FG - Nigeria Will Not Bow to Criminal Elements, Moves to Restore Peace in Plateau

The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property across the country, declaring that Nigeria will not bow to criminal elements or acts of violence as it moves to restore lasting peace in the Plateau.

In a statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Rabi'u Ibrahim, said the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Tuesday, during a press briefing in Abuja, while addressing the security situation in Plateau State following the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North. “Nigeria will not yield to criminal elements. We will protect our people, and we will prevail,” the Minister stated.

“Nigerians must not allow criminal elements to divide communities. Nigeria’s unity remains strong, and we must all work together to sustain peace and stability across the country,” he added

The Minister expressed deep concern over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Plateau State. He assured Nigerians that security agencies responded swiftly to the attack. According to him, troops under Operation Enduring Peace were immediately deployed, while the military and other security agencies secured the area and launched operations to track down those responsible.

“These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation,” said Idris, noting that the response forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across Plateau state and the wider North-Central region.

Idris explained that the Federal Government has sustained military and intelligence-led operations in vulnerable communities, supported by increased surveillance, troop deployments, and joint patrols involving the military and the police. He added that these measures are aimed at preventing further attacks and maintaining stability.

Idris also assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to addressing security challenges through targeted operations and strategic coordination among security agencies. He disclosed that the President has already met with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps.

He also noted that the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been invited for further consultations to strengthen collaboration and ensure a coordinated response towards lasting peace.

The Minister acknowledged steps taken by the Plateau State Government, including the imposition of a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to stabilise the situation and support ongoing operations. He stressed that federal and state authorities are working closely to prevent reprisals, restore calm, and facilitate investigations.

While describing the attack as deeply regrettable, Idris stated that it does not represent a breakdown of national security, but a criminal act in a conflict-prone area that is being actively addressed. He assured Nigerians that those responsible will be brought to justice. “There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.

The Minister reassured Nigerians that the situation in Plateau State is under control and urged Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding. He also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, noting that such actions could worsen tensions and undermine security efforts.

The Federal Government, he said, will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational readiness, and inter-agency coordination to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure lasting peace nationwide.

FG’s Alau Dam Project on Track, Says Minister Utsev

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s reconstruction and upgrade of the Alau Dam is progressing on schedule and will deliver lasting solutions to flooding, water supply challenges, and agricultural needs in Borno State.

In a statement by the Director Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the Minister made this known during a working visit to the dam site in Maiduguri on 7th August 2025, where he led a high-powered delegation from the Ministry to inspect the ongoing works.

Speaking with journalists, Prof. Utsev explained that the first phase of the project, targeted at flood mitigation, commenced in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by September 2025. The second phase, which focuses on the full-scale upgrade of the dam, will begin in October 2025 and is scheduled for completion by March 2027.

Prof. Utsev reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, approved the reconstruction and upgrading of Alau Dam. He further added:

“This intervention is critical, not just to prevent another disaster, but to reposition this dam as a multipurpose facility for drinking water, irrigation, and even hydro-power generation in the near future.”

He recalled the Alau Dam incident of September 2024, which caused severe flooding, loss of lives, and the destruction of infrastructure and property worth billions of naira, and highlighted that the ongoing reconstruction aims to ensure that such a tragedy does not recur.

During the inspection, the Minister visited the main dam gated spillway and proceeded to the cofferdam, where the contractor is currently filling and reinforcing the structure. He noted that the water levels remained under control at the time of the visit, and reassured the public that there was no cause for alarm. He further revealed that the contractor is executing the work professionally and in line with approved timelines.

He directed that necessary adjustments be made to the dam’s gates to allow for controlled water flow, ensuring safety during the rainy season.

The Minister urged the Borno State Government to intensify public sensitisation, especially among local farmers, to halt agricultural activities along the dam’s embankment, which he noted could compromise the safety and structural integrity of the project.

“We understand that some farmers are still cultivating around the dam embankment, which poses a serious risk to both the workers and the infrastructure,” he warned. “We are appealing to the State Government to begin a strong awareness campaign to stop this.”

Prof. Utsev expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for the upgrading and reconstruction of the dam, and to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his strong commitment to the people of Borno. He stressed that once completed, the dam will be a game-changer for water security and agriculture in the region.

He commended the media for their role in communicating government programmes and urged continued support in informing the public about key national developments.

The Minister also made a stopover at River Ngada  Bridge, which is hydrologically linked to the Alau Dam, as part of efforts to understand the broader water dynamics of the area.

Following the field inspection, Engr. Utsev paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, at the Government House, Maiduguri, to inform him of the purpose of the dam inspection.

He was accompanied on the inspection visit by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah; the Director of Dams and Reservoirs, Engr. Ali Dallah; the Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, Engr. Christy Oduh; and other senior officials. The team was also joined by Borno State Government representatives, including the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Tijani Alkali.

FG Commends Governor Yusuf for Signing Kano Centre for Disease Control Law

The Federal Government has applauded Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for signing into law the establishment of the Kano Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, a move aimed at strengthening the state’s capacity to combat infectious and tropical diseases.

The commendation came from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Muhammad Pate, who led a high-powered delegation from the ministry, the Gates Foundation, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation on a courtesy visit to the Kano State Government House on Wednesday.

A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, highlighted that Professor Pate’s commendation came less than 24 hours after the governor assented to the bill, expressing confidence that the new law would enhance disease surveillance, prevention, and control mechanisms in the state.

Speaking during the visit, Professor Pate revealed that the delegation was in Kano to assess the recent resurgence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) in the state, calling for an urgent, coordinated response to curb its spread.

He also raised concerns over Kano’s alarming maternal and newborn mortality rate, which stands at 639 deaths per 100,000 live births—well above the national average. According to the minister, reducing these deaths in Kano would significantly improve Nigeria’s overall health indicators.

To bolster healthcare delivery, Professor Pate announced plans for Federal Government intervention, including the establishment of three maternal care centers and the expansion of primary healthcare services under a special intervention initiative.

In his remark Governor Yusuf, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Faruq Umar Ibrahim, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to eradicating poliovirus and improving public health in Kano. 

He pledged to sustain collaborations with the Gates and Dangote Foundations, recognizing their longstanding commitment to healthcare development in the state.

He noted that while his administration has made significant strides in the health sector, critical challenges remain, particularly in routine immunization, maternal health, and supply chain management. 

In response, Governor Yusuf vowed to intensify immunization efforts, enhance the capacity of healthcare workers, and ensure the availability of essential vaccines.

Furthermore, he disclosed that his government had reinstated counterpart funding for routine immunization, addressing gaps inherited from the previous administration and reaffirming its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services.

On his part Dr. Chris Elias, President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation, recalled that the organization had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kano State Government in 2012 to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization. 

However, with the resurgence of cVDPV, he emphasized the need for renewed efforts to eliminate the disease once and for all.

Similarly, Dr. Ahmad Iyan, a representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, conveyed Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s deep concern over the poliovirus resurgence in Kano. 

He stressed that the business magnate remains committed to ensuring Nigeria is completely free from polio.

Dr. Iyan acknowledged the frustration of returning to the fight against poliovirus a decade after the last recorded case of wild poliovirus in Kano but urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts in tackling the root causes of the outbreak.

With strong commitments from both the state and federal governments, alongside continued support from international partners, Kano is set to reinforce its healthcare system and combat emerging health threats. 

As stakeholders gear up for a renewed fight against poliovirus and other public health challenges, the establishment of the Kano Centre for Disease Control marks a critical step toward safeguarding the health and well-being of millions of residents.