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Expert urges donkeys’ protection to curb species’ extinction

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Expert urges donkeys’ protection to curb species’ extinction

The Animal Welfare Society of Nigeria (AWSON) has raised concern over the increasing decline of donkey populations in the country.

The group advocated conservation and welfare measures to prevent the animal from extinction.

Its President, Prof. Mohammed Sanusi, said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Gombe.

Sanusi is also a lecturer with the Department of Animal Production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

He said that urgent measures are imperative to protect the animal from extinction, as the illegal donkey skin trade was on the rise, thus posing a threat to its survival.

The expert said the decline in donkey population was driven by foreign demand for ‘ejiao,’ a traditional medicine and cosmetic gelatin made from boiled donkey hides and other parts.

According to Sanusi, the illegal activity and killing of the animal by some traders is heavily depleting the domestic donkey population.

“There are still a good number of donkeys in rural areas but due to poverty, some are selling them out in huge numbers.

“Also, improvement in technology is contributing to rural dwellers depending less on their donkeys as tricycles are being used to replace it, hence selling off donkeys becomes a welcome development.

“Donkey population is declining because of increasing demand, particularly the animals are slaughtered here and their skins exported to China.

“According to reports that we have read, they use the donkey skins to produce ejiao, which is an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) derived from the gelatin of boiled donkey hides.

“The demand for donkeys for ejiao production is having a devastating impact on its populations in Nigeria and other African countries,’’ he said.

Sanusi urged the government to invest in modern ways to boost reproduction of the animal to accelerate population growth.

He said the steady decline of donkey population has been linked to the emerging trend of illegal donkey slaughter and consumption, low reproduction rate, and poor welfare practices toward the animal.

The animal welfare advocate said donkeys faced a major threat in their future, and stressed the need for proactive measures to protect it from exploitation, abuse and neglect.

“Donkeys are vital to rural livelihoods and the economy,” he said.

Expert urges donkeys’ protection to curb species’ extinction

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Military

Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno

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Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno

By: Our Reporter

Following the clearance mission, the patrol occupied a tactical ambush position along a suspected terrorist route to monitor movement and deter any attempt by insurgents to infiltrate the area.

Military sources described the patrol as hitch-free, adding that troops maintained a high level of vigilance throughout the operation.

The clearance mission forms part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V, which is aimed at sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, preventing their return to previously cleared locations, and creating a secure environment for civilian populations to carry out their livelihoods.

Sources added that the general security situation in the area remained calm but fluid, while the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops were reported to be satisfactory.

Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno

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Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Members During Clearance Operation in Borno

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Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Members During Clearance Operation in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested two suspected Boko Haram members during a clearance operation conducted along the Mandaragirau–Kurtum axis in Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 10:00 a.m. on July 22 by troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local hunters and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).

The joint security team, mounted on a gun truck and 10 motorcycles, conducted the operation along the Mandaragirau–Kurtum route, extending to the Nguma area as part of ongoing efforts to clear suspected terrorist hideouts and deny insurgents freedom of movement.

During the operation, troops apprehended two suspected Boko Haram members identified as Sidi Shagari, 42, and Abubakar Sadiq, popularly known as “Buba,” 25, both natives of Birni in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

Items recovered from the suspects included two mobile phones, three cutlasses, one dagger, and the sum of N9,500.

The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken to the Abogo Largema Cantonment for further investigation and other necessary actions.

Military sources said the operation forms part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V, a theatre-wide offensive aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, dismantling insurgent networks, and enhancing security across the North-East.

The sources added that although the general security situation across the theatre remains calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance while morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Members During Clearance Operation in Borno

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Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe

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Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during a coordinated raid operation in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 2:00 p.m. on July 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers in Jegalari village.

The sources said troops of the 233 Battalion, deployed at Damaturu Military Cantonment, stormed the hideout in conjunction with the local hunters, leading to the arrest of five suspects identified as Hassan Lawan (28), Isah Bello (30), Haruna Suleiman (20), Ibrahim Bello (20), and Ahmadu Haruna (19).

During the operation, security personnel recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, three Tecno mobile phones, and one Android phone.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are indigenes of Ririn Village in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State. They identified themselves as members of the Fulani ethnic group and claimed to be cattle rearers.

The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation to determine their involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Military sources said the successful operation forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts by Operation HADIN KAI and other security stakeholders to dismantle kidnapping and criminal networks operating across the North-East and adjoining states.

The security situation in the area was reported to be calm after the operation, although security forces remain on alert to prevent any retaliatory or related criminal activities.

Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe

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