News Agency of Nigeria
UNODC, WOTCLEF urge youth to champion safe, legal migration
Defence/Security

UNODC, WOTCLEF urge youth to champion safe, legal migration

By Ibironke Ariyo

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called on young Nigerians to take up the role of champions in promoting safe and legal migration within their communities.

Mrs Aisha Braimah, UNODC National Project Officer, made the call at a workshop in Abuja on Wednesday during the screening of an infomercial on migrant smuggling.

Braimah said the initiative was under the project “Strengthening Evidence-Based Response to Combat Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria (Phase II),”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was being implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), iLEAD Africa, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and WOTCLEF.

Braimah said that the purpose of the infomercial was to translate the findings of UNODC’s reports on smuggling of migrants, which revealed that young people were disproportionately vulnerable to exploitation by both smugglers and traffickers.

“It is very important that with every sensitisation that we do, we are making sure that we speak to the young people, being the most vulnerable groups.

Braimah explained that the documentary was developed to bridge the gap in knowledge, using real stories, data and visual storytelling to raise awareness on the risks, while also promoting safe and equal migration information.

According to her, the goal is not necessarily for you to leave or stay, but to ensure that if you do choose to leave, it is safe and legal.

She, however, emphasised that the day’s screening was not about awareness raising alone, but also about empowerment.

She said “through the video that will be screened for you and the responses to your questions on the phenomenon of smuggling of migrants and migration pathways, you will be positioned as champions within your own communities.

Braimah said that youth corps members who belong to the Community Development Service (CDS) group, and other participants were best positioned to step down sensitisation efforts within their communities.

She urged participants to reflect deeply on the video and subsequent presentations during the session, in order to play active roles in championing safe migration practices across Nigeria.

“By equipping you with knowledge, advocacy tools and civic responsibility, we aim to strengthen prevention efforts at both grassroots and national levels, and with your help, we hope you can spread the message more widely,”she said.

In her goodwill message, Executive Director of WOTCLEF, Mrs Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, stressed that empowering young people with prevention tools against migrant smuggling was key to tackling the menace.

Ladipo-Sanusi said that empowerment and prevention mechanisms, especially through the infomercial, would help young people to make informed decisions on migration.

She said that smuggling of migrants was closely tied to human trafficking, describing the phenomenon as “a benefit for the smugglers and a crime to the state.”

She, however, expressed confidence that the message from the infomercial would help participants to carry the sensitisation far and wide.

“We want the youth to run with this message. They are the speed rangers who will take it across communities. If you want to migrate or ‘japa’, you must do so through safe, orderly and regular pathways,” she said.

She thanked UNODC and partners for convening the session and urged participants to be ambassadors of safe migration in their respective communities.

Participants at the workshop and screening of the infomercial on Migrants smuggling were youth corps members, representatives from iLEAD Africa, UNODC, NIS, OHCHR among others.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FRSC, EFCC partner to tackle economic sabotage, road crashes
Defence/Security

FRSC, EFCC partner to tackle economic sabotage, road crashes

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have entered into a strategic partnership to curb economic sabotage and reduce road traffic crashes (RTCs) in the country.

The agreement was made when the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed led his team on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede on Tuesday in Abuja.

Speaking during the strategic engagement, the FRSC boss amplified the urgent need for the strategic partnership between the agencies to confront the twin threats of reckless driving and its attendant fatalities.

This, he said, were as well as the financial hemorrhage resulting from such recklessness.

Mohammed maintained that road safety was not merely a transport issue but a national security and economic imperative.

He said that it required a multi sectoral approach to safeguard human lives and stabilise Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

He, however, said the alliance between the two institutions signalled that unlawful transport practices and road carnage would no longer be tolerated.

He added that the partnership represented integrity, law enforcement and public safety, while setting a new standard for institutional collaboration to protect lives, preserve resources and secure the future.

“With this partnership, Nigerians can expect a tougher, more coordinated crackdown on economic crimes linked to the transport sector.”

