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Nigeria Seeks Collaboration in Fight Against Terrorism
Nigeria Seeks Collaboration in Fight Against Terrorism
By: Michael Mike
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has called for collaboration with the Nigerian government in its battle at ending insecurity in the country, insisting that the fight against terrorism is not one that any nation can undertake alone, but rather requires concerted global effort.
Speaking at the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism and Memorial for Victims of August 26, 2011 Terror Attack at United Nations House in Abuja, Nigeria, the NSA who was represented by the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre. Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka decried that terrorism has left a profound and painful mark on Nigeria, Africa, and many other parts of the world.
He said: “For us in Nigeria, we have experienced the devastation of countless terror attacks that have claimed lives, destroyed properties, torn families apart, and displaced millions from their homes. The scars of terrorism are deeply etched from the Northeast to the heart of our capital, Abuja. We remember, in particular, the horrific bombing of the United Nations House on 26 August 2011, a senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of 23 individuals and injured over 60 others.
“These were people who had dedicated their lives to peace, development, and the betterment of humanity, yet they became victims of the very menace they sought to combat. I therefore wish to commemorate these heroes and their families on this sad event.
“In this solemn moment, we remember the countless victims of terrorism, violence and conflict around the world. I also wish to pay tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Many have laid down their lives so that we may continue to live in peace. Let us also remember the victims who have been injured or traumatized in the line of duty. Their dedication and commitment to preserving our freedom and securing our Nation is nothing short of heroic.”
He added that: “In the face of this adversity, the strength and resilience of those affected by terrorism stand as a testament to the human spirit. Despite the loss and trauma, survivors continue to show remarkable courage. As we mark the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, it is our collective responsibility to support and uplift them. We therefore must ensure that their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their rights are safeguarded. I am pleased to state that this commitment is at the core of the Office of the National Security Adviser’s mission, which drives our dedication to serve.”
Ribadu said: “I must at this point, commend the efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and all our partners for their steadfast support. Your partnership has been invaluable, especially in our ongoing efforts to address the needs of terrorism victims and strengthen our counter-terrorism measures. This collaborative spirit reinforces the belief that the fight against terrorism is not one that any nation can undertake alone, it requires concerted global effort.”
He revealed that: “Just yesterday at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, we had the privilege of engaging in a consultative meeting with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and other partners, for the implementation of the Model Legislative Provisions. The project titled “Technical Assistance and Cooperation with the Federal Government of Nigeria on the Promotion and Support of the Rights and Needs of Victims of Terrorism” aims to achieve its objectives by enhancing our national and sub-national capacities to develop comprehensive assistance plans. I must say that, this aligns perfectly with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022 and the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. Through the Model Legislative Provisions Project, we hope to build a robust system that will address the immediate needs of victims and contribute to their long-term recovery, resilience, and empowerment. The project will be a giant stride towards ensuring that victims of terrorism receive the support they deserve.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres has said: “Acts of terrorism create a wave of unimaginable grief. Families and communities torn apart by terrorist acts are forever changed. The scars – both visible and invisible – never fully heal.”
He added that: “Through the torment and tragedy, we have also witnessed remarkable examples of resilience and the enduring power of our common humanity.”
The Secretary General’s speech on International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism,
which was delivered by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, noted that: “Reflecting on personal trauma to educate others is an act of immense courage. This day urges us to listen and to learn. And it is a reminder that we must always seek out the light of hope. Together, we can raise up the voices of all victims and survivors. Together, we can help educate present and future generations. Together, we can build more peaceful, resilient societies for all.”
Mall recalled: “Here in Nigeria, 26th August 2011 started like a normal working day at UN House. Our colleagues were going about their normal work, serving this country in various capacities. There were teams of staff and partners from WHO that were making plans to serve this country. Others were our government counterparts who came to discuss with us how we can serve Nigeria better. Just like we have worked over the years.
