By Ahmed Liman Kingimi, Maiduguri
Borno State Rapid Response Squad Commander ACP Babalola Abioye has commended 65 newly decorated officers for their sacrifice in restoring relative peace across Maiduguri, despite ongoing challenges from drug abuse and gangsterism.
Speaking Saturday at the RRS headquarters during a decoration and awards ceremony, Abioye said the recognition was “a call to greater responsibility, sacrifice, and vigilance,” not just an honor.
“Sustaining peace requires collective effort from security agencies, community leaders, and citizens,” he said. “The Borno State Government has done a lot. We appreciate the support of our partners, district heads, and the people of Borno whose cooperation has helped us achieve the relative peace we now enjoy.”
Abioye urged the officers to remain steadfast, saying their service is crucial to consolidating gains against criminality and ensuring long-term stability in the state.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by Hon. Saina Buba, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, also praised security personnel for restoring order in Maiduguri. “Any serious government puts security first, second, and third,” Zulum said through Buba.
The governor singled out Abioye for commendation, with Buba stating his work had been so impactful that “there is need to change his name to Kachala of Borno — he is truly a son of the soil.”
Buba acknowledged contributions from retired Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Mohammed, Customs, Immigration, NDLEA, NALDA, the Joint Task Force, and local hunters, saying their collective effort built the foundation for today’s gains against insurgency, drug abuse, and gangsterism.
He added that he helped draft the RRS template in Lagos in 2010 under Zulum’s directive. “We held meetings, drew the template, and today it is yielding results,” he said.
In a major endorsement, Buba disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police has ordered Abioye to report to Ibadan on Sunday to assist with rising crime. “They want to borrow Babalola. That shows something good has happened in Borno,” he said, expressing confidence that officers like Kabiru and Dabo will sustain gains in Maiduguri.
Zulum urged all personnel to remain vigilant, noting that peace remains Borno’s top priority as insurgents continue to threaten communities.
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