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Democracy Day: NHRC Calls for Enhanced Human Rights Protection

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Democracy Day: NHRC Calls for Enhanced Human Rights Protection

By:Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has joined millions of Nigerians in commemorating the 2025 Democracy Day, a day set aside to honour those who fought for democratic governance in the country.

In a statement to commemorate the day, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, said: “As we mark 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, we reflect on our journey and reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, peace, and human dignity” .

He said the NHRC has made significant strides in advancing democracy, including mobilizing voters for elections and promoting citizen participation.

According to him, the Commission has also continued to monitor elections to ensure compliance with human rights standards, working tirelessly to promote free, fair, and credible polls.

He added that prior to the 2023 general election, the Commission held townhalls for presidential and gubernatorial candidates, ensuring they mainstream human rights in governance when elected into power. This initiative underscored the Commission’s commitment to holding leaders accountable for human rights protection he emohasized. We intend to continue this trend, engaging with elected officials and aspirants to prioritize human rights in their governance he added.

He further pointed out that “in the NHRC we recognize the intrinsic link between human rights and democracy, where the protection of fundamental rights is essential for sustainable development”. He added, “as we celebrate our democratic achievements, we honor the heroes of democracy who have tirelessly worked towards a Nigeria where governance will be accountable, rights are protected, and every citizen has the opportunity to live in peace and dignity.

“However, we note with concern the rising insecurity and economic hardship threatening the dignity and rights of many Nigerians. The Commission urges government at all levels to prioritize the protection of human rights and human lives, ensure justice for victims, and address the root causes of violence, injustice and economic hardship.

“We remain committed to promoting, protecting, and enforcing human rights across the country. We call on all Nigerians to partner with us in safeguarding democratic ideals that bind us together. Together, we can give real meaning to democracy, ensure hope, justice, and opportunity for all.”

Remembering the heroes of democracy and the justice of June 12 democracy day, the Executive Secretary advised on the justice of recognizing all the heroes of June 12 together, politicians and public servants alike. Such posture of government helps to ensure democracy.

He noted that: “If June 12, 1993 Presidential elections were adjudged as free and fair and the winners of the elections have been recognised, both those alive and posthumously, then there is justice to recognise that the election itself was conducted by human beings and not spirits.

“The arrowheads of the June 12, 1993 presidential election in the National Electoral Commission (NEC) should be recognised and given appropriate national honours and immortalised in public institutions as part of the justice of June 12 and foundation for democracy in Nigeria. Justice delayed is Justice denied.”

Democracy Day: NHRC Calls for Enhanced Human Rights Protection

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Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri

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Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have foiled a series of ambush attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Damasak–Gubio road in Magumeri axis of Borno State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the troops, who were on a fighting patrol as part of Operation Desert Sanity IV, came under fire from suspected terrorists on arrival at Binduldul.

Sources stated that the troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. Reinforcements led by the Commanding Officer of the Battalion later exploited the scene, recovering two motorcycles, one AK-47 rifle, five blankets, three praying mats, a spare motorcycle tyre and two gallons of engine oil.

The sources added that one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter.

Furthermore, at about 3:05 p.m. on the same day, while withdrawing from the area, the troops encountered another ambush involving an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack followed by heavy gunfire from ISWAP fighters near Kardio village.

The soldiers successfully repelled the assault, safely detonated another IED along their main supply route, and returned to base without any casualty.

Photographs from the operation indicated successful recovery of items and neutralisation of threats in the area.

Troops repel another ISWAP ambush, recover arms, motorcycles in Magumeri

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One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau

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One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person and injuries to three others following an attack by suspected Fulani militias on Kopmur village, Mushere District, Bokkos Local Government Area.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22 at about 4:00 p.m., when the armed assailants stormed a house where some local farmers had taken shelter and opened fire.

The attack led to the death of Dashan Mwanar, 42, while Sonma Mwanar, 32, Kyenkyes Dakup, 26, and Joy Vumshak, 25, sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bokkos Division, led a team to the scene, where the injured victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.

The police said the deceased’s remains had been released to his relatives for burial after the family declined an autopsy.

Meanwhile, sources assured that investigation is ongoing, with intensified efforts to apprehend the culprits and prevent further attacks in the area.

One killed, three injured as gunmen attack farmers in Plateau

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FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja

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FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja

By: Zagazola Makama

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified search and rescue operations following the abduction of a school principal and his daughter in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Oct. 22, 2025, at about 3:00 a.m., when a group of armed kidnappers invaded the residence of Mr. Zakari Yelwa, Principal of Narati Government Secondary School, located opposite the Technical College, Abaji.

The assailants reportedly forced open the door to the residence and abducted Mr. Yelwa and his daughter, Hafsat Zakari, to an unknown destination.

Upon receipt of the distress call, a combined team of police operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, vigilante groups, and local hunters was immediately deployed to the scene.

The team has since launched a coordinated search operation, combing the surrounding bushes and hills in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.

Police authorities assured residents of Abaji that all efforts are being made to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and urged the public to report any useful information that could aid the ongoing operation.

FCT Police, vigilantes comb bushes to rescue abducted school principal, daughter in Abuja

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