The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says the country has recorded a total of 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, and 74 deaths from 22 states as of March 26, 2025

The NCDC stated that the Case Fatality Rate is at 9.2 per cent as of March 26, 2025.3.27

The centre disclosed this in a statement titled: “CSM outbreak: NCDC rapid response teams in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states,” signed by its Head of Corporate Communication, Sani Datti, on Thursday.

It said its Rapid Response Teams are already in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states in response to the ongoing outbreak of CSM.

It noted that the deployment follows a significant increase in suspected cases reported from these states.

“As of 26th March 2025, a total of 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths have been reported across 22 states, with a CFR of 9.2 per cent.

“Affected states include Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau, FCT, and Sokoto.

“Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto States have recorded the highest number of suspected cases, deaths, and CFRs, with relatively low sample collection rates, necessitating urgent intervention,” it highlighted.

According to the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, the RRT will be there for 14 days, and if need be, an extension will be given to the team.

Idris emphasised the importance of personal safety and instructed all team members to strictly observe infection prevention and control protocols throughout the response effort.

“The deployed teams, comprising multisectoral and interdisciplinary experts—including specialists in case management and lumbar puncture techniques—are already in the affected states and working closely with the state health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

“Key objectives of the response include rapid containment of the outbreak; strengthening case management and IPC measures; enhancing surveillance and sample collection; conducting risk communication and community engagement activities; and identifying the outbreak’s source and recommending appropriate public health actions.

“The NCDC remains committed to supporting state governments and partners to safeguard the health of Nigerians through timely and effective response to public health threats,” he stated.

Voter apathy marred the local government election held on Saturday across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

Most of the residents did not participate in the election as the polling units monitored were scanty with no queues of voters.
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IOur correspondent reports that in Akure South Local Council and Akure North Local Council Areas of the state, polling officers and security personnel were sitting idle waiting for voters.

With 922 voters registered at Ward 4, Unit 7, Ojumu, Akure South, only 96 people had voted at around 11:00 am with no other voter insight.

However, at ward 9, unit 3, Oba-Ile, the numbers of voters were a bit high, as one of the councillorship candidates was said to be from the unit.

Meanwhile, the restriction of vehicular movement by the police was not effective, as motorists, particularly those in transit through the state, moved freely.

Most of the streets visited had youths playing football while commercial motorcyclists made brisk business.

The Bauchi State Police Command has revealed that a total of 1,182 cases were recorded, resulting in the arrest of 2,322 suspects throughout 2024.

This disclosure was made during a press briefing on Monday by the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad, who highlighted the achievements of the command and shared strategic plans for 2025.

“The command has undertaken a comprehensive reassessment of its crime prevention strategies, with Community Policing serving as the foundational element of our approach.

“We have achieved significant outcomes through the efforts of our State Criminal Investigation Department, the State Intelligence Department (SID), and Area commands, alongside thirty-three Divisional Headquarters and tactical units attached to the command,” Muhammad explained.

He noted that 678 of the cases led to charges being filed against 895 suspects.

“A total of 678 cases and 895 suspects were subsequently charged to court. Forty-eight cases involving 82 suspects culminated in successful convictions,” Muhammad confirmed.

Additionally, he mentioned that 396 cases involving 816 suspects are pending trial, while 30 cases remain under investigation.

The police commissioner also touched on the sensitive issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), revealing that the command had documented 73 such cases during 2024.

“The Command documented 73 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) during this period,” he said.

Muhammad also reported significant recovery of illicit items, stating, “The command has recovered exhibits including 23 AK-47 rifles, 4 G-3 rifles, 3 SMG rifles, 22 fabricated or cut-to-size firearms, 5 fabricated pistols, 746 live ammunition of various calibres, 32 magazines, 100 cartridges, 68 cutlasses, 26 knives, 10 motor vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 69 handsets, 28 tricycles, and a cash sum of 22 million and 38 thousand naira (₦22,038,000).”

He emphasised that these successes were made possible through critical information provided by the public.

“These successes were facilitated through critical information provided by the public, saying they remain essential partners in the effort to ensure a safe and secure environment.”

Muhammad further outlined that the command has integrated both traditional practices and modern policing techniques, particularly intelligence-led policing, to address criminal activities effectively.

“These initiatives have been further enhanced through collaborations with sister security agencies and non-governmental organisations to effectively address all forms of criminal activity in our state.”

Addressing professional misconduct within the force, Muhammad assured the public of accountability.

“In line with our commitment to accountable and transparent service delivery, we have actively addressed instances of professional misconduct within our Command from January 2024 to date.

“A total of 18 personnel have undergone internal disciplinary measures, demonstrating our dedication to maintaining high operational standards.

“This includes the dismissal of one Police Constable, rank reductions for four officers, issuance of warning letters to six personnel, and reprimands for four others.”

He concluded by reaffirming the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to continuing internal disciplinary procedures for personnel who do not uphold our established standards, thereby ensuring accountability and fostering continuous improvement in our service delivery.”

As the Bauchi State Police Command looks ahead to 2025, Muhammad assured residents that the force is well-prepared to deploy further strategies aimed at safeguarding lives and property.