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Tag: Kaduna State

  • Kaduna to begin monkeypox vaccination in affected LGAs

    Kaduna to begin monkeypox vaccination in affected LGAs

    The Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board (SPHCB) has announced plans to inaugurate a monkeypox vaccination campaign in selected Local Government Areas affected by the outbreak.

    Health Educator at the SPHCB, Isah Yusha’u, said this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on the introduction of the monkeypox vaccine in Kaduna.

    Yusha’u stated that the board was working proactively to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure the health and safety of Kaduna residents.

    He noted that several LGAs in the state had recorded a significant number of monkeypox cases.

    In response, he said the Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and development partners, had approved reactive vaccination for high-risk groups.

    “The vaccination exercise is scheduled to begin tentatively on Aug.10 or 11, and will run for 10 days in the selected LGAs.

    “A second round of vaccinations will follow four weeks later.”

    According to Yusha’u, the vaccine will be prioritised for high-risk individuals, including: Laboratory personnel who may have handled infected specimens, People with compromised immune systems and Individuals with high-risk sexual behaviour.

    “To ensure the success of this vaccination drive, we are engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and medical institutions.

    “This is to provide accurate information, address concerns, and encourage public acceptance of the vaccine,” he said.

    He urged the public to receive the vaccine in good faith, assuring that distribution would be strategic and targeted to ensure maximum impact.

    “By launching this campaign, the board is taking proactive steps to combat the monkeypox outbreak and safeguard public health,” he added.

    Attendees at the stakeholders’ meeting included health workers, religious leaders, social mobilisation officers (SMOs), trade union representatives, and the media.

    Abubakar Musa, the Coordinator of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna North LGA, also addressed participants.

    Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, he called on the public to support the monkeypox vaccination effort.

    Musa highlighted JNI’s role during COVID-19 in curbing misinformation and supporting safety protocols.

    He reiterated the importance of religious leaders in public health initiatives and affirmed JNI’s ongoing commitment to balancing religious practices with health concerns.

  • Kaduna gets new Commissioner for Information

    Kaduna gets new Commissioner for Information

    Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has appointed Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki as the new Commissioner for Information, following the removal of Prof. Muhammad Sani-Bello from the post.

    This is disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa.

    According to Musa,  Bello, who also served as the pioneer Commissioner for Education in the Sani-led administration, has been relieved of his duties both as Commissioner for Information and as a member of the State Executive Council.

    The Governor thanked Bello for his contributions to the administration and wished him success in his future endeavours.

    Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, until his new appointment, was the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Media Corporation.

  • NAF graduates 8 UAV pilots

    NAF graduates 8 UAV pilots

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday graduated eight Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) pilots in Kaduna State. They graduated from the 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group, NAF Kaduna.

    The Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, AVM Patrick Obeya was the Special Guest of Honour at the Operational Conversion Training Course 3/2024.

    Obeya said the graduation marked  a significant milestone for the dedicated professionals who successfully completed the rigorous training programme for ‘Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations’.

    He congratulated  the graduands on their achievement, emphasising the importance of their role in air operations, national security, and the NAF’s objectives.

    Obeya applauded the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, for his commitment to training and human capacity development.

    According to him, the training programme was facilitated by experienced instructors, equipping the graduates with essential skills and knowledge to carry out their vital tasks with diligence, accuracy, and integrity.

    He said some of the graduands would be deployed to Maiduguri, Borno, to contribute to the air efforts in Operation HADIN KAI.

    Obeya advised the graduates to stay updated with technological advancements and work collaboratively with other aviation personnel. He commended the training unit and award winners, encouraging them to excel further.

    Obeya said, “NAF’s commitment to capacity building and its efforts to enhance air operations. The graduates are now fully equipped to seamlessly fit into NAF air operations across various theatres.

    “The graduates are now equipped to play a vital role in national security and the NAF’s objectives.”

    Earlier, the Commander, 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group , Group Capt. Augustine Idoko, underscored the significance of the training programme in developing agile and resilient Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operators.

    The commander expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff for his visionary leadership and commitment to training and force development.

    Idoko said the group had made significant contributions to NAF’s mandate, conducting precision air strikes, ‘Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)’missions, and ‘Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)’.

    He said the unit had conducted over 130 missions and accumulated more than 950 hours in the first half of 2025.

    Idoko said, “The unit has maintained an aircraft serviceability rate of over 80 per cent across its fleet.

