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Nigeria Validates 7th Biodiversity Report, Signals Renewed Push Toward 2030 Global Targets
Nigeria Validates 7th Biodiversity Report, Signals Renewed Push Toward 2030 Global Targets
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has taken a decisive step to reinforce its environmental commitments with the validation of its Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity at a high-level workshop in Abuja on Monday.
The validation workshop, brought together government officials, environmental experts, civil society actors, researchers, development partners and community representatives to review and endorse the country’s latest biodiversity performance assessment.
Describing the exercise as a defining moment for Nigeria’s environmental governance, the Director of Forestry, Hajiya Halima Bawa-Bwari, said the national report goes far beyond a routine international obligation.
According to her, the document serves as a critical reflection of Nigeria’s achievements, gaps and future priorities in conserving its vast biological wealth.
“The National Report is not just a statutory submission. It is a mirror of our collective journey — our progress, our challenges and our aspirations in protecting the natural heritage entrusted to us,” she stated.
Bawa-Bwari emphasized that biodiversity underpins food security, climate resilience, economic livelihoods and cultural identity across the country. She warned that accelerating ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and climate pressures demand coordinated and urgent action.
Bawa- Bwari represented by Ahmed Labaran, Assistant Director, Forestry commended the contributions of ministries, research institutions, civil society organisations, local communities and development partners in shaping the draft report, noting that biodiversity conservation requires sustained collaboration, innovation and inclusivity.
Participants were urged to ensure that the final document aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which sets ambitious targets for halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.
“Our deliberations must strengthen national resolve, integrate biodiversity into development planning, and mobilize the financial and technical resources required for implementation,” she said, calling for integrity and professionalism in validating the report.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, in his remarks, described the Seventh National Report as coming at a pivotal time for global and domestic biodiversity action. He stressed that Nigeria’s revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) remains the country’s principal roadmap for translating global environmental commitments into measurable national outcomes.
The Minister, who was represented by Tijani Ahmed, Deputy Director Forestry, said the validation process must guarantee that the report is evidence-based, comprehensive and reflective of realities on the ground.
“The report must not end as an international filing exercise,” the Minister stated. “Its findings should inform policy coordination ent decisions, guide resource mobilization and strengthen accountability in implementing the NBSAP.”
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, calling for stronger inter-agency coordination, sustainable financing mechanisms, improved environmental data systems and the meaningful participation of sub-national governments, indigenous communities, women, youth and the private sector.
Stakeholders at the workshop expressed optimism that the finalized report will not only highlight Nigeria’s progress but also chart a renewed and ambitious path toward achieving the 2030 biodiversity targets.
With the validation concluded, Nigeria signals its intent to remain actively engaged in global biodiversity governance while strengthening domestic efforts to safeguard ecosystems critical to national development and future generations.
Nigeria Validates 7th Biodiversity Report, Signals Renewed Push Toward 2030 Global Targets
News
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.
Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.
At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.
The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.
The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.
Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.
They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
News
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the captivity of bandits.
The government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, described the development as tragic and a major loss to the state and the nation.
According to the statement, the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The government said that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.
It noted that the late officer’s abduction and subsequent death represented not only a loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for intensified efforts against criminal elements threatening peace and security.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that the government remained resolute in its determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property across the state.
The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
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