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EU, NHRC Collaborate to Safeguard Human Rights in Nigeria

EU, NHRC Collaborate to Safeguard Human Rights in Nigeria
Inaugurate Human Rights Defenders Forum
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has collaborated in the fight against violation of human rights in Nigeria, joining forces to inaugurate the Human Rights Defenders Forum aimed at combating the numerous challenges of safeguarding human rights in the country.
Speaking at the Civil Society Consultation on the State of Human Rights in Nigeria and the Inauguration of the Human Rights Defenders Forum, which had in attendance Portugal Ambassador, Paulo Santos and Belgium Ambassador, Pieter Leenknegt, the Executive Secretary, NHRC, Tony Ojukwu lamented that in recent years, “we have witnessed alarming trends, including restrictions on the rights of individuals and organisations to operate freely, and threats against those who dare to speak truth to power.”
He insisted that: “These developments serve as a stark reminder that the protection of human rights is an ongoing struggle that requires continuous vigilance, action, and cooperation from all sectors of society.”
Ojukwu noted that: “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to advance human rights and protect the defenders who tirelessly work to uphold these rights, even in the face of adversity.
“We are gathered here not only to discuss the current state of human rights in our country but also to chart a way forward—one that ensures greater protection for civil liberties, fosters democratic consolidation, and safeguards the fundamental rights of all Nigerians, especially those who stand up for the rights of others.”
He said: “As we know, the human rights landscape in Nigeria is a complex and evolving one. While we have made strides, challenges remain, especially regarding the protection of civic space and the safety of human rights defenders.”
Ojukwu said: “Three major events preceded today’s events which are worth mentioning. First was the End bad governance protests in August. The second is the arraignment of minors recently witnessed in Abuja. Third was the presentation of the report of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North East.
“These three events underscore the state of human rights in Nigeria and present for us discussion points on our institutions and mechanisms. Their outcomes also present us with hope and opportunities to base our present and future actions that will ensure that human rights of vulnerable Nigerians are protected. I thank all those whose actions have been responsible for the outcomes of these historic events.”
He said: “We are deeply grateful to the European Union Delegation to Nigeria for partnering with the National Human Rights Commission in organizing this forum.
The EU’s unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and supporting civil society efforts across the globe is commendable, and we are honoured to work with them in Nigeria.
“The discussions we will have today are centered on three crucial themes that are at the heart of any democracy: the right to electoral participation and democratic consolidation, the protection of civil liberties, civic space and human rights defenders, and the pressing issue of digital rights and privacy protection. These issues are not merely theoretical—they are practical challenges that impact our daily lives and the future of Nigeria as a democratic state.”
He added that: “The inauguration of the Human Rights Defenders Forum today underscores the importance of creating a unified platform for those who work at the frontlines of human rights protection. The forum will serve as a space for defenders to share experiences, exchange ideas, and strategize on how to address the myriad challenges they face. It is crucial that we stand together to provide human rights defenders with the necessary support and ensure their safety at the frontlines.”
Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Head of Delegation, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos said human rights is “a topic that is not only essential but always incredibly timely and central to the European Union’s foreign policy, constituting our institutional core and soul: our unwavering support for a continuous active, open and transparent dialogue on the state of democracy and human rights around the world including our host country, Nigeria, this great country and its great people that you represent here today.”
He noted that: “We live in an era underlined by both remarkable advancements and unprecedented challenges; an era where we would have expected that global partnerships underlined by visionary and rationale conversations for a better and more inclusive world would have been the norm; instead we all see that the basic ingredients for such a successful recipe of hope and global solidarity are still missing; for us in the European Union, we firmly believe that democracy, inclusive societies and human rights are indispensable ingredients for such recipe to work; many solutions to the problems surrounding us originate from the inability to on-board the citizens of the world in a process of social, financial and political inclusion; simply to allow them to feel that they belong and that they can trust a shared societal project; we see it and feel it everywhere around us.”
He added that “global conflicts and geopolitical shifts have highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the protection of human rights.
“The collective consciousness on the urgent need to defend democracy and human rights is reflected upon the ever growing global citizens’ movements and advocacy for equality, justice, and inclusion; an urgent and pressing demand for societal change is present with youth in the forefront; it is important that we all listen and take stock.
“The world is in an urgent need for peace, healing and reconciliation. Human rights, with their universal and inalienable qualities, offer a solid framework for conversation. Narratives of authoritarianism, populism, extremism, conflict entrepreneurship, compounded by poverty, inequality and increasingly the adverse impact of climate change on livelihoods risk to derail essential conversations on urgently needed global corrections and critical decisions regarding investment in a common future.Efforts to safeguard human dignity, freedom, and equality remain crucial.”
The notion of global leadership in the mind of the citizens anywhere in the world, is strongly correlated with footprints of social, financial and political inclusion; the degree of success of such citizens’s value chain’ depends on the fundamentals of inclusive democratic governance and human rights; there are no shortcuts and where they are tried they just disrupt and generate conflict and division.”
He noted that: “Nigeria, as the largest democracy in Africa, plays a pivotal role in the continent’s political landscape. The other African countries, but also the world rightly so, are looking up to Nigeria and its multi-ethnic and multi-religious democratic trajectory and paradigms.
“The European Union, recognises the importance of partnering with Nigeria in itinerary to democratic governance and human rights.”
EU, NHRC Collaborate to Safeguard Human Rights in Nigeria
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Joint Nigeria–Niger military offensive hits major terrorist stronghold near Damasak

