Connect with us

News

UN: 140 aid workers kills, 460 others victims of major attacks globally Draft

Published

on

UN: 140 aid workers kills, 460 others victims of major attacks globally

UN: 140 aid workers kills, 460 others victims of major attacks globally

By Olatunji Omirin

The United Nations Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale has confirmed that a total number of 140 humanitarian workers were killed globally while 460 others were victims in 267 major attacks including Nigeria.

Mr. Matthias stated this an event to commemorating of World Humanitarian Day 2022, theme, “#ItTakesAVillage is built upon the metaphor, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ held in Maiduguri on Friday.

“Since 2016, 35 aid workers have been killed in north-east Nigeria, according to the Aid Worker Security Database (AWSD). Twenty-two have been wounded and 28 kidnapped. So far in 2022, six aid workers have been kidnapped and one has been killed in the region (AWSD).

“Globally, in 2021 some 460 aid workers were victims in 267 major attacks: 140 aid workers were killed, 203 seriously injured and 117 kidnapped. This marks the highest number of aid worker fatalities recorded since 2013, according to Humanitarian Outcomes,” he said.

According to him, the humanitarian community in north-east Nigeria honors all aid workers stepping up to respond each day to the crisis in the region by providing life-saving assistance to millions of women, children and men.

“Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a whole community to help people in need; to provide urgent health care, shelter, food, protection, transportation, security, water and much more.

“Despite the many challenges in this crisis, we should all be immensely proud of the impact humanitarians have in north-east Nigeria. 

“Through our combined effort our humanitarian ‘village’ delivered assistance to five million people last year. That assistance saved countless lives, improved living conditions, and protected the most vulnerable people,” said Mr. Schmale.

He urged as World Humanitarian Day also advocates for the safety and security of aid workers, who often work in volatile and unpredictable environments. 

Mr. Schmale highlighted that, “As we celebrate this day, we must remember that 4.1 million people across the north-east are facing hunger, trying to cope with its dangerous repercussions. We must put them, and all crisis-affected people, at the center of World Humanitarian Day.”

He has reiterated the commitment of humanitarian community to supporting Borno and others hit by humanitarian crisis.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support

Published

on

NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched new WhatsApp and live chat support channels to improve customer service and ease access to National Identification Number (NIN) enquiries for Nigerians and legal residents.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and service reform agenda under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

According to NIMC, the newly introduced platforms are designed to provide faster, more convenient and real-time support services to the public, while reducing the need for physical visits to its offices.

The Commission stated that users can now access support through the live chat feature on its official website, NIMC Official Website, as well as through its official WhatsApp support line at +234 701 566 6971.

NIMC noted that the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to improve efficiency in public service delivery through technology-driven solutions.

The Commission explained that the platforms would offer prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and verified information relating to NIN services and identity management matters.

It added that the reforms being championed by Coker-Odusote are aimed at expanding access to identity services, strengthening public confidence, and enhancing operational efficiency across the Commission’s activities.

NIMC also urged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise only its official communication channels and remain vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent activities.

NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support

Continue Reading

News

Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander

Published

on

Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander

By: Zagazola Makama

The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says troops operating within the sector have neutralised more than 250 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during sustained offensive and defensive operations across Yobe and parts of southern Borno.

Martins disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu, where he highlighted major operational achievements recorded within the sector’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

He said the achievements were made through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at degrading the operational capability of terrorists and restoring security across critical locations.

According to him, troops carried out deep penetration and clearance operations into previously inaccessible terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Buk, Chileria, Kafa, Abbagajiri and Maisani.

He stated that over 50 terrorists were neutralised during offensive operations conducted within the Timbuktu Triangle, Bulabulin Forest and other identified hideouts.

Martins further disclosed that troops also foiled coordinated attacks on military formations at Kukareta, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir, Gonori, Buni Gari and Katarko, among other locations.

He said the failed attacks resulted in more than 200 terrorist casualties.

“In the course of these operations, troops recovered over 150 assorted weapons and large quantities of ammunition from the terrorists,” he said.

The commander listed some of the recovered items to include AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, hand grenades, mortar bombs, motorcycles, communication gadgets and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials.

He added that troops also discovered and destroyed terrorist life-support structures, detention facilities, IED fabrication sites and Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in Chileria, Buk and other identified locations.

Martins said intelligence-driven operations had equally disrupted terrorist logistics networks, leading to the arrest of more than 30 suspected logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators.

According to him, troops intercepted drugs, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and medical supplies suspected to be destined for insurgent groups.

The commander attributed the successes to sustained offensive pressure, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between troops and local communities.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 troops to sustaining operations aimed at eliminating remaining terrorist threats within the North-East theatre.

Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander

Continue Reading

News

Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War

Published

on

Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War

By: Zagazola Makama

The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says the Nigerian military has significantly enhanced operational mobility and surveillance capacity in the North-East through the repair of battle-damaged equipment and deployment of modern combat enablers.

Martins stated this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu while outlining operational and non-kinetic achievements recorded by the sector.

He said the sector successfully overhauled and repaired 30 battle-damaged and burnt armoured and tactical vehicles previously considered beyond economic repair.

According to him, the refurbishment programme has improved operational lift capability and increased firepower available to troops operating across the sector.

The commander said the initiative was part of efforts to sustain combat operations without waiting for prolonged procurement processes for new platforms.

He explained that the sector also procured critical operational equipment within available resources to improve troop effectiveness and communication.

The items, he said, included Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), surveillance cameras, tactical drones, Starlink communication systems, radios, repeaters, floodlights and inverters.

Martins noted that the equipment had enhanced surveillance capability, troop coordination and operational response within difficult terrains across the Area of Responsibility.

He added that troops also sustained Counter-IED and shoulder-clearance operations along major highways, particularly the Maiduguri-Damboa and Biu-Damboa routes, to improve troop mobility and reduce ambushes and roadside bomb attacks.

On non-kinetic operations, the commander said the sector intensified stakeholder engagements with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to strengthen civil-military relations and improve intelligence sharing.

He said troops also provided armed escorts for commuters and humanitarian organisations along vulnerable corridors, including the Maiduguri-Damboa, Damaturu-Maiduguri and Biu-Damboa roads.

According to him, Sector 2 conducted regular farm patrols to protect farmers during cultivation activities and supported reconciliation efforts between farmers and herders in flashpoint communities.

Martins said the sector further collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on humanitarian support, sensitisation campaigns and training on international humanitarian law.

He also commended vigilantes and Hybrid Forces for their contributions to intelligence gathering and deep insertion operations within difficult terrains.

The commander assured that troops would continue to sustain offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with communities to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.

Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights