News Agency of Nigeria
WHO declares Mpox public health emergency concern
Defence/Security

WHO declares Mpox public health emergency concern

mpox

By Franca Ofili

The World Health Organisation (WHO), says the Mpox upsurge has continued to meet the criteria of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) set forth in the International Health Regulations (IHR).

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said this in a statement.

Ghebreyesus said  the announcement followed the fourth meeting of the IHR emergency committee regarding the upsurge of mpox, held on June 5.

According to him, the committee, recognising progress in the capacity to respond in certain countries, advised the WHO boss that the event continues to constitute a PHEIC.

He said that it was based on the continuing rise in number of cases, including a recent increase in West Africa, and likely ongoing undetected transmission in some countries beyond the African continent

“Ongoing operational challenges in responding to the event, including concerning surveillance and diagnostics, as well as a lack of funding, make prioritising response interventions challenging and require continued international support,” he said.

Ghebreyesus concurred with the committee’s advice and issued the committee’s revised temporary recommendations to Member States experiencing mpox outbreaks.

He said  the recommendations will guide countries’ efforts to prevent and control spread of the disease.

According to him, the full report of the fourth meeting will be issued in the third week of June.

“The upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread to neighbouring countries was first determined to be PHEIC by Ghebreyesus on Aug. 14, 2024.

“Since then, the  committee has met on three additional occasions, each time, advising the director general that the event continues to constitute a PHEIC,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

74% inmates captured in ongoing NIN registration – NCoS
Defence/Security

74% inmates captured in ongoing NIN registration – NCoS

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says it has successfully enrolled over 74 per cent of inmates nationwide into the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database, contrary to media reports suggesting otherwise.

The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Abubakar Umar, made this known on Sunday in Abuja.

Umar described as “misleading and inaccurate” a publication claiming that the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise was yet to commence in custodial centres across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NIMC had granted the NCoS the license to conduct the registration at 256 custodial centres nationwide.

This followed a request by the NCoS Controller General, Sylvester Nwakuche.

The initiative, approved in January 2025, is intended to integrate inmates into national development plans, enhance their security, and facilitate their identification in case of jailbreaks.

Umar clarified that the NIN registration of inmates in the custodial centres was not only ongoing but has recorded significant progress.

He said that a majority of inmates across various custodial centres nationwide have already been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Database.

“The exercise was actively ongoing across all facilities and has so far captured 59,786 inmates out of a total custodial population of 80,879 as of June 7, 2025.

“This means that approximately 74 per cent have been captured into the NIMC platform.

“This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the NCoS and the NIMC,” he said.

Umar, however, said that concrete mechanisms were in place to ensure the seamless registration of the remaining inmates.

He also reaffirmed the service’s commitment to data integration as part of national efforts to enhance rehabilitation, reintegration, and digital inclusion of persons in custody.

“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion.

“The claim that the registration has yet to commence in custodial centres is factually incorrect and fails to acknowledge the substantial work already done,” he added.

The NCoS spokesman urged members of the media to verify information with relevant authorities before publication.

This, he said, was in order to avoid spreading misinformation that may mislead the public and undermine ongoing institutional efforts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Yakubu Uba

 

Eid-el Kabir: NDC Alumni distributes palliatives to 380 beneficiaries
Defence/Security

Eid-el Kabir: NDC Alumni distributes palliatives to 380 beneficiaries

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC), on Sunday distributed meat palliative to no fewer than 380 beneficiaries who are families of NDC community in Abuja.

The association made the distribution in collaboration with Near Foundation as part of Eid-el Kabir celebration.

The President of AANDEC, retired Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, said the distribution was an annual event aimed at providing support for the military community, especially the NDC community.

Abdullahi said the beneficiaries were drawn from the barracks and widows of fallen heroes, as well as selected vulnerable members of the society.

According to him, a total of 15 cows were donated by the donor partners to be slaughtered and distributed to the beneficiaries at the premises of the college.

Abdullahi said the association had in the last five years been organising such humanitarian activities for the NDC community, widows of fallen heroes and also the needy amongst them.

“This is in the spirit of Salah and we have been able to reach out to some of our friends and partners to make donations through which we are reaching out to a number of people today.

“The beneficiaries are mostly the needy, widows of our fallen soldiers, and others that we can support in the spirit of the Salah celebration.

“Previously we have even had much more than this but now, due to the situation of things in the country, we have less donations to us, and that means that we are reaching out to less people this year.

