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Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division have rescued 21 kidnap victims, including four Chinese expatriates, during a coordinated operation across parts of Kwara and Kogi States.

The operation, carried out over the weekend under Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMA, was executed by troops of the 12 Brigade (Lokoja) and 22 Armoured Brigade (Ilorin).

The victims included 14 males, 5 females, one infant and four Chinese nationals who were abducted from different locations in the two states.

However, it is unclear whether a Chinese miner, originally abducted in June and identified as Mr Sam Xie Wie, is among those freed.

On June 4, at a mining facility in Oreke-Okeigbo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara, gunmen killed two police officers and abducted Mr Xie Wie and a Nigerian worker, Mr David Adenaiye.

The kidnappers later reportedly demanded a ransom of ?1 billion.

Military sources said the freed captives regained their freedom after intensified offensive operations, which forced the bandits to abandon their hideouts. Some of the victims were reportedly held for over four months.

A statement issued by the Army’s Director of Public Relations, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander Sector 3, made available to Daily Trust, said the rescued victims, many of whom were weak and traumatised, have been evacuated to a military hospital and are responding to treatment.

He said they were also given relief support and they will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.

He pledged that the Army will sustain operations until all criminal elements in its area of responsibility are neutralised.

Major General Nnebeife further thanked the Nigerian Air Force for air support and other security agencies for their collaboration.

He praised the troops for their courage and directed that the operational tempo be maintained to restore lasting peace across Kwara, Kogi and neighbouring states.

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has expressed concern that many politicians across the country have shifted their focus from governance to political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such neglect is worsening poverty, insecurity, and hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking during the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, the monarch lamented that early politicking had taken precedence over efforts to address the nation’s pressing economic and social challenges.

‘The attention of the political class has become literally diverted to the 2027 general elections,’ Achebe said. ‘New alliances are being forged as political fortunes rise and fall. There is a distinct impression that these efforts are largely for self-preservation and material benefit.’

He noted that the growing political distractions have come at a cost to ordinary citizens, who continue to grapple with rising food prices, unemployment, and insecurity.

‘Ordinary Nigerians are paying the price of neglect as hardship deepens nationwide despite ongoing economic reforms,’ the monarch said. ‘Our poverty rate has risen from 40 per cent in 2018 to 46 per cent in 2023, translating to about 104 million Nigerians now classified as poor, according to the World Bank Development Report on Nigeria.’

Achebe warned that continued insecurity, especially in rural areas, was crippling agricultural production and threatening food security. ‘The reality on the ground is dire,’ he said. ‘The unending violence in most parts of the country continues to affect the agricultural sector very seriously.’

While acknowledging that the Federal Government had introduced ‘laudable macroeconomic stabilisation measures,’ he urged transparency and fairness in the distribution of palliatives. ‘Relief materials must reach the intended beneficiaries directly and not be derailed by corruption or bureaucracy,’ he advised.

Turning to the South-East, Achebe described insecurity in the region as a major obstacle to development and investment. He referenced a report by SBM Intelligence, Four Years of Disruption, which estimated that the region had lost about ?7.6 trillion since 2021 due to violence and sit-at-home disruptions.

‘The scourge of violence and kidnapping in the South-East continues to mutate in different forms,’ the monarch said. ‘We pray that the recent conviction in Finland of Simon Ekpa will contribute to a general reduction of violent crime in the region.’

He called on Igbo leaders to engage in ‘deep reflection’ and to unite for peace and progress. ‘Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us,’ Achebe cautioned.

On the upcoming Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, the traditional ruler urged peace, transparency, and greater voter participation, expressing worry over low turnout in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

‘In the first week of the INEC registration exercise, only 2,482 persons pre-registered online across four South-East states, excluding Anambra, compared to 848,359 in the South-West. This is alarming and demands urgent mobilisation by our leaders,’ he said.

Despite the challenges, Achebe said the 2025 Ofala Festival – his 24th since ascending the throne in 2002 – remained a symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride.

‘Our theme last year was ‘Better. Stronger. Together.’ It was a call on our people to consolidate on our breakthroughs and galvanise for the challenges ahead,’ he said. ‘That message remains as relevant today as ever.’

A viral video and social-media posts have propelled allegations of domestic violence into the public eye, placing the marriage of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels and politician Senator Ned Nwoko under intense scrutiny.

