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Nigeria Insists Africa Needs to Unite Against Insecurity for Growth and Development
Nigeria Insists Africa Needs to Unite Against Insecurity for Growth and Development
By: Michael Mike
African countries need to unify to combat the security challenges facing the continent, the Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Musa Nuhu has said
Nuhu, who is the Chair, ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council made the call during his welcome remarks at the joint consultation meeting between the African Union (AU)’s peace and security council (PSC) and the ECOWAS mediation and security council (MSC) at the ambassadorial level on Wednesday in Abuja.
While stating that there is urgent has need for unified response to the security threats in Africa, Nuhu said: “The security landscape in Africa is a dynamic one, constantly presenting new complex threats. From terrorism and violent extremism to unconstitutional changes of government, these challenges demand a unified response that goes beyond our national boundaries and requires collective’ efforts.
“Therefore, these joint consultative engagements between the AU and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) serve as an important platform for forging such a collective response to mitigate these challenges, in tandem with the tenets of Article 16 of the PSC Protocol, to harmonize the activities of Regional mechanisms towards promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.
“Specifically, the nexus between the missions of the AU PSC and ECOWAS MSC is highly fundamental, as it underscores the interconnectedness of peace and security efforts at both the continental and regional levels.
“By aligning strategies and actions, this joint consultation can foster a deeper understanding of regional security dynamics, harmonize efforts aimed at preventive diplomacy and develop more effective conflict resolution strategies, thereby ensuring a more cohesive and comprehensive approach to regional peace and stability.”
He however advised that the AU-REC’s dialogue should go beyond discussions on only Political Affairs, Peace and Security, insisting that it “should involve discussions on economic development, humanitarian intervention, social cohesion as well as infrastructural development which are the building blocks for good governance that would guarantee a peaceful and stable Africa.”
Meanwhile, the African Union (AU), has raised the alarm that terrorist groups, violent extremists and coup plotters are gaining prominence in West Africa.
Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the AU and Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne raised the alarm while speaking at the event.
Jagne, who is a co-chair of the event, said: “Our continent is currently faced with the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism and the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government which has serious negative consequences for peace, security and stability in our communities.
“Unfortunately, data shows that the western part of the continent is the most affected by both issues. Four out of the six AU member states suspended due to coup d’etat are from West Africa. This has never happened in the history of African Union.
“According to the African Centre for the Study of research on terrorism, the West African region is the most affected by the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism on the continent in terms of attacks, deaths and casualties,” she said.
Jagne, while lamenting that these events were happening despite significant efforts made over the years by governments and the continental and regional institutions to promote and consolidate democracy, called for a collaborative affort to reverse the unfortunate trend.
She said: “This meeting will be an opportunity for two councils to brainstorm on the effective means and ways of preventing and responding to the recurrences of Unconstitutional Change of Government (UCG).
“We must find alternate options and tools to effectively address the crises and challenges that beset our continent. It is also very important and a very good occasion to further reflect on the proliferation of terrorist groups that threaten peace, security and development, as well as the territorial integrity of the member states directly affected by these unfortunate events.”
Nigeria Insists Africa Needs to Unite Against Insecurity for Growth and Development
News
Two Forest Security Guard Members arrested in Ogun for extortion, illegal possession of firearms
Two Forest Security Guard Members arrested in Ogun for extortion, illegal possession of firearms
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men claiming to be members of the Nigeria Forest Security Services (NFSS) have been arrested in Sagamu, Ogun State, for illegal possession of firearms and extortion of motorists.
Zagazola Makama report that the arrest was made on Dec. 28, 2025, at about 8:32 p.m. following a report that three men dressed in security uniforms were sighted along Ikenne Road, near the NYSC Orientation Camp, collecting money from motorists while visibly armed with hunter-style guns.
Upon receiving the information, operatives from the Sagamu Division raced to the scene and apprehended two suspects: Emmanuel Idu, 55, and Sunday Moses, 35. A third suspect, identified as Oyilo David, 35, fled the scene and is currently at large.
During preliminary interrogation, the arrested men claimed to be attached to the Sagamu NFSS unit operating along Agbele Road by Otunba Gbenga Daniel Market. They also stated that the locally fabricated guns recovered from them were issued by a Commander Kehinde Joseph, allegedly supervising their operations.
In addition to the firearms, security operatives recovered one unexpended cartridge and the sum of ₦1,000 in ₦200 denominations from the suspects.
Authorities disclosed that one of the suspects had previously been implicated in a motorcycle theft case in Abeokuta, where the stolen motorcycle was recovered, and charges were filed in court.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Abeokuta, for further investigation.
Two Forest Security Guard Members arrested in Ogun for extortion, illegal possession of firearms
Troops neutralise key Boko Haram commanders in Bama airstrikes
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force platforms, have neutralised several key Boko Haram terrorist commanders during coordinated airstrikes in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the airstrikes were conducted on Dec. 25, 2025, following actionable human intelligence on terrorist movements in the area.
According to the sources, no fewer than 10 Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the initial airstrike. Those neutralised included Abul Kaka, Ibn Mu’azu, Abu Muhammad, Ba Alhaji, Bakura, Modu, Abu Hassan, Kaka Alai, Abba Yakariye and Bamusa.
The sources further disclosed that another terrorist, identified as Ubaida, sustained serious injuries during the strike.
The sources added that a subsequent follow-up strike by Nigerian Air Force assets led to the instant killing of three additional terrorists.
Security sources confirmed that the majority of the neutralised fighters were loyal to Bafu, a notorious Boko Haram commander operating in the Bama axis.
An assessment of the operation indicated a significant degradation of Boko Haram’s fighting capability in Bama, particularly among elements under Bafu’s command, as a direct outcome of the sustained air campaign.
The sources noted that while the general security situation in the area remains calm, it is still considered unpredictable due to the fluid nature of insurgent activities.
Troops neutralise key Boko Haram commanders in Bama airstrikes
IPOB attack Enugu police patrol team, kill two officers and seize firearms
By: Zagazola Makama
Two police inspectors have been killed and three rifles stolen following an attack on a Distress Response Squad (DRS) patrol along Zik Avenue by Good Shepherd Specialist Hospital in Enugu State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2025, when six armed men, suspected to be members of IPOB/ESN, operating in an ash-coloured Lexus RX 350 SUV, attacked and set ablaze the patrol Hilux vehicle.
The sources identified the slain officers as Inspectors Valentine Iheme and Ani Anayo, both members of the DRS team. The assailants carted away three AK-47 rifles with 30 rounds of live ammunition each.
According to the sources, all tactical teams and assets of the command have been activated and deployed in pursuit of the suspects, with a view to neutralising them and recovering the stolen firearms.
The sources said that the Enugu State Police Command has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
IPOB attack Enugu police patrol team, kill two officers and seize firearms
Notorious drug peddler killed during police raid in Katsina
Two Forest Security Guard Members arrested in Ogun for extortion, illegal possession of firearms
Troops neutralise key Boko Haram commanders in Bama airstrikes
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