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US, Global Shea Alliance Partners on Boosting Shea Production in Nigeria
US, Global Shea Alliance Partners on Boosting Shea Production in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United States government, in partnership with the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), the non-profit industry association with a mission to promote sustainability, quality practices and standards for shea in food and cosmetics, held its annual conference in Abuja.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the United States Embassy in Nigeria, this year’s theme ‘Bridging the Gap’ is centered on closing the divide between the visionary goals of the shea industry and the urgent need for practical action. Nigeria boasts the largest population of shea trees and shea collectors, positioning the country as a potential hub for production, processing, and innovation in the food and cosmetics industries across West Africa.
The statement read: “As the shea sector experiences significant growth, today’s conference serves as an opportunity to address challenges that limit market expansion, supply stability, resource management, climate adaptation, financing, women’s economic empowerment and more.
President of the Global Shea Alliance, Mamatou Djaffo, said: “Over 10 years ago the Global Shea Alliance began with a set of structures built to advance women in the industry and we have come a long way by improving our processes with input from shea beneficiaries,” adding that: “At Shea 2024, we will be targeting discussion on park land management, resource conservation, women’s economic empowerment, youth involvement, digitalisation strategies and effective trade policies to further unearth potential in the shea value chain.”
The conference will bring together key stakeholders from across the shea industry to: Examine the challenges and barriers that hinder the industry’s progress toward sustainability, including insufficient investment, new market opportunities, weak policy frameworks and social inequalities; Showcase examples of initiatives and projects that have successfully bridged the gap between the industry’s vision and present reality, emphasizing lessons learned and best practices; Foster partnerships among governments, NGOs, businesses and local communities to align efforts and resources towards a common goal of sustainability.
The three-day day event is expected to attract over 500 participants and will feature presentations from industry professionals on the above themes.
On behalf of the United States government, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires David Greene, in his remark said: “The United States government is proud to support the Global Shea Alliance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID recently invested more than $8 million under its Sustainable Shea Initiative to support the shea industry in seven West African countries, including Nigeria. This investment stems from our recognition of the industry’s potential to bolster the economic landscape and advance women’s economic empowerment.”
US, Global Shea Alliance Partners on Boosting Shea Production in Nigeria
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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