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Tuggar Calls for Peace and Stability in West Africa
Tuggar Calls for Peace and Stability in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who is the Chair of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on governments and citizens of West Africa to work for peace and stability of the sub-region, stating that political stability remains the foundation of development.
Speaking at the 53rd Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ministerial level convened in Abuja on Thursday, which focused on the pressing challenges confronting the West African region, Tuggar In his opening remarks, said: “Without stability, the aspirations of our people for prosperity and progress will remain unfulfilled. We must strengthen governance frameworks and promote inclusive, peaceful political transitions,”
Tuggar also celebrated the successful elections in Ghana and Senegal as exemplars of democratic consolidation in the region.
He emphasized the growing threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism, and organised crime, urging member states to redouble efforts in collective security.
On the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism concluding this year, Tuggar called for a forward-looking strategy to sustain regional security.
In his remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, painted a picture of both progress and challenges.
He said as the regional body prepare to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of regional integration efforts, it is faced with the impending withdrawal of some member states.
He said that the act calls for a re-commitment to shared values of democracy, constitutionalism, and good governance.
Touray highlighted achievements, such as the absence of piracy incidents in 2024, credited to enhanced maritime security operations led by Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.
He also commended the progress in operationalizing the ECOWAS Standby Force, which is set to enhance the region’s capacity for rapid response to security threats.
Both leaders stressed the dire humanitarian situation, with millions displaced due to food insecurity, climate-related disasters, and political instability.
They called for the operationalization of National Early Warning and Response Centres and measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, essential for fostering resilience.
The meeting also deliberated on the establishment of a Special Tribunal in The Gambia for prosecuting human rights violations and the need for greater unity against external influences and disinformation campaigns.
The discussions resonated with a common call for regional unity. “Our unity as a region and strong partnerships with the global community have been the bedrock of our success,” Dr. Touray emphasized. He proposed a “Summit of the Future” to address geo-political challenges and safeguard ECOWAS’s collective identity and values.
As deliberations continue, the leaders remain optimistic that the outcomes of this session will further cement ECOWAS’s role as a beacon of peace, stability, and progress for the region. “Let us reaffirm our collective commitment to a peaceful, secure, and united West Africa,” Tuggar urged as he declared the session open.
The 53rd MSC session marks a pivotal moment for ECOWAS as it navigates complex regional and global dynamics while striving to secure a prosperous future for its people.
The meeting underscored the region’s commitment to collective security, democratic governance, and economic development amid increasing political, security, and humanitarian crises.
Tuggar Calls for Peace and Stability in West Africa
Southern Borno: Zulum Spends Night in Uba, Condoles Communities in Warebe and Uba
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has continued his tour of southern Borno following recent attacks in parts of Gwoza and Askira-Uba Local Government Areas. The Governor spent the night in Uba and paid condolence visits to affected communities in Warebe and Uba.
During the visit, Zulum acknowledged and commended the efforts of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters for their unwavering commitment to protecting their communities despite ongoing security challenges.
The Governor also inspected the ongoing construction of the Uba General Hospital and the Emir’s Palace, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and encouraged the contractor to maintain the standard. He further directed the Ministry of Health to conclude arrangements for deploying doctors and nurses ahead of the hospital’s completion.
Similarly, Zulum visited Lassa General Hospital, several schools, and Uvu community area in Askira-Uba, where he assessed ongoing projects and assured residents of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare, education, and community security.
Additionally, the Governor approved the rehabilitation of Central Secondary School, Uba, as part of efforts to strengthen education infrastructure in the region.
Southern Borno: Zulum Spends Night in Uba, Condoles Communities in Warebe and Uba
Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum has said that he has spent about N100b cumulatively in 2025 to improve security in the state.
He made the revelation recently when
visited the Emir of Uba Ali Ibn Mamza at his Palace.
The Governor noted that the visit aims at assessing the current security situation in Askira/Uba council area of the state and its environs and preparing to step up where there are obvious challenges in the security architecture.
The Governor however acknowledged that he is aware that the lingering insecurity situation actually scares road contractors who have been hired to construct road networks in and around the communities.
He nonetheless assured the Monarch and residents of more road constructions in the near future with a proposal for the establishment of a tertiary institution a computer training institution and more.
” I am on a tour most especially to asses the security situation in this area of the state. I will meet with the security agents to make sure we have greater input in the security in Askira/Uba.
” Security is important without it, peace cannot be guaranteed. I have plans to construct roads but the problem is no contractor will want to come down here and work.
“That’s why I will be establishing a quarry in Gworza which will be backed by the purchase of 100 trucks so that our road maintenance agency can construct roads easily.
“On higher institution I assure you, i will build a higher institution before I leave office. I will also build a Computer Institute, Jamb training center and a tertiary institution in Uba. We have a lot of plans for education, health and more. We spent a lot to make we put structures on ground”.
Responding the Emir of Uba Alhaji Ali Ibn Samaila (ii) said “You’ve done a lot for us with many projects. If not for you we will be suffering.
“If the Constitution was amenable we would want you to continue with the good works. May God bless you”.
Tragedy struck the council area recently when about 13 female farmers were abducted in Askira Uba. While residents lamented their plight, one escaped back home leaving 12 others in the Sambisa who were later rescued by hunters.
Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state
Cross River: Army foils abduction, rescues victims from suspected sea pirates
By: Zagazola Makama
Four passengers abducted by suspected sea pirates on the waterways between Nigeria and Cameroon have been rescued unharmed by the Nigerian Army, security sources confirmed.
The incident occurred on 2 December 2025 when Ebuka Clinton, Alice David Albino, Usin Divine, and another passenger boarded a commercial speed boat from Ikang Beach, Bakassi, to Isanghele Fishing Pond in Cameroon.
They were intercepted and taken hostage by suspected sea pirates to an unknown location on the waterways.
On spotting a Nigerian Army patrol boat, the assailants fired sporadically and abandoned the victims in their attempt to escape to the Cameroonian creeks using another speed boat.
One of the victims, Blessing Bassey Edem of Ikang, sustained a bullet injury on her right buttock. She and the other passengers were later rescued and conveyed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for treatment, where they are reported to be responding to medical attention.
Authorities are monitoring the waterways to prevent further abduction attempts.
Cross River: Army foils abduction, rescues victims from suspected sea pirates
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