In footage circulating online, Daniels is seen in tears and being consoled by friends as she says she can no longer tolerate alleged mistreatment by her husband.

‘In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my house, I am a queen. Not again, I cannot stand the violence, it is too much,’ she says in the clip.

The matter gained further attention after Sammy West, Daniels’s brother, posted on his Instagram story accusing the senator of physically assaulting his sister, fleeing the scene and later sending men to intimidate the family.

West – who described the incident in blunt terms and said it was not the first time – wrote in Pidgin that he would defend his sister and condemned any man who hits a woman.

The claims made on social media remain allegations. As of publication, neither Senator Ned Nwoko nor a representative had issued a public response.

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, says several prominent members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will join the ruling party next week.

In recent weeks, the APC has seen a wave of new entrants from opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, recently joined the party, while Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa is reportedly set to formalise his defection soon.

Speaking during a meeting with APC stakeholders in Jos, Plateau State, Yilwatda said: ‘Next week, I will be receiving some notable figures from the ADC. Some of those who had earlier defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC are now returning to the APC.’

The APC chairman added that many of the incoming members ‘have completed their medicals’ and will be formally unveiled next week.

‘In another two weeks, we will unveil yet another big figure who just finished his own medicals. He tried to unveil himself the day before yesterday, and you may have seen it in the news. But officially, we’ll be receiving him soon,’ Yilwatda continued.

Yilwatda described the APC as ‘the bride of the moment,’ noting that more politicians – including senators, governors, and members of the National Assembly – were preparing to join the party.

‘The beauty of the APC is that it welcomes everyone, regardless of when they join,’ he said. ‘You don’t have to be in the APC from the beginning to rise. I am a testimony to that. If you join today, you are a full member with full rights and privileges. That’s the spirit of our party’s constitution.’

Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop harassing opposition members if it truly believes in its popularity and strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Aregbesola, who spoke during the commissioning of the ADC’s new state secretariat in Ilorin, Kwara State on Saturday, accused the APC of political intolerance and fear of losing grip on power.

‘If APC is confident of its strength and popularity, it will not be so jittery, hunting and hounding opposition members all over the place,’ he said.

According to him, ‘They are harassing and intimidating our members and leaders in Lagos, Kebbi, Kaduna, and across Nigeria. A party that is sure of itself would have been calm, but the reverse is the case. This tells you they themselves know they are not popular.’

He said Nigerians were tired of the failures of the APC and were ready to embrace the ADC as the credible alternative.

‘The party that will harvest the unpopularity, disenchantment, and hatred of the Nigerian people for the APC is the ADC. By the grace of God, we will take over the mantle of leadership in Nigeria and in most of the states because the governors going to APC are hated by their people. It’s a good riddance to bad rubbish,’ he added.

Aregbesola said the party was positioned to rescue Nigeria from leadership failure and policy inconsistency that had defined the present administration.

He insisted that the ADC’s ideology was rooted in accountability, people-oriented governance, and inclusiveness.

In his remarks, former Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the unveiling of the party’s secretariat marked a new political beginning for Kwara and Nigeria.

‘The significance of this unveiling is that a new dawn has begun in Kwara, and this is the beginning of a new direction in our political experience,’ Ahmed said.

The former governor further noted that ‘Kwara is going to be different because we are poised to entrench a new party that will drive the collective interest of Kwarans in line with their aspirations.

He assured that ADC has come to stay and ready to demonstrate itself as the main party in Kwara.

He added that the ADC’s philosophy was anchored on fairness, justice, and progress, promising that the party would offer a viable alternative to the people in 2027.

On his part, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party’s growing acceptance within a short time was evidence that Nigerians were ready for change.

‘Our chances are very bright in Kwara and across Nigeria. Would you believe this is a party that was unveiled barely three months ago? This shows that the people have embraced our message,’ Abdullahi said.

He added that the real question before Nigerians was no longer whether they wanted the APC to continue in power but whether the ADC could convince them it represented a genuine alternative.

‘The issue is settled that Nigerians do not want this APC to continue. Now, what we must do is convince them that we are the alternative, and that is exactly what we are going to do.

‘We are not bothered by governors decamping to the ruling party because they do not have the mandate of their people. This is now an issue between Nigerians and the APC,’ he said.

