News
We are Not at War with Niger, Nigeriens- ECOWAS
We are Not at War with Niger, Nigeriens- ECOWAS
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said the plan military action in Niger is not a war on the country or its people but to give them back the good they deserved.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray said that the regional bloc has not taken and would never take any action against the interest of Niger.
He said: “We would like to use the opportunity to reassure the good people of Niger Republic that our major concern is for their welfare as we work assiduously to restore civilian rule and political stability in the country, and indeed in the other ECOWAS Member States currently under military rule, in the spirit of solidarity and collective security which is at the heart of our integration agenda.”
Touray lamented that: “Coup d’etat is a tragedy for our regional efforts at consolidating democracy after the political crises of the 90’s exemplified by the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Through collective efforts of our community, the region was stabilized and the foundation for democracy and the rule of law restored.
“Indeed, until about three years ago, all leaders in the ECOWAS region were democratically elected. Unfortunately, the ill winds of coups started blowing again recently and the region has experienced three successful coups and two failed coups. The current development in the Republic of Niger adds to the list of attempted coups d’état in the region. So, you can understand why the Heads of State and Government have decided that this is one coup too many and resolved that it was time to end the contagion. The situation in the Republic of Niger is particularly unfortunate as it comes at a time the country is doing comparatively well in terms of security and economic growth.”
Justifying the decision on the planned deployment of the standby force, Touray said: “The ECOWAS security architecture, which has informed other security arrangements within and outside the region, is anchored on a number of instruments. These include the 1991 ECOWAS Declaration of Political Principles; the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, the 1999 ECOWAS Protocol relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security as well as the 2001 Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“The deployment of the ECOWAS Standby force is provided for in the 1999 Mechanism. Specifically, Article 25 expressly stipulates the conditions for the deployment of such a force. Among other conditions, the article provides that the force can be deployed ‘in the event of… an overthrow or an attempted overthrow of a democratically elected government.’ Furthermore, the Supplementary Act of 2012 also provides for sanctions to be invoked against members that fail to honour their obligations to ECOWAS. It also provides for the use of legitimate force in the restoration of constitutional order. Niger Republic is a signatory to all these instruments. Those who challenge the legality of the decision of ECOWAS Heads of State need to do more research.”
He explained that: “In taking its decision of 30th July and 10th August 2023, the Authority of Heads of State and government was only activating these provisions. Unfortunately, this decision has been taken out of context and repeatedly misrepresented in the media as a declaration of war against Niger Republic or a planned invasion of the country. It is even tragic that some influential persons in the Community have promoted this narrative which has been hyped in the social media as the gospel truth. These persons have conveniently ignored the strenuous efforts of the community to engage with the junta to reverse the attempted coup.”
He added that: “For the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally that ECOWAS has neither declared war on the people of Niger nor is there a plan, as it is being purported, to ‘invade’ the country. The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has only activated a full-scale application of sanctions which includes the use of legitimate force to restore constitutional order.”
He said: “In the interim, the region is employing other elements of its instruments and engaging with the military authorities as can be attested to by the several missions that have been fielded to the country and our joint efforts with our partners, including the African Union and the UN. We are hopeful that these diplomatic efforts will yield the desired outcome and make it unnecessary for the deployment of the force.”
Touray while stating that there is no specified date for the use of force to return democratic governance back to Niger, said the military option is still on the table.
He said: “Nonetheless, preparations continue towards making the force ready for deployment. Consequently, the technical arms of the decision-making organs, which include the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff have also been directed to prepare the community enforcement mechanism in case it becomes compelling to deploy the force.”
He however said: “We believe that even now it is not too late for the military to reconsider its action and listen to the voice of reason as the regional leaders will not condone a coup d’état. ECOWAS also wishes to remind them of their responsibility for the security and safety of President Bazoum, members of his family and government.
“At this juncture let me reiterate that the real issue is the determination of the community to halt the spiral of coups d’etat in the region. We are all brothers irrespective of the artificial borders but the rule of law has to be upheld.
“The uncontitutional action of the military has plunged the people of Niger into serious socio-economic crises. In other words, Nigeriens are suffering today because a section of the military, which should be focused on its constitutional role, decided to hijack the political institutions and subvert democracy.
