Female family member of jas/iswap fighter surrenders to troops in Dikwa in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

A female family member of a suspected ISWAP terrorist has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama on Saturday that the adult female surrendered at about 6:05 p.m. on Feb. 26 to troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade deployed in the area.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect fled from Tokombere Village in Gwoza Local Government Area of the state before turning herself in to the military.

She is currently in the custody of troops for further profiling and necessary administrative action.

Sources said the development was part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation Desert Sanity, a special operation being conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai to sustain pressure on terrorist elements in the North-East.

Female family member of jas/iswap fighter surrenders to troops in Dikwa in Borno

ECOWAS Parliament Concludes 2026 Extraordinary Session, Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Integration

By: Michael Mike

The ECOWAS Parliament has concluded its first extraordinary session of 2026, reaffirming its commitment to deepening regional integration, strengthening democratic governance, and accelerating implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The session, held in Nigeria, ended with calls for stronger collaboration among member states to address security threats, economic vulnerabilities, and climate-related challenges confronting West Africa.

In her closing remarks, the Speaker of Parliament, Mémounatou Ibrahima,

expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and the Nigerian people for hosting the three-day legislative gathering. He specifically commended the administration of Bola Tinubu, President of the Nigeria, for providing a conducive environment for parliamentary deliberations. He also acknowledged the contributions of the ECOWAS Commission, the Community Court of Justice, and the Office of the Auditor-General, describing their participation as a strong demonstration of institutional unity within the regional bloc.

Lawmakers spent the session reviewing the strategic importance of the AfCFTA, while also highlighting implementation challenges across West Africa. Participants raised concerns over persistent non-tariff trade barriers, slow harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure deficits that continue to limit cross-border commerce.

The Parliament also expressed concern about the risk of marginalizing women, youth, and informal traders if supportive policies are not strengthened to ensure inclusive economic growth across member states.

The Parliament adopted its 2026 Programme of Activities, built around four priority pillars: citizen participation, institutional strengthening, peace and governance, and policy facilitation. Legislators described the programme as a practical roadmap toward building a more citizen-centered regional parliament capable of delivering measurable developmental impact across West Africa.

The session also endorsed the 2026 programme of the ECOWAS Forum of Women Parliamentarians, reaffirming the role of women legislators in advancing regional development and economic empowerment. Members stressed that regional cooperation remains essential amid ongoing political transitions, security challenges, and climate pressures across the subregion.

The Parliament concluded by urging member states to translate legislative ideas and policy recommendations into practical reforms and inclusive development programmes at the national level. Legislators emphasized that West Africa’s future prosperity depends on stronger political unity, enhanced economic cooperation, and sustained democratic governance.

ECOWAS Parliament Concludes 2026 Extraordinary Session, Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Integration

United Kingdom Strengthens Security, Youth and Women-Focused Partnership with Bayelsa

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom has reinforced its strategic partnership with Bayelsa State following a high-level working visit by the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, underscoring deepening cooperation on security reform, youth resilience and women’s political empowerment.

Lever’s three-day visit centred on consolidating gains recorded under the UK-funded Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme—locally known as the Brighter Futures Programme—which targets vulnerable young people at risk of recruitment into criminal networks.

Officials said the initiative has achieved an 80 per cent diversion rate, equipping participants with vocational skills, mentorship and psychosocial support designed to redirect them toward productive livelihoods. With the programme’s current phase concluding in March 2026, full ownership will transition to the Bayelsa State Government, marking a significant step in institutionalising crime prevention efforts at the state level.

During talks with Governor Douye Diri, the Deputy High Commissioner reviewed the programme’s impact and explored avenues for expansion into additional local government areas and high-risk communities. In recognition of his sustained commitment to youth protection and crime prevention, the UK formally designated Governor Diri as a Prevent Ambassador.

The delegation also met with the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Gloria Diri, to discuss advancing women’s political participation and strengthening leadership opportunities for women and girls. Conversations focused on expanding support systems that promote inclusive governance and long-term social stability.

Engagement with civil society formed a key component of the visit. Representatives of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Civil Liberties Organisation and International Federation of Women Lawyers shared perspectives on governance, youth vulnerability, media responsibility and community security trends. Participants emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between government and civic actors in safeguarding peace and accountability in the Niger Delta.

Mrs Lever also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom. Discussions highlighted the critical role of traditional leadership in fostering community cohesion, mediating local tensions and supporting positive youth engagement.

At a town hall meeting in Amarata, beneficiaries of the SOC Prevent Programme recounted how skills training and mentorship had opened new economic opportunities, steering them away from organised crime. The event showcased tangible outcomes in communities such as Amarata and Amassoma, where youth empowerment initiatives are gaining momentum.

The visit comes ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to the UK on March 18–19, 2026—his first since assuming office and the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. The visit, hosted by Charles III and Camilla at Windsor Castle, is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties under the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership framework.

Speaking at the end of her visit, Mrs Lever praised Bayelsa’s proactive approach to youth protection and inclusive governance.

“Bayelsa is demonstrating that with strong leadership and community collaboration, young people can be empowered to choose opportunity over crime. The progress here provides a model for sustainable, community-driven security reform,” she said.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting long-term stability, women’s empowerment and grassroots development in Bayelsa through partnerships spanning government institutions, traditional authorities and civil society organisations.

United Kingdom Strengthens Security, Youth and Women-Focused Partnership with Bayelsa