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Northwest Governors, Niger Republic counterpart seek review of ECOWAS Article on movement of persons, arms
Northwest Governors, Niger Republic counterpart seek review of ECOWAS Article on movement of persons, arms
Governors of the Northwest and their counterparts in the Niger Republic call for a review of the ECOWAS Article on the movement of persons and arms to tackle the lingering security challenges in the region.
This is contained in a communique read on Tuesday by the Secretary of Katsina State Government (SSG), Alhaji Muntari Lawal at the end of a multilateral security meeting held in the state.
The meeting had in attendance, Gov. Schiabou Aboubacar of Maradi Region, as the convener, governors of Katsina, Sokoto, and also the Deputy governors of Zamfara and Kebbi.
“In the light of the bilateral arrangement on pursuit of criminals up to 30km by security agents across each other’s border between Nigeria and Niger Republic, the meeting recommends appropriate review of the ECOWAS Article on the movement of persons and arms.
“Considering the significance of the role of traditional rulers, security management, the meeting recommends periodic meeting of selected traditional rulers from the affected states to share information and exchange ideas on security management,” he said.
Lawal said the meeting noted that substantial proportion of the citizens of these states partake in animal husbandry or rearing as vacation for their livelihood.
He added that over time, however, this trade has been infiltrated by criminal elements leading to the menace of cattle rustling, armed banditry, kidnapping for ransom and proliferation of small arms, light weapons and ammunition.
The Katsina SSG said that after extensive deliberations, and observations, the meeting supported the operation ‘Hadarin Daji’, being conducted by the Military, covering Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi.
“There is therefore the need for Defence Headquarters clearance to these sectors to meet and develop unified strategies to combat the common security challenges bedeviling the areas.
“Accordingly. the meeting further recommends the need for stakeholders meeting involving all the heads of Security Agencies in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and the Kebbi States and Maradi and Tahoua regions to be hosted by the Headquarters of operation Hadarin Daji and facilitated by the governors of the affected states.
“The meeting also recommends that in the event of an express directive for a clearance operation, once it is started, it should be coordinated by land and air, and should not stop until it reaches its final point.
“For efficient and credible intelligence information dissemination and security management inclusiveness, the affected state governments are recommended to see to the establishment of emergency call centers and community-based structures.”
He added that relatedly, synergy and cooperation between contiguous local governments should also be enhanced in order to further facilitate intelligence sharing.
Lawal said the meeting wants all emergency centres across the participating states and Maradi Region interconnected for broader intelligence sharing.
“The meeting also noted and frowned at the manner some media practitioners render information or news items to the general public, which invariably portray bandits and other criminals as heroes,” he said.
He said that consequently, the meeting recommends that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should appraise the situation and reverse the trend, for the good of the people and the Nation.
“The meeting noted the overwhelming challenges being faced by security agencies and strongly appealed to the Nigerian and National Government of Niger Republic to deploy more resources to the security agencies manning this affected corridor.
“In order to ensure sustained and simultaneous operations accros the states, there is the need to provide adequate and sustained logistics like petrol, oil, labour, spare parts and rations;
“The meeting noted the rampant use of high-powered motorcycles such as Boxer’ by the bandits and strongly recommends the need to ban the importation of such motorcycles for a period of 24 months.
“The meeting further noted the negative perception of some people on military operations of this nature and recommends the need to educate the general public on the inevitability of collateral damage.
“The need is also recommended for continuous improvement of synergy between the Customs and Immigrations establishments of the affected four states and Maradi Region,” he said.
The SSG further said there is the need to enhance collaborative efforts between both countries, Nigeria and the Niger Republic to reduce arms and drug trafficking to the barest minimum.
He explained that for an all-inclusive effect, there is the need to include Kaduna and Niger States in any planned operation since they share common forests with the affected states.
“The meeting unanimously resolved the need for it to be held on rotational basis quarterly, and the next meeting agreed to hold in Zamfara State.
“Operational Secretariat of the meeting has been resolved to be temporarily domiciled at Katsina, Katsina State for the purposes of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of decisions/resolutions.
“The meeting then stressed the need for continued prayers by all and sundry for the Almighty Creator’s intercession to bring final succor to our people and the Nations of Niger and Nigeria,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol of Persons was instituted to enhance the economic development of West Africa’s citizens.
