Residents count losses as severe weather damages livelihoods across multiple LGAs; local authorities yet to respond

Severe flood and windstorm have wreaked havoc on farms and shops in several communities across Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria, causing significant destruction to livelihoods. The incidents, which occurred recently, left many residents counting their losses as agricultural produce and commercial properties were swept away or damaged.

According to affected residents, the heavy downpour led to widespread flooding, while strong winds toppled structures and uprooted crops in parts of the state. Farmers reported that their farmlands, stocked with crops at various stages of maturity, were submerged, resulting in substantial financial setbacks. Shop owners also lamented that goods worth millions of naira were destroyed as roofs were blown off and water inundated business premises.

The disaster comes at a time when many in Ebonyi rely heavily on agriculture and petty trading for survival. With the destruction of farmlands and shops, concerns are mounting over food security and economic hardship in the affected areas. Residents say such natural disasters have become more frequent during the rainy season, intensifying pressure on already vulnerable households.

As at press time, local government authorities had not issued an official statement or announced relief measures for those impacted by the flood and windstorm. Many residents appealed for urgent intervention from both state government and relevant agencies to mitigate their losses and prevent further hardship. “We need support to rebuild our farms and restart our businesses,” one affected farmer said.

The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, but community leaders are urging prompt action to avert a deeper humanitarian crisis. Stakeholders have called on government at all levels to implement long-term solutions, including improved drainage systems and disaster preparedness programmes, to protect lives and property from recurring extreme weather events.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889819-flood-windstorm-destroy-farms-shops-in-ebonyi-communities.html

Recognition highlights SSS Director-General’s leadership; journalists commend agency’s efforts on national security

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has honoured Yusuf Bichi, Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), with its ‘Man of the Year’ award during a ceremony held on Monday in Abuja. The award recognises Bichi’s role at the helm of the SSS and his contributions to national security.

The NUJ presented the accolade as part of its annual awards programme, acknowledging outstanding public officials and institutions. The event, which brought together journalists and stakeholders from across Nigeria, featured remarks commending Bichi’s stewardship and the SSS’s collaboration with the media.

According to NUJ officials, Bichi was selected for his demonstrated commitment to strengthening internal security operations and fostering a relationship between the SSS and Nigerian media practitioners. The union noted that such engagement remains critical in addressing misinformation and supporting national stability.

While receiving the honour, Bichi expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating that it would motivate the agency to continue prioritising professionalism and intelligence-led operations. The NUJ leadership also called on other security agencies to emulate efforts aimed at building public trust through openness and regular engagement with journalists.

The NUJ is expected to continue its annual tradition of recognising individuals who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development. Observers say this year’s award reflects growing attention on security sector accountability and media-government relations.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889821-nuj-honours-sss-dg-with-man-of-the-year-award.html

Military operations foil attack in Tureta, recover arms and rustled livestock; Defence Ministry pledges continued vigilance

Troops of Sector 2 under Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralised suspected terrorists, rescued abducted civilians, and recovered arms, motorcycles, and rustled livestock during coordinated raids in Sokoto and Katsina states. The operations took place on Friday, June 21st, following intelligence reports of planned attacks in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North-West (Operation Fansan Yamma), troops responded swiftly when armed men attempted to infiltrate Tureta town. “Acting on credible intelligence, our forces engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee the area,” Danja said.

Subsequent aerial surveillance tracked the fleeing suspects to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village. The troops launched a pursuit operation after it was discovered that the armed men were moving with abducted civilians and stolen livestock. Despite coming under ambush from the suspects, soldiers overpowered them during a gunfight. Arms and ammunition were recovered at the scene, while several abductees and rustled cattle were safely retrieved.

The ongoing military campaign in the North-West has intensified since early 2026 as government seeks to curb rising incidents of banditry and kidnapping. Security analysts say Sokoto and Katsina remain hotspots for armed group activity due to their proximity to forest hideouts straddling state boundaries.

Lt.-Col. Danja stated that all rescued victims have been reunited with their families. He also assured residents that Operation Fansan Yamma would continue aggressive patrols across affected communities. The Defence Ministry has called on citizens to provide timely information to security agencies as part of efforts to restore peace in the region.

No civilian or military casualties were recorded during these operations as at press time. The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling terrorist networks across the North-West geopolitical zone.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/troops-neutralise-terrorists-recover-arms-in-sokoto-katsina-operations/