Northeast Nigeria Research Articles

Media Frames of the Operation of JTF and the Implications for Civilian Involvement in the Fight Against Terrorism in North-East, Nigeria

This research, which examined newspaper framing of the operations of Civilian JTF in combating terrorism in North-East Nigeria between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019, was aimed at filling the gap in existing literature on newspaper framing of civilian efforts in combating terrorism in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to find out the dominant frames and sources of news frames used in reporting civilian JTF's involvement in fighting terrorism as well as the interpretations that media frames gave on the issue. Using framing theory, the work undertook a content analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis (involving textual analysis) of four national newspapers: Vanguard, Punch, Daily Trust and Leadership. These newspapers were chosen because they have national spread and are regularly published over a period of time. Using simple random sampling, the study sampled a total of 432 issues of the selected newspapers and found that the reports from the selected newspapers on the involvement and operations of civilian JTF in combating terrorism in Nigeria were frequent. Out of the 432 issues of the selected newspapers, 309 (71.5%) issues were on the topic under study. It also found that the newspapers did not give prominence to the issue under investigation as the majority (68.2%) of the news items were hidden in inside pages. In addition, it was also found that the newspaper emphasized the military/government frame. Findings from the textual analysis revealed that the sampled newspapers all gave different manners of approach in their interpretation of the involvement of the Civilian JTF in the fight against terrorism, which resulted in emerging thematic frames such as: Victory frame, Fear frame, Relief frame and Strategy frame. Therefore, the work recommended that Nigerian newspapers should not only increase their reportage of governments/civilian efforts at combating terrorism but also place news items on terrorism prominently. It equally suggested that the press should improve their investigative reporting so as to help the government and civilian efforts in combating terrorism.

Application of tetracyclic polyprenoid biomarkers in Yola Basin of the Northern Benue Trough, northeast Nigeria: Implications for source origin and paleoenvironment

Tetracyclic polyprenoids biomarkers (TPP) were investigated on the Cretaceous sediments of Yola Sub-basin based on gas chromatography-doublet mass spectrometry. This is with an objective to re-examine the organic source input and paleodepositional environment of the sediments. The study revealed that the Bima shales were deposited in the lacustrine environment under suboxic to relatively anoxic depositional condition while the analysed Yolde, Dukul, Jessu, Sekuliye and Numanha shale sediments were deposited within the marine environment under suboxic depositional condition. More so, the analysed Lamja coal and shale samples were deposited in a delta environment under oxic to suboxic depositional condition. The study therefore, suggest that the paleodepositional environments of the studied shale sediments within the Yola Sub-basin remain as continental (lacustrine), transitional (marine and delta) and could have the potential to generate appreciable quantity of oil and gas.

Molecular Identification of invA gene from Salmonella species isolated from Human Sources in Southern Taraba, North-East Nigeria

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Wukari, Donga, Ibi, and Takum Local Government Areas in Southern Taraba State, North-East Nigeria. These areas were chosen due to their high population of farmers and traders, making them suitable locations for investigating foodborne pathogens. The experimental research spanned a period of 7 months, during which 200 blood and stool samples were collected from food vendors in the selected areas. Methodology: Sample collection involved the collection of 200 blood and stool samples from food vendors in Wukari, Donga, Ibi, and Takum Local Government Areas. Isolation and confirmation of Salmonella species were carried out through cultural and biochemical analyses, with reference strains used for quality control. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) extraction was performed using the boiling technique, followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the invA gene. Electrophoresis on an agarose gel was used to visualize the presence of the invA gene in the isolates. Results: The results of the study revealed a high prevalence of Salmonella species among food vendors in Southern Taraba State, North-East Nigeria. Analysis of the invA gene showed its presence in all isolates, indicating the widespread distribution of virulent strains in the study area. The findings underscore the importance of PCR-based methods for the detection of Salmonella and suggest the need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures to prevent foodborne illnesses. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the significant prevalence of Salmonella species among food vendors in Southern Taraba State, North-East Nigeria. The detection of the invA gene in all isolates highlights the potential virulence of these strains and emphasizes the importance of effective surveillance and control strategies to mitigate the risk of foodborne diseases. Further research is warranted to elucidate the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance genes associated with Salmonella strains in the region, facilitating the development of targeted interventions for public health protection.

