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Insecurity: ECOWAS Calls for Enhanced Coordination Among Police Authorities in West Africa

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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

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NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Opioids Hidden in Carton Walls Bound for UK, Australia

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NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Opioids Hidden in Carton Walls Bound for UK, Australia

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of cocaine and opioids concealed in carton walls and destined for the United Kingdom and Australia, as the agency intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse.

The seizures were made by NDLEA operatives at a courier company in Lagos on Friday during the examination of export shipments. According to the agency, 170 grammes of cocaine carefully sealed in cellophane parcels were discovered hidden within the walls of a carton containing clothes bound for Australia.

In another shipment heading to the United Kingdom, the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday, said officers uncovered a cache of opioids, including 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 1,100 capsules of tramadol, and 100 ampoules of promethazine injection concealed in a carton.

The anti-narcotics agency also recorded major breakthroughs in Delta State, where operatives raided forests and cannabis farms in separate operations supported by military personnel.

At Ejeonu village in Ukwuani Local Government Area, NDLEA officers destroyed 27,500 kilogrammes of skunk cultivated on 11 hectares of farmland and recovered an additional 22.9 kilogrammes of the substance. A suspect, 52-year-old Ifeanyichukwu Peter, was later arrested during a follow-up operation in Obiaruku.

Similarly, operatives raided Orogun village in Ughelli North Local Government Area, destroying another 37,500 kilogrammes of skunk grown on 15 hectares of farmland while recovering 55.4 kilogramsmes of the illicit drug. Thirty-year-old Godwin Vincent Osadera was arrested in connection with the operation.

The agency said the two operations resulted in the destruction of a total of 65,000 kilogrammes of skunk.

In Kaduna State, NDLEA operatives arrested 42-year-old Husaini Suleiman after recovering 361 kilogrammes of skunk during a raid at Dan Magaji area of Zaria town.

In a separate operation along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, officers intercepted 1,989 rounds of RLA 7.62mm ammunition concealed inside sacks of fresh cassava granules, popularly known as garri. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Abdullahi Hassan, was apprehended while transporting the ammunition. NDLEA said both the suspect and the recovered ammunition had been transferred to another security agency for further investigation.

In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives arrested a 29-year-old businessman, Ogadi Peter, alleged to specialize in producing drug-laced cakes and cookies for parties and social gatherings.

The suspect was arrested at his residence in the Life Camp area of Abuja following intelligence reports. Officers recovered 800 grammes of skunk and 2.7 kilogrammes of drug-infused cookies from the premises.

Elsewhere, NDLEA operatives in Ogun State recovered 181 kilogrammes of skunk from a suspect, Aliyu Sani, during a raid in the Ogere area.

In Taraba State, 27-year-old Sufiyanu Mohammed Misa was arrested along the Zaki-Biam road in Wukari Local Government Area with 105,850 pills of opioids, including tramadol, diazepam, and exol-5.

Two suspects, Adeleke Aliyah, 20, and Aloba Abdulazeez, 25, were also arrested in Saki town, Oyo State, in connection with the seizure of 99 litres of skuchies, a cocktail of illicit substances.

In Edo State, NDLEA officers destroyed 1,388.4175 kilogrammes of skunk on two farms during a raid on Ago forest in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

In Kano State, operatives recovered 1.2 kilogrammes of tramaking 225mg pills concealed in a 25-litre jerry can of palm oil at Kofar Ruwa motor park. Another suspect, Aminu Isa, was arrested with 30.5 kilogrammes of skunk at Sabuwar Sharada area of the state.

Beyond enforcement operations, the agency said its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign continued across the country with awareness lectures delivered in schools in Oyo, Niger, Lagos, Katsina, Ekiti, and Kano states.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, commended officers of the agency’s commands in Delta, Kaduna, Oyo, Taraba, Kano, the FCT, and Edo states for the successful operations.

He assured that the agency remained committed to sustaining a balance between reducing drug supply and intensifying drug demand reduction campaigns nationwide.

NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Opioids Hidden in Carton Walls Bound for UK, Australia

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PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education

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PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education

By: Michael Mike

The Presdent of the General Assembly of the Premiere Academy International Model United Nations (PAIMUN) 2026, H.E. Timilehin Adewuyi, has called on governments, international organisations and private institutions to intensify efforts toward bridging the digital divide and expanding access to technology-driven education across the world.p

Speaking during the second session of the PAIMUN General Assembly held at the United Nations House in Abuja, Adewuyi described digital transformation in education as a critical tool for achieving sustainable development and preparing future generations for global leadership.

Addressing delegates, diplomats and education stakeholders, the PAIMUN President said the world has entered an era where education can no longer remain dependent on traditional methods, stressing that technology has become central to building inclusive, innovative and sustainable societies.

“It is my profound privilege, as President of the General Assembly, to address this august gathering on the topic: ‘Digital Transformation of the Educational Sector as a Driver of Sustainable Development,’” he stated.

According to him, digital innovation has fundamentally changed the way knowledge is accessed, shared and applied globally, opening new opportunities for students to learn beyond geographical and economic limitations.

He noted that digital classrooms, virtual libraries, artificial intelligence and online learning platforms are equipping young people with critical 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and digital literacy.

Adewuyi stressed that these skills are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and positioning young people to compete effectively in the global economy.

Despite the growing opportunities presented by technology, the PAIMUN President warned that millions of students, particularly in developing countries, still face severe barriers due to poor internet connectivity, lack of electricity and inadequate access to digital devices.

He said sustainable development would remain unattainable if educational opportunities continue to be unequal across regions and social groups.

“Governments, international organizations, and private institutions must work collectively to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no learner is left behind in this technological revolution,” he said.

Adewuyi further described digital education as more than an innovation, calling it a strategic investment in humanity’s future.

He urged delegates at the conference to remain committed to policies that promote responsible and inclusive technology adoption in education systems worldwide.

“By embracing technology responsibly and inclusively, we empower the next generation to drive economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability,” he added.

The PAIMUN conference, hosted by Premiere Academy, brought together student delegates simulating the United Nations General Assembly to debate global issues and propose solutions through diplomacy, dialogue and policy engagement.

The event focused extensively on how digital transformation can strengthen education systems, reduce inequalities and accelerate sustainable development across nations.

PAIMUN President Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Digital Divide in Education

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Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno

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Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a night ambush operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity/Siege Operations, took place at about 11:05 p.m. on May 13, 2026, at Bazamri village, a location identified as a major crossing point for members of the ISWAP.

According to the sources, troops laying ambush at the location intercepted and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, resulting in the neutralisation of two insurgents.

Following the encounter, troops carried out exploitation of the area and recovered several items suspected to be logistics supplies for the terrorists.

Recovered items included 54 packs of 80-gram detergent, 32 packs of 500-gram salt and one carton of spaghetti.

Military authorities confirmed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.

The ambush team was said to have subsequently changed position and continued surveillance and waiting operations in the area as part of sustained offensive actions against terrorist movements.

Security sources added that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory, while offensive operations across the theatre continued.

Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno

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