News
KACRAN Reiterates Appreciation For Establishment of NEDC, Advocates Equity and Justice for Pastoralists
KACRAN Reiterates Appreciation For Establishment of NEDC, Advocates Equity and Justice for Pastoralists
By: Michael Mike
Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has reiterated its profound joy and appreciation to the federal government for establishing the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
A press statement signed by the National President of the association, Hon. Khalil Bello read that the pastoral communities of the Northeast were initially filled with great enthusiasm and hope upon the establishment of the NEDC. They were led to believe that the commission was established with the specific purpose of reconstructing the region after the devastating impact of Boko Haram activities, providing support to vulnerable and internally displaced individuals, and revitalizing communities that have suffered tremendously from these tragic events.
The statement read that: “The pastoralists’ highest excitement was innocently based on these promises, and they celebrated the establishment of the NEDC with the anticipation of much-needed assistance.
“However, KACRAN has been disheartened to find that, despite the high regard in which they hold the members of the NEDC’s governing board, the pastoralists’interests seem to have been overlooked as the commission commenced its operations. It has become apparent that the focus of the NEDC’s efforts has been on the urban centers and refugee camps, which are more visible to the presidency and the international community, rather than on the rural areas and villages that have been severely impacted by the aforementioned calamities.
“Representing a significant number of pastoralists who have been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency and cattle rustling, KACRAN has voiced its grievances and concerns to the NEDC and the presidency through national media outlets, including print, electronic, and social platforms.
“KACRAN’s primary concerns include the marginalization and neglect by the Commission, the dire need for access to potable water for both people and livestock, the provision of animal feed during the dry season, inclusion in the periodic distribution of relief materials, and the integration of its members’ urgent needs into the Commission’s policies and programmes, including annual budget allocations.”
The statement added that: “It is encouraging to note that during a meeting facilitated by the NEDC Head of Operation at the Oasis Hotel in Damaturu, Yobe State, KACRAN was assured that the commission would attentively consider its valid concerns and act accordingly.This meeting, followed by the distribution of relief materials to our communities, fortified their optimism that the NEDC would indeed address their critical needs, such as the provision of potable water.
“Regrettably, till the NEDC’s first tenure drew to a close, these assurances have yet to be fully realized. KACRAN remains hopeful and prays earnestly for the fulfillment of these commitments.
“KACRAN calls upon the NEDC to uphold the principles of justice and equity and to ensure that the pastoralists of the Northeast are not forgotten but are actively included in the region’s recovery and development efforts.”
KACRAN Reiterates Appreciation For Establishment of NEDC, Advocates Equity and Justice for Pastoralists
Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 114 Battalion, in conjunction with Department of Intelligence and Analysis (DIA) operatives, have recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a cordon-and-search operation in Murubai Village, Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted on Jan. 22, followed credible intelligence regarding the presence of arms in the village.
The source said the search was carried out at the residence of one Bazoe John, who was not found during the operation. Authorities recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, which are now in the custody of the troops.
The source added that the operation comes after the earlier arrest of two suspected gunrunners, identified as Christopher Adamu and James Yangyang, at Sebos Joint in Mayo Dassa, Jalingo LGA and Tautre Village in Ardo Kola LGA on Jan. 11 and 12 respectively.
Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation
Vice chairman, 64 others released by bandits in Tsafe in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The vice chairman of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State and 64 other abducted persons have regained their freedom after a deadly ambush by bandits in the area.
The victims arrived safely in Tsafe on Tuesday, following intense efforts by security operatives and local stakeholders to secure their release.
The ambush, which occurred on Jan. 20, left a trail of destruction in Danjibga village, where a fierce gun battle broke out between the attackers and community protection forces.
During the encounter, one operative of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) and two residents were killed, while two others sustained bullet wounds.
Sources said the bandits also set ablaze four vehicles two Golf cars and two Mitsubishi Canter trucks during the attack.
Although the released victims have reunited with their families, an unspecified number of women and children are still feared to be in captivity.
The freed victims and the injured were taken to the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau, where they are receiving medical care.
The return of the abductees was described as a moment of relief and gratitude, even as the community mourned those who lost their lives in the violence.
Meanwhile, in a related development, another attack in Bakura Local Government Area claimed the life of a 22-year-old farmer, Burhama Sani.
He was reportedly shot dead on his farm along the Bakura–Rabah road after bandits blocked the Fadamma axis and set two vehicles conveying food items ablaze.
Vice chairman, 64 others released by bandits in Tsafe in Zamfara
News
U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker Begins Strategic Foreign Visit Including Nigeria, Middle East, and Rome
U.S. Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker Begins Strategic Foreign Visit Including Nigeria, Middle East, and Rome
By: Michael Mike
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker has embarked on a week-long diplomatic mission that includes stops in Abuja, Nigeria; Muscat, Oman; Manama, Bahrain; and Rome, Italy from January 21–29, 2026, the U.S. State Department confirmed in a statement this week. 
In Nigeria, Hooker is leading the American delegation and serving as head of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group—a recently established platform aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on security and economic issues. During talks in Abuja, the delegation is expected to discuss strategies for protecting vulnerable communities, enhancing cooperation against terrorism, and expanding U.S. investment opportunities in the West African nation. 
The visit comes at a time of heightened focus on Nigeria’s internal security challenges and international efforts to support peace and stability across the region. Local and international observers have noted ongoing discussions between U.S. and Nigerian authorities on religious violence and security cooperation as part of broader diplomatic engagement. 
After concluding discussions in Nigeria, Hooker’s itinerary moves to the Gulf region, where she will lead strategic dialogues with officials in Oman and Bahrain. These talks are expected to advance cooperation on regional security, economic ties, and cultural exchange, reflecting shared interests between the United States and its partners in the Middle East. 
The final leg of the trip will take Hooker to Rome, where she will meet with counterparts from European governments and international organisations. In Italy, engagements will cover major global priorities including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, diplomatic efforts toward peace in the Middle East, and developments in Venezuela. She is also scheduled to hold meetings with senior officials from United Nations agencies based in the city—such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)—to discuss accountability and oversight of U.S.-funded assistance programs and to explore potential new agricultural trade opportunities for American producers. 
Hooker, who was appointed Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs in mid-2025, oversees key regional and bilateral policy issues and plays a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy across multiple regions. 
Her current tour underscores Washington’s intent to reinforce diplomatic engagement across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe at a time of evolving geopolitical challenges
End
Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation
Troops ambush terrorists in Sokoto, recover six AK-47 rifles
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