News
NEMA raises the bar on Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation
NEMA raises the bar on Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation
By: Michael Mike
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has continued to raised the bar on disaster preparedness and mitigation through continous human capacity development of staff and stakeholders.
The concerted effort by NEMA is aimed at bolstering inter-agency collaboration and enhance the capacity of grassroots-level human resources. These endeavors aim to equip its personnel and stakeholders with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective disaster management. The training programs were conducted in collaboration with international partners, such as the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) and the United States Forest Service, facilitated by USAID, and took place in Abuja.
The collaboration with UN-OCHA resulted in the training of 125 individuals divided into two cohorts. The focus areas encompassed various critical aspects of disaster management, including Humanitarian Coordination Mechanism, Disaster Management Cycle, Institutional Capacity, Resource Mobilization, Information Management, Community-Based Disaster Management, Search and Rescue, Incident Command System, Disaster Preparedness, Risk Management, and Early Warning Systems.
Concurrently, the collaboration with USAID consisted of two separate batches focused on the Incident Command System (ICS) and the Emergency Coordination Centre/Multi-Agency Coordination (EOC/MAC). These sessions featured facilitators from the United States Forest Service, bringing a wealth of expertise to the training.
Mustapha Habib Ahmed, the Director General of NEMA, emphasized the imperative nature of capacity-building programs. He stressed the importance of continuously enhancing the knowledge and skills of disaster managers to ensure sustainable and efficient disaster management in Nigeria. Ahmed stated that “training of personnel is a critical component for effective and efficient disaster management” and affirmed NEMA’s commitment to exploring avenues for ongoing capacity development among its staff and stakeholders.
Highlighting NEMA’s recent training efforts, Ahmed mentioned previous collaborations with the United States Forest Service in January 2023 and Bournemouth University Disaster Management Center in February 2023. These training programs included participants from NEMA staff, State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and other stakeholders. Ahmed also hinted at upcoming capacity development programs in the near future.
Furthermore, Ahmed elaborated on the significance of training SEMA staff, aiming to strengthen the working relationship between federal and state emergency management agencies. This collaboration seeks to facilitate coordinated disaster management efforts, aligning with NEMA’s mandates, while simultaneously bolstering the capacities of SEMAs to effectively manage disasters at the state and local government levels.
The Director General expressed his deep appreciation for the collaboration with UNOCHA, USAID, and USFS, as well as the support from various other international development partners. These collaborations have been instrumental in the success of NEMA’s capacity development initiatives.
Ahmed encouraged all beneficiaries of the training to leverage the knowledge and skills acquired to enhance the services provided by their respective agencies and locations. Participants in the training included staff from SEMAs, officers of Fire Services, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and others.
In conclusion, NEMA’s commitment to enhancing disaster management capabilities through training and collaboration with international partners demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property in Nigeria. The agency’s dedication to continuous improvement and capacity development is a testament to its mission of effectively responding to and managing disasters at all levels. As NEMA continues to strengthen its partnerships and invest in its personnel, the nation is better prepared to face and mitigate the challenges posed by disasters, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for all.
Manzo Ezekiel and Abdulkadir Ibrahim
wrote in from NEMA Headquarters press unit.
NEMA raises the bar on Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 Area of Responsibility have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 1329hrs on April 19, when the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base through Charlie/Delta Company axis.
The attackers, operating with two gun trucks, were sighted advancing toward the entrance gate of Mairari town along the Gajiram axis.
Troops immediately engaged the advancing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.
Following the encounter, troops dominated the general area with patrols, while air support was also deployed and hovered over the vicinity. However, no further terrorist presence was observed after the exchange.
Security sources said exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to prevent regrouping and to secure surrounding communities.
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation MESA have arrested two suspected terrorist logistics couriers along the Obajana–Kabba road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Sources said the operation was conducted at about 0010hrs on April 20, following credible intelligence report on the movement of suspected terrorist logistics couriers.
Troops of 12 Brigade mounted a snap checkpoint at RA Oshokoshoko and intercepted a vehicle conveying the suspects en route Obajana from Makurdi.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a sack containing 314 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and three AK-47 magazines, concealed behind the driver’s seat.
Other items recovered include two mobile phones, a driver’s licence, a National Identification Number (NIN) slip, and an identity card.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State
News
Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa
Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Nasarawa State have intercepted stolen livestock allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Bokkos in Plateau State and sold through illicit channels, leading to the arrest of a suspect who claimed to have purchased the animals from a paramount ruler.
Police sources said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia on April 19 regarding suspicious cattle being traded at the Lafia cattle market.
Acting on the tip-off, detectives swiftly mobilised to the market and arrested one Alhaji Ziya-U Inusa, a resident of Dengi in Plateau State, who was found in possession of eleven cows suspected to have been stolen.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he purchased twelve cows from a paramount ruler in Plateau State (name withheld) but transported only eleven due to limited vehicle capacity.
Further investigation led to the emergence of one Abdullahi Adamu from Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, who identified himself as the rightful owner of the recovered livestock.
Adamu explained that the cows were part of a larger herd of 57 cattle rustled in May 2025 by armed youths in Bokkos, adding that all previous efforts to recover the animals had been unsuccessful until the latest operation.
Security sources confirmed that the recovered cattle have been secured, while investigations are ongoing to unravel the network involved in the rustling and illicit sale of the livestock, including the alleged role of intermediaries and buyers.
The incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks against the livelihoods of pastoralist communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and other parts of Plateau State.
Zagazola has consistently reported how Berom militia have engaged in livestock theft. In most cases, the victims (Fulani herders) are killed and buried in shallow graves, while in some instances, troops or police intercept the criminals and recover the stolen livestock.
The latest such incident occurred on April 16, when troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded to a rustling incident in Mangu Local Government Area, where suspected criminals fled before security forces arrived.
Similarly, on April 15, troops under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) recovered 48 rustled cattle in Yelwa village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Sources said the recovery followed a distress call received at about 0635 hours reporting the rustling of cattle belonging to a resident of the community.
In another operation on April 13, troops foiled an attempted cattle rustling in Bassa Local Government Area, recovering 92 cattle after pursuing suspected youths who abandoned the animals while fleeing.
Zagazola reports that such incidents are among the main triggers of the cycle of reprisal attacks, further escalating tensions in affected communities.
Stolen cows allegedly rustled by Berom militia from Plateau, sold by paramount ruler traced to Nasarawa
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
Troops Arrest Suspected Terror Logistics Couriers in Kogi State
Three Killed in Barkin Ladi Amid Rising Tensions Over Livestock Poisoning in Plateau
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