The coalition’s leader, Dr Yerima Goni, made this known at the fundraising on Monday in Damaturu.

Goni said the initiative aimed at encouraging civic engagement and inclusive participation among youths and other stakeholders.

The coalition’s leader said that the funds were realised through pledges, bank transfers, and cash donations.

He said that the group remained committed to promoting good governance and youth involvement in leadership processes.

Our correspondent reports that the event attracted participants, mostly youths, community leaders, supporters, and stakeholders across the state.

Lawan, while appreciating the initiative, also described the gesture as a demonstration of responsible citizenship.

The former senate president further said the donations were the reflection of the grassroots’ passionate participation in political leadership.

Lawan, who hasn’t made a formal declaration to contest for the governorship race, however, expressed his willingness to respond to the call to serve the people of the state.

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This is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), said the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday.

Uba said that the terrorists launched what he described as a “half-hearted” assault on the FOB.

He said that the troops responded with a coordinated offensive-defensive operation, forcing the insurgents into a disorderly retreat.

According to him, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided air support and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to enhance precision strikes.

He added that the troops pursued the fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal routes, inflicting further losses.

“About 38 terrorists were neutralised, with eight bodies recovered within the immediate engagement area.

“Human intelligence from locals confirmed over 30 additional bodies and weapons abandoned along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle,” he said.

Uba said that the claim was corroborated by blood trails and abandoned equipment observed by troops during exploitation.

He said that the troops also recovered seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four rocket-propelled grenade bombs and assorted ammunition.

He added that no fatalities were recorded among troops, although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by rocket-propelled grenade fire.

“The injured personnel have been stabilised,” he said.

Uba said that the scale of losses suffered by the insurgents had sparked jubilation among local communities.

He said that the development underscored the sustained dominance of troops in denying terrorists freedom of action in the North-East.

He added that further exploitation operations were ongoing along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis to recover corpses and consolidate gains.

Uba said that the Military High Command had commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience.

He urged them to sustain the operational tempo in the security interest of the region.

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The Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, said on Tuesday in Damaturu, that coordinated patrols, raids on criminal hideouts and enhanced visibility policing across major towns and villages facilitated the drop in crimes.

He said the feat was achieved due to effective synergy among the police, sister security agencies, vigilantes and the active cooperation of residents of the state.

Ado said the command had adopted proactive security strategies to brace for the Ember months, when crimes usually surge nationwide.

The measures, he said, included grassroot engagements with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and officers in charge of outstations and outposts, to fast track analytical assessments of crime trends.

The commissioner commended the Yobe government for its support, and urged residents of the state to be vigilant and report crimes or suspicious activities to the police.

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The State Government Focal Person on Drug Abuse Control, Mr Saidu Jakusko, made this known on Thursday while briefing our correspondent in Damaturu.

Jakusko said the joint operation which involved members of vigilance group and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), led to the arrest of 30 men and 30 women.

He explained that the clampdown became necessary following the alarming rate of drug abuse, especially among the youth population in the state.

“The first phase of the operation targeted some flashpoints within the state capital and will continue until the menace is brought under control,” he said.

Jakusko noted that most of the suspects were under the influence of hard substances at the point of arrest, and among them were three notorious drug dealers who had been on the watchlist of security operatives.

He said the arrested individuals were being screened, and those identified as non-indigenes would be returned to their respective states.

“For those who are indigenes, some will be rehabilitated, counselled, empowered, and arraigned in court, depending on the degree of their involvement,” he said.

He added that special consideration would be given to the female suspects.

Jakusko expressed appreciation to Gov. Mai Mala Buni for entrusting him with the responsibility and thanked the security agencies for their cooperation and support during the operation.

He called for sustained collaboration to end the scourge of drug abuse in the state.

Also speaking, Sheikh Abubakar Muhammad, who was invited to counsel the suspects in line with Islamic teachings, admonished them to fear God and lead responsible lives.

“The secret to a peaceful life and sound mind lies in the fear of Allah,” he said.

Sheikh Muhammad lamented that the suspects were mostly young people who should be productive members of society.

He urged parents and guardians to take active roles in the moral upbringing of their children.

In a tearful confession, one of the suspects, 21-year old and mother of two simply identified as Maryam, said she was forced into drugs and prostitution after losing her husband to Boko Haram insurgents and was denied access to his property by his relatives.

