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13th Edition of ECOWAS Wrestling Tournament Opens with Celebration of Culture

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13th Edition of ECOWAS Wrestling Tournament Opens with Celebration of Culture

By: Michael Mike

West African culture was on celebration in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital as the 13th edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Wrestling Tournament commenced in grand style.

The event which kickstarted on Thursday and will draw to a close on Saturday at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, has a total of 55 athletes from 11 countries competing for top honours, with each nation represented by five wrestlers and four technical officials.

The colour opening ceremony had various culture displays and dances from across the region showcasing the rich culture and tradition.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Youth and Sports Development for ECOWAS, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, expressed his appreciation and highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.

Although Cape Verde is absent from this year’s event, Njoaguani stressed the significance of sports as a powerful tool for regional integration.

He said: “This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states,” noting that: “It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe this will enhance the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates.”

He said with young people making up 54% of the ECOWAS population, the vital role sports play in economic development and youth engagement cannot be wished away.

He said: “Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth,” he stated. “We aim to leverage sports to spread the message of ECOWAS regarding integration and youth development, which are essential to our goals of development and human capital enhancement.”

The tournament opened with team events, while individual bouts across weight categories of 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg are scheduled to follow in an elimination format, leading to the semi-finals and finals.

Njoaguani also extended an invitation to the public to attend the tournament’s grand finale on Saturday, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.

As excitement builds, the tournament aims not only to showcase athletic talent but also to foster regional camaraderie and development through the spirit of competition.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth.

This year’s tournament also coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, adding greater significance to the event.

Dikko praised the rich cultural heritage embedded in traditional wrestling, describing it as more than just a sport:

“It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline—qualities that define our great continent,” he said, as dignitaries, athletes, and fans gathered to celebrate this prestigious event.

Dikko further commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noting his dedication to using sports as a vehicle for peace and regional cohesion.

“This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” he emphasized.

Hosting the tournament firmly positions Nigeria as a central figure in promoting and developing traditional sports across the region. Dikko reiterated the National Sports Commission’s dedication to maximizing the power of sporting events for youth development, regional unity, and economic progress.

13th Edition of ECOWAS Wrestling Tournament Opens with Celebration of Culture

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Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno

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Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tuba have arrested three suspected cattle rustlers during an operation in Karnuwa general area of Borno State.

Security sources said the operation followed intelligence provided by a local resident, Malam Muhammadu Ardo, concerning alleged cattle rustling activities within the area.

The troops reportedly mobilised to Karnuwa at about 12:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, where they apprehended the suspects identified as Mallam Mohammad Abatcha, 28; Mallam Mamman Bukar, 18; and Malam Modu Hassan, 30.

According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while using a pickup vehicle with registration number WW 806 GZ Delta, allegedly employed in transporting stolen cattle.

The rustled cattle were recovered and immediately handed over to their rightful owners at the scene of the arrest.

Items recovered from the suspects included a bow and arrow, three mobile phones, five national identity cards and the sum of N20,650.

Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspects admitted to repeatedly stealing and selling rustled cattle to buyers in Maiduguri.

Security sources further disclosed that investigators suspect possible links between the suspects and members of the Islamic State West Africa Province or Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad due to alleged inconsistencies observed in their statements during interrogation.

Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno

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Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers

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Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 29 Battalion operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have uncovered an illegal refining site and recovered about 600 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Security sources said the discovery was made at about 10:00 a.m. on May 12, 2026, during ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region.

The troops reportedly discovered the illegal refining site around Asa community, where a large cooking pot loaded with stolen crude oil was found stockpiled in sacks.

Military authorities said the recovered products and equipment were handled in accordance with operational directives guiding anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation Delta Safe.

The operation was conducted without any confrontation or security incident.

The Nigerian military has continued to intensify operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta region.

Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers

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Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists

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Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi at Kafur, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have raided a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 12:30 p.m. on May 12, 2026, at Huguma village following intelligence on illicit drug activities within the area.

During the raid, troops apprehended one suspect identified as a major supplier of illicit drugs and other substances to terrorists and criminal elements operating within Kafur Local Government Area and surrounding communities.

Items recovered during the operation included 146 grams of suspected cannabis and 16.5 grams of a substance identified as Exol-5.

The suspect and the recovered drugs have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and necessary legal action.

Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists

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