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NSCDC, Search for Common Ground Organise Capacity Building for Civil Defence Officers
NSCDC, Search for Common Ground Organise Capacity Building for Civil Defence Officers
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in conjunction with Search for Common Ground; a Nigerian International Non Governmental Organisation has organised a 5-Day Capacity Building Training on “Common Ground Approach and Early Warning and Early Response To Conflict” for officers of the NSCDC.
The training witnessed participants who are top management staff officers of the NSCDC at Sandralia Hotel in Abuja.
The training programme was organised to provide the participants and others with the tools, insights, and strategies necessary to navigate the pressing security challenges facing the country .
While declaring the conference open, the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi said the training is to enhance development and result -oriented outcome .
The NSCDC Boss said: “Discipline starts from training and retraining, we will continue to leverage on the regular training programs because we are also product of regular training programs which has helped us to evolve professionally and gives us much required impetus to always live up to expectation.”
Audi, in his address, traced the beginning of the present day insurgency years back and lamented that what started like a child’s play has now developed to full scale monsters such as kidnapping, banditry in the North and militancy in the South South.
He postulated that to strengthen the nation’s Security architecture there is need for improvement in the area of synergy among the security agencies, adding that the present collaboration has started to yield more positive results.
He said: “We can trace the genesis of the present day insurgency to sometime in 2007. When stated somewhere in a particular state has now spread to every corner of the country with various names as banditry and kidnapping in the North East, North West and North Central to Militancy and agitators in the South South and South East.
“One thing that is constant with the present reality is that no particular security agency can lay claim to holistic strategy on how to combat this insurgency.
This is time to improve on synergy among the security agencies in the country.
“Interestingly, the synergy among the security agencies are improving in recent time with the exhibition of 3 Cs; Collaboration, Coordination and Cooperation
The good working relationship is now conspicuous and we look forward to more favourable working relationship. “
In her welcome address the Country’ Director of Search for Common Ground, Fatimah Abubakar, who was represented by Director of Programme, Miss Gift Owonipa, lauded efforts and sacrifice of the NSCDC and other security agencies in the country adding that the workshop is being organized to strengthen operational responses to emerging contemporary security threats.
She said: “We will like to recognize the immense sacrifice that NSCDC makes on daily basis together with other security agencies in safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians especially the country’s infrastructure and salute your courage in the face of adversity.
“We have come to realize that the country has continue to grapple with myriad of conflict such as inter communal clashes , insurgency, banditry, militancy , cultism and other form of violence and conflict.
This training represents a significant step towards empowering the participants to imbibe an early warning early response system and is expected to foster a safer, more stable and peaceful Nigeria. ” She disclosed.
NSCDC, Search for Common Ground Organise Capacity Building for Civil Defence Officers
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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