Tricycle Rider’s Wife Delivers Quintuplets; State Govt Intervenes

KANO, Nigeria — In a rare medical feat that has captured the attention of the nation, a 35-year-old housewife, Hafsatu Yusuf, has given birth to a set of quintuplets at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.

​Hafsatu, who already has eight children with her husband, Malam Salisu Nafiu, was delivered of the five babies—three boys and two girls—on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. This brings the total number of children in the family to 13.

​The father, Nafiu, a local tricycle (Keke Napep) rider, expressed overwhelming gratitude for the safe arrival of the newborns. Despite the economic weight of a 15-member household, Nafiu remained jubilant, describing the birth as a “divine blessing.”

​”I am deeply grateful to God for this gift. Both my wife and the five babies are in good health,” Nafiu said. He also extended his appreciation to the medical team at the specialist hospital, noting that their professionalism was instrumental in the successful delivery of the quintuplets, which is historically a high-risk procedure.

​Government Steps In

​Recognizing the unique nature of the birth and the financial strain on the family, the Kano State Government has officially undertaken the full financial responsibility for the healthcare of both the mother and the five infants.

​Nabilusi Abubakar Kofar Na’isa, the Public Relations Officer for the Kano State Ministry of Health, confirmed the government’s intervention in a statement on Wednesday. He emphasized that the gesture is part of a broader administrative commitment to strengthening maternal, newborn, and child healthcare (MNCH) across the state.

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​”This intervention is in line with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration’s goal to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates,” Kofar Na’isa stated. “We are dedicated to ensuring that every citizen, especially the vulnerable and less privileged, has access to quality medical services without the fear of financial ruin.”

​Medical Milestone

​The birth of quintuplets is an extremely rare occurrence, often estimated at one in every 60 million births globally. Medical experts at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital confirmed that the newborns are currently under close observation to ensure they meet developmental milestones, as multiple-birth infants often require specialized neonatal care in their first weeks of life.

​The facility, which is one of Kano’s oldest and busiest medical centers, has been a focal point for the state’s recent healthcare upgrades. This successful delivery is being hailed by local residents as a testament to the improving standards of public health infrastructure in Northern Nigeria.

​As news of the “Kano Five” spreads, well-wishers have continued to visit the hospital, offering prayers and support to the Nafiu family as they prepare for a significantly busier household.