Created from the former North-Eastern State in 1976
Area
75,835 km²
Governor
Babagana Umara Zulum (APC) — since 2019
Nickname
Home of Peace
No. of LGAs
27
Borno State, popularly known as the Home of Peace, is one of Nigeria's largest and most historically significant states. Located in the North East geopolitical zone, the state occupies approximately 75,835 square kilometres and shares international borders with Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
The state has a long history linked to the ancient Kanem-Bornu civilisation, one of the most important political and Islamic states in the central Sudan region. Today, Maiduguri serves as the state capital and remains a major commercial, educational and administrative centre.
Explore Borno State history, geography, 27 Local Government Areas, 2026 population estimates, traditional institutions, economy, agriculture, culture, education, landmarks and notable people.
History of Borno State
Ancient Borno — Kanem and the Origins of the Kanem-Bornu Civilisation
The history of Borno reaches back more than a thousand years and is closely connected to the ancient Kanem-Bornu civilisation. From around the eighth century, the Lake Chad region became the centre of powerful political states that controlled major trans-Saharan trade routes connecting North Africa with the savannas of West and Central Africa.
The Kanem Empire developed east of Lake Chad before political and military pressures contributed to the movement of the ruling establishment westward toward the Bornu region. The resulting Bornu state eventually became one of the longest-lasting Islamic political traditions in Africa.
Islam became deeply established in the region from the medieval period. The rulers of Kanem-Bornu maintained diplomatic, religious and commercial connections with North Africa and other Muslim centres. Scholarship, Islamic law, literacy and long-distance trade became important features of the civilisation.
The Kanem-Bornu Empire
The Kanem-Bornu Empire became one of the most influential states around the Lake Chad basin. Its political authority extended over areas that today form parts of Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Libya.
The Mai, the traditional title of the ruler, stood at the centre of the political system. The dynasty developed sophisticated systems of administration, taxation, diplomacy and military organisation. Long-distance trade in livestock, salt, agricultural products and other commodities supported the state.
The empire's strategic location near Lake Chad allowed it to participate in trans-Saharan commerce. The ruling dynasty also maintained relations with Muslim scholars and rulers across North Africa.
Mai Idris Alooma and the Golden Age of Bornu
One of the most celebrated rulers in Borno history was Mai Idris Alooma, who ruled during the late sixteenth century. His reign is frequently regarded as one of the high points of the Bornu Empire.
Idris Alooma strengthened the military, improved administration and expanded diplomatic relationships with North African Muslim states. Historical accounts describe military innovations, improved fortifications and the use of firearms obtained through trans-Saharan contacts.
His reign also strengthened Islamic institutions and scholarship. The political and administrative reforms associated with his government contributed to the long-term resilience of the Bornu state.
Nineteenth-Century Borno — Rabih and the Colonial Era
The nineteenth century brought major political changes to the Bornu region. The Fulani jihad associated with Usman dan Fodio weakened Bornu's influence in some territories, particularly in parts of the south. The Bornu ruling establishment nevertheless survived and reorganised its political authority.
In the 1890s, the Sudanese warlord Rabih az-Zubayr conquered Bornu and established his own political control. His rule ended after French forces defeated and killed him at the Battle of Kousséri in 1900.
European colonial powers subsequently divided the wider Bornu region among British, French and German spheres of influence. The territory that now forms Borno State eventually became part of British-controlled Northern Nigeria.
British Colonial Rule and the Rise of Maiduguri
Britain incorporated Borno into the Northern Nigeria Protectorate in the early twentieth century. In 1907, the British established Maiduguri as a new administrative capital, replacing older political centres and creating the foundation for the modern city.
Maiduguri gradually developed into a major administrative, commercial and transport centre. The city became connected to wider northern Nigerian trade networks and later developed educational institutions and government offices.
Traditional rulers remained important under the colonial system, although their political authority was increasingly regulated by colonial administration.
Borno After Nigerian Independence
At Nigerian independence in 1960, the territory of present-day Borno was part of the Northern Region. In 1967, the military government divided Nigeria into twelve states and the area became part of the newly created North-Eastern State.
On 3 February 1976, the North-Eastern State was divided and Borno State was created. The new state initially covered a much larger area than the present state. In 1991, the western portion of Borno was separated to create Yobe State.
These administrative changes created the modern territorial structure of Borno State.
Modern Borno — Conflict, Recovery and Development
Borno became the centre of the Boko Haram insurgency after the movement's insurgency expanded in the state from 2009. The conflict caused extensive displacement, destruction of infrastructure, disruption of agriculture and severe humanitarian challenges.
Despite these challenges, Borno has continued to pursue reconstruction, resettlement, education, agriculture and infrastructure development. The state government has placed considerable emphasis on rebuilding communities affected by conflict and restoring livelihoods.
