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Dangote Group, ECOWAS Commission move to operationalise Business Council, mobilise investment

By Dr Emmanuel Daudu Ph.D

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Business Council (EBC) is set to prioritise energy sufficiency as a key driver of industrialisation in West Africa, with plans to develop regional power corridors and mobilise private-sector investment in the energy sector.

The initiative, tagged “Power W.A. for Industrialisation,” was unveiled during a meeting between the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mr. Dehpue Yenpea Zuo, and the Chief Economist of Dangote Group and EBC Chairman’s focal person, Prof. Hassan Mahmud, at the Dangote Industries headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Budget Arbitration meeting held on Friday the 2nd of October, 2026 in Lagos.

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Acting Director of Private Sector and Industry, Mr. Oluonye Peter O. Chukwudi, and the Executive Assistant to the Commissioner, Mr. Benedict D. Robert.

Discussions focused on the new ECOWAS management priorities, the vision and role of the EBC in advancing regional integration, and measures to operationalise the council.

During the meeting, Zuo referenced decisions taken at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in July 2026. He highlighted key priorities, including the operationalisation of the EBC, implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), the planned launch of the single currency, ECO, in 2027, and the promotion of agriculture and food security.

The Commissioner also sought clarification on the EBC Chairman’s vision for regional economic integration, particularly against the backdrop of persistent infrastructure challenges, including inadequate road networks and unreliable electricity supply, which continue to constrain the West African business environment.

Responding, Mahmud said the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, recognised the region’s broader development challenges but had chosen to prioritise energy sufficiency as a foundation for industrial growth.

He explained that the Chairman intended to focus his two-year tenure on developing regional energy project corridors rather than the institutional and managerial structure of the council, which he said should be handled by the ECOWAS Commission to ensure sustainability.

Under the “Power W.A. for Industrialisation” initiative, the EBC plans to establish power corridors capable of supporting industrial development across the region. A major component of the initiative will be a study to determine the gap between electricity demand and supply in West Africa, providing a basis for identifying investment opportunities and priority projects.

Mahmud said the council would pursue the initiative through two principal pillars: capital mobilisation and the development of a strong membership base comprising influential business leaders capable of attracting investment into the regional energy sector.

He identified institutions such as the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as potential partners in mobilising the capital required to implement the proposed projects.

According to him, the projects would be driven strictly by the private sector, while governments and the ECOWAS Commission would be expected to provide the necessary guarantees and an enabling policy environment to attract investment.

On the operationalisation of the EBC, Mahmud disclosed that members representing ECOWAS member states had been identified and formally invited to accept their nominations. The council is expected to have one representative from each member state, with two additional representatives from Nigeria.

At the time of the meeting, five nominees had formally accepted their appointments, while two other representatives from Nigeria had also indicated their commitment to membership.

Both parties agreed that the inaugural meeting of the EBC should hold in the last week of October or, at the latest, the first week of November 2026. The meeting is expected to bring together council members and advance discussions on the proposed energy initiative.

They also agreed that a meeting should be arranged between Dangote, the EBC Chairman, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission before the council’s inaugural session to secure alignment on the initiative and its implementation framework.

Zuo welcomed the convergence between the EBC Chairman’s priorities and the ECOWAS Commission’s strategic objectives, stressing the importance of establishing the necessary alignment early enough for the initiative to feature on the agenda of the next Council of Ministers meeting scheduled for December 2026.

As part of the agreed next steps, Mahmud is expected to share the Power W.A. concept note, the list of EBC members and the proposed calendar for the inaugural meeting.

The ECOWAS Commission is also expected to establish a joint coordination team and a communication platform to facilitate collaboration between both parties and ensure effective preparation for the inaugural meeting.

Given the scale of funding required for the proposed energy projects, the parties further agreed to explore engagement with the IFC and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to support financing and risk mitigation.

In addition, the ECOWAS Commission will review existing literature and study reports available within its Energy and Solid Minerals Directorates to establish baseline information for the proposed electricity demand-and-supply assessment.

