News
WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria

WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has advised public and private sector leaders to work together to tackle the root causes of hunger and build peace in Nigeria,
This advice was given by the Executive Director of the UN agency, Cindy McCain
while concluding a visit to Nigeria, stressed that there was urgent need for this step to be taken amidst rising food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria,
A statement by the WFP made available to our correspondent on Monday, said despite its huge agricultural potential, Nigeria is now in the grips a widespread humanitarian crisis driven by poverty, recurring conflicts, and climate shocks – with 32 million people struggling to feed themselves.
The statement said during McCain’s five-day visit to Nigeria, she witnessed firsthand how conflict, climate shocks, and high food and fuel prices are driving millions into acute hunger and malnutrition.
The statement quoted McCain to have said: “What I have seen and heard during my visit to Damasak, in Borno State, is deeply disturbing. An urgent humanitarian crisis is unfolding in northern Nigeria, as the number of children with acute malnutrition soars and the ongoing conflict prevents millions from returning to their homes and lands,” adding that: “People there desperately need peace and stability, so farming and food production can restart and this hunger crisis can be halted in its tracks.”
According to the statement, the prolonged humanitarian crisis – worsened by an economic slowdown, high inflation, rising food prices, and the recent floods – is endangering the lives of children, pregnant women and girls, and entire communities. Over 3.6 million people in northeastern and northwestern states have been forcibly displaced by conflict and are not able to access their farmlands or engage in other economic activities. With devastating flooding hitting Maiduguri in September – described as the worst in 30 years – more than 400,000 people have also been temporarily displaced in and around the city.
The statement further said malnutrition is rising, with nine million children at risk of acute malnutrition in the country. The number of children admitted for severe and moderate acute malnutrition has risen by 40 and 70 percent compared to 2023.
It said WFP is on the ground, supporting government-led efforts responding to the most urgent needs, and doing all it can. So far this year, WFP has assisted 1.6 million people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, distributing 32,000 metric tons of food and US$40 million in cash entitlements, decrying that the scale of the crisis calls for a response that goes beyond these badly-needed humanitarian interventions.
The statement said while in Abuja and Lagos, McCain engaged with senior government and private sector leaders, creative industries, international financial institutions, the United Nations, and donor representatives to explore African-led solutions, and discuss the role of the private sector and entrepreneurship in addressing food insecurity and youth employment.
It said McCain noted that “WFP’s commitment to delivering lifesaving assistance and tackling the root causes of hunger in Nigeria is stronger than ever. By mobilizing funding, technology, and ambitious new partnerships between the private and public sectors, we can support rural livelihoods, strengthen food systems and offer sustainable solutions to food insecurity that empower local communities,”
It admitted that Nigeria – West Africa’s most populous and largest economy – has the potential to play an outsize role in stabilizing the region and helping to ensure sustainable food security and nutrition for millions, provided the country receives the attention commensurate with its strategic importance.
The statement revealed that WFP is working with the Government of Nigeria and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on a ground-breaking food systems programme that will help communities escape the cycle of conflict by building the resilient, inclusive and effective food systems they need to achieve self-reliance.
Through the “Out of Conflict, into Solutions” food systems strategy, WFP will seek to address post-harvest losses, limited access to agricultural inputs, poor dietary diversity and limited access to food in Nigeria.
It further said: “Agriculture is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy – providing employment to more than a third of the labor force – up to 80 percent in rural areas. The private sector is one of the key contributors to developing extensive supply chains, including production, processing, manufacturing and distributions.”
It however explained that WFP needs US$228 million to stave off catastrophe in northeast Nigeria and meet the food and nutrition needs of 1.6 million over the next six months.
WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
News
Despite peace deal, bandits abduct 40 worshippers during early morning prayers in Tsafe, Zamfara