Borno's modern identity therefore combines a very old historical civilisation with contemporary efforts toward recovery, economic diversification and social development.
Creation of Borno State
Borno State was created on 3 February 1976 when the former North-Eastern State was divided into several new states. The creation was part of a nationwide military restructuring designed to bring government closer to the people and improve administrative representation.
The modern state initially included areas that later became part of Yobe State. In 1991, Yobe State was created from the western portion of the former Borno territory.
Today, Borno has 27 Local Government Areas and remains one of Nigeria's largest states by land area.
Geography of Borno State
Topography
Borno is one of Nigeria's largest states by land area, covering approximately 75,835 km². Its landscape ranges from the semi-desert and Sahelian environments of the north to savanna and more elevated terrain in the south. The southeastern part includes portions of the Mandara Mountains and associated highlands.
The Lake Chad basin dominates the far northeast. Other important geographical features include the Sambisa Forest region, the Chad Basin, the Biu Plateau and extensive savanna plains.
Rivers & Waterways
The Yobe River is one of the most important watercourses associated with northern Borno and eventually drains toward Lake Chad. Seasonal rivers and streams occur throughout the southern and central parts of the state. Lake Chad forms a major hydrological feature in the far northeast.
Forests & Vegetation
Vegetation changes substantially from north to south. Northern Borno is dominated by Sahelian and semi-arid vegetation, while central and southern areas contain Sudan savanna and grassland environments. The southern highlands have more favourable conditions for agriculture. The Sambisa Forest and Chad Basin ecosystems support diverse wildlife and vegetation.
Climate
Climate type: Tropical semi-arid to tropical savanna
Borno has a predominantly hot and dry climate. Rainfall is strongly seasonal and varies considerably from the south to the north. The rainy season generally begins later than in southern Nigeria, while the dry season is associated with the Harmattan between roughly December and February. Temperatures can become particularly high before the rainy season.
Bordering States
Borno State shares boundaries with: Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa.
International Borders
Niger, Chad, Cameroon
Culture & People of Borno State
Ethnic Groups
Borno is ethnically diverse. Major communities include the Kanuri, Shuwa Arab, Babur/Bura, Marghi, Mafa, Mandara, Kilba, Gwoza-area peoples, Kanembu, Buduma and several other groups. The Kanuri have historically formed the dominant cultural group in the central and northern parts of the state, while numerous smaller ethnic groups are concentrated particularly in the south and southeast.
Languages
Kanuri is one of the major languages, particularly in Maiduguri and northern and central Borno. Other languages include Shuwa Arabic, Bura, Marghi, Mafa, Buduma, Kanembu and several Biu-Mandara languages. Hausa and English are also widely used for communication, commerce, government and education.
Festivals & Celebrations
Cultural celebrations vary widely among Borno's ethnic communities. Important traditional activities include Durbar ceremonies, Eid celebrations, traditional royal festivals, wrestling, agricultural festivals and community cultural gatherings. Traditional emirate ceremonies remain an important part of the state's cultural heritage.
Traditional Food
Traditional Borno cuisine includes tuwo, masa, millet and sorghum dishes, rice, beans, meat, fish, dried fish, vegetables and locally prepared sauces. Food traditions reflect the Sahelian environment and the agricultural and pastoral livelihoods of the people.
Traditional Attire
Traditional attire commonly includes flowing robes, turbans, caps, embroidered gowns and colourful wrappers. Kanuri and Shuwa Arab dress traditions are particularly distinctive and are often displayed during religious celebrations, weddings, royal ceremonies and other important occasions.
Music & Dance
Traditional music includes drums, flutes, praise singing and ceremonial performances. Royal courts historically supported musicians and praise singers who preserved the histories and achievements of rulers and communities.
Arts & Crafts
Traditional crafts include weaving, leatherwork, embroidery, pottery, basketry, blacksmithing, beadwork and traditional architectural decoration. Leather goods and embroidered clothing are particularly associated with northern Borno cultural traditions.
Traditional Rulers of Borno State
Borno Emirate
Shehu of Borno: Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi
LGA: Maiduguri
The Borno Emirate is the principal traditional institution associated with the historic Kanem-Bornu ruling tradition. The Shehu of Borno is the traditional custodian of the Kanuri royal heritage and one of the most important traditional rulers in northeastern Nigeria.
Bama Emirate
LGA: Bama
The Bama Emirate is one of the historic traditional institutions of Borno. It serves as an important cultural authority among communities in the Bama area.
Dikwa Emirate
LGA: Dikwa
Dikwa is historically significant in the history of Bornu and served as an important political centre. The Dikwa Emirate remains part of the traditional structure of Borno State.
Damboa Emirate
LGA: Damboa
The Damboa traditional institution provides cultural leadership to communities around Damboa and preserves local customs and traditions.
