News
Chibok Schoolgirls Abduction’s Commemoration: UNICEF Calls for Intensified Protection of Nigerian Children
Chibok Schoolgirls Abduction’s Commemoration: UNICEF Calls for Intensified Protection of Nigerian Children
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for intensified efforts to protect the country’s most vulnerable population—its children.
The call was made in a statement marking the 10 year commemoration of the abduction of schoolgirls by terrorist group Boko Haram from Chibok, Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.
The statement read that: “As Nigeria marks 10 years since the mass Chibok abductions in the Northeast, 90 girls remain in captivity, and the country is recovering from another abduction of schoolchildren in Kaduna state in March of this year. UNICEF is calling for intensified efforts to protect the country’s most vulnerable population—its children.
A report, Minimum Standards for Safe Schools (MSSS) Monitoring Report released by UNICEF on Monday revealed a stark reality that the journey toward ensuring every Nigerian child can learn in a safe environment is far from over.
The report showed that just 37 per cent of schools across 10 states have early warning systems in place to identify threats, such as school attacks.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate said: “The kidnapping of the Chibok girls was a wake-up call to the severe risks our children face in their pursuit of education,” adding that: “Today, reflecting on this tragedy and other recent abductions, it is evident that our efforts to safeguard our children’s futures must be amplified. Given these alarming statistics, we must address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of this crisis. Education is a fundamental right and a crucial pathway out of poverty. Yet, for too many Nigerian children, it remains an unattainable dream.”
The analysis looked at six result areas – strong school system, violence against children, natural hazards, conflict, everyday hazards, and safe school infrastructure – and uncovered significant disparities in the implementation of safe school standards across Nigerian states.
It shows Borno State, with a 70 per cent fulfilment of the standards, exemplifies a strong commitment to child safety amidst adversity. Yobe State also demonstrates promising progress. In contrast, Kaduna and Sokoto states lag significantly, with fulfilment rates at just 25 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively. In addition to the finding on early warning systems and conflict, the report shows that while schools perform relatively well in terms of training school-based management committees on safety and responding to children’s well-being concerns, only 14 per cent of the participating schools across the 10 assessed states have functioning, safe, accessible infrastructure and just 36 per cent have school staff trained on natural hazards.
According to the statement, “the analysis comes on the heels of disturbing reports of violence affecting schools with brazen abductions of students on the rise. In the last 10 years, conflict-related violence has led to more than 1,680 children abducted while at school and elsewhere; 180 children killed due to attacks on schools; an estimated 60 school staff kidnapped and 14 killed; and more than 70 attacks on schools, according verified reports by the United Nations.
“The threat of abduction of students is severely affecting children’s learning. As of 2021, over one million children were afraid to return to school, and in 2020, around 11,500 schools were closed due to attacks, according to Policy Weekly by Nextier.”
UNICEF Nigeria therefore called for the government, partners, and the international community to take decisive action to: Ensure all schools across all states have the resources and tools to fully implement the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, focusing on the most vulnerable regions; Address critical gaps in safe school infrastructure, preparedness for natural disasters, conflicts, and comprehensive approaches to violence against children; Strengthen law enforcement and security measures to protect educational institutions and communities from attacks and abductions.
“Prioritize education and child protection in national policies and budget allocations to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all Nigerian children; Ensure the continuity of education and learning when schools are shut through multiple learning pathways such as radio and TV programmes and through digital platforms like the Nigeria Learning Passport.”
UNICEF said it is working with the government to ensure that every child can access safe learning environments, adding that it has supported the inauguration of state safe school steering committees and the drafting of state costed implementation plans for safe schools in 13 states, as well as provide school grants, safety kits, training and awareness raising to accelerate the implementation of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools.
NigerianMunduate said: “As we remember the Chibok girls and all children whose right to education has been compromised, let this somber anniversary serve as a catalyst for change. However, we must acknowledge the recent abductions, which underscore the persistent vulnerability of our schools. To ensure that schools are safe havens, strong political will and proper implementation of safe school standards are essential. Together, we can restore trust between educational institutions and the communities they serve, ensuring schools are sanctuaries for learning and growth.”
