Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, commemorated Democracy Day by handing over two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other critical fighting equipment to the Nigerian Army. The donation took place shortly after he joined internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distributed food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
Enhanced Protection Against IEDs
The armored MRAPs were delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on Friday. The vehicles are intended to improve troops' protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes, which remain persistent threats in the fight against insurgents. Additional fighting logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers operating in difficult terrains.
Democracy Day Celebration with IDPs
Governor Zulum also marked Nigeria's Democracy Day celebration with internally displaced persons at the Madinatu camp. There, he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries. The distribution served to consolidate Zulum's resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, the Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
Camp Closure Timeline Announced
Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp's closure. He ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration's resettlement strategy. “Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
Cash and Food Distribution
In addition to the distributed food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event. “Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” said Zulum.
