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Minister of Environment: Nigeria Working Towards Transition to Low-Sulphur Fuels

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Minister of Environment: Nigeria Working Towards Transition to Low-Sulphur Fuels

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has revealed that Nigeria is presently working towards the transition to low-sulphur fuels.

The Minister disclosed this in Abuja during the commemoration of the third International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

He said: “I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with other Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as key stakeholders such as NNPCL, SON, and DPR, are working towards the transition to low-sulphur fuels. The Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) for petroleum products have been reviewed in line with AFRI IV standards and will soon be implemented.”

Lawal said: “On vehicular emissions, the Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is promoting clean air by discouraging the importation of old vehicles, encouraging local manufacturing, and advancing the adoption of alternative fuels such as CNG and LNG.

“The Government also supports the

importation of electric vehicles, efficient mass transport systems (rail and waterways), and prioritizes CNG for its low emissions and affordability, with plans for a gradual transition to hydrogen and

electric vehicles. I am further pleased to announce Government approval of a Green Hydrogen Project in partnership with UNIDO, while also developing a framework for States to establish Vehicular Emissions Testing Centres in line with global best practices.”

He also disclosed that “Ministry of Environment is advancing a National Policy on Air Quality Management alongside

the youth-led National Clean Air Programme under the slogan #BreatheEasyNigeria. With support from the Pediatric Association of

Nigeria, UNDP, and Bhustan Energy & Environmental Services, we are raising awareness using credible data and engaging young people whose fragile lungs deserve protection.”

He said: “Today, the Department of

Pollution Control and Environmental Health is signing an MoU with the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria to extend clean air

advocacy to all 774 Local Government Areas.”

He noted that the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is aimed at raising public awareness on the essential role of clean air in survival, productivity, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The global goal is to achieve a 50% reduction of all forms of air pollution by 2030, calling on all to commit to conscious choices that reduce air pollution—especially in their daily activities at home such as cooking.

He decried that: “Globally, air pollution is recognized as the leading environmental health risk, causing over seven million deaths annually even more than malaria and HIV/AIDS combined. Nigeria shares this burden, as air pollution is linked to stroke, heart disease, COPD, lung cancer, pneumonia, cataracts, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The cost of global inaction remains severe, with devastating impacts on health, ecosystems, and economies. In Nigeria, bush burning, vehicular emissions, gas flaring, and venting

remain major contributors to pollution with negative effects on bothhuman health and ecosystems.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mahmud Kambari had said the

National Clean Air Programme represents a coordinated framework to protect our environment, safeguard public health, and align with global best practices.

He added that: “Today, we are witnessing groundbreaking innovative solutions that make it easier for every Nigerian to get involved in our mission to tackle air pollution. Together, we can turn the tide on this silent killer. Let’s work together and Breathe Easily.”

Minister of Environment: Nigeria Working Towards Transition to Low-Sulphur Fuels

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Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau

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Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Gallant troops of the Nigerian Army’s 33 Artillery Brigade have launched a major offensive against terrorist and bandit hideouts in Dajin Madam Forest, straddling Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State, destroying several camps and neutralising two armed criminals during successive encounters.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2026, with troops advancing into the forest in a coordinated offensive against criminal elements operating within the area.

During the operation, the troops successfully cleared several terrorist camps across five identified locations within the forest, denying the criminals access to their established hideouts and support infrastructure.

The troops subsequently destroyed and burnt the terrorists’ life-support structures, including facilities believed to have sustained their presence and operations in the forest.

The offensive gathered momentum at about 3:41 p.m. when troops made contact with the armed bandits at another location within the forest.

The soldiers engaged the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.

Evidence of the effectiveness of the engagement was indicated by bloodstains observed along the bandits’ withdrawal routes, suggesting that some of the fleeing criminals might have sustained gunshot injuries.

Undeterred, the troops continued exploiting the general area, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of ammunition, communication equipment, mobility assets and other logistics.

Items recovered included 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT ammunition links, two motorcycles, two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), two communication radios and four mobile phones.

The troops also recovered three woodland and desert camouflage uniforms, two Keystone camouflage uniforms and other sundry items believed to be associated with the activities of the criminal group.

In a further demonstration of sustained combat pressure, the troops made another contact with the fleeing bandits at about 6:30 p.m. during a pursuit operation.

The soldiers engaged the criminals, neutralising two bandits close to Kukawa village in Kanam Local Government Area.
Two additional motorcycles were also recovered during the encounter.

Following the successful engagements, the troops moved to a harbour position at Kukawa, where they continued to maintain their operational presence in the area.

The operation represents a significant offensive against armed criminal networks using the Dajin Madam Forest corridor as a hideout, with the destruction of their camps, recovery of ammunition and logistics, and the neutralisation of two bandits further disrupting their operational capabilities.

The sustained advance by the troops also illustrated the Nigerian Army’s determination to deny terrorists and bandits safe havens in the forests linking Kanam and Wase, while maintaining pressure on fleeing elements.

Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau

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ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo

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ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo

By: Zagazola Makama

An inspection team from the ECOWAS Force Headquarters and Army Headquarters has assessed the operational readiness of Nigeria’s ECOWAS standby force at Naquora Barracks in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the team, led by Brig.-Gen. Sheikh Sulaiman Massaquoi, visited the barracks on Nov. 7, 2026, to evaluate the troops’ preparedness for possible deployment.

The team received briefings on troop readiness, training and administrative matters, and witnessed demonstrations on roadblock operations and crowd dispersal.

Massaquoi commended the troops for their performance and urged them to sustain high standards of professionalism, discipline and physical fitness.

The inspection visit ended without any incident.

ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.

The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.

The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.

Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau

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