# Damaturu

Damaturu is the capital of Yobe State in Northern Nigeria.

## Understand

Damaturu District was a colonial creation having come into existence in 1902, when it was created out of Alagarno District of Borno Emirate by the British. The carving out of the district followed the conquest of the Borno Empire in 1902 by colonial forces under the command of Colonel Morland. Damaturu local government area had a population of about 88,000 in 2006, of which 44,000 lived in the town.

## Get in

* Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MICA) (22 km from Damaturu). It does not have scheduled flights yet. (updated Jul 2024)

## Buy

* Alheri Supermarket, Opposite state Low cost housing, Damaturu-Biu Rd. Daily 8AM-9PM. In-store shopping. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
* Waro supermarket, Damaturu, ☏ +234-703-315-0707. Daily 8AM-10PM. In-store shopping. (updated Jun 2021)
* Gee & Gee Groceries Intl, Damaturu. Daily 8AM-6PM. Grocery store. In-store shopping. (updated Jun 2021)
* Kagum plaza, Maiduguri Rd. Daily 8AM-6PM. In-store shopping. (updated Jun 2021)
* Farsawa plaza, Gashua Rd, ☏ +234-703-623-0319. Daily 8AM-6PM. In-store shopping. (updated Jun 2021)

## Eat

* Mama Edo Restaurant, Damaturu-Biu Rd, ☏ +234 803-622-9805. Daily 7AM-5PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
* S.Twinkle Restaurant, Damaturu, ☏ +234 703-717-8721. Daily 8AM-9PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
* Alsudaniya Restaurant, Sabon fegi, ☏ +234 802-552-4666. Daily 9AM-5PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
* Nourish Food Restaurant and Catering Services, Maiduguri Rd, ☏ +234 806-900-1232. Daily 7AM-10PM. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021)
* AJ Mini Join, ☏ +234 813-620-2555. Daily. Takeaway. (updated Jun 2021)
* Green Place Restaurant, Potiskum Rd, ☏ +234 803 409 1111. 24 hours. (updated Dec 2021)

## Drink

In Damaturu, you’ll find a mix of local flavours and popular beverages. Here are some options you might enjoy:
* Zobo: This refreshing hibiscus drink is a favourite across Nigeria. It’s made from dried hibiscus petals, ginger, and other spices. Zobo has a tangy-sweet flavour and is often served chilled.
* Kunu: A traditional millet-based drink, kunu is both nutritious and satisfying. It can be made from either white or red millet, and it’s usually slightly fermented. Some variations include adding spices like ginger or cloves.
* Fruit juices: Look out for fresh fruit juices made from local fruits like pineapple, watermelon, or orange. These are widely available and perfect for quenching your thirst.
* Tea: Nigerians love their tea! Whether it’s plain black tea or spiced chai (known as “masala tea”), you’ll find tea stalls and vendors around town.
* Dan janga is a traditional drink made by the people of Yobe state.
* Ardeb is a traditional drink made by the people of Yobe state.
* Kunu haya (Tigernut); It is a traditional drink made from tigernut with lot of health benefits.

## Learn

* 11.67811.9461 Yobe State University (YSU), KM 7, Sir Kashim Ibrahim Way, ☏ +234 906 452 0047, ict@ysu.edu.ng. M–F 8AM-4PM. Higher institution owned by the state. Yobe State University was established in 2006 by the late Alh. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, the then Executive Governor of Yobe State. (updated Nov 2024)
* 11.747411.98392 Federal Polytechnic Damaturu (PEDPODAM), Along Maiduguri Road Opp Government Girls College, toll-free: +2 392 3929 210, info@fedpodam.edu.ng. M–F 8AM-4PM. Higher institution owned by federal government of Nigeria. (updated Nov 2024)

## Sleep

* Gaat Hotel, Near Yobe Scholars, ☏ +234-806-035-4488. Check-in: noon. Pool, free breakfast, air conditioning. ₦16,000. (updated Jun 2021)
* Zadiah Hotel, Damaturu, ☏ +234-806-869-9048. Check-out: noon. Free breakfast, free parking, air conditioning, restaurant. ₦10,350. (updated Jun 2021)
* Hayas Guest Inn (Hayas), Central Roundabout, Gujba Road (Along Potiskum/Damaturu/Maiduguri road). Check-out: noon. ₦10,000. (updated Jul 2024)
* Titte Guest Inn, 15-17 Njiwaji Layout, Buba Galima St. ₦12,500. (updated Jul 2024)
* Lale Guest Inn, Near Gidan marayu, jurisalam damaturu. ₦10,500. (updated Jul 2024)
* Oasis hotel, Maiduguri Road Behind Diamondzenith Bank, Sabon Fegi Ward, ☏ +234 814 880 8800, +234 700 880 8800, reservations@hotels.ng. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. ₦8,000. (updated Jul 2024)
* Classic Montage Hotel, Sabon Fegi, ☏ +234 814 880 8800. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. ₦13,750. (updated Jul 2024)
* Rahama Lodge, Bukar Abba Ibrahim Way, August 27 Stadium, ☏ +234 814 880 8800, +234 700 880 8800. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Jul 2024)

## Stay safe

Boko Haram jihadist insurgents have been active in Damaturu, including a bombing in 2015 which killed 16 people.

## Go next

* Maiduguri
* Gashua
* Kano
* Gombe
* Potiskum