Abdullahi expressed optimism that the ADC would continue to gain ground as the only credible alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s current challenges, adding that the party’s expansion across states was a sign of its growing strength.

The unveiling of the ADC secretariat attracted political stakeholders, youth groups, and party supporters who described the event as a symbol of renewal and the beginning of a fresh political movement in Kwara and Nigeria.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has deported the remaining 51 foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for various offenses including cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos.

This last of deportation brought the repatriation of the 192 foreigners involved in the crimes to a successful close.

The exercise followed the arrest and successful prosecution of 759 suspects during a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The exercise, which began on Friday, August 15, 2025, followed the conviction of the offenders by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and ponzi scheme operations.

The first batch of 42 convicts comprising Chinese and Filipino nationals was deported on August 15, 2025.

Subsequent batches followed throughout August and September. The final batch of 51 convicts, including 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, departed Nigeria on October 16, 2025, bringing the total number of repatriated foreigners to 192, a statement by the EFCC on Saturday disclosed.

The deported convicts include nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were deported in coordinated batches between August and mid-October 2025, in accordance with court directives and immigration procedures.

The EFCC statement posted on its X account indicated that all the deported convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested with their Nigerian accomplices.

The accomplices were believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and ponzi scheme syndicate operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.

The operation, the EFCC stated based on credible, actionable intelligence, and subsequent investigations, confirmed that the convicted foreigners were involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes.

‘Evidence revealed that they trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms aimed at defrauding victims both locally and internationally. The Nigeria Immigration Service deported them as directed by the court,’ the statement said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and philanthropist, Alhaji Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura, popularly known as AA Zaura, has urged his supporters, political associates, and well-wishers to desist from making public calls for his appointment into any political office, saying such efforts are unnecessary and distract from the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Dahiru Maihuddadu, Zaura expressed appreciation to his numerous supporters for their continuous loyalty, love, and belief in his capacity to serve.

However, he emphasized that his priority remains supporting President Tinubu’s policies and programmes aimed at rebuilding the nation’s economy and deepening democratic governance.

According to him, ‘I am truly humbled by the overwhelming show of support and solidarity from my followers and well-wishers who have continued to call for my appointment. However, I want to make it clear that now is not the time to lobby or campaign for appointments. Rather, it is the time to join hands in promoting and showcasing the good works of our dear President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

Zaura, who has over the years distinguished himself through philanthropy and youth empowerment initiatives, said the country is currently in a defining period that requires collective responsibility and constructive partnership between citizens and government.

He added that President Tinubu’s reforms-particularly in the areas of infrastructure renewal, social investment, and economic stabilization-deserve to be amplified and supported across all platforms to inspire confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘Our duty as loyal party members is to stand firm with the President and contribute in our own ways to the success of his vision for a prosperous Nigeria,’ he stated.

Zaura reaffirmed his commitment to serving humanity through continuous humanitarian interventions, empowerment schemes, and community development initiatives, noting that leadership is not only about holding public office but also about making impact in people’s lives.

He therefore appealed to his supporters across Kano and beyond to channel their energy into mobilizing public support for the APC-led federal government, spreading awareness of its achievements, and fostering unity among party members.

‘Let us continue to support President Tinubu and our great party in every possible way. Together, we can build a Nigeria where progress, peace, and prosperity are shared by all,’ he added.

Residents of Niger North Senatorial District of Niger State have held a special prayer session at Eid Prayer ground in Kontagora, the headquarters of Kontagora Local Government Area of the State, to seek Allah’s intervention against persistent bandit attacks on farming communities in the area.

The affected areas including Magama, Mariga, Rijau, Borgu, Kontagora and Mashegu have faced frequent attacks in the last few weeks, forcing dozens of residents, especially women and children, to flee their homes.

The situation had led residents to seek divine intervention against the persistent insecurity situation in the area.

One of the internally displaced persons who wished to remain anonymous told Daily Trust that the prayer was attended by hundreds of Muslim faithful from affected communities in Kontagora, Mashegu, Rijau and Magama.

‘Hundreds of us assembled at the Eid Prayer ground in Kontagora to pray against the bandits, their informants and even their sponsors. We also used the opportunity to pray Allah to protect our security operatives and grant them success against the adversaries,’ he said.

Some residents also told Daily Trust that they fled their homes in the rain around 10pm on Tuesday when bandits invaded their Communities.

