As Nigeria marked Democracy Day, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum combined security support with humanitarian relief, handing over armoured vehicles to the military while sharing food, cash and hope with thousands of displaced residents in Maiduguri.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, marked this year's Democracy Day in a way that reflected two of the state's biggest priorities, security and the welfare of displaced communities.

The governor handed over two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to the Nigerian Army's Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai, alongside other operational logistics aimed at strengthening the fight against insurgency in the North-East.

The armoured vehicles are expected to improve troop safety against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambush attacks, while additional support, including Hilux vehicles and motorcycles, will help soldiers navigate difficult terrain during operations.

But the day wasn't only about security.

Governor Zulum also spent part of the Democracy Day celebrations with internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu IDP Camp in Maiduguri, where he supervised the distribution of food items, non-food materials and cash support to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The event highlighted the progress of the Borno State Government's resettlement programme, which has successfully returned more than two million displaced persons to their ancestral communities over the past seven years through what officials describe as a voluntary and dignified process.

Addressing residents at the camp, Zulum expressed optimism that the facility would soon become a thing of the past.

"It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate Democracy Day here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp still operating within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council," he said.

The governor went on to announce that the camp would be shut down within one month as part of the state's ongoing resettlement efforts.

According to him, the closure of Madinatu Camp will be followed by the gradual shutdown of other IDP camps across several local government areas.

"Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people," Zulum told the displaced residents. "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."

As part of the support package, each beneficiary received food supplies, while women were given wrappers. The governor also approved a cash grant of ₦50,000 for each of the 2,500 beneficiaries.

"Each beneficiary will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will also receive wrappers, and I have approved ₦50,000 for every beneficiary, which will be paid directly into their individual accounts," he announced.

The event attracted several top government officials and APC leaders, including the party's State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima; APC State Vice Chairman (Central), Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe; Member representing Jere Constituency at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo; commissioners, commissioner-designates and other senior government functionaries.

For many residents at the camp, the Democracy Day celebration was more than a national holiday, it was a reminder of the government's commitment to restoring normal life and rebuilding communities affected by years of conflict.

Source: cbinewstv

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