Joint Nigeria–Niger military offensive hits major terrorist stronghold near Damasak
By: Zagazola Makama
In a major show of regional military cooperation, troops of the Nigerian Military in collaboration with the Nigerien Defence Forces have launched a decisive joint offensive on a fortified terrorist stronghold located between Damasak in Borno State and Diffa in southern Niger Republic.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the offensive, which began in the early hours of Sunday, targeted a well-defended insurgent position approximately 25 kilometres from Damasak and 17 kilometres from Diffa, believed to be operated by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the location served as a key logistical hub and operational base for the insurgents, complete with anti-aircraft (AA) gun emplacements and an extensive network of trenches.
“In the first wave of the assault, the Air Component Command of Operation HADIN KAI conducted four precision strikes which successfully knocked out enemy anti-aircraft positions and neutralised scores of terrorists,” the source said.
The coordinated strikes were immediately followed by aerial bombardment from the Nigerien Air Force, which delivered additional blows to the insurgents’ infrastructure and personnel. A subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the effectiveness of the air operations.
On the ground, combined troops from Nigeria and the Nigerien Defence Forces subsequently executed a dual-flank ground offensive to clear and secure the area.
“This joint operation point to the recent deepening regional cooperation between Nigeria and Niger Republic in the fight against terrorism and trans-border criminality in the Lake Chad Basin,” confirmed the source.
The offensive comes at a time of increasing cross-border attacks and insurgent movement in the region, especially around the Kamadougou-Yobe River axis and other porous points of the Nigeria–Niger border.
Joint Nigeria–Niger military offensive hits major terrorist stronghold near Damasak
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Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi

Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi
By: Zagazola Makama
For weeks, residents of Umuasi Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State lived with an uneasy silence. Whispers of cult-related violence, extortion, and intimidation crept through the community like a shadow.
But in the early hours of July 21, a breakthrough by the Anti-Cultism Squad of the Enugu State Police Command brought a glimmer of hope.
It all began with the confession of a 31-year-old cult suspect, Ikemefuna Ani, popularly known as “Majority,” who was already in custody and undergoing investigation for cult-related offenses.
According to sources within the Anti-Cultism Unit, Ani’s detailed statement cracked open what had long been a closely guarded network. Acting on his revelations, the Officer in Charge of the squad led a pre-dawn operation to Umuasi Ngwo at about 4:30 a.m.
The result was the arrest of three notorious cultists: Stephen Chidiebere Ugwu (alias “Shaggy”), aged 42; Arinze Udeh (alias “Anonymous”), aged 30; and Onuigbo Kingsley, all residents of the area and self-confessed members of the Black Axe confraternity.
Their arrest marks a significant milestone in Enugu’s ongoing efforts to rid its communities of cult-related violence and criminality.
One locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel gun was recovered during the raid, further strengthening suspicions that the cultists were involved in activities far beyond mere fraternity.
“These are not just men hanging out in secret corners. They’re part of a dangerous network that has, for too long, threatened the peace and safety of our people,” said a senior officer involved in the operation.
The suspects, now in police custody, reportedly confessed to longstanding involvement in cult activities ranging from intimidation of residents to violent clashes with rival groups. Some community members who spoke to NAN under anonymity said the suspects had long been feared figures in the neighbourhood.
“People avoided them. We knew they were up to no good, but fear kept everyone quiet,” said a youth leader in Umuasi Ngwo.
The Police Command says discreet investigations are ongoing and that more arrests may follow as operatives continue to unravel the network’s operations across the state.
Police sources have reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism, urging citizens to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
“We are taking proactive steps. Anyone involved in cultism should know there’s no hiding place. Communities are safer when the people support our work with information,” he said.
This latest development adds to the growing list of successful operations by Enugu’s Anti-Cultism Squad, which has intensified its crackdown on secret cults in both urban and rural areas.
For the people of Umuasi Ngwo, the arrests bring a renewed sense of security. But as investigations continue, residents hope the momentum won’t stop with these three.
“There are more of them out there,” said one elderly resident. “We just pray the police won’t stop until they clean up everything.”
Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi
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Nana Shettima at 50: Happy Golden Anniversary to the woman standing tall on this side of life with VP Kashim Shettima.

