Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts

By: Zagazola Makama

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the release of Usman Daina, the Secretary of Munya Local Government Council, who was abducted by armed bandits.

Daina was freed unhurt following a sustained pursuit operation by security forces. However, authorities have stated that efforts are still ongoing to rescue other victims who remain in captivity and to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.

Zagazola Makama had reported that On Feb. 21, 2025, heavily armed bandits launched an attack on Munya Local Government Area, abducting several residents, including the council secretary.

It was gathered that that the assailants moved from Chibani forest through the Shakwata axis before striking various communities, including the Dandaudu area of Munya LGA.

The attackers invaded homes, looted food supplies, and forcefully took away multiple victims.

Following the abduction, the Nigerian Army troops, police tactical teams, vigilantes, and other security forces were deployed to track the movements of the kidnappers.

Their aggressive pursuit led to the successful release of Daina, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining captives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.

Sources said that the security forces are currently conducting aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and ground raids on identified bandit hideouts in the region.

Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts

Borno Deputy Governor Inspects Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement, Assures Completion Soon

By: Our Reporter

The Deputy Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, who also serves as the Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock Development, has inspected facilities at the Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement in Uba town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area

The visit was aimed at assessing the level of preparedness for the commissioning of the second Ruga settlement in Borno State.

During the inspection, the Deputy Governor toured key facilities, including a milk dairy farm, feed production center, skills acquisition hub, school, veterinary clinic, police station, housing units, and water facilities.

Addressing community leaders, Dr. Kadafur reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring the successful takeoff and sustainability of the settlement.

He urged the local vigilante groups to collaborate with security agencies to maintain peace and security in the area.

As part of the visit, the Deputy Governor paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, the Emir of Uba, where he reaffirmed that the Rimirgo Ruga Settlement is 95% completed and noted that his assessment is aimed at identifying gaps that require attention before the official commissioning.

Dr. Kadafur disclosed that Rimirgo would be the second Ruga Settlement to be commissioned, following the Ngarnam Ruga Settlement in Mafa Local Government Area, which was launched last month.

The deputy governor also announced plans for the construction of a two-kilometer road linking the settlement to the main road, as well as the addition of 100 new housing units, complementing the existing 50. This, he said, would enhance adequate accommodation for settlers and help in reducing conflicts between farmers and herders.

Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Askira/Uba LGA, Hon. Abubakar Umar Mazhinyi, commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his administration’s achievements in education, healthcare, water, and sanitation.

The Chairman , however, appealed to the state government to establish a tertiary institution in the LGA, citing the difficulty residents face in sending their children to distant institutions.

In a related development, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur represented Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the coronation ceremony of His Majesty Dr. Ali Danburman as the PTIL MADAGALI of Madagali Chiefdom in Gulak town, Adamawa State.

The ceremony, held at the Gulak Township Stadium, was graced by dignitaries, including the Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who officially presented the Staff of Office to Dr. Ali Danburman. The newly crowned PTIL MADAGALI is recognized as a Second Class Emir in the Adamawa State Traditional Council and presides over fourteen district heads in Madagali Chiefdom.

Borno Deputy Governor Inspects Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement, Assures Completion Soon

AI Paris Summit: Nigeria, France, 56 others launch platform to bridge digital divides

By: Michael Mike

Participants at the just concluded Artificial Intelligence (AI) Paris Summit including Nigeria have launched a platform to promote AI accessibility, as part of its strategy to reduce the digital divide, and ensure AI is open, inclusive, and transparent.

This was disclosed in a press release from the French Government regarding the AI Summit, with details regarding the different steps taken so far. The details were contained in the statement on “Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet,’ signed by Nigeria, France, and 56 other countries including the European Union and African Union Commission at the summit.

Nigeria is among the eight founding members of the “Public Interest AI Platform and Incubator”. The purpose of this platform and incubator is to “support, amplify, decrease fragmentation between existing public and private initiatives on Public Interest AI and address digital divides. The Public interest AI Initiative will sustain and support digital public goods and technical assistance and capacity building projects in data, model development, openness and transparency, audit, compute, talent, financing and collaboration to support and co-create a trustworthy AI ecosystem advancing the public interest of all, for all and by all.”

The signatories of the Paris Statement agreed to encourage AI deployment that positively impacts the future of work, promotes sustainable growth, and supports both people and the planet.

The statement also seek global reflection on issues like security, human rights, gender equality, linguistic diversity and sustainable development.

The statement noted that, “In line with the Paris Pact for People and the Planet and the principle that countries should design their own transition strategies, we have identified priorities and launched concrete actions to serve the public interest and bridge the digital divide by accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals.

“Enabling innovation in the field of AI by creating conditions conducive to its development and preventing market concentration, thereby supporting industrial recovery and development.

“Our actions follow three key principles: science, solutions (with an emphasis on open AI models that respect national frameworks) in accordance with international frameworks.”

The statement further stated, “We recognise the need to enhance our shared knowledge on the impacts of AI in the job market, though the creation of network of Observatories, to better anticipate AI implications for workplaces, training and education and to use AI to foster productivity, skill development, quality and working conditions and social dialogue.

“We underline the need for a global reflection integrating inter alia questions of safety, sustainable development, innovation, respect of international laws including humanitarian law and human rights law and the protection of human rights, gender equality, linguistic diversity, protection of consumers and of intellectual property rights. We take notes of efforts and discussions related to international fora where AI governance is examined.

“We look forward to next AI milestones such as the Kigali Summit, the 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of AI hosted by Thailand and UNESCO, the 2025 World AI Conference and the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 to follow up on our commitments and continue to take concrete actions aligned with a sustainable and inclusive AI.”

AI Paris Summit: Nigeria, France, 56 others launch platform to bridge digital divides