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Ebonyi State Government has political will, commitment to make Spotlight Initiative 2.0 successful

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Ebonyi State Government has political will, commitment to make Spotlight Initiative 2.0 successful
 
By: Michael Mike

As the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to End Violence Against Women and Girls closed out and was handed over to Ebonyi State Government, the State Governor, H.E. Francis Nwifuru, has reassured partners and other stakeholders, of his government’s political will and commitment to ensure the success of the second phase of the Spotlight project.

Represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa at the event held on 26 October 2023, the Governor informed that “the state is well prepared to take up the second phase of the SI project. The state government is well equipped to support the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agncies, and other partners to make the second phase a success.”

Nwifuru reassured all stakeholders and the people of Ebonyi that the signing of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, was not a joke, emphasizing that the law would be implemented and enforced. “The state government is committed to the full actualization of the VAPP Act. If there is any gap in the implementation of the VAPP law, the state government stand ready to address such gaps.” He pointed out, and later declared the project closed and committed to continuing its second phase.

The joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls and harmful practices was launched in 2019, with implementation focusing on five states: Adamawa, Cross-River, Ebonyi, Lagos, and Sokoto, plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).  
UNESCO representative at the event, Ms Regine Priso, urged the Ebonyi State Government to take active steps to sustain the gains of the first phase of the Spotlight project. “The state performed well, the next phase can only be better considering the enabling environment provided by the Governor and the First Lady of the state.

She highlighted some of the achievements of the Spotlight project in Ebonyi State: Establishment of the National Gender-Based Violence Data Situation Room and Dashboard; One-stop Centre; Safe spaces; and the Second Chance Education programme which reached 25,000 girls and young women, including boys and men in the state; among many others.

National Spotlight Coordinator Ms Anu John, noted that the Spotlight Initiative project had led to notable progress towards gender equality in Nigeria. “In 2020, the country saw a significant reduction in gender-based violence (GBV) cases, as well as an increase in reporting of such cases.” She said.

According Ms John, this progress is reflected in the Global Gender Gap reports, with Nigeria rising to 128 out of 153 countries in 2020. “Furthermore, Nigeria has climbed 16 places in the 2022 global gender gap index, reaching the 123rd position out of 146 countries. This represents a substantial improvement from its ranking of 139th out of 156 countries in 2021.” She added.

The hand-over ceremony featured screening of a TV Documentary on the achievements and impacts of Spotlight Initiative in Ebonyi State, and beneficiaries testimonials, while the State Cultural troupe also presented a stage performance on ending GBV.

Ebonyi State Government has political will, commitment to make Spotlight Initiative 2.0 successful

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Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

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Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly engaged armed bandits in a heavy gun battle during a clearance operation at Yankuzo area in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.

Security sources said the operation followed aggressive fighting patrol on armed groups into the area, believed to be a stronghold used by suspected bandit elements operating within the axis.

According to the sources, troops advanced into deep into the terrorists enclave of Ado Allero in the early hours of the day and made contact with the armed men, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes.

Residents reported heavy gunfire during the confrontation.

Although details of casualties were still being assessed at the time of filing this report, security sources confirmed that troops maintained dominance of the general area and continued pursuit of fleeing armed elements.

Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

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Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

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Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three kidnapped victims during a swift response to a distress call in Kusheri village area of Niger state.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on April 21, 2026, when armed bandits invaded the community and abducted three civilians identified as Abdullahi, Saidu Julfe and Kamilu Joddi.

According to the sources, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Dokan Karji immediately mobilised after receiving the distress alert and advanced towards the area of operation.

On arrival, the troops discovered that the attackers had already fled the scene with the abducted victims towards the Kafin Gora axis.

The troops subsequently launched a pursuit operation, engaging the fleeing suspects in intermittent contact before successfully rescuing all three hostages unharmed.

The rescued victims were later handed over for medical evaluation and debriefing, while troops withdrew to base after securing the general area.

Security sources confirmed that the situation within the area of responsibility remains calm but unpredictable, adding that patrols and surveillance operations have been intensified to prevent further incidents.

They further noted that troop morale and combat effectiveness remain high as operations continue across vulnerable communities within the state.

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

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Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

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Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a suspected Boko Haram insurgent during a confrontation in Lotori-Garbiya village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe state.

Sources said the incident occurred on April 20 at about 7:00 p.m. after gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram elements stormed the community and imposed illegal levies on residents.

According to the sources, security forces were swiftly mobilised following a distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

One of the suspected insurgents was killed during the encounter, while others reportedly fled into surrounding bushes.

The sources said an AK-47 rifle and two Kasea motorcycles were recovered at the scene.

Security authorities confirmed that the area had been placed under close surveillance, while patrols were intensified to prevent further attacks.

They added that efforts were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the group.

Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

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