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NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development
NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development
By: Michael Mike
As part of efforts to equip communities in the Niger Delta with knowledge and skills neccessary for conflict resolution in the region, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has organized a training programme for elders and leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo people.
The ongoing five-day training programme which is taking place at Lekki Grand View Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, is to empower participants to contribute to nation building through strengthening collaboration for positive impact.
On Monday 3rd February, the training was for the Exco of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) led by President General Worldwide Olorogun, Barrister Ese Game Owe.
The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, who was represented by a senior members of the Board, stressed the importance of training for the elders, saying the idea is to enhance inter-ethnic cooperation and co-existence for harmonious growth and development.
Ogbe stated that the idea of the training is to ensure understanding of the leaders to the significance of ethnic coorporation in societal development in the region which mainly produces the oil that is the mainstay of the nation’s economy.
According to him, the aim is to engage the leaders on continous engagement for effective societal development.
In his welcome, the facilitator, the Chairman of Excellon Consults Limited and Cervice Energy Services Limited, Chief Bernard Okumagba said, “One of the key functions of the (NCDMB) is to engage in capacity building interventions that would deepen indigenous capabilities. This Leadership Training Programme for the Leadership of our elders and youths of the various ethnic groups is in furtherance of the NCDMB mandate and crucial for promoting Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.
“By empowering the Leadership of our elders and youths, the NCDMB under the leadership of Executive Secretary and CEO Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe aims to integrate oil-producing communities into the oil and gas value chain, fostering institutional collaboration and maximizing Nigerian participation.
“This training is also vital for developing indigenous capabilities through human capital development, infrastructure, and local supplier growth.
“The key objectives of the training programme include equipping the Leadership of our Elders and Youths categories with effective leadership, management and decision-making skills; Increase awareness and understanding of NCDMB’s initiatives and policies; and Strengthen relationships between the Leaders, NCDMB, and other stakeholders,” Okumagba stated.
He added that in the next five days, participants will be taken through topics which will include Developing Leadership Competencies, Strategic Thinking and Decision Making, Stakeholders’ Engagements for Societal Development, Strategies for Continuous Leadership and Development, Strategic Collaboration for positive impact.
Others include, Inter-ethnic Cooperation and Co-existence for Harmony, Growth and Development, Financial Management for Business Success amongst others.
The training Programme is being delivered through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, group discussions and practical exercises.
NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development
News
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major breakthroughs in ongoing offensive operations against armed criminal networks in Plateau State, neutralising two notorious terrorist leaders, critically wounding another and recovering six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security forces.
The latest developments followed sustained military offensives at Dajin Madam in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State on November 8, 2026.

Security sources disclosed that HUMINT reports received at about 8:53 a.m. on November 9 indicated that the intensity of the military operation had resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected terrorist leaders identified as Haruna Balatoni and Black.
Another notorious figure, identified as Dogo Mai Kunkuru, was reportedly shot in the chest and left in a critical condition, with sources indicating that his chances of survival were slim.
In a significant development on November 10, the sustained military pressure reportedly compelled the terrorist network, through an intermediary identified as Ali-Kwara, to return six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security forces.
The recovered weapons are currently in military custody.
In a related operation, troops of 173 Battalion deployed at Mansur rescued a kidnapped mother and her daughter and recovered 39 cattle.
The developments represent a significant disruption of the criminal network’s leadership, weapons stockpile and capacity to sustain operations in the Wase axis.
The recovery of the six rifles is particularly important as it restores weapons previously lost to the criminal network and provides an opportunity for further intelligence exploitation.
The latest successes underscore the impact of sustained offensive pressure, intelligence-driven operations and military presence in dismantling armed groups operating across Plateau State.
The reported deaths of the terrorist leaders and the condition of Dogo Mai Kunkuru are based on preliminary HUMINT assessments and remain subject to independent military confirmation
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
News
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 114 Battalion (Reinforcement) have dislodged suspected terrorists from their hideouts during a fighting patrol in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, conducted under Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), commenced at about 7:30 a.m. on November 8, 2026, with troops advancing towards Komodoro village, where they made contact with suspected terrorists.
Security sources said the criminals fled upon sighting the advancing troops, prompting the patrol team to extend its operation to Mashigin Kirya village within the same local government area.
At Mashigin Kirya, the troops encountered suspected terrorists believed to have been hibernating in the general area and engaged them, forcing the armed elements to retreat.
The troops subsequently recovered five motorcycles suspected to have been used by the criminal group for mobility and logistics.
To further disrupt the fleeing terrorists, the troops conducted a fire mission using an 81mm mortar along their withdrawal route.
The operation was ongoing as troops sustained pressure on suspected criminal hideouts and movement corridors in the area.
The development point to the military’s determination to deny armed groups safe havens and restrict their freedom of movement across Taraba State.
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
News
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS), have launched an investigation into an attack on Fulani herdsmen in Obelagu Umuamba community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, which left two herders and 16 cattle dead.
The incident came to light at about 11:00 a.m. on November 10, 2026, when a joint patrol team comprising troops of the 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion (Reinforcement), alongside police and DSS operatives, visited the community to assess the cause and extent of damage from the recent attack by suspected hoodlums.
On arrival, the security team discovered that two Fulani herdsmen and 16 cows had been killed, while two other persons sustained injuries.
Following the discovery, the troops convened a joint peace and security meeting involving community leaders, representatives of the Fulani herders, neighbourhood watch groups and other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, security officials cautioned all parties against taking the law into their hands, warning that reprisals could escalate tensions and further threaten peaceful coexistence.
The troops subsequently recovered the corpses and handed them over to the police for further investigation.
Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, including suspected local collaborators.
The intervention is aimed at preventing retaliatory violence, restoring confidence among residents and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
Authorities have urged both farming and herding communities to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and pursue grievances through lawful channels.
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
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