    “The unit has achieved several milestones, including conducting the first-ever NAF Type-Rating Course (NAFTRAC) for RPA operators in NAF.

    He said the unit plans to inaugurate the next Operational Conversion Training Course early next month, which would add more operators to the operational manpower pool and enhance operational effectiveness.

    He said the unit remained committed to sustaining its effort in training and human capacity development, aligning with the policy thrust of the current NAF administration.

  • Police bar Peter Obi’s supporters from holding rally in Kaduna

    Police bar Peter Obi’s supporters from holding rally in Kaduna

    The  Police Command in Kaduna State said it has banned all unauthorised political rallies in the state.

    The command’s spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan, stated this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

    Hassan said,  “The  command wishes to bring to the attention of the public that it has received credible intelligence regarding a planned political rally by supporters of Mr Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, in honour of his birthday.

    “While the command respects the right of individuals to associate and celebrate their political leaders, it is important to emphasise that all forms of political rallies and public gatherings of a political nature remain suspended across the state.

    “This is until the official commencement date of political activities as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “Additionally, intelligence at the disposal of the command indicates that certain criminal elements are planning to infiltrate and hijack the proposed rally, using it as a platform to cause disruption, incite violence, and disturb the prevailing public peace in the state.

    “The command further notes that the Parties primaries for the forthcoming bye election in the state are scheduled by INEC to take place on the same date as the proposed rally.”

    He said that the parties had formally notified the Police of their event, in line with established protocols.

    Hassan said it was important to state that the planned rally was expected to overlap with and disrupt several areas designated for the conduct of the other political parties primaries.

    He added, “Thereby posing a significant risk of tension, clashes, and breakdown of law.

    “In view of these developments, the command strongly advises the organisers of the planned Peter Obi rally to suspend any gathering or procession.

    “If  they wish to hold any form of event in honour of their principal, it is advised that such activities be suspended to ensure public safety and prevent potential hijack by miscreants.”

    The spokesperson said the  command remained committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all the residents and would not hesitate to take necessary legal action against any individual or group found violating this directive.

    He added that the command appreciated the cooperation of the public in maintaining peace and order in the state.

  • Troops arrest 3 suspected gunrunners in Kaduna

    Troops arrest 3 suspected gunrunners in Kaduna

    The Troops of  37 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Demonstration Battalion have arrested three suspected gunrunners in Kaduna on Thursday.

    Lt.-Col. Umar Shuaib, the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army stated in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.

    Shuaib said, “Acting on credible intelligence while on fighting patrol, the gallant troops of 37 NDA Demonstration Battalion intercepted and arrested 3 suspected gunrunners along Kauya – Old Afaka – Sabon Birni Road area in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.”

    He identified the he suspects as; Yakubu Jilbril, Abubakar Yahaya, and Isiya Sani, driving in black Golf 4 car, with registration number Abuja YAB 385 K7.

    Shuaib said that they were also arrested with a large cache of arms and ammunition suspected to be meant for criminals in the bush.

    “Items found in their possession include; quantity 9 x AK 47 rifles, 389 x 7.62mm (special) live rounds, quantity 54 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm (NATO) ammunirion, 17 magazines, four GSM handsets, one magazine carrier, and one machete.

    “Others included some charms, one MTN wifi modem, suspected illicit substances, tyre cold patch materials as well as cash sum of N365,600 among others’” he added.

    Shuaib said the suspects were presently under custody for further interrogation and investigation.

    “The  Nigerian Army wishes to assure law abiding citizens that it will continue to deny terrorists and their sponsors freedom of action in order to enhance safety and security in Nigeria, “Shuaib said.

  • Suspected diphtheria outbreak kills 3 children in Zaria

    Suspected diphtheria outbreak kills 3 children in Zaria

    No fewer than three children have died, and six others have been infected, following a suspected diphtheria outbreak in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    Dr Bello Jamoh, Executive Secretary of Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, said the outbreak had persisted in the state for the past 10 months, since October 2024.

    He said the Kaduna State Ministry of Health was leading the response to the disease outbreak, with support from relevant partners and stakeholders.

    Jamoh added that a team of experts would be deployed to strengthen efforts in tackling the spread and providing medical support.

    Meanwhile, Malam Bashir-Magaji Basharata, a resident of Kwarbai, Zaria, who lost his daughter, said the disease was spreading fast across the city.

