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UNODC, Denmark Collaborate to Boost War Against Maritime Crimes in Nigeria

UNODC, Denmark Collaborate to Boost War Against Maritime Crimes in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from the Danish Government has built a Ship-in-a-Box (SIAB) simulator at the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre (JMSTC); to boost the war against maritime crimes in the country.
A statement on Friday by the UNODC said: “Maritime piracy, including kidnapping and robbery at sea, while in decline in the Gulf of Guinea, remains a threat, as groups involved seem to have moved at least for the time being into more lucrative and less risky markets. Oil theft, oil bunkering and related offences on the other hand experience a revival with devastating consequences for people and the environment. Moreover, multiple recent large-scale seizures suggest that trafficking by sea in all its forms persists. Illegal drugs, falsified medicines, small arms and light weapons, illegally harvested wildlife, and forest products as well as persons are being trafficking into, out of and within the region.”

The statement added that: “While reports of spectacular arrests and seizures should be interpreted as a sign of improved intelligence sharing and interception capacities of security and law enforcement authorities across the region, stakeholders shouldn’t rest on their oars because syndicate crime groups are constantly devising innovative ways to maneuvre established systems.”
The statement said: “To significantly enhance the skills and preparedness of maritime law enforcement officers to operate more efficiently and contribute to safer seas and maritime security, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through the funding from the Danish Government, built a Ship-in-a-Box (SIAB) simulator at the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre (JMSTC); a facility which was commissioned February 28 in Lagos, Nigeria.”

It explained that: “The Ship-in-a-Box (SIAB) simulator provides a critical additional training infrastructure to enhance the capacity of military and civilian maritime law enforcement personnel in the conduct of Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Operations. It will help to improve the quality and frequency of training, while reducing costs as well as safety risks associated with the conduct of exercises at sea.
The statement said in stressing the importance of the facility and the UNODC approach to tackling maritime crime, the Country Representative of UNODC, Oliver Stolpe, at the commissioning said “While the Ship-in-a-Box undoubtedly will further strengthen our collective response to maritime crime, it represents only one element of a holistic approach. At UNODC we are of the firm conviction that an integrated strategy which combines elements of security, rule of law and prevention that will eventually guarantee a peaceful and prosperous maritime domain for the benefit of the countries and the people of the Gulf of Guinea.”
According to the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria , Sune Krogstrup robust and strategic partnerships can undoubtedly boost efforts to revolutionize the capacity of maritime personnel and enable safer seas and maritime ecosystem.
He said: “Confronting these challenges necessitates collective action to boost maritime security and ensure the unhindered flow of trade and the safety of lives at sea, aligning with various national, regional, and international frameworks. Denmark remains steadfast in its commitment through the Danish Maritime Security Programme (DMSP) to enhance the capabilities of national and regional institutions to secure the Gulf of Guinea and facilitate safe maritime passage.”
While thanking UNODC and the Government of Denmark as well as acknowledging our many years of substantial partnership, Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu who represented the Chief of Naval Staff, added “The Nigerian Navy acknowledges the many years of collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to strengthen institutional and organizational capacities of member states to check criminality at sea. We are happy to lend our support to the improvement of the maritime law enforcement skills of other agencies both in Nigeria and our neighboring countries to enhance bilateral and multilateral joint actions in securing our individual and common maritime spaces. We therefore appreciate UNODC’s recent initiative through the Ship-in -a- Box programme and the Government of Denmark for funding it and pledge our continued support and cooperation.”
UNODC provided normative, analytical and operational assistance to Member States for strengthening the effectiveness, fairness and accountability of their criminal justice institutions to tackle crime, corruption and terrorism. This also aligns with UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Nigeria.
UNODC, Denmark Collaborate to Boost War Against Maritime Crimes in Nigeria
News
Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama

Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama
… Borno State Governor Announces Resettlement of 5,000 Displaced Persons Ahead of Farming Season
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has revealed plans to resettle 5,000 displaced persons from five communities before the end of the rainy season to enable them to engage in farming activities.
The communities include Goniri, Bula Kuriye, Mayanti, Abbaram, and Darajamal.

Governor Zulum disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, Dr. Umar ibn Kyari Umar ElKanemi, at his palace in Bama on Friday.
The governor stated that the construction of 1,000 transitional shelters has commenced in each of the communities, with Darajamal’s already completed.
“We are committed to resettling all displaced persons living in IDP camps back to their communities. Construction of transitional shelters has started in Mayanti, Goniri, Bula Kuriye, and Abbaram, while that of Darajamal has been completed. I have also directed the digging of trenches to fortify the communities,” Governor Zulum said.

