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Northwest Governors, Niger Republic counterpart seek review of ECOWAS Article on movement of persons, arms
Northwest Governors, Niger Republic counterpart seek review of ECOWAS Article on movement of persons, arms
Governors of the Northwest and their counterparts in the Niger Republic call for a review of the ECOWAS Article on the movement of persons and arms to tackle the lingering security challenges in the region.
This is contained in a communique read on Tuesday by the Secretary of Katsina State Government (SSG), Alhaji Muntari Lawal at the end of a multilateral security meeting held in the state.
The meeting had in attendance, Gov. Schiabou Aboubacar of Maradi Region, as the convener, governors of Katsina, Sokoto, and also the Deputy governors of Zamfara and Kebbi.
“In the light of the bilateral arrangement on pursuit of criminals up to 30km by security agents across each other’s border between Nigeria and Niger Republic, the meeting recommends appropriate review of the ECOWAS Article on the movement of persons and arms.
“Considering the significance of the role of traditional rulers, security management, the meeting recommends periodic meeting of selected traditional rulers from the affected states to share information and exchange ideas on security management,” he said.
Lawal said the meeting noted that substantial proportion of the citizens of these states partake in animal husbandry or rearing as vacation for their livelihood.
He added that over time, however, this trade has been infiltrated by criminal elements leading to the menace of cattle rustling, armed banditry, kidnapping for ransom and proliferation of small arms, light weapons and ammunition.
The Katsina SSG said that after extensive deliberations, and observations, the meeting supported the operation ‘Hadarin Daji’, being conducted by the Military, covering Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi.
“There is therefore the need for Defence Headquarters clearance to these sectors to meet and develop unified strategies to combat the common security challenges bedeviling the areas.
“Accordingly. the meeting further recommends the need for stakeholders meeting involving all the heads of Security Agencies in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and the Kebbi States and Maradi and Tahoua regions to be hosted by the Headquarters of operation Hadarin Daji and facilitated by the governors of the affected states.
“The meeting also recommends that in the event of an express directive for a clearance operation, once it is started, it should be coordinated by land and air, and should not stop until it reaches its final point.
“For efficient and credible intelligence information dissemination and security management inclusiveness, the affected state governments are recommended to see to the establishment of emergency call centers and community-based structures.”
He added that relatedly, synergy and cooperation between contiguous local governments should also be enhanced in order to further facilitate intelligence sharing.
Lawal said the meeting wants all emergency centres across the participating states and Maradi Region interconnected for broader intelligence sharing.
“The meeting also noted and frowned at the manner some media practitioners render information or news items to the general public, which invariably portray bandits and other criminals as heroes,” he said.
He said that consequently, the meeting recommends that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should appraise the situation and reverse the trend, for the good of the people and the Nation.
“The meeting noted the overwhelming challenges being faced by security agencies and strongly appealed to the Nigerian and National Government of Niger Republic to deploy more resources to the security agencies manning this affected corridor.
“In order to ensure sustained and simultaneous operations accros the states, there is the need to provide adequate and sustained logistics like petrol, oil, labour, spare parts and rations;
“The meeting noted the rampant use of high-powered motorcycles such as Boxer’ by the bandits and strongly recommends the need to ban the importation of such motorcycles for a period of 24 months.
“The meeting further noted the negative perception of some people on military operations of this nature and recommends the need to educate the general public on the inevitability of collateral damage.
“The need is also recommended for continuous improvement of synergy between the Customs and Immigrations establishments of the affected four states and Maradi Region,” he said.
The SSG further said there is the need to enhance collaborative efforts between both countries, Nigeria and the Niger Republic to reduce arms and drug trafficking to the barest minimum.
He explained that for an all-inclusive effect, there is the need to include Kaduna and Niger States in any planned operation since they share common forests with the affected states.
“The meeting unanimously resolved the need for it to be held on rotational basis quarterly, and the next meeting agreed to hold in Zamfara State.
“Operational Secretariat of the meeting has been resolved to be temporarily domiciled at Katsina, Katsina State for the purposes of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of decisions/resolutions.
