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NARC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS AND SUBJECT EXPERTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS
NARC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS AND SUBJECT EXPERTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS
By: Our Reporter
The Wednesday, 13 November 2024, edition of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held in the Board Room, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. The only presentation for the day was made by the Subject Experts on Southern Africa.
The only presentation for the day was made by Col OR Akerele (rtd), a subject expert on Southern Africa; he focused his presentation on how Botswana Battles for Food Security. The Voice Newspaper of Botswana, on 8 Nov 24, reported that Botswana is struggling to produce enough food to feed its people. Drought and food storage has, in the last two years, plagued countries in East Africa and most countries within the SADC, Botswana being the latest. Consequently, the government of Botswana continues to evolve new initiatives and programmes aimed at solving the food shortages.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Col OR Akerele (Rtd) noted that Nigeria has been dealing with food insecurity for decades, and the situation has been worsening in recent years. In the first quarter of 2024, over 100 million faced acute hunger. In January 2024, food inflation in Nigeria reached 35.41% (Aljazeera 2024). The conflict in the Northeast and Northwest regions has displaced most farmers and dwindled food productivity, thus increasing food insecurity in Nigeria. Moreover, floods and droughts have increased in frequency and severity, damaging agricultural output with a negative impact on food security. Rising poverty and unemployment have also made it harder for Nigerians to access food.
The WFP reported that 33 million Nigerians may face food insecurity by 2025. Nigeria’s dependence on imported food items has, therefore, increased over the past decade. Even though the government has set up various programmes and initiatives to boost food availability in Nigeria, monitoring efforts will, however, need to be made to ensure the objective of these efforts is achieved. Strengthening local production by cushioning the effects of climate change, environmental degradation and deforestation, improving the security of farmers on farmlands and setting up feasible initiatives to minimise poverty will also help in improving food security in Nigeria. (Banghart’s, John 2021).
He recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should set up an inter-agency committee of agriculture and food supply chain stakeholders to monitor the implementation and progress of all its programmes and initiatives to improve food security in Nigeria and also evolve policies and initiatives to cushion the effects of climate change, deforestation, floods, drought and other natural disasters.
NARC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS AND SUBJECT EXPERTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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