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United Kingdom Strengthens Security, Youth and Women-Focused Partnership with Bayelsa
United Kingdom Strengthens Security, Youth and Women-Focused Partnership with Bayelsa
By: Michael Mike
The United Kingdom has reinforced its strategic partnership with Bayelsa State following a high-level working visit by the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Lever, underscoring deepening cooperation on security reform, youth resilience and women’s political empowerment.
Lever’s three-day visit centred on consolidating gains recorded under the UK-funded Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme—locally known as the Brighter Futures Programme—which targets vulnerable young people at risk of recruitment into criminal networks.
Officials said the initiative has achieved an 80 per cent diversion rate, equipping participants with vocational skills, mentorship and psychosocial support designed to redirect them toward productive livelihoods. With the programme’s current phase concluding in March 2026, full ownership will transition to the Bayelsa State Government, marking a significant step in institutionalising crime prevention efforts at the state level.
During talks with Governor Douye Diri, the Deputy High Commissioner reviewed the programme’s impact and explored avenues for expansion into additional local government areas and high-risk communities. In recognition of his sustained commitment to youth protection and crime prevention, the UK formally designated Governor Diri as a Prevent Ambassador.
The delegation also met with the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Gloria Diri, to discuss advancing women’s political participation and strengthening leadership opportunities for women and girls. Conversations focused on expanding support systems that promote inclusive governance and long-term social stability.
Engagement with civil society formed a key component of the visit. Representatives of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Civil Liberties Organisation and International Federation of Women Lawyers shared perspectives on governance, youth vulnerability, media responsibility and community security trends. Participants emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between government and civic actors in safeguarding peace and accountability in the Niger Delta.
Mrs Lever also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom. Discussions highlighted the critical role of traditional leadership in fostering community cohesion, mediating local tensions and supporting positive youth engagement.
At a town hall meeting in Amarata, beneficiaries of the SOC Prevent Programme recounted how skills training and mentorship had opened new economic opportunities, steering them away from organised crime. The event showcased tangible outcomes in communities such as Amarata and Amassoma, where youth empowerment initiatives are gaining momentum.
The visit comes ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled state visit to the UK on March 18–19, 2026—his first since assuming office and the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. The visit, hosted by Charles III and Camilla at Windsor Castle, is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties under the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership framework.
Speaking at the end of her visit, Mrs Lever praised Bayelsa’s proactive approach to youth protection and inclusive governance.
“Bayelsa is demonstrating that with strong leadership and community collaboration, young people can be empowered to choose opportunity over crime. The progress here provides a model for sustainable, community-driven security reform,” she said.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting long-term stability, women’s empowerment and grassroots development in Bayelsa through partnerships spanning government institutions, traditional authorities and civil society organisations.
United Kingdom Strengthens Security, Youth and Women-Focused Partnership with Bayelsa
Troops foil attack on Rim community, three killed in Gwarim, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian troops have foiled an attack on Rim community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, while three residents were reportedly killed in a separate incident at nearby Gwarim community.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 25, when troops deployed in the area responded to an attack on Rim community at about 6:08 p.m.
The troops engaged the attackers and successfully repelled the assault without any casualty among the personnel or members of the community.
However, at about 6:46 p.m., the troops responded to another report of gunfire at Gwarim community, also in Riyom LGA.
On arrival at the location, the troops discovered the bodies of three residents who had been killed while reportedly keeping watch in the bush outside the community.
The corpses of the victims were recovered and subsequently handed over to members of the community for further necessary action.
The troops have since intensified patrols and are dominating the area in an effort to locate and apprehend the perpetrators.
The latest incidents come amid heightened security concerns in parts of Plateau State, particularly communities around Riyom and neighbouring areas.
Troops foil attack on Rim community, three killed in Gwarim, Plateau
Operation Savannah Shield troops foil attempted kidnapping of farmers in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Savannah Shield have foiled an attempt by suspected terrorists to kidnap farmers at their farmlands in Tudun Harara village, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 25, 2026, when troops of the NATRAC Administrative Battalion, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kotonkoro, responded to a distress report on the attempted abduction.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops engaged the terrorists upon arrival, forcing them to withdraw into the surrounding forest.
During the encounter, the fleeing terrorists abandoned a motorcycle, which was recovered by the troops.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to protect farming communities and deny criminal elements freedom of action across Niger State.
Operation Savannah Shield troops foil attempted kidnapping of farmers in Niger
Operation Fansan Yamma troops foil ransom exchange, rescue kidnapped woman in Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued a kidnapped woman and disrupted a planned ransom exchange in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The troops, conducting counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the state, carried out the successful operation on Aug. 26, 2026, following credible intelligence on the planned ransom payment.
Zagazola Makama gathered from security sources that the victim had been abducted from her farm sometime last month, while the criminals were preparing to collect ransom in exchange for her release.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops swiftly mobilised to intercept the transaction.
Sources said the criminals attempted to engage the advancing troops after sighting them but were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.
The bandits subsequently fled in disarray, abandoning the hostage, who was immediately secured by the troops.
The victim was found unharmed and later transported to safety before being reunited with her family in Danko-Wasagu LGA.
Following the rescue, the troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the withdrawal route to ensure that the area was fully secured before returning to base.
In a related operation, the troops also conducted clearance and dominance patrols in Ngaski Local Government Area as part of efforts to maintain peace and deny criminal elements freedom of movement.
The patrols were completed without incident, further strengthening security presence and reassuring residents in the affected communities.
Operation Fansan Yamma troops foil ransom exchange, rescue kidnapped woman in Kebbi
Troops foil attack on Rim community, three killed in Gwarim, Plateau
Operation Savannah Shield troops foil attempted kidnapping of farmers in Niger
Army troops recover 97 rustled livestock, hand them over to owners in Kano
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