Boko Haram insurgency and sustainable development in north-east, Nigeria, 2014-2022

The problem of insecurity and terrorism became heightened in 2014 after a series of attacks by Boko Haram on individuals, properties; government installations, etc. especially in North-East Nigeria. The study examines Boko Haram Insurgency and sustainable development in North East Nigeria, using the thematic approach of Insurgency and sustainable development. Qualitative analysis was strictly used based on purposive sampling gathered from four states of the northeastern part of Nigeria; Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Gombe. The Sustainable Development Theory was used to analyze the Insurgency's impact on economic, social, and human development, and the climate/environmental challenges. The researcher used both primary and secondary sources to collect information. The research findings indicate that the North East region and its people suffered grievous economic and political damages from the activities of the insurgents, with the catastrophic collapse of economic, social, and political structures, and processes, and a likelihood of the State itself collapsing and breaking into fragments if the insurgency had continued unabated for a more extended period. The study recommended that the provision of immediate and comprehensive mental health diagnosis, treatment, and counselling will play an essential and critical role in helping people exposed to insurgency recover quickly from the emotional pains and trauma that come with such exposure.

Health Seeking Behaviour among the Internally Displaced Persons in the North East Nigeria: Case Study of Tuberculosis Patients

Over two million people are internally displaced in north-eastern Nigeria due to the complex humanitarian catastrophe. Overcrowded and unclean living conditions increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB) transmission, sickness, and death. The seeking behaviour of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northeastern Nigeria was explored to improve disease surveillance and response in IDP camps and host communities.

Knowledge, risk perception and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among internally displaced persons in complex humanitarian emergency setting, Northeast Nigeria

BackgroundOwing to crowded and unsanitary conditions, internally displaced persons (IDPs) have an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. Adoption of COVID-19 preventive measures among this population is premised on accurate information, adequate knowledge, and risk perception. We assessed COVID-19 knowledge and risk perception and investigated the association between risk perception and COVID-19 preventive measures, including vaccination among IDPs in Northeast Nigeria.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study during July–December 2022 and sampled 2,175 IDPs using stratified sampling. We utilized a 12-point assessment tool to evaluate COVID-19 knowledge. Participants who scored ≥ 6 points were considered to have adequate knowledge. We used a 30-item Risk Behavior Diagnosis Scale to assess COVID-19 risk perception and evaluated each item on a 5-point Likert scale. Participants were divided into risk perception categories by the median of Likert scale scores. We performed weighted logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with risk perception. Pearson’s chi-squared with Rao-Scott adjustment was used to determine the relationship between risk perception and COVID-19 preventive measures.ResultsOf 2,175 participants, 55.7% were 18–39 years old, 70.9% were females, and 81.7% had no formal education. Among the IDPs, 32.0% (95% CI: 28.8 – 35.0) were considered to have adequate COVID-19 knowledge, and 51.3% (95% CI: 47.8 – 54.8) perceived COVID-19 risk as high. Moreover, 46.3% (95% CI: 42.8 – 50.0) had received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 33.1% (95% CI: 29.8 – 36.0) received two doses. Adequate knowledge (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.10, [95% CI: 1.46 – 3.03]) and post-primary education (AOR = 3.20, [95% CI: 1.59 – 6.46]) were associated with risk perception. Furthermore, high risk perception was significantly associated with wearing face masks (χ2 = 106.32, p-value < .001), practicing hand hygiene (χ2 = 162.24, p-value < .001), physical distancing (χ2 = 60.84, p-value < .001) and vaccination uptake (χ2 = 46.85, p-value < .001).ConclusionsThis study revealed gaps in COVID-19 knowledge, risk perception, and vaccination uptake but demonstrated a significant relationship between risk perception and COVID-19 preventive practices. Health education and risk communication should be intensified to improve knowledge, elicit stronger risk perception, and enhance COVID-19 preventive practices.

