The governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, announced the government’s allotment of 259 homes and the disbursement of N110 million to the Nigerian Police Force in the state on Thursday in Maiduguri.

Zulum made the declaration at the opening of the Nigerian Police Force Microfinance Bank branch in Borno (NPFM Bank).

The microfinance bank’s mission is to support small and medium-sized businesses in Borno State for police families, their associates, and civilians.

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, attended the unveiling of the Bank in Maiduguri.

Before the unveiling, Zulum noted that the provision of over 259 dwellings to the police was intended to recompense the state command for the government’s use of some of the police’s land for the development of some facilities in the state capital.

The governor stated that 50 percent of the N110 million he announced was Borno’s contribution as a share deposit targeted at strengthening the bank’s activities at the start.

Zulum went on to clarify that the remaining N55 million would be used to help police officers’ families in two ways.

The first, according to Zulum, was the distribution of N25 million to the families of police officers killed in the line of duty.

He directed that the funds be placed in an account designated for the educational needs of children left behind by fallen police officers.

The remaining N30 million, according to the governor, will be transferred into a credit services account to support policewomen across Borno State.

Zulum praised IGP Alkali for opening a branch of the bank in Borno, saying it demonstrated the IGP’s priority for police welfare.

“Your Excellency, we want to thank you for providing the state command with the logistics it needs to function effectively in crime prevention and control.” Borno State is the only state that has received six armored personnel carriers and handed them over to the police. We truly appreciate you for your trouble, for being nice to us, for being helpful to us, and for coming to our aid in this difficult time.