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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
Boko Haram Terrorists Ambush Vigilantes in Borno, One Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have ambushed members of a vigilante group on routine patrol along the Warave–Gwoza Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing one member.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday when the gunmen opened fire on members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters conducting patrol in the area.
A member of the CJTF in Warave, Bello Adamu, 50, sustained fatal injuries during the ambush. He was evacuated to the General Hospital in Gwoza, where he was certified dead on arrival. His remains were later released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI were deployed to the scene following the incident, while monitoring and patrols have been intensified along the axis to prevent further attacks.
Boko Haram Terrorists Ambush Vigilantes in Borno, One Killed
Troops Neutralise Four Terrorists in Offensive Operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised Four suspected Boko Haram terrorists during an offensive operation in Shehuri area of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola that the operation, conducted at about 9:15 a.m. on Feb. 25 under Operation Desert Sanity IV, led to the interception and engagement of the terrorists.
Following the encounter, troops carried out exploitation of the area, during which four insurgents were neutralised.
Items recovered from the scene included AKSM automatic rifle and pump-action rifle with cartridges and magazines.
Sources added that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as clearance operations continue across parts of the state.
Troops Neutralise Four Terrorists in Offensive Operation in Borno
Lakurawa Terrorists on revenge Mission Kill Four Worshippers in Kebbi Mosque, Five Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Lakurawa terrorists on a revenge mission have attacked Dadinkowa village in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing four worshippers and injuring five others after storming a mosque.
Sources said the attackers invaded the community and opened fire on worshippers, leaving four persons dead and five others with varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims were rushed to a medical facility for treatment.
The latest attack is believed to be a reprisal following a failed ambush on the convoy of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Maj.-Gen. Bemgha Koughna, during an operational tour in the state.
On Wednesday, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma reportedly foiled the ambush near Mayama Hill, neutralising five suspected terrorists. Weapons and other items recovered during the operation included one OJC gun, one PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, a camel bag containing N840,000, two mobile phones and five motorcycles.
Security sources said the terrorists were suspected to have launched the mosque attack in retaliation for the heavy losses recorded during the failed ambush.
Operation FANSAN YANMA have assured that efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the latest assault.
Lakurawa Terrorists on revenge Mission Kill Four Worshippers in Kebbi Mosque, Five Injured
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