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Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

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Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

By: Ladi Dapson

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns of alarming rate of acute malnutrition among children due to lack of access for humanitarian workers in Marte local government area of Borno state.

According to the United Nations agency, said protracted conflict has continued to impact on the ability of households to produce food on their farmlands and this has resulted in increased food insecurity.

UNICEF Emergency Manager, Andrea Malatesta stated shortly after field mission to Marte LGA Borno State at weekend.

He said military escorts which could take 3-5 days before its available disrupt planned activities, hinder humanitarian operations, and compromise the safety of residents and personnel in the area

“Children in northeast Nigeria are battling escalating levels of malnutrition and they need immediate, and wholistic response to address this.

“Insecurity remains the number one challenge. Access to New Marte is only possible by road and humanitarian operations rely heavily on military escort to transport personnel, supplies and other critical resources to support the local population affected by conflict.

“Being an area with security concerns, military escorts or safety sweep are required for the safe movement of individuals and goods. However, the availability of such escorts is often inconsistent or unreliable, leading to potential risks and vulnerabilities,”he worried.

Mr Andrea maintained that many households do not always get nutritious food that they need, and many adopt coping strategies like skipping meals.

“With the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), we are making sure that the therapeutic food, supplements and medications that children with SAM need are available.

“As a result, children and pregnant and lactating mothers do not have nutritious food crucial to their survival and development, hence the high cases of MAM and SAM.

“Over 460,000 children were treated for acute malnutrition across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in 2023.

“So far this year, 8,605 children between the ages of 6-59 months have been screened for malnutrition. During these screening exercises, 2,156 malnourished children were identified, admitted into the nutrition programme and they fully recovered. (1,358 severe acute malnutrition, 798 moderate acute malnutrition).” Andrea explained.

He noted that UNICEF and partner, Monclub International is using the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) programme to ensure that no child dies of malnutrition, cholera or water borne diseases in New Marte.

Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

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Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno

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Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 68 Battalion have intercepted 11 youths during a routine patrol in Mallam Fatori area of Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the interception occurred along the Bulagana–Cheisa axis on April 2 during ongoing clearance operations in the area.

According to the sources, the individuals were found moving in the area with 12 donkeys when they were stopped and briefly interrogated by troops.

The sources added that the youths were later handed over, alongside the animals, to relevant authorities in a neighbouring country for further necessary action.

The military said the patrol was part of sustained efforts to maintain security dominance and prevent exploitation of border communities by criminal elements.

Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno

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Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation

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Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 22 Brigade have recovered ammunition and other logistics items during a fighting patrol in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

A security source disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on April 2 at Daban Lema, where troops of the brigade, operating from the Patrol Base, encountered signs of suspected terrorist activities in a deserted location.

According to the source, the troops immediately carried out exploitation of the area, leading to the recovery of four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one empty PKT ammunition belt link.

Other items recovered include four mobile phones, two head warmers, two small solar panels, and assorted repair tools believed to have been used by the suspected terrorists.

The source added that the recovery indicates the presence and movement of suspected criminal elements within the area, noting that troops have intensified surveillance and patrols to deny them freedom of action.

Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation

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Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau

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Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack on residents at Dutse Uku in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A security source said the troops responded swiftly to a report of sporadic gunshots in the area at about 11:50 p.m. on April 2.

According to the source, upon arrival at the scene, the suspected criminals fled, abandoning their operation due to the prompt intervention of the troops.

He said the troops rescued two victims who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and immediately evacuated them to a hospital for medical attention.

The source further disclosed that two suspects, dressed in black attire, were arrested at the scene.

Items recovered from the suspects include a cutlass and a knife.

He added that the suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the group.

Zagazola report that despite heightened security, there has been report of pocket of attacks in some communities.

The source reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies.

Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau

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