Bandits attack travellers in Niger, five injured

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits have attacked a private vehicle along the New-Bussa–Babanna Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving five persons injured.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 4:00 p.m. when the victims, identified as Alhaji Fatayi Raheemi, his wife and family members, were travelling in a Mercedes Compressor car from New-Bussa to Babanna.

Sources said the hoodlums opened fire on the moving vehicle near Ehka Kuka/Audu Fari village, resulting in gunshot injuries to all occupants.

Security patrol team from Babanna Division later evacuated the victims Fatayi Raheemi, 38; Fatima Nurudeen, 27; Munirat Isyaka, 25; Aishat Ismail, 25; and Rashidat Fatayi, 30 to the Primary Health Centre, Babanna, where they are receiving treatment.

The vehicle was recovered to the Babanna Police Station, while efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators.

Bandits attack travellers in Niger, five injured

Nigeria Leads Call for Just, Inclusive Climate Transition in Africa

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has renewed its call for African nations to unite under a comprehensive Climate Compact aimed at harmonising carbon markets, enhancingj transparency, and amplifying the continent’s collective influence on the global climate stage.

The call underscores Africa’s commitment to driving a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition that leaves no one behind.

The appeal was made at the Africa Climate Forum (ACF) 2025, held under the theme “Bolder, Greener, and Better Steps: Closing Transition Gaps in Africa.” A theme which reflects the urgent need for African countries to move from lofty commitments to concrete, actionable steps that close existing transition gaps.

It also emphasises coordinated efforts to accelerate green innovation, energy diversification, and resilience, ensuring that Africa’s climate agenda delivers tangible social and economic outcomes.

Representing Nigeria at the forum, the Director of Energy, Transportation, and Infrastructure at the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) Mr. Michael Ivenso, who stood in for the Director-General, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in fostering regional cooperation, policy alignment, and enhanced climate data transparency as foundations of the continent’s green transformation.

Ivenso stressed the need for African nations to move from ambition to measurable outcomes, saying that the time had come to match vision with implementation.

He said “The theme of this year’s forum, ‘Bolder, Greener, and Better Steps,’ captures an urgent call for Africa to transcend rhetoric and transform climate commitments into impactful, concrete actions.

“Our continent stands at a pivotal moment where the success of our climate agenda depends not only on ambition but on delivering real, inclusive solutions that address our economic vulnerabilities, promote diversification, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. It is imperative that no sector or community is left behind in this transition.”

He noted that Nigeria is already setting an example through decisive policies and sectoral reforms aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

He said: “Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken decisive steps to close our transition gaps and advance the climate agenda.

“We have enacted the Climate Change Act and strengthened the National Council on Climate Change to ensure climate policies are implemented across all sectors.

“Through our Energy Transition Plan, Nigeria is charting a clear path to net-zero emissions by 2060, expanding renewable energy access and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In the aviation sector, we are committed to sustainable transformation—aligning with ICAO’s target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, developing Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and implementing energy-efficient systems that earned Lagos Airport the Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation, a first in the subregion.”

Ivenso called for a unified approach across Africa to ensure the climate transition is inclusive and just.

He said: “As we gather here, let us commit to taking steps that are bolder in ambition by setting measurable, enforceable targets; greener in innovation by embracing renewable energy and circular economy models; and better in collaboration by closing finance, policy, and technology gaps through strong partnerships.

“Africa’s climate transition must be inclusive and just ensuring that communities, women, and youth all share in the opportunities of a greener economy. Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to climate action not as an obligation but as an opportunity to build resilience, create green jobs, and secure a sustainable future.”

Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, delivered a goodwill message urging Africa to bridge critical gaps in its climate transition framework.

He described the moment as a defining one for the continent. “Africa is richly endowed with natural beauty, human capital, and biodiversity, but also profoundly vulnerable to the disruptions of climate change,”

“Gaps in finance, technology, capacity, policy, and access have for too long held us back from matching ambition with implementation.

“Closing these gaps is an urgent imperative not just to meet our obligations under the Paris Agreement or the SDGs, but to secure the lives, livelihoods, and future of our people,” he said.

The Minister of Federal Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, echoed similar sentiments, calling for inclusive and innovation-driven responses to the global climate challenge.

He said: “As we navigate the complexities of climate change, it is essential to acknowledge that our response must be both innovative and inclusive,” he said. “The challenges we face today demand not only courageous leadership but also collaboration across sectors and communities.”

Dingyadi noted that the labour and employment sector remains central to achieving climate goals through the creation of decent green jobs and empowering workers with new skills for the transition economy.

In his words he said “The labour and employment sector plays a crucial role in achieving our climate goals, ensuring that we do not leave anyone behind,” he said. “As we embark on this critical transition towards a greener economy, we must recognise the potential for job creation in sustainable practices, renewable energy, and environmental conservation,”

Kenya’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Isaac Parashina, offered a powerful reflection on Africa’s climate reality, asserting that the crisis now extends beyond environmental concerns to issues of sovereignty, security, and development.

“Africa does not lack vision; it lacks cohesion between aspiration, institutions, and the resources necessary to sustain them.

“The pressing question is no longer what Africa needs but what Africa will decisively choose to do differently. Climate change is no longer merely an environmental issue,it’s now a question of sovereignty, security, and development.”

Parashina called for continental solidarity and decisive leadership, urging African nations to move from aspiration to action as the continent positions itself to lead the global conversation on just and sustainable climate transformation.

Nigeria Leads Call for Just, Inclusive Climate Transition in Africa

Troops neutralise four ISWAP terrorists, rescue two hostages in Gajiram

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Desert Sanity IV and Lake Sanity III have neutralised four ISWAP terrorists and rescued two kidnapped victims during a clearance patrol in Gajiram general area of Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the encounter occurred at about 2:35 p.m. on Thursday along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna road.

The source said the troops, comprising 16 soldiers and eight members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on ten motorcycles, came under attack by the terrorists at Zundur general area, where they engaged in a fierce gun battle.

He said four terrorists were neutralised in the firefight, while others fled into the nearby bushes with gunshot wounds.

“During the operation, the troops rescued two kidnapped victims identified as Mr. Modu Kinnami, 55, and Mr. Bukar, 57, both residents of Guzamala Local Government Area.

“The rescued victims revealed during preliminary investigation that the terrorists had demanded a ransom of ₦2 million and two new Tecno button phones for the release of their brother,” the source said.

Items recovered from the scene include a blue pickup vehicle with registration number GUB 327 XA, two new Tecno button phones, a jerrycan containing 30 litres of petrol, and a total sum of ₦4,355,000.

According to the source, the general security situation in the area remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency are described as satisfactory.

Troops neutralise four ISWAP terrorists, rescue two hostages in Gajiram