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Borno Floods: FG Deploys Experts to Test for Hazardous Chemicals

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Borno Floods: FG Deploys Experts to Test for Hazardous Chemicals

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has deployed a team of experts to help mitigate the effects of the flooding that ravaged parts of Borno state.

The government also announced that experts will carry out continuous water sampling and tests and identify sources of hazardous chemicals, and take proactive measures to prevent waterborne diseases in the state.

The recent flooding in Borno State, caused by the breakdown of the Alau Dam, has resulted in unprecedented devastation, with over 30 lives lost, 23,000 residential houses destroyed, and 414,000 people displaced, critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, electricity systems, healthcare facilities, and schools, severely damaged, including approximately one million people losing their source of livelihood.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, noted that he led key officials of the ministry to pay a condolence and sympathy visit to the state last Friday, towards mitigating the adverse effects that may occur as a result of the unfortunate flood incidence.
Lawal stated that it is important to focus on the urgent need for a coordinated and comprehensive response to mitigate the resultant environmental challenges posed by the flood.

He said: “During the condolence visit, I informed the Governor that the Federal Ministry of Environment will send a team of experts from the relevant department, agencies and projects to collaborate with Borno State Government in addressing the impacts of the flood.”

The minister highlighted that the ministry has consequently deployed a team of experts from the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, the Department of Forestry; the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-arid Landscape Programme Project, the Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project, the National Park Services, and the Environmental Health Council to help in mitigating the effects of the flooding.

He said: “The above team will carry out continuous water sampling and tests, identify sources of hazardous chemicals, and take proactive measures to prevent waterborne diseases. Similarly, the team will maintain continuous sampling of water sources which is essential for monitoring water quality, identifying contamination, as well as taking proactive measures to maintain public health and safety in the state. All agencies under the Ministry in Borno State have been directed to collaborate with the State Government to mitigate the effects of the flood disaster.
“So far, 100 drums of 40kg of chlorine has been deployed to Borno State to disinfect water sources, ensuring safe drinking water and preventing waterborne diseases like cholera. Furthermore, the Ministry will deploy 30,000 flyers to sensitise the public on best sanitation and hygiene practices which include proper waste disposal, frequent handwashing, and personal hygiene to reduce the spread of infections.

“Beyond immediate short-term response, the Ministry will also work closely with Borno State Government to develop comprehensive flood mitigation strategies and early warning mechanisms to safeguard against future recurrences. We will also explore avenues for collaboration with international partners to strengthen the State’s capacity for disaster risk management and climate adaptation.”

The minister commended Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum for his swift response in mobilising resources and ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities.

He said: “I am confident that under His Excellency’s capable leadership, Borno State will emerge stronger from this tragedy and the resilience of its people will once again shine through.
“I hope that together, the Federal Government will strengthen its resolve to build resilience against such environmental challenges in the future.”

Borno Floods: FG Deploys Experts to Test for Hazardous Chemicals


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Troops rescue two abducted victims, recover terrorists’ motorcycles in Katsina

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Troops rescue two abducted victims, recover terrorists’ motorcycles in Katsina

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued two abducted victims and recovered two motorcycles belonging to terrorists during a counter-terrorism operation in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The troops, deployed for counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the state, encountered an armed terrorist group while conducting routine security operations in the area.

The troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee in disarray into the surrounding terrain.

During a subsequent search and clearance operation along the terrorists’ escape route, the troops rescued two male victims who had earlier been abducted along the Dandume–Damari axis.

The troops also recovered two motorcycles reportedly used by the terrorists to conduct their criminal activities.

The rescued victims are currently receiving necessary care and assessment before being reunited with their families.

Troops have maintained a heightened state of vigilance in the general area to safeguard local communities and prevent further attacks and criminal activities along critical transit corridors.

The operation forms part of the ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist and bandit networks and restore lasting peace across the North-West.

Troops rescue two abducted victims, recover terrorists’ motorcycles in Katsina

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Troops rescue 23 abducted civilians, foil kidnapping attempt in Zamfara

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Troops rescue 23 abducted civilians, foil kidnapping attempt in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 23 abducted civilians and foiled a separate kidnapping attempt during operations in Zamfara State.

The operations were conducted as part of ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts to disrupt criminal groups operating across the state.

In Anka Local Government Area, troops on combat patrol around the outskirts of Wuya Town encountered a group of terrorists and successfully secured the release of 23 kidnapped civilians.

The victims comprised three adult males and 20 females. Preliminary debriefing revealed that they were abducted from Gummi Local Government Area and had been held in captivity for about three weeks.

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and other necessary support before being reunited with their families.

In a separate operation in Bungudu Local Government Area, troops responded to intelligence indicating that armed bandits had infiltrated Dankurmi Town with the intention of abducting residents.

The troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a heavy firefight.

The superior firepower of the troops forced the bandits to retreat without succeeding in abducting any civilian.

According to security sources, traces of blood were subsequently discovered along the terrorists’ withdrawal route, indicating that some of the attackers may have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.

Troops have maintained a strong presence in the area and are continuing operations to track the fleeing terrorists.

The latest successes further demonstrate the sustained efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to rescue abducted citizens, disrupt bandit networks and restore security across Zamfara State.

Troops rescue 23 abducted civilians, foil kidnapping attempt in Zamfara

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Troops rescue two female kidnap victims in Kogi

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Troops rescue two female kidnap victims in Kogi

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two female kidnap victims after suspected bandits invaded a farmland in Ajodomodo Village, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, when the suspected bandits reportedly invaded the farmland and abducted the two victims before fleeing the area.

Troops of the 21 Battalion Quick Reaction Force swiftly responded to the incident and pursued the fleeing criminals along their withdrawal route towards Agbodakodo Forest.

According to sources the pressure from the troops forced the abductors to abandon the victims in the forest.

The victims, identified as 15-year-old Miss Mohammed Rahinat and Mrs Hassanatu Mohammed, 30, were subsequently rescued unharmed.

The two women were evacuated to the 21 Battalion Medical Reception Station for medical attention and further assessment.

The military said troops have continued operations in the area to track the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks on farming communities.

The rescue illustrates the importance of rapid military response and timely information sharing in countering kidnapping and other criminal activities in rural communities.

Troops rescue two female kidnap victims in Kogi

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