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Nigeria has expressed optimism about securing increased funding for climate change, biodiversity conservation, and environmental restoration projects under the upcoming Global Environment Facility (GEF)-9 funding cycle, as the GEF formally concluded its GEF-8 cycle at its Eighth Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The GEF Council approved $232.5 million in its final meeting of the GEF-8 cycle, supporting 24 projects across 22 countries. Of this amount, $144.3 million was allocated through the GEF Trust Fund, while additional resources were approved through the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) and the Least Developed Countries Fund/Special Climate Change Fund (LDCF/SCCF) for biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation projects.

Speaking at the Assembly, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, praised the GEF funding mechanism, which has supported biodiversity, land restoration, and climate adaptation initiatives in Nigeria since 2009. Under the GEF-8 cycle, Nigeria received about $21 million for projects including efforts to advance the country’s net-zero emissions and biodiversity protection targets.

However, GEF financial records show that Nigeria still owes about $6.1 million in outstanding pledges made during the GEF-4 and GEF-5 funding cycles, making it the only country yet to fulfil commitments from two separate cycles. Lawal acknowledged the arrears and assured delegates that efforts were underway to redeem Nigeria’s pledges, although he did not provide specific details.

Despite the financial challenges, Nigeria urged the GEF to increase support under the GEF-9 cycle, which begins on July 1, particularly to address pressing environmental issues such as desertification, coastal erosion, and biodiversity loss.

A major focus of the upcoming funding cycle will be stronger inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). GEF officials said projects that directly benefit local communities will receive greater consideration, even in countries like Nigeria where indigenous groups are not formally institutionalised. GEF representatives stressed that local communities and indigenous peoples would be treated with equal importance in project design and implementation.

The Assembly also highlighted the impact of GEF-funded small grants in Nigeria. Through programmes implemented by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, farming communities in the desertifying Hadejia-Nguru wetlands of Yobe State are receiving improved crop varieties and early warning information to strengthen food security and resilience to climate change.

Civil society organisations called for expanded GEF support, while officials from the Federal Ministry of Environment emphasized the importance of blended financing, private-sector participation, community involvement, and capacity building to ensure successful implementation of future climate and biodiversity projects under the GEF-9 cycle.

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Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, have neutralised nine terrorists, arrested 31 suspects and rescued more than 16 kidnapped victims during coordinated operations conducted across various parts of the country.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while providing an update on military operations nationwide.

According to him, troops deployed strategic assets, conducted joint land patrols and received close air support in efforts aimed at disrupting the activities of insurgents, kidnappers, arms traffickers and other criminal groups.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out a series of operations that led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other items.

The military said a number of individuals linked to terrorist activities, including suspected collaborators and informants, were apprehended in parts of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Bauchi states. Troops also rescued escapees from terrorist enclaves and reunited some of them with their families.

In the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged criminal elements in Katsina and Zamfara states, neutralising suspected terrorists and recovering weapons and ammunition.

The military also reported the arrest of a suspect during operations in Kaduna State, while another suspect was apprehended during a raid in Zamfara State.

In the North-Central region, troops of Operation Savannah Shield conducted patrols in Niger State and successfully repelled an ambush by armed elements, recovering motorcycles and ammunition.

The operation also led to the arrest of a suspect accused of providing support to criminal groups.

Similarly, troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued five kidnapped passengers during a search-and-rescue mission in Kaduna State after discovering an abandoned vehicle along a highway.

The military said two injured victims were evacuated for medical treatment, while efforts to locate other missing persons are ongoing.

In Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke carried out a series of operations that resulted in the arrest of suspected gunrunners and other suspects, the rescue of kidnap victims and the recovery of weapons, explosives and vehicles.

In the Niger Delta region, troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested several suspects in Edo State during operations targeting kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The military also recovered locally fabricated firearms and motorcycles during a sweep operation in Delta State.

In the South-East, troops of Operation Udoka arrested several suspects in Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi states during operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks.

The military further disclosed that troops rescued hostages in Ebonyi State following a distress call and arrested three suspects in connection with the incident.

Major General Onoja said the Armed Forces remain committed to operating in accordance with the law and established rules of engagement while protecting lives and property across the country.

He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information on suspicious activities through appropriate channels.

Onoja also conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, to troops for their resilience and professionalism in ongoing operations across the country.

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Some bandits invaded the Igbosi area of Idogun in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, destroying two buildings and kidnapping a nine-year-old boy in the early hours of Friday.

It was gathered that the bandits entered the community at about 1am, shooting sporadically to scare residents. They reportedly destroyed two houses before picking up the victim and whisking him away to an unknown destination. The boy, identified as Oluwatobi, is said to be the son of a pastor in the community, Isaac Olaosebikan.

A source said that, on hearing the sporadic gunshots, residents of the community fled their homes and ran to neighbouring communities for safety.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi, who confirmed the incident in a WhatsApp message, said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

He said, “The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive manhunt for suspected kidnappers who abducted a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack on residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun, in Ose Local Government Area of the state.

“The incident was reported in the early hours of Friday, 5th June 2026, at about 2:30 a.m. by Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr. Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun. According to their reports, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on the same day, a group of armed men invaded the community, firing gunshots sporadically and causing panic among residents.

“During the attack, the assailants reportedly forced their way into the residence of Mr. Olaosebikan Isaac. In a desperate attempt to save his life, he escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was subsequently abducted by the armed men. Mr. Joel Owalekan also reported that the same group of assailants unlawfully damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry. He similarly escaped the attack by fleeing to safety, thereby avoiding possible harm.”

He added that personnel of the command and the Amotekun Corps had been mobilised to the scene and had launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

“Security operatives combed the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators,” the PPRO stated.

Jimoh also noted that investigations had commenced while relevant exhibits had been recovered and documented to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical teams, intelligence units and other relevant security assets to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of the victim unhurt and the arrest of the perpetrators.

“The Command is also working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the criminals are brought to justice.”