Communities affected were Genu, Warari, Shambo, Sabon-Gari, Dukku, Tungan-Buni as well as villages surrounding Rijau and Magajiya.

Fleeing residents who spoke with Daily Trust said they slept on mountains while some people had moved to Kontagora.

‘Bandits came to Shambo in the afternoon on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. We have all fled since Saturday. But few of us checked in today (Wednesday) and saw how they broke many shops and houses. We saw one dead body but he is not from Shambo. May be he was just passing and had an encounter with them and he was killed.

‘Some people have been sleeping on mountains while some have moved to other towns. Our farms that are due for harvesting are being destroyed by bandits,’ one of the fleeing residents told Daily Trust over the telephone.

In Shambo, a fleeing resident stated that many houses and shops had been destroyed.

The victims said bandits had not only stopped them from harvesting their crops, but also grazed rustled cattle on their farms, destroying their crops that were due for harvesting.

However, a resident from Kontagora, Comrade Zakari Y. Adamu, said air strikes conducted by the Nigerian Air Force resulted in the death of many terrorists who were moving in large number.

He said the operation was conducted around Yabawa, Bazana, Awallah, Dankolo, Kumbashi, and up to Kakihum communities, when the bandits were sighted moving with dozens of cattle they rustled from Ragada and adjoining villages in Mariga LGA.

All Progressives Congress (APC) is the ruling party at the national level, and opposition party in Kano state. Before 2023 general elections in Kano, the party was under the ‘mercy’ and influence of the leadership. While party ‘elders’ were described and seen as political messiah, to the then political realities.

Both categories did their best to the party, in approaches they thought were suitable and fit for the survival of the party, after election period of 2023. Actions and inactions from both leadership and followership standpoints gave birth to new normals, new realities and new understanding of life in post election period.

The disfigured nature of APC in Kano, its mutilated and diluted structure forced party members and party supporters to describe some experiences, as children of necessity. While some positions taken by leadership and elders, in pre-election, during election and post-election periods were seen as self-styled decisions. This is just an impression of some observers.

In pre-election period, people like Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, Hon Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, among others, stand a better position to give clearer and vivid account for that scenario. Whether the treatment and design then were dicey or not, only these gentlemen and few others can explain with perfect precision. They were more or less victims of the situation then.

His Excellency the then Deputy Governor, and 2023 Gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and his running mate His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, stand a better position to give good account of what transpired amongst leaders and elders during election period. Including some aspects of pre-election engagement.

Especially when they cast their mind back and observe what role did the then Governor of Kaduna state played, during proper election period. Up to the time when election result was announced. Including other attending circumstances.

During post-election period some decisions taken by both the leadership and followership, could better be swapped with indecision. Looking at the consequences erupted from within. When leadership and elders are busy singing party cohesion and commitment, followers are always busy chanting songs of praises and condemnation against each other within the same APC in the state.

Without the support, either directly or indirectly, of some sections of the leadership and elders, such divided stances against each other wouldn’t have been so pronounced and entrenched within the fabric of the party. In clearer terms, some of the leaders and elders, have never been genuine and honest in their call for a united party.

Part of the reasons that prompted genuine party people like Hon Sabi’u Barista Baburi, to come up in clearer terms and condemn the actions of some of our leaders and elders.

What is more fascinating is the fact that some prominent leaders within the higher part of the ladder, are always up and doing in directing their followers, genuine and pretenders, that united party should always be the key. Let me give an example with three gentlemen who excel in this area. I mean the area of making sure that, the party waxes stronger and united.

The names are presented here in accordance with the alphabetical arrangement. These are His Excellency Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, Deputy Senate President, His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, former Deputy Gubernatorial candidate in 2023 election and His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, former Gubernatorial candidate in 2023 election.

For each one of them, I have concrete examples that none of them wants to see to the disintegration of the party. They love the party and always work in the direction of their conviction.

To call a spade a spade, I’m yet to meet one single person who says Senator Barau gave a marching order for his people to go and castigate any party member, either leader or follower. The same thing applies to both Garo and Gawuna. All the trio are reserved, humble, receptive, strategic and too much believe in the party hegemony.