“Previously we have done about 600 plus, but now we have just about 380,” he said.

Abdullahi said that the alumni association recognised the need to touch lives positively, adding that addressing hunger was part of national security efforts.

He thanked the donor partners for the continuous support and urged all well-meaning Nigerians to support the effort of the Federal Government in addressing the current hardship in the country.

“We are partnering with the Near Foundation and with Ufuk Dialogue who are the key contributors in this, but there are so many of them I cannot mention.

Some of the beneficiaries commended AANDEC for the gesture, adding that the NDC community was happy for the distribution of cow meat for the Salah celebration.

AANDEC is the association of former participants of the National Defence College comprising both serving and retired senior military officers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Ooni lauds Tinubu’s Forest Guard initiative
Defence/Security

Ooni lauds Tinubu’s Forest Guard initiative

By Salif Atojoko

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has commended President Bola Timubu’s newly proposed forest guard security structure.

Ogunwusi gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Sunday.

While speaking with journalists after the visit, the Ooni expressed optimism about the Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve security.

He hailed the President’s push for grassroots security reinforcement amid ongoing national challenges.

He said the proposal on restructuring of the Forest Guard system is a critical step toward lasting peace and investor confidence.

“We’re very happy with the Forest Guard structure and the new platform to bring in more police force to continue to comb the entire forest, both in the north and in the south.

“Once security is addressed, there will be a solid platform for investment to flow into Nigeria,” he said.

The Ooni also said he visited the President to appreciate the great things he was doing for the country.

“I went to Kazakhstan and came back with feedback. The good things he’s doing are opening Nigeria up to so many nations that now want to work with us,” he said.

Ogunwusi highlighted how Nigeria’s international standing is improving under Tinubu’s leadership, especially in terms of foreign investment and macroeconomic policy stability.

“In history, there is no arbitrage again. You bring dollars to Nigeria to do business, and you take it out, no dual exchange between the central bank and the parallel market.

“The world is watching us as a nation, and we don’t need to leave everything to the government,” he said.

The traditional ruler also emphasised the evolving and increasingly important role of traditional rulers toward nation-building.

“Traditional rulers should lead by example, work in tandem with the government, and give hope to our youth. This is another testimony of hope for Nigerian youths,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining
Defence/Security

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have called on state governments and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the troop to curb illegal mining across the nation.

 

The Mining Marshal Commander, Attah Onoja, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

 

Onoja said that there was a need for Nigerians to see the drive towards ensuring a sanitised mining sector as a national agenda.

 

“We advise Nigerians, security agencies, civilians, industry players, politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders amongst others, to understand that it is not an NSCDC, individual, religious or ethnic agenda.

 

“There is also the need for more sensitisation within the security architecture to foster an understanding of national interest because until we all see it that way, we will be having pockets of misunderstanding on the line of duty.

 

“We have, however, always used wisdom and diplomacy to manage the misunderstandings if and when they arise.

 

“It is on that note that patriotism is required of everybody, irrespective of your uniform, state and political party because a good and better Nigeria is a good and better Nigeria for all,” he said.

 

The commander, while urging state governments to actively partner with the mining marshals, said that a few states had acknowledged their efforts through prompt and efficient intelligence information gathering and sharing.

 

“We are, however, beginning to have promises in light of support and partnership from those who are appreciative of the way we work.

 

“What we the mining marshals can assure states is that whatever is committed to our hands today that we are still in office, they can be sure of accountability, proper care as we have a culture to take good care of government property,” Onoja said.

 

He acknowledged that the challenges experienced during operations varied from community to community or state based on peculiarities and characteristics.

 

“Some illegal miners have the attitude of respecting law and order when they see a government agency; they respect them, while some have the instinct of resistance.”

 

He said that the marshal uses both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in its operations for maximum results.

 

He appreciated the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr Dele Alake, and the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, for working assiduously in equipping and empowering the marshals.

 

“The minister of Solid Mineral has assured us of logistic support, especially in the area of weaponry, technology and vehicular provisions.

 

“I can assure you that he is really working around the clock to ensure that this comes to pass as quickly as possible so as to ensure the mining sector is sanitised,” said the commander.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Zulum donates N100m to wounded soldiers, families of fallen heroes
Defence/Security

Zulum donates N100m to wounded soldiers, families of fallen heroes

By Hamza Suleiman 

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has donated N100 million to support wounded soldiers and the families of troops killed in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the state.

