Chiefs of the Naval Staff of ECOWAS member states recently convened in Accra, Ghana, to strengthen the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) against growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Capt.

Abiodun Folorunsho, yesterday in  Abuja.

Folorunsho said that the fifth meeting of the ECOWAS Sub-Committee of Chiefs of the Naval Staff, which held between Feb.

16 and 20, addressed escalating maritime insecurity, including terrorism, drug trafficking, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

He also said that the ECOWAS Naval leaders stressed the urgent need for deeper regional cooperation, adding that Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm.

Idi Abbas, led the discussions.

He said this was alongside ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, directors of regional maritime security centres, and Multinational Maritime Coordination Centres (MMCC) Zones E, F and G.

He added that representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Union-African Chamber of Commerce, and the Commander of the CMTF were also present.

According to him, Musah commended strides made under the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy, highlighting Operation SAFE DOMAIN in Zone E, Operation ANOUANZE in Zone F, and Joint Maritime Patrols in MMCC Zone G.

He also sued for stronger coordination with landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to combat terrorism and transnational organised crime.

The Navy spokesman said that the meeting spotlighted environmental-security concerns in the Lake Chad Basin and lauded Nigeria’s FALCON EYE Surveillance System for enhancing maritime situational awareness in the Gulf of Guinea.

”A key outcome was renewed momentum to operationalise the CMTF through a coalition of willing nations, with Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone formally expressing interest in joining Nigeria.

”The flag-off of the task force is scheduled to be held in Lagos between May 31 and June 1, with Nigeria, as host nation, contributing three ships, one helicopter, eight vehicles, and a temporary furnished office to support the CMTF.

”The task force is designed as a rapid-response, coordinated maritime force leveraging intelligence from the Yaoundé Architecture to tackle evolving threats in the region,” he said.

He added that Abbas’ strategic leadership at the meeting underscored Nigeria’s role as the anchor of regional maritime security, while signaling heightened expectations for Abuja to translate commitments into sustained operations and stronger regional coordination.

The Aniocha-Oshimili Elders’ Association in Delta has called on the State Government and other stakeholders to take urgent and decisive measures to end the proliferation of drugs and narcotics among youths in the state.

The association, also known as “Izu Ikei Aniocha-Oshimili”, made the call in a statement signed by its President and Secretary, Clement Okonjo and Chris Biose, and made available to newsmen in Asaba on Saturday.

It raised the concern about the menace of drug abuse among the youths at its 43rd General Meeting held in Asaba on Thursday.

It resolved to support genuine efforts by the government, groups and individuals to contain the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths in Asaba and its neighbouring communities.

The group decried the “alarming and fast-spreading drug culture” in the area, and expressed worry that the ugly trend had crept into virtually every community in the area.

It, therefore, warned that if not checked, the situation would pose grave consequences to public safety, family stability, and future leadership of the region and the country.

The association further warned that with the 2027 General Elections fast approaching, unemployed and drug-dependent youths could be easily manipulated to incite violence and social unrest.

It, therefore, urged the state, local governments and stakeholders to step up their efforts to end the menace before it would get out of control.

It lauded the proactive efforts of the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, especially for his advocacy aimed at curbing social vices, including drug abuse, among the youths of the area.

The group explained that traditional institutions remain critical stakeholders in promoting moral discipline and community vigilance.

It also lauded Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for taking decisive steps to destroy unauthorised settlements and shanties within Asaba Capital Territory, which were allegedly serving as criminal hideouts.

It further called for more comprehensive and sustained action to decisively and permanently deal with the menace.

It stated: “Safeguarding the future of Aniocha and Oshimili communities requires a united front.

“Therefore, parents, guardians, educators, and community heads must take proactive roles in guiding young people and reporting suspicious activities.

“It also requires collaboration among government agencies, security services, community leaders, schools, faith-based organisations, and youth groups as well as expanded public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of drug and narcotics abuse”.

The group pledged its continued support to all lawful initiatives aimed at restoring and sustaining discipline, security, and moral values among the youths in the constituency.

“The future of our communities depends on the choices we make today,” it stated.

A Nigerian bride who went for her pre-wedding photoshoot has insisted that men are scum.

The pretty lady was seen looking all glammed up while at the photo studio as she sent out a cautionary PSA to women.

She jokingly insisted that all men are scum. They’d make a woman get married to them, even if they don’t want to.

When someone asked what her husband-to-be is, she said that he’s her personal scum.