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Minister Calls for Proportionate Representation of Women in Military, Security Agencies

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Minister Calls for Proportionate Representation of Women in Military, Security Agencies

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has called for proportionate representation of women in senior command positions in the military and security institutions in the country, describing the present under-representation as unacceptable.

The Minister made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 5th Annual Forum of Women, Peace and Security Sector Reference Group in Nigeria.

She said that women are grossly under-represented in operational roles and strategic decision-making positions in the security institutions, despite their demonstrable competencies and qualifications, calling for breakdown of institutional barriers and structural inhibitions in the security sector.

The Minister, who acknowledged that some progress have been made in the appointment of women in some strategic positions in the Nigeria Police Force and other paramilitary institutions such as Nigerian Immigration Service, however said she was not satisfied with the achievements recorded so far.

She said: “While we have made progress, the reality is that women continue to bear the brunt of insecurity in Nigeria whether as victims of gender based violence, internally displaced persons or those facing structural barriers within our security institutions.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on key stakeholders to work assiduously to close the gaps between commitment and execution, between dialogue and measurable impact in the implementation of Women, Peace and Security.

Earlier, in her remarks, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, pointed out that the theme of this year’s forum, “Enhancing Implementation: The Role of the Security Sector in Nigeria’s 3rd National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security,” reflected the collective commitment of the security sector and other stakeholders towards advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Nigeria.

Eyong explained that the Forum, served as a testament to Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda, which was borne out of the landmark adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in October 2000.

She said: “This historic Resolution shifted the global understanding of peace-building and reconstruction, recognising women not only as victims of conflict but as peacebuilders and agents of change.”

She announced that Nigeria would soon launch her 3rd National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325, a roadmap for advancing gender equality and enhancing women’s meaningful participation in peace and security processes, including within the security sector.

Eyong while explaining the importance of the policy document, said: “This policy document will reaffirm Nigeria’s leadership in addressing the unique needs of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict settings while also promoting their vital roles in preventing conflict and building sustainable peace.

“The security sector has a pivotal role to play in translating the 3rd NAP into actionable outcomes, hence the decision to prioritise on this during this forum, which avails us the opportunity to share experiences, showcase best practices, and strategise on how to strengthen coordination between security institutions, government MDAs, and community-based WPS structures to accelerate the implementation of the 3rd National Action Plan.”

The UN Women Representative while recounting some notable progress made in the security institutions in Nigeria,
noted that: “Gender Policies have been adopted by the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and Department of State Services, among others, which continues to set a benchmark for institutionalising gender equality.

“The need to strengthen institutional support for the full operationalization of these policies cannot be over emphasised.

“The recent approval for the integration of the Standard Training Manual on Gender into the training curricular of Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Nigerian Navy exemplifies a strategic step toward sustainable impact. I encourage other security institutions to follow suit.

“Nigeria’s Armed Forces achieved 27.9% female participation in peace-keeping operations in 2023, surpassing the UN-recommended benchmark of 17%.

“And Civil Defense reached 35% of women among all its staff. These are remarkable milestones worthy of commendation.

“In collaboration with the National Defence College (NDC) and security sector institutions, UN Women rolled out a Leadership and Mentoring Programme for Women in the Security Sector at the last quarter of 2024.

“I call on heads of security sector institutions to institutionalise this initiative for sustainable impact.”

Minister Calls for Proportionate Representation of Women in Military, Security Agencies

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Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa

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Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested six suspects following a clash between farmers and herders in Waduku, Lamurde Local Government Area, which resulted in injuries to a villager and 11 cattle.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on April 2 when some herders allegedly trespassed into a rice farm and caused damage to the crops.

In retaliation, angry youths from the village attacked the herders, injuring their cattle and wounding one person identified as Righteous Boti from Nzumoso Village.

Security personnel visited the scene and held an emergency meeting with local stakeholders to prevent further escalation of violence.

The arrested suspects include Rabo Buba, 31; Ahmadu Adamu, 20; Stephen Pwagwadi, 17; Shadrach Simon, 19; Lot Gad, 20; and Righteous Boti, 27.

The injured individuals received treatment at the Tingno Primary Health Care Clinic and have since been discharged.

Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa

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Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT

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Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected thief in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has died after being beaten by a security officer following his apprehension on April 2.

A Police sources said that a distress call was received at Karu Division about a suspected thief seen around Supreme Quarters in Karu at approximately 1:00 p.m.

The suspect was approached by security personnel who believed him to be involved in theft. When questioned, the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly chased and apprehended by civilian security personnel.

Kola Oba, a Man O’ War officer, then reportedly took the suspect into custody and subjected him to severe physical abuse. The suspect later succumbed to the injuries sustained during the beating and passed away.

The sources said that the Police detectives were dispatched to the scene, and photographs were taken. The body was subsequently transported to the hospital mortuary for preservation.

The suspect’s identity remains unknown, and efforts are underway to locate his family. The officer involved has been arrested.

Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT

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Sokoto: Man Arrested for Killing Woman in Domestic Dispute

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Sokoto: Man Arrested for Killing Woman in Domestic Dispute

By: Zagazola Makama

A domestic dispute in Sagera Ango Village, Gada LGA, turned deadly on April 2, 2025, when Ali Garba, during a heated argument with A’isha Araga, attacked her with a cutlass.

The altercation, which escalated quickly, resulted in Ali Garba inflicting severe injuries on A’isha’s neck and other parts of her body.

Security personnel, responded promptly to the scene and rushed A’isha to General Hospital Gada for medical treatment. However, she succumbed to her injuries while receiving care.

Ali Garba was immediately apprehended by the police and is in custody.

The case has been handed over to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (DC CID), for further discreet investigation.

Sokoto: Man Arrested for Killing Woman in Domestic Dispute

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