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Access to Conflict Area: UNDP Calls for Military/Civilian Coordination

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Access to Conflict Area: UNDP Calls for Military/Civilian Coordination

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) has emphasized the need for advance coordination between military and civilian actors to enhance humanitarian access and civilian-led stabilization in conflict situation.

The Resident Representative of UNDP in Nigeria, Elise Attafuah, made this call in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the five-day regional workshop for security force liaison officers, Monitoring & Evaluation staff on conflict sensitivity: inclusive security.

The workshop, which was organised by UNDP in collaboration with Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience of Boko Haram affected Areas of Lake Chad Basin Region (RS-SRR), seeks to provide opportunity to reflect on experience of civil-military engagement in stabilization programming in the Lake Chad Basin and Liptako-Gourma programmes.

Attafuah represented by the Deputy-Director of Operations in UNDP in Nigeria,
Blessed Chimuruta explained that successful stabilization cannot be achieved through security measures alone.

Attafuah added that: “Over the next three days we be embarking on a journey of reflection and learning, examining our civil-military engagement over the past five years.

“This workshop presents unique opportunity to accept how we engage with local, national and regional security forces, to support communities where we implement stabilization programmes.

“With SFLOs operating in the Liptako-Gourma region in the Lake Chad Basin, we have the chance to collectively address the risks and challenges we face in the field in border locations.

“By sharing our experiences and best practices, we aim to improve our approach and avoid passing states.”

On her part, the Senior Technical Adviser to the Deputy Governor of Borno, Dr Nana Zakama,, expressed appreciation to UNDP for invitation to share thought towards betterment of the security in the state.

She said: “Since the inception of the regional stabilization in our facility, Borno has played vital role to ensure successes, our contribution have been guided by the relentless leadership of our governor.

“The commitment of Borno to restoring peace, rebuilding communities and sustaining development is resolute, evident and very visible in the action of our governor.

“The governor of Borno Babagana Zulum leads a team of dedicated staff in driving and complimenting stabilization initiatives through strategic investment in security, livelihood, housing, health, social welfare among others.

“While creating conducive environment for the return of resettlement of people in dignified manner,” Zakama said.

Security Advisor to Yobe Governor. Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (Retired), said that since the regional stability project, Yobe state has contributed immensely to the efforts in the Northeast.

According to him, Yobe will continue to work closely with UNDP and other development partners who share and align with the state to improve coordination and effectiveness of security measures.

Abdulsalam said: “Our commitment to enhancing security, promoting human rights and fostering community resilience has been unwavering.

“Recently, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe inaugurated security planning Commission, provided vehicles to our security forces, enhancing capacity and capability to maintain peace and security, and enforce control over insurgence stronghold.”

Access to Conflict Area: UNDP Calls for Military/Civilian Coordination

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.

In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.

He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”

The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.

He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.

Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.

“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.

He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.

“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”

No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.

Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.

He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.

According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.

The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.

He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.

He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.

The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.

Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.

The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.

According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.

They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.

The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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