“In an instant, all that changes. After the blast, 23 of our colleagues and some partners were dead. About 60 other sustained injuries and some are living with those scars until today. Others of our colleagues are living with emotional scars whenever they remember the colleagues they worked with closely – that are now gone. Gone prematurely. We pay tribute to all of the departed colleagues and say that they will never be forgotten.”
The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu on his part, said: “Most victims of terrorism are innocent citizens who find themselves at the wrong place and at the wrong time, randomly targeted in brutal attacks. The lives of survivors, and those of their families, can be irrevocably changed. Many victims take years to recover physically from their injuries or come to terms with their losses. Without help, the trauma can be a lifelong sentence.”
Nigeria Seeks Collaboration in Fight Against Terrorism
VP Shettima To Represent Nigeria At 2nd UN Food Systems Summit In Addis Ababa
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, to represent Nigeria at the second United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit being held from July 27 to 29, 2025.
Senator Shettima will join other global leaders at the high-level event on advancing the transformation of the coffee value chain as well as engage in other roundtables and meetings aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s food security drive.
The summit will bring together global leaders to reflect on progress made since the inaugural 2021 UN Food Systems Summit and accelerate commitments towards building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
The VP will also participate in other events on the sidelines of the summit designed to spotlight real-world examples of food systems transformation, promote knowledge exchange and partnership, and inspire collective action through evidence-based solutions and creative expression.
One of the events on the sidelines of the summit is a ministerial roundtable on public finance, trade, and responsible investment to accelerate the transition, field trips, and networking sessions.
At a recent briefing by the Task Force on the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit, VP Shettima had outlined three key objectives for Nigeria’s delegation: positioning Nigeria as a leader of thought on African food systems reform, leveraging international partnerships aligned with domestic priorities, and advancing a private sector-led model for continental food transformation.
The summit is organised in collaboration with the United Nations, the governments of Ethiopia and Italy. #UNFSS2025
The Vice President is expected back in Nigeria after his participation in the activities at the summit.
VP Shettima To Represent Nigeria At 2nd UN Food Systems Summit In Addis Ababa
Chinese Businessman, 80-year old Grandma Arrested as NDLEA Seizes “Colos” in Moimoi Satchets
By: Michael Mike
A Chinese businessman, Liang Tak You and an 80-year-old grandma, Mrs. Grace Ekpeme were among those arrested in the course of last week by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in nationwide interdiction operations leading to the seizure of consignments of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis hidden in bean pudding (moimoi) sachets and Canadian Loud, another strong strain of cannabis concealed in canned food items imported from Canada.
According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, Liang was arrested by NDLEA operatives at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos last Friday based on actionable intelligence.
He said the suspect, who arrived Nigeria from Bangkok via Dubai, UAE, on Emirates Airline flight, is a Chinese national, naturalised and based in Malaysia, but flew to Thailand where he picked two suitcases filled with 50 parcels of Loud weighing 26.1 kilogrammes before heading to Nigeria via UAE.
Babafemi said upon his arrival at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives who were tracking his movement from his port of departure allowed him to pass through necessary protocols before picking him up on his way out of the airport.
The octogenarian grandma, Mrs. Grace Ekpeme, according to Babafemi, was arrested at Edet-Nsa street, Base Site, Calabar South, Cross River state with over 3 kilogrammes skunk in the early hours of Saturday following intelligence on her drug dealing activities.
He said in Lagos, NDLEA operatives last Wednesday intercepted a suspect Chidi Agbafo along Epe – Ajah expressway while taking consignments of 21.7 kilogrammes Colorado, some of which were packaged in moimoi cooking sachets and 3.8 litres of codeine based syrup in a commercial bus to deliver in Warri and Oghara, Delta state.
The spokesman said at the Apapa seaport in Lagos, a total of 101 kilogrammes Canadian Loud factory packed in 202 tins of imported food item labelled ‘Bean Salad Mix’ and concealed in two Toyota Sienna buses in a container that came from Canada, were recovered, adding that the discovery was made during a joint examination of the container by NDLEA officers, men of Customs Service and other security agencies last Friday.