“The truth is, neither Niger nor the West African sub region needs such a major distraction at this time and we would all like to see the defence and security forces of Niger Republic immediately return to their constitutional role, a role in which they have performed creditably as exemplified in their fight against terrorism and sterling performance in the Multinational Joint Tasks Force in the Lake Chad Basin Area, and in many areas within the Liptako-Gourma region.
“The decision of the Heads of State and Government to activate the clause providing for the application of legitimate force in Niger was reached only after due consideration of how political dialogue alone has unfortunately failed to deter coup plotters in the region. The precedents in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso are unsettling and underline the reason why the Community was obliged to take such a hard but legitimate stance, backed by the ‘ECOWAS Community law which I must stress again was subscribed to by all the Member States, including Niger Republic.
“The actions of the Community have been guided by a recognition of the Community’s obligation within the context of the spirit of solidarity and collective responsibility that underlines the ECOWAS integration arrangement. We recognize Republic of Niger as an important member of the ECOWAS family, and it remains so to date. It is not a target for destruction by ECOWAS, and ECOWAS will never allow the people of Niger to suffer in the hands of enemies within or without.
We are deeply concerned about the wellbeing of the people and the country. Historically, military administrations have not demonstrated any capacity to better deal with complex political, social and security challenges. The security situation in countries under military government have rather deteriorated, as national territories are being lost to terrorists under their administration even though this has become the main justification for their intervention.
“In most cases, the rights and freedom of the citizens are also inevitably curtailed, with arbitrary arrests, detentions, and use of excessive force becoming the order of the day. The social cohesion in these countries is weakening by the day and it will take years to restore. We do not want this in Niger Republic.
He however lamented that “fifth columnists have unfortunately been misrepresenting our decisions and actions, deriding regional authorities as being tele-guided by foreign powers with nefarious intentions. Let me remind everyone that ECOWAS is a community of rules and regulations, norms, and values.
“These principles, which have been accumulated over the 48 years of its existence, and they underpin its actions. It is undeniable that these admirable principles have made the region an exemplar among Regional Economic Communities within and outside Africa, and many look up to it for inspiration. We are therefore not under the dictate of any extra-regional power or interests. Our interest is rather the protection of the rights of our people with the objective of building a rules-based community and fostering peace and prosperity for all in our region.”
He added that: “So, while we are determined to bend over backwards to accommodate diplomatic efforts, we are not unaware of the true intentions of some of the members of the Niger junta. At first, they snubbed our diplomatic efforts but recently began to show signs of being amenable, only for them to take a dangerous path by putting in place a government, and an unacceptable transition timeline.
He said that “the decision of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, which is currently chaired by HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is to work for the peaceful restoration of civilian rule in Niger Republic without any delay and to use all the instruments at the disposal of ECOWAS towards the attainment of this goal.
“As for the other countries in transition, namely Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, ECOWAS will continue to support their transition processes, as directed by
the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. We will continue to support their fight against terrorism to ensure the restoration of democracy, peace, and security in our community. We will also continue to work with them on their agreed transition timetables.”
He said: “Regarding the mercenaries, let me say this, ECOWAS and the African continent as a whole stand against the use of private military contractors and again, we have continental instruments as against the use of private military contractors on the continent.”
We are Not at War with Niger, Nigeriens- ECOWAS
News
Bandits ambush security team along Kuzuntu grazing reserve in Kaduna, Policeman killed
Bandits ambush security team along Kuzuntu grazing reserve in Kaduna, Policeman killed
By: Zagazola Makama
A combined security team was ambushed by armed men along the Kuzuntu axis of Anchau, Kubau Local Government Area, resulting in the death of a policeman and injuries to others.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 1455 hours on 3 December 2025, a team of security forces comprising of Nigerian Army, police, KADVS operatives, and local vigilantes on assignment at the government grazing reserve in Kuzuntu.
The team was on a request from the Kubau Local Government Council Chairman to accompany staff of an Agro Industry and local officials to take measurements of the grazing area.
The exercise was successfully completed; however, on their return, the team was ambushed by armed men suspected to be bandits.
Police Constable Sunday Ishaya was fatally shot, while several military personnel sustained injuries. The victims were rushed to a hospital for medical attention, where PC Ishaya was certified dead, and the injured are responding to treatment.
The deceased was deposited at General Hospital, Ikara.
Bandits ambush security team along Kuzuntu grazing reserve in Kaduna, Policeman killed
News
Insecurity: NEC Approves N100bn For Rehabilitation Of Security Agencies’ Training Institutions
Insecurity: NEC Approves N100bn For Rehabilitation Of Security Agencies’ Training Institutions
*VP Shettima says economic reforms must deliver visible impact to Nigerians across states
By: Our Reporter
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the sum of N100 billion, subject to a final ratification by President Bola Tinubu, for rehabilitation of training institutions for police and other security agencies in Nigeria.
This followed recommendations by the adhoc committee earlier constituted to assess the state of police and security agencies’ training institution nationwide.
At its 154th meeting held virtually on Wednesday, NEC also approved the sum of and N2.6 billion for consultancy services for the project.
President Tinubu had at the 152nd meeting of NEC in October, proposed the overhaul and revamp of training institutions for security agencies nationwide.
Chairman of the adhoc committee, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, had in his presentation to Council, underscored the urgency and significance of the condition of the training facilities, saying most of the training institutions are in dire condition.
Following the presentation by the Governor, the Chairman of NEC, Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed the commitment of government to address the situation.
VP Shettima also charged governors of the 36 states of the federation to ensure that economic reforms by the state governments translate into clear, measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Noting that governance is meaningful only when citizens can feel its impact, the Vice President particularly urged all tiers of government to focus on execution rather than rhetoric.
He said the era of policy without results must give way to governance defined by tangible outcomes in communities across the country.
“Our task is not to admire problems, but to solve them. Not to explain challenges, but to overcome them. And not to hope for progress, but to engineer it.
“Today’s agenda speaks to our shared responsibility to build a nation where reforms translate into results, and where policies are not mere promises but convincing instruments of change felt in the markets, schools, clinics and farms across our federation,” the VP said.
Highlights of the meeting are follows:
NEC (7TH IN 2025) 154TH MEETING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, 2025
UPDATES
The Accountant-General of the Federation gave update to Council on the under listed accounts as follows:
- EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA)
Balance as at November, 2025 – $525,823.39
- STABLIZATION ACCOUNT
Balance as at November, 2025 – N71,647,494,101.12
- NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT
Balance as at November, 2025 – N79,252,769,532.35
PRESENTATION BY NEC AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON THE UPDATE ON POLIO ERADICATION
The presentation to Council was made by the Chairman, Governor of Gombe State
Council noted that Since the NEC Ad-Hoc Committee on Polio was inaugurated earlier this year, the Committee has met four times—between June and November 2025. Each meeting has deepened political commitment, strengthened coordination, and ensured that states remain firmly engaged in the national push to interrupt the remaining variant poliovirus transmission.
Progress to date
Council noted that :
As of Week 47, Nigeria has recorded 73 cases of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) this year—a 39% reduction from the 119 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. Six priority states account for 63% of total cases, with the majority coming from Sokoto (23), Zamfara (9), Kebbi (7), Gombe (2), Kano (3), and Katsina (2).
Of particular note is the progress made in the two states that have historically carried the highest burden:
a. Kano has achieved a 94% decline in cases compared to last year.
b. Katsina has recorded an 88% decline.
- 13 new detections—12 cVPV2 and 1 cVPV3—have been confirmed across the country. Notably:
a. Gombe detected its first cases of the year—one in Dukku LGA (Acute Flaccid Paralysis) and one in Gombe LGA (environmental surveillance).
b. Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Nasarawa and Zamfara have also reported new cases, highlighting the need for intensified action.
First phase of the integrated Measles–Rubella, HPV, and Polio campaign across 20 northern states and Oyo. That exercise delivered meaningful gains:
i. 83% of all planned settlements were reached with geo-evidence.
ii. 92% and 95% of targeted children received the MR vaccine polio vaccine
iii. LQAS results showed 85% pass for MR and 86% for polio
- In the six priority states:
i. Kano, Katsina, and Gombe passed LQAS, showing strong campaign quality.
ii. Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara did not meet the 80% threshold for LQAS, and revaccination conducted in the affected LGAs
A new round of nOPV2 campaigns will commence this December. The implementation will occur in two blocs:
i. Bloc A (12 northern states)—including Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara
ii. Bloc B (9 northern states)—including Gombe
- This round is critical. It presents an opportunity for us to close remaining immunity gaps before year-end
Resolution:
i. Deputy Governors across the implementing states are encouraged to convene State Taskforce Meetings ahead of the campaign

- State Governments are urged to work closely with security agencies to support safe access for vaccination teams, particularly in settlements affected by insecurity or hard-to-reach terrain.
- LGA Chairmen should be fully involved in campaign oversight by chairing the Evening Review Meetings (ERMS), where daily performance is assessed, bottlenecks identified, and corrective measures taken in real time.
UPDATE ON THE STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING ON THE COST AND AVAILABILITY OF DOMESTIC GAS BY THE MINISTER OF PETROLEUM (GAS)
The Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo made a presentation on the cost and availability of domestic gas, particularly the payment of outstanding obligations to gas producers to encourage increased production and supply for domestic consumption.
Gas producers have a cumulative debt claim of $1bn for gas supplied to the power sector as far back as 2011 and ₦185bn (78%) of the total naira-denominated debt claims has been validated by submissions made by NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd (NGML) and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); the variance is largely driven by NEPL’s claims against its GenCo customers and unreported claims against NGML by Shell, Seplat Energy and NUIMS.

His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on 4th April 2024, granted approval to urgently settle the ₦185 billion naira validated debt owed to gas producers through future oil and gas royalty deductions.
Following the transmission of the Presidential approval to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the NUPRC has engaged with the six (6) gas producers and agreed on a royalty deduction schedule.
Resolution:
Council commended the initiative and efforts of the committee, given Nigeria’s status as a largely gas nation.
It approved the committee’s prayers to among other things, concur with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the payment of outstanding obligations to the tune of ₦185 billion to gas producers to ensure improved supply of gas for domestic production.
Insecurity: NEC Approves N100bn For Rehabilitation Of Security Agencies’ Training Institutions
Military
NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit
NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reinforced its commitment to combating corruption by inaugurating new heads of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) and unveiling a robust Corruption Prevention Strategy.
Commandant General (CG) of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi on Wednesday charged the newly inaugurated ACTU heads to lead by example, enforce compliance without fear or favour, and resist undue pressure by upholding the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The CG, represented by the Deputy Commandant General (Administration), DCG Adeyinka Ayinla, delivered the keynote address at a one-day sensitization workshop, inauguration ceremony, and integrity award event held at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.

Audi stated that the new NSCDC Corruption Prevention Strategy is designed to reduce misconduct, promote due process, and reinforce internal discipline within the Corps. He applauded the support of President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of Interior, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, stressed that corruption undermines service delivery, erodes public confidence, distorts development priorities, and weakens the security architecture of a nation.
Aliyu, represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, assured the NSCDC of the Commission’s continued partnership in championing preventative measures across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and appreciated the Corps for its strong anti-corruption posture.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NSCDC ACTU, Acting Commandant Audrey Obeh, described the gathering as a “transformative moment” and a testament to the Corps’ dedication to integrity and national development. She commended the Commandant General for his visionary leadership, which has provided an enabling platform for the ACTU to thrive.
“The inauguration of ACTU Heads, integrity awards, and unveiling of the NSCDC corruption prevention strategy all demonstrate how we are intentionally strengthening the pillars of accountability within our system,” Commandant Obeh stated.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of integrity awards to deserving officers and staff.
The CG of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, received the Integrity Champion and Visionary Award.
The erstwhile Chairman of NSCDC ACTU, Commandant of Corps Remi Ekundayo, bagged the Distinguished ACTU Chairperson Emeritus Award.
Other recipients included ASCII Amanze Abraham Onyedikachi (ACTU Integrity, Ethics and Compliance Award), and CSC Aremu Rafiu (Kwara State Command), CSC Akinwande Adesola Comfort (Oyo State Command), SC Umar Abubakar Ladan (Borno State Command), and SC Yusuf Ibrahim Yusuf (Jigawa State Command), who all received the ACTU Outstanding Performance and Distinguished Service Award.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives from sister agencies, including the Controller General of Immigration, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
NSCDC Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight, Inaugurates New Heads of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit
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