growing trend of civilian authorities directly supporting military objectives—not only through rhetoric but with tangible resources.

His administration has consistently provided logistical aid, including the construction of military posts, roads to border communities, and welfare packages for troops and their families.

By aligning local governance with federal security policy, Borno State has positioned itself as a model of proactive engagement in the national counterterrorism drive.

Looking Ahead: Towards Post-Conflict Recovery

Beyond the battlefield, Zulum and the military leadership are also focused on the long-term stabilization of the state. Initiatives to reconstruct schools, hospitals, markets, and homes in conflict-ravaged communities have already begun.

The governor stressed that military victories must translate into sustainable peace and development dividends for the people.

“We are rebuilding not just structures but lives. Our goal is to ensure that the sacrifices made by our troops are rewarded with a future of peace, dignity, and opportunity for every citizen of Borno,” he concluded.

Conclusion

Governor Zulum’s ₦100 million donation stands as a powerful affirmation of gratitude to Nigeria’s wounded heroes and bereaved military families. More than a symbolic gesture, it marks a continued commitment to defending peace, supporting security operatives, and rebuilding a state long battered by insurgency.

As Nigeria pours historic levels of investment into defense under President Tinubu’s administration, and with states like Borno complementing these efforts, the path toward a safer, more resilient nation seems more achievable than ever.