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2023 Elections: UN Asks Political Parties to Focus Campaign on Policies and Ideas
2023 Elections: UN Asks Political Parties to Focus Campaign on Policies and Ideas
By: Michael Mike
As Nigeria gears up for season of electioneering, the United Nations has called on political parties to focus their campaigns on policies and ideas, not insults or divisive rhetorics.
During a speech at the Roundtable on Hate-Free Politics in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall said as we head to the 2027 elections. “Allow me to share some recommendations. First, political parties must lead by example. Campaigns should focus on policies and ideas, not insults or divisive rhetoric.
“Second, parties should commit to codes of conduct that reject hate speech and promote information integrity. Third, cooperation with media and digital platforms is essential to ensure that harmful content is not amplified, while factual, reliable information reaches voters.
“Above all, we must remember that elections are about people, their dignity, their rights, their future. Hate speech strips people of their dignity and undermines the very foundation of democracy. As leaders, you have the power and the responsibility to set the tone, to show Nigerians that politics can be conducted with respect, truth, tolerance, and integrity.”
Fall added that: “On this International Day of Democracy, I call upon you today: let us work together to make democratic participation in Nigeria free from hate and grounded in information integrity and respect for human rights. Let us affirm that words matter and that in choosing our words carefully, we choose peace, unity, and progress for Nigeria. Let us act collectively to strengthen and protect democracy in and beyond Nigeria.”
He stated that this International Day of Democracy with theme “Democracy and Inclusion in an Age of Insecurity” should remind us that democracy is not only about holding elections, but about ensuring inclusion, pluralism, and public participation of everyone in a respectful and inclusive manner.
He noted that: “When falsehoods spread unchecked, especially during elections, they weaken public trust, mislead citizens, and undermine democratic choices. Promoting information integrity means ensuring that Nigerians can access reliable information, that public debate is grounded in facts, and that voters are empowered to make informed choices free from manipulation.”
He insisted that: “In Nigeria, the stakes are high. Vibrant political discourse and engagement should be moments of ‘no gree for anybody’, unity, and pride. But they can be harmful if hateful language and hostile narratives are allowed and accepted; it can incite hostility and result in violence. We know from history that hate speech has been a precursor to some of the worst atrocities, including genocide.
“The Rabat Plan of Action, endorsed by the United Nations, reminds us that advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility, or violence must be prohibited by law and that these laws must comply with international human rights standards, including the right of association, expression, and assembly.
“This is a cornerstone of democracy. Restrictions must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, never a pretext to silence debate. The challenge before all of us here today is to strike the right balance: engaging in open political discourse while safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting Nigerians from the harms of hate speech.”
On his part, the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu noted that since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has made notable progress in democratic development.
He said: “We have witnessed successive electoral cycles, the strengthening of civil society, and the expansion of political space. Yet, our democracy remains a work in progress. Challenges such as low voter turnout, weak internal democracy in political parties, electoral violence and malpractices, weak institutional accountability, and limited inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities and harsh political climates continue to undermine public trust and democratic consolidation. Above all of these, our democratic and political processes including communication have often come under immense challenges of poor values, deep-seated hate-filled and divisive rhetoric threatening the core foundation of our nationhood.”
He noted: “The National Human Rights Commission has been at the forefront of efforts to promote ethical and hate-free politicsin Nigeria. In the 2023 elections.”
Ojukwu stated that hate speech is intricately related to human rights, either in its form or outcome, adding that: “To the person spreading hate speech, it is about right to freedom of expression, opinion, speech or belief. To the recipient of hate speech, it is a violation of the rights to dignity of human person and the freedom from discrimination based on religious belief, political, ethnic, gender, cultural or other affiliations, amongst many other human rights.
“When applied to politics, hate speech and unethical communications breed political divisions that facilitate violence, weak voter electoral participation, stifles plurality and social cohesion.”
He said: “As we count down to the 2027 General Elections, the NHRC is alarmed at the high level of hateful politics and unethical practices that seemed to have taken the centre stage with some of our political actors. Achieving a culture of responsible and value-laden political process continues to remain a challenge for Nigeria. From the independence of the election management body to unethical actions of political parties, their candidates and agents to the inappropriate use of security and law enforcement agencies.
“Vote buying and inducements of various sorts during past and recent elections have become worrisome indicators of the fragility of the Nigerian electoral culture with severe consequences on the freedom of association and the right to participation.”
He noted that: “The Roundtable on Ethical and Hate-Free Politics in Nigeria which we are convening today in partnership with the United Nations is aimed at forging a shared understanding of the drivers, patterns, and impacts of hate speech and unethical political communications in Nigerian electoral and democratic processes and to secure practical, rights-based commitments from key actors to promote ethical politics, reduce hate speech and protect pluralism and inclusive participation—especially for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and minority communities in the electoral processes leading to the 2027 elections and beyond.”
2023 Elections: UN Asks Political Parties to Focus Campaign on Policies and Ideas
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Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised several terrorists and recovered arms, motorcycles and rustled livestock during an encounter in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The troops, acting on credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists attempting to move rustled livestock through the Maikujera general area, swiftly deployed to intercept the group.

