security
Nasarawa State Reviews Public Health Bills to Boost Health Security

Nasarawa State has initiated a review of its public health bills to strengthen its health security framework.
The bills under review are the Nasarawa State Public Health Security Bill and the Public Health Bill.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Labaran Magaji, announced this development at a four-day stakeholders’ meeting on Monday in Nasarawa.
The meeting aims to refine the bills and enhance the state’s health security framework.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health, Orixine Consulting, and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL).
NAN also reports that the proposed bills aim to address gaps in the state’s existing legal framework, aligning it with international health regulations and national health security benchmarks.
Magaji emphasised the urgency of overhauling the bills, stating that the health and well-being of the people were paramount.
He noted that revising these laws would not only ensure compliance with national and international standards but also enhance the state’s preparedness to prevent and respond to public health emergencies.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Gwamna Shekwonugaza, highlighted the collaborative nature of the effort, emphasising the goal of creating practical, enforceable laws that could make a real difference in people’s lives.
Shekwonugaza was represented by Mrs Naomi Oyegbenu, Department of Planning, Research and Statistics.
“Our goal is to create laws that are not only theoretical but also practical, enforceable, and capable of making a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
Mr Yenan Sebastian, Director of the Subnational Support Department at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), commended Nasarawa State for setting a precedent in public health.
He noted that the state’s proactive approach to legal reform in health security was commendable and essential for building resilience against emerging health threats.
Emem Udoh, Senior Legal Advisor at Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), emphasised the importance of robust and actionable legislation.
He expressed optimism about the outcomes, stating that strong legal frameworks were the backbone of effective public health systems.
Mr Audu Arome, Executive Director of Orixine Consulting, highlighted the significance of stakeholders’ engagement in legal reforms.
He noted that inclusive participation ensured comprehensive and considerate laws that catered to all facets of public health.
The meeting, which will run until November 21st, aims to refine a set of bills ready for legislative action, demonstrating Nasarawa State’s commitment to prioritising public health.(NAN)
DEFENCE
Zulum Offers N5m Each to Families of 8 Slained CJTF Members

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has donated N5 million each to the families of eight members of Civilian Joint Task Force ( CJTF) who recently died in an explosion on the Dikwa to Marte road.
Zulum who made this known on Friday during a condolence visit to the families of deceased in Maiduguri, also granted scholarship to their children.
The Civilian CJTF is a volunteer security group that supports military operations against insurgents in Borno State and other parts of the North-East.
” I want to announce a financial assistance of N5 million to each of the bereaved families to cater for their immediate needs.
” Furthermore, the Borno Government will provide full educational scholarship to all children of the deceased CJTF members.
” For those who left no children, we shall extend assistance to their close family members,” he said.
The governor said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to assisting the families of security personnel and members of the CJTF who paid the supreme price of defending his people
Zulum described the deceased as martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their communities and assured that their bravery would always be remembered.
He prayed for the repose of their souls of the deceased and urged the bereaved families to take solace in the heroic legacy left behind by their loved ones.
The CJTF operatives died on Tuesday after they ran into an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the area.(NAN)
DEFENCE
Police Nab 5 Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms in A’Ibom

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it has arrested five suspected cultists and recovered firearms at Ibesikpo Asutan area of the state.
DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Uyo.
John said the arrests took place at the cultists’ hideout in Ikot Etuk village, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area on Wednesday.
She said that the operatives of the command, based on credible information, arrested the cultists.
John said that during the operation, operatives recovered one locally made pistol, one fabricated single-barrel gun and assorted charms.
According to her, the suspects have voluntarily provided useful information to the police regarding their criminal activities.
“This includes their involvement in a recent attack on Fulani herdsmen, which resulted in the killing of two cows.
“The stolen cows were reportedly shared among various cult groups within Ibesikpo Asutan,” she said.
John said that efforts were currently underway to apprehend other fleeing gang members and recover their operational weapons.
The spokesman further said the developments would be communicated to the public as they unfold. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Police Arrest 4 Suspects, Recover Stolen Property in A’Ibom

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom said it had arrested four suspected criminals in Udi Street in Uyo and recovered numerous stolen items.
DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Public Relations Officer said this in a statement in Uyo on Monday.
John said that the suspects were arrested base on credible intelligence and in compliance with the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare’s directive.
She said that an operation which was inaugurated last Friday at exactly 1:15 a.
m., led to the arrest of the four suspects.”In a significant intelligence-led operation, operatives of the command raided a location in Udi Street, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of numerous stolen items.
The raid also resulted in the arrest of another two suspected receivers of stolen property,” she explained.
The command’s image maker said that exhibit including 14 sewing machine heads and a generator were recovered from the suspects.
According to her, two complainants have come forward and identified their stolen machines among the recovered items.
She added that investigation into the matter was ongoing. (NAN)