Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Kano have foiled an attempted bandits’ attack and recovered 97 cattle and 50 sheep during an operation along the Kano-Katsina border.

KANO FOCUS reports that the operation, carried out on Wednesday, followed credible intelligence indicating that armed bandits were moving rustled livestock through the Yankamaye and Rimaye axis.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Major Babatunde Zubairu, troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), reinforced by personnel from a Response Area, swiftly positioned themselves at strategic crossing points used by the criminals.

The statement said the troops intercepted the fleeing bandits, leading to a gun battle during which the criminals were overwhelmed and forced to abandon the stolen livestock before escaping towards Katsina State.

It added that the troops arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered one motorcycle, 97 cattle and 50 sheep. The recovered cattle have since been returned to their rightful owners.

The Army, however, confirmed the death of a local vigilante, Mallam Yusuf Adamu, 47, of Yanchibi Village, who was caught in the crossfire during the operation.

“The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire Yanchibi community over this unfortunate incident,” the statement said.

It noted that troops have continued to comb the area in pursuit of the fleeing bandits with the aim of apprehending the remaining suspects.

Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and fighting spirit, urging them to sustain the offensive until all bandits and other criminal elements operating within the area are neutralised.

He also appreciated members of the public for their continued support and encouraged them to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as vital to the success of ongoing operations against banditry and other forms of criminality.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has been honoured by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) with the Best Administrative Efficiency Award in recognition of its performance during the 2026 Hajj operations.

KANO FOCUS reports that the award was presented on Wednesday at the Post-2026 Hajj Review Summit held at the Hajj House Conference Hall in Abuja.

Presenting the award, the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Isma’il Abba Yusuf, said the Kano board distinguished itself through effective coordination, sound administration and its commitment to ensuring a successful pilgrimage for pilgrims from the state.

He said the board’s efficient management of the 2026 Hajj exercise set a benchmark for Hajj administration in Nigeria.

According to the NAHCON chairman, the award recognises the board’s exemplary leadership and operational efficiency throughout the pilgrimage.

Receiving the award, the Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, expressed appreciation to NAHCON for the recognition.

Mr Matawalle dedicated the award to the Kano State Government, the people of the state and the management and staff of the board, attributing the achievement to their dedication, teamwork and commitment to serving pilgrims.

He reaffirmed the board’s resolve to sustain the high standards that earned the recognition and pledged to introduce more initiatives aimed at improving the welfare, comfort and overall experience of Kano pilgrims during future Hajj exercises.

The recognition comes as the board recently commenced registration for the 2027 Hajj, with officials saying early planning and improved service delivery remain central to preparations for the next pilgrimage.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality with the launch of the 2026 Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) and e-Birth Registration Campaign, backed by a ₦200 million investment in maternal nutrition.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to expanding access to quality healthcare services for women and children across the state.

As part of the ceremony, Dr Yusuf presented Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to a nursing mother, symbolising the commencement of the statewide campaign.

The commissioner said the exercise would deliver critical health and nutrition interventions to millions of children and pregnant women across Kano’s 44 local government areas, while strengthening birth registration to ensure every child has a legal identity.

He urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the free services being offered during the campaign, describing the initiative as a key component of the state’s efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Shafeeq Ur-Rehman, commended the Kano State Government for prioritising the health and wellbeing of women and children.

He particularly praised the state’s allocation of ₦200 million for the procurement of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements, describing the investment as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving maternal nutrition and public health.

According to him, the first two years of a child’s life are the most critical for growth and development, yet many children continue to suffer from preventable diseases and malnutrition because they fail to access essential health services.

He said the integrated campaign provides a platform for delivering several high-impact interventions simultaneously.

During the exercise, about 2.7 million children aged between six and 59 months are expected to receive Vitamin A supplementation, while eligible children will also receive deworming tablets, immunisation services and screening for malnutrition.

In addition, 97,129 pregnant women will receive Multiple Micronutrient Supplements and other essential maternal healthcare services.

The campaign will be implemented through 1,324 health facilities across 484 wards in the state’s 44 local government areas.

Mr Ur-Rehman said the integration of birth registration into the campaign would make it easier for families to obtain birth certificates for their children.

“A birth certificate is more than a document. It is a gateway to education, healthcare, social protection and legal rights,” he said.

He called on parents, traditional rulers and religious leaders to support the campaign by mobilising communities and addressing misconceptions that could discourage families from accessing health services.

The UNICEF official also commended health workers and volunteers for their dedication in delivering healthcare services, often under difficult conditions.

He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Kano State in strengthening healthcare systems, improving nutrition, expanding immunisation coverage and ensuring that vulnerable women and children, particularly those in underserved communities, have access to essential services.

The campaign is supported by Nutrition International, the Government of Canada, the Government of the United States, the Government of the Netherlands, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Their support is expected to enhance maternal and child health services and improve birth registration coverage across Kano State.