Many at times when trouble makers report any ploy against Barau, either true or false, to his ears, he is pond of saying ‘Don’t mind, these are all political engagement. Just go and work for the party. We don’t have time to waste.’ In fact some people around him, blame him for being too lenient to his detractors. This is my honest understanding of him.

For Garo, after dismissing such backbiting behaviors, he will tell you to your face, ‘Malam go and work for the survival of the party. What binds us all is the party. So please go and concentrate on party activities.’

I still remember vividly clear, when an association was floated within the party and such move was reported to Garo, at the formative stage of the group, informing him that, so so group was in place not for the integration of the party. But for campaigning in favour of so so person, against 2027. He outrightly discouraged and dismissed the rumor mongers with this simple statement ‘Since they are working for the party, there is no point in rejecting their efforts. No matter what.’

In pre-election period, in one of the stakeholders meeting that was held in Africa House, Government House, Kano, Gawuna said to the faces of all that time, including the then Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, ‘ There are people coming to tell me many things about others in this great party. I’m warning for the last time, if they didn’t stop I will start exposing them one after the other immediately.’ It is obvious that Gawuna was faced with such divide-and-get-influence style, may be, from some sections of the leadership or elders or followership or even a mixture of all.

It was so glaring in pre-election period, when Gawuna-Garo ticket was the talk of town, there were supporters of both sides of the coin, I mean from Gawuna side and Garo side, I said some of their supporters, were busy castigating each other’s boss, as if the political marriage was forced on them all.

It was very easy for Gawuna supporters (some of them), either as kitchen cabinet or mere well wishers, to see them condemning Garo for reasons best known to them. The same thing applied to Garo side. But what was interesting at the time was, none of the candidates, Gawuna and Gawo, was seen clearly supporting such erring and derailing supporters.

What put such people to shame was, the kind of respect and consideration, Garo shows to Gawuna. From day one to date. Some people, from the party, went to the extent that, they were happy that APC didn’t make it at the Supreme Court. Their reason? Had it been APC emerged victorious at the Supreme Court in 2023, Garo would have been sidelined since by now. This is their understanding of it. To me this is hallucinations in its best form. It is even very pathetic and annoying to think in this direction.

To me, Senator Barau’s domineering influence and exposure in national politics, call for his relevance at the national level come 2027. This is just my personal opinion. Let APC, not Kano APC alone, work for Barau, lobby on his behalf, for a position closer to the corridor of power, at the higher level, not state. It should be an elective position, anyway. His pedigree, expertise in governance, experience and knowledge of global political arrangement, set him above his contemporaries.

For Gawuna – Garo ticket, it can still be maintained and it can try frontside-backside switchover, depending on the situation and circumstance. The way I see it is, there are people disguising as genuine in the chemistry of APC in Kano, but they are nothing but fake, fake and fake!

The way I see it is this, at the instance of leadership failure to mend fences within the party, I suggest other groups should wade in, in earnest and save the situation. Groups like past local government chairmen of the APC, under the aegis of their association, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ( ALGON). They are still in touch with the grassroot.

We have a pool of legal luminaries, among them are Senior Advocates of Nigeria, retired Judges and Magistrates, etc, let’s leverage on that and put things in proper perspective. If all-politicians strategy is sending the party to ditches, let’s try a mixture of politicians and professionals to reach the promised land.

What is more attractive and fragile is the issue of who becomes what in the forthcoming 2027 elections. Especially that of gubernatorial candidate. Yes concensus is allowed in politics. But race is also a significant pillar in politics. Whatever concensus the party is interested in, it must be honest, patriotic with full fledged integrity. There is no harm in conducting primary elections of all positions.

It is also the sole responsibility of the party and logic to either go my way of thinking, in terms of gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidature come 2027, or another workable and feasible arrangement can come up and play magic. Among Barau, Gawuna and Garo, they may have things or features in common. And each one of them has his peculiarities. This is my firm belief and conviction. And I don’t blame anybody for anything if he or she has a counter position.

My advice also to leaders is, let us not witness the same situation as when Senator Kawu Sumaila, Rep Kabiru Rurum, and others, were forced out of the party in the name of concensus or party arrangement. Whatever arrangement or concensus is opted for, it should be with honesty, integrity, absolute commitment to truth and maturity. Anything below this, is negation to party survival and enhancement process.

What is more disheartening is this, that among leaders and elders of the party, keeping the party in disarray is more profitable to them than peaceful assembly. Very disheartening and ridiculous!

