Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has disbursed ₦150 million to the families of three military officers killed in recent counter-insurgency operations across northeastern Nigeria. The financial support, allocated at ₦50 million per household, was delivered during official condolence visits to the bereaved relatives.
According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, the governor traveled to Abuja, Niger State, and Kano State to personally present the funds. The officers honored were Lieutenant Colonel Salihu Iliyasu, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and Lieutenant Colonel Umar Farouq, all of whom died while deployed in ongoing security campaigns against insurgent networks in Borno State. Governor Zulum began the outreach in Abuja, where he met with Lieutenant Colonel Iliyasu’s spouses and formally conveyed the state’s gratitude for his military service.
The disbursements reinforce an established government framework designed to assist families of fallen defense personnel and frontline volunteers. Since taking office, the Borno State administration has systematically provided emergency aid, housing support, and educational scholarships for the children of security workers killed in action. These initiatives aim to mitigate the economic and social strain on households affected by the protracted conflict in the Lake Chad region. The governor also noted that similar assistance extends to civilian vigilantes and joint task force members who have lost their lives defending local communities.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Zulum stated during the engagements. He commended the officers for their operational discipline and patriotism, emphasizing that their records of service would be permanently preserved. The governor concluded each meeting with prayers for the deceased and requested state agencies to maintain open communication channels with surviving relatives for ongoing support.
Officials confirmed that additional visits are scheduled for families of other security personnel recently killed or reported missing during active deployments. The administration reiterated its commitment to sustaining financial and social programs for defense households while coordinating with federal agencies on post-conflict rehabilitation and regional stabilization measures.