He said it would be a renewed offensive against the culture of impunity that has long endangered lives and undermined national progress.

“The message is clear. Economic sabotage and reckless endangerment of lives on our roads will be confronted with the full weight of the law as FRSC and EFCC.

“We believe that together, we are determined to raise the bar of strategic partnership,” he said.

Responding, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Olukoyede, emphasised that the two organisations share strikingly similar mandates.

Olukoyede maintained that both agencies interface directly with the Nigerian public in ways that deeply affect lives, safety, and national prosperity.

He stressed that beyond combating economic crimes, the EFCC was also charged with addressing economic sabotage.

This, he said was an area where transport operators who flout regulations cause devastating ripple effects on national growth and citizens’ welfare.(NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Nigeria, EU, UN collaborate to combat technology-driven terrorism threats
Defence/Security

Nigeria, EU, UN collaborate to combat technology-driven terrorism threats

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing emerging technology-driven terrorism threats in partnership with the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and Interpol.

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, reteirated this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the second national workshop under the CT-Tech Plus Initiative.

CT-Tech, which is Counter-Terrorism Technologies Initiative is a UN–led programme aimed at helping countries deal with the misuse of emerging technologies by terrorists, while also ensuring human rights and the rule of law.

Laka said that the workshop was focused on assessing threats stemming from the use of new technologies for terrorist purposes, and developing national counter-terrorism policies and operational responses.

He expressed appreciation to the UN Office of Counter-terrorism, the UN Counter-terrorism Centre, Interpol and the EU for their steadfast support and collaboration with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

According to him, the CT-Tech Plus initiative is a two-year joint programme of the UN Office of Counter-terrorism, the UN Counter-terrorism Centre and Interpol funded by the EU.

He said the programme was designed to support partner states in addressing the evolving risks posed by terrorists’ exploitation of emerging technologies, while ensuring that responses remain anchored in the rule of law, human rights and gender sensitivity.

The coordinator said the workshop was built on the success of the first national workshop on Nigeria’s law enforcement capabilities for new technologies in counter-terrorism, held in July.

He added that Nigeria recognised the urgent need to anticipate, assess and mitigate threats from digital platforms, encryption, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence increasingly exploited by terrorist groups.

Laka commended the wide representation of stakeholders, including policymakers, security and law enforcement agencies, criminal justice actors, regulators and subject matter experts.

According to him the inclusiveness reflects Nigeria’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to counter-terrorism.

He encouraged participants to contribute actively to the workshop, adding that deliberations and recommendations would feed directly into Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy and review reports.

Speaking on behalf of the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Zissimos Vergos, Chargé d’Affaires of EU Delegation to Nigeria, said the EU stood firmly with Nigeria and other partners in what he described as “the most asymmetric war” facing global, regional and national security.

Vergos said the threat of terrorism was not only to security, but also to economies, democracy, human rights and peaceful coexistence, adding that international cooperation remained critical in tackling the menace.

According to him, the EU’s counter-terrorism approach is rooted in doctrines of prevention, protection, prosecution, response, as well as counter-radicalisation and the fight against violent extremism.

The EU official noted that technological advances had increased vulnerabilities, adding that individuals with the right skills could cause catastrophic damage using digital tools.

He, however, commended Nigeria’s progress in building counter-terrorism and cyber capabilities, citing the establishment of the National Cybercrime Centre, the Army Cyber Defence Unit and the NCTC’s in-house expertise.

”Nigeria’s regional engagements, such as the West African Police Information System, further demonstrate the country’s commitment to collective security.

”EU views its partnership with Nigeria not merely as capacity building but as a peer-to-peer collaboration anchored on mutual trust and feedback,” he said.

Similarly, Ms Kimairis Toogood, Peace and Development Advisor, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, urged Nigeria and its partners to adopt new technologies in counter-terrorism efforts responsibly and in full compliance with human rights standards.

Toogood said the initiative would “strengthen Nigeria’s law enforcement framework to counter the misuse of technology by terrorists while upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights.”

