Security
UNGA79: Nigeria demands UN Security Council seat

UNGA79: Nigeria demands UN Security Council seat
Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, says Nigeria has earned the right to become a member of the UN Security Council after contributing to 41 peacekeeping missions, deploying over 200,000 troops.
Badaru said this in his address at the Summit of the Future interactive dialogue 2, titled: “Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security,” on Sunday in NewYork, US.
The summit is part of the events at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Badaru, who also spoke with State House correspondents at the Nigerian House in New York, said Nigeria had a longstanding commitment to international peace and security.
“Since our first deployment in the Congo in 1960, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping missions globally,” he stated, highlighting the deployment of over 200,000 Nigerian troops in UN operations.
Badaru called for reform of the UN Security Council to ensure Africa was represented with permanent seats, arguing that this would enhance global stability.
“Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its commitment to international peacebuilding and security, since the first engagement of its troops in the Congo in 1960.
“To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over two hundred thousand Nigerian troops serving in UN peacekeeping missions,” he said.
According to the minister, under the regional and sub-regional cooperation, Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in field missions in several countries.
He said the countries included Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan and Sierra Leone, among others.
He said Nigeria had contributed a lot in terms of finance, logistics, troops and civilian experts, making it one of the most significant African troops and police contributors to the United Nations missions.
“It is on this basis that Nigeria continues to call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to give just representation to Africa on a permanent basis for inclusivity and deepening of global peace and security,” he said.
The Defence Minister stressed the importance of building professional African armies to combat terrorism and called for the operationalisation of the African Standby Force.
He also highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle transnational crime and illegal arms trafficking, particularly in the Sahel region.
Headlines
Tinubu Postpones Kaduna Trip, Heads to Benue Over Escalating Crisis

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rescheduled his planned official visit to Kaduna State and will instead travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to address the persistent conflict rocking parts of the state.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit is part of renewed efforts by the Tinubu administration to foster peace and restore stability to communities affected by the recurring violence in Benue.
President Tinubu is expected to engage directly with stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, community heads, and youth groups—during a town hall meeting aimed at identifying lasting solutions to the crisis, which has claimed numerous lives and displaced many residents.
In a show of urgency and commitment, the President has already deployed high-level officials to Benue ahead of his visit. These include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees.
President Tinubu has previously condemned the ongoing violence in Benue, urging all sides to embrace peace, mutual understanding, and unity. He also extended condolences to families who have lost loved ones and those who have suffered due to the prolonged conflict.
Originally scheduled to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday to commission several state government projects, President Tinubu will now carry out the Kaduna leg of his itinerary on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Headlines
Plateau Governor Sets Up Committee to Probe Two Decades of Attacks

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has inaugurated a 10-member fact-finding committee tasked with uncovering the root causes of the persistent attacks plaguing communities across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday in Jos, Governor Mutfwang charged the committee with conducting a comprehensive review of violent incidents from 2001 to date. “We thought that we should set up this high-powered fact-finding committee to look at the incessant attacks on our communities,” the governor stated.
According to Mutfwang, the committee is expected to perform an in-depth assessment of the recurring security breaches, determine the number of affected communities, and assess the extent of damage done over the years. “We want to understand the root causes and propose actionable recommendations for lasting peace, justice, and stability in the affected communities,” he said.
The committee’s mandate also includes establishing the number of casualties, identifying possible perpetrators and their motives, and uncovering potential routes used by bandits to access Plateau State. “Identify possible routes of bandits into the state and recommend measures to limit their access,” the governor added.
Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Rojas Nicholas, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the members. He pledged that the committee would approach its assignment with fairness and commitment. “We will do our best to produce a report that would befit its assignment,” Nicholas assured.
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations in due course, with hopes that the report will provide a pathway to durable peace and security in the state.
Security
Eid-el-Fitri: FRSC deploys 1500 personnel in Delta

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta State Command, has deployed 1,500 personnel, including regular and special marshals, to various locations in the state to ensure safety during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Mr Frederick Ogidan, Sector Commander, FRSC, said this on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba.
Ogidan said that a total of 1,500 personnel and special marshals, 20 patrol vehicles, two bikes and two ambulances would be deployed in the state for effective enforcement and emergency response during the festivity.
“Additionally, a 70 tonne heavy-duty tow truck and strategic collaboration with the State Tow Truck Association have been put in place for swift clearance of road obstructions.
“As we celebrate, motorists are advised to avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Passengers should also play their parts by calling drivers to order when necessary, while pedestrians must use designated crossings.
“I wish the Muslim community in Delta State a peaceful, joyful and crash-free Eid-el-Fitri celebration.
“Let us all celebrate responsibly and prioritise safety on our roads,” he said.
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