During the operation, the advancing troops encountered an attempted ambush along the route. However, the troops responded with superior firepower, breaking through the ambush and neutralising several of the terrorists.
The remaining terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding bush as the troops intensified their advance.
Items recovered during the exploitation included AK-47 rifles, motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists and the rustled livestock.

The general area of Rabah and Maikujera is currently reported to be calm and stable, while troops remain deployed to maintain security.
The troops are also conducting routine patrols across the area to deter further terrorist activities and safeguard residents and their property.
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto
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Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover image of armed men in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover image of armed men in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative in Mairari town, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Bubba Hamadu, 25, was arrested at about 2:22 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, by troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari alongside CJTF members.
According to sources the suspect was subjected to preliminary interrogation following his arrest.
During the process, security personnel reportedly discovered a photograph on his mobile phone showing the suspect alongside unidentified individuals carrying AK-47 rifles.
The discovery raised suspicion about the suspect’s possible links with ISWAP elements operating within the area.
Items recovered from him included one Tecno mobile phone, an umbrella, an arrow, prayer beads, a mirror and an eye drop.
The military said Hamadu had been transferred into the custody of Headquarters Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops and local security partners aimed at identifying and disrupting terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
Security forces have continued to rely on community-based intelligence, patrols and targeted arrests to identify suspected terrorists and facilitators in areas affected by insurgency.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover image of armed men in Borno
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Israel Sends Life-Saving Ambulances, Medical Equipment to Nigeria
Israel Sends Life-Saving Ambulances, Medical Equipment to Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s healthcare and emergency response capacity is set for a boost as Israel has donated a first batch of ambulances, medical equipment and wheelchairs to the country in what officials described as a demonstration of the growing humanitarian and health partnership between the two nations.
The consignment was handed over at the Port of Ashdod, Israel, with Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to Israel, Ambassador Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, receiving the items on behalf of Nigeria.
The development comes barely three weeks after Ufochukwu formally assumed her diplomatic assignment in Israel, following the presentation of her Letters of Credence to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on August 3. Her appointment has been linked to Nigeria’s renewed efforts to expand cooperation with Israel in healthcare, technology, innovation, agriculture, security and other strategic areas.

The medical donation, facilitated by Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical and disaster-response service, comprises fully equipped ambulances, medical devices and mobility aids, including wheelchairs.
The equipment is expected to strengthen emergency medical response and improve access to essential healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations and communities where emergency transportation and medical infrastructure remain inadequate.

Receiving the donation, Ambassador Ufochukwu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Israeli Government and Magen David Adom, describing the gesture as an important expression of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
She said the intervention would contribute to efforts to improve healthcare delivery and emergency response in Nigeria, while providing practical support to hospitals, emergency centres and communities in need.
The ambassador emphasised that the value of the donation went beyond the equipment itself, noting that stronger cooperation in healthcare could provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, technology transfer and the development of more resilient emergency medical systems.
The latest initiative also places healthcare among the practical areas through which Nigeria and Israel are seeking to translate their longstanding diplomatic relationship into tangible benefits for citizens.

Nigeria and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with cooperation extending across agriculture, water technology, security, innovation, education and trade. Under the new diplomatic leadership in Tel Aviv, healthcare and technological cooperation have emerged as important areas for closer engagement.
Ufochukwu had, shortly after presenting her credentials, identified healthcare alongside trade and investment, agriculture and food security, technology and innovation, defence and security cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges as priority areas for her tenure.
The role of Magen David Adom in the initiative is also significant. Established in 1930, the organisation serves as Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster-response and blood-service organisation and operates an extensive emergency response network.
For Nigeria, where road crashes, insecurity, disasters and other emergencies continue to place pressure on already stretched emergency medical services, the availability of properly equipped ambulances can make a critical difference between delayed treatment and timely intervention.
Beyond transportation, modern emergency ambulances serve as mobile treatment units, allowing trained medical personnel to begin stabilising patients before they reach hospitals.
The donation therefore comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its emergency healthcare architecture and move towards a system capable of delivering faster and more coordinated responses to medical crises.
It is also expected to reinforce the humanitarian dimension of Nigeria-Israel relations, particularly as both countries explore practical areas of cooperation that can directly affect the welfare of their populations.
The consignment is expected to be deployed to appropriate healthcare and emergency-response facilities in Nigeria, where the equipment will support patient care, emergency transportation and disaster-response operations.
The handover was witnessed by officials of Magen David Adom, representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Health and members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Israel.
For Abuja and Tel Aviv, the initiative represents a shift from diplomatic goodwill to practical cooperation, with life-saving equipment becoming a visible symbol of a relationship increasingly focused on healthcare, innovation and technology transfer.
As Nigeria continues its drive to improve access to quality healthcare, the latest Israeli intervention could provide a foundation for broader cooperation in emergency medicine, medical technology, professional training and disaster preparedness.
The donation consequently offers more than immediate relief: it presents an opportunity for Nigeria to deepen technical collaboration with Israel and build emergency medical systems capable of responding more effectively when lives are at risk.
Israel Sends Life-Saving Ambulances, Medical Equipment to Nigeria
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