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UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria
UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ms. Beatrice Eyong has decried that security challenges arising from armed conflict, insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across the country has exacerbated the prevalence of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
Eyong, in her welcome address in Abuja on Thursday at the Convening of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Assessing EVAW and GEWE Landscape in Nigeria, said “we are confronted with the harsh reality that gender-based violence continues to be a pervasive and deeply rooted problem in our society. It affects women and girls of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, depriving them of their fundamental rights and freedoms. It is a violation of human rights, a barrier to development, and a threat to peace and security.”
She noted that: “As practitioners, we are all very familiar with the statistics but we must never become numb to the fact that each number represents a life. A life with ambitions, potential and one that has value.
“Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life. 33 percent Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by the age of 15. Similarly, data from the Mirabel Centre in Lagos show that 81 percent of reported cases of sexual assault between 2013 and 2019 were perpetrated against children – 67 percent of the perpetrators were known.
“In Nigeria, these staggering statistics have worsened because of the security challenges arising from armed conflict, insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across the country. Additionally, the economic downturns arising from the recent devaluation of the local currency, high inflation, and the slow recovery from global economic shocks from COVID-19 have also exacerbated the prevalence of GBV. Furthermore, women’s voices continue to be marginalized with Nigeria holding the lowest figure for women’s representation in politics. Unfortunately, this situation impacts negatively on the gender profile of Nigeria.”
Eyong insisted that: “Today’s convening provides us with an opportunity to take stock of our achievements in the last five (5) years, identify gaps and challenges, and explore new strategies and partnerships to accelerate progress towards ending violence against women and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. This is especially off the back of the large investment made by the EU-UN joint Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls. What are the lessons learned and how do we sustain the gains made?”
She explained that: “UN Women with support from the Ford Foundation is implementing the Traditional and Cultural Leaders for Ending GBV by Advancing Advocacy, Policy and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa (LEAP). This intervention places emphasis on prevention, transformation of norms and practices and engagement of influential cultural leaders to end GBV. This is critical because at its base root of GBV are systems of unequal power and social structures.”
She however told the participants that: “Your insights, expertise, and experiences are invaluable as we work together to create a more just, equal, and violence-free society for all.
“I encourage you to actively participate in the discussions, share your knowledge and best practices, and engage in constructive dialogue with your peers and partners. Let us use this platform to renew our commitment to the cause, to learn from each other, and to strengthen our collective efforts to achieve our common goals.”
UN Women: Security Challenge has Exacerbated GBV in Nigeria
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday said it has arrested 77,792 suspected drug offenders and secured 14,225 convictions over the past five years, as part of its intensified campaign against illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this in Abuja during the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation Ceremony held at the NDLEA national headquarters.
Marwa also revealed that the agency seized more than 14.8 million kilogrammes of illicit substances within the said period, describing the achievement as a major blow to both local and international drug cartels operating in the country.
According to him, 128 major drug barons were among those arrested, noting that their capture had significantly weakened criminal trafficking networks.
He stated that beyond enforcement, the NDLEA had also prioritised rehabilitation and prevention, with over 32,000 drug users receiving professional treatment and counselling. Additionally, the agency conducted more than 13,700 sensitisation programmes under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across schools, markets, workplaces, religious centres, and communities nationwide.
Marwa praised President Bola Tinubu for renewing his mandate, describing it as a strong endorsement of the agency’s work.
He pledged to escalate the fight against drug trafficking during his second tenure, with more intelligence-driven and tactical operations
He said: “We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars and every illicit substance is removed from our streets.”
At the ceremony, 166 NDLEA officers and 17 state commands were honoured for exceptional performance, bravery, and commitment to duty.
Marwa commended the judiciary, security agencies, international partners, civil society groups, and the media for their support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
The NDLEA boss urged officers to remain diligent, disciplined, and proactive, stressing that the agency would continue to strengthen its operations to protect Nigerian youths from the dangers of illicit drugs.
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has decorated 402 newly promoted officers in a colourful ceremony held at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
The event, which brought together senior officers, personnel, and invited guests, was described as a milestone in the careers of the promoted officers and a testament to their dedication to national service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, congratulated the beneficiaries on behalf of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi. He stressed that promotion is not a reward for longevity but a recognition of hard work, professionalism, and commitment to duty.
Odumosu reminded the officers that their new ranks come with greater responsibility, urging them to demonstrate higher levels of discipline, integrity, and leadership in the discharge of their duties.
He highlighted the achievements recorded by the FCT Command, noting that since he assumed office, the Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations, proactive patrols, and rapid response to security threats within the nation’s capital.
The Commandant also underscored the Corps’ role in protecting critical national infrastructure, including government facilities, public utilities, and strategic installations across the FCT.
He commended the Agro-Rangers Unit for its efforts in reducing farmer-herder conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence in rural communities, thereby contributing to food security in the territory.
Odumosu revealed that in 2025, the Command arrested 112 suspected vandals and over 50 illegal miners involved in acts of economic sabotage. According to him, many of the suspects were involved in vandalizing armoured cables, fibre optic installations, streetlights, solar panels, road crash barriers, and telecommunication infrastructure.
He further disclosed that the Command has invested in training and capacity building for its officers in areas such as intelligence gathering, disaster management, crowd control, election security, and human rights compliance.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, the Commandant urged them to serve as role models, uphold ethical standards, and remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He assured the FCT Minister, the NSCDC leadership, and residents of Abuja that the Command would continue to prioritize professionalism, accountability, and effective security service delivery.
NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja
River guard killed in Yobe, police begin investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
A 40-year-old man, Musa Mohammed, has died after being allegedly attacked and thrown into a river by unknown assailants in Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Residents of Girim Village, Ya’u Gambo and Adamu Muhammad, told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 19, when the victim, who was employed to guard the village river, was confronted by some unidentified persons.
They said the attackers forcefully held Musa Mohammed, tied his hands and legs, and threw him into the river.
The sources added that about a month earlier, the deceased had a misunderstanding with five men from Dadigar Village in Bursari LGA, who allegedly warned him to stop guarding the river or face consequences.
Upon receiving the report, security operatives visited the scene and evacuated the victim from the river in an unconscious state.
“He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Gashua, where a medical doctor later confirmed him dead,” the sources said.
Photographs of the deceased were taken, and his remains were released to his relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
Musa Mohammed was from Burburwa Village via Mayori in Yusufari Local Government Area of the state.
Investigation into the incident has commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
River guard killed in Yobe, police begin investigation
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