The proposed initiative is expected to provide a framework for stronger public-private collaboration in addressing West Africa’s energy challenges, attracting investment and creating the conditions necessary to accelerate regional industrialisation.

Benue 2027: We the youth are winning the Benue State governorship; we Can No Longer Afford Division, victimisation, Poverty- Dr Raymond Edoh

Dr Emmanuel Daudu Ph.D

The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State, H.E. Dr Raymond Edoh, has declared that youths are ready to assume greater leadership responsibilities in 2027 through legitimate democratic means, with special interest in Benue State, insisting that Nigeria can no longer afford to marginalise young people in governance stressing that there is need for inclusive leadership approach, unity and greater youth participation in shaping the country’s political future.

Dr Edoh made the declaration on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Leadership First Conference 2026, held at the Women Development Centre, Abuja which also featured the launching of two books authored by Stephen Elaigwu Ogwuche Jr., titled: Leading to Make a Difference, Volume 1, and Honouring 64 Extraordinary African Leaders: Not When They Are Gone – The Untold Story, Volume 2.

The event attracted NDC chieftain Alhaji Buba Galadima, keynote speakers Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), who attended as Special Guest of Honour. The NDC Presidential Candidate, H.E. Peter Obi, who was the Distinguished Guest of Honour, while the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited and the NDC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Benue State, H.E. Dr Raymond Edoh was among the distinguished guests.

The Leadership First Conference 2026 provided a platform for discussions on youth participation, responsible leadership and good governance. The two books emphasise integrity, sacrifice and service to humanity, encouraging emerging leaders to learn from individuals who have contributed to society.

Speaking at the event, Dr Edoh described the books as valuable resources on leadership, good governance and service to humanity.

He expressed concern that the high cost of political participation had discouraged young Nigerians from seeking elective office. “If you take your mind back, you will agree that we lack a lot of youth in leadership. And the reason why we lack a lot of youth in leadership is because coming into leadership became so expensive that youths cannot afford it anymore,” he said.

Explaining his decision to venture into politics, Dr Edoh said the socio-economic challenges confronting Benue State, particularly the difficulties facing farming communities, motivated him to seek elective office.

He described Benue as a predominantly agrarian state, expressing concern that many residents struggled to meet their basic needs despite the state’s agricultural potential. “But unfortunately for us today, we are looking for something to eat that we can’t even see. So this alone is quite traumatising for me as a citizen,” he said.

Dr Edoh maintained that his political ambition was driven by a desire to contribute to the development of Benue State and Nigeria rather than pursue personal interests. He identified inclusivity and unity as priorities of his leadership agenda, promising to ensure that every citizen feels a sense of belonging. “If elected, the first thing we’re going to do as people or as leaders is to make sure that every citizen is one. We bring that inclusivity to leadership in the state,” he said.

He also called on the people of Benue to rise above political divisions and work together towards collective development, insisting that the state could no longer afford disunity. “I believe at the moment it shouldn’t be a time where people talk about division in leadership anymore, but rather we should come together as people and see how we can build our state and our country together,” he said.

On his decision to join the NDC, Dr Edoh explained that he left his former political party because he believed leadership should prioritise public service and citizens’ welfare over personal enrichment. “I was in another political party before I moved to NDC, and the major reason why I moved to NDC was because I realised that it is time for us to be in leadership as people, not just people who just get into leadership for their selfish interest,” he said. He stressed the need for accountability, adding that the perception that political office exists for personal gain “must be corrected.”

Dr Edoh urged young Nigerians to move beyond criticism and actively participate in democratic processes, maintaining that Nigeria’s future depends on a committed new generation of leaders and that Benue needs united, inclusive governance that places citizens’ welfare at its centre and as the Deputy Governor Benue State God willing, he will make that happen.

Similarly, Dr Edoh charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to operate independently and ensure that votes count. He said credible, free and fair elections would strengthen democracy and restore public confidence, adding that the President’s commitment to protecting electoral independence would secure his place in the sands of time as a leader who upheld democratic principles and respected the people’s mandate.

