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AES Countries to Face Major Repercussions After Exit From ECOWAS – Tuggar

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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has warned that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will have significant consequences for regional security, economic stability, and integration efforts.

The Minister in an interview, described the exit as a complex issue requiring careful diplomatic engagement to address the underlying concerns.

He emphasised that the sanctions imposed on the three countries were a collective decision made by ECOWAS heads of state and government.

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Tuggar also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions and restore cooperation with the departing nations.

He said: “Several delegations have been sent to these countries, and the presidents of Togo and Sierra Leone have been appointed as mediators to facilitate dialogue.

“Additionally, ECOWAS has lifted sanctions on these countries, paving the way for potential reconciliation”.

Tuggar also stressed that the exit poses serious security risks, especially as the region continues to battle terrorism and ongoing humanitarian crises.

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“ECOWAS has established a 1650-man strong brigade to combat terrorism and offered financial assistance to support the affected countries in their fight against terrorism.

“The economic implications are also substantial, as these countries will no longer be part of the regional economic community, potentially limiting their access to markets and hindering economic growth.

“The withdrawal may also disrupt regional integration efforts, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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“The African Union and other international organizations have expressed concerns about the potential impact on regional integration efforts and the stability of the continent”, he asserted.

The Minister reiterated the need for continued collaboration and cooperation to mitigate the challenges arising from this development.

“The regional bloc has also offered support to the affected countries to address their security concerns.

“We recognize the challenges faced by these countries, and we are committed to providing assistance to help them address their security concerns,” Amb. Tuggar stated.

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According to him, the exit of these countries from ECOWAS has also raised concerns about the potential impact on regional health organizations; but he said that the door remains open for these countries to rejoin the regional bloc.

“The West African Health Organization (WAHO) is based in Burkina Faso, and its relocation could have significant implications for the region.

“We hope that they will take advantage of this opportunity to re-engage with their West African neighbors and work towards a more stable and prosperous future for all”, he added.

While reacting to uncertainty surrounding the future of the Alliance of Sahel States(AES) countries’ relationship with ECOWAS, Tuggar said with continued diplomacy, cooperation, and a commitment to the well-being of the people, it is possible to navigate these challenges and promote a more stable and prosperous West Africa.

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“The region is at a critical juncture, and the decisions made in the coming months and years will have a lasting impact on the future of West Africa.

“As such, it is essential that leaders prioritize the needs and concerns of the people and work towards finding solutions that promote peace, stability, and prosperity.

“Ultimately, the future of the AES countries’ relationship with ECOWAS will depend on the ability of leaders to work together and find common ground.

“As President Tinubu emphasized, the door remains open for these countries to rejoin the regional bloc, and it is hoped that they will take advantage of this opportunity to re-engage with their West African neighbors”, the Minister noted.

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11 die, 32 injured in Bauchi tanker crash

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Tragedy struck the Panshanu Hill stretch of the Bauchi-Jos federal highway on Friday evening as a horrific multi-vehicle collision claimed the lives of eleven persons, leaving thirty-two others with life-threatening injuries.

The victims, including women and children, were reportedly burnt beyond recognition when the vehicles involved in the crash erupted into a massive fireball upon impact.

According to a crash report released by the RS12.14
Toro Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps
(FRSC), the accident occurred at approximately 6:40
PM. FRSC personnel, who arrived at the scene within ten minutes of the report, battled to rescue survivors from the mangled, smoking wreckage.

The crash involved a white MAN mini-tanker, identified as part of the Nigerian Police fleet, and a white FIAT J5 Boxer commercial bus with registration number KTU624XY.
Preliminary investigations by the FRSC identified
“dangerous driving” and the use of “worn-out tyres” as the probable causes of the carnage. The impact, which occurred on a single, unpaved carriageway, sent both vehicles off the road and triggered an immediate inferno.

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A breakdown of the casualties paints a heart-wrenching picture of the disaster. Out of the 43 persons involved in the accident, 11 fatalities were recorded, comprising one male adult, three male children, five female adults, and two female children.
The 32 injured survivors, including five male children, 19 female adults, seven female children, and one male adult, were rushed to a nearby general hospital for emergency treatment.

The Bauchi State Command of the FRSC has reiterated its warning to motorists to avoid overspeeding and ensure their vehicles are in roadworthy condition, especially when navigating the treacherous bends of the Panshanu Hill.

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JAMB: See How To Check, Print 2026 UTME Result Slip

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The 2026 UTME, which began on April 16, is expected to continue until April 22 across examination centres nationwide.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Friday announced that it had released the results of 632,788 candidates who sat for the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

A statement by the JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin noted that the results of candidates who sat the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16 April 2026, have been released and are now available for viewing.
To check their results, he advised candidates to send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.
He, however, said that at this stage, candidates may view their results only; printing is not yet available.
The 2026 UTME, which began on April 16, is expected to continue until April 22 across examination centres nationwide.

How To Print Your Official Result Slip
The result slip carries the candidate’s passport photograph, full scores, and details required for admission processing.
It will be made available for printing on JAMB’s e-Facility portal at efacility.jamb.gov.ng and attracts a fee of N1,500.
Once activated, candidates should follow the steps below.

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– Visit efacility.jamb.gov.ng.
– Log in with your registered email address and password.
– On your dashboard, click Print Result Slip.
– Click Continue with Payment and pay the N1,500 fee.

– Select 2026 as the examination year and enter your JAMB registration number.
– Download and print the result slip.

Check Your Score Via SMS
– Make sure you have at least N50 airtime on the phone number linked to your JAMB registration.
– Send UTMERESULT to 55019.
– Your score will be delivered to you via SMS.

Other Tips
– If you have forgotten your password or email address, use the Forgot Password option on the portal or visit a JAMB office with your registration details.
– Keep multiple printed copies of your result slip, as institutions typically request it during screening and admission.
– Use only JAMB’s official websites — efacility.jamb.gov.ng or portal.jamb.gov.ng to avoid scams.

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JAMB Cautioned Against Manipulation
Candidates were strongly cautioned against manipulating the SMS received from the official platform (55019/66019) to fabricate or alter scores with the intent to mislead others, including parents.
“Such actions constitute a serious criminal offence. The Board treats such misconduct with the utmost gravity.”
“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law”, JAMB warned.
The examination is ongoing, and results will continue to be released as they become available.

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Troops nab nine suspected terrorists in Plateau, recover arms, ammunition

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Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested nine suspected Berom militia members responsible for targeted killings, and recovered arms and ammunition following an operation in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

This followed the ongoing security concerns linked to recurring attacks and cycles of violence in the area.

A counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this in a post on X.

He stated that the suspects were arrested at about 0135 hours on April 18, 2026, when troops deployed at Ganawuri responded to reports of suspected criminal movement towards the Danwal general area.

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He said that troops intercepted and arrested the suspects, who were found with blood stains on their bodies, raising suspicion of recent involvement in silent killings.

According to him, those arrested were identified as Gyang Dantoro, Samson Davou, Choji Yakubu, Vincent Adamu, Pam Dalyop, Femi Badung, Jacob Musa and Choji Chaga, all residents of Danwal and reportedly of Berom extraction.

Items recovered from them include three motorcycles, one pistol, one submachine gun, one locally made revolver rifle, 20 rounds of pistol ammunition, and one locally fabricated rifle, among other items,” he said.

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