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Tuggar Calls for Peace and Stability in West Africa

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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

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AU, Nigeria sign MoU to strengthen fight against terrorism

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AU, Nigeria sign MoU to strengthen fight against terrorism

By; Zagazola Makama

The African Union Commission and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism across the continent.

The agreement was signed on Sept. 8 by Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

The MoU provides a framework to enhance cooperation and coordination between the AU and Nigeria on counterterrorism initiatives.

Adeoye said the partnership underscored the commitment of both parties to addressing the growing threat of terrorism through coordinated strategies, capacity building and information sharing.

The areas of collaboration include real-time information sharing, deployment of NCTC experts to the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre (AUCTC), joint research, as well as support for victim recovery, deradicalisation and reintegration.

A Joint Working Group is to be established to monitor progress and oversee the implementation of the MoU.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of Nigeria and the African Union to promote peace and security across Africa.

AU, Nigeria sign MoU to strengthen fight against terrorism

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Residents of Kachia call for media attention as bandit attacks escalate

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Residents of Kachia call for media attention as bandit attacks escalate

By: Zagazola Makama

Residents of Kachia Local Government Area in Kaduna State have raised concerns over the apparent underreporting of recurring bandit attacks and kidnappings in the area, urging major media houses to take notice.

In a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Agbo Gabriel, the community expressed frustration that despite enduring more than two years without consistent electricity, and relying on solar power where possible, the security challenges in Kachia and surrounding villages have largely gone unreported.

According to the statement, in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025, bandits attacked Wakeh village in Agunu District, killing eight people, injuring many others, and burning homes and property.

The attacks, the statement says, have similarly affected Ankwa, Bishini, Katari, and other villages, leaving communities displaced, traumatised, and in despair.

“The poor people of Kachia town, who used to host internally displaced persons from surrounding villages, are now themselves being targeted,” Rev. Fr. Gabriel said. “Kidnappings from farms and homes are happening daily, yet media coverage remains virtually absent. We are forced to ask: where are the correspondents or reporters of major media houses in Kaduna and Kachia?”

The statement appealed to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to urgently address the insecurity in Kachia LGA, highlighting the area’s potential and importance to the state. Residents also called for stronger community-based surveillance, engagement of local leaders, and collective action to protect vulnerable villages.

Rev. Fr. Gabriel emphasised that local vigilance is critical at this time, urging residents to report suspicious activities and support one another in defending their communities.

“Kachia is a land of great potential and does not deserve such neglect,” the statement concluded. “Media houses, we need your attention. Kachia too exists.”

Zagazola report that the Kaduna State had not released any statement regarding the unfortunate incident.

Residents of Kachia call for media attention as bandit attacks escalate

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Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA foil bandits’ attack in Katsina

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Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA foil bandits’ attack in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and Police Command in Katsina State, have foiled an attempted attack by armed bandits in Malumfashi Local Government Area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:35 p.m. following credible intelligence that armed bandits on motorcycles were heading towards Gora village.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and other security operatives, intercepted the bandits and engaged in a fierce gun duel.

The bandits fled in disarray under superior firepower. No casualty was recorded, and calm has since returned to the area,”said sources.

The sources added that aggressive patrols and clearance operations had been intensified to track down the fleeing criminals.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA foil bandits’ attack in Katsina

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