ECOWAS  Governmental Workshop for Validation of the Operational Framework of ECOWAS Standby Force concluded in Abuja

By Emmanuel Daudu


The ECOWAS Commission has  organized the ECOWAS Governmental Workshop for the Validation of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) Operational Framework, which started   from May 29-31, 2024, in Ibeto hotel Abuja, Nigeria.

According to a media summary signed and made available to journalists by the ECOWAS programme officer IT and Communication, ECOWAS workshop marks the final phase of a comprehensive review process aimed at adapting the ESF Operational Framework to address contemporary security and political challenges in the region.

According to him,  the workshop  brings  together representatives from the ECOWAS Commission, the European Union Delegation (EUD) in Abuja, GIZ, delegates from Member States, Technical Committee Experts (TCEs), resource persons, and experts from the military, police, and civilian sectors with extensive experience in Peace Support Operations (PSO), logistics, and counterterrorism, is to enhance the draft ESF Operational Framework, thereby building the capacity of the ESF to effectively respond to the complexities of the modern operational environment.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Pawoumothom Cyriaque Agnekethom, Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, on behalf of Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, PhD, Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace & Security of the ECOWAS Commission, expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in this review, he emphasized that the current review is essential for updating the framework to reflect the latest trends and security threats in the region. “The review process, which began three years ago, has been thorough, and we are now presenting the revised document for governmental validation. The deployment of the ESF must consider the existing security threats in the region. I call for the continued support of member states’ experts for the upcoming review of the logistic concept and logistic management.”

Mrs. Celine Lhoste, speaking on behalf of the European Union, highlighted the significant support provided by the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) regional program, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). “The EPSAO program, with a budget of €24 million, has supported various interventions aimed at strengthening ECOWAS mechanisms. These include capacity building for civilian, police, and military personnel, facilitating training, and ongoing acquisitions, despite the security context in the region.”

The Governmental Validation Workshop represents a significant milestone in enhancing the ESF’s operational readiness and adaptability. By incorporating feedback from experienced delegates and experts, ECOWAS aims to finalize an operational framework that is well-equipped to tackle the contemporary security landscape, ensuring peace and stability in the region.

This workshop is organized through the ECOWAS EPSAO project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

DHQ commence investigation over attack on Troops in Aba


By Emmanuel Daudu


Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were  attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ ESN. The troops deployed to enforce peace in  the area and protect the citizens were massed attacked by the terrorist. The terrorist in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from builtup areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.

According to Major General
Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations, the attack sadly took the lives of  5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action.


The armed forces mourns the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.

Overall, it must be reinterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate  attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.

Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would  be  fierce  in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure  their total defeat.

CG AUDI CALLS FOR RENEWED DETERMINATION TO COMBAT INSECURITY IN SCHOOLS AS SPECIAL FEMALE SQUAD MARKS 3RD ANNIVERSARY

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni, OFR has charged the Special Female Squad to redouble its effort in gathering actionable Intelligence to forestall any form of attack against Institutions and Schools across the federation.

According to a press release signed by CSC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations, the CG gave the charge as he recalled the commissioning of the SFS upon his assumption of office noting that the creation of the Special Female Squad is one of the robust approaches put in place to tackle the overwhelming challenges of kidnapping and abduction of School Children and their Teachers.

Dr Audi further noted that women have great passion for their children and this has informed the resilience and zest put in place by the Special Female Squad since its formation.

“When we came on board it was needful to develop a robust scheme capable of tackling the emerging threats against the educational sector. From the feasibility study and field survey carried out we discovered that many Schools in the federation were without perimeter fencing, security guards or mechanisms to forestall attacks and are thus vulnerable”.

“The Corps later took a pragmatic approach to commission an all Female Squad which was saddled with the responsibility of Protecting both the Students, Teachers and School environment from possible attacks”.

Operationally, the Special Female Squad (SFS) was further commissioned in all the 36 States of the Federation and FCT thereby foiling over 48 kidnap attempts and attacks against Students and Teachers across the board”.

