Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recover Firearms in Rivers State

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Rivers State have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation.

Police sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 2:00 a.m. on June 7 by a team led by ASP Jeremiah Ashaba.

According to the sources, the suspect, identified as Austine Emenike, also known as “Oyibo”, of Aluu village, was arrested following credible intelligence on his alleged involvement in armed robbery activities.

During the arrest, operatives recovered one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns, and five live cartridges from the suspect.

The suspect and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody.

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal gang.

The Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing and dismantling armed robbery networks operating within the state.

Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recover Firearms in Rivers State

Groups Forge Alliance to Boost Agriculture, Peacebuilding Across Nigeria, Sahel

By: Michael Mike

In a move aimed at addressing food insecurity, farmer-herder conflicts and economic challenges across Nigeria and the Sahel region, the WANILTU Academy, National Association of Farmers in Nigeria (NADFAN), LAS Family Network Nigeria and Paradigm News have entered into a strategic partnership to promote sustainable agriculture, peacebuilding and community development.

The alliance, announced in a joint statement, seeks to leverage the expertise and networks of the four organisations to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, foster social cohesion and create economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.

The initiative comes at a time when many parts of Nigeria and the wider Sahel continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, insecurity, displacement, unemployment and declining agricultural output, all of which have contributed to rising poverty and food shortages.

Under the arrangement, WANILTU Academy will spearhead capacity-building programmes targeted at farmers, pastoralists, women and young people. The academy will provide training in agribusiness development, value-chain management, entrepreneurship, livestock production and self-reliance skills, while also deploying experts to underserved communities to support productivity and social cohesion initiatives.

The National Association of Farmers in Nigeria, led by Nuruddeen Nyako, will serve as the coordinating platform for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The association is expected to mobilise farming communities, facilitate engagement with government agencies and development partners, promote sustainable agricultural practices and help farmers access funding opportunities.

As part of the partnership, LAS Family Network Nigeria, headed by Sani Jada, will act as the strategic coordinating institution. The organisation will strengthen engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, academic institutions, development agencies and community stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the programme.

The network will also coordinate activities across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, facilitate collaboration among partners and support the development of strategic alliances needed to sustain the initiative over the long term.

On the communications front, Paradigm News, led by Raymond Enoch, will oversee media engagement and public awareness activities. These will include news coverage, documentaries, radio and television programmes, public advocacy campaigns and digital outreach designed to amplify the impact of the partnership and highlight success stories from participating communities.

According to the partners, the collaboration is built on the conviction that sustainable development and lasting peace can only be achieved through collective action that empowers communities, strengthens relationships between farmers and pastoralists, and expands access to education, skills, information and economic opportunities.

To achieve its objectives, the partnership plans to organise training workshops, agricultural exhibitions, stakeholder conferences, entrepreneurship programmes, community peace dialogues, development forums and town hall meetings.

Particular emphasis will be placed on climate-smart agriculture, conflict prevention and resolution, youth engagement, women’s empowerment and community resilience.

The partners said the expected outcomes include improved cooperation between farmers and herders, increased agricultural productivity, greater participation in agribusiness, enhanced livelihoods and stronger community resilience against economic and environmental shocks.

They also expressed optimism that the initiative would help reduce conflicts that have hindered development in many communities while serving as a bridge linking rural populations with governments, development institutions, investors and private-sector actors.

The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to advance peace, food security, economic empowerment and sustainable development across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, describing the partnership as a practical response to some of the region’s most pressing socio-economic and security challenges.

Groups Forge Alliance to Boost Agriculture, Peacebuilding Across Nigeria, Sahel

Zulum wants Baga, Chad Republic waterway open

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Saturday, visited Baga town to discuss modalities for the reopening of the waterway linking the town in the northern part of the state to the Republic of Chad.

According to the governor, the move is critical to restoring trade, commerce, and cross-border cooperation between the two nations.

Zulum held a high-level security meeting with military commanders in Baga and Kukawa with the discussion primarily centred on how to facilitate the clearance of the water routes, which have long been inaccessible due to insurgent activities.

Speaking to newsmen, Zulum said, “Our visit to Baga was to interface with the Nigerian military to discuss the modalities for clearing waterways from Baga to the Republic of Chad.”

He added, “we have discussed many issues, and insha Allah, the clearance exercise will resume very soon. The governments of Chad and Nigeria are working together to determine how commodities will move between the two countries.”

Following the closed-door session, the governor embarked on an inspection tour of three landmark projects aimed at boosting healthcare, education, and social reorientation. He assessed the ongoing work at a General Hospital, a Mega Primary School, and the High Islamic College all in Kukawa town.

The High Islamic College offers a second chance to out‑of‑school children and Almajiri pupils. The college will integrate Islamic and Western curricula, enabling graduates to qualify for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.

In addition to infrastructure and educational facility inspection tour, the governor also announced an agricultural support plan to complement the waterway reopening. He stated that the government would soon distribute farming tools, implements, and improved seedlings to local farmers and returnee fishing communities.

Zulum wants Baga, Chad Republic waterway open