For instance, what is the benefit and importance of forwarding arguments of who is APC leader in Kano? When late President Muhammadu Buhari was alive and in control as the President, still at that time, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was seen, regarded and accepted as the Leader of the party. What position in our constitution that is above being President? So even President then was not regarded as the Leader. It was Tinubu who was regarded as such.

What then is the problem in this needless argument of between Ganduje and Barau who is the leader of APC in Kano? If Tinubu could be leader above Buhari, then what is the problem of Ganduje being a leader above Barau? This unnecessary and needless argument, is not doing any good for the party. This, is just standing logic on its head.

For Barau, Ganduje is still a leader in Kano APC. Can’t you see the kind of respect accorded to Ganduje by Barau whenever they meet, either in private or in the public? So of what benefit is the argument searching for who is a leader between the duo? Is very unnecessary, crafty and ill-intentioned.

Attention should not be restricted to who is the leader and who is the follower. If we are genuine, honest and committed, this sort of debate is waste of time and energy. What we are after now is, who does what in repositioning the party in Kano?

If politics is an art then Barau is one of the finest artists. But this is not our concern now. Our concern is how do we reposition the party in Kano. When issues are not handle properly, we will be left with the confusion of not knowing who is home and dry among all.

Attention to detail is my last statement.

Kaduna State has launched a massive vaccination drive aimed at immunizing 4.2 million children against measles and rubella, in a bold step to protect the next generation from deadly but preventable diseases.

The campaign, which began on October 18, 2025, is part of a nationwide effort and involves strong collaboration between the state government, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other development partners.

Held at the Primary Health Care Centre in Badarawa, the flag-off ceremony attracted hundreds of parents, children, and stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders. The initiative targets children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas of Kaduna.

Dr. Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, Director of Disease Control and Immunization in the state, revealed the gravity of the challenge Kaduna faces with ‘zero-dose’ children those who have never received any form of immunization.

‘Nigeria has 100 Local Government Areas affected by the zero-dose challenge, and Kaduna accounts for 10 of them, representing nearly 10% of the national total,’ he stated. ‘For this Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign, we are targeting 4.2 million children across the 23 LGAs of Kaduna State.’

Dr. Ikara highlighted that the number of zero-dose children is on the decline thanks to the active partnership between the government and key health organizations.

Speaking from the federal level, Yusuf Yusufari, Deputy Director of Immunization and Disease Control at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to Nigeria’s immunization programs.

‘Nigeria has become a global example of what can be achieved in protecting children and women from preventable diseases. Our goal is that no child or woman in Nigeria should die from diseases that vaccines can prevent,’ he said.

Yusufari emphasized that this goal aligns with the vision of Mr. Bill Gates, who pledged $200 billion over the next 20 years to support global health initiatives.

He praised Nigeria’s resilience and described the country’s wild polio-free certification as a global success story.

‘Our goal is that no child or woman in Nigeria should die from diseases that vaccines can prevent,’ Yusufari said, adding that the foundation, inspired by Bill Gates’ $200 billion global health pledge, remains a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s health success stories.

The World Health Organization’s Kaduna Field Office also emphasized the urgency and importance of the campaign. Mallam Suleiman Mohammed, WHO Data Officer, described the initiative as a ‘golden opportunity’ to combat the rise in reported measles cases across the state.

‘As we all know, measles is a deadly disease, and many cases are being reported across the state and other parts of the region. This campaign gives us a chance to change that narrative,’ he said. Mohammed added that over 2,000 supervisors had been deployed across the state to monitor the campaign and ensure real-time intervention when necessary.

Abdullahi Musa, the State Incident Manager at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, explained, that the state is very well prepared because they have been planning for this Measles and Rubella campaign for the past three months, adding that the coordination is being managed from the Emergency Operations Centre.

Muhammad Gambo, Chairman of Kaduna North LGA, said, the Local Government is in full support of the exercise, adding that they have provided 50 vaccine carriers and additional vaccination teams across wards such as Maiburuji, Kawo, Hayin Banki, Ungwar Shanu, and Ungwar Rimi.’

Alhaji Ashiru Mohammed Wada, representing the District Head of Kawo, said they have educated residents about the importance of this vaccination, urging parents to bring their children out to be vaccinated and help keep the communities healthy.