Nigeria has been grappling with a significant brain drain across various sectors, particularly in healthcare.

The migration of health workers, often termed “brain drain,” involves the movement of healthcare professionals seeking better living conditions, higher wages, access to advanced technology, and more stable political environments in other parts of the world.

This challenge is driven by a combination of economic, societal, and global factors. Many argue that inadequate investment in the healthcare system and low pay for healthcare workers are major contributors to the mass exodus of medical professionals to developed nations.

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) highlights that the shortage of healthcare professionals in the country dates back to the mid-1980s when the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) weakened the purchasing power of many Nigerians.

By Milcah Tanimu

In a significant development in the fight against insurgency, the troops of Theatre Command, North East, under ‘Operation Hadin Kai,’ have accomplished a major victory by eliminating a top commander of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, widely known as Boko Haram. The commander, identified as Tahir Baga, met his demise on May 13, 2024, during a robust offensive launched by the troops in the notorious Sambisa Forest.

This achievement came as a result of the troops’ relentless pursuit of terrorists within their strongholds in the forest, as part of Operation Desert Sanity III. Intelligence sources and security analyst Zagazola Makama in the Lake Chad region confirmed the successful operation.

Tahir Baga, a prominent figure within Boko Haram, was known to be a close ally of the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau. He played a significant role in the formation of the terrorist movement in Maiduguri before relocating to Sambisa Forest. Described as a respected Imam within the sect, Baga wielded influence and was involved in thwarting surrender attempts by fighters and coercing young girls into suicide bombings.

During the offensive, the troops engaged with the terrorists, resulting in the neutralization of Tahir Baga and several of his associates, while others managed to escape with gunshot wounds. The elimination of such a high-ranking member of Boko Haram marks a significant blow to the terrorist group.

Additionally, the operation led to the liberation of 14 individuals, including four women and ten children, who were held captive by the terrorists. The fleeing insurgents abandoned their weapons and equipment, which were subsequently recovered by the troops. Among the items seized were bomb-making materials, firearms including an RPG-7 tube and an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, explosives, communication devices, bicycles, and various other supplies used by the terrorists to carry out their nefarious activities.

This successful operation underscores the commitment of the Nigerian military to combatting insurgency and restoring peace and security in the region. It also highlights the effectiveness of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in dismantling terrorist networks and neutralizing their leadership structures.

By Daniel Edu

Veteran Nigerian stand-up comedian and actor, Ali Baba, whose real name is Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, has taken issue with Vice President Kashim Shettima over what he perceives as disrespect for the Christian religion.

Ali Baba shared a photo collage on his Instagram page that featured Shettima at a church event alongside Muslims engaging in their prayers. The images showed the former Borno State Governor wearing a cap, while other political figures beside him had removed their head coverings.

In his caption, the comedian emphasized the importance of showing respect for the beliefs, rituals, and practices of people when entering a place considered holy. He suggested that this was the appropriate way to honor one’s hosts. However, he also implied that the Vice President had not acted in accordance with these principles.

The caption read: “When you enter a place considered holy or sacred by a people, you respect their beliefs, rituals, and observations… that’s how it’s done. You do it to honor who your hosts are. But then again.”

In a separate development, Vice President Kashim Shettima addressed world leaders at the ongoing G77+China leaders’ summit in Cuba. He stressed the need for international cooperation to address global challenges and urged countries to work together for mutual progress, emphasizing that regional tensions should not hinder cooperation and progress.