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

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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

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NGO empower women farmers in Adamawa to strengthen food security

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NGO empower women farmers in Adamawa to strengthen food security

Nuru Nigeria a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has sensitized and supported no fewer than 7,500 women farmers in Adamawa State as part of national efforts to enhance food security.

The initiative, organised in collaboration with financial institutions, policymakers, and other partners, in commemoration of 2025 International Day of Rural Women.

Mrs Amy Gaman, Managing Director, Nuru Nigeria, said, the purpose of the celebration was to encourage and empower women farmers, especially those who are vulnerable in rural communities.

She explained that participants were selected from various local government areas and educated on how to access agricultural loans and financial services to improve their productivity.

She said in line with this year’s World Food Day theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” a lot would be achieved in creating an inclusive and sustainable national food system.

Gaman added that stakeholders from different sectors came together to engage in dialogue on how to protect the food system and ensure rural communities are not left behind.

According to her, the Organisation has reached over 40,000 people through its women’s empowerment initiatives in the local government areas where it operates.

In his remarks, Professor David Jato, Adamawa Commissioner for Agriculture commended the Fintiri administration for creating an enabling environment for agricultural development.

According to him, several policies have been implemented by the state government to support rural farmers, especially women, and praised organizations like Nuru Nigeria for complementing government efforts.

Martha Igu, who spoke on behalf of the participants shared testimonials about how Nuru Nigeria has improved their farming practices.

She said their intervention has positively impacted their lives through access to resources, training, and financial support among others.

NGO empower women farmers in Adamawa to strengthen food security

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Scores of Boko Haram terrorists killed in Borno ambush

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Scores of Boko Haram terrorists killed in Borno ambush

…… As security forces also sustained casualties

By: Ndahi Marama

Dozens of Terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram/ISWAP have been killed in an ambush on troops of 21 Armoured Brigade along Bama-Kashimri village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The troops according to Credible Military Source revealed that they were on clearance operations around the Kashimri general area when the incident took place last Friday (Yesterday).

The Source said, troops of the Joint Task Force North East ‘ Operation Hadin Kai’ responded swiftly with firepower, as over 30 terrorists were neutralized, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

He said, unfortunately, the Officer who led the clearance operation (Names withheld), with some soldiers, two members of Civilian Joint Task Force and two Vigilantes paid the supreme price during the encounter.

“Yes, out troops came under Boko Haram ambush along Bama- Kashimri village last Friday while on clearance operations.

“Troops responded swiftly and nuetralized dozens of the terrorists, as scores fled with gunshot wounds.

” Unfortunately, the Officer who led the clearance operation (Names withheld), with some soldiers, two members of Civilian Joint Task Force and two Vigilantes paid the supreme price during the encounter”. The Military Source revealed.

He however said, the troops have sustained high spirit, as further operations are ongoing in all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.

Scores of Boko Haram terrorists killed in Borno ambush

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Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

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Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised several bandits in a coordinated air interdiction operation conducted along the Mariga axis of Niger State, following credible intelligence and surveillance reports of armed groups on the move with stolen cattle.

The precision airstrikes, carried out under the ongoing intensive counter-banditry campaign, targeted bandits’ movements around Yabawa, Bazana, Awallah, Dankolo, Kumbashi, and extending towards Kakihum, within Mariga Local Government Area.

According to verified local accounts, the operation struck a large convoy of armed bandits who were attempting to move with a herd of stolen cattle from Ragada and neighbouring villages. The air interdiction neutralised several of the criminals, while others fled in disarray into the surrounding forests.

A resident of Ragada, who narrowly escaped from the bandits during the strike, narrated his ordeal. “When the jet began bombing, God saved me; that was how I escaped from their hands,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for the timely intervention.

Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed hearing several explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke and sporadic gunfire, as surviving bandits scattered in confusion. They described the operation as swift, precise, and highly coordinated.

Ground troops of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Rijau, Warari and Gulbin Boka, were reported to have provided complementary support by blocking possible escape routes and securing nearby communities hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Residents of the affected communities hailed the success of the operation, describing it as the “most decisive response” to recent attacks by bandit elements in the area.

One of the local leaders, Mallam Musa Ali from Kumbashi, commended the military for its professionalism and courage. “We have not slept in peace for months, but this operation has brought us hope. The Air Force and soldiers have shown that the government is serious about ending banditry,” he said.

Further intelligence from reliable sources revealed that another armed group, moving with stolen cattle from Magama Local Government, was sighted advancing towards the Kakihum–Kumbashi axis, suggesting that additional operations may be imminent.

The operation was part of ongoing coordinated air and ground efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks across the North Central region.

Local sources disclosed that at least seven separate bandit groups have been operating within the Mariga, Rijau and Magama corridor in recent weeks. However, with the latest air interdictions, several of their movements and attack plans have been effectively disrupted.

Residents across Yabawa, Awallah, and Dankolo expressed optimism that the sustained operations would lead to the restoration of peace and the return of displaced persons to their homes.

Nigerian Airforce neutralises bandits in coordinated airstrike in Mariga axis of Niger

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