    He said his daughter developed a swollen neck and difficulty breathing and speaking, and was rushed to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika.

    In spite of urgent care at the hospital, Basharata said his daughter passed away. Soon after, three other children developed similar symptoms.

    “I immediately informed the local council health department, which responded by sending a team of vaccinators to the area,” he said.

    He added that two children from a neighbour’s household were affected, along with another girl from a nearby street.

    Basharata also reported that four children showing diphtheria symptoms were admitted at Kakaki Primary Health Care Clinic near Kwarbai.

    He said only one of the children admitted at the Kakaki clinic had been discharged as of his last visit.

    He expressed concern over reports that no diphtheria vaccines were available across the entire Kaduna State.

    Basharata said the visiting medical team claimed they sourced the vaccines from neighbouring Niger.

  • Kaduna govt releases update on diarrhea outbreak

    Kaduna govt releases update on diarrhea outbreak

    The Kaduna State Gpvernment says the 15  hospitalised students as a result of the recent diarrhea outbreak  at the Government Girls Senior and Junior Secondary School, Kawo, have fully recovered, discharged and resumed school.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Umma Kaltum -Ahmed, made this kmown in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Kaduna.

    “On June 30,, the ministry received reports of multiple students presenting with symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.

    “In swift response, the State Rapid Response Team (RRT), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health partners, were deployed to investigate and contain the outbreak.

    “An investigation conducted by the Kaduna State Rapid Response Team, led by the State Epidemiologist, Dr Jeremiah Diako, revealed that 81 students were affected.the affected students were between the ages of 16 and 17,” she said.

    She said the 15 students  who required admission at General Hospital Kawo,  have fully recovered and have since been discharged.

    “No fatalities were recorded. The situation has been successfully contained, and the students have continued normal activities under close monitoring,” he said.

    The commissioner recommended preventive measures for schools and public to prevent future occurrence which included: hand washing,use of alcohol – based sanitiser, safe drinking water and food safely.

    “All schools, communities, and the general public are to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

    “They have been directed to install hand washing stations in schools and public areas and avoid food handling while symptomatic and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are unavailable.

    “Students or staff with diarrhea or vomiting should stay home until at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve,” she said.

    She added that residents should ensure water for drinking is boiled, chlorinated, or treated appropriately.

    She urged residents to cook food thoroughly, especially meats, eggs and vegetables.

    She added that all schools and residents should always embark on  environmental Sanitation.

    “Keep school Kitchens, toilets and drainage systems clean and functional.
    Dispose of waste properly to prevent contamination and vector breeding.

    “Conduct regular health talks in schools and communities, and train food handlers on personal hygiene and safe food preparation practices.

    She also called on residents to  end open defecation by promoting the use of clean latrines.

    The commissioner call on school administrators, community leaders, local health teams, and citizens to collaborate in implementing these preventive measures.

    “The ministry of health remains fully committed to protecting the health and safety of students and the broader population. We appreciate the rapid support of our health partners and thank all stakeholders involved in managing this outbreak”.

  • Details emerge on “attempted attack on Tinubu” in Kaduna

    Details emerge on “attempted attack on Tinubu” in Kaduna

    The Police Command in Kaduna State has clarified the viral video circulating on social media involving an anxious supporter during President Bola Tinubu visit to Kaduna.

    The Command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, issued the clarification in a statement released on Friday in Kaduna.

    Hassan stated that the video shows a young supporter attempting to access a restricted area during Thursday’s official event at Murtala Square, Kaduna.

    He identified the individual as Umar Mohammed, a native of Anguwan Muazu in Kaduna, who is mentally challenged.

    Investigations revealed that Mohammed is a devoted supporter of President Tinubu and Gov. Uba Sani.

    He was screened and admitted into the stadium wearing a campaign T-shirt and carrying banners featuring the President and the Governor.

    Preliminary findings indicate that he stood with other supporters before suddenly breaching protocol and jumping the perimeter fence to get closer to the President.

    Security operatives in the inner cordon quickly intercepted and arrested him without incident.

    Upon interrogation, he explained that his actions were driven by anxiety and a deep emotional desire to meet both leaders.

    A thorough search was conducted, and nothing incriminating was found in his possession.

    Hassan said the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, warned against spreading misinformation or politicising security matters for selfish or political reasons.