Biu Emirate
LGA: Biu
The Biu Emirate is one of the major traditional institutions in southern Borno and is historically associated with the Bura and Babur communities.
Askira Emirate
LGA: Askira/Uba
The Askira Emirate is a traditional institution serving communities in southern Borno and is part of the state's network of recognised emirate councils.
Gwoza Emirate
LGA: Gwoza
The Gwoza Emirate represents the traditional heritage of communities around the Gwoza hills and the Mandara highlands.
Shani Emirate
LGA: Shani
The Shani Emirate is a traditional institution in southern Borno serving communities around Shani and preserving local customs and cultural heritage.
Economy of Borno State
Borno's economy is based heavily on agriculture, livestock, fishing, trade, commerce, public administration and services. Maiduguri is the principal commercial centre and functions as an important trade gateway linking northeastern Nigeria with neighbouring countries.
The state's recovery and development efforts increasingly focus on agriculture, irrigation, livestock, infrastructure, education, reconstruction, small businesses and regional trade.
Agriculture
Major agricultural activities include the cultivation of millet, sorghum, maize, rice, cowpea, groundnut, sesame, wheat, vegetables and other food crops. Livestock production is also important, particularly cattle, goats and sheep. Fishing is significant around the Lake Chad basin and other water bodies.
Natural Resources
Borno is endowed with mineral and geological resources including kaolin, clay, diatomite, trona, natural salt, iron ore, silica sand, mica, quartz, magnetite, uranium and columbium. The state's geological resources offer opportunities for mining and industrial development when developed sustainably.
Industries
Industrial activity includes food processing, textile production, construction materials, agricultural processing, furniture, leatherwork and small-scale manufacturing. Borno Textile and other businesses have historically contributed to industrial activity in Maiduguri.
Commerce & Trade
Maiduguri is a major regional trading centre. Markets distribute agricultural products, livestock, manufactured goods, textiles and household commodities across northeastern Nigeria and toward the Lake Chad region. Border trade also connects communities with Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
Government of Borno State
Since its creation, Borno State has been governed by the following:
#
Name
Party
Period
Note
1
Babagana Zulum
APC
2019 — Present
2
Mohammed Kaliel
1976 — 1977
Military Governor/Administrator during the early period of Borno State after its creation in 1976.
3
Muhammadu Goni
1979 — 1983
First elected civilian Governor of Borno State during the Second Republic.
4
Mohammed Lawan
1983 — 1984
Military administration period following the 1983 coup.
5
Muhammadu Sani Sami
1984 — 1985
Military Governor during the Buhari administration.
6
Abubakar Waziri
1985 — 1988
Military Governor during the Babangida administration.
7
Mohammed Maina
1988 — 1990
Military Governor of Borno State.
8
Lawal Jafaru Isa
1990 — 1992
Military Governor of Borno State during the transition period.
9
Maina Maaji Lawan
NRC
1992 — 1993
Elected Governor during the short-lived Third Republic transition.
10
Ali Abdullahi Jatau
1993 — 1993
Military Administrator during the transition following the 1993 political crisis.
11
Ibrahim Dada
1993 — 1994
Military Administrator of Borno State.
12
Lawal Jafaru Isa
1994 — 1996
Returned as Military Administrator during the Abacha administration.
13
Ibrahim Dada
1996 — 1997
Military Administrator of Borno State.
14
Musa Usman
1997 — 1998
Military Administrator of Borno State.
15
Malam Isa Yuguda
1998 — 1999
Military Administrator during the final phase of military rule.
16
Mala Kachallah
APP
1999 — 2003
Elected Governor of Borno State from 1999 to 2003.
17
Ali Modu Sheriff
ANPP
2003 — 2011
Governor of Borno State for two terms, serving from 2003 to 2011.
18
Kashim Shettima
ANPP/APC
2011 — 2019
Governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019. His tenure coincided with major security and reconstruction challenges.
19
Babagana Umara Zulum
APC
2019 — Present
Current Governor of Borno State. He assumed office in 2019 and has focused strongly on reconstruction, resettlement, education, agriculture, infrastructure and economic recovery.
University of MaiduguriFederal
— Est. 1975 — Maiduguri LGA
Borno State UniversityState
— Est. 2016 — Maiduguri LGA
Nigerian Army University BiuFederal
— Est. 2018 — Biu LGA
Al-Ansar UniversityPrivate
— Est. 2021 — Maiduguri LGA
Federal Polytechnic MongunoFederal
— Monguno LGA
Landmarks & Tourist Attractions in Borno State
Shehu of Borno Palace
Maiduguri LGA
The Shehu of Borno Palace is one of the most important symbols of the historic Kanem-Bornu royal tradition. The palace represents centuries of political, religious and cultural history associated with the Kanuri ruling dynasty.
