News
Inside TSEMA’s Lifeline Operations: How Taraba’s Emergency Agency Is Saving Lives Across Communities
Taraba State, located in Nigeria’s North-East and bordered by Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Adamawa, and the Republic of Cameroon, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most geographically diverse regions. Spanning about 54,000 square kilometres, its landscape stretches from the high-altitude Mambilla Plateau to vast river valleys and low-lying floodplains.
But this natural richness comes with risks.
Seasonal flooding—driven by the overflow of the Taraba and Donga rivers, as well as periodic water releases from the Lagdo Dam in neighbouring Cameroon—frequently submerges communities and displaces thousands. Beyond environmental challenges, Taraba’s complex social structure adds another layer of vulnerability. With over 80 ethnic groups, the state experiences periodic communal tensions often linked to land ownership, identity, and political representation.
Against this backdrop of recurring crises, a quiet but decisive force continues to stand between disaster and survival for many residents.
Backed by the leadership and support of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA) has emerged as a critical pillar in the state’s emergency response—coordinating rescue efforts, delivering relief, and restoring hope across affected communities.
From Jalingo to Lau, Yorro to Takum Local Government Areas, the agency’s interventions have become a lifeline for families grappling with the effects of flooding and conflict.
On March 28, 2026, TSEMA carried out one of its largest humanitarian operations, distributing relief materials to over 50,000 internally displaced persons and flood victims across the state. The exercise, supported by the Taraba State Government under Governor Kefas’ directive, targeted communities hardest hit by seasonal flooding and displacement.
Speaking during the exercise, the agency’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Audu Echuseh, reaffirmed TSEMA’s commitment to timely and transparent service delivery, noting that sustained government support has significantly strengthened its capacity to respond swiftly to emergencies.
Across Taraba, TSEMA’s presence is most visible in its response to vulnerable communities.
In Lau and Jalingo LGAs, where flooding has repeatedly displaced residents, the agency has coordinated evacuations and distributed food items, mattresses, and other essential supplies. In Takum LGA, it has extended relief to victims of farmer-herder clashes, providing urgent support to families displaced by violence.
Meanwhile, in Yorro LGA, joint operations between TSEMA and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have ensured both immediate relief and sustained support for affected communities—reflecting a coordinated response strengthened by state government backing.
Observers say Governor Kefas’ emphasis on responsive governance has played a crucial role in enabling such interventions and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most.
Behind the numbers are stories of survival.
“We lost almost everything to the flood,” a resident of Jalingo recalled. “But the assistance we received helped us survive. It gave us hope again.”
Across affected communities, similar testimonies highlight the life-saving impact of TSEMA’s interventions, particularly in remote areas where access to aid can be limited.
As it expands its operations, the agency has also maintained a strong focus on transparency and accountability—principles that align with the broader governance priorities of the state.
Today, TSEMA has evolved beyond a reactive institution into a strategic agency serving as:
- The first line of defence during disasters
- A coordinator of humanitarian interventions
- A bridge between the government, donors, and local communities
It not only safeguards lives in Taraba but also contributes to Nigeria’s wider disaster management framework.
As climate change pressures intensify and security challenges persist, the need for strong and responsive institutions has never been greater.
For the people of Taraba, TSEMA remains a dependable lifeline—supported by a government that continues to prioritise humanitarian response and citizen welfare.
Under the leadership of Dr. Audu Echuseh, and with the backing of Governor Kefas, the agency reflects a powerful blend of institutional commitment and political will—one that is helping Taraba respond more effectively to crises.
And as emergencies continue to test communities, one thing is clear: TSEMA is not just responding to disasters—it is helping to build resilience, restore dignity, and save lives across Taraba State.
News
Troops killed eight terrorists, rescued 30 kidnap victims nationwide in two days: Army
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed eight terrorists, rescued 30 kidnap victims and recovered several weapons in operations across the country.
The military operational update made available on Wednesday, said the operations were conducted between August 31 and September 1 across theatres.
The report said the troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, neutralised a terrorist after fighting through an ambush involving a concealed improvised explosive device in Borno.
It added that troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and an IED initiator during the encounter at Miyanti-Banki Junction, Bama Local Government Area (LGA).
According to the report, the engagement, however, resulted in the death of one soldier, while another sustained injuries and a military gun truck was damaged.
“In Yobe, troops of 120 Task Force Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised another terrorist at Lamusuri, Gujba Local Government Area.
“The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a body pouch after the encounter.
“The military also recorded aerial success in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno, where an air strike neutralised three terrorists and destroyed structures used as hideouts,” he said.
The report also revealed that troops of the 211 Demonstration Battalion, Operation MESA, neutralised two terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims from Makodi Gwamnare Forest in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State.
It added that troops recovered eight mobile phones and N1.48 million from the terrorists, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families.
In Kogi, the military said the troops of 21 Battalion, working with the police, State Security Service and local hunters, rescued 21 victims abandoned by fleeing kidnappers.
It said the victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from Egume-Ochaja Forest in Dekina LGA.
According to the report, one male victim who sustained a gunshot wound during the operation was stabilised at a military medical facility.
“In Katsina, troops of 17 Brigade and an Office of the National Security Adviser tactical team neutralised two terrorists and destroyed two motorcycles during a fighting patrol in Kogo Village, Matazu LGA. In Zamfara, troops responding to intelligence on cattle rustling were ambushed at Bude Village, Bungudu Local Government Area, but fought through and forced the terrorists to abandon the rustled cattle.
“In Plateau, troops arrested four suspected criminals and recovered a locally fabricated firearm, three motorcycles, a cutlass and a knife at Exland Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. In Delta, troops intercepted a trailer conveying illegally mined ilmenite and arrested two suspects along the Bomadi-Oro Junction road.
“In Rivers, troops engaged armed oil thieves involved in pipeline vandalism at the Oboburu community, forcing the suspects to flee, while one suspect sustained gunshot wounds. Troops also discovered an illegal refining site in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area, recovering equipment and about 40 litres of stolen crude oil,” he said.
The report said the latest operations underscored the military’s continued reliance on intelligence, joint operations and sustained offensive action to disrupt terrorists, kidnappers, criminal networks and economic saboteurs across the country.
(NAN)
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