“If I can get shelter, some capital to start a small business, and care for my children, I will never return to this life,” she said.

Another suspect, Modu, a carpenter, admitted to smoking cigarettes and Indian hemp.

He expressed regret and pledged to turn a new leaf.

“I advise fellow youths to avoid drugs and pray that Almighty Allah will help me change,” he said.

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Waziri, a founding member of PDP, announced his exit from the party on Monday at the Dogo Tebo Ward Centre in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe, citing national interest and the need to restore democratic values.

He said that the decision was in line with the provisions of the PDP constitution which stipulates that membership withdrawal must be formalised at the ward level.

Waziri said that his decision to quit PDP was informed by “exigencies of the moment” and the urgent need to reinvigorate Nigeria’s democratic institutions through a new political movement.

“I was a member of PDP, and due to the exigencies of the moment and in the interest of the nation, I have decided to resign.

“The PDP constitution demands that I come to my ward centre to formalise this action,” he said.

Waziri, who described the decision as ‘difficult but necessary’, stressed that the current PDP leadership and the party’s tone no longer aligned with the vision of a credible opposition party.

He appealed to his political associates, whom he referred to as “my boys,” to join him in the movement to recreate a vibrant democracy and deliver good governance for the Nigerian people.

In his response, the PDP Ward Chairman, represented by Malam Muhammad Bomai, accepted Waziri’s resignation ‘with deep regret’, describing him as a national figure and pillar of the party whose exit would leave a significant void.

“On behalf of the party, we accept his resignation with a heavy heart. Waziri has been an institution within the PDP, and we will feel his absence deeply,” he said.

Bomai, who handed over Waziri’s returned membership card, also announced his own resignation from PDP and immediate defection to ADC.

He reiterated his alignment with Waziri’s vision for Nigeria’s political future.

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Mr Lawan Dadingelma, Yobe Coordinator of NAFDAC, made this known in an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday in Damaturu.

Dadingelma said the agency embarked on various campaigns and enforcement actions to ensure public safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

He said that the office carried out sensitisation exercises at the fruit and vegetable markets in Damaturu and Gashua, warning against the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits and vegetables.

He said that the public was also sensitised on the dangers of using harmful chemicals to preserve agricultural produce such as beans, groundnuts, millet, and other food items.

Dadingelma said that the agency equally held meetings with associations of water and bakery producers to promote adherence to safety standards.

He added that the agency conducted awareness sessions on good warehousing practices for drinks and soft drinks.

“NAFDAC intensified regulatory monitoring activities in Damaturu, Potiskum, Gashua, and Geidam Local Government Areas, focusing on water production and bakeries.

“We also held an engagement with herbal product manufacturers in the state and sensitised local rice millers in Potiskum on best practices.

“Sanctions were imposed on patent medicine vendors found violating regulations, while drug hawkers across the state were similarly penalised.

“The agency also engaged NGOs, including the Society for Family Health, to enhance collaborative public health advocacy,” he said.

Dadingelma pointed out that the efforts were part of their mandate to safeguard public health and ensure that all regulated products met required safety standards.

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It was reported that the UTME is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Tumsah, who disclosed this to our reporter on Sunday in Damaturu, said this was part of the KMT-Light up Yobe initiative aimed at promoting academic excellence and human capital development across the state.

“Earlier this year, under the KMT-Light up Yobe initiative, we purchased JAMB forms, organised intensive tutorials, and conducted mock CBT exams for students across Yobe State—preparing them to engage the national examination system with confidence,” Tumsah said.

He explained that the new cash award was not restricted to beneficiaries of the initial preparatory programmes, but extended to all high-performing candidates from the state, regardless of where or how they prepared for the examination.

“In line with our broader vision for human capital development, I am proud to announce a N100,000 cash prize for every Yobe indigene who scored above 300 in the 2025 JAMB examination,” he said.

Tumsah added that each awardee would also be enrolled in a personal mentorship scheme designed to support their academic and professional growth.

“This initiative is more than a reward, it’s a long-term investment in the dreams and destinies of our youth.

“We believe in raising a generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will drive progress in Yobe, Nigeria, and across Africa,” he stated.