Nana Shettima at 50: Happy Golden Anniversary to the woman standing tall on this side of life with VP Kashim Shettima.
By: Dr. James BWALA
Nana Shettima’s 50th birthday marks a significant milestone, celebrating not only her personal achievements but also her role as a steadfast partner to Vice President Kashim Shettima. As the Vice Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Nana Shettima has demonstrated unwavering commitment to grassroots development and social welfare, exemplified by her recent visit to Calabar, where she distributed food items to vulnerable communities. Her efforts reflect a profound dedication to humanitarian causes, reinforcing her stature as a respected public figure.
Beyond philanthropy, Nana Shettima embodies resilience and grace in navigating the complexities of public life alongside Nigeria’s vice president. The celebration of her golden anniversary with VP Kashim Shettima underscores their partnership both in private and public spheres. This milestone is a testament to her enduring influence and the vital role she plays on “this side of life,” standing tall amidst challenges while inspiring many through service and leadership.

Her journey to this day is a beacon of hope, illustrating how steadfast dedication to community upliftment can forge pathways for sustainable change and empowerment. Her unwavering dedication to societal betterment has not only enriched countless lives but also set a benchmark for compassionate leadership in the nation. Her leadership style, defined by empathy and inclusivity, continues to inspire a new generation of women leaders who aspire to effect meaningful change within their communities. Her influence extends beyond national borders, where her advocacy for women’s empowerment and education resonates on international platforms, further solidifying her legacy as a transformative leader.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/nigeria-buharis-death-has-thrown-the-adc-coalition-into-chaos-as-plans-to-ride-the-former-presidents-political-fortunes-against-tinubu-and-shettima-in-2027-collapsed/
Nana Shettima’s tireless advocacy for gender equality and her strategic initiatives in educational development underscore the profound impact of her work, fostering a legacy that champions the rights and potential of women across various sectors. Her efforts in grassroots development, as evidenced by her active role in initiatives like the Renewed Hope Initiative, have been pivotal in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities and fostering societal progress. Her presence at events such as her recent visit to Cross River State, where she was warmly welcomed by Governor Bassey Otu, underscores her commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of vulnerable groups. Her recent endeavors, including the distribution of food items during her visit to Cross River State, highlight her active engagement in addressing the immediate needs of those most vulnerable, reinforcing her commitment to fostering resilience and hope within these communities.

Nana’s strategic vision and compassionate leadership continue to bridge gaps in access to essential resources, empowering women and enriching communities across Nigeria. Her steadfast dedication to uplifting the lives of those around her continues to inspire many, as she remains a beacon of hope and progress in Nigeria’s journey towards an equitable future.
Uwar Marayu”—The Mother of Orphans, as you are fondly called—represents a beacon of compassion and resilience within our community. Your unwavering dedication to the welfare of orphans exemplifies the highest ideals of empathy and selflessness. Over the past fifty years, your tireless efforts have transformed countless lives, providing not only material support but also emotional guidance and a sense of belonging to those who might otherwise feel forgotten.
As we celebrate this remarkable 50th anniversary, we acknowledge the profound impact you have made on both individual lives and society at large. Your commitment has fostered hope and opportunity, inspiring others to emulate your example. In praying with you and your family during this milestone, we invoke blessings upon your continued journey.
May Allah grant you enduring wisdom and courage as you persist in stirring more lives toward glory. Your legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication in uplifting humanity, encouraging us all to contribute meaningfully to our communities. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
* James BWALA, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Nana Shettima at 50: Happy Golden Anniversary to the woman standing tall on this side of life with VP Kashim Shettima.
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