The governor made the donation on Saturday during an Eid-el-Kabir Sallah luncheon jointly hosted by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

Zulum presented a cheque of N100 million to the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, with a breakdown of N500,000 for each wounded soldier and the balance to be shared among the families of soldiers who died in action.

The presentation was made in the presence of Oluyede, Abubakar and the Force Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut.

Speaking at the event, Zulum commended the gallantry, resilience and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency.

“Your commitment on the frontlines, often under extreme conditions and far from your families, is not lost on us.

“We remain eternally grateful for your service and will never take your sacrifices for granted,” he said.

The governor assured the military leadership of his continued support, saying Borno would remain a committed partner in the ongoing military operations and post-conflict recovery.

“Borno State will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nigerian Army and all security agencies in the fight against insurgency and in rebuilding our communities for a peaceful and prosperous future,” Zulum said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Constance Athekame and Abdullahi Mohammed

NAF launches pre-emptive airstrikes on B/Haram in Borno, kills scores
Defence/Security

NAF launches pre-emptive airstrikes on B/Haram in Borno, kills scores

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has taken out key Boko Haram hideouts at Tumbumma Baba and Chiralia in Borno, killing scores of terrorists.

The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said this on Saturday in Abuja.

Ejodame said that NAF conducted series of precision airstrikes on Thursday and Friday, based on credible intelligence on the plan by the terrorists to launch attacks on Sallah Day.

He said that NAF aircraft targeted terrorist structures reportedly used for storage and coordination, delivering direct hits and crippling planned attacks aimed at disrupting Eid celebrations.

According to him, Battle Damage Assessments confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of key logistics structures.

“This pre-emptive action underscores NAF’s commitment to safeguarding civilian lives and supporting national security objectives,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

JTF destroys criminal camp in Anambra
Defence/Security

JTF destroys criminal camp in Anambra

By Obinna Unaeze
The Police-led Joint Task Force (JTF) in Anambra has raided a suspected criminal camp in Agulu-Ezechukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, killing one suspect.

The operatives recovered suspected stolen items, including an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna (Reg. No. EKY 03 FF), an unregistered white Mazda Hilux, a motorcycle, and mechanical tools.

Household and kitchen items were also found at the scene, such as pots, gallons, groceries, mattresses, clothes, and other suspected incriminating materials.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed the development in Awka.

Ikenga said police-led operatives from the DSS, Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and Anambra Vigilante stormed the hideout in the early hours of Thursday.

“They razed the identified criminal camp and neutralised one armed hoodlum during the raid in Agulu-Ezechukwu, Aguata Local Government Area.

“The operatives recovered the vehicles, motorcycle, tools, and other items listed above, all suspected to be stolen or used in criminal activities,” he said.

Ikenga said the camp was overrun after a coordinated seven-hour gun battle between the task force and the suspected armed criminals.

He added that operatives are combing the area, following blood trails in search of other fleeing suspects who escaped the encounter. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
Sallah: DFAM seeks Northern leaders’ collective action against drug abuse
Defence/Security

Sallah: DFAM seeks Northern leaders’ collective action against drug abuse

By Angela Atabo

The Drug-Free Arewa Movement (DFAM), has called on Northern leaders to join forces in combating the growing menace of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in the region.

The Lead Convener of DFAM, Ibrahim Yusuf made the call in his Sallah message to commemorate the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir on Friday in Abuja.

Yusuf highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on the region, citing its effects on sustainable development, social vices, mental health crises, and the youth.

He noted that the region’s future was being ravaged by the epidemic, with countless young people stranded, addicted and unemployed.

“I heartily congratulate the entire Muslim Ummah, particularly our resilient people across Northern Nigeria, on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

“May this sacred festival of sacrifice remind us all of the importance of obedience, sacrifice, and compassion in our daily lives.

“However, while we celebrate, we must not turn a blind eye to the growing devastation ravaging our region, the menace of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.

“This epidemic is silently slaughtering the region’s future. It has crippled sustainable development, unleashed terrifying waves of social vices, increased mental health crises, and left countless young people, our greatest asset, stranded, addicted, unemployed, and broken,” he said.

Yusuf said that DFAM was not just sounding the alarm, but also actively building hope.

He said that the organisation was working with communities, schools, families, religious institutions, and young people across Northern Nigeria to drive drug demand reduction efforts rooted in realities.

He said that DFAM was creating pathways of transformation through policy advocacy, education, prevention programmes and recovery support.

