Crime
Saving the Lake Chad Basin; Solving Myriads of Security Problems in Nigeria
In the northeast, tens of thousands of people have been killed and whole communities and public infrastructure have been decimated in the Boko Haram conflict, one of the most deadly and the most devastating during the past decade. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
Thousands of young girls and women have been abducted and serially raped. Over three million people have been internally displaced while others have fled to neighbouring countries. There is also the problem of massive starvation as farms have been abandoned and camps for internally displaced persons are not adequately catered for with food, medicines and other supplies despite the commendable humanitarian assistance by international organization, foreign governments and the Nigerian national and state governments.
During the past decade also, there has been the problems of wars and massacres involving herdsmen and farming communities in different parts of Nigeria.
The Social Development Integrated Center (Social Action) in conjunction with Development and Peace Caritas, Canada; in a new report claimed that there are similarities in all of these conflicts and advocate for the need to promote a common civic understanding of the genesis of these problems. Hitherto, discourses around these unfortunate developments have had an overwhelming ethnic and religious colouration, which have contributed to dividing Nigeria along those lines.
While delivering welcome address by the Director of the Social Development Integrated Center (Social Action), Dr. Isaac ‘Asume’ Osuoka at the official launch and panel discussion on the report titled BOILING OVER: GLOBAL WARMING, HUNGER AND VIOLENCE IN THE LAKE CHAD BASIN, said that “What we have realized in our engagements and associated research is that there are intersections of an ongoing ecological crisis and violent conflicts in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel region generally.
“In the other areas of Nigeria such as the Niger Delta, decades of environmental damage caused by the petroleum industry created local impoverishment and unemployment that encourage armed insurgency and banditry.
Therefore, both in the north and the south of the country, as agencies deal with the immediate challenges of insecurity, we need also to have a conversation about how to address the underlying ecological and governance problems that created the vulnerability in the first place.”
Osuoka also said that, “the findings of their research in northeast Nigeria is in accord with the view expressed by the Nigerian government that climate change is responsible for decades of drought and desertification in the Sahel region.”
Before the advent of Boko Haram in 2009, the Lake Chad Basin had undergone dramatic climate changes, resulting in the near-total drying up of the lake. Between 1963 and 2019, the Lake Chad had lost over 95% of its original size of over 22,000km2 to just a little above 1,000km2 impacting adversely on the livelihoods and the altering of migration patterns. It impacts include reductions in the pasture for livestock and fertile land for food production.
The near total loss of Lake Chad has had profoundly negatively impacts on fishing and agricultural livelihoods as the Lake used to serve as a lifeline for millions of people. By 2009, many young and able men in the Lake Chad Basin were unemployed!
The droughts of the 1970s and 1980s put pressure on the Nigerian government to build several dams and irrigation projects, sometimes with international credit facilities. Many of these projects started without adequate assessment of environment and social impacts, the report revealed that, in many cases, gains from such projects were overshadowed by massive dislocation of poor farmers and herdsmen who were removed from irrigated land in favour of politically connected persons. This was responsible for the peasant protestation against displacement by dams, which resulted in the Bakolori Massacre of 1980. The Maitasine revolt and massacre also happened in the same year. It is instructive to note that in the case of Maitasine, it was an Islamic sect that led the poor to revolt. “We can only imagine the social conditions in northeastern Nigeria that turned young men into butchers of fellow men under the banner of Boko Haram years later.”
“What the report we are presenting today shows is that understanding the social ecology of violence is imperative to sustainable peace in northeast Nigeria and elsewhere.” Osuoka reiterated.
In all of these, the reality of poor governance cannot be ruled out.
Osuaoka said, “However, if we say that climate change is a causative factor for the situation of insecurity, we do not suggest that it is the only cause. The reality of poor governance, the looting of funds by officials and contractors and the resultant abandonment of ecological restoration and development projects, many of which have been implemented without adequate consideration of environmental impacts, have all provided triggers for the crises.
So far, there have been reports, and widespread public perception of mismanagement of funds voted for humanitarian assistance in northeast Nigeria. When the state officials act with little regard for the human rights of citizens, the result is a germination of a culture of impunity.”
Now we have a
crisis that the government alone cannot address without the support of the
civic leadership. Our shared understanding of the urgency of the challenges at
hand and the necessity for concerted actions to achieve peacebuilding, national
development goals and a sense of global justice is key to solving the problem
we found ourselves in.
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Crime
Police Confirms Killing of 3 Officers by Gunmen in Kogi
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three of its officers by unknown gunmen in a checking point in Egbe, a community sharing boundary with Kwara State.
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The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer PPRO SP William Ovye Aya who confirmed the incident noted that it happened in the early hours of Wednesday, September 10th, 2025.
Aya asserted that the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye has deployed Police tactical team to the area adding that they are on the trail of the gunmen.
“I can confirm to you that three of our officers on duty was killed today in Egbe; a border community with Kwara State.
“The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical squad to the area. We are currently on the trail of this Men of the under world and they will all be arrested”he started.
Meanwhile the Kogi State Government has commended the swift response of security agencies and local hunters, which led to the rescue of 17 passengers kidnapped along the Lokoja–Obajana road on Thursday.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Government confirmed that the victims were freed following the prompt intervention of the Nigerian Army and local hunters, who pursued the abductors and ensured the safe release of all passengers. The rescued victims have since been taken to medical facilities for examination and care.
