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USAID, SON Partner to Reduce Lead Poisoning and Protect Nigerian Children

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USAID, SON Partner to Reduce Lead Poisoning and Protect Nigerian Children

By: Michael Mike

The United States Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Nigeria, through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), have agreed to collaborate on mitigating lead poisoning in the country.

By this arrangement, they plan to enhance surveillance, regulation, and enforcement of standards related to consumer goods and paints in Nigeria.

Lead can affect individuals of any age, but children are particularly vulnerable due to their behavioral patterns and susceptibility to toxicity at lower exposure levels.

Globally, an estimated one-third of children have blood lead concentrations that impair cognitive development and contribute to learning disabilities and attention deficits. A 2011 survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that unsafe mining and ore processing are the leading causes of lead poisoning in Nigeria.

USAID/Nigeria Mission Director, Melissa Jones in a meeting with SON Director General Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, said: “USAID is committed to leading the Government of Nigeria’s mitigation efforts to save Nigerian children from further risk of lead exposure.”

A statement on Thursday said USAID will provide technical assistance to SON to raise awareness about the safe use of products that contain lead, support Nigeria in joining the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Lead Paint Alliance), and aid SON in enacting legislation to identify lead-containing products and its manufacturers. SON will lead engagement with other federal agencies working on lead removal in high-risk communities.

SON Director-General Dr. Okeke said that to limit lead in consumer goods and paints, SON adopted global and regional standards prohibiting the production and importation of paint products with lead concentration beyond 90 parts per million.

In April 2024, SON will participate in the United States and Nigeria Bi-National Commission meeting, contributing to technical discussions on policy framework, regulation, and sensitization on lead mitigation in Nigeria.

USAID, SON Partner to Reduce Lead Poisoning and Protect Nigerian Children

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Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

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Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly engaged armed bandits in a heavy gun battle during a clearance operation at Yankuzo area in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.

Security sources said the operation followed aggressive fighting patrol on armed groups into the area, believed to be a stronghold used by suspected bandit elements operating within the axis.

According to the sources, troops advanced into deep into the terrorists enclave of Ado Allero in the early hours of the day and made contact with the armed men, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes.

Residents reported heavy gunfire during the confrontation.

Although details of casualties were still being assessed at the time of filing this report, security sources confirmed that troops maintained dominance of the general area and continued pursuit of fleeing armed elements.

Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

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Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

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Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three kidnapped victims during a swift response to a distress call in Kusheri village area of Niger state.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on April 21, 2026, when armed bandits invaded the community and abducted three civilians identified as Abdullahi, Saidu Julfe and Kamilu Joddi.

According to the sources, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Dokan Karji immediately mobilised after receiving the distress alert and advanced towards the area of operation.

On arrival, the troops discovered that the attackers had already fled the scene with the abducted victims towards the Kafin Gora axis.

The troops subsequently launched a pursuit operation, engaging the fleeing suspects in intermittent contact before successfully rescuing all three hostages unharmed.

The rescued victims were later handed over for medical evaluation and debriefing, while troops withdrew to base after securing the general area.

Security sources confirmed that the situation within the area of responsibility remains calm but unpredictable, adding that patrols and surveillance operations have been intensified to prevent further incidents.

They further noted that troop morale and combat effectiveness remain high as operations continue across vulnerable communities within the state.

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

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Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

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Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a suspected Boko Haram insurgent during a confrontation in Lotori-Garbiya village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe state.

Sources said the incident occurred on April 20 at about 7:00 p.m. after gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram elements stormed the community and imposed illegal levies on residents.

According to the sources, security forces were swiftly mobilised following a distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

One of the suspected insurgents was killed during the encounter, while others reportedly fled into surrounding bushes.

The sources said an AK-47 rifle and two Kasea motorcycles were recovered at the scene.

Security authorities confirmed that the area had been placed under close surveillance, while patrols were intensified to prevent further attacks.

They added that efforts were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the group.

Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

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