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Access to Conflict Area: UNDP Calls for Military/Civilian Coordination
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
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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