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Japan donates over US $1,468,000 to Mine Action in South Sudan
The Government of Japan has contributed US $1,468,374 to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), for the mine action project “Enabling Humanitarian Operations and Enhancing National Institutional Capacity for Sustainable Mine Action in South Sudan.” Since 2011, Japan has contributed more than US $15 million to mine action operations in South Sudan, enabling the clearance of over 3.2 million sqm of land (equivalent to approximately 458 football pitches with the potential to produce an estimated 350 tonnes of maize annually), the removal of 20,626 items of explosive ordnance, 341,608 bullets, and the delivery of Mine Risk Education to 213,148 people, including 136,349 children.
The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution on the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signals a new era in South Sudan, however, the humanitarian crisis remains dire as an estimated 7.1 million people are reportedly in need of emergency and life-saving assistance. Currently 361 separate and distinct sites across the country are thought to be contaminated by landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive hazards, threatening the safety and security of civilians, including nearly 1.9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees. Explosive hazards pose a direct threat to the physical safety of the South Sudanese and erode people’s coping mechanisms by restricting access to basic infrastructure, social services, and livelihood activities, as well as hindering socioeconomic development. However, with the enhanced capacity of national mine action institutions, it is now realistic to envisage a transfer of responsibility from UNMAS to the National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) in the next three to five years.
Continued funding from the people of Japan will support two Mine Action Teams (MATs) to mitigate the impact of explosive hazards, through survey and clearance as well as the provision of Mine Risk Education for conflict-affected populations, while simultaneously enhancing national institutional capacity for sustainable mine action through the provision of a series of capacity building trainings and support for the NMAA in generating advocacy opportunities.
The Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan, H.E. Mr. Seiji Okada stated, “The Government of Japan has been supporting UNMAS as one of the largest donors, because of the importance of its work. In South Sudan, assuming the successful implementation of the Peace Process and with the expectation that many refugees and IDPs will go back to their own villages, the UNMAS project is very timely. UNMAS ensures safety for returnees from refugee camps, POCs and collective centers to their own villages, and also clears land nearby the villages for agriculture sites. This is one of the important preconditions for returns to happen.”
Mr. Richard Boulter, the Programme Manager of UNMAS in South Sudan, stressed the importance of the support from the Government of Japan, saying, “UNMAS appreciates Japan’s strong initiative as a steady, reliable, and encouraging partner for humanitarian mine action in South Sudan. Japan has continued to support risk mitigation of explosive hazards through survey, clearance, and risk education, and enabling UNMAS to work with the Government of South Sudan, through the NMAA. This year’s increased support will maintain mine action as a critical enabler of humanitarian aid and a strong promoter of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
The US $8.298 million contribution from the people of Japan to UNMAS for this year will benefit mine action programmes in six countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria as well as South Sudan.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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