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Health Care in Part of Zamfara in Jeopardy as MSF Vacate with Resumption of Hostilities

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Health Care in Part of Zamfara in Jeopardy as MSF Vacate with Resumption of Hostilities

By: Michael Mike

Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) also known as Doctors Without Borders has vacated part of Zamfara State due to renewed armed confrontation in the state.

The institution in a statement on Friday said continuous heavy fighting has been taking place in Zurmi town since 10 December, with some of the confrontations occurring dangerously close to a hospital supported by Médecins sans Frontières (MSF).

It decried that these armed clashes have provoked the displacement of thousands of people in need of security, shelter and access to basic services, but insisted that humanitarian support is needed to help those in dire need of assistance.

The statement revealed that faced with important security risks, MSF medical teams on the ground had to evacuate part of its staff and are unable to function optimally, having to suspend the provision of healthcare to communities outside of the town, noting that in this context, the team is concerned about patients in need of medical treatment as they are unable to reach the hospital in a safe manner.

MSF deputy field coordinator in Zurmi, Adjide Hermann, was quoted in the statement to have said: “Some of the patients refuse to leave the hospital out of fear” while explaining that “we had no choice but to reduce part of our team, and the staffs who are still working at the hospital are afraid of what is going to happen next”.

MSF country representative, Dr. Simba Tirima, expressed deep concern, stating that: “This situation is untenable; we urgently appeal to the parties involved in the conflict to cease their hostilities to protect the population. This is also crucial to safeguard the medical mission and to maintain the safety of patients and medical staff”.

The statement said while the hostilities continue, sick and wounded patients are those facing greatest humanitarian and health needs as they struggle to access healthcare. The December spike in extreme violence, including killings and kidnappings, comes within a wider context of insecurity in Zamfara state, noting that the ongoing level of insecurity has forced the displacement of thousands of people. In Zurmi, most of these people are forced to live in unsanitary conditions, in two unofficial camps and schools serving as temporary shelters.

According to the statement with violent clashes taking place a few meters from the hospital compound on the 11 December, MSF was no longer able to guarantee the safety of patients or staff.

Herman said: “There was intense crossfire, we saw cars set on fire. Our team had to seek shelter in the hospital for a long time,” adding that only two days later, a second attack obliged the team to sleep in the security room inside the hospital.

Dr. Tirima added that: “Our teams are committed to provide medical support to Nigerian population in Zamfara state, we will do our best to maintain the operations, but we wish to see improvements in the security situation to be able to provide the appropriate medical care.”

In recent years, northwest Nigeria has been hit by an unprecedented wave of kidnappings, killings, displacements, and disruption of socio-economic activities due to the rise of armed bandits in the region.

In 2023, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, MSF teams carried out 448 surgical interventions, provided 700 emergency consultations and assisted 5,674 deliveries in the General hospital in Zurmi. MSF also implements activities in the Shinkafi general hospital, and in Talata Mafara and Gummi with pediatric units and malnutrition centers.

Health Care in Part of Zamfara in Jeopardy as MSF Vacate with Resumption of Hostilities

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Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State

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Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops under Operation MESA have arrested two suspected terrorist logistics couriers along the Obajana–Kabba road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Sources said the operation was conducted at about 0010hrs on April 20, following credible intelligence report on the movement of suspected terrorist logistics couriers.

Troops of 12 Brigade mounted a snap checkpoint at RA Oshokoshoko and intercepted a vehicle conveying the suspects en route Obajana from Makurdi.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a sack containing 314 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and three AK-47 magazines, concealed behind the driver’s seat.

Other items recovered include two mobile phones, a driver’s licence, a National Identification Number (NIN) slip, and an identity card.

The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.

Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State

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Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa

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Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Nasarawa State have intercepted stolen livestock allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Bokkos in Plateau State and sold through illicit channels, leading to the arrest of a suspect who claimed to have purchased the animals from a paramount ruler.

Police sources said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia on April 19 regarding suspicious cattle being traded at the Lafia cattle market.

Acting on the tip-off, detectives swiftly mobilised to the market and arrested one Alhaji Ziya-U Inusa, a resident of Dengi in Plateau State, who was found in possession of eleven cows suspected to have been stolen.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he purchased twelve cows from a paramount ruler in Plateau State (name withheld) but transported only eleven due to limited vehicle capacity.

Further investigation led to the emergence of one Abdullahi Adamu from Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, who identified himself as the rightful owner of the recovered livestock.

Adamu explained that the cows were part of a larger herd of 57 cattle rustled in May 2025 by armed youths in Bokkos, adding that all previous efforts to recover the animals had been unsuccessful until the latest operation.

Security sources confirmed that the recovered cattle have been secured, while investigations are ongoing to unravel the network involved in the rustling and illicit sale of the livestock, including the alleged role of intermediaries and buyers.

The incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks against the livelihoods of pastoralist communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and other parts of Plateau State.

Zagazola has consistently reported how Berom militia have engaged in livestock theft. In most cases, the victims (Fulani herders) are killed and buried in shallow graves, while in some instances, troops or police intercept the criminals and recover the stolen livestock.

The latest such incident occurred on April 16, when troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded to a rustling incident in Mangu Local Government Area, where suspected criminals fled before security forces arrived.

Similarly, on April 15, troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) recovered 48 rustled cattle in Yelwa village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Sources said the recovery followed a distress call received at about 0635 hours reporting the rustling of cattle belonging to a resident of the community.

In another operation on April 13, troops foiled an attempted cattle rustling in Bassa Local Government Area, recovering 92 cattle after pursuing suspected youths who abandoned the animals while fleeing.

Zagazola reports that such incidents are among the main triggers of the cycle of reprisal attacks, further escalating tensions in affected communities.

Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa

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VP Shettima, Governor Buni attend Zulum’s children’s wedding Fatiha in Maiduguri.

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VP Shettima, Governor Buni attend Zulum’s children’s wedding Fatiha in Maiduguri.

By: Yahaya Wakili

Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima GCON; His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudden Abbas; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; governors; emirs; and other dignitaries attend the wedding Fatiha of the children of Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State became the Wali of the groom, Muhammad Idi Barde Gubana, the son of the deputy governor of Yobe State, while Alhaji Muhammad Indimi was the Wali to the bride, Aisha Babagana Umara Zulum, the daughter of the governor of Borno State.

The marriage contract was finally sealed after the confirmation of the presentation of the medical certificate of fitness and 12 gold coins, and it was officiated by Imam Shettima Mamman Saleh, the chief imam of the Borno State Emirate Council, who offered prayers to Almighty Allah for the success of the marriage.

Also in attendance were the governors of Gombe, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa states as well as the deputy governor of Imo state.

Other dignitaries in attendance include the minister of budget and economic planning, former secretary to the Yobe state government Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali MNI, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Speaker of the Gombe state House of Assembly, Yobe state Head of Civil Service Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, and heads of agencies and parastatals.

The wedding Fatiha also witnesses the royal highnesses and fathers included. His Highness, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Abali Muhammad Idriss, CON, CFR; Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II; Emir of Machina; Damaturu; Gudi; Fune; Jajere; Ngelzarma; as well as over thirty emirs from Borno State

VP Shettima, Governor Buni attend Zulum’s children’s wedding Fatiha in Maiduguri.

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