News
IPCR Commended By BPSR For Robust Financial Management, Procurement System

IPCR Commended By BPSR For Robust Financial Management, Procurement System
By: Michael Mike
The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has commended the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) for its robust and prudent resource management and procurement process, which it said complied with the extant laws of the country.
The Director General of the Bureau, Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi gave this commendation when he led a team of the Bureau to the IPCR for the presentation of the statutory assessment report of the activities of IPCR as well as presentation of awards to the Institute.
Mr. Arabi congratulated Dr. Joseph Ochogwu on his appointment as the Director General of IPCR, adding that it did not come as a surprise to him because of Ochogwu’s commitment to tackle the enormous problems confronting the country through thorough conflict resolution mechanisms.
He said: “IPCR has robust public financial management, financial and accounting policies that comply with financial regulations which it clearly reviews to ensure efficient and reliable mechanism in line with the extant laws of the country.”
On procurement, Arabi expressed satisfaction with the procurement process of the institute, stressing that it has established adequate systems and procedures and built experienced personnel with required capacity to exercise procurement activities.
He noted that the institute awards contracts only to bidders that comply with all the specifications for procurement process and procedures even as he assured that the Bureau will work with the institute to improve their capacity
He added that the IPCR has met the expectations of all the critical goals of the institute and declared as a Third Level Silver Level organization, explaining that the IPCR in meeting the expectations has performed consistently in areas of responsibility and the quality of work generally.
He however, recommended that the institute should develop a stakeholders engagement mechanism, assess the performance of staff, establish award systems, digitilize data processes and identify short and long term collaboration with partners as well as establish health and safety policies for the well-being of staff.
He also recommended that the institute develop asset management and inclusive policy, develop a formal code of conduct and develop operations and strategic plan and internal control system and to create a mechanism to collaborate with development partners as well as insurance policies for its officers and create anti-corruption standards.
He charged them to address some of the shortcomings of the Institute in order to achieve the goals of the institute through innovation, planning and deployment of self-assessment tools even as he advised them to conduct periodic assessment of their performance.
In his reaction, the IPCR Director General, Ochogwu expressed happiness with the objective assessment of the institute by the Bureau, adding that this will encourage the Institute to address their challenges within their operational system and work in synergy to achieve its mandate through resource mobilization plan.
The DG told the visiting team that IPCR is ready to partner with the BPSR, adding that what the Bureau is doing is in line with global services.
He said: “On behalf of the staff, we are so humbled with the objective assessment. Before you came we have been having meetings with ourselves. We are going to run with this report, item by item. Before you come back again, we would have achieved a milestone.
“We will look at the areas of strength and how we can strengthen it and look at the areas of weakness and see how we can improve on it to become our strength. I want to assure you that you will meet a better IPCR when next you come.”
IPCR Commended By BPSR For Robust Financial Management, Procurement System
News
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
News
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa

Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Crime
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto

Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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