Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a N50,000 support package for each soldier preparing for deployment to Maiwa and Koshebe villages, as part of efforts to strengthen security and revive trade in communities recovering from years of insurgency.
The governor made the announcement on Friday during a visit to the headquarters of the 24 Task Force Brigade in Dikwa Local Government Area, where he met with the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Aminu Gumel.
“My visit is primarily aimed at exploring measures to strengthen security along the strategic economic corridor, which connects Maiduguri to several communities in eastern Borno and serves as a vital route for trade, transportation and cross-border commercial activities,” Zulum said.
The Maiduguri–Mafa–Dikwa–Ngala highway links communities along the corridor to markets and facilitates the movement of agricultural produce, essential commodities and other goods. Zulum said improving security along the route would help residents travel safely, trade and rebuild their livelihoods.
Addressing troops preparing for deployment to Maiwa and Koshebe, the governor pledged to provide operational logistics and sustain welfare support. He announced the N50,000 support to each soldier preparing for deployment to the two communities.
The deployment comes against the backdrop of repeated attacks on farmers in the area.
On November 28, 2020, Koshebe came under a devastating attack when armed Boko Haram militants targeted rice farmers working in the fields near Zabarmari and Maiduguri. Over 100 farm labourers—many of whom had travelled from Sokoto State for seasonal harvest work—were rounded up, tied, and their throats slit.
In November 2023, suspected Boko Haram insurgents again targeted rice farmers harvesting crops in the Karkut and Koshebe general areas of Mafa Local Government Area, killing at least 13 farmers and leaving others missing.
Zulum’s administration has consistently supported military operations with logistics and welfare assistance as part of efforts to improve security and help displaced residents return to their communities.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by the member representing Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba; member representing Dikwa Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Mohammed Zakariya; Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; and other senior government officials.