Several organizations and establishments have commended the tact fullness of the SFS as they engage in Training and Sensitization Programs on Personal Security and Protection Techniques across Schools; they have also extended their activities by reaching out to the less privileged, visiting the Pediatric Ward, Postnatal ward, neonatal Intensive care Unit (NICU) Male and Female Ward to provide Moral and logistics support.

The CG said the achievements of the Special Female Squad have continued to wax stronger in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities.

As a means of giving back to society, the SFS conducted Community Services in several communities, the following Hospitals were also visited to distribute relief materials: the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Wise General Hospital, National Hospital and Garik General Hospital. Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council Secondary School Sheda, Gadorasko Primary School Garik, Abuja.

“In light of the above, as the Corps mark the 3rd Anniversary of the Commissioning of Special Female Squad across the nation I charge the officers and men to be more focused, diligent and well-determined to end Insecurity in schools even as you partner and collaborate with other security agencies in the service to the nation.

MNJTF Partners with OCHA to Strengthen Humanitarian Support in Lake Chad Region

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are set to strengthen their partnership to enhance humanitarian outreach in the Lake Chad region. This collaboration was announced by MNJTF Force Commander, Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, during a visit by OCHA’s Head of Office in Chad, Dieudonne Bamouni, to the MNJTF Headquarters on May 28, 2024.

According to a press release signed by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi,
Chief Military Public Information Officer
Ndjamena, Chad
28 May 2024, General Ali expressed gratitude to OCHA for its diligent coordination of humanitarian support and pledged the full backing of the MNJTF, stating, “We welcome any effort that will bring peace and stability in Lake Chad.”

In his remarks, Dieudonne Bamouni lauded the MNJTF for its efforts, particularly its non-kinetic strategies, which have significantly contributed to a rise in terrorist surrenders.

Bamouni acknowledged the progress made by the MNJTF in stabilizing the region. He outlined OCHA’s ongoing activities in Chad to provide support to affected populations and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering long-term peace and stability.

The Head of Office promised that OCHA would assist in training MNJTF personnel, with a particular focus on understanding the implications of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) during their operations. This training, he said, is expected to enhance the MNJTF’s capacity to enforce ethical standards and protect vulnerable populations in the region.

CDS Commissions Vehicles, Motor cycles donated by Kaduna State to Security Agencies

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS) General Christopher Gwabin Musa has today, 28 May, 2024 commissioned 150 Vehicles and 500 Motor Cycles purchased by the Kaduna State Governor, His Excellency Uba Sani for distribution to security agencies in Kaduna State. Speaking at the event, the CDS expressed his heart felt appreciation to governor Uba Sani for the invaluable donation of these vehicles. The gesture of solidarity and support he added underscores the strong partnership between the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and government at both state and federal levels.

According to a press release signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence information on
28 May 2024 disclosed that while speaking, General Musa further maintained that these vehicles and motor cycles will
” undoubtedly bolster our operational readiness, enhance our mobility, and further strengthen our capacity to safeguard the security and sovereignty of our beloved country. ” He therefore called on members of the AFN and other security agencies to recommit themselves to the noble cause of defending our nation with honour and integrity. He added that ” Let us harness the capabilities of these vehicles to further enhance our operational effectiveness, protect our communities, and uphold the values of loyalty, courage, and unity that define our armed forces”. The CDS added “Together, we stand as guardians of peace, guardians of freedom, and guardians of the Nigerian people.”

The Defence Chief also thanked the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound support to the AFN and all security agencies in our effort to fulfill our constitutional roles.

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, said the momentous occasion is a giant step in our collective efforts at enhancing the security and well-being of the people of Kaduna state. He added that the safety and security of Kaduna citizens remains paramount to his administration. He recognises the challenge faced by security personnel, especially in terms of mobility and swift access to remotes areas. He further said the citizens can feel safer because of the visibility of security presence. He particularly thanked the CDS for his unparalleled contributions to national security.