He said no fewer than 71,000 pills of tramadol, diazepam and exol-5 were recovered from Usman Musa by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abuja- Kaduna highway last Wednesday when the suspect was travelling with the consignment of opioids in a commercial bus going to Kano.
In Borno, a 30-year-old lady Binta Usman was last Wednesday arrested by NDLEA officers who recovered 30.1 kilogrammes skunk from her house at Muna Moforo area of Maiduguri, with a follow up operation leading to the arrest of her accomplice Bala Abdullahi in the same area of the Borno state capital on Friday.
Babafemi said three brothers: Nanna Ozirinye, Chizom Ozirinye and Maxwell Ozirinye were on Saturday arrested when NDLEA operatives raided a cannabis plantation at bending corner forest, Idoani, Ose local council area of Ondo State where they destroyed 2,500 kilogrammes of skunk on an hectare of land and recovered already processed 121.4 kilogrammes of same psychoactive substance.
In Edo state, NDLEA officers last Wednesday raided the Asakpa community in Benin city, where they arrested a 26-year-old lady Bright Okon and recovered various quantities of Colorado, Loud, Arizona and skunk, all strains of cannabis as well as Methamphetamine from her.
He said while a total of 105.4 kilogrammes skunk was recovered by NDLEA operatives from an abandoned Honda car marked ABC 204 KM in Keffi, Nasarawa state, their counterparts in Niger state last Monday arrested a suspect Bashir Abdullahi with 6,400 pills of tramadol 225mg at Kasuwan Gwari area of Minna, even as a notorious drug dealer Jamiu Omolaja was taken into custody and 113 kilogrammes skunk retrieved from his enclave in Ifo, Ogun state last Thursday after a violent resistance and attack on NDLEA operatives by members of his gang.
Babafemi said a total of 10,910 capsules of tramadol were seized from a suspect Adamu Adamu (a.k.a Dankyado) by NDLEA officers on patrol along Gombe-Bajoga road, Gombe state on Saturday, while operatives in Kogi state last Thursday intercepted a consignment of skunk concealed inside garri, dried scent leaves, and other food items along Okene-Lokoja highway.
He disclosed that a follow-up operation in Abuja led to the arrest of 27-year-old Kindness Bala who was planning to travel to Katsina state with the cargo and later to Qatar.
Similarly, operatives in Kogi on Saturday recovered 23,600 pills of tramadol, 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 700 grammes of skunk from a truck at a motor park in Ayingba area of the state.
Babafemi said the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy activities by NDLEA Commands equally continued across the country in the past week.
Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers and men of MMIA, Apapa, Lagos, Cross River, Edo, Ondo, Nasarawa, Borno, Niger, Ogun, Gombe, Kaduna and Kogi commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for pursuing a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
Chinese Businessman, 80-year old Grandma Arrested as NDLEA Seizes “Colos” in Moimoi Satchets
Police arrest man for killing mother-in-law in Kogi over false theft alarm
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a man, Yayu Musa, for allegedly killing his 50-year-old mother-in-law, Atayi Abdul, in Olla Community of Omala Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Friday, July 25, at about 8:00 p.m., when the suspect lured the deceased to her farm under the pretense that thieves were stealing palm fruits from it.
Upon arrival at the farm, Musa reportedly attacked and slaughtered the woman with a knife.
Police detectives were immediately mobilised to the scene where photographs of the crime scene were taken. The suspect was arrested and is currently in custody.
According to police sources, the family of the deceased refused evacuation of the corpse to the hospital for autopsy, opting for immediate burial in accordance with religious and cultural practices.
The command has deployed joint security patrol teams to the community to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order due to rising tension.
Investigation into the motive behind the killing is ongoing.
Police arrest man for killing mother-in-law in Kogi over false theft alarm
VP Shettima To Represent Nigeria At 2nd UN Food Systems Summit In Addis Ababa
Chinese Businessman, 80-year old Grandma Arrested as NDLEA Seizes “Colos” in Moimoi Satchets
Tuggar Congratulates Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON Win, Praises Their Resilience
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