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FG Launches Investigation into Killing of Elephants, Manhunts for Killers of Two Booted Eagles
FG Launches Investigation into Killing of Elephants, Manhunts for Killers of Two Booted Eagles
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of elephants by a local government chairman and the military.
The government is equally on a manhunt for the killers of two booted eagles that migrated all the way from Europe but met their deaths in both Kebbi and Sokoto States.
Addressing a press conference on Friday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako said: “The Federal Ministry of Environment, under my esteemed leadership, is launching a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event involving the killing of the elephants by the Local government Chairman and the military to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
He added that: “We are deeply concerned about the recent illegal killings of elephants and other wildlife species across the country which involves the killing of two elephants by the military in Kala Balge, Borno State at the instance of a Local Government Chairman and the killing of another elephant by a Professor from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The Ministry also received similar unpleasant information on the killing of two booted eagles that migrated all the way from Europe but met their deaths in both Kebbi and Sokoto States.”
He disclosed that: “Efforts are being made by my Ministry to retrieve the transmitters attached to these birds and return them to the researchers in Europe.”
Salako added that: “As a Ministry committed to environmental conservation and the protection of wildlife, we strongly condemn such actions that undermine the fragile balance of our ecosystem. The public should be aware that Nigeria is signatory to international conventions particularly the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The National Focal Point/Management Authority, the Scientific and the Enforcement Authorities of CITES are all domiciled in this Ministry. With respect to the Elephant and the eagles which are categorized as endangered species of Appendix I, hunting, capturing, possessing, trading or killing of these wild species are offences that are liable to prosecution according to the CITES regulations.”
He warned that: “The government will not condone any such dastardly act by any persons or communities involved. The brutal killings of these wildlife not only reflect a blatant disregard for the importance of wildlife preservation but also highlights the urgent need for enhanced awareness and sensitization of the public regarding the protection of our natural heritage.”
He promised that: “The Ministry will work closely with all stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and wildlife conservation organisations to strengthen and implement robust policies that protect our already fragile ecosystem and natural heritage. We firmly believe that by taking immediate action, we can prevent such tragic incidents from recurring and foster a culture of respect and coexistence between humans and wildlife.”
Salako added that: “The Ministry of Environment is determined to protect and preserve Nigeria’s Wildlife and the natural ecosystems. We extend our willingness to collaborate and provide expertise to develop sustainable strategies that ensure the long-term welfare of our environment.”
FG Launches Investigation into Killing of Elephants, Manhunts for Killers of Two Booted Eagles
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled suspected terrorists during an ambush operation along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno.
Security sources said the encounter occurred late on March 13 when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the 134 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush along the main supply route between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with a group of terrorists moving on bicycles at about 10:15 p.m.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered the corpse of one suspected terrorist, four bicycles and other sundry items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has hailed the appointment of Nigeria’s foremost table tennis administrator, Wahid Oshodi to the Board of World Table Tennis (WTT).
Hon. Mailantarki described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” noting that Oshodi’s elevation to the game’s apex commercial body is a testament to his track record of excellence.
Oshodi, who is the current President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was appointed as a Director to represent the ITTF on the WTT Board alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and a victory for the African continent,” Mailantarki stated.
“Barrister Oshodi has risen through the ranks from the national level to the continental stage with a vision that has transformed the sport.
“Having him as a decision-maker at the highest level of World Table Tennis ensures that African interests are well-represented.”
The NTTF Vice President further congratulated the Nigerian sports community, emphasizing that Oshodi’s presence in the WTT inner circle will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and commercialization of the game globally.
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.
According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.
Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.
Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.
The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.
The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
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