Geochemical and Organic Petrological Evaluation of Organic Matter from Tertiary Sediments of Baga Field in Chad Basin, Northeast Nigeria

The Upper Cretaceous sediments in Bornu are considered an important regional source rock in the Chad Basin. This study therefore evaluated the geochemical and organic petrological evaluation of organic matter in tertiary sediments of Chad Basin, Northeast Nigeria by collecting 25 cutting samples from these organic-rich shale sediments from four wells drilled in Baga field in the Nigeria sector (Bornu) of the Chad Basin, in order to geochemically assess the type of organic matter, thermal maturity, and palaeoenvironmental conditions. Results reveal that Bornu sediments contain high organic matter more than 2.0 wt% TOC and have an excellent oil-generation potential. This is supported by high bitumen extractions and hydrocarbon yields with values 5827 and 3547 ppm, respectively. The investigated biomarkers indicated that the shale sediments contain a high abundance of C27 regular sterane concentrations, high C27/C29 regular sterane ratios and relatively low value of the biomarker sterane/hopane ratio as well as the presence of tricyclic terpanes. A mainly suboxic to relatively anoxic preservation conditions is inferred from Pr/Ph ratios (1.03–2.53). This is support by normal alkane distributions, which are characterized by dominance of types I/II kerogen and low medium molecular weight n-alkane compounds, respectively. This is further supported by lower amounts of acyclic isoprenoids compared to n-alkanes (e.g., pristane/n-C17 and phytane/n-C18 ratios). This is also supported by a mixture of algal and amorphous organic matter that was deposited in a lacustrine environment identified from kerogen microscopy. Based on the analyzed biomarkers, triterpanes and terpanes thermal maturity indicates that the Bornu sediments organic matters have entered into early mature stage for oil generation. This is also supported by vitrinite reflectance values of 0.57–0.71 % Ro indicate that these organic matters have reached oil window maturity.

Assessment of Digital Proficiency Levels Possessed Among Federal University Library Staff in North East Nigeria

Assessment of Digital Proficiency Levels Possessed Among Federal University Library Staff in North East Nigeria

Reintegration Programs and the Willingness of Displaced Persons to Return Home: Analyzing the Role of Social Infrastructure in North-East Nigeria

Reintegration Programs and the Willingness of Displaced Persons to Return Home: Analyzing the Role of Social Infrastructure in North-East Nigeria

Assessment of Water Quality for Irrigation of Some Selected Soils/Areas in Yola, Adamawa State, North East, Nigeria

The study was carried out to assess the quality of irrigation water in Yola, North-East Nigeria. The study area comprises five locations: Doubeli, Bajabure, Bwaranji, Lake Gerio, and Jabbore. One water sample was collected from each of the five locations to analyze the chemical properties of the water quality for irrigation purposes. The data generated data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The coefficient of variation (CV) and Least Significant Difference (LSD) were used to separate the means at the (P&lt; 0.05) level of significance to test the relationship between and within soil properties using Statistical Analysis System (SAS version 9) statistical software. Based on laboratory results, irrigation water across the five locations indicated a pH range from slightly acidic to neutral conditions (6.45 to 7.28). EC ranged from 0.13 to 0.28 d Sm-1, SAR ranged from 0.57 to 0.67 cmol (+)kg-1 and RSC, CO2-3, HCO-3 and Cl- contents were also low, ranging from 0.40 to 0.56 meq/l, 0.18 to 0.29 meq/l, 0.83 to 0.91 meq/l, and 145.94 to 168.56%,respectively. Hence, ANOVA for water quality showed that there was a highly significant difference between TDS (493.2**), Na (0.006**), SAR (0.003**), CO2-3 (0.003**), HCO-3(0.003**), RSC (0.009**) and Cl-(489.4**) across the locations, respectively. Although EC (0.006*) and Ca (0.075*) at (P &lt;0.05) showed a significant difference in all five locations, pH and Mg did not show any significant difference across the five locations. However, the water in the study area is free from toxicity, and there is no danger of salinity. Therefore, it is suitable for irrigation and can be classified as good quality water.

Noma disease among internally displaced persons in Northeast Nigeria: a retrospective descriptive study.

Recently recognized by the World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease, Noma, an acute and destructive gangrenous disease affecting the gums and facial structures within the oral cavity, has a high mortality rate if untreated. To investigate the prevalence and impact of Noma among internally displaced populations in Northeastern Nigeria. A retrospective study. This retrospective study investigates the prevalence and impact of Noma among internally displaced populations in Northeastern Nigeria. Noma is endemic in Northern Nigeria, Africa, and its occurrence has been linked to extreme poverty, malnutrition, poor hygiene, and inadequate healthcare - conditions exacerbated by the ongoing Boko Haram conflict. The retrospective descriptive cross-sectional analysis of 17 cases reveals a median age of 8 years, with most of the patients being children who suffer significant social stigmas, such as difficulties in speaking, eating, and social integration, including reduced school attendance and marital prospects. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive research into the etiology of Noma and its socio-economic impact. It emphasizes the necessity for early and effective intervention strategies, particularly in conflict-stricken areas with limited healthcare access.

Challenges of Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Boko Haram Insurgents in Northeast Nigeria

Challenges of Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Boko Haram Insurgents in Northeast Nigeria

Petroleum system and hydrocarbon potential of the Kolmani Basin, Northeast Nigeria

Petroleum system and hydrocarbon potential of the Kolmani Basin, Northeast Nigeria

Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and molecular characterization of ESBLs Salmonellae enterica isolated from patients attending hospitals in Northeast Nigeria

Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and molecular characterization of ESBLs Salmonellae enterica isolated from patients attending hospitals in Northeast Nigeria

Attaining Sustainable Development in Post-Conflict Societies: A Conceptual and Theoretical Perspective from North-East Nigeria

One of the most cherished aspirations of every society emerging from conflict is its ability to transform, bounce back and attain sustainable development in the post-conflict period. No society indicate or abhors lack of willingness to achieve such a noble dream. In Nigeria, the crises of Boko Haram led to the destruction of properties and communities, death of persons, and displacement of millions of individuals. The violent conflict has destroyed several livelihood sources and made many rich individuals poor and destitute and as well sent many young people, women and children into their untimely graves. This paper examines the attainment of sustainable development in post-conflict societies with focus on North-East Nigeria. The paper is hinged on conceptual and theoretical approach to examining the post-conflict state of attaining sustainable development using secondary data derived from published and unpublished sources with analysis based of thematic approach using document analysis. The focus of the paper is on the ravaging violent conflict by the Boko Haram insurgents in the by addressing the key fundamental issues including the phases of conflicts management and recovery, the strategies for the attainment of sustainable development and economic prosperity in the post conflict society, the key actors and strategic stakeholders in the post conflict recovery and reconstructions, and the challenges confronting sustainable development in the post-conflict society.

Lineaments Characterization and their Tectonic Significance in Mineralization using Landsat TM Data and Field Studies along Mambilla Plateau, Northeast, Nigeria

Lineament characterization and their tectonic significance in mineralization using Landsat TM data and field studies Along the Mambilla Plateau and environs, northeast Nigeria .The area forms part of the mineralized shear zone of the Northeastern, part of the Basement Complex. The Basement Complex rocks underlie more than two-thirds of the plateau and date back to the Precambrian to early Paleozoic eras. While the remaining part of the plateau and its surroundings are made up of volcanic rocks of the upper Cenozoic to Tertiary and Quaternary ages. Remote sensing imagery data and field measurements were integrated for mapping the structural elements and hydrothermal alteration zones related to mineralization. Tectonically the lineaments trends NE-SW, NNW-SSE, NW-SE, and NS, are the main trends controlling mineralization in the area based on data from remote sensing and field measurements. On the other hand, applying band ratios and the constrained energy minimization (CEM) technique to Landsat-8 data pointed out alteration minerals associated with the hydrothermal fluids. Silica, sericite, and chlorite are the common alteration minerals detected, while goethite and epidote are less common in the alteration zones of the area under study. A combination of CET structural complexity, circular features, and alteration zones produced a potential mineralization map, pointing out numerous prospective zones for mineralization that are proximate to areas where artisanal mining activities are carried out. The predictive map was validated by projecting the known prospect zones in the study area, reflecting an agreement between the known occurrences and the higher classes of the predictive zone. The techniques in the current research can be adopted as a direct indicator for structural mapping and detecting alteration zones related to mineralization elsewhere.

