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NHRC, NACA Collaborate to Enforce Rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Other Marginalized Nigerians

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NHRC, NACA Collaborate to Enforce Rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Other Marginalized Nigerians

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), as part of its implementation of the Global funds grant circle 7 (GT7) inaugurated Access to Justice Coordination Forum to enforce the rights of people living with HIV and other marginalized Nigerians.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Monday, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu also expressed displeasure over criminalization based on sexual preference.

He said: “Access to justice is a fundamental pillar of human rights and the rule of law. It ensures that individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, health condition, or background, can seek and obtain remedies when their rights are violated. This forum is a crucial step in strengthening our collective efforts to bridge the justice gap for people living with HIV/AIDS, key populations, and other marginalized groups who continue to face stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers in accessing legal redress and social justice.”

He lamented that: “Despite significant progress in addressing HIV-related discrimination, many affected individuals still encounter violations of their rights in healthcare, employment, and social settings. Stigma continues to fuel fear, misinformation, and exclusion, making it imperative for us to reinforce legal protections and ensure that justice mechanisms are accessible, responsive, and effective.”

He decried that: “The enactment of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2014 has equally brought to the fore challenges of discrimination, indiscriminate arrest, torture and inhuman and degrading treatment on key populations in Nigeria. NHRC and other organisations have been on the forefront in seeking for justice for victims of human rights violations related to sexual or gender identity across Nigeria. We will not stop.”

He said: “With the support of the Global Fund, the NHRC will be embarking on within the next two years, series of programmes, capacity building, policy and legal reforms to protect the rights of Nigerian from discrimination and criminalisation. We shall also be setting up institutional measures to provide access to justice, and working with other partners to support class and individual legal actions in line with sections 5 and 6 of the NHRC (Amendment) Act of 2010.”

He further said: “The NHRC is committed to working closely with all stakeholders to safeguard human rights and promote social justice for all persons. However, no individual agency no matter how well resourced can achieve access to justice alone. We believe that this forum will continue to work together, generate and share best practices, contribute organisational resources and jointly advocate for stronger legal frameworks, improved access to justice, and better protection for people living with HIV and other key populations and marginalized people in Nigeria.”

In his goodwill message, the Country Director of United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS), Dr. Leopold Zekeng noted that: “People living with HIV/AIDS often face significant barriers to justice. These barriers include stigma, discrimination, lack of awareness about their rights, inadequate legal support, institutional bias, economic constraints, amongst others. Many individuals are sometimes denied access to essential services, face unjust treatment in the workplace, and are subjected to social exclusion. These injustices not only violate their basic human rights but also hinder their ability to live healthy and fulfilling lives. This indeed is a profound human rights issue that demands our urgent attention and action.”

Zekeng who was represented Oluwafisayo Fakayode said: “At UNAIDS, we believe that justice is not just a concept, but a fundamental human right that must be accessible to all, regardless of their health status, identity, or circumstances. The right to access to justice is indeed multidimensional. It encompasses justiciability, availability, accessibility, good quality, the provision of remedies for victims/survivors and the accountability of justice systems.

“This Access to Justice Coordination Forum is a testament to all our unwavering commitment to dismantle the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the justice they deserve. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort. Governments, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, legal practitioners, and communities must work together to create an environment where people living with HIV/AIDS can access justice without fear or prejudice. We must share best practices, support each other’s efforts, and hold each other accountable to ensure that justice is accessible to all.”

In goodwill message, the Director General, NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori said: “NACA will continue to lead the national response to HIV/AIDS, and this partnership with NHRC will further empower the agency to address both the health and human rights dimensions of the epidemic.

“We must note that the success of this forum will depend on one that is present here- our ability to work across sectors, leveraging our diverse expertise to create effective strategies that promote equitable access to justice for all Nigerians.

“We look forward to this forum’s positive impact on our collective efforts to build a more just and inclusive society. May this initiative serve as a model for future collaborations across Africa’s health and justice sectors.”

NHRC, NACA Collaborate to Enforce Rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Other Marginalized Nigerians

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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