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ECOWAS Expresses Commitment Towards Achieving West Africa’s Renewable Energy Target

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ECOWAS Expresses Commitment Towards Achieving West Africa’s Renewable Energy Target

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed its commitment to putting in place needed infrastructure that would ensure that the regional renewable energy target is achieved.

Speaking at the capacity building workshop for private sector actors on green hydrogen, the regional body said its plan is to produce 0.5 million of tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030.

The Regional Coordinator for Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen at West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Dr Bruno Korgo, noted that the region has huge potentials in terms of renewable energy like solar, wind, hydrogen and so on.

Korgo said that this potential constitute a good basis to go for green hydrogen production because it is considered as the vector for decarbonising a lot of sectors across the world.

He said: “In the West African Green Hydrogen Policy, the target is for West African region to be able to produce by 2030, 0.5 million of tonnes of green hydrogen per year and by 2050, 10 million tonnes per year. This policy has been adopted by our heads of states.

“But the ministries of energies have to work to make it happen and that is why we are partnering with government and private sector to join hands so that we may reach out goal.

“This unique energy is today perceived as the energy of the future. The opportunity to produce, use and export green hydrogen to other demand centres appear like an opportunity for West Africa region to start now to think about green hydrogen to harness its potentials and also capture the future energy market that is coming with regard to green hydrogen demand.”

The Assistant Director in Nigeria’s Ministry of Power, Temitope Dina, said the Federal Government is ready to harness the immense potentials in green hydrogen to drive economic growth, energy security and environmentally sustainable West Africa.
Dina said this target has been marked by dedication, collaboration and a clear understanding of the pivotal role green hydrogen will play in the energy future.
“Green Hydrogen stands at the forefront of global transition to clean energy. It offers the promise of reducing carbon emission, diversifying our energy source and also fostering innovation.

“In our region, with its abundant renewable energy resource, green hydrogen could be a game changer. This could simulate our local economy, industries, create jobs and provide significant boost to our economies across West Africa.

“This workshop represents a critical opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of the green hydrogen technology, explore best practices and build the partnership necessary for the successful implementation of the green hydrogen policy and strategies.”

On his part, the Executive Vice Chairman of SIDIL Energy Alternatives Limited, Alhassan Dantata, said green hydrogen is the last option of the globe to transit to clean energy.

Dantata said Africa must play its role in achieving this milestone, stressing that: “Africa played different roles in the three past industrial revolutions, the role we played was that we were the catalyse because men and women were enslaved and our raw materials were taken away to develop other parts of the world, adding that: “But the beautiful part of this energy we are discussing about is that this is something you have to have your foot on the ground because Africa now has what you can’t take away. We have the wind, the sun and we have the water and you can’t take that away.

“We have the sun 365 days in a year. We have the wind because coming from the Sahara, we have the northeast trade winds that always keep the wind mines on 24/7 and so we got no excuse. We should be the frontrunners in green hydrogen.

“Africa should be about to export power through submarine cables just like we are importing bandwaves from Europe. We should be giving them power because we have the sun, the wind and the water.

“It is just our will. Do we have the political will, the right mindset and can we collaborate to make it happen. From what I have observed over a period of three to four years, the killer effect in Africa is just two, tribalism and religion. If we can overcome that Africa will be great.”

The two-day workshop ends on Friday in Lagos.

ECOWAS Expresses Commitment Towards Achieving West Africa’s Renewable Energy Target

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Military Airstrikes Neutralise Over 30 ISWAP Terrorists in Lake Chad Axis

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Military Airstrikes Neutralise Over 30 ISWAP Terrorists in Lake Chad Axis

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian military under Operation HADIN KAI has successfully neutralised over 30 terrorists belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a series of precision air interdiction missions conducted in the Lake Chad region of Borno state.

Sources disclosed that the operation was executed following credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) inputs indicating significant terrorist activity involving logistics movement via waterways around the Kaniram Island axis.

An ISR platform, was deployed to the general area where it established overhead presence and confirmed the sighting of approximately 31 boats dispersed along the riverbank, with associated human activity consistent with ISWAP fighters.

Upon positive identification, the Air Component initiated precision strike operations in line with established Rules of Engagement and targeting protocols.

The first strike effectively disrupted the hub of terrorists and degraded their logistics capability by damaging several of the boats used for movement and supply across the waterways.

Further ISR monitoring revealed attempts by the terrorists to regroup within nearby vegetation. Consequently, follow-on strikes were conducted.

A second precision strike targeted a cluster of about eight terrorists, neutralising them, while additional elements were observed withdrawing into concealed positions.

Subsequently, a third strike was executed on another group of approximately 15 terrorists who had taken cover under tree foliage, resulting in their elimination. Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) confirmed significant attrition, with surviving elements seen dispersing from adjacent hideouts.