She added that the threats posed by the misuse of technology were evolving faster than the ability of national and global institutions to respond, presenting serious challenges to law enforcement and security agencies worldwide.

“New and emerging technologies hold transformative potential for development and human rights.

”But the same tools; artificial intelligence, encrypted communication and virtual assets are increasingly exploited by terrorists for recruitment, radicalisation, financing and attacks,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

ECOWAS to raise 260,000 rapid deployment counter-terrorism force – President
Defence/Security

ECOWAS to raise 260,000 rapid deployment counter-terrorism force – President

Deployment

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to activate a 260,000-strong rapid deployment counter-terrorism brigade to strengthen the fight against terrorism in the subregion.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, made this known at the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.

He was represented by Amb. Abdel-Fattah Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS Commission.

Touray said the force would provide logistics and financial support to frontline states, adding that Ministers of Finance and Defence from member countries would meet in Abuja on Friday to finalise modalities for an annual 2.5 billion dollar budget.

“This bold initiative has become necessary given the asymmetric security dynamics in our region.

“We are conscious of the fact that this requires the necessary financial resources and capabilities to make it a reality.

“ECOWAS is therefore throwing the gauntlet to bilateral and multilateral partners to complement this daring regional effort,” he said.

The ECOWAS leader explained that the force would complement the African Union’s standby force framework under the African Peace and Security Architecture.

He stressed that the Sahel region had become the epicentre of global terrorism, accounting for 51 per cent of terrorism deaths worldwide in 2024.

According to him, local communities, women and children in particular, have borne the brunt of state retreats and coercive protection of jihadi forces.

“The war economy from illegal mining and illicit taxation is also worsening insecurity,” he added.

Touray urged the AU and the UN to support regional counter-terrorism operations, reminding participants of the UN Security Council Resolution 2719 of December 2023 which pledged to fund 75 per cent of African-led peace support operations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba
========

Tinubu calls for united African defence strategy against insecurity
Defence/Security

Tinubu calls for united African defence strategy against insecurity

Crime

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the urgent need for collective action and cooperation among African nations to effectively tackle terrorism, cybercrime, transnational crime, and other security threats across the continent.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the maiden edition of the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit 2025 in Abuja, President Tinubu urged defence chiefs to develop a new continental defence doctrine.

He said the strategy must be anchored on trust, shared intelligence, and coordinated action to effectively address the growing security challenges facing the African continent.

He stressed that the scale of threats on the continent demanded a united response.

“From the deserts where insurgency festers, to the high seas where piracy prowls, from the silent corridors of cybercrime to the ruthless networks of transnational criminals, none of these tragedies respects borders,” Tinubu said.

He emphasised that in the face of such widespread threats, African nations must not respond in isolation, adding, “Neither should our response.”

“This is the moment to reassess our military objectives in the collective aspiration to make Africa safe.”

Highlighting Africa’s interconnectedness, Tinubu described the continent as a family whose shared geography and destiny demanded mutual defence.

“In this family, defence is the first expression of love each member can promise the other,” he added.

He proposed the establishment of a permanent African Chiefs of Defence Staff Forum, which would serve as a platform for continuous dialogue, strategic planning, and operational coordination.

“This summit must not end with applause. Let it become a cornerstone of Africa’s new security architecture,” he said.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to regional peace and cooperation through peacekeeping missions, counterterrorism, and humanitarian efforts.

He urged African countries to invest in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military innovation, adding that Africa must move beyond merely consuming technology to becoming creators and owners of security tools.

“Africa cannot remain merely a consumer of technology; we must be creators, innovators, and owners of the tools that secure our tomorrow,” he declared.

He also called for partnerships with the private sector to drive investment in defence innovation and capacity building.

Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, Tinubu said their legacies must be honoured through the institutions, values, and partnerships that secured Africa’s future.

Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, represented by Minister of State, Bello Matawalle, described the summit as a bold step in African security cooperation and called for African-driven solutions to the continent’s challenges.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, described the summit as the beginning of a new era in African security, noting that the continent could not afford to be passive in the face of modern threats.

ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Touray, represented by Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, affirmed that the initiative aligned with President Tinubu’s vision for a more secure Africa and emphasised regional cooperation.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and urged his counterparts to lead efforts in cyber defence, AI, and indigenous technology.

Also speaking, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, commended the summit and called for stronger coordination and intelligence-sharing across the continent.

He emphasised that Africa must build and own its security framework to ensure long-term peace and stability.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NDELA destroys 75,544kg skunk in Edo, Delta, Ondo, Taraba forests
Defence/Security

NDELA destroys 75,544kg skunk in Edo, Delta, Ondo, Taraba forests

Skunk
By Ibironke Ariyo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed 75, 544 kilograms of skunk in operations carried out across forests in Edo, Delta, Ondo and Taraba States.

NDLEA’s  Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that a total of 14,233.37 kilograms of skunk were destroyed in four plantations measuring 5.69375 hectares at Ebule forest, Owan West Local Government Area(LGA), Edo on Aug. 20.

“Similarly, in Delta, NDLEA operatives supported by the military destroyed a total of 25,500kg skunk on four plantations measuring 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu community, Ndokwa West LGA on Aug. 21.

“Also in Ondo State, 25,025kg of same psychoactive substance was destroyed on three farms with a combined measurement of 10.01 hectares at Asolo camp, Uso area of the state, ” he said.

According to him, NDLEA operatives in conjunction with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Aug. 20, destroyed 7,500kg skunk on three hectares of farmland at Dadin-Kowa village, Bali LGA, Taraba.

Babafemi said that 901kg of same substance was evacuated from a warehouse at Uzebba in Owan West LGA, Edo.

He added that a 54-year-old female suspect was arrested on Aug. 19, in connection with the substance.

“Meanwhile, two dispatch riders were on Aug. 21, arrested by NDLEA operatives during a stop and search operation in Jabi area of Abuja for distributing illicit substances in the FCT.

“While a male suspect, 29, was caught with 300 milligrams of pentazocine injection, another 35 years old suspect was nabbed with 8.64grams of skunk packaged for delivery,” he added.

He said that various commands and formations of the agency across the country had continued their War Against Drug Abuse, sensitisation to schools, worship centres, work places and communities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Kevin Okunzuwa

Troops neutralise scores of terrorists in Borno, Yobe, recover arms
Defence/Security

Troops neutralise scores of terrorists in Borno, Yobe, recover arms

Terrorists
By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised several terrorists in multiple operations across Borno and Yobe States, a military source has said.

The source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operations were part of sustained efforts to deny Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists freedom of action in the North East.

According to the source, on Aug. 22, troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade repelled a night attack on their Forward Operating Base at Kumshe in Borno.

He said the terrorists, who launched the attack in large numbers with assorted weapons, suffered heavy casualties following combined ground resistance and precision air bombardments by the Nigerian Air Force.

“Exploitation after the encounter revealed more than 20 bodies of neutralised terrorists, including dismembered remains hastily buried in shallow graves. Some weapons were also recovered during the operation,” the source said.

He added that Sector 1 troops, on the same day, conducted offensive operations at Dipchari near Banki Junction in Bama Local Government Area, where scores of terrorists were killed in a firefight.

Items recovered, he said, included a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube, two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles.

The source further said that on Aug. 23, Sector 2 troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force carried out a long-range operation around Ndoksa near Buni Gari in Yobe, where more terrorists were neutralised.

“One AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles were recovered during the operation,” he said.

The source added that the coordinated operations had degraded the terrorists’ firepower, disrupted their logistics, and bolstered troops’ dominance in the region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Pregnant woman allegedly dismembered by brother -in-law in Ilorin
Defence/Security

Pregnant woman allegedly dismembered by brother -in-law in Ilorin

Dismembered

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
‎
‎The police  command in Kwara says it arrested a man, who allegedly dismembered the body of his pregnant sister-in-law, Mrs Esther Enemo at Egbejila Road in Temidire community, Ilorin.

