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Thirty-nine Young Nigerians Begin Legislative Internship Through EU-Sponsored Programme

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Thirty-nine Young Nigerians Begin Legislative Internship Through EU-Sponsored Programme

By: Michael Mike

The European Union, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme Phase II, has welcomed 39 young Nigerians into the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) Legislative Internship Programme.

This initiative offers a rare opportunity for young graduates to gain hands-on experience with legislative practices and processes at Nigeria’s National Assembly.

Spanning 10 weeks, the programme is designed to provide interns with practical exposure to legislative work, fostering engagement and networking opportunities with members and staff of the 10th National Assembly.

The programme beyond career development, also aims to create networking opportunities and promote skills essential for legislative engagement.

At the opening ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), highlighted the significance of the internship and its role in empowering young Nigerians to be active participants in democratic governance.

He said: “The EU is committed to supporting democratic governance and the empowerment of young Nigerians through this internship programme.”

De Luca added that: “We believe that investing in youth capacity and legislative knowledge is fundamental to building a more inclusive, transparent, and effective democracy. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire a new generation of leaders who will actively contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.”

The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, while welcoming the new interns, explaining that the programme reflects PLAC’s dedication, with the support of the European Union, to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic governance.

He said: “The Legislative Internship Programme is more than just an opportunity to learn the inner workings of the National Assembly; it is a platform for young Nigerians to engage meaningfully in our democracy,” noting that: “By gaining firsthand experience in legislative processes, these interns are not only enhancing their skills but also helping to lay the foundation for stronger, more accountable governance in Nigeria. We are proud to partner with the European Union to provide this transformative experience.”

Nwankwo also outlined the opportunities the internship offers, such as learning research methods for legislative committee assignments, participating in oversight, gaining knowledge of the legislative framework, and familiarising interns with key legislative documents like Bills, the Order Paper and Hansard. By the end of the programme, interns are expected to have a deeper understanding of how a bill is passed into law and the intricacies of the lawmaking process.

The EU-funded Legislative Internship Programme is a significant step in promoting the participation and involvement of young professionals in governance, aiming to build a generation of leaders with the skills and dedication needed to contribute effectively to Nigeria’s democratic development.

The Legislative Internship Programme, organised by PLAC and funded by the EU, is a full-time initiative aimed at young Nigerians seeking insights into the legislative process. Participants are selected from across the states, with the EU fully funding the programme since 2018. Previously backed by the UK government, the EU took over funding to further its efforts in democratic empowerment and support for youth in governance.
Despite being 100% funded by the EU, PLAC has worked closely to maintain the programme’s visibility while navigating the balance between EU support and PLAC’s programme ownership.

Thirty-nine Young Nigerians Begin Legislative Internship Through EU-Sponsored Programme

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Police foil bandits’ attack, recover AK-47 rifle in Abuja

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Police foil bandits’ attack, recover AK-47 rifle in Abuja

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have foiled an attempted kidnapping by a notorious bandit gang and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a midnight operation in the outskirts of the territory.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation followed credible intelligence from the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) of the Force Headquarters about a planned attack led by a gang leader identified as Idrisa, also known as Mai Duna.

Acting swiftly, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit laid an ambush between 9 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 1 a.m. on Oct. 11 along the rail track near Grow Home Estate, a location bordering the FCT and Niger State.

The armed gang, divided into two groups targeting Grow Home Estate and Royal Champion Church in Chikakore, Byazhin District, was intercepted by the police team.

A fierce gun duel ensued, lasting about 20 minutes, after which the bandits were subdued, forcing many to flee with suspected gunshot wounds.

During the search of the area, police recovered an AK-47 rifle with a defaced breech number, one magazine, and a live round of 7.62mm ammunition.

Reinforcement from the military, DSS, and local hunters was deployed to the area to secure the communities and block escape routes.

Sources said that the Commissioner of Police assured residents of continued security presence and renewed commitment to maintaining peace and safety in the FCT.

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit has commenced further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Police foil bandits’ attack, recover AK-47 rifle in Abuja

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Police arrest mentally unstable woman for killing IDP in Monguno

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Police arrest mentally unstable woman for killing IDP in Monguno

By: Zagazola Makama

The Borno State Police Command has arrested a mentally unstable woman for allegedly killing a fellow internally displaced person (IDP) in Monguno Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said that on Oct. 10, 2025, at about 4:35 p.m., one Modu Kolomi of RRR IDPs Camp reported that a woman identified as Yagana Zara, aged 40, of the Water Board IDPs Camp, attacked his wife, Yagana Abba Butu, aged 30, with a wooden stirrer.

The suspect, said to be mentally challenged, allegedly beat the victim severely, resulting in fatal internal injuries.

Security forces Monguno promptly visited the scene, rescued the suspect from mob action, and evacuated the victim to the General Hospital, Monguno, where she was confirmed dead on arrival.

The body was deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy and later released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.

According to sources, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation, while the suspect has been taken to a state psychiatric facility for mental evaluation.
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Troops rescue three kidnapped victims, sustain offensive against bandits in Kwara

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Troops rescue three kidnapped victims, sustain offensive against bandits in Kwara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims during sustained operations against bandits in parts of Kwara State.

The operation, conducted on Saturday, Oct. 11, followed credible intelligence that led troops deployed at the Patrol Base Babanla to a suspected bandit hideout within the Babanla Forest.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops rescued Mrs. Oluwabusayo Taiwo, 25, and her three-year-old son, Taiwo Irayomide, who were abducted at Oke-Ode on Sept. 28.

The victims, who were found in stable condition, are receiving first aid treatment at the Patrol Base sick bay and are expected to be reunited with their family members soon.

In a separate operation, troops on routine patrol along a suspected bandit route also rescued a local tea seller, Mr. Mohammadu Sani, popularly known as Mai Shayi, aged 40, from Garkarima community.

According to the sources l, the bandits fled upon sighting the patrol team, abandoning the victim, who was found in a pool of blood. Troops recovered one dane gun and a cutlass from the scene.

Sani is currently receiving medical attention at the Patrol Base sick bay.

The Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the safety and security of citizens, pledging that troops would continue to intensify operations aimed at restoring peace and stability across Kwara State and its environs.

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims, sustain offensive against bandits in Kwara

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