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ECOWAS, EU, Germany Collaborate to Combat Growing Threat of Cybercrime in West Africa
ECOWAS, EU, Germany Collaborate to Combat Growing Threat of Cybercrime in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the German Federal Foreign Office and the European Union, have convened a High-Level Briefing and Workshop on Cyber Diplomacy for the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) to combat the growing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria and other West African countries.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the German Embassy, “On 20 May 2025, the ECOWAS Commission in partnership with the German Federal Foreign Office and
the European Union, under the Joint Platform for Advancing Cyber Security, hosted a High-Level Briefing and Workshop on Cyber Diplomacy for the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee
(PRC) in Abuja, Nigeria.”
The statement further read that: “As cyber threats grow in complexity and scale, particularly in a rapidly digitalizing West Africa, strengthening cyber security and international cooperation has become imperative to safeguard sustainable development and foster regional cyber resilience.
“Against this backdrop, the workshop
aimed to enhance awareness of cybersecurity as a strategic foreign policy issue and foster regional dialogue on cyber diplomacy.”
The statement revealed that: “The event forms part of the ECOWAS-Germany-EU initiative on advancing cybersecurity. It seeks to implement the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Action Plan developed jointly under Germany’s G7 Presidency with a focus on building cyber diplomacy skills, advancing confidence-building measures (CBMs), and strengthening critical infrastructure across the region.”
The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther opened the event on behalf of the
German Embassy. In her remarks, she emphasized: “In an era where cyber threats know no borders,diplomacy is key to defend our shared values of security, trust, and cooperation in cyberspace. Cyber
diplomacy promotes cross-border cooperation and represents a crucial stride towards fostering a more secure and interconnected cyberspace – globally, and particularly here in West Africa.”
ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, Mr. Sédiko Douka, and Chair of the ECOWAS PRC, Ambassador Musa Nuhu,, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the
strategic value of digital resilience and multilateral engagement.
The workshop marked another milestone in the ongoing implementation of the ECOWAS
Cybersecurity Agenda and reaffirmed the commitment of all partners to strengthening regional security, trust, and sustainable digital transformation.
ECOWAS, EU, Germany Collaborate to Combat Growing Threat of Cybercrime in West Africa
Elephant kills farmer in Ijebu East, Ogun community seeks government intervention
By: Zagazola Makama
A wild elephant has killed a farmer, identified as Mr. Kalamu, in Itasin-Imobi community, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred on Monday, July 28, when the elephant reportedly invaded the victim’s farm and attacked him, leading to his death.
Residents told Zagazola Makama that the elephant had been a persistent threat in the area for over four years, frequently destroying farmlands and fishing equipment.
“This elephant keeps coming into our community to destroy our crops, damage our fishing nets, and now it has taken a life,” a resident said.
The community has since appealed to the Ogun State Government and relevant wildlife authorities to intervene urgently and prevent further loss of life and property.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry or Environment.
Elephant kills farmer in Ijebu East, Ogun community seeks government intervention
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover logistics items in Bama, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised two Boko Haram terrorists and recovered large quantities of logistics items following a successful ambush operation in Bula Daburu village, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the operation was part of Operation Desert Sanity IV aimed at disrupting terrorist supply networks.
Sources said that the operation was carried out at about 6:00 p.m. on Monday at a suspected Boko Haram crossing point
During the engagement, contact was made with terrorist logistics elements. The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray, abandoning their supplies.
Two terrorists were neutralised during the exchange, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.
After the area was exploited, troops recovered eight bicycles, two 50kg bags of rice, 60 pieces of macaroni, 60 pairs of rubber shoes, 10 welding filing machines, and 12 mats.
Operation Desert Sanity IV is a renewed offensive by the Joint Task Force (North East) aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and cutting off their logistics corridors across the North East theatre.
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover logistics items in Bama, Borno
Troops foil IED-laying attempt by terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempt by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Marte–Dikwa road in Borno State.
Zagazola Makama learnt from sources that the operation was part of renewed and sustained offensives directed by the military high command to deny terrorists freedom of action in the North East theatre.
The incident occurred at about 2:01 a.m. on Tuesday, when troops of Operation HADIN KAI positioned in an ambush along the strategic route, sighted a group of terrorists attempting to lay mines on a bridge.
The troops immediately engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their equipment and flee into the surrounding bush in disarray.
Two IEDs were recovered at the scene, while there were no casualties recorded among the troops.
Troops foil IED-laying attempt by terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road
Elephant kills farmer in Ijebu East, Ogun community seeks government intervention
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover logistics items in Bama, Borno
Troops foil IED-laying attempt by terrorists along Marte–Dikwa road
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