Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover ammunition in Plateau operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 9, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with a civilian drone team, have arrested a suspected terrorist and recovered ammunition during an offensive operation in Plateau State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 8:00 p.m. on April 26 around forest areas and adjoining high grounds between Kwaki-For in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area and Fogoldep in Bokkos Local Government Area.

The sources disclosed that troops made contact with suspected terrorists during the operation and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to flee.

According to the sources, one suspect was arrested during the encounter.

Items recovered include 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK-47 magazine, one motorcycle, two mobile phones, and amulets.

The sources added that the suspect and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They further stated that four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were expended during the exchange of fire.

Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover ammunition in Plateau operation

Korean Cultural Centre Deepens Nigeria’s Taekwondo Development with 5th National Coaches Seminar

By: Michael Mike

The Korean Cultural Center Nigeria (KCCN) has intensified efforts to raise the standard of taekwondo coaching in the country with the successful hosting of its 5th Nigeria Taekwondo Coaches Seminar in Abuja.

Held over two days at the Centre’s Taekwondo Hall, the seminar convened coaches from across key sectors, including the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, as well as representatives from military formations, police units and tertiary institutions. The programme focused on equipping participants with updated techniques and strengthening their capacity to train athletes to higher competitive standards.

Organised under the theme, “Re-establishing Fundamental Competencies for Improved Performance of Nigerian Taekwondo Coaches,” the sessions blended classroom instruction with intensive practical drills. Facilitators—comprising national team coaches and seasoned trainers from security agencies—guided participants through core areas such as poomsae execution, sparring tactics, physical conditioning, match control and modern coaching methods.

Beyond technical proficiency, discussions also explored the leadership responsibilities of coaches in shaping the future of the sport. President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Tayo Popoola, underscored the need for stronger governance and adaptive leadership within taekwondo structures. He stressed that effective leadership now requires transparency, strategic decision-making, crisis management skills and a deliberate focus on nurturing the next generation of athletes and administrators.

Participants described the seminar as both timely and impactful, noting that it offered a platform not only to sharpen their coaching techniques but also to reassess their roles as mentors and leaders responsible for athlete development on and off the mat.

Director of KCCN, Jeon Ju-ho, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to advancing taekwondo in Nigeria through sustained training initiatives and bilateral sports exchanges. He noted that such programmes are designed to bridge knowledge gaps, foster discipline and strengthen collaboration between Nigeria and South Korea in the development of the sport.

The seminar marks another step in ongoing efforts to build a more competitive and professionally structured taekwondo ecosystem in Nigeria, positioning local coaches and athletes to perform more effectively on regional and global stages.

Korean Cultural Centre Deepens Nigeria’s Taekwondo Development with 5th National Coaches Seminar

NISER, NiDCOM Advocate Stronger Diaspora Policy to Boost National Development

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), in partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has called for a more robust and coordinated diaspora policy framework to enhance Nigeria’s development prospects.

This call was made on Tuesday during a high-level validation workshop convened to review findings from a comprehensive diaspora study spanning six continents. The initiative aims to strengthen engagement with Nigerians abroad and maximize their contributions to the country’s economic and social growth.

In her opening remarks, NISER Director-General, Antonia Taiye Simbine, described the Nigerian diaspora as a critical national asset, noting that annual remittances exceed $20 billion—one of the highest in Africa.

She emphasized that beyond financial contributions, diaspora Nigerians bring valuable expertise, innovation, and international networks that can significantly enhance national competitiveness.

Despite these advantages, Simbine pointed to persistent challenges hindering effective engagement, including inconsistent policies, weak institutional coordination, regulatory constraints, and trust gaps between stakeholders.

She stressed that the validation workshop provides an opportunity to refine the study’s recommendations, ensuring they are practical, inclusive, and capable of driving meaningful impact.

Also speaking, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged a strategic shift in how diaspora remittances are utilized. According to her, Nigeria must transition “from remittances for consumption to remittances for investment.”

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the global competitiveness of Nigerians abroad, noting their contributions across key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and governance. She explained that the study’s findings would help shape a structured roadmap for diaspora engagement, anchored on improved policy coordination, investment-friendly systems, and technology transfer.

She further underscored the need for data-driven policymaking, adding that Nigeria must intentionally transform the challenge of “brain drain” into opportunities for “brain gain” and “brain circulation.”

Contributing to the discussion, representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) emphasized the growing role of diaspora professionals in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. Speaking on behalf of the association’s president, Dr. Bala Muhammad Audu, Dr. Idris Liman noted that innovations such as locally available in vitro fertilisation (IVF) services—once largely accessed abroad—demonstrate the impact of knowledge transfer from Nigerian experts overseas.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to fostering collaboration with diaspora medical professionals to improve healthcare delivery and reduce the need for medical tourism.

Participants at the workshop collectively stressed that sustained and well-coordinated diaspora engagement could be transformative for Nigeria’s development. The validation process is expected to yield refined, evidence-based policy recommendations to guide government efforts in integrating diaspora contributions into national planning.

NISER, NiDCOM Advocate Stronger Diaspora Policy to Boost National Development