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ECOWAS Court Honours Four Retiring Staff

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ECOWAS Court Honours Four Retiring Staff

By: Michael Mike

 The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS held a retirement celebration in honour of four esteemed staff members – Dr Athanase Atannon, Dr William Deiyan Towah, Mr Félicien Hounkanrin and Mr Iliyas Jonah – in recognition of their remarkable years of dedicated service, professionalism and commitment to the institution.
 
In his address, Honourable President of the Court, Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, commended the retirees for their unwavering commitment, hardwork and exemplary professionalism. “We cannot fail to tell you, honored gentlemen, here and now, that the Court owes you all a deep debt of gratitude,” the President remarked. “Each of you leaves an indelible mark on this institution through your professional achievements and impact on your colleagues.”
 
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the Court, reflected on the invaluable contributions of the retirees to the Court’s operational success. He praised their dedication, passion for excellence and hard work that have left a lasting impact’ on the Court and the staff members.
 
A staff representative, Mr Ghislain Agbozo also delivered a heartfelt tribute on behalf of the staff members. He shared some highlights that reflected the dedicated service and warm friendship of the retirees.  “You have dedicated most of your professional lives to serving the Community,” he noted. ‘It is with great pleasure and deep respect that we pay tribute to each of you today, acknowledging the invaluable contributions you have made’ and celebrating the values you exemplified throughout your service.
 
Dr William Deiyan Towah who spoke on behalf of the retirees expressed their gratitude for the privilege to serve the institution and the wider Community. “My colleagues and I are about to retire, having served our Community with dedication and commitment, guided by the values we hold dear.” He further expressed hope that the institution would continue to uphold the ideals for which it was founded.           
 
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Honourable Vice President Sengu Mohamed Koroma who extended sincere appreciation to all attendees and the organizing team.  “To the retirees, as you embark on this new chapter, we wish all of you the best in your retirement  – a time filled with joy, relaxation, and the pursuit of new adventures”, he said.
 
The event, held at Abuja Continental Hotel was filled with moments of reflection, laughter and celebration. Retirees were honoured with plaques and certificates of appreciation, while colleagues shared heartfelt memories and best wishes.
 
Members of the Court, staff and families of the retirees gathered to celebrate the careers and legacies of these four exceptional individuals. Their contributions will remain embedded in the history of the Court.

ECOWAS Court Honours Four Retiring Staff

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Troops Neutralise Two Bandits, Recover Weapon in Plateau

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Troops Neutralise Two Bandits, Recover Weapon in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN have neutralised two suspected bandits and recovered a fabricated AK-47 rifle during a military operation in Plateau State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation took place on May 15 at about 10:00 p.m. in Nemaledu village, Gimbi District, Wase Local Government Area of the state.

The sources said the troops, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush at a known crossing point used by the bandits.

“During the operation, the troops made contact with the bandits and in the ensuing exchange of fire, neutralised two of them.

“One fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered from the neutralised bandits,” said the source.

Troops Neutralise Two Bandits, Recover Weapon in Plateau

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NAF Obliterates Terrorist Enclave, Kill scores of ISWAP in Timbuktu Triangle

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NAF Obliterates Terrorist Enclave, Kill scores of ISWAP in Timbuktu Triangle

By: Zagazola Makama

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has successfully conducted a precision air interdiction mission that neutralised scores of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed key logistics structures in the Timbuktu Triangle general area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the airstrike took place on Thursday at approximately 1500 hours, targeting a known terrorist enclave in Chiraliya within the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious ISWAP stronghold.

“Acting on credible intelligence and real-time surveillance, our platforms conducted a deliberate and highly coordinated air interdiction at the Chiraliya terrorists’ hideout,”the sources said.

“We achieved direct hits on multiple targets, including makeshift shelters, logistics stores, and enemy movement corridors.” he said.

The source explained that the Battle damage assessment revealed the effective neutralisation of several terrorist fighters and the destruction of critical infrastructure supporting their operations.

Survivors are observed abandoning positions and blending into the forest, indicating heavy losses and a successful disruption of their operational momentum,” he noted.

“The ISR footage clearly showed secondary explosions, indicating the presence of arms and fuel depots, while fleeing terrorists were tracked and eliminated through follow-on engagements,” the sources added.

The operation, part of sustained offensive air campaigns under OPHK, was aimed at disrupting ISWAP’s capacity to regroup and launch attacks on troops and civilian communities in the region.

NAF Obliterates Terrorist Enclave, Kill scores of ISWAP in Timbuktu Triangle

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Another Pipeline Bursts

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Another Pipeline Bursts

…Trans Niger Pipeline eruption in B-Dere community in Ogoniland

By: Michael Mike

The Trans Niger Pipeline erupted and triggered streams of crude oil flowing through B-Dere community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident happened on May 6th, 2025, and the cause of the explosion is said to be equipment failure.

Recalled that a similar explosion occurred in the Bodo community on the 17th of March 2025, which caused a massive fire that spread through the mangroves. 

These spils show very clearly the massive risks the communities will be exposed to if the desire of the federal government to resume oil extraction in Ogoniland happens. Many of the B-Dere community people have been internally displaced while those already impacted by the spill are living in fear over the health and safety.

On a visit by  HOMEF team along with other CSOs a visit to the spill site, we met distressed indigenes of the community who expressed the high level of pain and a sense of exposure and abandonment.

The woman leader of the community, Chief Mrs Augustina Biebie, stated that the level of restlessness in the community has only worsened. “The spill brought crude oil into houses of many of our people. The thick smell of crude oil has affected our health. Breathing has become a problem, and it has become difficult to even feed because some of us cannot light fires in our kitchens.” 

Pastor Kpobari Bani, whose house  was affected, stated that “Since this incident started, I have not been able to cook for fear of explosion. My mother has been displaced and has moved to a neighbour’s house for fear of the explosion. Shell said it has sold to Renaissance Oil, who now owns the pipeline. So we call on them to come and stop the spill. We also call on the government and other relevant authorities to come to our aid and bring remedy to the land.” 

The Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey expressed disappointment over the level of neglect to communities. 

“We are in a disaster zone and further disasters can erupt from even an accidental a spark of fire. The slow response of government and oil companies underscores the lack of care for the people and the environment. This level of laxity is absolutely unconscionable. The fact that this spill that happened a week ago is yet to be  stopped sends a very strong point to why government should focus on cleaning up Ogoniland and not seek to open new oil wells. The old wells should be shut down, and decommissioned. Our communities must not continue to be sacrificed on the altar of petrodollars.” 

Bassey further calls on all relevant authorities to move into action to curtail the spread of the flowing crude. 

“The government cannot be silent at a time as this.  This is a time when all agencies should be here to stop halting the shit down the pipeline, stop the pollution  and carry out urgent clean up and remediation. We call on NOSDRA, NESRA, MENA and HYPREP to move into swift action to stem the unfolding ecological and human crises.” 

Also, Celestine Akpobari, an environmental activist, stated that “This is one of the reasons why we have rejected the idea of restarting oil exploitation in Ogoni. The exploitation has not started, but the situation is becoming more volatile with spills of this nature. This is supposed to be a remediation site, but as you can see it is an ecological crime scene. We are afraid that if this is not properly contained, the damage will be far worse than what we see.” 

HOMEF calls for a swift action to plug the leakage, remediate the land and carry out a thorough health audit on the exposed people of the community. Government must show that they care for the people and the environment. Aged oil facilities should be decommissioned and retired, and all alleged divestments should be nullified to ensure that those who have made our communities literal land mines do not walk away from accountability.

Another Pipeline Bursts

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