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40 Women Get Solar Power System in Owukpa Community

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40 Women Get Solar Power System in Owukpa Community

By: Michael
Mike

In a bid to support a post-extractive future for Owukpa women, whose peaceful efforts led to the halting of environmentally destructive coal mining activities in their community in 2021, Yes to Life, No to Mining (YLNM)—a global solidarity network for Indigenous Peoples, impacted communities, and local organisations advocating for the right to say “No” to mining—partnered with Eco Defenders Network to distribute multi-functional solar power systems to about 40 women.

The event in Owukpa was met with great enthusiasm. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for this initiative, which will help address their energy needs at home and in their businesses.

Speaking at the event, Shehu Akowe of Eco Defenders Network, representing YLNM, emphasized that this gesture calls on the government and well-meaning Nigerians to advocate for ecologically and socially just energy alternatives. He noted the support of energy systems that value diverse ways of life and protect the land, air, and water on which everyone depends.

Akowe further stated that Nigeria’s vast solar and wind potential should be harnessed to create clean energy alternatives to coal. “Embracing these technologies will help move us beyond the violent and harmful practice of extraction, which assumes the Earth has no limits, and instead provide communities with clean energy systems.”

In response, two beneficiaries, Mrs. A.A. Cecilia and Mrs. G. Enenche, expressed their gratitude, acknowledging that this gesture would help address the long-standing issue of energy deficiency in Owukpa. They thanked the organization for the solar-powered systems, affirming that the new lights would improve their homes and businesses. They also urged the government to embrace solar energy as a viable alternative to their community’s ongoing energy access challenges.

Madam Julie Ooja, a community environmental mobilizer and member of Owukpa who has long supported her fellow women in their fight for a cleaner environment, also expressed her appreciation to YLNM for supporting Owukpa’s women. She reiterated that the women would continue to advocate for the closure of the coal mine while also calling for the development of better infrastructure, including improved roads, schools, functional hospitals, and access to clean, portable water and reliable electricity.

Shehu Akowe emphasized the importance of unity in advocating for life-sustaining, post-extractive futures that respect human dignity and environmental integrity.

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Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara

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Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a routine patrol in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources said the arrest was made on April 3 at about 11:30 a.m. by troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kurya.

The suspect was apprehended at Tungan Haki village and found in possession of one AK-47 rifle mounted with a magazine containing 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The sources disclosed that the suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that troops have continued to intensify patrols and surveillance operations across the area to curb criminal activities.

Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara

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IED explosion injures two security personnel during patrol in Anambra

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IED explosion injures two security personnel during patrol in Anambra

By: Zagazola Makama

Two security personnel have been injured following the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) during a fighting patrol in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Security sources said the incident occurred on April 3 at about 12:30 p.m. when troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Lilu, conducted a patrol alongside Nigeria Police personnel.

It was gathered that the team sighted the IED within the Lilu general area and attempted to destroy it.

However, the explosive device detonated during the process, injuring an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and a police officer.

The injured personnel were immediately administered first aid at the scene before being referred to a medical facility for further treatment.

Authorities said the situation has been brought under control, while operations continue in the area to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.

IED explosion injures two security personnel during patrol in Anambra

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Troops neutralise two terrorists, destroy hideouts in Plateau clearance operations

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Troops neutralise two terrorists, destroy hideouts in Plateau clearance operations

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), under Operation Wutan Daji, have neutralised two suspected terrorists and destroyed several hideouts during clearance operations in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau.

Security sources said the operations were carried out in conjunction with local vigilantes across Babangida, Adua and Bokayi villages within the Dutsen Zaki forest.

It was gathered that troops made contact with the terrorists along the Babangida–Adua road, leading to a gun battle in which two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with possible gunshot wounds.

No casualties were recorded among the troops, and all equipment was accounted for.

During the operation, troops recovered one locally fabricated gun, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a cutlass.

In a related development, troops of CSI Battalion XIV, in collaboration with 332 Artillery Regiment and vigilantes, conducted further clearance and raid operations in Dadin-Kowa and Dada villages.

The operation involved 47 soldiers and four vigilantes, supported with motorcycles, gun trucks, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and an artillery gun.

The troops established a gun position and carried out fire missions on suspected terrorist locations in Madam Forest to deny them freedom of action.

Subsequent raid operations in Dadin-Kowa village led to the destruction of suspected terrorist hideouts, although no contact was made with the fleeing elements.

Troops neutralise two terrorists, destroy hideouts in Plateau clearance operations

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