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CSOs trained on supporting North East families to counter violent extremism, Boko Haram propaganda

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CSOs trained on supporting North East families to counter violent extremism, Boko Haram propaganda

By: Michael Mike

Neem Foundation and Hedayah have successfully trained Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Northeastern Nigeria on supporting families to counter violent extremism and propaganda from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

This initiative, supported by the European Union, was announced in a statement yesterday by the Director of Programmes at Neem Foundation, Mr. Ahmed Jumare,  following the conclusion of a six-day workshop. The workshop was held from May 7th-9th and May 28th-30th at the Grand Sands Hotels in Maiduguri, Borno State, and brought together 32 participants from civil societies and organizations in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Taraba states.

The Northeastern part of Nigeria has faced significant challenges due to Boko Haram activities and other terrorist organisations, leading to displacement, destabilisation of local security, and constant danger for communities. Many families in the region have members who have either joined or are susceptible to radicalization, potentially turning them into violent extremists. Reintegration of former members is further hampered as these individuals are frequently shunned or vilified by their home communities.
In response to these challenges, the Neem Foundation and Hedayah collaborated to train CSOs on supporting families to counter violent extremism.

Jumare said the  training included a series of group activities designed to localize the approach, enhance understanding, and practically draft concepts, especially on the topics covered.

During the training, he said, facilitators from Hedayah joined virtually to support the sessions. Participants expressed their appreciation for the training modules, emphasizing the importance of the methodologies taught.

Muhammad Ngobdo Hassan, one of the participants, also highlighted the usefulness of learning how to engage with families needing reintegration support and the methodology to follow. “The training was very technical and very useful. If you don’t know how to conduct a needs assessment, code it, and identify critical issues to convert them into interventions, it’s challenging. This training has enriched our work,” he said.

Other participants noted the timeliness of the training, given the ongoing hardships caused by insurgents and the increasing number of Boko Haram members seeking reintegration. Ali Maina, representing GISCO, a local organization in Borno, stated, “This training has come at the right time. Countering violent extremism, deradicalisation, and reintegration in Borno State entail the Borno Model.
Resettlement is ongoing, and this type of training is very effective.”

The workshop also focused on how local organizations can fully support families through violence prevention and peace-building interventions, while also considering their emotional well-being. Participants were enlightened on providing psychosocial support.
Hauwa Muhammad, another participant, shared that her organization, Rehabilitation Empowerment for Better Health Initiative, previously focused more on victims than their families. “The community and its members must work together to support victims and their families, not just the organizations,” Muhammad emphasized.

The training highlighted the importance of involving the entire community in supporting both victims and their relatives. Neem Foundation and Hedayah reiterated their commitment to further support organizations with similar training.
Participants vowed to cascade the training to their staff and use the knowledge in designing and implementing their projects in the region.

Certificates of attendance were awarded to the participants, and a group photograph was taken to mark the occasion.

CSOs trained on supporting North East families to counter violent extremism, Boko Haram propaganda

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Troops Recover Rifle, Ammunition During Clearance Operation in Borno

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Troops Recover Rifle, Ammunition During Clearance Operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 403 Amphibious Brigade, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have recovered arms and ammunition during a clearance operation along a major supply route in Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola that the recovery was made at about 12:00 p.m. on April 29 during a shoulder clearance operation along the Baga–Cross Kauwa road in Kukawa Local Government Area.

The sources said the operation, conducted by troops alongside Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and civilian volunteers, was part of ongoing efforts to secure the main supply route and prevent insurgent activities.

According to the sources, items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

They added that no contact was made with any suspected terrorists during the operation, which was carried out successfully without incident.

The sources said troops would continue clearance and surveillance operations to ensure sustained security along key routes in the area.

Troops Recover Rifle, Ammunition During Clearance Operation in Borno

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Borno Adopts Gubio as APC Consensus Governorship Candidate

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Borno Adopts Gubio as APC Consensus Governorship Candidate

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, presented Engr. Mustafa Gubio, the APC Governorship consensus candidate to Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Governor Zulum, who described the emergence of the candidate as the outcome of extensive consultations across party stakeholders.

According to Zulum, the decision reflects a unified position within the party in the state. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “strategic leadership, support and guidance” to both the government and the APC.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership he is providing in the country and for the enormous support to Borno State as well as the APC, which has been unprecedented,” the governor said.

“ I would also like to commend the President, who has been instrumental in the emergence of Gubio as the consensus candidate.

Zulum also acknowledged the Vice President’s support in strengthening party cohesion in the state and for his support of the consensus candidate.

He further appreciated the APC leadership at all levels, party stakeholders, and the state’s residents for their support, prayers, and steadfastness, which he said paved the way for Gubio’s emergence.

The governor had earlier unveiled Engr. Mustapha Gubio as his preferred successor on Monday after purchasing the party’s Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the 2027 governorship election under the APC platform.

Those in attendance during the presentation of the consensus candidate include former Governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan; Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; APC Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Senators Mohanmed Tahir Monguno; Mohamed Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, Speaker Borno State House of Assembly; Hon Abdulkarim Lawan; Minister of Agriculture, Hon Abubakar Kyari and Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis.

Borno Adopts Gubio as APC Consensus Governorship Candidate

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.

In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.

He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”

The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.

He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.

Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.

“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.

He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.

“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”

No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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