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Minister Calls for Proportionate Representation of Women in Military, Security Agencies
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
Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly engaged armed bandits in a heavy gun battle during a clearance operation at Yankuzo area in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
Security sources said the operation followed aggressive fighting patrol on armed groups into the area, believed to be a stronghold used by suspected bandit elements operating within the axis.
According to the sources, troops advanced into deep into the terrorists enclave of Ado Allero in the early hours of the day and made contact with the armed men, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes.
Residents reported heavy gunfire during the confrontation.
Although details of casualties were still being assessed at the time of filing this report, security sources confirmed that troops maintained dominance of the general area and continued pursuit of fleeing armed elements.
Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three kidnapped victims during a swift response to a distress call in Kusheri village area of Niger state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on April 21, 2026, when armed bandits invaded the community and abducted three civilians identified as Abdullahi, Saidu Julfe and Kamilu Joddi.
According to the sources, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Dokan Karji immediately mobilised after receiving the distress alert and advanced towards the area of operation.
On arrival, the troops discovered that the attackers had already fled the scene with the abducted victims towards the Kafin Gora axis.
The troops subsequently launched a pursuit operation, engaging the fleeing suspects in intermittent contact before successfully rescuing all three hostages unharmed.
The rescued victims were later handed over for medical evaluation and debriefing, while troops withdrew to base after securing the general area.
Security sources confirmed that the situation within the area of responsibility remains calm but unpredictable, adding that patrols and surveillance operations have been intensified to prevent further incidents.
They further noted that troop morale and combat effectiveness remain high as operations continue across vulnerable communities within the state.
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State
Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a suspected Boko Haram insurgent during a confrontation in Lotori-Garbiya village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe state.
Sources said the incident occurred on April 20 at about 7:00 p.m. after gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram elements stormed the community and imposed illegal levies on residents.
According to the sources, security forces were swiftly mobilised following a distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
One of the suspected insurgents was killed during the encounter, while others reportedly fled into surrounding bushes.
The sources said an AK-47 rifle and two Kasea motorcycles were recovered at the scene.
Security authorities confirmed that the area had been placed under close surveillance, while patrols were intensified to prevent further attacks.
They added that efforts were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the group.
Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles
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Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State
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