Kidney health: Avoid excessive use of painkillers, expert urges Nigerians

By Hajara Usman

Mr Inuwa Mshelia, Chairman, National Association of Nephrology Nurses, Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Gombe Chapter, has urged Nigerians to avoid excessive consumption or use of painkillers as a way of improving their kidney health.

Mshelia who made the call during the commemoration of World Kidney Day on Thursday in Gombe said it was important for Nigerians to adopt preventive measures against kidney diseases.

He said that the World Kidney Day is observed every second Thursday of March to raise awareness about kidney health and the prevention of kidney-related diseases.

The expert said the sensitisation campaign was aimed to educate communities on the importance of early detection and proper management of kidney disease.

Mshelia said treatment for advanced kidney disease was capital-intensive, and many patients only seek medical help when the condition has already progressed to a severe stage.
“I urged members of the public to avoid excessive use of painkillers and to remain well hydrated by drinking adequate water; such lifestyle habits can help protect the kidneys.”
He added that individuals living with hypertension and diabetes are at higher risk and should regularly monitor their health.

Mshelia explained that kidney dialysis is very expensive, especially for patients who reached stage five of kidney failure, and many cannot afford the recommended dialysis sessions, which may be required up to three times a week.

He encouraged people to embrace preventive healthcare rather than waiting until the disease becomes severe.

The Nephrologist commended Usman Bello, the member representing Akko Federal Constituency, for sponsoring dialysis treatment for all patients throughout 2025.

He, however, appealed to wealthy individuals and philanthropists to support kidney patients who struggle to afford the cost of treatment.

Also speaking, Dr Alaya Rasheed, Senior Registrar in the Nephrology Department at FTH, said that over the past five years in Gombe, that kidney disease awareness campaigns are beginning to have a positive impact.

According to him, more patients are now seeking medical help earlier than before, which has improved their chances of managing the condition effectively.

Rasheed said that with proper treatment, health education and lifestyle changes, about 60 to 70 per cent of patients could slow the progression of kidney disease and may not quickly reach the stage where dialysis would be required.

“Many patients diagnosed early can remain stable for several years with proper medical care.

“However, kidney disease remains a growing concern in Nigeria.

“Current estimates indicate that between 10 and 19 per cent of Nigerians may have some form of kidney disease, meaning millions of people could be affected across the country,” Rasheed explained.

He stressed that kidney disease occurs in different stages and not all patients require dialysis or a kidney transplant, as many cases could be managed medically.

Rasheed highlighted the importance of early detection, prevention and improved access to healthcare services.

Some patients who spoke to our Correspondent in separate interviews said that paying about N75,000 for first session and subsequently N50,000 for dialysis has not been easy, more so when they required at least two to three sessions per week.

They called on well-meaning individuals to emulate Alhaji Usman Bello, who sponsored dialysis sessions throughout 2025.

Kidney health: Avoid excessive use of painkillers, expert urges Nigerians

Youth attempt to disarm soldiers enforcing curfew in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

Some youths in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State allegedly attempted to disarm soldiers enforcing a curfew before fleeing the scene, security sources have said.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:35 p.m. on March 10 when troops of the 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, were on patrol to enforce the curfew declared by the Chairman of Borgu Local Government.

According to the sources, the troops were patrolling along the Correctional Service Office area in New Bussa when they intercepted some motorcycles.

During the encounter, some aggressive youths reportedly began stoning the soldiers and attempted to struggle with them in a bid to seize a rifle, while also hurling abusive language.

The troops fired warning shots into the air to disperse the youths, who later fled the scene.

The Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service subsequently reported the incident to the police.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in New Bussa immediately mobilised more security personnel to the area, but the youths had already dispersed.

Community leaders, including the village head, were later invited and cautioned to maintain peace and ensure residents avoid confrontations or misunderstandings with security personnel.

Security sources said no arrest was made and no injury was recorded, while the military troops continued their patrol in the area.

Youth attempt to disarm soldiers enforcing curfew in Niger

ISWAP appoints Abu Ameer as new pulka commander after neutralization of Modu Kundiri

By: Zagazola Makama

Following the recent neutralization of Modu Kundiri, the senior commander (Qa’id) of Pulka camp in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has appointed a replacement to sustain its operational command in the area.

Intelligence reports obtained on the evening of March 11, 2026, revealed that ISWAP leadership quickly designated Abu Ameer as the new commander (Qa’id) of Pulka camp. The move pointed out to the group’s efforts in maintaining command continuity despite recent setbacks.

Kundiri had served as the senior commander, also known as Qa’id, of the group’s Pulka camp, a strategic operational hub located in the southern axis of Borno near the border with Adamawa State and Cameroon.

Pulka occupies a critical position in the insurgency landscape due to its geographical proximity to the border regions linking Borno State with Adamawa State and neighbouring Cameroon.

The area has historically served as a transit corridor for insurgent fighters, logistics supplies and communication networks operating across multiple theatres.

According to intelligence discussions intercepted on March 11, fighters loyal to the group are still present in Ngalta village, located between Pulka in Gwoza LGA and Madagali Local Government Area in Adamawa State.

The disclosure reportedly came during internal exchanges among insurgent members, where a fighter identified as Konto informed another member, Manya, about the continued presence of fighters in the area.

Such conversations indicated that despite losing commanders, the group continues to maintain operational cells and surveillance elements within the Pulka–Ngalta–Madagali corridor.
The continued presence of fighters in Ngalta village suggests that the insurgents may still retain limited operational capability along the Borno–Adamawa border axis. Such locations often function as temporary regrouping points or staging areas for movement between remote settlements.

The development therefore point to the need for sustained intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations across the corridor.

Zagazola emphasise the importance of maintaining strong collaboration between military forces, local vigilante groups and community intelligence networks to detect insurgent movement.

The development comes amid ongoing operations by the Nigerian military to dismantle ISWAP strongholds across the Northeast and reinforce stability in affected communities.

ISWAP appoints Abu Ameer as new pulka commander after neutralization of Modu Kundiri