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Food Security: Statutory Agencies Asked to Mitigate to Adverse Effects of Climate Change

Food Security: Statutory Agencies Asked to Mitigate to Adverse Effects of Climate Change
By: Michael Mike
All relevant institutional and statutory agencies have been asked to adequately respond to and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture and food production in order to ensure food security in the country.
Speaking at the First Regional Workshop on Climate Smart Soil in Abuja organized by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in collaboration with African Climate Action Partnership, the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Chris Nkwonta said soils are integral to the functions of all terrestrial ecosystems and to increased and sustainable food production.

He noted that: “Consequently, conscious efforts must be made by relevant institutional and statutory agencies to adequately respond to and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture and food production.”
The lawmaker said “climate change is currently disrupting agriculture and food production in every corner of the world, from droughts or floods that damage crops to rising seas and other environmental pollutions that threaten rural and agricultural communities.
“In the context of climate change, agriculture faces complex and unique problems. Crop production is directly dependent on natural resources, weather and climatic conditions. As a result of raising temperatures, variable rainfalls, environmental pollutions, invasive and alien species of pest and other unpredictable environmental factors have invariably exposed farmers and agricultural communities to several challenges that are inimical to increased food production and sustainable food security.

“The aforementioned environmental challenges adversely affecting farmers and food producers tend to worsen as climate change issues accelerates globally, making it most critical to implement mitigation strategies and appropriate responses as soon as possible to curb it’s long-term negative impacts on food production and food security.”
He asked that a blend of climate smart soil and agriculture must be emplaced to transform farming with the aim of delivering positive outcomes on the basis of adaptations and mitigations to support and improve food security under the new realities of global climate change.
Nkwonta said: “It is my believe that this workshop is a catalyst towards achieving improved food security in the country in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Security, Special Intervention and Climate Change, North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep. Sam Onuigbo
said: “Today’s event organized by the National Council on Climate Change in collaboration with the African Climate Action Partnership, is extremely important because it recognizes the critical intersection between healthy soil, climate change, hunger, poverty, and the consequent diseases and insecurity that come from them. As we all know, without fertile soils, we cannot grow food, and without food, there will be hunger, loss of livelihood means for land-dependent people, displacement, forced migration, climate refugees, insecurity and conflict arising from competition for scare resources.”
He noted that: “The United Nations has recognized the critical link between Climate Change and food security. The UN Resolution 68/212 of December 20, 2013, reaffirmed that “Climate Change is one of the greatest challenges of our time…, particularly developing countries are vulnerable to the adverse impacts… including persistent drought and extreme weather events, sea-level rise, coastal erosion and ocean acidification, further threatening food security and efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development and in this regard emphasizes that adaptation to climate change represents an immediate and urgent global priority.”
He noted that: “With an area of 923,769 square kilometers and an ever-increasing population of about 223million people, 70 percent of which depend on agriculture as a means of livelihood, the recurrent issues of losing arable land to desertification, erosion, drought, and unsustainable agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) has opened up the country to the danger of food insecurity. As changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events continue to challenge our agricultural sector, sustainable soil management practices and initiatives aimed at increasing soil organic carbon sequestration hold the promise of addressing food security, mitigation, and adaptation challenges.”
He said “mechanization is absolutely essential, good quality seeds, fertilization, improved agricultural practices, smart agriculture, these are the solutions we seek because the whole mantra is on increase in yield.”
Onuigbo further said: “The degradation of our soils, especially in Africa, is a pressing concern that impacts not only our food security but also our ability to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. According to the World Bank, the consequences of soil degradation have far-reaching effects, particularly for the agricultural sector which employs more than half of Africa’s workforce, and accounts for 30-40 percent of its GDP.
“Increasing the availability of arable land must start from climate-smart and sustainable soil practices which I am happy that this event is about. We can produce enough food to feed our nations, and the continent of Africa, attract foreign direct investment, earn foreign exchange and create employment. So, what we are doing here today, and what the potentialities are, provide an optimistic springboard for addressing some of the most germane challenges we face in the country.”
On his part, the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru said the workshop was organized with a deep sense of purpose and urgency, recognizing the pivotal role that soil plays in shaping the future of our nation and the world at large.
Dahiru, who was by the Deputy DG, Mrs. Halima Bawa Bwari said: “Soil health, food security, and climate change are inextricably linked, forming a triad that demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts. The state of our soils directly impacts our ability to feed a growing global population, adapt to a changing climate, and mitigate its effects. It is a complex challenge that requires the prioritization of Adaptation and Climate Smart Agriculture in line with Nigeria’s NDCs as well as a holistic approach, collaboration, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders involved.”
Food Security: Statutory Agencies Asked to Mitigate to Adverse Effects of Climate Change
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UPDATE: NAF, Nigerien Air Force Repel ISWAP Attack on Chetimari, Eliminate Scores of Terrorists as 7 Niger soldiers critically injured

