Alleged terrorism: Rescued victims filed complaints against Tukur Mamu- DSS Witness

A Department of State Services (DSS)’ investigator, on Thursday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that many of the rescued victims of the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna bound train attack lodged complaints in their office against alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu.

The DSS operative, who testified as 6th prosecution witness (PW-6) in the ongoing terrorism trial of Mamu, made the disclosure to Justice Mohammed Umar while being cross-examined by the defence counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN.

The lawyer had asked the witness, who gave his testimony behind a witness screen for security reasons, “to confirm to court if any of the rescue victims, including the wife of the Commandant in Jaji, made any complaint against the defendant to the DSS.”

Responding, the witness said: “Yes, my lord.”

When Usman further asked the witness if the complaint by the rescued victims was either in writing or oral, he said it was in writing.

The DSS’ lawyer, David Kaswe, however, prayed the court to restrain Usman from delving into questions that might touch on the identity of victims or witnesses in the case since the court had granted protection to all.

Responding, Usman told the court that none of the names he called was a witness before the court.

“Even though my lord has granted an order for trial in camera, a trial in camera is not to prejudice the defendant,” he said.

The witness said he interviewed six victims in the course of the investigation.

When he was asked if the six victims were interviewed in the presence of Mamu, the PW-6 responded in the negative.

The witness told the court that he was not a vocologist, having not studied sound in higher institution.

He, however, confirmed that the audio exhibit tendered by the prosecution was the extract of the transcribed audio between Mamu and the terrorists.

When he was asked if he interviewed a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), he said the army chief was not interviewed.

The witness, however, admitted that General Abdulkadir Abubakar was interviewed in the course of investigation.

“When you interviewed him, was it in the presence of the defendant?” the lawyer asked and he said: “No my lord.”

“Did you interview Sheikh Gumi?” Usman asked and the witness responded in the affirmative.

“Was it in the presence of the defendant?” Usman asked.

“No my lord,” the witness responded.

“Did you interview Major General Idris Garba?”

“No my lord,” the PW-6 said.

“Did you interview General Jalingo?” the lawyer asked, and he said: “Yes, my lord.”

The witness said General Jalingo was not interviewed in Mamu’s presence.

“Finally, did you interviewed Hannafi of Defence Military Intelligence,” the lawyer asked and the witness responded in the negative.

“Confirm to court, whether at any time in the course of your investigation, you brought members of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Committee for interview in the presence of the defendant,” Usman asked and the witness responded in the negative.

“Please confirm whether you are aware that the defendant has requested that you brought members of the CDS Committee face to face with him for interview,” the lawyer asked and the witness said: “Yes, he did.”

“Confirm whether the request of the defendant to have the CDS and others involved gathered together for interrogation was granted,” Usman asked, and the witness said:”No, my lord.”

When Usman asked the witness to confirm that Mamu told him that he is a publisher of a newspaper and magazine, the witness said: “Yes, he said so.”

When the lawyer asked the witness to confirm that Mamu told him his means of income was derived from his journalism business, the PW-6 said: “Yes, he claimed “

“As investigator, did you investigate this claim,” the lawyer asked.

“Yes, we did,” he responded.

After the cross-examination, Kaswe told the court the prosecution’s intention to close its case.

“So that we can allow the defendant to enter his defence if they are ready,” he said.

But Usman told the court that they would rather apply for a date to open their defence, .

“We will not file a no-case submission so that the world can see it and God can see it all,” he said.

Justice Umar adjourned the matter until April 23 for Mamu to open his defence.

Alleged terrorism: Rescued victims filed complaints against Tukur Mamu- DSS Witness

Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage

By: Michael Mike

Bauchi State Government has intensified collaboration with international health partners to curb the spread of diphtheria, address rising malnutrition cases and strengthen routine immunisation across the state.

The Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwan Muhammad, disclosed this while briefing journalists on recent public health interventions and outcomes recorded by the state.

He said Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has continued to play a key role in supporting Bauchi’s response to diphtheria following an increase in reported cases.

According to him, MSF initially operated a Diphtheria Treatment Centre at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital but later relocated due to pressure on space caused by rising admissions.

Muhammad explained that the state government provided land within the Specialist Hospital premises, where MSF established a new treatment centre that has grown from an initial 40-bed capacity to 50 beds to meet increasing demand.

He noted that diphtheria vaccination exercises conducted in parts of Bauchi Local Government Area in December 2025 and January 2026 significantly reduced cases in previously affected communities. However, he said infections are still being recorded in areas yet to benefit from the campaign.

“Plans are ongoing for a third round of vaccination, which will be extended to other locations where cases are still emerging,” he said.

On malnutrition, Muhammad described child stunting as a major challenge in the state, prompting the involvement of MSF. He revealed that the organisation established a 350-bed malnutrition treatment centre in Ganjuwa Local Government Area, offering free medical services and nutritional support to affected children and their caregivers.

He added that the facility often experiences high patient inflow, particularly during peak periods, with families travelling from neighbouring states to access treatment.

Highlighting recent achievements, the Board Chairman announced that Bauchi recorded 95 per cent coverage during the measles-rubella vaccination campaign carried out in October 2025. He attributed the success to early planning, community sensitisation and strong advocacy at the grassroots level.

Muhammad also acknowledged the contributions of development partners such as UNICEF and E-Health Africa, while disclosing that the state plans to introduce the malaria vaccine later this year, following pilot programmes in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.

He commended the media for its role in raising awareness about vaccination and early treatment of childhood illnesses, stressing that public enlightenment remains critical to disease prevention.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations have continued to warn about worsening malnutrition in northern Nigeria. MSF has repeatedly raised concerns since 2022, while the United Nations World Food Programme recently cautioned that food insecurity in conflict-affected parts of the North-East could place millions of children at risk of malnutrition in 2026.

Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI engage terrorists in dawn battles, neutralized several ISWAP fighters in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have dealt a significant blow to insurgent activities in the North East following coordinated dawn operations that neutralized several terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition.

In a well-orchestrated operation on Jan. 28, troops of Sector 1 launched a surprise dawn attack at Bula Dalo, neutralizing several terrorists and forcing the remaining insurgents to flee.

Security sources confirmed that four AK-47 rifles, a PKT anti-aircraft gun, a Rocket Propelled Gun, and a multiple grenade launcher were recovered during the operation.

In a follow-up operation at Garno terrorist camp, Sector 1 troops further degraded insurgent capabilities by neutralizing six terrorists, destroying life-support structures, and recovering a substantial quantity of PKT anti-aircraft ammunition.

The operations have been described as a major setback for insurgent logistics and operational capacity in the area.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 at Sabon Gari faced an attack by ISWAP fighters supported by multiple armed drones in the early hours of Jan. 29. Though the insurgents briefly breached part of the defensive position, gallant troops swiftly repelled the assault, restored full control, and denied the attackers any further gain.

The encounter led to casualties among some troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, while an excavator and a lowbed were damaged during the drone attack.

Security officials said exploitation of the area is ongoing as forces continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement and protect local communities from further attacks.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI engage terrorists in dawn battles, neutralized several ISWAP fighters in Borno