Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu is a distinguished senior officer in the Nigerian Army whose professional contributions were most visible during the height of Nigeria’s campaign against Boko Haram in the North-East. His leadership period, particularly between 2018 and 2019, coincided with one of the most demanding phases of the country’s long counter-insurgency effort.
He was appointed Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Nigerian Army, on 25 May 2018, succeeding Major General Ibrahim Yusuf. The 7 Division, headquartered in Maiduguri, Borno State, plays a central role in Operation Lafiya Dole, the operational framework created to reclaim territories occupied by insurgents and restore civil authority in the region.
Before his appointment, Biu served at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja as Deputy Director, Human Factor, where he worked on operational planning and personnel management. This administrative experience strengthened his reputation as a disciplined, methodical, and people-centred officer.
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Leadership and Counter-Insurgency Operations.
Upon assuming command, Major General Biu pledged to consolidate the efforts of his predecessor and intensify the assault against insurgent strongholds. His leadership style was marked by hands-on engagement. He frequently visited front-line locations such as Bama, Gwoza, Monguno, and Gajigana, directly addressing soldiers and reaffirming the importance of morale, discipline, and professional conduct.
Biu also urged greater collaboration between the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), advocating a unified operational approach. His visits to forward bases strengthened troops’ confidence and emphasised that courage and ethical behaviour were as vital as tactical success.
Under his command, the 7 Division participated in several joint operations along the Nigeria–Cameroon border, aimed at preventing insurgents from exploiting porous boundaries to regroup or launch attacks. These cross-border actions reflected the multinational security cooperation underpinning Operation Lafiya Dole.
Public Engagement and Advocacy for Deradicalisation.
In July 2019, Major General Biu attracted national attention for a public statement made in Maiduguri, urging Boko Haram members to surrender and embrace peace. Speaking to journalists, he declared that any repentant fighter could “aspire to any position in this country, including the presidency,” if genuinely committed to national reconciliation.
His statement aligned with Nigeria’s Operation Safe Corridor, the official programme for the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-insurgents. Though Biu was not directly involved in the policy’s formulation, his public endorsement underscored a pragmatic understanding of counter-insurgency, one that extended beyond battlefield tactics to include moral rehabilitation and national healing.
This approach demonstrated a commander who recognised that long-term peace required not only defeating insurgents militarily but also reintegrating those who renounced violence.
Civil–Military Relations and Ethical Command.
Major General Biu’s tenure also reflected the Army’s effort to improve civil–military relations in conflict-affected communities. His addresses consistently emphasised respect for human rights, protection of civilians, and cooperation with humanitarian agencies.
Although there is no record of him founding a separate outreach initiative, his leadership conformed with the Nigerian Army’s “Hearts and Minds” campaign, a doctrine promoting public trust and community rebuilding in liberated areas. This ethos was particularly vital in Borno State, where years of conflict had eroded confidence between citizens and the military.
Through his measured communication and disciplined approach, Biu helped reinforce the message that the Nigerian Army remained both a protector and partner to the people.
Traditional Recognition: Sarkin Yakin Biu.
On 30 August 2025, reputable national media, including Vanguard News, reported that His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, the Emir of Biu, had announced the conferment of the traditional title “Sarkin Yakin Biu” (Warrior of Biu) on Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu (Retired).
The turbaning ceremony, scheduled for 11 October 2025, was described by the Emirate Council as an acknowledgment of the officer’s “courage, patriotism, and service to the homeland.”
In Northern Nigerian culture, such titles symbolise more than ceremonial honour; they serve as a bridge between modern state institutions and indigenous authority systems. The Emir’s recognition therefore represented both a military and moral validation of Biu’s contributions to peace and stability.
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Gaps in the Public Record.
Despite his prominence, public biographical information about Major General Biu remains limited. Nigerian Army publications and mainstream newspapers document his appointments, operational statements, and field activities, but not his birthdate, educational background, or family details. This omission is consistent with the security protocols governing senior military officers.
Occasional community reports and alumni references appear online but cannot be independently verified through official military sources. What is clear, however, is that no credible publication reports him as deceased. As of 2025, verified coverage confirms that he remains active and was honoured publicly by the Emir of Biu.
Legacy and Impact of General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu.
Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu’s verified record portrays him as a disciplined commander who combined tactical competence with a humane approach to warfare. His leadership period marked a transition in Nigeria’s war against Boko Haram, from large-scale territorial recovery to stabilisation and social rehabilitation.
His public advocacy for repentance and reintegration introduced an element of moral persuasion within Nigeria’s broader counter-insurgency strategy. This outlook aligned with global best practices in peace-building, where sustainable security is achieved through reconciliation as much as enforcement.
The conferment of Sarkin Yakin Biu by his home emirate further anchored his professional achievements within a cultural framework that prizes service and loyalty. For many observers, Biu represents a generation of officers who blended military professionalism with civic responsibility.
The verified record of Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu captures a significant chapter in Nigeria’s continuing struggle against insurgency and extremism. His command of 7 Division contributed to reinforcing military discipline, promoting humane engagement, and strengthening community confidence in the Nigerian Army.
Author’s Note
His call for insurgents to surrender and rebuild their lives remains one of the most memorable expressions of reconciliation within modern Nigerian military history. The Sarkin Yakin Biu title now stands as both cultural and historical recognition of his service — symbolising courage, integrity, and dedication to peace.
References:
1. Daily Post Nigeria. “Brig-Gen. Abdulmalik Biu assumes office as Acting GOC 7 Division.” 25 May 2018.
2. Channels Television. “An Ex-Boko Haram Can Become President, Says Army GOC.” 21 July 2019.
3. Vanguard News. “Buratai’s Legacy Shines as Emir of Biu Confers ‘Sarkin Yakin’ Title on Gen Bulama.” 30 August 2025.
