Jere is a Local Government Area in Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria, headquartered at Khaddamari on the outskirts of Maiduguri. Together with Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere forms greater Maiduguri, with the LGA wrapping around the state capital on three sides. The LGA covers approximately 868 km² and recorded a 2006 census population of 211,204, with current estimates above 470,000. the township postal code is 600252, used across the LGA’s Jere and adjoining districts.
Towns and Villages
The LGA contains the following named settlements:
| Settlement | Settlement | Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Addamari | Alau | Bale-Galtimari |
| Dala-Lawanti | Dusuman | Gamboru |
| Gongulong | Jere | Koshebe |
| Lawanti | Maimusari | Mashamari |
| Masu | Ngudda | Tuba |
Geography
Jere lies on the Chad Basin plains at 300–350 m elevation, completely encircling Maiduguri MMC to its north, east and south. The Ngadda river system and the Alau dam reservoir lie within the LGA, supplying Maiduguri’s water needs. Sahel-savanna vegetation dominates, with seasonal flooding along the Ngadda flood-plain.
Demographics
The 2006 census recorded 211,204 residents; current estimates exceed 470,000, driven partly by displacement from rural Borno during the Boko Haram insurgency. The Kanuri are the dominant indigenous group, with Shuwa Arab, Hausa and Fulani minorities. Hausa, Kanuri and English are the working languages; Islam predominates.
Economy and Local Life
Jere functions as Maiduguri’s commuter and market belt. Alau on the southern edge hosts the Alau dam and a major fish market. Gongulong and Dusuman are rapidly urbanising as Maiduguri expands. Agriculture (sorghum, millet, vegetables) persists in the outer wards, with irrigated farming around the dam.
Administrative Divisions
Jere LGA contains the Jere district with 15 major settlements: Addamari, Alau, Bale-Galtimari, Dala-Lawanti, Dusuman, Gamboru, Gongulong, Jere, Khaddamari (council headquarters), Koshebe, Lawanti, Maimusari, Mashamari, Masu, Ngudda and Tuba.
History
Jere LGA was created in 1996 by the Sani Abacha administration when it was carved out of the parent Maiduguri MMC area. The Jere clan of the Kanuri trace their origin to pre-Sayfawa migrations into the Lake Chad basin. The Alau dam, completed in 1986, anchored development along the LGA’s southern edge.
Getting There
Jere is reached via all major roads radiating from Maiduguri including the Maiduguri–Damaturu road through Gongulong and the Maiduguri–Bama road through Alau. Maiduguri International Airport lies on the LGA’s western fringe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jere?
Jere is a Local Government Area in Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria, surrounding Maiduguri on three sides and forming part of greater Maiduguri.
What is the population of Jere?
The 2006 census recorded 211,204 residents in Jere LGA. Current estimates exceed 470,000.
How big is Jere?
Jere LGA covers approximately 868 square kilometres on the Chad Basin plains around Maiduguri.
What is the headquarters of Jere?
The administrative headquarters of Jere LGA is at Khaddamari, on the outskirts of Maiduguri.
What towns are in Jere?
Jere contains 15 major settlements: Khaddamari (headquarters), Addamari, Alau, Bale-Galtimari, Dala-Lawanti, Dusuman, Gamboru, Gongulong, Jere, Koshebe, Lawanti, Maimusari, Mashamari, Masu, Ngudda and Tuba.
What is Jere famous for?
Jere hosts the Alau dam which supplies Maiduguri’s water, plus Maiduguri International Airport on its western fringe. The LGA forms the rural-urban transition zone around the Borno State capital.