Benue 2027: We the youth are winning the Benue State governorship; we Can No Longer Afford Division, victimisation, Poverty- Dr Raymond Edoh

Dr Emmanuel Daudu Ph.D

Speaking at the event, Dr Edoh described the books as valuable resources on leadership, good governance and service to humanity.

ECOWAS Commissioner Zuo Engages Togo on Environmental Cooperation, Sustainable Development

By Dr Emmanuel Daudu Ph.D

The meeting highlights the importance of regional collaboration in tackling climate change, protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable economic growth across West Africa.

The Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Dehpue Yenpea Zuo, has engaged Togo’s Minister of Environment, Forest Resources, Coastal Protection and Climate Change in a move to strengthen cooperation on environmental protection and sustainable development across the region.

The meeting, held in Togo on Friday, October 9, 2026, provided an opportunity for engagement between the ECOWAS Commission and the Togolese government on environmental sustainability within the broader framework of regional integration and economic development.

The engagement comes amid growing environmental challenges across West Africa, including climate change, coastal erosion, deforestation, land degradation and increasing pressure on natural resources, all of which threaten livelihoods, agricultural productivity, infrastructure and economic activities.

For ECOWAS, addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration among member states, effective environmental policies and increased investment in programmes that protect ecosystems while supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Togo has continued to pursue environmental protection initiatives aimed at conserving forests, safeguarding coastal communities and strengthening resilience to climate change. These priorities align with broader regional efforts to promote sustainable development and protect communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, fisheries and other natural resources.

One of the country’s major environmental concerns is coastal erosion, which threatens settlements, infrastructure and economic activities along its coastline. On October 6, 2026, Togo’s Ministry of Environment reported progress on coastal protection works involving 26 groynes along the Gbodjomé–Agbodrafo–Goumoukopé–Kpémé stretch. The structures are designed to help stabilise the coastline and mitigate erosion.

Togo has also established ambitious forest conservation and restoration targets, including planting one billion trees by 2030 and increasing forest cover to 26 per cent of its national territory. The country has further introduced mobile environmental and forestry surveillance brigades to strengthen the protection of forests and other natural resources.

These initiatives present opportunities for regional collaboration through the exchange of technical expertise, the development of joint environmental programmes and the mobilisation of financing for climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management.

For the ECOWAS Commission, environmental sustainability is closely connected to economic development, agricultural productivity and food security. Climate-related pressures can reduce agricultural output, increase the vulnerability of rural communities and disrupt economic activities, while environmental degradation can undermine development gains and increase pressure on public resources.

Strengthening engagement between the regional organisation and national governments is therefore essential to integrating environmental considerations into development planning and advancing practical solutions to shared challenges.

Such cooperation can support sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity conservation, improved natural resource management and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure. Regional coordination can also help member states explore opportunities for accessing international climate finance and development assistance for environmental protection projects.

Zuo’s engagement with the Togolese minister comes as he advances his responsibilities under the ECOWAS Commission’s 2026–2030 mandate. He assumed office on September 1, 2026, with responsibility for Economic Affairs and Agriculture.

His portfolio places economic cooperation and agricultural development at the centre of his work, with sustainability remaining an important consideration in addressing the region’s development challenges.

As West African countries confront the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, sustained cooperation between ECOWAS and its member states will remain critical to protecting natural resources, strengthening economic resilience and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

Although the meeting underscores the importance of continued dialogue between the Commission and national authorities, specific agreements, proposed projects or funding commitments arising from Zuo’s engagement with the Togolese minister have not been confirmed in the information available.

The meeting nevertheless reflects the importance of maintaining cooperation between ECOWAS and its member states in advancing regional integration, environmental protection and sustainable development across West Africa.

NiMet Receives AfriGEO Weather, Climate and Early Warning Services Award

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has been honoured with the AfriGEO Weather, Climate and Early Warning Services Award for its outstanding contributions to weather and climate services, early warning, and climate resilience through Earth observation.

The award was presented to the Director-General/CEO of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, by the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Prof. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, at the 10th AfriGEO Gala Dinner in Abuja on 7 October 2026 as part of the activities marking the 10th AfriGEO Symposium.

