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Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa

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Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Agnes Asagbra has said that the agency is ready to upgrade its technology in order to continue to be top biosafety and biotechnology regulatory body on the continent.

Asagbra, who address a press conference on Tuesday on achievements of the agency in recent time, said: “Nigeria’s biosafety processes are on par with, if not ahead of, those in other African countries like Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. Our agency has received international recognition for its robust regulatory framework, which serves as a model for biosafety and biotechnology regulation across the continent.

“These countries also have robust biosafety regulations but our Biosafety system still ranks high because of the top notch international standard that is applied. For instance, Kenya has been at the forefront of GMO research and commercialization in Africa, with its National Biosafety Authority approving the environmental release of Bt cotton. Similarly, South Africa has been growing GMO crops since 1997 and has a well-established regulatory system.”

She said: “We are top here in Africa but not ready to rest on our oars. We want to upgrade on our technology in order to be on top of our trade.”

She explained that: “The Biosafety Law in Nigeria is more than just legislation; it’s a commitment to the nation’s sustainable future. It ensures that as Nigeria harnesses the benefits of modern biotechnology, it does so responsibly, with the utmost regard for the health of its people and the environment.”

Asagbra appealed that: “Let us embrace the advancements in safe modern biotechnology with an informed perspective. Let us trust in the rigorous processes that have been established to protect us all. Together, we can move towards a future where food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth go hand in hand.”

She noted that the establishment of the NBMA has led to the development of biosafety frameworks of international standards, including a GMO detection and analysis laboratory, national biosafety policies, and regulatory instruments, insisting that: “These measures have positioned Nigeria as a leader in biosafety regulation in Africa, influencing other countries’ biosafety practices.”

Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa

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Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue

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Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected cattle rustler in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 4:20 p.m. on April 15, 2026, at Anule community.

According to the sources, troops of Sector 1 OPWS deployed in the area arrested the suspect during ongoing security operations.

The suspect is currently in custody, while further investigation is underway to determine possible links to cattle rustling activities in the area.

Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue

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Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue

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Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 5:19 p.m. on April 15, 2026, following intelligence on the presence of a suspected criminal hiding in Tse Atu community.

According to the sources, troops of Sector 1 OPWS deployed at Anguhah and Umbagbo swiftly responded and conducted a targeted operation in the area.

During the operation, one suspect was apprehended, while a motorcycle believed to be linked to the suspect was also recovered.

The suspect and the recovered item are currently in custody, while further investigation is ongoing to ascertain the suspect’s involvement in criminal activities.

Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue

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Army distributes fertilisers to farmers in Benue to boost security, livelihoods

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Army distributes fertilisers to farmers in Benue to boost security, livelihoods

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army has distributed fertilisers to farmers across various Local Government Areas of Benue State as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at enhancing food security and strengthening civil-military relations.

The event, held on April 15, 2026, was conducted by the Commander, Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brig.-Gen. K.O. Bukoye, under the Army Headquarters Corporate Responsibility Project.

The initiative, themed “Using Agricultural Support to Improve Farming for Sustained Security,” is designed to support local farmers while promoting stability within the Joint Operations Area.

Security sources said the programme brought together community leaders, farmers, and other key stakeholders, alongside representatives of the OPWS Commander.

They noted that the intervention is part of ongoing efforts to foster cooperation between security forces and local communities, while addressing underlying factors contributing to insecurity.

Army distributes fertilisers to farmers in Benue to boost security, livelihoods

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