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Nigeria: Tens of thousands in acute need following clashes in Borno
An estimated 30,000 people are in acute need of shelter and other basic necessities in the northeastern Nigerian town of Monguno after fleeing fighting between government forces and armed opposition groups, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said today, calling for a coordinated aid response ahead of the rainy season in May.
The conflict in Nigeria‘s Borno state has led to a massive humanitarian crisis over the last 10 years. Since December 2018, renewed clashes forced tens of thousands of people to flee to the government-controlled towns of Maiduguri and Monguno, joining many more people who were previously displaced.
“People who recently arrived in Monguno fled their homes, leaving everything behind,” said Musa Baba, MSF humanitarian affairs officer. “They come from areas where they could farm. Now, they are sleeping on the streets or wherever they can find space. They are hungry, thirsty, and exposed to very high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night.”
In December, Monguno itself was attacked, causing aid workers to withdraw and leaving thousands of people without adequate assistance. Yet displaced people continue to arrive daily in the town.
MSF calls for better coordination among the Nigerian government, United Nations agencies and nongovernmental aid organizations to meet the needs for shelter, water, sanitation, food, protection and medical care in Monguno.
The existing camps for displaced people are overwhelmed. People living in the open with little sanitation and drinking water are at risk of pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, among other preventable diseases. With few latrines, most people use open defecation areas, which are likely to flood in the upcoming rainy season, with catastrophic results.
People living in the open with little sanitation and drinking water are at risk of pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, among other preventable diseases. MSF is running a 10-bed emergency room for adults in a facility run by the Ministry of Health in Monguno as well as providing people with mental health support. Following an accidental fire in February in a stadium where displaced people camped, MSF distributed 500 kits of essential items including mats, tarpaulins, blankets, jerrycans, cooking equipment and hygiene items.
Many of the displaced people in Monguno describe years of suffering and displacement as the conflict in Borno state continues. Hajja Bukar, a 35-year-old woman from Baga, lost her first child to illness five years ago when their family fled an attack on their village. They returned home months later, but two months ago, they were attacked again.
“Then the insurgents attacked our village at 4 a.m.,” Bukar said. “Houses were burned and some people were burned to death while sleeping in their houses. That’s why we came back here. … We are all afraid of going to the farm. When our men try to go there, they are killed by Boko Haram. The insurgents also come to our houses at night to demand foodstuffs. And if you can’t give them what they ask for, they kill you.”
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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