News
Nigeria On Course to Develop National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan- FG

Nigeria On Course to Develop National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan- FG
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has said the nation is on course to develop a practical, inclusive and ambitious National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the Inception Workshop for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework( KMGBF) Early Action Support Project, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako said: “Biodiversity underpins life on earth, from human health and well-being to food and water security to economies and livelihoods. Yet biodiversity is severely threatened and declining at unprecedented levels due to increasing pollution, resource exploitation, land use change, invasive species, and climate change, among other factors.
He noted that: “National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) are the policy instruments for national implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). To accelerate action to achieve the Vision for Biodiversity of living in harmony with nature by 2050, NBSAPs must be rapidly aligned with the new goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.”
He added that: “Having seen the strength of Nigeria’s ambition and technical expertise, I am confident that we can lead the way once again and develop a practical, inclusive and ambitious National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.”
He told the participants that “is your job here today to kickstart this process. We need to ensure that we instrumentalize and accelerate action across sectors and society toward the realization of the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
“I would like to recognize the vital contributions of GEF, UNEP, FAO and other Partners for providing financial and technical support package that focuses on four components: NBSAP alignment, monitoring systems, policy & institutional coherence, and biodiversity finance.
“Our role here today is to focus on a rapid review of our NBSAP using a whole-of-government approach to identify the level of alignment of national goals and targets with those of the Kunming-Montreal GBF and relevant Sustainable Development Goals, and make adjustments where appropriate.”
Salako said: “I charge you to ensure our National Targets are refined to become measurable, costed, and spatially-explicit by using best practices in gender mainstreaming, stakeholder engagement, engaging with Indigenous peoples and local communities, and apply a whole-of-government approaches. Together, I am sure you can make that happen.”
Early the representatives of the Country Representatives of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Nifesimi Ogunkua said FAO was excitement about Nigeria’s readiness to incorporate agrifood into its NBSAPs.
She noted that: “This forward-thinking approach aligns with FAO’s mission to promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resources management and ensure sustainable agricultural practices globally. Nigeria’s dedication to integrating agrifood into its national strategies is a commendable step toward building a resilient and thriving biodiversity conservation.”
She noted that: “We, at FAO, stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria in this endeavor. Our commitment extends beyond mere words, as we pledge our full support to the development, implementation, and evaluation of the NBSAPs. We recognize the importance of a holistic approach, and we are ready to collaborate closely with Nigeria to achieve these goals.
“To facilitate this collaborative effort, FAO has developed an impressive array of tools, frameworks, and approaches specifically designed to support the realization of the global biodiversity targets. These resources serve as invaluable assets, empowering nations to navigate the complexities of sustainable development. We believe that by leveraging these tools, Nigeria can make significant strides in achieving its agrifood integration goals.”
She disclosed that: “In Nigeria, FAO operates within the framework of the Country Programming Framework (CPF), a comprehensive guide that directs our support to the country. It is heartening to note that this framework aligns seamlessly with the broader objective of mainstreaming biodiversity. Through the CPF, we aim to contribute to the development of a robust agrifood system that not only meets the needs of the present but also ensures the well-being of future generations.
“We understand the importance of collective action in achieving sustainable development goals. Our doors are open, and we are ready to work hand in hand with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful mainstreaming of agrifood systems in the NBSAPs.”
She added that: “Nigeria’s commitment to integrating agrifood into its NBSAPs is a testament to its vision for a sustainable and prosperous future. FAO is honoured to be a part of this journey, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of our collective efforts on biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.”
Nigeria On Course to Develop National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan- FG
Crime
Soldier Wife Arrested in Abuja vehicle theft case

Soldier Wife Arrested in Abuja vehicle theft case
By: Zagazola Makama
A notorious female suspect, Blessing Yusuf, aged 29, was arrested on April 25, 2025, by operatives of the Scorpion Squad, following a successful investigation into a vehicle theft case.
Sources disclosed that Yusuf, a resident of Kwali Area Council and wife of a serving Nigerian Army soldier, L/CPL Yusuf Yunnusa, who was arrested on April 19, 2025, was tracked down through digital forensic intelligence after fleeing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) upon learning of her husband’s arrest.
Sources said during preliminary investigations, Yusuf confessed during interrogation that she had initiated the idea of stealing a vehicle to cover her medical expenses.
She admitted to ordering a set of Toyota Corolla keys online via Jumia and later using them to steal a car at the Federal Secretariat. While her husband moved the vehicle, she provided cover and distracted passersby. After the theft, they transported the stolen car to Kwali.
Both suspects are currently in custody undergoing further interrogation.
Crime
FCT Police arrest woman for suspected child trafficking in Abuja as she claims she Purchase the Child from her father for N500K

FCT Police arrest woman for suspected child trafficking in Abuja as she claims she Purchase the Child from her father for N500K
By; Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a woman, Vera Onyebigwa, in connection with a suspected child trafficking case.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that On April 25, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m., a distress call was received at G/Lada Division regarding a suspected child trafficking incident near the timber shed area.
The sources said Police operatives were quickly deployed to the scene, where they apprehended Onyebigwa, a resident of No. 38 Murtala Mohammed Way, Benin City, Edo State, who was found in possession of a 6-year-old female child, whose identity remains unknown.
According to the sources, Preliminary investigations revealed that Onyebigwa had allegedly purchased the child from her father for ₦500,000 and was planning to transport her to Benin City.
The child’s cries attracted the attention of a Good Samaritan, who immediately notified the police, leading to the child’s rescue.
The sources added that the child is currently in protective care, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
FCT Police arrest woman for suspected child trafficking in Abuja as she claims she Purchase the Child from her father for N500K
News
EFCC operative allegedly linked to accident in Cross River

EFCC operative allegedly linked to accident in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons sustained injuries following a serious lone accident allegedly caused by suspected operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) along Abakpa/Igoli Road in Ogoja, Cross River State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from police sources that the accident, which occurred at about 10:45 a.m. on Friday, involved a BMW car with driven by one Bassey Precious, aged 27, with a passenger identified as Caleb Fidelis Okem, aged 24.
The sources said that a white Toyota Hiace bus, occupied by armed men suspected to be EFCC operatives carrying AK-47 rifles, intercepted the BMW and attempted to force it to a stop. One of the operatives reportedly entered the vehicle and tried to take control, leading to a scuffle with the driver.
During the struggle, Precious allegedly refused to yield, causing the vehicle to lose control, somersault, and crash. The EFCC operatives immediately fled the scene, abandoning the injured occupants.
The victims were promptly rushed to the General Hospital in Ogoja, where they are currently receiving treatment and are reported to be responding well.
The police source said that the Cross River Police Command confirmed the incident and efforts were ongoing to identify and locate the operatives involved for further investigation and appropriate disciplinary action.
The EFCC is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
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