“We therefore make a clarion call to the Northern States Governors’ Forum and their spouses, the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, our Senators and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives.

“We call on politicians, business leaders, the academia, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, and families across the region to rise; this is your call to duty.

“Drug abuse is not confined to political affiliations, religion, or ethnic lines. It is a monster eating into every home, school, street, and worship centers,” he said.

According to Yusuf, drugs are destroying the very foundation upon which the region stood,that is the youth.

“We cannot remain indifferent while this darkness continues to spread,” he said

He commended the partners, supporters, and advocates of DFAM for their continuous encouragement.

“Let us remember the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and other noble leaders of our past, men who led with vision, character, and sincerity of purpose.

“Their footprints brought education, unity, and prosperity to Northern Nigeria. We must now rise with the same integrity and courage to confront this evil plaguing our generation.

“To all who love Northern Nigeria: this is not the time for politics, it is the time for redemption. The time has come to match our words with bold actions. Enough of the empty talk,” he said.

Yusuf urged stakeholders to commit to sending the out-of-school children back to school and also establish fully functional rehabilitation and recovery centres.

He urged them to create real economic and livelihood opportunities for young people and launch robust school and community drug prevention programmes.

He called on youths to stand against drug abuse because it is a slow killer destroying their future, shattering families, and robbing communities of peace.

According to Yusuf, for those trapped in addiction, there is hope because recovery is possible, and DFAM stands ready to walk with them.

He urged those still free to guard their freedom and never allow themselves to be caught in the snares of drugs and substance abuse.

“As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, let this moment of reflection and sacrifice become a turning point for our region.

“May Allah SWT guide our leaders with wisdom, inspire them with courage, and bless them with the sincerity to serve the people selflessly.

“May He protect our youth, heal the addicted, comfort the afflicted, and rebuild our broken communities.

“May Northern Nigeria rise again, drug-free, purpose-driven, and prosperous,” he prayed.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Yakubu Uba

Warrant Officers, SNCOs, critical to Nigerian Armed Forces’ Success —COAS
Defence/Security

Warrant Officers, SNCOs, critical to Nigerian Armed Forces’ Success —COAS

By Mohammad Tijjani
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says the Nigerian Armed Forces has identified that Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) have very critical roles to play in command and leadership positions.
Oluyede stated this at the graduation ceremony of the Warrant Officers Academy Course 45/ 2025 at the Jaji Military Cantonment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Army Chief was represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf.
The COAS also congratulated the graduates of the course on their successful completion of a rigorous 22-week training programme.
According to him, the Warrant Officers’ Academy plays a critical role in developing the capacity of Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) to bridge the gap between commissioned officers and the enlisted cadre.
He said the graduands had acquired skills to bridge knowledge and leadership gaps between officers and junior ranks, enabling them to better discharge their responsibilities.
“The academy’s training programme, Oluyede said, was aimed at addressing junior leadership challenges, crucial for effective decision making in units and formations.
The chief of army staff commended the commandant and instructors of the academy for their commitment to the successful conduct of the course.
He charged the graduands to employ their knowledge and skills to project their leadership as well as managerial capabilities for the benefit of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He emphasised that the training on mentorship, leadership, man-management, regimentation, and other field exercises would greatly enhance their output upon return to their units.
The Chief of Army Staff expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support.
Oluyede also applauded the efforts of the Chief of Training (Army) for promoting joint training initiatives among junior-level leaders of the Nigerian Army Forces.
NAN reports that the graduates included personnel from the Navy, NAF and allied students from the Republic of Liberia, highlighting inter-service collaboration and diplomatic ties with sister countries.
Earlier, Commandant of the academy, Brig.-Gen. Aminu Umar, said the graduation  marked the successful completion of rigorous training for 81 students, including personnel.
Umar said the course featured intense field training and academic activities tailored to enhance the capacity of warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers.
He said the course was aimed at equipping the graduates with the skills to efficiently interpret and communicate command decisions, bridging the gap between commissioned officers and junior non-commissioned officers.
Umar charged the graduands to be courageous, honest, disciplined, and loyal leaders, emphasising the importance of professionalism in carrying out their duties.
He also encouraged them to build on the knowledge gained through self-development.
The commandant expressed gratitude to Oluyede and thanked the Commanders and Commandants of the Nigerian Army Units and Schools for their support, which enabled the academy to achieve its training objectives.
He said the graduation marked another milestone in the history of the academy in contributing to the ongoing transformation efforts of the Nigerian Army. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
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