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How MSF supported the fight against the meningitis outbreak in northwest Nigeria

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How MSF supported the fight against the meningitis outbreak in northwest Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

For several weeks, MSF teams in Northwest Nigeria battled a meningitis outbreak, providing vital care for hundreds of patients and supporting a mass vaccination campaign. It was a mobilization that significantly contributed to saving lives and reducing the number of cases.


In the first days of February 2025, many men, women, and children in northwestern Nigeria suddenly became very ill. Some experienced convulsions or became unconscious. For those affected, the cause of the mystery disease was not immediately clear.


“I woke up one morning with pain in the neck, stiffness in one leg, and back pain,” said 26-year-old Aisha Faruq, while recovering in the MSF-supported General Hospital of Gwandu, a local government area (LGA) in Kebbi, the most northwestern state of Nigeria. “I vaguely remember what happened next, like going to school. That’s where I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was here.”
As hospitals filled with patients, MSF health educators connected with the hardest hit communities to raise awareness and direct residents to MSF-supported medical facilities.
“Initially, community members often thought they had contracted malaria, as they were suffering from fever and headache,” said David Musa, an MSF community health educator in Gwandu. “But some distinct symptoms such as neck stiffness or brain swelling in infants alerted health professionals that we were dealing with something else.”
Soon after, the cause was officially confirmed: meningitis was behind the surge in admissions to health facilities in Kebbi and Sokoto states.


Rapid care is vital
Meningitis is considered a major global health threat. According to a study based on 2021 data and published in The Lancet, more than 2 million cases of meningitis are estimated to occur globally each year, with over 200,000 resulting in death. 
The disease, which records recurrent outbreaks in the vast African belt area stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia – known as the “meningitis belt” – is highly lethal if left untreated. Studies show that 50 to 80 percent of patients may die without prompt medical care.


Meningitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections and spreads from person to person by respiratory droplets, throat secretions, or by faecal contamination. Bacterial meningitis – commonly found in Nigeria – is the most serious type of meningitis and can cause inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.


To help authorities respond to this very dangerous outbreak, MSF teams in Kebbi and Sokoto states quickly provided support by deploying staff and medical supplies to hard-hit areas, expanding bed capacity in several health facilities, training medical staff from the state ministries of health, and launching awareness-raising campaigns.


“In Kebbi, where most cases were reported, we admitted over 500 patients in the first 12 days of our intervention in the LGAs of Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero,” said Dr. Sham’un Abubakar, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Kebbi. “Even with the additional beds we installed, we had to place mattresses on the floor to accommodate the overflow of patients.”


Over a nine-week period, 2,095 patients were admitted for meningitis in the facilities supported by MSF in Kebbi.
In neighbouring Sokoto state, MSF teams supported case management (including remote assistance), training, and the supply of medical supplies in five primary health care centres and two general hospitals in Tambuwal LGA. 


By early May, MSF teams in Sokoto had treated a total of 880 meningitis patients in MSF-supported facilities.
Meningitis can affect people of all ages, but the highest proportion of reported cases is among children aged 1 to 15 years. Children under the age of five, due to their weaker immune systems, are especially at high risk of dying.


“Unfortunately, survivors are also at risk of developing long-term neurological and cognitive problems,” said Dr. Abubakar. “Patients may suffer hearing loss, vision problems, and seizures, as well as increased pressure on the skull and brain. Many survivors also remain at risk of experiencing a stroke.”


Ten-month-old Sha’ayau was admitted to the Jega General Hospital in late April with multiple symptoms, including brain swelling. He was discharged many days later but referred to a specialist to evaluate potential neurological complications.
“His older brother was hospitalized [for meningitis] weeks ago,” said his mother, Saratu Hamza. “But now he has lost his hearing.”


A mass vaccination campaign
While providing rapid treatment is key to preventing fatalities and long-term consequences, fighting meningitis also requires vaccinating as many people as possible to break the transmission chain. 
“Conducting a mass vaccination is essential, as it provides immunity against the disease for up to five to eight years, hence significantly reducing the risk of infection – even in the event of another outbreak,” said Dr. Abubakar.


In Kebbi state, MSF teams partnered with UNICEF and WHO to support the state Ministry of Health in setting up an immunization campaign. In just one week, close to half a million people were vaccinated, with two thirds of them under the age of 15.
While official figures are still being compiled, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recorded more than 4,000 meningitis cases nationwide between early February and early May. Seventy percent of those cases were treated in MSF-supported facilities in Kebbi and Sokoto states.


Today, thanks in large part to MSF’s swift and effective response, the number of cases in both states has declined, and our teams could gradually wind down emergency responses and transition back to routine treatment and regular medical activities, continuing to support Ministry of Health staff.

How MSF supported the fight against the meningitis outbreak in northwest Nigeria

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NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Scam Using Officials’ Names

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NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Scam Using Officials’ Names

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has alerted Nigerians to a fraudulent scheme in which scammers are impersonating senior officials of the agency to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with fake offers of forfeited vehicles purportedly being sold at discounted auction prices.

In a disclaimer issued on Friday, the agency said the fraudsters have been circulating forged private letters and messages, particularly in the name of the NDLEA’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, claiming that seized vehicles are available for purchase through private arrangements.

The agency described the offers as entirely fraudulent, warning that they are designed solely to swindle victims out of their money.

According to the NDLEA, no official of the agency has the authority to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals under any circumstance.

It explained that assets forfeited as proceeds of drug-related offences are disposed of only through publicly advertised auctions conducted by government-appointed and registered auctioneers, in accordance with extant legal provisions and public procurement regulations.