In a related strike mission at Sowolwolo, Military air assets engaged and neutralised nine additional terrorists identified within the area. Residual elements were observed fleeing in disarray, indicating loss of cohesion and command structure.

The Nigerian Military Command reiterated that the operation illustrated its sustained commitment to precision targeting, minimising collateral damage while maximising operational impact against terrorist elements.

Military further assured that ISR missions and offensive air operations will continue in coordination with ground forces to exploit the success achieved and deny terrorists freedom of action within the theatre.

The Service reaffirmed its resolve to sustain air superiority and contribute decisively to the restoration of peace and stability in the North East

Military Airstrikes Neutralise Over 30 ISWAP Terrorists in Lake Chad Axis

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Troops neutralise two Fulani bandits, recover weapons in Plateau ambush operation

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Troops neutralise two Fulani bandits, recover weapons in Plateau ambush operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised two suspected armed Fulani bandits and recovered weapons during an ambush operation in parts of Plateau state.

Security sources said the operation was carried out on April 21, 2026, around the Marit general area of Doruwa Babuje following credible intelligence on the activities of armed criminals in the area.

According to the sources, the suspects were known for attacking locals, engaging in armed robbery and other violent crimes.

The troops, acting on the intelligence, laid an ambush and engaged the bandits, neutralising two of them while others fled the scene.

Items recovered from the suspects include a locally fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition, a cutlass, a jack knife and a mobile phone.

The sources added that troops remained deployed in Marit and Lajam villages, maintaining ambush positions and conducting patrols to track down the fleeing suspects.

They said the general security situation in the area remains under control, while operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal group.

Military authorities reiterated that troops would sustain offensive operations to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.

Troops neutralise two Fulani bandits, recover weapons in Plateau ambush operation

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Angwa-Rukuba killings: Plateau Government Files Charges Against Five Suspects Arrested By DSS

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Angwa-Rukuba killings: Plateau Government Files Charges Against Five Suspects Arrested By DSS

Few weeks after President Bola Tinubu visited Plateau State and promised justice for victims of serial attacks, the State Government on Friday filed charges against five suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the March 2026 killings of several persons in Angwa- Rukuba, Jos North LGA of the state.

The government filed charges of
criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism and other related offences against the quartet of Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar aka Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim aka Yaroro.

On his part, Adamu Isa Alhassan, who is one of the five defendants, was charged with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and illegally dealing in arms and ammunition. They were arrested between April 3 and April 10, 2026.
The State Attorney General, Philemon Audu Daffi, who filed the charges, said the actions of the four men were “contrary to Section 269 and Punishable under Section 270 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, 2017.”

The particulars of offence read, “That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit offences relating to terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, and contributed money to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court; you thereby committed the above offence.

“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did commit the offence of terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, contributed and received money to carry out an attack in Angwan Rukuba, which led to the death of over thirty (30) people in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”

Part of the particulars of Alhassan’s offence read, “That you Adamu Isah Alhassan together with one Ibrahim Musa (Now at Large), Imarana Sa’idu (Now at Large), Yusuf Sa’idu (Now at Large) Aliyu Usaini (Now at Large), Yahuza Adamu (Now at Large), Mubarak Yunusa (Now at Large), Yakubu, whose surname is unknown (Now at Large) and others also at large between the months of January to December, 2025 and in January, 2026 at Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an illegal act to wit: Culpable Homicide Punishable with Death, when you armed yourselves with guns, attacked and killed the residents of Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, and you thereby committed the above offence.”

Recall that, on Friday March 28, 2025, no fewer than 30 persons including children were killed after suspected herders attacked some communities in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas and their environs, of the State.

Following the killings, many called for the cancellation of a state-,organized programme,”Experience Plateau, Arts Meets Fashion.”

Brushing aside the calls, Governor Caleb Mutfwang said cancelling the event would satisfy the agenda of the attackers.
Remarked the governor, “Last week, Bokkos Local Government Area came under renewed attack by murderers who are desperate to break our spirit.

“Many advised that we suspend this function, but we realized that these attackers intend to keep us in perpetual mourning, to force us indoors, and to shackle our collective spirit.
“But I said no! Life must go on. Plateau must move forward by the grace of God.

The genocide on the Plateau will come to an end. What is happening is not a farmer-herder conflict. Let me be clear: it is genocide, and I urge the international community to take note,” declared the governor.

During the President’s visit early this month, he met with victims of the attacks, assessed the damage, and promised justice for those who suffered losses.

“We are optimistic that ongoing interventions will help restore lasting peace,” assured the President, even as he charged citizens of the state to be vigilant

Angwa-Rukuba killings: Plateau Government Files Charges Against Five Suspects Arrested By DSS

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