Chibok Schoolgirls Abduction’s Commemoration: UNICEF Calls for Intensified Protection of Nigerian Children
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday said it has arrested 77,792 suspected drug offenders and secured 14,225 convictions over the past five years, as part of its intensified campaign against illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this in Abuja during the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation Ceremony held at the NDLEA national headquarters.
Marwa also revealed that the agency seized more than 14.8 million kilogrammes of illicit substances within the said period, describing the achievement as a major blow to both local and international drug cartels operating in the country.
According to him, 128 major drug barons were among those arrested, noting that their capture had significantly weakened criminal trafficking networks.
He stated that beyond enforcement, the NDLEA had also prioritised rehabilitation and prevention, with over 32,000 drug users receiving professional treatment and counselling. Additionally, the agency conducted more than 13,700 sensitisation programmes under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across schools, markets, workplaces, religious centres, and communities nationwide.
Marwa praised President Bola Tinubu for renewing his mandate, describing it as a strong endorsement of the agency’s work.
He pledged to escalate the fight against drug trafficking during his second tenure, with more intelligence-driven and tactical operations
He said: “We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars and every illicit substance is removed from our streets.”
At the ceremony, 166 NDLEA officers and 17 state commands were honoured for exceptional performance, bravery, and commitment to duty.
Marwa commended the judiciary, security agencies, international partners, civil society groups, and the media for their support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
The NDLEA boss urged officers to remain diligent, disciplined, and proactive, stressing that the agency would continue to strengthen its operations to protect Nigerian youths from the dangers of illicit drugs.
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has decorated 402 newly promoted officers in a colourful ceremony held at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
The event, which brought together senior officers, personnel, and invited guests, was described as a milestone in the careers of the promoted officers and a testament to their dedication to national service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, congratulated the beneficiaries on behalf of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi. He stressed that promotion is not a reward for longevity but a recognition of hard work, professionalism, and commitment to duty.
Odumosu reminded the officers that their new ranks come with greater responsibility, urging them to demonstrate higher levels of discipline, integrity, and leadership in the discharge of their duties.
He highlighted the achievements recorded by the FCT Command, noting that since he assumed office, the Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations, proactive patrols, and rapid response to security threats within the nation’s capital.
The Commandant also underscored the Corps’ role in protecting critical national infrastructure, including government facilities, public utilities, and strategic installations across the FCT.
He commended the Agro-Rangers Unit for its efforts in reducing farmer-herder conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence in rural communities, thereby contributing to food security in the territory.
Odumosu revealed that in 2025, the Command arrested 112 suspected vandals and over 50 illegal miners involved in acts of economic sabotage. According to him, many of the suspects were involved in vandalizing armoured cables, fibre optic installations, streetlights, solar panels, road crash barriers, and telecommunication infrastructure.
He further disclosed that the Command has invested in training and capacity building for its officers in areas such as intelligence gathering, disaster management, crowd control, election security, and human rights compliance.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, the Commandant urged them to serve as role models, uphold ethical standards, and remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He assured the FCT Minister, the NSCDC leadership, and residents of Abuja that the Command would continue to prioritize professionalism, accountability, and effective security service delivery.
NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja
River guard killed in Yobe, police begin investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
A 40-year-old man, Musa Mohammed, has died after being allegedly attacked and thrown into a river by unknown assailants in Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Residents of Girim Village, Ya’u Gambo and Adamu Muhammad, told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 19, when the victim, who was employed to guard the village river, was confronted by some unidentified persons.
They said the attackers forcefully held Musa Mohammed, tied his hands and legs, and threw him into the river.
The sources added that about a month earlier, the deceased had a misunderstanding with five men from Dadigar Village in Bursari LGA, who allegedly warned him to stop guarding the river or face consequences.
Upon receiving the report, security operatives visited the scene and evacuated the victim from the river in an unconscious state.
“He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Gashua, where a medical doctor later confirmed him dead,” the sources said.
Photographs of the deceased were taken, and his remains were released to his relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
Musa Mohammed was from Burburwa Village via Mayori in Yusufari Local Government Area of the state.
Investigation into the incident has commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
River guard killed in Yobe, police begin investigation
Russian Houses and the Quiet Trafficking of Africa’s Youth into a Foreign War
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
FG Moves to Strengthen National Policy on Drought and Desertification
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News9 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
