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Nigeria’s War on Wildlife Trafficking Receives Equipment Boost From UNODC
Nigeria’s War on Wildlife Trafficking Receives Equipment Boost From UNODC
By: Michael Mike
United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) has given a boost to the ongoing war by the Nigerian government on wildlife trafficking in the country by donating wildlife monitoring and enforcement equipment to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Director General of NESREA, Prof. Aliyu Jauro while receiving the equipment on Wednesday in Abuja noted that the sophisticated methods being adopted by traffickers, equally requires modern tools in tracking and arresting wildlife criminals.
He said the provision of Real time equipment by UNODC would greatly enhance wildlife monitoring, investigation, intelligence gathering, enforcement, evidence collection, data generation, data management and transmission.
Jauro assured that the country was taking all the necessary steps to rid the country of wildlife crimes, adding that the recent destruction of seized wildlife stockpiles was intended to discourage perpetrators of the crime and also send out the signal that the country would not tolerate any form of wildlife crime on its soil.
The DG also revealed that Nigeria had put in place the necessary checks at the border posts in the bid to frustrate the activities of those who seek to use the country as a transit hub for illegal shipment of controlled wildlife and their products.
The NESREA boss expressed appreciation to the UNODC while adding that the gadgets would be deployed to the Zonal and State Field Offices of the Agency, particularly those that have been identified as hotspots for traffickers.
The Programme Officer for the UNODC, Folusho Adeleke commended the efforts of the Nigerian government in reducing the rate of wildlife crime in Nigeria, stating that NESREA as the CITES enforcement authority would continue to receive the support it needs to achieve its mandate.
The equipment donated to the Agency include, GPS trackers, digital binoculars, digital video camera, laptops and desktops, weighing scales, walkie –talkies, foot wears, magnifying lens, digital camera binoculars, calipers, among others.
Nigeria’s War on Wildlife Trafficking Receives Equipment Boost From UNODC
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
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