UNICEF, Borno Move to Immunize 1.6 Million Children Against Polio, Other Diseases

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services to immunize about 1.6 million children against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases across the state.

The intervention targets children under the age of six, with authorities aiming to achieve 85 per cent immunization coverage in 2026.

Speaking during a media dialogue organised to commemorate the 2026 World Immunization Week in Maiduguri on Tuesday, UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Hassan Saidu Malgwi, said coordinated vaccination campaigns remain critical in protecting children from deadly diseases.

He explained that illnesses such as polio and six other child-killer diseases can be prevented through routine immunization and improved healthcare services.

Dr. Malgwi urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated, stressing that immunization remains one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from life-threatening infections.

According to him, maintaining personal hygiene and ensuring a clean environment are also essential in preventing diseases such as cholera and polio, particularly in vulnerable communities.

He disclosed that 229,924 children have already been fully immunized across the 19 Local Government Areas of the state.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of Community and Family Health Services in the state, Abdulwahab Mala, said the government was intensifying efforts to raise immunization coverage to 85 per cent before the end of the year.

He noted that the target would help health authorities protect more than two million children, especially those living in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities.

“The state government is working towards an immunization coverage of 85 per cent before the end of this year,” he said.

Mala added that ongoing collaboration between the state government, UNICEF, and other development partners has significantly improved vaccination coverage in Borno over the years.

He revealed that immunization coverage in the state has risen to 68 per cent since 2020 due to sustained campaigns and improved healthcare interventions.

Despite security challenges in some parts of the state, Mala commended the support of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and the Nigerian Army for helping health workers gain access to vulnerable children in remote communities over the past 15 years.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Borno State Government and its partners to sustaining efforts aimed at eradicating polio and other preventable diseases among children.

Police Avert Tragedy in Maiduguri, Safely Detonate Hidden Bomb

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Borno State Police Command has neutralised a potential security threat after safely detonating a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) discovered in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The device was uncovered during a routine surveillance and foot patrol carried out on Tuesday morning, May 5, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m., in the Layin Logo area of Moduganari within the Maiduguri metropolis.

Police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the development, explaining that the suspicious item was found inside an abandoned bag, raising immediate concern among operatives on patrol.

According to him, the command swiftly deployed its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, which responded promptly to the scene.

“The EOD Unit Base 13 identified the object as an Improvised Explosive Device concealed in the bag and safely detonated it in accordance with standard operational procedures to safeguard lives and property,” Daso said.

He added that the operation was executed without casualties, averting what could have resulted in significant harm to residents in the densely populated area.

The police spokesperson called on members of the public to remain alert and security-conscious, urging them to report any suspicious movement or objects to the nearest police station or through emergency lines: 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.

Authorities also confirmed that investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible for planting the explosive device, as security agencies intensify efforts to prevent further threats in Maiduguri and its environs.

Ndume Pushes for New Constituencies in Borno South to Deepen Grassroots Representation

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

A fresh drive to reshape political representation in Borno State is gaining momentum as Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume intensifies efforts to secure additional State Assembly constituencies across Borno South.

The lawmaker, who represents the district in the Senate, is advocating for the delineation and activation of new constituencies in key areas, including Gwoza, Askira/Uba, and Biu. The move, he argues, is necessary to reflect current demographic realities and improve access to governance for underserved communities.

Senator Ndume based his proposal on the expansive landmass, scattered settlements, and challenging terrain that define much of Borno South. He also pointed to the evolving population dynamics driven by post-insurgency resettlement, which have significantly altered the structure and needs of communities in the region.

According to him, the existing constituency framework no longer adequately represents the people, stressing that effective democracy requires closer engagement between elected officials and constituents.

If approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the proposal would lead to the creation of additional State Assembly seats in the affected areas, thereby enhancing legislative accessibility and strengthening grassroots participation.

Observers say the initiative could correct long-standing imbalances in representation and bring governance closer to communities that have faced years of displacement and rebuilding challenges.

Senator Ndume, widely known for his advocacy on security, governance, and humanitarian recovery in the Northeast, maintained that democratic dividends must be tangible at the local level.

“This is about ensuring that governance is not distant but accessible,” he noted, adding that communities in Gwoza, Askira/Uba, and Biu deserve a stronger voice in decision-making processes.

The proposal is already attracting attention from stakeholders, with many describing it as a strategic intervention aimed at improving inclusivity and accelerating development across Borno South.