He emphasised the importance of farming, stating, “Our target is to ensure that they participate in this cropping season. Farming is our greatest treasure. I will interface with the Commanding Officer and leaders of Civilian JTF to strategise on how best to further protect these areas.”
Additionally, Governor Zulum informed the Shehu of Bama that security measures have been strengthened in Nguro Soye, a community on the outskirts of Bama town, to ensure safe farming activities.
“While returning from Gwoza, I stopped at the military formation in Banki Junction, where we discussed intensifying security in Nguro Soye and surrounding areas. I have provided the necessary logistics to the military and Civilian JTF and pledged six months’ allowances for volunteers patrolling the area,” he announced.
In response, the Shehu of Bama commended Governor Zulum for his purposeful leadership and commitment to the security and welfare of the people.
“I will like to appreciate the governor for resettling the people of Darajamal and for ongoing efforts to return more displaced persons to their homes. We are grateful, Your Excellency,” the Shehu said.
He also appealed for additional support to members of the Civilian JTF to safeguard farmers and farmlands during the rainy season.
Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama
News
Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO

Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO
** As VP Shettima receives PM Makosso, hails country’s leadership in Great Lakes region
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with the Republic of Congo, acknowledging the leadership of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso in promoting regional peace and stability, especially across Africa’s Great Lakes region.
He also said that Nigeria will consider Congo’s request for support in its bid to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Speaking on Friday while receiving the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, Anatole Collinet Makosso, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, VP Shettima lauded the leadership of the Congolese President and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
“President Denis Sassou-Nguesso is one of the greatest stabilisers on the African continent. He is well-respected and has the experience and exposure to provide leadership to a turbulent region. Your country is a beacon of hope and stability in the region,” he said.
Senator Shettima, who received the Congolese delegation on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the issues raised by the visiting Prime Minister, particularly the request for Nigeria’s endorsement of Firmin Edouard Matoko for the post of UNESCO Director-General, would be conveyed to the President.
“Be rest assured that all the issues raised, especially over your candidature for the Director-Generalship of UNESCO, will be conveyed to the President. And I am hopeful that he is going to endorse your candidacy, fundamentally because what binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. Wherever we go, we are essentially one people,” he said.

Earlier, the Congolese Prime Minister, who delivered a special message from President Sassou-Nguesso to President Tinubu, called for deepened relations between both countries and sought Nigeria’s support for Matoko, a long-serving UNESCO official with over three decades of experience.
“We have a candidate for the post of Director-General of UNESCO, Firmin Edouard Matoko, a seasoned diplomat and former senior official of the organisation with over three decades of experience,” Makosso said.
He explained that Matoko joined UNESCO in 1990 and served in several strategic roles, including Director of multiple regional offices, Director of the Africa Department, and ultimately as Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations.
Makosso noted that Congo’s interest in Matoko’s candidacy was not merely national but based on competence.
“We are seeking Nigeria’s support for his candidature not because he is a Congolese, but because he is well qualified for the position, especially at this time that UNESCO needs a very experienced person,” he said.
The Prime Minister also thanked the Nigerian government and people for their humanitarian support to Congolese children who benefited from the Rochas Foundation, noting that some of the children, many of whom were orphans, have graduated, while others remain in school.
“We also want to thank the good people of Nigeria for taking care of some young children from Congo, some of them orphans who were offered free education by the Rochas Foundation. Some of them just graduated, while some are still in school. We are very grateful for that,” Makosso said.
He commended President Tinubu’s leadership at ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, just as he expressed sympathy with Nigerians over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO
News
Again: Zulum nominated for African Governors Award

Again: Zulum nominated for African Governors Award
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum was nominated to receive the African Governors’ Excellence Award for 2025.
Mr Idahosa revealed that the prestigious event will celebrate visionary leadership, exceptional governance, and impactful development initiatives by governors across Africa. He said the award recognises commitment to sustainable socio-economic transformation in their respective regions and states.
Zulum will receive the award alongside other African Governors in Paris at the event on August 19. The vice-chairman of the selection committee, Idahosa Osamahze, stated in a news brief.
It can be recalled that Zulum received the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award in New York, United States of America, in 2024.
Idahosa emphasised that the award is to promote excellence in public service, encourage innovation in governance, and foster best practices in leadership for Africa’s socio-economic advancement.
According to him, Sheriff Oborevwori, Uba Sani, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Abdullahi Sule have been nominated for the award.
He said the nominated governors from Egypt are Abdel Amara, Kafr El Sheikh; Amr Hanafi, Gamal Nour El-Din, and Khaled Fouda.
Mr Idahosa added that Hillary Barchok, George Natembeya, Mohamed Adan Khalif, and Jeremiah Lomorukai were picked from Kenya.
He also said, “These governors exemplify what leadership with vision, integrity, and purpose can achieve. Their work is changing lives, fostering prosperity, and inspiring a new generation of public servants across Africa.”
According to Mr Idahosa, the Paris ceremony is expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, development partners, diplomats, and stakeholders from across Africa and Europe.
He also noted that there shall be keynote addresses from global policy leaders, panel discussions on sub-national governance innovation, and networking sessions to foster intergovernmental collaboration.
End
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