The AfriGEO Symposium is a leading African platform that advances the application of Earth observation, geospatial information, and environmental intelligence to support sustainable development and resilience across the continent. Held under the theme, “Earth Observations for a Resilient Africa,” the 2026 symposium brought together policymakers, scientists, development partners, private-sector stakeholders and practitioners from AfriGEO’s 33 African member states.

NiMet remains committed to advancing the use of weather, climate and Earth observation information to strengthen early warning, support evidence-based decision-making and enhance climate resilience across Nigeria. Through continued innovation, strategic partnerships, and the delivery of timely, actionable climate information, the Agency will continue to support the Federal Government’s climate-resilience agenda and contribute to a safer, more informed, and climate-resilient Nigeria.

MINISTER MATAWALLE MOURNS NAF PERSONNEL AND CREW MEMBERS LOST IN AIRCRAFT CRASH IN ONDO

…Described it as deeply tragic and a painful loss to the Armed Forces of N

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H. E. Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, has expressed profound sadness following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday morning.

The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, with 32 persons on board – comprising 25 officers and 7 crew members was on a routine operational mission from Benin to Lagos when the unfortunate incident occurred on Monday, 5th October, 2026.

The Minister described the incident as deeply tragic and a painful loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting that the death of personnel in the course of duty underscores the inherent risks and sacrifices in military service and the commitment of the Armed Forces to the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security.

In his condolence message, Dr. Matawalle said:
“I received with great sadness the news of the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which occurred today, Monday, 5th October, 2026, with 25 officers and seven crew members on board.
The loss of these gallant personnel in the course of active service to our fatherland is a profound tragedy and a painful reminder of the sacrifices routinely made by members of our Armed Forces in the service of the nation.”

He added: “We honour the courage, dedication and service of all the personnel involved in this unfortunate incident. Their commitment to duty and service to Nigeria will not be forgotten. At this difficult moment, our thoughts remain firmly with their families, colleagues, comrades and loved ones.”

He concluded: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I join the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in extending our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria over this painful loss.

He prayed that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and gives their families, colleagues and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. He added that their memories of these gallant officers and men, who paid the ultimate price in service to our nation, remain eternally blessed.

The Minister further reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the preservation of personnel lives, the highest standards of operational safety and the continued fulfilment of their constitutional responsibilities in defence of the nation.

Queeneth Iheoma-Hart
(CIO) Information & Public Relations
6/10/26

WHO Africa Calls for Greater Inclusion of People with Lived Experience in Mental Health Policies

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, has called for people living with mental health conditions to play a stronger role in shaping policies, services and programmes designed to address mental health challenges across the continent.

Janabi made the call in his message marking World Mental Health Day 2026, observed under the theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.”

He said mental health affects every aspect of people’s lives, including how they learn, work, relate with others and contribute to their communities.

According to him, close to 150 million people across Africa live with mental health, neurological or substance use conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol and other substance use disorders.

He noted that despite the scale of the challenge, many people across the continent still lack access to the care and support they need, while stigma and discrimination continue to discourage people from seeking assistance.

The WHO Regional Director said the experiences of people directly affected by mental health conditions could help identify gaps in existing services and determine forms of support that better protect dignity and human rights.

“For too long, individuals have been invited to share their personal stories but excluded from the decisions that follow. Listening must lead to participation,” Janabi said.

He urged governments and health authorities to involve people with lived experience in developing policies, designing services and strengthening peer-led initiatives.

Janabi said their contributions, combined with clinical and public health expertise, could make mental health services more responsive and accountable.

He disclosed that WHO was already creating opportunities for such participation in the African Region, noting that people with lived experience served as key facilitators during the organisation’s Regional Mental Health Webinar Series and Mental Health Intercountry Learning Meetings held in South Africa and Togo.

The initiatives, he said, were implemented in collaboration with the Pan African Network of People with Psychosocial Disabilities, Aves Mental Health and United for Global Mental Health.

