Troops Foil Terrorists’ Advance, Recover Motorcycle in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted an attempted approach by suspected terrorists within their area of responsibility in Yobe State and recovered a motorcycle during a follow-up operation.

Military sources disclosed that the troops detected the movement of suspected terrorists towards a military location on June 9 and immediately responded with a fire mission to neutralise the threat and deny the insurgents freedom of action.

According to the sources, the troops maintained surveillance on the area before conducting an exploitation operation on Tuesday morning.

“The troops observed the movement of suspected terrorists towards a military position and responded appropriately to prevent any attack on the location.

“During a subsequent exploitation operation, two terrorist corpses and a motorcycle were discovered in the general area,” the source said.

The sources noted that an assessment of the bodies indicated signs of decomposition, suggesting that the terrorists may have been neutralised during an earlier encounter with troops operating around Buni Yadi.

The area was thoroughly searched, but no additional items were recovered.

Military authorities said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and prevent them from regrouping within the North-East theatre of operations.

They added that troops remained vigilant and committed to protecting communities and military installations across the region.

According to the authorities, the overall security situation within the theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, requiring continuous surveillance and proactive operations.

They also expressed satisfaction with the morale and fighting efficiency of troops engaged in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

The military reassured residents of its determination to sustain offensive operations against terrorist groups and maintain security across the North-East.

Troops Foil Terrorists’ Advance, Recover Motorcycle in Yobe

Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recover Firearms in Rivers State

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Rivers State have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation.

Police sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 2:00 a.m. on June 7 by a team led by ASP Jeremiah Ashaba.

According to the sources, the suspect, identified as Austine Emenike, also known as “Oyibo”, of Aluu village, was arrested following credible intelligence on his alleged involvement in armed robbery activities.

During the arrest, operatives recovered one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns, and five live cartridges from the suspect.

The suspect and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody.

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal gang.

The Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing and dismantling armed robbery networks operating within the state.

Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber, Recover Firearms in Rivers State

Groups Forge Alliance to Boost Agriculture, Peacebuilding Across Nigeria, Sahel

By: Michael Mike

In a move aimed at addressing food insecurity, farmer-herder conflicts and economic challenges across Nigeria and the Sahel region, the WANILTU Academy, National Association of Farmers in Nigeria (NADFAN), LAS Family Network Nigeria and Paradigm News have entered into a strategic partnership to promote sustainable agriculture, peacebuilding and community development.

The alliance, announced in a joint statement, seeks to leverage the expertise and networks of the four organisations to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, foster social cohesion and create economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.

The initiative comes at a time when many parts of Nigeria and the wider Sahel continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, insecurity, displacement, unemployment and declining agricultural output, all of which have contributed to rising poverty and food shortages.

Under the arrangement, WANILTU Academy will spearhead capacity-building programmes targeted at farmers, pastoralists, women and young people. The academy will provide training in agribusiness development, value-chain management, entrepreneurship, livestock production and self-reliance skills, while also deploying experts to underserved communities to support productivity and social cohesion initiatives.

The National Association of Farmers in Nigeria, led by Nuruddeen Nyako, will serve as the coordinating platform for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The association is expected to mobilise farming communities, facilitate engagement with government agencies and development partners, promote sustainable agricultural practices and help farmers access funding opportunities.

As part of the partnership, LAS Family Network Nigeria, headed by Sani Jada, will act as the strategic coordinating institution. The organisation will strengthen engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, academic institutions, development agencies and community stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the programme.

The network will also coordinate activities across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, facilitate collaboration among partners and support the development of strategic alliances needed to sustain the initiative over the long term.

On the communications front, Paradigm News, led by Raymond Enoch, will oversee media engagement and public awareness activities. These will include news coverage, documentaries, radio and television programmes, public advocacy campaigns and digital outreach designed to amplify the impact of the partnership and highlight success stories from participating communities.

According to the partners, the collaboration is built on the conviction that sustainable development and lasting peace can only be achieved through collective action that empowers communities, strengthens relationships between farmers and pastoralists, and expands access to education, skills, information and economic opportunities.

To achieve its objectives, the partnership plans to organise training workshops, agricultural exhibitions, stakeholder conferences, entrepreneurship programmes, community peace dialogues, development forums and town hall meetings.

Particular emphasis will be placed on climate-smart agriculture, conflict prevention and resolution, youth engagement, women’s empowerment and community resilience.

The partners said the expected outcomes include improved cooperation between farmers and herders, increased agricultural productivity, greater participation in agribusiness, enhanced livelihoods and stronger community resilience against economic and environmental shocks.

They also expressed optimism that the initiative would help reduce conflicts that have hindered development in many communities while serving as a bridge linking rural populations with governments, development institutions, investors and private-sector actors.

The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to advance peace, food security, economic empowerment and sustainable development across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, describing the partnership as a practical response to some of the region’s most pressing socio-economic and security challenges.

Groups Forge Alliance to Boost Agriculture, Peacebuilding Across Nigeria, Sahel