    He emphasised that the viral video was doctored to misrepresent the incident and mislead the public.

    The Command is investigating the source of the false narrative and will prosecute anyone found guilty of deliberate misinformation.

  • Police detain 398 suspected criminals in Kaduna

    Police detain 398 suspected criminals in Kaduna

    The Police Command in Kaduna State, said on Friday that its special task force has detained no fewer than 398 suspected criminals across the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Kaduna.

    Hassan also disclosed that one locally made pistol, 29 handsets, dangerous weapons and drugs were recovered in nine days by a Police-led Joint Task Force  cracking down on criminals across the state.

    Hassan said, “This is sequel to the establishment of a special task force by the Kaduna State Government.

    “It comprises the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency, the military, DSS, NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration, the Correctional Service, NDLEA, Federal Road Safety and the Nigeria Customs Service, among others.

    “Within the first nine days of operations, the combined efforts of the security operatives had led to the arrest of 398 suspects in different parts of the state.

    ”The swift and targeted raids, based on credible intelligence, had not only led to arrests but had also reportedly forced many criminal elements to flee out of Kaduna State for the fear of being caught.”

    The spokesperson said among those apprehended was Mathew Adamu, a notorious criminal and gang leader known for terrorising communities, whom a locally made Pistol was recovered from.

    Those nabbed included Adamu Umar, a well-known drug dealer, whose case would be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

    “In addition to the arrests, the operation led to the recovery of various dangerous weapons, illicit drugs, and 29 stolen mobile handsets.

    “Some of the recovered items had already been returned to their rightful owners following proper identification and verification,” Hassan said.

    He assured  the people of the state  that the clampdown was only the beginning, as raids and intelligence-led operations would continue relentlessly until the state was completely sanitised of all criminal elements.

    “In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu  Muhammad, all DPOs, tactical teams, and operatives attached to the ttask force remain on high alert and committed to restoring peace and order across the state.

    “The CP urge members of the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive by reporting suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through our emergency contact lines,“ Hassan said.

  • Police raid black spots, detain 182 suspects in Kaduna

    Police raid black spots, detain 182 suspects in Kaduna

    The Police Command in Kaduna State, said its operatives have detained 182 suspects within Kaduna metropolis, recovered a vehicle, one AK-47 rifle, 31 rounds of ammunition and 30 bags of Indian hemp after various raids.

    This is contained in statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

    Hassan said: “In its  continuous efforts to rid Kaduna State of criminal elements, safeguard lives and properties, the state command has launched an aggressive manhunt and clampdown on criminal hideouts and black spots across the state.”

    He said that operations were coordinated by Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the metropolitan areas, particularly Rigasa, Kawo, Tudun wada, Sabon Tasha and other communities in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police.

    According to him, a total number of 183 suspects were detained after the successful raids.

    Hassan said, “The crackdown, which is part of ongoing efforts to restore public confidence and enhance internal security, led to the recovery of dangerous weapons and hard drugs.

    “As part of this operations, on Friday,  police carried out raids in Rigasa, which resulted in the recovery of  hard drugs and 30 bags as well as about 1,600 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and other dangerous weapons.

    “On the same day, at about 11:45 p.m.,  residents of Rafin Guza discovered a bag abandoned during a police hot pursuit of suspected criminals.

    “The bag contained an AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with 31 rounds of live ammunition.

    “Investigations are currently underway to trace the culprits and soon they will be apprehended and brought to justice.”

    Hassan also disclosed that on Sunday, at 11:00 a.m,,  Kakuri Divisional Police operatives, acting on a tip-off, posed as buyers and arrested Ziya  Abdullah, who was attempting to sell a vehicle suspected to have beeb stolen.

    According to him, Abdullahi’s arrest led to the arrest of his accomplice, one Bashir Usman, (aka) Yellow.

    Hassan said that the suspects confessed to robbing a resident using knives and cutlasses while they snatched a Honda Accord car.

    “The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Zaria. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members.

    “Some of the suspects have been charged while others are currently undergoing thorough investigation by the Police.

    “The remaining suspects found culpable will be arraigned in court soonest in accordance with the law,” Hassan said.

    He said the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, had reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to combat crimes and urged the residents to continue providing timely and useful information to assist the police in their routine and ad hoc operations.

    The commissioner assured the residents that the state would continue to be peaceful.