“The meeting then stressed the need for continued prayers by all and sundry for the Almighty Creator’s intercession to bring final succor to our people and the Nations of Niger and Nigeria,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol of Persons was instituted to enhance the economic development of West Africa’s citizens.
However, the regional body said studies have shown that the protocol has relatively aided transborder trafficking in persons, drugs, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).
Northwest Governors, Niger Republic counterpart seek review of ECOWAS Article on movement of persons, arms
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have neutralised a notorious bandit and recovered arms and ammunition during a raid on a hideout in Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on Jan. 8 at Yolan Gboka–Yama Da Lahdi, following sustained efforts to track and arrest perpetrators of the Dec. 16, 2025 attack on illegal miners at Tosho community in Fann District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
According to the sources, troops made contact with the bandits during the raid and engaged them in a firefight.
“One of the bandits was neutralised during the exchange of fire and was later identified as Sadiq Isah, while others fled the area,” the sources said.
The sources added that troops subsequently exploited the hideout and recovered two AK-47 rifles and 162 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.
The recovered arms and ammunition are currently in military custody, while troops have commenced follow-up operations to intercept the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities in the area.
Zagazola reports that Operation Enduring Peace is a joint security initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability across Plateau and neighbouring states.
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen intelligence gathering and operational readiness in the face of rising security threats across the country.
The call was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a ceremony to decorate 113 newly promoted NSCDC commandants. The minister, represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd), commended the Corps for its role in protecting critical national infrastructure, lives, and property.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for strategic intelligence mapping to counter emerging threats, particularly as the Corps now shoulders additional responsibilities for the protection of Very Important Personalities (VIPs), a role previously managed by the Nigeria Police Force.
He encouraged the newly promoted officers and all personnel to uphold the confidence placed in the service by President Bola Tinubu, noting that the merit-based promotions are designed to boost morale and enhance performance.
The Commandant General of NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi, urged the officers to mentor subordinates, embrace leadership responsibilities, and adhere strictly to merit-based postings. He warned against lobbying for preferred postings, affirming that performance and dedication would guide all administrative decisions.
Representing the promoted officers, Commandant Ekanem Ekpenyong pledged unwavering commitment to duty, promising to uphold integrity and the Corps’ Oath of Allegiance.
In a key highlight of the ceremony, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commandant. The event also featured goodwill messages from the Controller General of Corrections, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, and representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and the Department of State Services.
The ceremony underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen the NSCDC and reinforce its role in Nigeria’s security architecture.
FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers
Zulum commissions remodelled ‘2nd chance school’ for vulnerable girls
.Disburses N1bn to SMEs in 5 LGAs
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday commissioned a fully remodelled “Second Chance School” for vulnerable girls and women in Biu Local Government Area.
The newly inaugurated facility is part of a strategic initiative designed to offer adult women, including those who missed formal education or dropped out of school due to prevailing challenges, a pathway to self-reliance.
The school’s curriculum is tailored towards providing comprehensive skills’ acquisition, critical digital knowledge and basic literacy, and numeracy training.
With the Biu centre now operational, Zulum’s administration has established three such schools across the state, with existing centres already operational in Maiduguri and Bama.
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has disbursed N1 billion to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across five local government areas in southern Borno.
The targeted LGAs include Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo and Kwaya-Kusar, with the funds intended to support entrepreneurs and enhance business sustainability.
Zulum explained that the direct injection of capital into the SME sector is essential for driving grassroots development and fostering self-reliance in the post-insurgency recovery phase.
In a related development aimed at tackling youth restiveness and promoting social stability, Governor Zulum has ordered immediate employment of 200 young individuals from the Biu Local Government Area.
After the inauguration, Zulum visited Biu Specialist Hospital where he announced the immediate and automatic employment of a number of dedicated volunteer health workers who have served tirelessly.
He also inspected the 100-unit teachers’ housing estate under construction in Biu town. The estate is part of the Borno State Government’s motivational strategy to attract and retain qualified teaching professionals in public schools.
Governor Zulum has also directed immediate commencement of rehabilitation work on the Borno State Hotel Annexe in Biu.
Zulum commissions remodelled ‘2nd chance school’ for vulnerable girls
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
Nigeria Urges Europe and Africa to Build Bridges, Not Walls
FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers
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