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Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa
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
Troops Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Rescue Injured Victim in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71 of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled a kidnapping attempt along a highway in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 12:15 a.m. on May 21 when troops deployed at Ungwan Gora checkpoint responded to distress information on suspected kidnappers operating along the road at Ungwan Dariya village.
The troops reportedly moved swiftly to the location, forcing the suspected kidnappers to abandon their mission and flee into surrounding areas.
During the operation, one victim was rescued with injuries sustained during the attack.
The victim was immediately evacuated to Confidence Hospital, Fadan Karshi, for medical treatment.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while patrols had been intensified along the axis to prevent further incidents.
Troops Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Rescue Injured Victim in Kaduna
Suspected Kidnap Collaborator Dies in Custody After Arrest in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected collaborator of kidnappers has died after becoming unconscious while in military custody in Nasarawa State.
Security sources said troops of Sector 2 under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) intercepted the suspect at about 7:00 a.m. on May 19 at Ancha community in Akwanga Local Government Area.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended at Anguwan Makama following allegations of involvement in activities linked to kidnapping operations in the area.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly became unconscious.
He was immediately evacuated to Nunku Primary Health Care Centre for medical attention, where he was confirmed dead by health officials.
Sources added that the remains of the deceased were released to his family for burial in accordance with local customs.
Security authorities said further assessment would continue in line with standard procedures, while operations against kidnapping networks in the area remain ongoing.
Suspected Kidnap Collaborator Dies in Custody After Arrest in Nasarawa
U.S. AFRICOM Delegation Visits Maiduguri, Reaffirms Counterterrorism Cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
A delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has visited the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri to strengthen ongoing counterterrorism cooperation in the Lake Chad region.
Security sources said the delegation, led by the Deputy Director of Operations/Cyber, Rear Admiral Cameron Chen, arrived at Maimalari Cantonment on May 20, where they were received by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal O.F. Akinboyewa.
The visit featured a detailed briefing on the current threat assessment in the North-East and ongoing counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the theatre of operations.
Discussions during the engagement focused on enhancing intelligence sharing, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support, logistics interdiction, and improved operational coordination within the Lake Chad basin.
The delegation also reviewed ongoing multinational efforts aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and disrupting logistics networks across the region.
Security sources said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration under counterterrorism and counter-insurgency frameworks, including preparations for Operation Lake Sanity III.
The visit was described as successful and conducted without incident.
Authorities noted that international cooperation remains a key component in sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
U.S. AFRICOM Delegation Visits Maiduguri, Reaffirms Counterterrorism Cooperation
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Troops Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Rescue Injured Victim in Kaduna
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