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Buhari, UN pledges to reduce humanitarian effect, as 35 aid providers killed
Buhari, UN pledges to reduce humanitarian effect, as 35 aid providers killed
By Olatunji Omirin
President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated government’s commitment to reducing the effect of disasters, climate change, insurgency and challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
He directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and its agencies to address urgent threats posed by explosive remnants in the North East region.
Buhari issued the directive on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day 2022 with theme “IT TAKES A VILLAGE” in Maiduguri on Thursday.
‘‘On this 2022 World Humanitarian Day and every other day, we stand and shall continue to stand in solidarity with humanitarian aid workers and recognize their tremendous service and sacrifice.
”We celebrate their tireless efforts to save lives, preserve human dignity, and alleviate suffering. Their selfless commitment and actions stand as an example to us all.
“I hope to see more of our leaders commitment to humanitarian services, through government at all levels in our efforts to ensure a better life for our people.
On the fight against insurgency, Buhari reiterated his directive to security agencies to take the fight to the hideouts of the criminal elements and ensure ”they are completely eliminated.”
“I therefore implore you, not relent in your efforts to continue to take the fight to their hideout. And ensure they are completely eliminated.
” I implore you to ensure adequate security for farmers in their farming activities; agricultural activities are most needed for settlement and development of rural areas. And this can only be achieved if the farmers are sure of their safery.”he charged.
The president led other guests at the event in Maiduguri to observe a minute of silence in memory of all who lost their lives in disasters and humanitarian workers who died in the line of duty.
The president also thanked the UNDP, the European Union, the government of USA, United Kingdom and Germany, as well as other foreign establishments for their support in complementing the Administration’s effort to stabilize the North East Region.
On her part, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq citing figures from Aid Worker Security Database that since 2016, 35 aid workers lost their lives, 22 wounded and 28 kidnapped.
She added that since the beginning of this year, six aid workers were kidnapped in the country.
On the choice of Borno for this year’s event, the minister explained that it was meant to highlight the humanitarian situation and plight of IDPs in the region and to inspire the much needed change.
“It truly takes a village to provide emergency relief, protection and assistance, to build peace and resilience of affected communities, to promote sustainable development and to lift people out of poverty, especially in complex and protracted humanitarian situation.
“Everyone gathered here today represents that community,” she said.
In his welcome address, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said “the state is enjoying relative peace and stability, thanks to the sacrifices of gallant soldiers, security agencies, local vigilantes and the MNJTF.’’
Also, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Matthias Schmale urged all actors to find more effective ways of working together between the humanitarian and the development villages.
“I am encouraged by the opportunities to make a lasting difference in people’s lives, giving them hope for a better future.
“There are areas void of violence and enjoying a degree of stability in the north-east where longer-term and more durable solutions are possible. These locations offer windows of opportunity to focus on activities that increase resilience and self-reliance for displaced people and host communities.
“Such opportunities would not be possible without the dedication and expertise of local actors. Our ‘village’ includes national and local partners with invaluable insight into the needs, preferences, and concerns of affected people, and their work has been key throughout all aspects of the humanitarian response.” Matthias said.
While in Borno, Buhari inaugurated the Bulunkutu Teachers’ Quarters on Airport road and Molai 500 low-cost housing estate for IDPs constructed by the State Government with support of the Federal Government.
News
Two Forest Security Guard Members arrested in Ogun for extortion, illegal possession of firearms
Two Forest Security Guard Members arrested in Ogun for extortion, illegal possession of firearms
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men claiming to be members of the Nigeria Forest Security Services (NFSS) have been arrested in Sagamu, Ogun State, for illegal possession of firearms and extortion of motorists.
Zagazola Makama report that the arrest was made on Dec. 28, 2025, at about 8:32 p.m. following a report that three men dressed in security uniforms were sighted along Ikenne Road, near the NYSC Orientation Camp, collecting money from motorists while visibly armed with hunter-style guns.
Upon receiving the information, operatives from the Sagamu Division raced to the scene and apprehended two suspects: Emmanuel Idu, 55, and Sunday Moses, 35. A third suspect, identified as Oyilo David, 35, fled the scene and is currently at large.
During preliminary interrogation, the arrested men claimed to be attached to the Sagamu NFSS unit operating along Agbele Road by Otunba Gbenga Daniel Market. They also stated that the locally fabricated guns recovered from them were issued by a Commander Kehinde Joseph, allegedly supervising their operations.
In addition to the firearms, security operatives recovered one unexpended cartridge and the sum of ₦1,000 in ₦200 denominations from the suspects.
Authorities disclosed that one of the suspects had previously been implicated in a motorcycle theft case in Abeokuta, where the stolen motorcycle was recovered, and charges were filed in court.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Abeokuta, for further investigation.
Two Forest Security Guard Members arrested in Ogun for extortion, illegal possession of firearms
Troops neutralise key Boko Haram commanders in Bama airstrikes
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force platforms, have neutralised several key Boko Haram terrorist commanders during coordinated airstrikes in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the airstrikes were conducted on Dec. 25, 2025, following actionable human intelligence on terrorist movements in the area.
According to the sources, no fewer than 10 Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the initial airstrike. Those neutralised included Abul Kaka, Ibn Mu’azu, Abu Muhammad, Ba Alhaji, Bakura, Modu, Abu Hassan, Kaka Alai, Abba Yakariye and Bamusa.
The sources further disclosed that another terrorist, identified as Ubaida, sustained serious injuries during the strike.
The sources added that a subsequent follow-up strike by Nigerian Air Force assets led to the instant killing of three additional terrorists.
Security sources confirmed that the majority of the neutralised fighters were loyal to Bafu, a notorious Boko Haram commander operating in the Bama axis.
An assessment of the operation indicated a significant degradation of Boko Haram’s fighting capability in Bama, particularly among elements under Bafu’s command, as a direct outcome of the sustained air campaign.
The sources noted that while the general security situation in the area remains calm, it is still considered unpredictable due to the fluid nature of insurgent activities.
Troops neutralise key Boko Haram commanders in Bama airstrikes
IPOB attack Enugu police patrol team, kill two officers and seize firearms
By: Zagazola Makama
Two police inspectors have been killed and three rifles stolen following an attack on a Distress Response Squad (DRS) patrol along Zik Avenue by Good Shepherd Specialist Hospital in Enugu State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2025, when six armed men, suspected to be members of IPOB/ESN, operating in an ash-coloured Lexus RX 350 SUV, attacked and set ablaze the patrol Hilux vehicle.
The sources identified the slain officers as Inspectors Valentine Iheme and Ani Anayo, both members of the DRS team. The assailants carted away three AK-47 rifles with 30 rounds of live ammunition each.
According to the sources, all tactical teams and assets of the command have been activated and deployed in pursuit of the suspects, with a view to neutralising them and recovering the stolen firearms.
The sources said that the Enugu State Police Command has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
IPOB attack Enugu police patrol team, kill two officers and seize firearms
Notorious drug peddler killed during police raid in Katsina
Two Forest Security Guard Members arrested in Ogun for extortion, illegal possession of firearms
Troops neutralise key Boko Haram commanders in Bama airstrikes
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