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IOM, Yobe Govt Push for Education that Will Enable Almajiris Fulfill Full Potential
IOM, Yobe Govt Push for Education that Will Enable Almajiris Fulfill Full Potential
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Yobe State Government and Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI) have pushed for official and regularized education of Almajiris to enable them fit into modern needs of a society and subsequently achieve their full potential.
This was the crux of discussion at a roundtable meeting: “achieving durable solutions and sustainable impact for protecting vulnerable street and migrant children in Nigeria.”
The event organised by organised by IOM, Yobe government and ACRI which commenced on Monday and run through Wednesday, also featured workshop session on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Trafficking in Persons (TiP) to commemorate the International Day for the Almajiri child.
The IOM Chief of Mission Laurent De Boeck said the organisation will uphold the principles of on-discrimination, best interest of the child, right to life and safeguarding their dignity.
He explained the roundtable will foster dialogue among key stakeholders and promote response to child trafficking, and strengthen partnerships on ways to ensure child protection.
He noted that this will ensure every Almajiris realize their full potential and lead a life of dignity and opportunity. He said: “I will like to celebrate with you the International Day of the Child.
“I believe that all of us are children to someone and also as parent the concern gives us the value of childhood and the right that every child in the world should have access to.
“It is the reason I am happy to be with to celebrate and engage in ensuring the children in the world, particularly in Nigeria have the rights they truly deserve.
“It is particularly interesting to discuss what can be gained in the protection of vulnerable children in the streets in Nigeria.
“Therefore, one of the national efforts to bring together all the partners from different sectors to the board.”
On his part, Yobe State Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Ethical Orientation, Alhaji Yusuf Umar, commended organisation of the event, stating that it was apt and would proffers solution to issues that border on Almajiris.
He described Almajiri as a long standing Islamic education system that unfortunately faced numerous challenges in the country lately.
He noted that these challenges include inability to access formal education, healthcare and social services, which has left most children particularly Almajiris marginalised.
Umar said, “This event will not have come at a better time intended to facilitate response to child trafficking, promote dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, to tackle challenges faced by this category of children.
“Yobe under the purposeful leadership of Gov. Mai Mala Buni, accords priority to the welfare of Almajiri among other children, particularly bearing in mind they are mostly affected in states ravaged Boko Haram.”
The ACRI Board Chair, Fati Murtala-Ibrahim disclosed that the event marked the fourth edition since the establishment of the initiative.
She said: “This roundtable serves as a vital advocacy structure by ACRI to continuously bring issues about Almajiris to the forefront of discussion.
“In past years, our national advocacy campaign has successfully increased, in terms of public concern and engagement.”
Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, emphasised the need for review of Almajiri education system to ensure protection of children without exploitation.
Waziri-Azi, who was represented by Director Research and Programme Development, NAPTIP, Mr Josiah Emerole, said: “The protection of children in the Almajiri system and the fight against trafficking are not just legal obligations, but moral imperatives.
“As we commence this roundtable and subsequent training, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the rights and future of all children.
“Through collaborative efforts, strengthened legislation and relentless advocacy, we can create a safer, more just society where every child is free from exploitation and able to realize their full potential.
IOM, Yobe Govt Push for Education that Will Enable Almajiris Fulfill Full Potential
Six suspects arrested over alleged child abduction for ritual in Gombe
By: Zagazola Makama
Six persons have been arrested by the police in Gombe in connection with the alleged abduction of a six-year-old boy, Habibu Appolos, from Nyuwar Village in Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State.
According to sources, the boy was abducted in August 2025 by unknown hoodlums. On January 22, 2026, he was found in the custody of a 14-year-old girl, Zubaina Abubakar, of Kumuru via Nyuwar.
During interrogation, Zubaina implicated Oborona Obidah, 28, who allegedly delivered the victim to her grandparents, and Habiba Isa, 45, of Lafiya, Lamurde in Adamawa State, who reportedly instructed her to take the child to Gidado Ibrahim, 30, of Sibo Village.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects conspired to abduct the child for ritual purposes. Among those arrested is Yunusa Kura, 45, of Kumtur Village, identified as the alleged ritualist.
The police confirmed that the suspects remain in custody as investigation into the case continues.
End
Five Boko Haram terrorists, three vigilantes killed in Gwoza ambush in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
At least five suspected Boko Haram terrorists and three local vigilantes were killed on Friday following an ambush along the Ngoshe–Pulka Road in Gwoza Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 2:30 p.m. when unknown gunmen engaged members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Hunters Group on a routine patrol.
In the ensuing gun battle, five terrorists were killed, while three CJTF members Yunusa Ali Ananicha, Adamu Zakari, and Daddy Ali, also lost their lives.
The bodies of the CJTF members were evacuated to Gwoza General Hospital, certified dead on arrival, and subsequently released to their families for burial according to Islamic rites.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI maintained a cautious alert along the axis following the incident while vigilance and reinforced patrols in the area was encouraged to prevent further attacks.
Five Boko Haram terrorists, three vigilantes killed in Gwoza ambush in Borno
Six farmers killed in night attack on Wawa Village
By: Zagazola makama
At least six farmers were killed late Thursday night when armed assailants stormed Wawa Village and opened fire on residents working on their farms.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attackers, who arrived in large numbers at about 10 p.m., shot the victims at close range before fleeing the area.
Those killed were identified as Bahbe Bokobe, Luku, a member of the local vigilante group, Bahgado Bohboh, Naziru Kidebe, Abdulrahman Kidebe, also known as “Ogede,” and Bashiru Dahtobeh, all males from the same community.
Sources said the scene was cordoned off shortly after the incident by security forces and the bodies were evacuated to the General Hospital, Wawa, where they were deposited for autopsy.
Zagazola noted that while such attacks have often been classified as banditry, emerging intelligence and operational patterns suggest a deeper shift. What began years ago as criminal cattle rustling and opportunistic raids in the North-West and parts of the North-Central has increasingly taken on the characteristics of a hybrid jihadist campaign.
The operational signatures we are seeing execution-style killings, prolonged presence in communities, coordinated movements and structured withdrawal into forest sanctuaries are inconsistent with ordinary banditry.
They align more closely with the doctrine previously associated with Boko Haram’s JAS faction, now adapting to new theatres.
The Wawa axis, is of particular strategic concern. It sits along key corridors linking Niger, Kwara and the Benin Republic, and offers access to critical infrastructure, including military installations in the area. The Kainji National Park, encircled by recent night attack sites including Nuku, Durumma, Woro, Wawa and Babanna, has become a rear base for insurgent groups operating along the Niger–Kwara corridor.
This geographic depth makes it attractive to violent groups seeking mobility, supply routes and escape paths across state and national boundaries.
Recent incidents in Niger and adjoining states including coordinated village attacks and high profile abductions are reinforcing fears that extremist networks are entrenching themselves beyond their traditional strongholds in the North-East.
The Wawa killings underline the urgent need for a recalibrated security response that goes beyond treating such incidents as isolated crimes.
Six farmers killed in night attack on Wawa Village
Fulani man ambushed and killed by Tiv militia in Benue
Six suspects arrested over alleged child abduction for ritual in Gombe
Five Boko Haram terrorists, three vigilantes killed in Gwoza ambush in Borno
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