News
UNHCR: About 7m persons forcefully displaced in West African… Nigeria hosts higher number of over 3.5m
UNHCR: About 7m persons forcefully displaced in West African
… Nigeria hosts higher number of over 3.5m
By: Michael Mike
The United United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has emphasized the need for the protection of refugee, lamenting that no fewer than 6,976,470 million persons have been forcibly displaced due to conflicts and violence within the ECOWAS sub-region.
The United Nations Refugee Agency, noted that of the total displaced persons, 624,124 are listed refugees seeking asylum.
Also included in the figure is 6,352,346 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
UNHCR revealed that Nigeria and Burkina Faso are currently hosting the largest populations of displaced individuals, with 3,578,996 and 2,062,534 people respectively, with Niger currently accommodating the largest refugee population, totalling 325,419 individuals.
The was revealed by the Director of UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa, Mr. Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde during the signing of a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UNHCR and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission aimed at protecting the rights of refugees in the West African subregion
The revised MOU, which was initially signed between the two institutions in 2001, now adds new areas of collaboration, such as the identification and protection of refugees found in risky migration movements, statelessness, emergency management, and long-term solutions to forcible displacements.
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with the signing of the revised MOU have reached an agreement to enhance their cooperation in safeguarding the rights and well-being of refugees, stateless individuals, and internally displaced persons within the region.
The agreement was based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed between the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E Dr Omar Alieu Touray, and the Director of UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa, Mr. Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde.
Touray outlined some of the ECOWAS Commission’s initiatives to address the political and humanitarian crises in the region and said the organisation’s member states are assiduously working to address the underlying causes of the conflicts in the area through diplomatic and political engagements. The ECOWAS President expressed confidence in the Commission’s continued efforts in these areas to produce fruitful results.
Mr. Gnon-Konde, on his part said there is an ongoing occurrence of violent conflicts, disasters, and insecurity in various countries.
This, he said has forcefully compelled a number of individuals to leave their residences, both within the sub-region and beyond.
He therefore described UNHCR’s collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission as long-lasting, highly productive, and relevant in view of the current humanitarian context confronting the sub-region.
He noted that UNHCR also collaborates closely with other ECOWAS institutions, especially with the ECOWAS Court of Justice and the ECOWAS Parliament, with which UNHCR has previously signed distinct MOUs to address forcible displacement issues within the ECOWAS sub-region, building on the specific mandates of each of these institutions.
UNHCR: About 7m persons forcefully displaced in West African
… Nigeria hosts higher number of over 3.5m
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued three kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was conducted on April 25 at about 9:00 p.m. by troops of 1 Brigade in collaboration with hybrid forces deployed at Kulchin Kalgo.
The sources said the troops advanced to Bilbis area following intelligence on the presence of terrorists and made contact with the armed group.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight, forcing them to flee and abandon three kidnapped victims in the process.
The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the district head of Bilbis for safe custody and further reunification with their families.
The sources added that the troops have continued exploitation of the area to track fleeing suspects, while the general security situation remains under close monitoring.
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 10:30 a.m., when troops deployed at Agidi responded to reports of a kidnap incident in Abenga and Mabur communities.
The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the suspected kidnappers, engaging them during the operation.
According to the sources, the troops overpowered the criminals, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the rescue of one kidnapped victim.
The sources added that the apprehended suspects and the rescued victim have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and necessary action.
They assured that security forces will continue to intensify operations to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue
Troops, DSS arrest suspected IPOB/ESN member in Enugu raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a raid in Enugu State.
Sources said that the operation was carried out on April 25 at about 6:20 p.m. by troops of 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion.
The sources said the joint team conducted the raid at Obinofia Ndiagu village, where one suspected IPOB/ESN operative was apprehended.
According to the sources, three mobile phones were recovered from the suspect during the operation.
They added that the suspect and recovered items are currently in the custody of the 82 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.
The sources noted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in the South-East.
Troops, DSS arrest suspected IPOB/ESN member in Enugu raid
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue victim in Kaduna
Troops arrest 10 suspects in Benue offensive operation
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