Uncategorized
Insecurity: ECOWAS Calls for Enhanced Coordination Among Police Authorities in West Africa
Insecurity: ECOWAS Calls for Enhanced Coordination Among Police Authorities in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has emphasized the need for enhanced coordination among all the police authorities in West Africa for efficient security and for dis-escalation of the current security threats in the region.
Speaking at a workshop for senior officials and representatives from across ECOWAS member states to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies in preparing regional police forces for peace support operations under the ECOWAS Standby Force, the Acting Head of Peace Support Operations, Sani Adamu, emphasised the critical objectives of the meeting, insisting that there is need for collaboration and coordinated action by police authorities in the region for security to fully return to the area.
Adamu noted that the gathering was part of a broader initiative to prepare ECOWAS’s multidimensional Standby Force, comprising police, military, and civilian components, to respond swiftly to crises whenever it rears its head.
He said: “It has to do with the police focal point meeting for member states in the region. And there are a few challenges we are looking at.
“Looking at, of course, attacks in the respective countries, in terms of crime issues, in terms of responding to cyber attacks, and in terms of even activities that have to do with regional security. So that is why this meeting is very important.”
Adamu stated that the security situation in West Africa requires a dynamic, collaborative approach, disclosing that the meeting “has to do with the police focal point meeting for member states in the region. And there are a few challenges we are looking at.
“Looking at, of course, attacks in the respective countries, in terms of crime issues, in terms of responding to cyber attacks, and in terms of even activities that have to do with regional security. So that is why this meeting is very important.”
He noted that the security situation in West Africa requires a dynamic, collaborative approach, insisting that: “We must recognise that true security is not only about arms and strategy, but it is also about leveraging our collective strengths and resources to foster a sustainable environment of peace.”
He also underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, especially at borders, citing successful coordination in Sierra Leone.
He said: “There is no better situation than working together with other players in the security sector. For example, if you take the instance of Sierra Leone, we work together with all the sister forces to ensure that we fight crimes at the border and even in the country.”
He also revealed that the meeting was to assess updates from police focal points across the member states, especially regarding the training of individual officers and deployment readiness of formed police units for future peace support operations.
He noted that: “An effective ECOWAS Standby Force supports not only immediate crisis response, but also long-term peace-building initiatives.
“It is an important investment to secure our future and the future of our children who can now grow in a world free from fear of conflict.”
He called on member states to contribute actively aimed at bringing to live a robust and adaptive regional policing strategy.
He said: “As we gather feedback, as well as insights from all of you, I urge that each of you actively participate, share your perspectives, and also help refine the regional policing strategy to ensure that it meets the highest standards.”
The event was chaired by the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Sellu, who emphasized the urgency of building an operationally ready and standardised police roster for deployment across the region.
Sellu, who was represented by his Deputy Sahr Senesi, said: “This workshop comes at a critical time in our collective regional security journey. The threats confronting West Africa demand unified, proactive, and professional responses.”
He added that the goal is to ensure the roster becomes a reliable tool, stating that:
“The outcome of this important workshop must be more than a document. It should be a living tool capable of enhancing our collective ability to respond to crises, restore order and uphold the dignity of our people.”
He also emphasised the need for structural readiness and interoperability across national police institutions, stating, “This roster initiative will not only improve our capacity to contribute to ECOWAS-led Peace Support Operations but also promote interoperability, professionalism and regional solidarity.”
On his part, the Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by ACP Aniagboso Chinedum, welcomed participants with a message emphasising regional solidarity.
He described the event as a platform to build both strategic and personal bonds.
“I had looked forward to this meeting not just to discuss its agenda but to also establish contact with old and perhaps new members of the focal point family as we collectively continue to chart the course for better security integration and stability across our various countries/“
He also highlighted the importance of developing the capacities of focal police units and individual officers, stating the need to strengthen their roles in peace support operations.
Insecurity: ECOWAS Calls for Enhanced Coordination Among Police Authorities in West Africa
Uncategorized
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised several terrorists and recovered arms, motorcycles and rustled livestock during an encounter in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The troops, acting on credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists attempting to move rustled livestock through the Maikujera general area, swiftly deployed to intercept the group.

During the operation, the advancing troops encountered an attempted ambush along the route. However, the troops responded with superior firepower, breaking through the ambush and neutralising several of the terrorists.
The remaining terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding bush as the troops intensified their advance.
Items recovered during the exploitation included AK-47 rifles, motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists and the rustled livestock.

