By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has declared that the successful rescue of 434 women and children from Boko Haram captivity marks a major milestone in the state’s quest for lasting peace, as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing the freedom of all citizens still held by insurgents.
In a statewide broadcast to commemorate Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Zulum described the rescue operation as a testament to the courage and dedication of the nation’s armed forces and security agencies in their ongoing battle against terrorism.
The governor used the occasion to reflect on 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria, while highlighting the achievements and challenges of his administration as he prepares to complete his second term in office.
“This year’s Democracy Day comes with encouraging news following the successful rescue of 434 women and children from Boko Haram captivity by our gallant security forces,” Zulum said. “This remarkable achievement demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our armed forces and security agencies to restoring peace and safeguarding our people.”
He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support in tackling insecurity in Borno and other parts of the country, assuring residents that his government would sustain collaboration with the Federal Government, military authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure the release of all remaining captives.
The governor noted that despite the rescue successes recorded over the years, his administration had not forgotten those still in captivity, including the abducted Chibok schoolgirls and victims of the Dille and Mussa abductions.
“As long as one citizen remains in captivity, our work is not complete,” he stated.
Describing insecurity as Borno’s greatest challenge, Zulum acknowledged the devastating impact of insurgency, terrorism, displacement, and destruction on the state over the past decade. However, he maintained that the overall security situation remains stable due to the sacrifices of security personnel and the resilience of the people.
He revealed that over the past year, the state government procured and distributed hundreds of operational vehicles, motorcycles, security gadgets, and other logistics support to security agencies to strengthen ongoing operations against insurgents and criminal elements.
The governor also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, volunteer groups, and civilians who lost their lives in the conflict, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would never be forgotten.
In what he described as his final Democracy Day address as governor, Zulum reflected on the achievements recorded under his administration’s 25-Year Development Framework and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.
According to him, one of the administration’s greatest accomplishments has been the resettlement of about two million displaced persons since 2019 through comprehensive humanitarian programmes involving food support, shelter, healthcare, livelihoods, and social services.
He commended international development and humanitarian partners for supporting Borno’s recovery efforts and helping rebuild communities devastated by insurgency.
On education, the governor said his administration had undertaken unprecedented investments to restore learning across the state, including the establishment of more than 104 Mega Schools and over 20 Higher Islamic Colleges.
He said thousands of teachers had been recruited and trained, while scholarship programmes, STEM education, and technical and vocational training initiatives were introduced to empower young people and drive economic recovery.
Zulum also highlighted major achievements in the health sector, including the construction of eight new general hospitals in Magumeri, Mafa, Gubio, Dikwa, Uba, Damboa, Hawul, and Kwaya Kusar.
He disclosed that more than 80 primary healthcare centres, 13 maternal and child health centres, and three family support centres had been renovated and upgraded across the state.
The governor further announced that the state-of-the-art Kashim Ibrahim Teaching Hospital would soon commence operations, while two additional Colleges of Nursing had been established to strengthen healthcare manpower.
He added that doctors and frontline health workers serving in hard-to-reach areas now enjoy a 100 per cent salary increase as part of measures to improve healthcare delivery.
Addressing the recent outbreak of Acute Watery Diarrhoea in parts of the state, Zulum expressed sympathy to affected families and assured residents that government had activated necessary measures to contain the disease and prevent further spread.
As preparations begin for the 2027 general elections, the governor praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for conducting peaceful and transparent primaries, urging party members to maintain unity ahead of the polls.
Looking ahead to the final year of his administration, Zulum pledged to intensify efforts in agriculture, infrastructure, security, economic empowerment, and social protection programmes.
“I believe I have served you with sincerity, dedication and the fear of Allah throughout these seven years,” he said. “Together, we have rebuilt communities, restored hope, strengthened institutions, enhanced security, and laid the foundation for a brighter future.”
The governor thanked the people of Borno State for their unwavering support, prayers, and resilience, expressing confidence that the foundations laid by his administration would continue to drive development long after he leaves office on May 29, 2027.
He concluded by praying for enduring peace, unity, and prosperity in Borno State and across Nigeria.
“Happy Democracy Day,” the governor declared
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