However, the regional body said studies have shown that the protocol has relatively aided transborder trafficking in persons, drugs, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).
Northwest Governors, Niger Republic counterpart seek review of ECOWAS Article on movement of persons, arms
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have conducted coordinated offensive operations on suspected terrorist enclaves across parts of Katsina State, forcing criminals to flee before troops’ arrival.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation took place at about 0800 hours on May 10, 2026, targeting Kafin-Soli, Karaduwa, Maraban Musawa and Jikamshi villages in Kankia, Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.
The sources said the clearance operation was part of ongoing efforts to dislodge criminal elements and deny them freedom of action within rural communities.
According to the sources, troops and vigilantes moved simultaneously into the identified locations but met no resistance as the suspected terrorists had fled prior to their arrival.
Military authorities said follow-up exploitation of the general area was ongoing to ensure the criminals do not regroup or return to the affected communities.
They added that troops will continue intelligence-led patrols and offensive operations across vulnerable areas in Katsina State to sustain pressure on criminal networks and restore normalcy.
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade have successfully ambushed suspected terrorists along the Old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, neutralising one insurgent and recovering weapons, ammunition and other items.
Security sources said that the operation occurred at about 0450 hours on May 10, 2026, west of Meyanga and north of Adankolo Forest during a planned ambush operation.
The sources said troops made contact with the terrorists in the early hours of the day, leading to a brief exchange of fire.
According to the sources, one terrorist was neutralised during the engagement, while others fled the scene, abandoning their weapons and equipment.
Items recovered at the scene included two AK-47 rifles, six magazines loaded with 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated pistol, one Motorola handheld radio, one motorcycle, and a sum of ₦62,900.
Other recovered items included a camouflaged bandolier, three mobile phones and additional sundry materials.
Military authorities said troops have continued exploitation of the general area to track fleeing suspects and prevent regrouping of criminal elements.
They added that operations in the axis remain ongoing as part of sustained efforts to dominate the environment and deny terrorists freedom of action.
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
News
Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable
Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable
By: Michael Mike
Human rights and anti-poverty organisation, ActionAid Nigeria, has called for the immediate impeachment of any governor found guilty of using state resources to fund political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, following growing public concerns over alleged movement of huge sums of money by some political actors for campaign-related activities.
ActionAid Nigeria said the allegations have raised serious questions about the source of the funds allegedly being deployed for political mobilisation and consolidation of power ahead of the next election cycle.
Mamedu described the reports as disturbing and unacceptable, especially at a period when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment and worsening living conditions.
According to him, it would amount to a grave abuse of public trust if state resources meant for governance and development were diverted for partisan political purposes.
“It is appalling that at a time when Nigeria is drowning in debt, workers are struggling with the rising cost of living, public hospitals are underfunded, schools are collapsing, insecurity is spreading, and millions of Nigerians are battling hunger and extreme economic hardship, that any suggestion of public resources are being diverted or deployed for political campaigns,” he stated.
The organisation stressed that governors were elected to serve the people and not to convert state resources into what it described as “political war chests.”
ActionAid Nigeria challenged governors and political actors allegedly linked to the claims to publicly explain the source of the funds being used for political activities, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability.
The group further urged anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, as well as State Houses of Assembly, to commence immediate investigations into the allegations.
According to the organisation, any governor found culpable should face impeachment, prosecution and recovery of diverted public funds.
“Any governor who diverts public resources for political campaigns has violated public trust and abused the mandate given to them by citizens. Such individuals should not remain in office,” Mamedu said.
He warned that unchecked misuse of public resources could weaken democratic institutions and create an unfair political environment where incumbents enjoy undue advantage over other contestants.
The organisation also noted that while political parties have the right to organise campaigns and raise lawful support, such activities must not involve public funds, government assets or state institutions.
ActionAid Nigeria cited countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany and South Africa as examples where strict accountability measures exist to prevent incumbents from using state resources for partisan political activities.
The organisation called on citizens, civil society groups, journalists, whistleblowers and anti-corruption advocates to remain vigilant and expose any suspicious use of public resources for political purposes ahead of the 2027 elections.
ActionAid Nigeria maintained that safeguarding democracy and protecting public resources must remain a collective responsibility of both institutions and citizens.
Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable
Yobe Security Adviser Calls for Advanced Surveillance Technology to Defeat Boko Haram
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
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