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United Nations Insists Peace, Dialogue, Reconciliation Keys to Sustainable Growth

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United Nations Insists Peace, Dialogue, Reconciliation Keys to Sustainable Growth

By: Michael Mike

United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has reiterated the need for global commitment to peace, dialogue and reconciliation to bolster sustainable growth.

Fall said this in an address on Monday night in Abuja, during the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21.

The event convened under the theme: “Actions for peace: Our ambition for the #GlobalGoals” at the Embassy of Germany in Abuja was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981.

Fall noted that the commemoration is to strengthen the ideals of peace among nations and peoples, and emphasise collective action, trust and solidarity in tackling global challenges.

He said “we are meeting not only as a day of a calendar of peace, this is for us a renewed promise of peace, dignity and the future.

“Where every woman, every man, every child, every person with disability can live far from fear. It is a message that speaks to Nigeria.

“It speaks to the nation of a great diversity and resilience, but also a nation still facing challenges that test its peace-building process.”

He added that: “Conflict which Nigeria faces and across its border, have also forced millions from their home, and they are called displaced people or refugees.

This is why today, we are celebrating more than a date. We are celebrating the journey that take us on to improve the well-being of the people we serve here in Nigeria, but also beyond the border of Nigeria.”

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, lamented gaps in efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace, stating that to this reason the Peacebuilding Commission, Peacebuilding Fund and the Peacebuilding Support Office were established.

According to her, such have become pillars of a more integrated, inclusive and forward-looking approach to peacebuilding, describing the anniversary as symbolic milestone.

She said: “It is an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to the principles that underpin sustainable peace–national partnership, inclusive governance, long-term partnerships, and a focus on prevention.”

For his part, the Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Joseph Ochogwu, said the day coincided with the 25th anniversary since the establishment of the IPCR.

He said: “We are working bilaterally and multilaterally with the respective institutions from ECOWAS, the African Union, the UN system and other respective multilateral institutions about pursuit of peace.”

A member, House Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion, Dr Joshua Gana, stressed the need to silence the guns, bridge divides and build societies rooted in justice, dignity and mutual respect.

He noted that: “Peace cannot be legislated alone, it must be cultivated in classrooms, in homes, in markets and the hearts of every citizen, which is why today’s collaboration with the United Nations is so vital.

“Together we must strengthen local peace infrastructures empower women and youth as agents of change and ensure that our policies are not only well intentioned, but well implemented.”

The event also featured keynote speeches by Mr Chris Ngwodo, Director-General, Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience, the Head, National Peace Committee and the First-Secretary, Embassy of Korea. Kwon Yonggyu.

Highpoint of the event was the release of dove as enduring symbol of peace, freedom and reconciliation, to reflect expression of Nigeria’s commitment to non-violence, dialogue and nation building.

United Nations Insists Peace, Dialogue, Reconciliation Keys to Sustainable Growth

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.

Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence

In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.

The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.

According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.

Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.

🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction

A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.

She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.

🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed

AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.

🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm

In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.

According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.

The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.

The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.

🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial

Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.

Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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