Despite peace deal, bandits abduct 40 worshippers during early morning prayers in Tsafe, Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Barely a day after reports of peace deals in parts of the North West, armed bandits struck again on Monday morning, abducting about 40 worshippers from a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from community sources that the attack occurred during dawn prayers at about 5:30 a.m., when the gunmen stormed the mosque, surrounded it, and whisked away the worshippers at gunpoint.
Local sources disclosed that the abductors later moved the captives into the forests around the Gohori axis in Tsafe.
The incident has thrown the rural community into confusion and despair, coming at a time when local leaders and some armed groups in Katsina and neighbouring states had reportedly entered into truces aimed at reducing attacks.
The attack pointed at the fragility of ongoing peace arrangements in the region, where heavily armed groups continue to operate with impunity despite dialogue initiatives.
“The bandits have no command, structure and control. You can negotiate with bandits in Katsina while they continue to strike in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kaduna State, a local source told Zagazola.
As at the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from security authorities in Zamfara State.
Despite peace deal, bandits abduct 40 worshippers during early morning prayers in Tsafe, Zamfara
News
Despite peace deal process, troops repel bandit ambush in Faskari, Katsina

Despite peace deal process, troops repel bandit ambush in Faskari, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMAN (OPFY) have repelled a bandit ambush in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina, despite a recently brokered peace deal in the axis.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred when the convoy of the Commanding Officer, 382 Army Regiment, came under attack at Ruwan Godiya crossing point along Sheme–Kankara road.
The officer was on a routine operational visit to Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Faskari, Mabai and Dan Ali, covering Faskari, Kankara and Danmusa Local Government Areas, when the ambush took place.
Troops fought through the attack and extricated the convoy to safety. Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately treated at FOB Mabai before evacuation to 17 Brigade Medical Centre.
Sources described the response of the troops as gallant, noting that their swift action prevented further casualties and foiled the terrorists’ plot.
The attack came on the day community leaders and bandit representatives reached a local peace agreement in Faskari, aimed at halting hostilities and restoring normalcy.
Security sources told Zagazola that the development point to the fragile nature of such arrangements and the continued need for vigilance across frontline areas.
Despite peace deal process, troops repel bandit ambush in Faskari, Katsina
News
Peace Deal in Faskari Sparks Questions Over Bandits Foreign Travels to Saudi Arabia

Peace Deal in Faskari Sparks Questions Over Bandits Foreign Travels to Saudi Arabia
By: Zagazola Makama
The recent peace dialogue held in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State has not only drawn attention for the attendance of top bandit leaders but also raised questions over how some of them were able to travel abroad despite being on security watchlists.
Among those present was Malam Hassan Dan Tawawe, a notorious figure from Katsina who was once listed among the country’s most wanted bandit kingpins.
During the parley, Dan Tawawe joined other leaders, including Ado Aleru, Babaro, and Isiya Kwashen-Garwa, in agreeing to terms of peace such as safe entry into towns without arms, freedom of captives without ransom, mutual forgiveness, and unhindered farming and grazing across the North West.
Observers, however, noted that Dan Tawawe appeared at the event wearing a pilgrim’s cloth, reportedly issued during the 2025 Hajj exercise, bearing the badge of the Kaaba. This, they argue, confirms he had recently travelled to Saudi Arabia and returned safely through one of Nigeria’s official airports.
Dan Tawaye also has his passport processed through the Nigerian Immigration Service and Screened with his National Identification Number.
The development has revived concerns about how more than 14 bandits, including some of the most dangerous and wanted criminals, travelled to Saudi Arabia undetected in recent months.
Questions continue to trail how they passed through airports in Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, and even Abuja without being flagged by security agencies, despite their names being linked to terrorism and banditry.
While Nigerians, residents of Faskari and surrounding communities have welcomed the peace pact, many say the revelation brings to light the lingering weaknesses in Nigeria’s border control and airport screening systems.
It also exposed the complicity of those responsible for organising the Hajj Operations.
Peace Deal in Faskari Sparks Questions Over Bandits Foreign Travels to Saudi Arabia
-
News2 years ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns2 years ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS2 years ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions2 years ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
News5 months ago
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS