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ECOWAS Speaker Decries Rising Terrorism Violent Extremism , Organised Crime in West Africa
ECOWAS Speaker Decries Rising Terrorism Violent Extremism , Organised Crime in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, has decried the increasing surge in the threat of terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime in West African sub-region.
Speaking during the 2024 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Ibrahima expressed gratitude to Almighty God, Creator and Originator of all things, saying that out of His unending kindness, he has enabled the parliament to meet at the National Assembly, which is highly symbolic of the Parliament’s commitment to viable and sincere sub-regional integration.
Ibrahima who said that the session is taking place in a difficult international context for the entire planet earth, insisted that as the world had barely emerged from pandemics and epidemics, although not fully, but still grappling with a number of scourges and challenges, such as poverty, climate change, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and the conflict in the Middle East, to name but a few.
She said: “Unfortunately, the problems are compounded by another phenomenon of staggering proportions in the region, namely the upsurge in the threat of terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, which is costing the lives of our valiant defence and security forces, as well as thousands of innocent people.”
Ibrahim’s said there are various political, economic and security crises in several member states which the 6th Legislature must urgently help to address, adding that:
“These include the desire expressed by three of our member states to withdraw from the Community, as well as the growing tensions between the Republics of Benin and Niger, not to mention other constant concerns in the region such as terrorism, food insecurity, irregular migration and the adverse effects of climate change.”
She noted that discussions on the various issues led to the adoption by Parliament of what is known as the “Kano Declaration,”
stressing that by means of the declaration, the ECOWAS Parliament resolved, among other things, to set up an ad hoc mediation committee to initiate and maintain not only dialogue with the authorities of the different countries, but also communication among the various populations.
She noted that the Parliament also resolved to conduct field visits to understand and help settle disagreements between the two friendly and sister nations, Benin and Niger and to encourage the ECOWAS Commission to expedite the implementation of the joint defence strategy to fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
“I want to assure you that, during its last two meetings, the Bureau of Parliament discussed these recommendations at length, and urgent actions are being taken in collaboration with other ECOWAS institutions to implement them,” Ibrahima disclosed.
In his remarks, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said besides the many threats related to peace and security, as well as challenges related to poverty, the West African region is also facing the risks of disintegration.
He said: “As you all know, on January 29th, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger notified the Commission of their intention to leave ECOWAS with immediate effect.
“Our people – the people of West Africa – have lived within an integrated ECOWAS community for several decades. Populations have benefited from freedom of movement within our ECOWAS space and have begun to perceive the advantages of our common market where local products are traded freely in a market of over 400 million inhabitants. In addition, the use of a common passport and a common biometric identity card for travel within our community space has been introduced.
“Given these advantages, it is clear that disintegration will not only disrupt the freedom of movement and establishment of people, but it will also aggravate insecurity in the region. More specifically, the withdrawal of the three aforementioned countries will deal a severe blow to security cooperation, particularly in terms of intelligence sharing and participation in the fight against regional terrorism and other joint security initiatives, such as the operationalization of the ECOWAS standby force that our member states’ defense ministers have just agreed to activate, as well as the Accra Initiative and the Multinational Joint Taskforce,” Touray said.
Touray also said the withdrawal of the three countries could also lead to diplomatic and political isolation on the international stage, as the countries will no longer be able to benefit from bloc support when their citizens or candidates seek international positions within the African Union, the United Nations, and similar bodies.
“This withdrawal will also affect travel and immigration conditions for citizens of these three countries, as they will now have to apply for visas before traveling within the sub-region. Citizens of these countries may no longer be able to reside or freely create businesses within the facilities established by ECOWAS and may be subject to various national laws. Additionally, these three countries will have to cease using ECOWAS passports, the ECOWAS biometric national identity card, and the ECOWAS “Brown Card” automobile insurance on a regional scale.
“Economically and financially, the withdrawal of the three member states could lead to the cessation or suspension of all projects and programs implemented by ECOWAS in these countries, valued at over 500 million US dollars.
“It is also worth noting that the two regional financial institutions, namely the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD), have significant investments in these three countries. EBID has 27 projects currently in these three countries, with a total value estimated at around 321.634 million US dollars, of which 38.1 percent are public sector projects and 61.9 percent are private sector projects. The banking portfolio in these three countries represents approximately 22.5 percent of the total bank portfolio in the 15 member states. The three countries have contributed a total of 33.135 million US dollars to the bank’s capital.
“Institutionally, it is worth noting that the withdrawal of the three countries will result in the closure of four ECOWAS regional entities in Burkina Faso, two ECOWAS regional bodies in Mali, and one ECOWAS regional office in Niger. This will also affect the job security of approximately 130 ECOWAS staff citizens of the three countries, distributed as follows: 77 from Burkina Faso; 23 from Mali; and 32 from Niger,” Touray also said.