The general area of Rabah and Maikujera is currently reported to be calm and stable, while troops remain deployed to maintain security.
The troops are also conducting routine patrols across the area to deter further terrorist activities and safeguard residents and their property.
Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto
Uncategorized
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover image of armed men in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover image of armed men in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative in Mairari town, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Bubba Hamadu, 25, was arrested at about 2:22 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, by troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari alongside CJTF members.
According to sources the suspect was subjected to preliminary interrogation following his arrest.
During the process, security personnel reportedly discovered a photograph on his mobile phone showing the suspect alongside unidentified individuals carrying AK-47 rifles.
The discovery raised suspicion about the suspect’s possible links with ISWAP elements operating within the area.
Items recovered from him included one Tecno mobile phone, an umbrella, an arrow, prayer beads, a mirror and an eye drop.
The military said Hamadu had been transferred into the custody of Headquarters Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops and local security partners aimed at identifying and disrupting terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
Security forces have continued to rely on community-based intelligence, patrols and targeted arrests to identify suspected terrorists and facilitators in areas affected by insurgency.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover image of armed men in Borno
Uncategorized
Israel Sends Life-Saving Ambulances, Medical Equipment to Nigeria
Israel Sends Life-Saving Ambulances, Medical Equipment to Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s healthcare and emergency response capacity is set for a boost as Israel has donated a first batch of ambulances, medical equipment and wheelchairs to the country in what officials described as a demonstration of the growing humanitarian and health partnership between the two nations.
The consignment was handed over at the Port of Ashdod, Israel, with Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to Israel, Ambassador Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, receiving the items on behalf of Nigeria.
The development comes barely three weeks after Ufochukwu formally assumed her diplomatic assignment in Israel, following the presentation of her Letters of Credence to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on August 3. Her appointment has been linked to Nigeria’s renewed efforts to expand cooperation with Israel in healthcare, technology, innovation, agriculture, security and other strategic areas.

The medical donation, facilitated by Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical and disaster-response service, comprises fully equipped ambulances, medical devices and mobility aids, including wheelchairs.
The equipment is expected to strengthen emergency medical response and improve access to essential healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations and communities where emergency transportation and medical infrastructure remain inadequate.

Receiving the donation, Ambassador Ufochukwu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Israeli Government and Magen David Adom, describing the gesture as an important expression of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
She said the intervention would contribute to efforts to improve healthcare delivery and emergency response in Nigeria, while providing practical support to hospitals, emergency centres and communities in need.
The ambassador emphasised that the value of the donation went beyond the equipment itself, noting that stronger cooperation in healthcare could provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, technology transfer and the development of more resilient emergency medical systems.
The latest initiative also places healthcare among the practical areas through which Nigeria and Israel are seeking to translate their longstanding diplomatic relationship into tangible benefits for citizens.

Nigeria and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with cooperation extending across agriculture, water technology, security, innovation, education and trade. Under the new diplomatic leadership in Tel Aviv, healthcare and technological cooperation have emerged as important areas for closer engagement.
Ufochukwu had, shortly after presenting her credentials, identified healthcare alongside trade and investment, agriculture and food security, technology and innovation, defence and security cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges as priority areas for her tenure.
The role of Magen David Adom in the initiative is also significant. Established in 1930, the organisation serves as Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster-response and blood-service organisation and operates an extensive emergency response network.
For Nigeria, where road crashes, insecurity, disasters and other emergencies continue to place pressure on already stretched emergency medical services, the availability of properly equipped ambulances can make a critical difference between delayed treatment and timely intervention.
Beyond transportation, modern emergency ambulances serve as mobile treatment units, allowing trained medical personnel to begin stabilising patients before they reach hospitals.
The donation therefore comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its emergency healthcare architecture and move towards a system capable of delivering faster and more coordinated responses to medical crises.
It is also expected to reinforce the humanitarian dimension of Nigeria-Israel relations, particularly as both countries explore practical areas of cooperation that can directly affect the welfare of their populations.
The consignment is expected to be deployed to appropriate healthcare and emergency-response facilities in Nigeria, where the equipment will support patient care, emergency transportation and disaster-response operations.
The handover was witnessed by officials of Magen David Adom, representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Health and members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Israel.
For Abuja and Tel Aviv, the initiative represents a shift from diplomatic goodwill to practical cooperation, with life-saving equipment becoming a visible symbol of a relationship increasingly focused on healthcare, innovation and technology transfer.
As Nigeria continues its drive to improve access to quality healthcare, the latest Israeli intervention could provide a foundation for broader cooperation in emergency medicine, medical technology, professional training and disaster preparedness.
The donation consequently offers more than immediate relief: it presents an opportunity for Nigeria to deepen technical collaboration with Israel and build emergency medical systems capable of responding more effectively when lives are at risk.
Israel Sends Life-Saving Ambulances, Medical Equipment to Nigeria
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions5 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS3 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
