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European Union, International IDEA Launch Project to Strengthen Civil Society in Nigeria

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European Union, International IDEA Launch Project to Strengthen Civil Society in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The European Union (EU) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) have launched the CSO Strengthening Bridge (EU CSO-Bridge) Project, an initiative designed to enhance the credibility of civil society organisations (CSOs), improve regulatory and operational environment in Nigeria.

Funded by the EU and implemented by International IDEA, the project will run for 36 months and builds on the gains of the recently concluded EU-funded Agents for Citizen-driven Transformation (ACT) Programme.

The project launched on Monday, in Abuja aim to create a more enabling environment for CSOs to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda, particularly in governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

At the launch, Mr. Reuben Alba Aguilera, Head of the Governance, Peace, and Migration Section at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reaffirmed the EU’s longstanding commitment to supporting Nigeria’s civil society.

He described the EU CSO-Bridge Project as a continuation of the EU’s efforts to build a sustainable civic space where CSOs can effectively contribute to democracy and national development.

According to him, “civil society is essential for any society that hopes to thrive, and their empowerment ensures that governance is inclusive and accountable.”

On his part, Mr. Danladi Plang, Head of Programme at International IDEA, said the project is about connecting key stakeholders, regulators, CSOs, sub-national actors, and citizens in a collaborative framework aimed at reform and mutual accountability.

He stressed that beyond improving the external regulatory landscape, there is also a strong emphasis on building the internal capacities of CSOs, including their coordination, transparency, and self-regulation.

He highlighted existing regulatory challenges such as duplication of registration processes at federal and state levels, and inconsistencies in compliance expectations across government agencies, noting that harmonisation is a key goal of the project.

During the launch, the inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting was also convened, bringing together representatives from government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. The PSC is expected to provide strategic oversight and advocacy for necessary reforms that will strengthen the CSO operational environment across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Senator Anthony Yaro, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, emphasized the importance of improving the integrity and public perception of CSOs.

He noted that many CSOs face societal distrust and operational difficulties, which the new initiative seeks to address by providing structural and legislative support.

He further disclosed that the 10th National Assembly has taken proactive steps by establishing a dedicated interface office to maintain constant communication with CSOs and promptly respond to policy or legal issues affecting them.

Yaro also reiterated the significance of coordination mechanisms to amplify the collective voice of CSOs and ensure they can engage constructively with government and other stakeholders. He acknowledged the increasingly complex global regulatory landscape and emphasized the need for clarity and mutual understanding between regulators and civil society.

He commended the EU on the project to invest nearly four million euros(€4000,000,) equivalent to over 6 billion naira at current exchange rates—in what he described as a “massive investment” in Nigeria’s democratic infrastructure.

While thanking the EU for its continued support, despite global trends of shrinking development funding, Aguilera underscored the importance of CSOs not only as development actors but as custodians of democratic integrity and agents of social progress. He called on all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the EU CSO-Bridge Project, which he described as “the beginning of a journey” toward a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable Nigeria.

The EU CSO-Bridge Project is expected to deliver three main outcomes: the establishment of functioning coordination mechanisms at national and state levels, improved CSO capacity for compliance and self-regulation, and a harmonised regulatory framework that facilitates CSO registration and operations.

European Union, International IDEA Launch Project to Strengthen Civil Society in Nigeria

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.

Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence

In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.

The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.

According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.

Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.

🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction

A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.

She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.

🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed

AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.

🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm

In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.

According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.

The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.

The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.

🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial

Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.

Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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