This is contained in a statement by the command Spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Saturday in Ilorin.

According to Ejire-Adeyemi, the command wishes to inform members of the public of a tragic incident that occurred in the early hours of Aug. 21, at Temidire community in Ilorin.
‎
‎”At about 9 a.m., a resident of the area, reported a suspected foul play within the residence of one Mrs Esther Enemo.

“In a swift response, a team of police detectives visited the scene, where the dismembered body of Mrs Esther Enemo (aged 39 years) was discovered in the bush behind her residence.

“Further search led to the recovery of other parts of her body concealed in a sack and dumped beneath a nearby community bridge.
‎
‎”The suspect, (names  withheld), aged 29 years, younger brother to the victim’s husband, who was seen leaving the house a few minutes before the discovery of the incident, has been arrested in connection with the crime.

” Meanwhile, the husband, has also been contacted for necessary clarification.

“The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) morgue for autopsy.
‎
‎”The  Commissioner of Police (CP), Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter, assuring that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served,” he said.
‎
Ejire-Adeyemi expressed the command’s regret of the unfortunate incident and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculations that would incite fear or tension within the community.

He assured that the police would unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring the perpetrators to face the full weight of the law.

He urged the residents to continue to cooperate with the police by providing useful information that would aid ongoing investigations and security operations.

He reiterated the command’s resolve to protect all residents and ensure peace prevailed in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika
‎

Police detain Chinese miner over illegal operations in Anambra
Defence/Security

Police detain Chinese miner over illegal operations in Anambra

Detention
By Obinna Unaeze

The Police Command in Anambra has detained a suspected Chinese miner over alleged illegal mining activities in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement in Awka.

According to him, operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, on Aug. 22 received the suspect from officials of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade).

“The suspect, identified as Mu Hua Qiang, 45, a resident of Aguleri, was arrested for his alleged involvement in illegal mining operations within the community.

“His statement has been voluntarily obtained, and he has been placed in lawful custody for further investigation,” Ikenga said.

He added that further details on the case would be made public upon conclusion of investigations.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Baby Sale: Ebonyi govt. commits to protection of vulnerables
Defence/Security

Baby Sale: Ebonyi govt. commits to protection of vulnerables

By Uchenna Ugwu

The Ebonyi government has pledged its commitment to the continuously protection of the interest of the vulnerable in the state.

 

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Felicia Nwamkpuma, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.

 

She made the pledge following her alleged involvement in incident of the alleged N25 million baby sale circulating in the state.

 

NAN recalls that a 37-year-old single mother, Susan Nweze, and her family had alleged her newborn baby boy was sold for N25 million by the police command, other security agencies and the Ministry.

 

Susan’s family had petitioned the Force Zonal Headquarters of Police in Enugu on the incident.

 

However, in a swift reaction, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) in the zone invited the parties involved including the Commissioner, who was asked to come along with the baby.

 

The commissioner stressed that there was media reports that she was arrested and detained by the Police in Enugu over the allegation.

 

She said she was not arrested but only invited by the AIG to bring the baby.

 

“The  AIG saw the baby boy, didn’t he? I will want to beg the public to believe in Ebonyi government and  the ministry.

 

“Ebonyi Governor, Francis Nwifuru, is committed to protecting the poor, vulnerable and the destitute children in the state,” she said.

 

She added that the police investigation on the alleged N25 million baby sale was ongoing.

 

“I must tell you, however, that the baby boy in question is under the care and supervision of the ministry.

 

‘The people of Ebonyi should know that the present administration is for them.

 

“Those, who cannot take care of themselves, the government is here for them.

 

”The poor, vulnerable and destitute persons are all protected through the ministry,” the Commissioner stated.

 

She, however, commended the security agencies for their support to the ministry, saying it had been “superb”.

 

“I urge the public to abide by the law while giving babies for adoption.

 

“Always follow the due process to avoid controversy during and after the adoption,” Nwamkpuma advised. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bukola Adetoye/Ismail Abdulaziz

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