Nigeria: Independence Day - Zulum Urges Borno Residents to Protect 'Hard-Earned' Peace

What the report says

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum used Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary message to urge residents to safeguard the relative peace the state has regained and to keep political campaigning free of violence or bitterness as the election season begins. The remarks, reported by Daily Trust and republished by AllAfrica, were made in Borno on Thursday, 1 October 2026.

Zulum praised Nigeria’s founding figures and other leaders who, in his view, helped hold the country together through decades of challenges. He said his administration remains focused on consolidating security gains, protecting citizens’ rights, and supporting the safe, voluntary and dignified return of internally displaced people and refugees.

The governor said Borno has seen substantial recovery after years of insurgency-related destruction. According to the report, he said around two million residents have returned to their communities, more than 30,000 homes and public facilities have been rebuilt, and the state has carried out more than 1,500 project clusters across all 27 local government areas over the past seven years. He also pointed to expanded schooling, health coverage, agriculture and infrastructure as part of the recovery effort.

Zulum said these gains resulted from the efforts of security agencies, volunteers, traditional and community leaders, religious leaders and local residents. He framed Borno as an emerging investment destination and called on citizens to support unity, lawful conduct and peaceful coexistence so the state does not lose its progress.