Food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food vendors participating in Nigeria’s school feeding program

This study aimed to measure the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices among food vendors engaged in Nigeria’s ongoing Home-grown School Feeding Program. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in face-to-face interviews with 240 food vendors from 3 states in northeast Nigeria involved in the school feeding program using a structured questionnaire. Multiple linear regression results revealed that increased education and access to information through radio, television, and food inspection institutions increased food safety knowledge. Food safety attitudes score increased with more years of vending experience and accessing food safety information via radio, food inspection institutions, and the Internet. An increase in household size and food safety information from friends and colleagues negatively affected food safety attitude scores. As a result, we emphasize the need for dissemination of improved food safety information via radio, television and food safety inspection institutes. Food vendors in the SFP should be selected after passing a food safety training and gaining food handling experience. Higher education should be a priority criterion in the hiring process.

Benefits and challenges of implementing green building development in Nigeria

PurposeThe adoption of green building concepts and practices is rapidly gaining momentum globally due to their tendency to mitigate adverse effects of construction activities on the environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the challenges and benefits of implementing green building development in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected from questionnaires administered to 122 participants selected using stratified sampling techniques in North-East Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews complemented survey findings with proposed solutions. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics to identify the benefits and challenges, while thematic analysis was used to identify effective measures to the challenges of green building.FindingsResults show that “conservation of natural resources”, “reducing maintenance” and “heightened aesthetic” were rated higher as environmental, economic and social benefits, and thus were significant to green building development. The study revealed “economic issues”, “government issues” and “absence of standard assessment system” were the key factors as internal, external and general challenges to green building. Most practical solutions were related broadly to policy, awareness and support as measures to challenges of green building development.Originality/valueThe study is imperative to bridge the knowledge gaps and provide empirical information for green building policy guidelines specific to North-East Nigeria’s built environment sector. The understanding of policy implications will assist in building regulatory and monitoring agencies in developing new internal management policies to inform the public and investors about the effects of green building development.

Creativity, Innovation, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Performance: A Proposed Mediating Framework in North East Nigeria

Creativity and innovation served as a mechanism for actualizing and achieving the goal of any business.it plays a positive impact toward improving SMEs performance. This study objective is to propose a framework for examining the mediating effect of creativity between innovation and SMEs performance in North East Nigeria. Small and medium scale enterprises are essential to economic development as they help boost the economic activities and employment opportunities in every country. SMES significantly contribute to the growth and expansion of the worldwide economies, most importantly the developing nations. SME performance will be the dependent variable, while the innovation will serve as the independent variable of the study. It is suggested that empirical research be conducted on the relationship between the study variables across multiple states and region of Nigeria.

COVID-19 vaccination intention among internally displaced persons in complex humanitarian emergency context, Northeast Nigeria.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are at high risk for COVID-19 transmission because of congested and unsanitary living conditions. COVID-19 vaccination is essential to build population immunity and prevent severe disease among this population. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with intention to accept COVID-19 vaccine among IDPs in Northeast Nigeria. This cross-sectional study, conducted during July-December 2022, included 1,537 unvaccinated IDPs from 18 IDPs camps. We performed a complex sample survey analysis and described participants' characteristics and vaccination intention with weighted descriptive statistics. We fitted weighted logistic regression models and computed adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals to identify factors associated with intention to accept COVID-19 vaccine. Of 1,537 IDPs, 55.4% were 18-39 years old, 82.6% were females, and 88.6% had no formal education. Among them, 63.5% (95% CI: 59.0-68.1) expressed intention to accept COVID-19 vaccine. Among the IDPs who intended to reject vaccine, 42.8% provided no reason, 35.3% had COVID-19 misconceptions, 9.5% reported vaccine safety concerns, and 7.4% felt no need. IDPs who perceived COVID-19 as severe (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.31, [95% CI: 1.35-3.96]), perceived COVID-19 vaccine as effective (AOR = 4.28, [95% CI: 2.46-7.44]) and resided in official camps (AOR = 3.29, [95% CI: 1.94-5.56]) were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccine. However, IDPs who resided 2 kilometers or farther from the nearest health facility (AOR = 0.34, [95% CI: 0.20-0.58]) were less likely to accept vaccine. Intention to accept COVID-19 vaccine among the IDPs was suboptimal. To improve vaccination acceptance among this population, health education and risk communication should be intensified to counter misinformation, strengthen vaccine confidence, and shape perception of COVID-19 severity, focusing on IDPs in unofficial camps. Appropriate interventions to deliver vaccines to remote households should be ramped up.