Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has been urged to treat wildlife trafficking and illegal exploitation of biodiversity as a major organized crime threat capable of undermining national security, economic stability and sustainable development.

The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Cheikh Touré, gave the warning in Abuja during the commemoration of World Wildlife Day, stressing that wildlife crime now operates as a sophisticated international criminal network rather than merely an environmental issue.

Touré said the illegal trade in wildlife and plant species continues to weaken ecosystems, fuel illicit financial flows and erode the economic potential of countries rich in biodiversity such as Nigeria.

According to him, wildlife crime has evolved into a serious transnational organised crime that threatens the rule of law and deprives communities of valuable natural resources that support livelihoods and sustainable development.

He explained that Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, including valuable medicinal and aromatic plants used for traditional healthcare and economic activities, faces increasing pressure from illegal trade, habitat destruction, climate change and unsustainable harvesting.

Touré, however, acknowledged recent legislative progress made by Nigeria, particularly the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, describing it as a major step toward strengthening the country’s legal framework for biodiversity protection.

Despite this progress, he stressed that legislation alone would not stop wildlife crime unless it is backed by effective enforcement, improved institutional capacity and stronger public awareness.

He noted that combating wildlife trafficking requires coordinated partnerships among government institutions, civil society organisations, international agencies and local communities.

The UNODC official also highlighted the organisation’s efforts to mobilise young Nigerians in conservation advocacy through the #BeWildForNature campaign launched in 2024.

Through a competitive process, selected youths were incorporated into a mentorship programme where conservation experts provided training on digital advocacy, wildlife protection and community mobilisation.

According to Touré, the initiative has helped build a network of young environmental advocates now driving conservation campaigns and community outreach programmes across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said the protection of biodiversity is directly linked to human health, economic stability and environmental sustainability.

Represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, Fall noted that medicinal plants remain a primary healthcare resource for millions of people and are deeply embedded in traditional knowledge systems and local economies.

However, he warned that biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and climate change are threatening these critical natural assets, making conservation an urgent development priority.

He added that protecting biodiversity contributes directly to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goals related to health, climate action and environmental protection.

Also speaking, Onah Bisong of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (Nigeria) said the Federal Government recognises the important role of young people in advancing environmental sustainability.

Bisong stressed that Nigerian youths must be empowered to champion biodiversity protection through innovation, advocacy and community engagement, noting that such efforts can also create green jobs and support economic growth.

He added that young Nigerians are not merely beneficiaries of the country’s natural resources but critical partners in ensuring that those resources are protected for future generations.

Nigeria Advised to Treat Wildlife Crime as National Security Threat

FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has successfully evacuated 1,230 stranded Nigerians from neighbouring Niger, reinforcing its commitment to protecting citizens abroad amid emerging regional challenges.

The evacuation, coordinated by the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involved the voluntary repatriation of Nigerians who had been stranded in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the returnees arrived in Nigeria in two separate batches. The first group of 708 Nigerians was received on March 23, 2026, while the second batch of 522 arrived on March 29, bringing the total number of evacuees to 1,230.

He said the humanitarian operation was carried out in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, whose logistical and technical support ensured the smooth movement and reception of the returnees.

On arrival in Kano, the evacuees were received by a coordinated team of government agencies and humanitarian partners tasked with ensuring an orderly reception and immediate support for the returning citizens.

Agencies involved in the reception included the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, National Emergency Management Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Other participating bodies were the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, as well as officials from the Kano and Katsina state governments.

The returnees were subjected to profiling at the airport to document their details and enable appropriate reintegration support. They were later moved to the Immigration Training School in Kano where temporary accommodation, meals, medical attention and other basic necessities were provided.

Authorities said the evacuees were subsequently discharged after completing the necessary procedures and reunited with their families.

The Ministry noted that the evacuation underscores the Federal Government’s broader responsibility to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians wherever they may be, particularly in situations that pose humanitarian risks.

It also expressed appreciation to the Government of Niger for its cooperation throughout the evacuation process, noting that such collaboration reflects the enduring diplomatic and humanitarian ties between both countries.

The ministry further commended international partners, particularly the International Organization for Migration and the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their continued support in addressing migration and humanitarian challenges.

Nigerian citizens residing abroad were urged to respect the laws of their host countries and maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions to facilitate timely assistance in emergency situations.

FG Evacuates 1,230 Stranded Nigerians from Niger

Zulum Donates ₦150m to Families of Slain Military Officers

By: Michael Mike

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has donated ₦150 million to the families of three senior military officers who lost their lives in recent attacks linked to the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.

The governor made the donation during condolence visits to the bereaved families, presenting ₦50 million each to the families of Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu, Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and Lt. Col. Umar Farouq, who were killed while serving in frontline operations.

The gesture, undertaken on behalf of the Borno State Government, forms part of Zulum’s continued support for the families of security personnel who have died or sustained injuries in the fight against insurgency in the region.

Zulum began the visits in Abuja where he met with the family of the late Lt. Col. Salihu Iliyasu. The governor was received by the officer’s wives, Na’ima and Rakiya, to whom he conveyed his condolences and the sympathy of the people of Borno State.

Presenting a cheque of ₦50 million, Zulum described the late officer as a courageous and committed soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The late Iliyasu served his country with dedication and bravery, and his sacrifices will never be forgotten,” the governor said.

From Abuja, Zulum proceeded to Niger State and Kano State, where he also visited the families of the late Lt. Col. Aliyu Saidu Paiko and Lt. Col. Umar Farouq, presenting cheques of ₦50 million each as support.

He paid glowing tribute to the fallen officers, commending their gallantry and patriotism in the ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the North-East.

Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to standing by families of military personnel and other security operatives who have made sacrifices in the line of duty.

Beyond support for the military, the governor noted that his government has also extended assistance to families of members of volunteer forces killed during counter-insurgency operations. These interventions include financial support and scholarship programmes for children of those who died in the line of duty.

He further disclosed plans to visit the families of other officers reported killed or missing in recent operations, stressing that the state government would continue to recognise the sacrifices of security personnel.

The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers and asked God to grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss.

Zulum was accompanied on the condolence visits by the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barr. Mustapha Ali Busuguma; elder statesman Dr. Musa Inuwa Kubo; Hon. Sugun Mai Mele; Engr. Kaka Shettima; and Dr. Aminu Chiroma.

Zulum Donates ₦150m to Families of Slain Military Officers