By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has pledged sustained government support for security operations along the Maiduguri–Mafa–Dikwa–Ngala highway as part of efforts to restore safe transportation, revive commercial activities and accelerate economic recovery in communities affected by insurgency.
Zulum gave the assurance on Friday during a visit to the headquarters of the 24 Task Force Brigade in Dikwa Local Government Area, where he held discussions with the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Aminu Gumel, on strategies to strengthen security along the strategic corridor.
The governor described the highway as a critical economic lifeline linking Maiduguri with communities in eastern Borno, noting that its importance to transportation, agriculture, trade and cross-border commercial activities made improved security a priority for his administration.
“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,” he said.
He explained that sustained security along the route would not only guarantee safer movement for residents and commuters but also encourage traders, farmers and other business operators to resume economic activities without fear.
According to him, restoring confidence in the highway is essential to reconnecting communities, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and essential commodities, and helping residents rebuild livelihoods disrupted by years of insurgency.
Addressing troops preparing for deployment to Maiwa and Koshebe communities, Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the military with operational logistics and welfare interventions to enhance their effectiveness.
As an immediate gesture of support, the governor announced a cash assistance of ₦50,000 for each soldier preparing for the deployment to the two communities.
He reiterated that the welfare and operational needs of security personnel remained important to the success of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the state.
The Zulum administration has continued to provide logistical and welfare support to security agencies as part of its broader strategy to combat insurgency, protect vulnerable communities and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents to their ancestral homes.
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 Borno 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.
