News
Gombe partners media to boost polio, HPV vaccine uptake
Gombe partners media to boost polio, HPV vaccine uptake
The Gombe State Government has engaged media professionals and stakeholders to strengthen awareness on polio immunisation and boost vaccine uptake ahead of upcoming campaigns across communities in the state.
The engagement, on Thursday in Gombe, is part of preparations for the May round of Intensive Supplemental National Immunisation Plus Days (SNIPDs) campaign targeting improved coverage and community participation statewide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session with journalists and social media influencers was organised by the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GSPHCDA) to enhance public communication strategies.
The agency partnered with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, World Health Organization, and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to coordinate efforts aimed at increasing awareness and acceptance of vaccines among residents.
The May campaign will focus mainly on polio vaccination and the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, targeting children and young girls to prevent disease outbreaks and long-term health complications.
Mr Abubakar Mu’azu, District Health Information Officer, (GSPHCDA), highlighted the importance of awareness, urging media stakeholders to encourage caregivers to present eligible children for vaccination during the campaign period.
Mu’azu disclosed that more than 963,000 children were vaccinated against polio during the March 2026 round but noted a decline compared to previous exercises conducted within the state.
He said more than one million children were vaccinated in June 2025, while 968,710 received doses in November, stressing the need to reverse the downward trend through intensified advocacy.
He explained that engaging the media was a strategic step to improve public trust, counter misinformation, and drive increased participation in both routine immunisation and mass vaccination campaigns statewide.
Mr John Markez, Social and Behavioural Change Consultant with UNICEF, emphasised the importance of promoting polio and HPV vaccines in preventing disease outbreaks and reducing long-term health risks among populations.
“Not all cervical cancer issues are HPV related but about 70 per cent of them are associated with HPV.
“Capturing these girls at the age of nine provides long-lasting protection,” he said.
He added that mass vaccination campaigns and routine immunisation services had significantly reduced polio risks in Nigeria compared to levels recorded about 15 to 20 years ago nationwide.
Emily Madina, Consultant with the Christian Health Association of Nigeria, reiterated the critical role of the media in driving awareness, influencing behaviour, and improving vaccine acceptance in underserved communities.
Gombe partners media to boost polio, HPV vaccine uptake
Troops Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Rescue Injured Victim in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71 of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled a kidnapping attempt along a highway in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 12:15 a.m. on May 21 when troops deployed at Ungwan Gora checkpoint responded to distress information on suspected kidnappers operating along the road at Ungwan Dariya village.
The troops reportedly moved swiftly to the location, forcing the suspected kidnappers to abandon their mission and flee into surrounding areas.
During the operation, one victim was rescued with injuries sustained during the attack.
The victim was immediately evacuated to Confidence Hospital, Fadan Karshi, for medical treatment.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while patrols had been intensified along the axis to prevent further incidents.
Troops Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Rescue Injured Victim in Kaduna
Suspected Kidnap Collaborator Dies in Custody After Arrest in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected collaborator of kidnappers has died after becoming unconscious while in military custody in Nasarawa State.
Security sources said troops of Sector 2 under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) intercepted the suspect at about 7:00 a.m. on May 19 at Ancha community in Akwanga Local Government Area.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended at Anguwan Makama following allegations of involvement in activities linked to kidnapping operations in the area.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly became unconscious.
He was immediately evacuated to Nunku Primary Health Care Centre for medical attention, where he was confirmed dead by health officials.
Sources added that the remains of the deceased were released to his family for burial in accordance with local customs.
Security authorities said further assessment would continue in line with standard procedures, while operations against kidnapping networks in the area remain ongoing.
Suspected Kidnap Collaborator Dies in Custody After Arrest in Nasarawa
U.S. AFRICOM Delegation Visits Maiduguri, Reaffirms Counterterrorism Cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
A delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has visited the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri to strengthen ongoing counterterrorism cooperation in the Lake Chad region.
Security sources said the delegation, led by the Deputy Director of Operations/Cyber, Rear Admiral Cameron Chen, arrived at Maimalari Cantonment on May 20, where they were received by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal O.F. Akinboyewa.
The visit featured a detailed briefing on the current threat assessment in the North-East and ongoing counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the theatre of operations.
Discussions during the engagement focused on enhancing intelligence sharing, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support, logistics interdiction, and improved operational coordination within the Lake Chad basin.
The delegation also reviewed ongoing multinational efforts aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and disrupting logistics networks across the region.
Security sources said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration under counterterrorism and counter-insurgency frameworks, including preparations for Operation Lake Sanity III.
The visit was described as successful and conducted without incident.
Authorities noted that international cooperation remains a key component in sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
U.S. AFRICOM Delegation Visits Maiduguri, Reaffirms Counterterrorism Cooperation
Troops Foil Protest Over Election Result Dispute in Kaduna
Troops Rescue Suspect from Mob Action Over Alleged Attempted Rape in Plateau
Troops Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Rescue Injured Victim in Kaduna
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