He added that the same approach was reflected in the recently published Mental Health in Africa Investment Case by the WHO Regional Office for Africa, which advocates stronger community-based services, protection of human rights and sustained involvement of service users.

According to Janabi, integrating mental health into primary healthcare remains central to efforts to achieve universal health coverage across the continent.

However, he said significant gaps remain in mental healthcare provision in Africa.

“Only seven of the 47 countries in the WHO African Region are implementing comprehensive mental health integration into primary care,” he said.

He added that average government expenditure on mental health in the region stood at US$0.07 per person, compared with US$2.69 globally.

Janabi further observed that mental health services were often fragmented or concentrated in major urban centres, leaving many communities without access to support close to home.

He called for stronger national leadership and increased and sustained financing to address the challenges.

On World Mental Health Day, the WHO Regional Director urged Member States to establish formal and sustained mechanisms for the participation of people with lived experience in mental health decision-making.

He also called on health professionals, civil society organisations and development partners to support the leadership of people with lived experience and help bring compassionate, rights-based mental healthcare closer to communities.

“As WHO, we are committed to working alongside Member States and communities to expand accessible and rights-based care throughout the Region,” Janabi said.

“Real voices can drive real change. Together, we can build mental health systems with those who use them, and ensure they respond optimally to the lives people lead.”

FG Challenges Young Nigerians to Turn Confab Deliberations into Action

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has challenged young Nigerians to ensure that the National Youth Confab 2026 does not end with speeches and resolutions, but produces practical ideas that can translate into opportunities and measurable improvements in their lives.

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, gave the charge on Friday while declaring the 2026 National Youth Confab open at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Auditorium in Abuja.

Olawande said the gathering should serve as a working platform where young Nigerians could openly examine the issues affecting them, propose solutions and contribute to policies and programmes that shape their future.

He acknowledged that young people continue to face challenges ranging from unemployment and inadequate skills to limited access to finance, education, digital opportunities and entrepreneurship, as well as concerns around peace and security.

Rather than simply listing these challenges, the minister urged delegates to come up with realistic recommendations, partnerships and clear actions that government and other stakeholders can implement.

He also called for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, development partners, civil society organisations and youth-led groups to widen opportunities for young Nigerians across the country.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development would continue to create platforms that give young people a voice in policies and programmes affecting their lives.

He therefore urged delegates to take ownership of the Confab by speaking up, asking difficult questions, proposing workable solutions and building partnerships, expressing confidence that the discussions would produce outcomes capable of moving from the conference hall into action.

Cross-section of participants and dignitaries at the Opening Ceremony of the National Youth Confab 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Auditorium, Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, reinforced the call for meaningful youth participation, saying young Nigerians must have a role in shaping conversations around leadership, governance, jobs, entrepreneurship, education, digital skills, peacebuilding and national unity.

Keshinro urged participants to ensure that their ideas were not left as conference resolutions but were developed into practical and measurable actions.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Olaseye Nafiu, commended the Federal Government for bringing young Nigerians together, describing the Confab as an opportunity to harness their energy, ideas and potential for national development.

He noted that the large youth population in Nigeria made their inclusion in national conversations and decision-making essential to the country’s progress.

Technology is also playing a role in the effort to capture the voices emerging from the Confab.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) were being used to capture, analyse and categorise ideas and concerns raised by young Nigerians.

He said the process would provide evidence that could help policymakers better understand the priorities of young people and develop policies that reflect their aspirations.

For Dr. Hardwick Tchale, Lead Agricultural Economist for West and Central Africa at the World Bank, the focus should remain on recognising young people as an important national asset and creating avenues for their skills and potential to contribute to Nigeria’s development.

He wished the Ministry and other stakeholders successful deliberations.

Prof. Magdalene Igbolo, Director, Centre for Gender Studies and Youth Advancement, University of Abuja, meanwhile, highlighted the role of the revived Commonwealth Youth Programme in strengthening the capacity of professionals working in youth development.

She said the postgraduate programme would equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills required to engage young people effectively and contribute to the professionalisation of the youth development sector.

The Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon. Aliyu Idris Zakari, called for a shift in how young Nigerians are viewed in national affairs, arguing that they should not be treated only as leaders of tomorrow but as partners in development today.

Also speaking, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, called for greater attention to education, employment, skills development, digital innovation and entrepreneurship, alongside meaningful youth participation in governance.

Afeez stressed that the real test of the Confab would be whether its outcomes eventually translate into policies and programmes that make a tangible difference in the lives of young Nigerians.

Group photograph of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, and other stakeholders at the opening ceremony of the National Youth Confab 2026 in Abuja.

Nigeria @66: CONYSSA Urges Political Leaders to Invest in Youths, Fix Roads to Curb Insecurity

Maryam Aminu

The Coalition of Nigeria Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) has urged political leaders to invest more in young Nigerians with ideas, skills and leadership potential rather than creating incentives that make thuggery and violence appear more rewarding.

The call was made by the Director-General of CONYSSA, Ambassador Ade-Mario Emmanuel, as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, with the coalition stressing that insecurity requires more than security operations and must be tackled by addressing the social, economic and infrastructural conditions that enable crime.

Ade-Mario expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing disparity in the way some political actors reward youths involved in thuggery compared with those who use their intellect and skills productively.

He noted that while some politicians could give as much as ₦1 million or more to thugs, youths with constructive ideas and intellectual capacity could struggle to receive even a fraction of such support.

According to him, such a pattern risks sending the wrong message to young Nigerians by creating the impression that thuggery, violence and other anti-social activities offer a faster route to financial rewards than education, hard work, patriotism and legitimate enterprise.

He therefore called on local government representatives, state chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to work together to develop practical and community-based solutions to insecurity.

Ade-Mario also drew attention to the country’s deteriorating road infrastructure, urging the government to urgently rehabilitate dilapidated roads, which he identified as potential enablers of kidnapping, robbery and other crimes.

He noted that poorly maintained and isolated roads can expose travellers and communities to greater security risks, stressing that road rehabilitation should therefore be viewed not only as an infrastructure or economic issue but also as part of the country’s broader security strategy.

CONYSSA commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ridwan Disu, for promoting intelligence-led and preventive policing, including community engagement, dialogue and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The coalition said modern policing must go beyond responding to crimes after they occur, stressing the importance of stronger community intelligence, early-warning mechanisms and cooperation between citizens and security agencies.

Ade-Mario also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing the Youth Confab and supporting the participation of young Nigerians within the 18-to-35 age bracket.

He described the President’s support as an important opportunity for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in national affairs and begin preparing for leadership responsibilities.

According to him, the Youth Confab provides an avenue for young Nigerians to contribute ideas, engage one another and develop the leadership capacity required to take greater responsibility for the country’s future.

He said Nigeria must deliberately begin preparing its young population for leadership, using 2031 and subsequent political cycles as templates for building a new generation of competent, patriotic and responsible leaders.

DG CONYSSA stressed that youth development should go beyond political appointments and elections to include education, leadership training, entrepreneurship, skills development, professional growth and meaningful participation in community decision-making.

The coalition also commended the sacrifices of Nigeria’s security agencies and urged citizens to support lawful security efforts by providing credible information and cooperating with relevant authorities.

It maintained that sustainable security should ultimately be measured by whether Nigerians can travel, farm, work, worship and conduct their businesses without living in constant fear.

CONYSSA therefore called for greater investment in youth empowerment, employment, education, infrastructure and community-based security initiatives, stressing that government institutions, security agencies, traditional leaders, political actors and citizens must work together to address insecurity.

As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, the coalition urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace patriotism, peace and responsible citizenship.

CONYSSA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting youth inclusion, community safety and constructive partnerships with security agencies, stressing that Nigeria’s future depends on creating an environment where young people are encouraged to use their intellect, skills and energy positively.

It said the Nigeria of the future must be one where young Nigerians are prepared for leadership, communities are made safer and basic infrastructure is developed to support both economic activity and national security.