ECOWAS Speaker Decries Rising Terrorism Violent Extremism , Organised Crime in West Africa
Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has been urged to treat wildlife trafficking and illegal exploitation of biodiversity as a major organized crime threat capable of undermining national security, economic stability and sustainable development.
The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Cheikh Touré, gave the warning in Abuja during the commemoration of World Wildlife Day, stressing that wildlife crime now operates as a sophisticated international criminal network rather than merely an environmental issue.
Touré said the illegal trade in wildlife and plant species continues to weaken ecosystems, fuel illicit financial flows and erode the economic potential of countries rich in biodiversity such as Nigeria.
According to him, wildlife crime has evolved into a serious transnational organised crime that threatens the rule of law and deprives communities of valuable natural resources that support livelihoods and sustainable development.
He explained that Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, including valuable medicinal and aromatic plants used for traditional healthcare and economic activities, faces increasing pressure from illegal trade, habitat destruction, climate change and unsustainable harvesting.
Touré, however, acknowledged recent legislative progress made by Nigeria, particularly the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, describing it as a major step toward strengthening the country’s legal framework for biodiversity protection.
Despite this progress, he stressed that legislation alone would not stop wildlife crime unless it is backed by effective enforcement, improved institutional capacity and stronger public awareness.
He noted that combating wildlife trafficking requires coordinated partnerships among government institutions, civil society organisations, international agencies and local communities.
The UNODC official also highlighted the organisation’s efforts to mobilise young Nigerians in conservation advocacy through the #BeWildForNature campaign launched in 2024.
Through a competitive process, selected youths were incorporated into a mentorship programme where conservation experts provided training on digital advocacy, wildlife protection and community mobilisation.
According to Touré, the initiative has helped build a network of young environmental advocates now driving conservation campaigns and community outreach programmes across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said the protection of biodiversity is directly linked to human health, economic stability and environmental sustainability.
Represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, Fall noted that medicinal plants remain a primary healthcare resource for millions of people and are deeply embedded in traditional knowledge systems and local economies.
However, he warned that biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and climate change are threatening these critical natural assets, making conservation an urgent development priority.
He added that protecting biodiversity contributes directly to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goals related to health, climate action and environmental protection.
Also speaking, Onah Bisong of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (Nigeria) said the Federal Government recognises the important role of young people in advancing environmental sustainability.
Bisong stressed that Nigerian youths must be empowered to champion biodiversity protection through innovation, advocacy and community engagement, noting that such efforts can also create green jobs and support economic growth.
He added that young Nigerians are not merely beneficiaries of the country’s natural resources but critical partners in ensuring that those resources are protected for future generations.
Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat
FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has successfully evacuated 1,230 stranded Nigerians from neighbouring Niger, reinforcing its commitment to protecting citizens abroad amid emerging regional challenges.
The evacuation, coordinated by the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involved the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians who had been stranded in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees arrived in Nigeria in two separate batches. The first group of 708 Nigerians was received on March 23, 2026, while the second batch of 522 arrived on March 29, bringing the total number of evacuees to 1,230.
He said the humanitarian operation was carried out in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, whose logistical and technical support ensured the smooth movement and reception of the returnees.
On arrival in Kano, the evacuees were received by a coordinated team of government agencies and humanitarian partners tasked with ensuring an orderly reception and immediate support for the returning citizens.
Agencies involved in the reception included the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, National Emergency Management Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Other participating bodies were the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, as well as officials from the Kano and Katsina state governments.
The returnees were subjected to profiling at the airport to document their details and enable appropriate reintegration support. They were later moved to the Immigration Training School in Kano where temporary accommodation, meals, medical attention and other basic necessities were provided.
Authorities said the evacuees were subsequently discharged after completing the necessary procedures and reunited with their families.
The Ministry noted that the evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s broader responsibility to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians wherever they may be, particularly in situations that pose humanitarian risks.
It also expressed appreciation to the Government of Niger for its cooperation throughout the evacuation process, noting that such collaboration reflects the enduring diplomatic and humanitarian ties between both countries.
The ministry further commended international partners, particularly the International Organization for Migration and the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their continued support in addressing migration and humanitarian challenges.
Nigerian citizens residing abroad were urged to respect the laws of their host countries and maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions to facilitate timely assistance in emergency situations.
FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger
FG Declares April 3 and 6 Public Holidays for Easter
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to enable Christians across the country celebrate Easter.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, according to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Interior (Nigeria), Magdalene Ajani.
The minister congratulated Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the celebration, describing Easter as a period that reflects the enduring values of sacrifice, renewal and hope.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, patience and love as demonstrated in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens to strengthen the spirit of tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that these values remain critical to national cohesion.
According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to policies and decisions aimed at promoting national renewal, economic growth and shared prosperity for all Nigerians.
He further wished Christians across the country a peaceful and joyful Easter celebration.
Easter is one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolising victory over death and the promise of new life for believers.
FG Declares April 3 and 6 Public Holidays for Easter
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