Borno State Museum
Maiduguri LGA
The Borno State Museum preserves historical and cultural materials associated with the people and civilisation of the region. Museums and cultural institutions in Maiduguri provide opportunities to learn about Kanem-Bornu history, traditional arts and local heritage.
Sambisa Forest
Konduga LGA
Sambisa Forest is one of the best-known natural landscapes in Borno. It forms part of the wider Chad Basin ecological environment and historically supported wildlife including antelope, monkeys, hyenas and other species. The area has also been severely affected by conflict.
Lake Chad
Kukawa LGA
Lake Chad is one of the most important geographical and ecological features of northeastern Nigeria. The lake and surrounding wetlands support fishing, agriculture, livestock and cross-border economic activity.
Chad Basin National Park
Borno North LGA
The Chad Basin National Park protects important savanna, wetland and wildlife habitats. The park is associated with the wider Lake Chad ecosystem and represents an important part of Nigeria's northern environmental heritage.
Dikwa Emirate Palace
Dikwa LGA
The historic Dikwa Emirate is closely connected with the later history of Bornu. Its traditional institutions preserve important aspects of the political and cultural heritage of the region.
Biu Emirate Palace
Biu LGA
The Biu Emirate Palace represents the traditional heritage of southern Borno and the long history of Biu's political and cultural institutions.
Biu Plateau
Biu LGA
The Biu Plateau is an elevated geographical feature in southern Borno. Its relatively fertile soils support agriculture and distinguish the area from the drier northern parts of the state.
Mai Idris Alooma
— One of the most celebrated rulers of the Bornu Empire, remembered for military, administrative, diplomatic and Islamic reforms during the sixteenth century.
Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi
— Traditional ruler of Borno and custodian of the Kanem-Bornu royal heritage.
Politics & Government
Baba Gana Kingibe
(1945)
— Nigerian diplomat and politician who served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and held several senior political offices.
Kashim Shettima
(1966)
— Former Governor of Borno State and Vice President of Nigeria.
Babagana Umara Zulum
(1969)
— Governor of Borno State since 2019 and academic, engineer and public administrator associated with the state's reconstruction and development programme.
Mohammed Ali Ndume
(1959)
— Nigerian politician and Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District.
Abba Kyari
(1952–2020)
— Nigerian lawyer, politician and former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Business
Mohammed Indimi
(1947)
— Nigerian businessman and founder of Oriental Energy Resources, with major business interests in the energy sector.
Military
Babagana Monguno
(1957)
— Retired Nigerian Army officer and former National Security Adviser to the President of Nigeria.
Zakariya Maimalari
(1929–1966)
— Nigerian Army officer and one of the senior officers killed during the January 1966 coup.
Borno State was created on 3 February 1976 from the former North-Eastern State.
Maiduguri is the capital and largest urban centre of Borno State.
Borno State has 27 Local Government Areas.
Borno is one of Nigeria's largest states by land area, with approximately 75,835 square kilometres.
Borno is the only Nigerian state that shares international borders with three countries: Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
The state's modern territory forms part of the historic Kanem-Bornu civilisation.
Mai Idris Alooma is one of the most famous rulers in the history of the Bornu Empire.
Maiduguri was established as a colonial administrative capital in 1907.
Frequently Asked Questions about Borno State
What is Borno State known for?
Borno State is known for its ancient Kanem-Bornu history, Maiduguri, the Lake Chad region, traditional emirates, agriculture, livestock, cultural diversity and its strategic location bordering Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
What is the capital of Borno State?
The capital of Borno State is Maiduguri. The city became the colonial administrative capital of the area in 1907 and remains the political, commercial and educational centre of the state.
When was Borno State created?
Borno State was created on 3 February 1976 when the former North-Eastern State was divided into several new states. The present territory was later reduced when Yobe State was created in 1991.
Who is the current Governor of Borno State?
The current Governor of Borno State is Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has served as governor since 2019.
How many Local Government Areas are in Borno State?
Borno State has 27 Local Government Areas: Abadam, Askira/Uba, Bama, Bayo, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Dikwa, Gubio, Guzamala, Gwoza, Hawul, Jere, Kaga, Kala/Balge, Konduga, Kukawa, Kwaya Kusar, Mafa, Magumeri, Maiduguri, Marte, Mobbar, Monguno, Ngala, Nganzai and Shani.
What is the population of Borno State in 2026?
Available 2026 population projections for the 27 LGAs used in this database total approximately 6.59 million people. These are projections rather than a new national census count and should therefore be labelled as estimates.
What is the land area of Borno State?
Borno State has an estimated land area of approximately 75,835 square kilometres. The individual LGA land areas used in this database total about 75,834.95 square kilometres.
Which states border Borno State?
Within Nigeria, Borno borders Yobe, Gombe and Adamawa states. Internationally, it borders Niger Republic, Chad and Cameroon.
