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Yobe State: EU, British Council Commended for Peace Efforts
Yobe State: EU, British Council Commended for Peace Efforts
•MCN closes the 5-year humanitarian program
•Provided legal aid services to over 30,000 people
•Trained over 1,000 community leaders on conflict resolution, peacebuilding
By: Omirin Joshua
The European Union (EU) and the British Council have been commended by stakeholders in Yobe State for their efforts in restoring peace in the region. The commendation came as the EU-funded Managing Conflict in North-East Nigeria (MCN) Programme of the British Council rounded off its five-year humanitarian intervention in Yobe. The Representative of the Chairman Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Baba Hardo Zarma, praised the MCN Programme for its positive impact in restoring peace and harmonious coexistence between local communities.
The MCN Programme, which was launched in 2017, aimed to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region of Nigeria. The programme was implemented by the British Council in partnership with local organizations and government agencies, and focused on improving access to justice, security and basic services for affected communities.
At the close-out event held in Damaturu, the Yobe State Team Lead, Mr. Sambo Abdulkadir, announced the official closure of the MCN Programme. He highlighted the key achievements of the programme, including the provision of legal aid services to over 30,000 people and the training of over 1,000 community leaders on conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
In his speech, Abdulkadir emphasized the importance of sustainability and urged all stakeholders, including government officials and other organizations, to continue building on the programme’s achievements for the benefit of the people of Yobe State. He also expressed his gratitude to the EU and the British Council for their support and partnership throughout the five-year programme.
The MCN Programme’s efforts have contributed significantly to the restoration of peace and normalcy to communities in Yobe State, which was one of the North-East states worst affected by the insurgency. The EU and the British Council’s support has played a crucial role in addressing the humanitarian crisis and improving the lives of those affected by the conflict.
Yobe State: EU, British Council Commended for Peace Efforts
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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