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Emir Hails ACReSAL’s Poverty Intervention as Jiwa Seeks Climate-Resilient Transformation
Emir Hails ACReSAL’s Poverty Intervention as Jiwa Seeks Climate-Resilient Transformation
By: Michael Mike
The Emir of Jiwa and Paramount Ruler of Jiwa Kingdom, Idris Musa, has welcomed a major poverty-alleviation push by the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, describing it as a turning point for a community long challenged by environmental pressures and limited economic opportunities.
Speaking during a high-level engagement with officials of the World Bank-supported initiative in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the monarch said Jiwa stands ready to partner with stakeholders to translate commitments into measurable improvements in livelihoods.
“I thank you for considering my community. We have listened to your promises and we are prepared to cooperate fully to ensure successful implementation,” the Emir said.
The intervention, driven by ACReSAL’s Task Team Leader and Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, Joy Iganya Agene, focuses on expanding income-generating opportunities while addressing climate-related vulnerabilities affecting semi-arid communities.
Agene explained that beyond financial support, the project is designed to build resilience through sustainable agriculture, improved infrastructure, and structured community participation.
“Our engagement with more than 30 community groups has helped us understand their priority needs,” she said. “We have identified critical concerns, including drainage challenges that must be addressed before the rainy season. We will guide the community on the steps required to begin implementation.”
She stressed transparency and collaboration as core principles of the intervention, urging community groups with overlapping objectives to consolidate efforts and develop stronger proposals capable of attracting support under the project framework.
The Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, represented by Ann Ijeoma, said ACReSAL’s footprint is already visible in several rural communities across the FCT.
According to him, the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) is empowering grassroots agricultural enterprises, while infrastructure projects—such as solar-powered boreholes, solar street lights, and improved waste management systems—are helping to raise living standards.
He called on Jiwa residents to take ownership of the projects to ensure sustainability.
“These investments belong to the people. Protecting and maintaining them will guarantee long-term benefits,” he said.
Earlier, FCT ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Caroline Opara, disclosed that consultations in Jiwa revealed urgent needs in flood control, agricultural inputs, solar lighting, water access, and expansion of the Community Revolving Fund.
She noted that residents have been organized into Community Interest Groups (CIGs), with deliberate emphasis on inclusiveness and women’s participation—an approach aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of benefits.
“The enthusiasm shown here gives us confidence. With the World Bank team on ground, we expect to fast-track the processes needed to deliver these interventions,” Opara said.
For Jiwa, a community grappling with drainage deficiencies and limited economic diversification, the ACReSAL initiative represents more than a development project—it signals a pathway toward climate resilience and sustainable poverty reduction.
If fully implemented, stakeholders say the programme could reposition the agrarian community as a model for integrated rural development within the FCT.
Emir Hails ACReSAL’s Poverty Intervention as Jiwa Seeks Climate-Resilient Transformation
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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