Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi of Borno

Abubakar ibn Umar Garba Abba Kiyari el-Kanemi (born 13 May 1957) is the shehu of the Borno Emirate, a traditional state in Nigeria. He is the son of Umar ibn Abubakar Garbai al-Kanemi (shehu in 1968–1974) and the grandson of Abubakar Garbai (shehu in 1900 and 1901–1922).

Following a long career in various local governments in Borno State, Abubakar was appointed as shehu by Governor Ali Modu Sheriff in 2009. Much of his tenure has been marked by the violent Boko Haram insurgency, which has been largely concentrated in northeastern Borno State. Abubakar narrowly avoided assassination by Boko Haram in 2012.

Early life and education Abubakar ibn Umar Garba el-Kanemi was born in Damagum, Yobe State, Nigeria on 13 May 1957. Abubakar was officially appointed as the new shehu by Ali Modu Sheriff, the governor of Borno State, on 2 March 2009.

Boko Haram crisis Since 2009, Borno State has suffered from the Boko Haram insurgency, an armed rebellion by the militant jihadist Boko Haram. Boko Haram is opposed to the political establishment and the traditional elites of northern Nigeria. Initial successes of Boko Haram in Borno State have been attributed to ethnic affiliations, since insurgents could easily hide among their relatives, as well as poor social control by traditional elders. Abubakar did not enjoy the same popularity as some of Nigeria's other traditional elders, such as the emirs of Kano or Zaria, since he had been appointed by the governor recently and never publicly condemned abuses by the Nigerian security forces. The Nigerian government of Muhammadu Buhari claimed successes against Boko Haram in 2018, though these claims were dismissed by Abubakar, who thanked the government for their efforts but stated that Borno was still suffering from killings and kidnappings at a daily basis and that "nobody dare move out of Maiduguri by 10 kilometres without being confronted, attacked by Boko Haram".

In 2020, Abubakar stated that 13 district heads in Borno had been killed by Boko Haram, and that Boko Haram had transitioned from operating near Maiduguri to setting up headquarters in other local government areas and towns in Borno. On account of the massive number of deaths and large-scale destruction of infrastructure Abubakar requested government funding for reconstruction projects. Nigeria launched a "safe corridor" programme in 2016 to de-radicalise, rehabilitate, and re-integrate former Boko Haram fighters. Abubakar criticised the programme in 2021, stating "Many people were killed along with their property for 12 years. And you people and the media expect us to forget and forgive the repentant terrorists?"

In August 2021, Abubakar stated that order had largely been restored in Borno and thanked the Buhari government for their support. Abubakar reported that all local government areas that had been under Boko Haram control had been liberated and that normal business activity had resumed across the state. The shehus of the Dikwa and Bama emirates in Borno State, relatives of Abubakar, lived in exile for much of the insurgency until both were able to be formally invested in their respective seats in February 2025. In 2024, Abubakar called on the government to "take the war to the doorsteps of the terrorists" calling for operations in areas with little to no civilian presence, such as Guzamala. In April 2025, Abubakar warned of increasing Boko Haram attacks in Borno.

Other activities Abubakar (second from the left) at a meeting of leading Nigerian emirs in 2016. He is seated between Sa'adu Abubakar (Sultan of Sokoto, left) and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (emir of Kano, right).On 13 February 2010, Abubakar was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration by the Houdegbe North American University Benin in Cotonou, Benin. As chancellor, Abubakar is the university's honorary head and is able to represent it in a ceremonial and ambassadorial capacity. He also takes precedence over all other members of the universities at meetings.

In September 2024, Abubakar encouraged President Bola Tinubu to investigate the cause of the collapse of the Alau Dam and the subsequent floodings in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Family Abubakar is married with three wives and has several children.