He called on qualified students to submit evidence of their scores.

“If you are one of these outstanding students, send your JAMB result as proof and let’s walk this journey together to greatness, purpose, and impact.”

Tumsah reiterated his commitment to building a future driven by excellence and shared responsibility.

“We are not just celebrating test scores. We are nurturing a movement of young leaders committed to progress, justice, and transformation.”

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The governor made this known when a delegation from the Executive Intelligence Management Course 18 of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) paid him a visit in Damaturu.

“To fully address insurgency, we must tackle its root causes—poverty and illiteracy,” Buni who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam-Wali said.

The governor said the team’s study on non-state actors aligns was align with the state’s post-conflict peace-building and recovery efforts.

Buni said Yobe had suffered severe devastation due to insurgency, with poverty and illiteracy being major drivers of insecurity.

“These are the remain critical challenges in overcoming the Boko Haram crisis,” he said.

The governor assured the team of the state government’s support in facilitating their activities.

He urged them to come up with actionable recommendations to enhance security in the region.

The team Leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Yar’adua, said that the visit was aimed at understanding the activities of non-state actors in the state and their implications for peace and development.

“We are here to study the role of non-state actors in security management in Africa, particularly the challenges and prospects for peace and development.

“Yobe State was chosen due to its experience with insecurity and the presence of both local and international non-state actors.

“We want to assess how their activities impact security management—whether positively or negatively—and what measures the state and security agencies are taking to regulate them,” Yar’adua said.

Alhaji Zanna Ibrahim, Chairman of the NISS Alumni Yobe Chapter, said the tour was part of a 10-month course leading to the award of a fellowship.

He said the theme of the course is “Non-State Actors in Security Management: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects for Peace and Development in Africa.”

It was reported that the delegation was in Yobe to examine the impact of non-state actors on security management.

The delegation was expected to engage with security agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders during their stay in the state.

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Alh. Mamman Mohammed, Director General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, announced this to journalists in Damaturu on Monday.

He stated that the employment includes 140 Buni Scholars who recently graduated in various medical science fields in India.

The Buni Scholars comprise 43 BSc Nursing, 43 BSc Pharmacy, 22 BSc Medical Laboratory Science, 24 BSc Radiology, seven BSc Optometry, and one BSc Public Health graduate.

According to the DG, the governor also approved the employment of 127 health technicians currently serving as volunteers in health institutions across the state.

“The Governor directed the employment of medical technicians who graduated earlier but had only been serving as volunteers in medical centres.

“The Buni Scholars have been placed on CONHESS 8, while the volunteer technicians were placed on CONHESS 6/2,” Mohammed said.

He noted that Buni’s administration has consistently offered automatic employment to graduates of Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery over the last five years.

He added that the administration established primary healthcare centres in the state’s political wards to bring healthcare services closer to the people.

“Similarly, the government upgraded the General Hospitals in Gashua, Potiskum, Geidam, and Buni Yadi to Specialist Hospitals.

“Also, eight Primary Healthcare Centres were upgraded to General Hospitals.

“The State Teaching Hospital was also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to make healthcare services more accessible and affordable,” Mohammed stated.

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Surajo said this known while briefing newsmen at a media tour to some state government’s projects across the state on Wednesday in Damaturu.

He said that the airport was not in fully operational to satisfy the commercial need of the people.

According to him, when fully operational, the Airport will create more job to the people especially the state indigenes and contribute to its economy.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Energy, Engr Isyaka Lawan, said that N39 billion was spent to execute the project in 2007.

“Ninety five per cent of the project had been completed which include a terminal building, runway, control tower, fire station, powerhouse, administrative block, and maintenance office,’’ he said.

He added that the airport’s runway is among the longest and well-constructed in the country.

“It stretches 3.3 kilometers with 250-meter buffers on either end, bringing the total length to 4.1 kilometers,” Lawal said.

The permanent secretary explained that the decision to construct the cargo airport stemmed from the absence of such facilities in the North-East region.

“Being an agrarian state, Yobe is expected to benefit significantly from the airport’s ability to boost economic activities.

“An abundance of exportable crops like beans, groundnut, and sesame seeds are produced in the state,” he said.

He, however, said that neighboring states could utilise the airport to transport goods to other parts of the world.

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