Governor Sani also said that the security vehicle and motor cycles are ” about demonstrating our continued support to security forces. It is about empowering our security personnel, showing them that we value their sacrifices. Governor Uba Sani also directed the state Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to name the conference hall of the Ministry in memory of late Lieutenant Colonel AH Ali, the gallant Army officer who lost his life while actively defending the nation in Delta state.

Tinubu’s one year in office: NCSCN decries under appointment of S/East, uses FRSC as case study

The Civil Society Organization, under the aegis of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to appoint the next Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Marshal from the southeastern part of the country to balance the equation.
At a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the NCSCN Executive Secretary, Dr. Raymond Edoh, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider the request and act on it with goodwill.

According to him, the earnest hope of the Civil Society community is that the “Renewed Hope” administration of President Tinubu, which has been divinely orchestrated into power, will strive to correct the ills of our past and repair the broken walls of our national unity and integration.

He said Tinubu should also take advantage of the retirement of Mr. Dauda Ali Biu as Corps Marshal of the FRSC to scout for the most competent and qualified personnel or officer in the Corps from the South East to balance the equation of our beloved country.

“It is against the foregoing arguments and considerations that we passionately appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reconsider magnanimously the fate of the South East Zone in the appointment of the Corps Marshal of the FRSC in favor of any qualified personnel from the South East Zone.

“The NCSCN is not naïve to the fact that, politically speaking, the Zone may not have merited such kindness from the present Administration.

“However, fully aware of President Tinubu’s highly nationalistic and patriotic heart, we passionately appeal to His Excellency to use this as a show of his large and accommodating heart, to balance and set the nation on a new and sustainable trajectory of national integration and development.

NCSN Director media,Alh. Gambo Jagindi, alleged that available and verifiable records show clearly that the configuration of the nation’s security and para-military architectures does not properly reflect and represent the federal character principle of the nation.

“We may all recall that the Federal Character Principle in Nigeria was borne out of the need to ensure evenness in spreading government appointments to promote inclusion, representation, a sense of belonging, and balance in the polity.

Also ,Yemi Success, Director of Mobilization said “The underlying philosophy of the federal character principle is providing equality of access in public service representation to curb dominance by one or a few sections.

“The principle was first introduced into the Constitution in 1979 for public offices and federal institutions to reflect Nigeria’s diversities.”

Through WIGOS, National Meteorological And Hydrological Services (NMHSs) Will Be Able To Build Observing Capabilities…NiMet DG/CEO Prof. Anosike

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Professor Charles Anosike has
said that through the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS), National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) such as NiMet will be able to build observing capabilities, achieve better data coverage at national, regional,and global level, improve economic efficiency and close existing data gaps.

Professor Anosike was speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, 28th May, 2024, while welcoming participants to the four-day training workshop for Regional WIGOS Centres in WMO Regional Association ( RA 1 – West Central Africa).

The workshop which aims at equipping participants with sufficient skills to use the WIGOS tools particularly for Regional Wigos Centres (RWC) functions, make them be aware and better understand their responsibilities related to RWIC functions.

Professor Anosike noted that the North, Central and West Africa region is facing challenges associated with diverse climatic conditions and the socio-economic impacts of weather extremes. “We are vulnerable to droughts, floods and other weather and climate-related natural disasters that can have devastating effects on our economies. Therefore, strengthening meteorological infrastructure and human capacity has become a top priority”, he said.

Professor Anosike commended the WMO Regional Office for North, Central and West Africa for its continued support for capacity development in Africa, and the opportunities available to NMHSs in the region.

The workshop which drew participants from across Africa including Mr Bernard Gomez, the WMO Representative for North Central and West Africa, ends on Friday, 31st May, 2024.

Photo News

Left To Right: Abubakr Salih Babiker, Technical Coordinator for Infrastructure, WMO Regional Office for Africa, Addis Ababa, Mr Bernard Gomez, WMO Representative for North Central and West Africa, Professor Charles Anosike, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)/Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Luis Nunes, WIGOS Scientific Officer (WMO),
and Tchinda Tazo Simplice, Permanent Representative of Cameroon with WMO, at the four-day training workshop for Regional WIGOS Centres in WMO Regional Association ( RA 1 – West Central Africa) in Abuja on Tuesday, 28th May, 2024.