UPDATE: NAF, Nigerien Air Force Repel ISWAP Attack on Chetimari, Eliminate Scores of Terrorists as 7 Niger soldiers critically injured
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerien Air Force have successfully repelled an attempted incursion by ISWAP terrorists on a military outpost in Chetimari, Diffa region of Niger Republic, eliminating scores of the insurgents in coordinated airstrikes.
Intelligence sources who provided more update on the report, told Zagazola Makama that Prior to the air intervention, ISWAP terrorists launched a brutal assault on the outpost, injuring 7 and one killing, leaving one missing in action.
The attackers also seized weapons and equipment before retreating into the surrounding terrain.
The sources confirmed that as the terrorists attempted to reinforce, the NAF Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai swiftly deployed 2 Super Tucano aircraft to provide close air support to Nigerien ground troops. The precision strikes helped to prevent the troops from being overwhelmed, allowing them to hold their defensive positions.
A military source familiar with the operation revealed that the coordinated effort between the NAF and the Nigerien Air Force led to the neutralization of a significant number of terrorists, forcing the remaining fighters to flee.
The latest air operation further demonstrated the deepening military collaboration between Nigeria and Niger in tackling the persistent threat of ISWAP and other insurgent groups operating across their shared borders.
UPDATE: NAF, Nigerien Air Force Repel ISWAP Attack on Chetimari, Eliminate Scores of Terrorists as 7 Niger soldiers critically injured
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NAF Super Tucano Strikes Neutralise ISWAP Terrorists in Chettimari, Niger Republic

NAF Super Tucano Strikes Neutralise ISWAP Terrorists in Chettimari, Niger Republic
By: Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has conducted precise air interdiction missions, neutralising dozens of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the border axis between Damasak and Chettimari, located in Diffa Region of Niger Republic.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the successful strikes were executed on March 17, following credible intelligence indicating that mass number of the terrorists were moving on motorcycles with the intent of launching attacks on remote villages.
The sources said that acting swiftly on the intelligence, NAF Super Tucano aircraft were scrambled to track and engage the hostile elements.
According to him, a battle damage assessment (BDA) confirmed that the strikes were highly effective, eliminating a significant number of terrorists, destroying their motorcycles and disrupting their operational plans.
The coordinated air strikes not only degraded enemy combat capability but also prevented an imminent attack on vulnerable communities in the border region.
“The operation was meticulously planned and executed based on real-time intelligence, ensuring maximum impact on the enemy,” the sources said.
The latest air interdiction operation is part of sustained efforts by NAF and OPHK to dominate the battlespace and deny ISWAP and other terrorist elements freedom of movement within the Lake Chad Basin region.
The successful airstrikes in Chettimari was designed towards supporting joint operations with regional allies to restore peace and stability.
NAF Super Tucano Strikes Neutralise ISWAP Terrorists in Chettimari, Niger Republic
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How Insurgents Exploit Women to Undermine Security Efforts in Northeast Nigeria

How Insurgents Exploit Women to Undermine Security Efforts in Northeast Nigeria
By: Zagazola Makama
The capture of a woman attempting to smuggle mobile phones and ammunition to Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa Forest has once again highlighted the evolving tactics of terrorist groups in Northeast Nigeria. The suspect, who was among those rescued by troops from insurgent captivity, was found concealing phones strapped to her legs and carrying bullets meant for the insurgents.
Intelligence sources confirm that the woman had been given the best treatment after her rescue, only for her to exploit the goodwill of the troops and attempt to supply critical resources to the enemy. This incident reflects a disturbing trend where insurgent groups manipulate the perceived innocence of women to facilitate their operations.

Over the years, Boko Haram and its splinter factions, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have increasingly turned to women to transport weapons, gather intelligence, and even act as suicide bombers.
The use of women poses significant challenges for security forces, as cultural and humanitarian considerations often make it difficult to scrutinize female suspects as rigorously as their male counterparts. Intelligence reports indicate that some women, under the guise of being victims of conflict, have played key roles in sustaining terrorist networks by smuggling cash, SIM cards, and weapons to fighters in the bush.
The Nigerian military has made significant efforts to rescue women and children from insurgent captivity, often providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation.
Intelligence experts warn that some of these women may not be acting voluntarily. Boko Haram has been known to coerce captives into working for them under threats of harm to their families. However, in some cases, ideological indoctrination plays a role, leading some women to actively support insurgent activities even after their rescue.
As troops continue their battle to restore peace in the Northeast, they must navigate the difficult balance between providing humanitarian assistance and preventing insurgents from exploiting their goodwill. The latest incident in Maiduguri is a reminder that the war against insurgency is not just fought on the battlefield but also in the shadows where trust can be easily weaponized.
How Insurgents Exploit Women to Undermine Security Efforts in Northeast Nigeria
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