Troops kill ISWAP Shura member in Yobe offensive

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), identified as Abu Jarir, during a coordinated military operation in Yobe State, security sources have said.

The operation, which involved both ground forces and air support, was carried out along the Babangida–Dapchi axis, a strategic corridor in the state.

Military sources told Premium Times-style reporting that the strike followed credible intelligence on the movement of the insurgent leader and his fighters within the area.

“It was around 6:12 p.m. on April 22 that our troops, acting on intelligence, engaged the terrorists in the Babangida general area and successfully neutralised Abu Jarir,” one of the sources said.

Abu Jarir was said to be a member of ISWAP’s Shura council, a top decision-making body within the group. His killing is considered a major blow to the insurgents’ leadership structure in the Lake Chad region, which covers parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

Security officials also disclosed that ISWAP’s overall commander in the Lake Chad region, identified as Ba Shuwa, reportedly dispatched a search team to recover the body of the slain commander shortly after the incident.

The search party, according to the sources, was later sighted moving on motorcycles around the Aljanna Jaule area of Yobe State.

Military authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation.

However, sources said troops have continued exploitation operations across the Babangida–Dapchi axis and parts of the Sasawa Forest, as the military intensifies efforts to weaken insurgent networks in the North-east.

The Nigerian military has, in recent months, sustained pressure on ISWAP and Boko Haram factions through a combination of air strikes and ground offensives, targeting their hideouts and supply routes across the region.

🔥 Rising Heat, Silent Danger: A Health Alert Nigerians Must Not Ignore

As temperatures continue to soar across parts of Nigeria, health experts are raising concern over an emerging climate pattern known as El Niño  a natural event that is already intensifying heat conditions and could pose serious risks to public health in the coming weeks.

What many people see as “ordinary hot weather” may, in reality, be something far more dangerous. With May approaching, meteorological changes linked to El Niño could delay rainfall and prolong extreme heat, exposing millions to life-threatening conditions if precautions are not taken.

What is El Niño and Why Does It Matter?

El Niño occurs when ocean temperatures in the Pacific rise unusually high. This disrupts global weather patterns, often leading to reduced rainfall and prolonged heat in regions like West Africa.

In practical terms, this means that the rains expected during this period may come late or be weaker than usual, leaving communities exposed to intense and persistent heat.

The Hidden Health Risk: Heat Stroke

One of the most dangerous outcomes of extreme heat is Heat Stroke — a condition that can affect anyone, including healthy individuals.

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. Without urgent care, it can lead to organ failure or even death.

Common warning signs include:

• Severe headache
• Dizziness or fainting
• Vomiting
• Hot, dry skin with little or no sweating

If these symptoms appear, move the person to a cool or shaded area immediately, cool their body with a damp cloth, and seek urgent medical attention.

Simple Steps That Can Save Lives

1. Stay Hydrated at All Times
Do not wait until you feel thirsty  thirst means your body is already dehydrated. Drink water regularly, even if you are not thirsty. Pay special attention to children and the elderly.

2. Avoid Peak Sun Hours
The sun is strongest between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Limit outdoor activities during this period. Parents should reconsider school sports or strenuous activities under the sun.

3. Dress for the Weather
Avoid dark clothing, especially black, as it absorbs heat. Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

4. Protect the Vulnerable — Including Animals
Ensure pets and even stray animals have access to water and shade. A simple bowl of water outside your home can save a life.

 A Collective Responsibility

Extreme heat is not just a weather condition — it is a public health concern. Awareness and early action can prevent unnecessary loss of life.

Communities are encouraged to share this information widely, check on vulnerable neighbours, and adopt heat safety measures immediately.

Final Word

As the effects of El Niño intensify, preparedness is key. The choices we make today — staying hydrated, avoiding excessive heat, and looking out for one another — can make the difference between life and tragedy.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Save a life.

Gombe Rallies Against Cervical Cancer as Coalition Pushes HPV Vaccination Drive

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The fight against cervical cancer gained fresh momentum in Gombe State as the Arewa Cancer Control Coalition, in partnership with health authorities, rolled out a large-scale awareness campaign promoting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and preventive care.

The outreach programme, which drew health experts, community leaders and residents, focused on educating the public, particularly young girls and parents, on the life-saving benefits of early vaccination and routine screening.

Speaking at the event, President of the International Papillomavirus Society of Nigeria (IPVS), Professor Muhammad Manga, commended the Federal Government for strengthening access to vaccines and cancer care services. He highlighted ongoing efforts led by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, noting that free diagnosis and treatment initiatives are being expanded through national institutions and global partnerships.

Professor Manga urged residents, especially girls aged 9 to 14, to take advantage of the ongoing campaign by visiting nearby health facilities for vaccination. According to him, achieving at least 90 percent coverage among eligible girls is critical to meeting the global target set by the World Health Organization for eliminating cervical cancer.

He also called on religious and community leaders to play a more active role in sensitising rural communities, stressing that increased awareness among parents and women would significantly boost vaccine uptake and reduce preventable deaths.

“Parents and guardians must ensure that girls from the age of nine receive the HPV vaccine. This is a crucial step toward safeguarding the future health of our young population,” he said.

In his remarks, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Musa Mustapha, emphasised the need for regular screening alongside immunisation.

He noted that early detection remains key to effective treatment, urging residents to support the initiative and embrace preventive healthcare practices.

The campaign is part of broader efforts to curb the spread of HPV and reduce the burden of cervical cancer, particularly among young women who remain most at risk.