The Government also expressed deep concern over the reported attack on security operatives in Yagba West Local Government Area, which resulted in the death of some police officers. While expressing condolence to the families of the slain officers, the State described them as gallant men who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
Fanwo noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rid the State of criminal elements, assuring that personnel and security equipment are being deployed to strategic locations to restore security.
He called on citizens to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and useful information, stressing that the perpetrators of the attacks will be brought to justice.
“The Government of Kogi State will never submit to acts of terror. Together with the support of the people and the commitment of our security agencies, we will overcome those who seek to disrupt the peace of our land,” the statement added.
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Crime
Ododo Donates Security Equipments To Kogi Poly
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
In a proactive move to enhance safety of lives and properties across tertiary institutions in Kogi State, the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo led administration has donated advanced security gadgets to Kogi State Polytechnic, covering both the Lokoja and Itakpe Campus.
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The donation includes installation of modern CCTV surveillance cameras, lithium-powered torchlights and rapid response scooters, all aimed at strengthening campus security infrastructure.
This initiative reflects the Governor’s commitment to the safety of students, staff and educational facilities across Kogi State.
Engr. Sani Isah of Sufpay Limited, Project Executor, who handed over the items to the Polytechnic management, stated that the items were carefully chosen to meet the specific security needs of the institution.
According to Engr Isah, “the CCTV cameras will ensure real-time monitoring of critical areas, the lithium-powered torchlights will support night patrols, and the rapid response scooters will guarantee swift mobility in emergency situations”.
He also emphasized that designated security personnel would undergo technical training to ensure the efficient and effective use of the equipments, noting that continuous support would also be provided.
In his remarks, the elated Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman commended the Governor for his tremendous security support, describing the intervention as timely, strategic and impactful.
Prof Usman further stated that, “we are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the people’s servant and the Executive Governor of Kogi State for yet another remarkable, generous and thoughtful gesture. These tools in the addition to the recent fencing of the Itakpe Campus will significantly boost our internal security framework and help maintain peace and order within our campuses”.
The Rector specifically highlighted the Governor’s visible commitment to the institution’s security architecture, referencing recent infrastructural achievements such as the historic fencing of the Itakpe Campus which has helped prevent land encroachment and enhanced security.
Professor Usman stressed further that the CCTV installation and other safety devices would help prevent internal disturbances and ward off intruders who may pose threats to peace and order on campus. He pledged that the Polytechnic would ensure the judicious use of the donated items, stressing their critical role in sustaining a peaceful and conducive academic environment.
The presentation was done in the presence of the Principal Officers and the Chief Security Officer of the Polytechnic.
Highlight of the brief ceremony was the tour of the security installation within the Lokoja campus and virtual demonstration of the installation at the Itakpe Campus.
Ends.
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Crime
COAS Urges Young Nigerians To Shun Criminality
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has cautioned young Nigerians against engaging in social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, and other criminal activities.
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The COAS gave the advice at the public speaking engagement held at Community Secondary School, Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA, to commemorates the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.
The Commander 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, who spoke on behalf of the COAS, emphasised the importance of positive values and responsible behavior among young people.
He said this year’s celebration was particularly important as it highlights the army’s resilience and commitment to national security amidst various internal security challenges.
Represented by Major Azi Izang, the Brigade Education Officer, the Commander expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God for the Army’s victories and challenges overcome in the past year.
He emphasised the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to national resilience and security, highlighting the COAS’ command philosophy of consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards a well-motivated and combat-ready force.
He said the public speaking engagement aimed to enlighten young Nigerians on patriotism, the Nigerian Army’s ethics, criteria for joining the Army, and advocacy against drug abuse and cultism.
He admonished the students to be patriotic citizens, embracing honesty, and shunning criminality.
The Commander appreciated the Odo-Ape community for their warm reception, and encouraged the students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills for their personal growth, community development, and the nation’s progress.
The commander reaffirmed the determination of COAS to continuing strengthening the Nigerian Army in its operational strategies through various engagements.
He reiterated Army’s commitment to strengthening national security, the rule of law, and economic prosperity, emphasising its role in contemporary security and defense management.
In their respective lectures, Lieutenant Gbemisola Ojowa and Lieutenant Hassan Abdullah, conducted interactive sessions with the students, providing insights into the Nigerian Army’s career paths and the necessary qualifications.
They also enlightened the students on patriotism, imbibing the principles of honesty and integrity at all times.
They advised the students to avoid criminal company and criminality, cultism, as well as drug and substance abuse, and its attendant consequences.
In his vote of thanks, the School Principal, Mr Alfred Obayelu, thank the COAS and the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army for the choice of their school to mark the 2025 NADCEL.
“I believe the choice of selecting Odo-Ape community school is a warning signal to criminal elements in the area to relocate.
“We thank the Nigerian Army for the gesture,” Obayelu said.
The students’ representatives: Great Adeyanju and Dorcas Adeboye, said the programme has broaden their knowledge on career paths in Nigerian Army, and the danger of cultism, drug abuse and social vices.
The highlights of the event was the presentation of educational materials to students, and souvenirs to dignitaries at the occasion.
The week-long activities commemorates the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, which includes special Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, public speaking, among others.
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