Tinubu’s one year in office: Association of Corporate Online Editors’  Public Perception Poll

A majority of Nigerians (68%) do not think President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office has been successful including 42% of those who believe his time in office has been a major failure. Despite this characterization from the majority of Nigerians, President Tinubu still has the backing of a sizeable number of Nigerians to change the fortunes of the most populous African country. Almost half the population of Nigerians (47%) has a positive optics that things will get better not worse. Of note, 8.1% of Nigerians have a strong trust President Tinubu will lead Nigeria out of the woods. A higher number (10%) trust his leadership going forward while (16.2%) are neutral. In contrast, (29.5%) distrust President Tinubu including (36.2%) who strongly distrust his leadership. Despite the negative emotions, more Nigerians think the President deserve the benefit of doubt (45%) think Tinubu’s government will spring a surprise in the future. 55% say it is not expecting anything different in the future.

A plurality of Nigerians (78%) say Tinubu has not satisfied them in his handling of the economy . More than one in four (44%) report they are very dissatisfied, and 34% say they are dissatisfied. (9%) are neutral while almost the same proportion of Nigerians (8.6%) say they are satisfied with his economic policies and its impact on the country’s economy.

A slim population of Nigerians (19%) think President Tinubu in his first year has effectively improved national security and reduced crime. 5% report he has exceeded their expectations. More than one in six Nigerians (62%) say Tinubu has fallen short. Among respondents, a plurality, 31%, say President Tinubu’s security strategy is ineffective, the same population (31%) report his security strategy is very ineffective.

To compound matters for the president, Nigerians are tepid about the fight against corrupt and good governance. Majority think the fight against corrupt under the Tinubu Administration is very unsuccessful. 32% of Nigerians think President Tinubu is very unsuccessful with fighting corruption and good governance, and 39% believe he is unsuccessful on both indexes. A notable 13% say they are neutral while 12% think President Tinubu is successfully tackling corruption and promoting good governance in Nigeria.

On health care, Tinubu underperforms as (32%) rated him very poor, (31%) say he performed poorly. On the positive, only (6%) say Tinubu is changing the nation’s health sector for the better, while (29%) rated him average in improving the healthcare system in Nigeria.

Only 13% of Nigerians say the educational sector has fair well since President Tinubu took office. 64% report that it is worse off, and 33% say his educational policies are very poor.

Many Nigerians also do not think President Tinubu’s infrastructural drive is tangible enough. 64% of Nigerians report that they are dissatisfied with the progress made in infrastructure development such as roads, electricity, water supply, etc under the current administration. Sixteen percent are unsure.

Digging deeper into President Tinubu’s first year in office, a plurality of Nigerian’s (77%) rate the president’s performance in creating job opportunities for Nigerians since taking office as disappointing. 43% of adults think unemployment is very worse under President Tinubu, and 34% say it is doing worse. Almost (16%) of Nigerians are neutral while (7%) rate the president’s performance in creating job opportunities for Nigerians well.

Majorities of Nigerians (57%) think Nigeria’s foreign policy have deteriorated since President Tinubu took office. Although 26% believe the assert Nigeria’s foreign policy remains unchanged in the past year, 13% think foreign policy has gotten better. 4% say things have improved excellently in the past year.

Nearly six in ten Nigerian’s (57%) perceive the president’s communication and transparency as opaque. 32% say President Tinubu is very opaque in communicating policies and decisions to the public, and only 2% believe is very transparent in communicating policies and decisions to the public.

In President Tinubu’s handling of palliatives to cushion the effect of subsidy removal, 76% rate the president’s removal of subsidy and its aftermath as shoddy. 47% of adults nationally say his handling of subsidy removal and its aftermath on the economy is very poor, and 29% report his handling of palliatives is poor (15%) are neutral (7%) rated the subsidy removal policy as good. Only 1% believe Tinubu’s subsidy removal and its impact is very good.

