Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu calls on security agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against cancer

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, former First Lady of Kebbi State, at a recent health awareness event in Abuja, outlined the pivotal role that security agencies play in advancing Nigeria’s fight against cancer. The address, delivered during the 2025 Health Week organized by the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), on how to navigate the intersection of health and public safety.

During the Executive Intelligence Management Course 18 (EIMC 18), it was attended by approximately 80 participants from various African nations including Nigeria and Rwanda, Dr. Bagudu emphasized how robust security frameworks can to a great extent improve cancer-related outcomes across the country. The gathering brought together representatives from critical organizations such as the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Immigration Service, and other key federal and state institutions.

Dr. Bagudu elaborated that a secure environment not only facilitates widespread cancer awareness campaigns but also protects vital medical resources. She urged enforcement agencies to help dispel common misunderstandings about cancer and ensure the integrity of supply chains and also prevent theft and damage to cancer medications and vaccines.

The former First Lady addressed five essential focus areas to strengthen cancer control programs. These include leveraging security networks to circulate factual information, safeguarding the distribution of oncology drugs, guarding healthcare workers especially in conflict-prone zones, advocating for transparent health financing, and integrating health protection into national security planning. She particularly outlined the importance of proper management of funds like the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the Cancer Health Fund (CHF) to maximize their impact.

The session termed cancer’s status as a global health emergency, responsible for nearly ten million fatalities each year. Dr. Bagudu praised the NISS team, sponsors, and partners for their dedication to incorporating cancer-related discussions into security training, stressing that interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to easing Nigeria’s cancer burden and reinforcing its healthcare infrastructure.

A representative from NISS acknowledged the value of integrating public health into security curricula, noting, that the collaboration equips security personnel with the knowledge to contribute meaningfully to national health objectives, such as reducing cancer fatalities.

The discourse at NISS aims to pioneer a shift toward a more unified approach between health and security sectors in Nigeria.