Northern States Seek Stronger Collaboration on Security at Jos Dialogue

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Security and peacebuilding stakeholders from four northern states have renewed calls for stronger collaboration and improved early warning systems to address rising insecurity across the region.

Participants from Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau States made the call during a high-level dialogue held in Jos, Plateau State.

The meeting was convened by the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) in partnership with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) programme and the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA).

Discussions at the forum were centred on enhancing coordination among state actors, strengthening early warning and response mechanisms, and promoting locally driven solutions to evolving security threats.

Participants shared field experiences and reviewed lessons from ongoing interventions, with a focus on identifying practical strategies for cross-border cooperation.

Officials said the engagement builds on existing efforts to improve conflict prevention systems, specifically by integrating new training programs and collaborative frameworks that enhance the effectiveness of these systems.

OSPRE, through its SPARCS programme, has trained over 300 individuals across the northwest and north-central regions since 2025, equipping them to detect and respond to early signs of conflict.

Speaking at the event, SPRING Team Lead, Ukoha Ukiwo, said collaboration among governments, communities, and development partners remains critical.

“Strengthening local capacities and fostering peer learning platforms are essential to building systems capable of preventing conflict before escalation,” he said.

OSPRE Director General, Chris Ngwodo, stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges require coordinated action across all levels of government.

“No single tier of government can address today’s security challenges in isolation. What is required is a coherent framework that aligns local knowledge with national capabilities,” he said.

He also acknowledged the support of the United Kingdom government in advancing peacebuilding initiatives.

The Director General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, Julie Sanda, commended the initiative and called for sustained institutional partnerships to scale successful interventions at the community level.

As part of the program, participants visited Operation Rainbow, Plateau State’s security outfit, where they engaged with personnel in community-based security coordination, intelligence gathering, and rapid response strategies.

At the end of the dialogue, participants agreed to strengthen inter-state collaboration, institutionalise peer learning platforms, and improve early warning systems as part of their efforts to promote sustainable peace in the region.

OSPRE serves as Nigeria’s national coordinating centre for early warning and response, working with stakeholders to anticipate and prevent emerging security threats through data-driven approaches.

Terrorists Destroy Key Bridge in Niger, Cut Off Communities, Kill Travellers in IED Blast

By Musa Garba

Suspected bandits have blown up a strategic bridge along Luma Road, severing access between Luma, Babana and Agwara communities in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The explosion, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, has left residents stranded and disrupted movement across the affected corridor, raising fresh concerns over security in the region.

Local sources revealed that the destruction of the bridge forced the closure of the popular Babana border market, usually held on Mondays, crippling commercial activities and affecting traders from surrounding communities.

The latest incident comes amid a wave of sustained attacks in Borgu and neighbouring Agwara Local Government Areas, where armed groups have continued to target communities for several months.

In a related development, tragedy struck along the Nuku–Woro axis when a vehicle reportedly ran into an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) suspected to have been planted by terrorists. All occupants of the vehicle were said to have lost their lives in the blast.

Confirming the bridge attack, the spokesman of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said security agencies had launched operations to secure the area and prevent further incidents.

He disclosed that the command received a report of the explosion at about 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, noting that the bridge was damaged by explosive devices believed to have been planted by terrorists operating within the Park Forest.

Abiodun added that security operatives were intensifying clearance operations while maintaining surveillance to restore safety and normalcy in the affected communities.

Gov. Nasir Urges Unity, Peace as He Calls for Sustaining Ramadan Values

By Abdullahi Tukur, Birnin Kebbi

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, has extended warm greetings to Muslims in the state, across Nigeria, and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

In his Sallah message, the governor described the festival as a period of thanksgiving, spiritual rebirth, and deep reflection.

He encouraged the Muslim faithful to carry forward the lessons of Ramadan, emphasising virtues such as patience, sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah.

“Ramadan offers a rare opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Allah through fasting, prayers, charity, and acts of kindness.

According to him, these values should not be confined to the holy month alone but should remain a guiding principle in everyday life.

He further urged Muslims to emulate the character and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), highlighting his example of humility, justice, mercy, and peaceful coexistence as a model for building a harmonious and progressive society.

The Governor stressed that Islam promotes peace, love, and mutual respect, values he said are essential in addressing societal challenges and fostering unity among citizens.

While congratulating the Muslim Ummah on witnessing another Eid celebration, Governor Idris prayed for the acceptance of all acts of worship performed during Ramadan.

He also sought divine intervention in resolving the nation’s challenges and bringing relief to individuals, families, and communities.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to development, Idris assured residents of Kebbi State that efforts would continue to improve key sectors, expand empowerment programmes, and create opportunities for all, especially the vulnerable.

He maintained that his government remains focused on delivering meaningful results and improving the lives of the people, adding that leadership should be measured by tangible impact and people-centred policies.

The governor expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their continued support, prayers, and trust in his leadership. He pledged to remain committed to justice, inclusive growth, unity, and the overall progress of Kebbi State.