Amb. Ade-Mario Emmanuel, Director General, Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs

Military Neutralises 52 Terrorists, Arrests 350, Rescues 655 Kidnap Victims in September

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) says its troops neutralised 52 terrorists and criminals, arrested 350 suspects and rescued 655 kidnapped civilians across the country in September 2026.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed this on Wednesday in its combined monthly and third-quarter media briefing on ongoing military operations nationwide.

According to the briefing, troops also facilitated the surrender of 75 insurgents, recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition, dismantled eight illegal oil-refining sites and recovered more than 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products during the month.

The military said the operations were conducted across the various theatres as part of sustained campaigns against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and secessionist activities.

In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 27 terrorists, arrested 49 and rescued 103 kidnapped victims during September. The operation also facilitated the surrender of 73 insurgents and their family members.

One of the major developments in the theatre was the rescue of 44 terrorist family members, including 13 women and 31 children, in Konduga, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, after they fled their enclaves amid clashes between rival terrorist factions.

The military also reported a wave of surrenders in Borno State, with more than 70 terrorist fighters and family members surrendering at different locations. Some of those who surrendered reportedly cited hunger, harsh living conditions and lack of basic provisions inside terrorist enclaves as reasons for abandoning the groups.

In the North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma recorded the arrest of 26 terrorists, neutralisation of seven and rescue of 171 kidnapped victims across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Among the notable operations was an air operation in Kebbi State on September 17, during which more than 60 kidnapped victims escaped after a Nigerian Air Force jet intercepted terrorists moving with the captives.

In the North-Central, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 320 kidnapped victims and arrested 57 suspects across Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states.

Troops also rescued 18 passengers abducted from a bus along the Jos–Akwanga Road in Nasarawa State and arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin in Lafia, where they recovered a locally made revolver, military-style uniforms, a luxury vehicle and cash.

Similarly, Operation Enduring Peace, covering Bauchi, Kaduna and Plateau states, arrested 155 suspects, rescued 28 kidnapped victims and neutralised nine terrorists during the month. In Bauchi State, troops working with Forest Guards ambushed suspected kidnappers at Kudu Yamma in Ningi Local Government Area, killing three and rescuing six victims.

In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe arrested 33 criminals, destroyed eight illegal refining sites and recovered more than 304,822 litres of petroleum products during September.

The military said troops recovered approximately 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Aworkiri and another 182,000 litres at Bethel Creek in Rivers State.

In the South-East, Operation Udo Ka neutralised three criminals, arrested 28 suspects and rescued six kidnapped victims across Anambra, Enugu and Imo states. Troops also dismantled an illegal bunkering site and arrested a suspected explosives fabrication expert linked to secessionist activities.

Beyond kinetic operations, the Armed Forces said it continued civil-military initiatives, including skills acquisition programmes, educational support and anti-drug awareness campaigns.

In Enugu, beneficiaries of a Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association skills programme received start-up materials after training in fashion designing, baking and catering. School bags and books were also distributed to pupils and students in military schools under a Back-to-School initiative.

The military further disclosed that more than 300 students in Yobe State participated in an anti-drug awareness campaign focused on education, discipline, responsible citizenship and the dangers of substance abuse.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the broader third-quarter figures showed that troops neutralised 554 terrorists and criminals, arrested 1,333 suspects, rescued 1,736 kidnapped civilians and facilitated the surrender of 333 insurgents.

The military also reported the recovery of 244 arms and 8,160 rounds of ammunition, dismantling of 104 illegal refining sites and recovery of more than 1.61 million litres of stolen petroleum products during the quarter.

The Defence Headquarters said troops recorded 367 attacks across the various theatres during the period, but responded with operations aimed at disrupting terrorist and kidnapping activities, protecting communities and securing critical infrastructure and major supply routes.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, commended personnel for their professionalism and sacrifices, while also acknowledging the support of other security agencies, local security groups and communities.

He urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to provide credible information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193, stressing that national security remains a shared responsibility.

The Defence Headquarters also commended Zinox Group for partnering with the Armed Forces to establish an online discount store for serving and retired military personnel and their families, describing the initiative as support for personnel welfare.