The agency stressed that whenever such auctions are approved, they are widely publicised through national newspapers and the NDLEA’s official communication platforms to ensure transparency and equal access for interested members of the public.

The anti-narcotics agency therefore urged Nigerians to disregard any private letters, text messages, emails or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles for sale on behalf of Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.

It also advised anyone approached with such offers to report the matter immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through the agency’s official communication channels.

The statement, signed by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process in the disposal of forfeited assets, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to the activities of fraudsters exploiting the agency’s name.

NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Fake Vehicle Auction Scam Using Officials’ Names

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Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara

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Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled multiple terrorist attacks, rescued an abducted district head and recovered arms and other combat equipment during coordinated operations across Katsina and Zamfara states.

The military disclosed that the operations, conducted on July 2, demonstrated the sustained offensive against terrorist groups operating in the North-West.

In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 on a fighting patrol engaged terrorists between Amara and Chakau Junction in Danmusa Local Government Area after the fleeing criminals opened fire on the advancing troops.

The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee and abandon their mission.

Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists.

In another operation on the outskirts of Sabon Garin and Dantakeri villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area, troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, responded to a terrorist attack and engaged the assailants in a firefight.

One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while the remaining attackers fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, according to military sources.

Also in Katsina, troops of Sector 2, working with other security agencies, responded to intelligence that terrorists had invaded Farin Hawa Village in Malumfashi Local Government Area and abducted the District Head, Mr. Mubarak Sharin.

The troops immediately pursued the fleeing terrorists, made contact with them and engaged them in a gun battle, killing one of the kidnappers and forcing the others to abandon the abducted traditional ruler.

The district head was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.

Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 successfully repelled a terrorist attack on their position at Dauran in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

Military sources said reinforcement troops joined the battle, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.

A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 35 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a bandolier and a hydration pack (CamelBak).

The military commended the courage, professionalism and resilience displayed by the troops as well as the support of other security agencies and local vigilantes during the operations.

It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups while working closely with local communities to improve security and protect lives and property across the North-West.

Troops Repel Multiple Terrorist Attacks, Rescue District Head, Recover Arms in Katsina, Zamfara

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MAJOR SETBACK FOR IBUSA AS COURT REFUSES EXECUTION ORDER, STRENGTHENS OGWASHI-UKU’S POSITION IN LAND BATTLE

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MAJOR SETBACK FOR IBUSA AS COURT REFUSES EXECUTION ORDER, STRENGTHENS OGWASHI-UKU’S POSITION IN LAND BATTLE

The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, on behalf of the people of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, has recorded what community leaders have described as a significant legal victory in the long-running land dispute involving the Esemese Community of Ibusa.

In a ruling delivered on 15 June 2026 in Suit No. A/M/62/2015, the Delta State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge, declined the principal application by the Esemese Community of Ibusa seeking an order for the execution of the judgment arising from the earlier litigation between the parties.

The applicants, through their counsel, Barrister P. U. Lotobi, had sought, among other reliefs, an order permitting the execution of the judgment and the substitution of several deceased parties to the proceedings. While the Court granted the applications relating to the substitution of deceased parties in the Esemese community, it declined the principal relief seeking an order of execution.

The Court also approved the substitution of the late HRM Obi Professor Chukwuka Okonjo with the present Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, who is represented in the proceedings by Chief Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN.

The ruling marks an important development in a dispute that has its origins in earlier litigation in Suit No. A/28/66.
According to the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, concerns had previously arisen over the interpretation of the litigation survey plan associated with the Supreme Court judgment. The Kingdom maintained that attempts had been made to rely on a survey plan that differed from the original litigation survey relied upon by the Court.

Following applications by the Ogwashi-Uku community before the Supreme Court, the Kingdom states that the Court restored the original litigation survey plan forming part of the earlier proceedings. In the present proceedings, the High Court further directed that a registered surveyor interpret the litigation survey plan.

Leaders of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom have welcomed the ruling, describing it as an important safeguard against what they contend were attempts to extend the earlier judgment beyond the land actually litigated.

Speaking after the ruling, the Chief of Aboh Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Barrister Jude Obidi, described the decision as a landmark development and that the boundary between Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa remains at the Oboshi River.
According to him, the ruling reinforces the principle that court judgments must be enforced strictly within the boundaries of the land actually determined by the courts and not beyond them.

He further noted that the broader boundary dispute between Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa remains pending before the Delta State High Court in a separate action instituted by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku to determine the precise boundary between the two neighbouring communities.

Chief Obidi commended the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku for what he described as his steadfast commitment to protecting the territorial interests of the Kingdom through lawful means and the judicial process.

The latest ruling is expected to have significant implications for future attempts to enforce the earlier judgment pending the final determination of the boundary dispute between both communities. With this ruling, the claims by Ibusa for the areas around Admiralty University have been thrown into serious doubt.

The Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku through the Chief of Staff to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Prince Onyema Okonjo when contacted welcomed the rejection of the request by the Ibusa community by the Delta State High Court in Ogwashi-Uku but also maintained that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku reserves the right to seek appellate review of any portion of the ruling it wasn’t happy with. He also cautioned members of the Ibusa community from resorting to self help in using thugs and attempting to enter Ogwashi-Uku land any further to make illegal claims outside any court approved enforcement.

MAJOR SETBACK FOR IBUSA AS COURT REFUSES EXECUTION ORDER, STRENGTHENS OGWASHI-UKU’S POSITION IN LAND BATTLE

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