Looking at the demographics breakdown, those in the private sector (42%) have bore the most biting impact of the president’s one year in Office, followed by (35%) in the public sector. 12% of Nigeria residents who are unemployed, followed by students (4%) say they are displeased with President Tinubu’s handling of the country.

The impact of President Tinubu’s administration is greatest on adult Nigerians age 40-69 (72%); followed by 25% of adult Nigerians age 18-39 and 2% of elders aged 70 and above. l

Most male adults (86%) think the president’s one year in office has the greatest impact on them while female adults (14%%) believe adult female Nigerians are the most impacted.

The proportion of Nigerian’s who strongly disapprove of how the president is doing his job on: economy (79%); security (63%); corruption and governance (71%); health care (63%); education (64%); infrastructure (65%); Job creation (77%) and foreign policy (57%) give the most incisive perspective on what and how adult Nigerians feel about President Tinubu’s one year in office.

Results are based on online poll conducted between May 22-26, 2024, with a random sample of 1055 adults, 18+ across the 36 states of Nigeria. For results based on this sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is +/- 5 percentage points at 95 percent confidence level.

Poll respondents are randomized across Whatsapp, Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. ACOE obtained samples for this survey using the online presence of its members.

NiMet, Oxfam To Partner In Minimizing Humanitarian Emergencies

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Oxfam are set to partner in minimizing humanitarian emergencies in Nigeria.

At a meeting between officials of the two organizations at NiMet’s office in Abuja, on Wednesday, 29th May, 2024, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike welcomed the idea of the partnership with Oxfam and its partners. “There is no early action without early warning. NiMet already has products such as the annual Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), and other advisories and forecasts we issue. Oxfam has the platform so this is a relationship that will work. NiMet has other partners including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and others and publishes the SCP in local Nigerian languages. The relationship with Oxfam is a welcome development as the work both organizations do are very critical”.

Earlier in his speech, William Mafwalal, Programme Manager of Oxfam in Nigeria, said that Oxfam and its partners are rolling out two anticipatory pilot projects in Nigeria focusing on flood and drought. “The objective of the one-year project which is scalable, is to minimize humanitarian actions and interventions. The pilot for flood will be carried out in Adamawa state, while the pilot for drought will be carried out in Katsina. NiMet is already working on key areas that impacts on the projects. With NiMet’s data, expertise, understanding and technology , Oxfam and its partners can develop early action protocols”.

Concluding, Mr Mafwalal said; “We are happy and excited partnering with NiMet. This is like a one-stop shop. NiMet has all the data we require available in one location. It’s not like this in some of the other countries where we have worked”.

Minister visits Tijani Babangida, says FG will not abandon him

Nigerian Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoch on Monday visited former Nigeria International, Tijani Babangida who is still recuperating from the accident he had few days ago alongside his family members.

Against notion that he has not shown much care since the accident happened, the minister apologized for visiting late but maintained that he had been in touch with the Babangidas but had unfortunately not been able to visit because of his very tight schedule.

He however assured that the Federal Government will not abandon Tijani at this his trying time, stressing that they will ensure that whatever necessary he needs to get back on his feet will definitely be provide for him. He maintained that it is in showing this kind of support that younger Nigerians would be able to have more faith to represent the country.

“We need to assist Tijani in whatever way we we can. People like him who have represented this country to the highest level cannot be left alone in their time of need.

Meanwhile, while thanking the Minister for the visit, Tijani Babangida used the opportunity to inform him about the condition of his wife saying that they would have to fly her abroad for the last rounds of treatments.

“Mr Minister, it has not been easy for me since the accident occured. There is nothing I can do for my brother and my son whom I lost in the accident, but my greatest concern now is my wife. I will need to take her abroad for surgery but it is going to cost me much. If there is any place I need help it is in this area,” Tijani said.

In his vote of thank, the secretary of the Nigeria players union, Emmanuel Babayaro who was on ground to receive the Minister re-emphasized the plea of Babangida concerning his wife pleading that the condition of his wife is more of a concern to Tijani. He informed the Minister that aside those that died in the accident, Tijani’s wife was the worst hit among those who survived and therefore all hands must be on deck to save the lady.