News
Nigeria-Red Cross Deepen Humanitarian Alliance as Foreign Minister Pledges Stronger Support
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG-20260703-WA0005-781x600.jpg&description=Nigeria-Red Cross Deepen Humanitarian Alliance as Foreign Minister Pledges Stronger Support ', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG-20260703-WA0005-781x600.jpg&description=Nigeria-Red Cross Deepen Humanitarian Alliance as Foreign Minister Pledges Stronger Support ', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and closer collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) following a high-level meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the federation’s new Head of Delegation, Ghulam Muhammed Awan.
The meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, came as Dr Awan formally presented his Letter of Commission and provided both sides with an opportunity to reaffirm their long-standing partnership in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, community resilience and the protection of vulnerable people.
Welcoming the IFRC official, Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated him on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would strengthen the federation’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region.
“I am confident that your tenure will further strengthen the Federation’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to support the important humanitarian mandate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,” the minister said.
She praised the work of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the global Red Cross Movement, describing their contributions during disasters, armed conflicts, disease outbreaks and other emergencies as invaluable.
“The Red Cross has, over generations, earned global respect through its commitment to humanity, neutrality, impartiality and voluntary service,” she said.
Reflecting on her personal experiences, the minister recalled the organisation’s long-standing presence in Nigerian communities, saying its humanitarian activities had inspired generations of young people to support the less privileged.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also paid tribute to Red Cross volunteers working in difficult environments across the country, noting that they often risk their lives to provide assistance without discrimination.
“The enduring legacy of the organisation continues to foster compassion, volunteerism and community service across generations.
“The neutrality of the Red Cross remains one of its greatest strengths, enabling it to assist solely based on need, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious considerations. It is also encouraging that humanitarian workers and volunteers in Nigeria continue to enjoy the confidence and cooperation of local communities, thereby facilitating the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance across the country,” she said.
In response, Dr Awan thanked the minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s humanitarian response systems.
He stressed that the IFRC’s operations are guided by internationally recognised humanitarian principles.
“The Federation continues to strengthen community-based approaches to disaster preparedness and emergency response through its extensive network of volunteers operating at national, state and community levels.
“Our effectiveness is built upon the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, which enable our volunteers to assist all persons in need without discrimination,” Awan said.
The IFRC official described Nigeria as a strategic partner within the federation’s West and Central Africa operations and expressed optimism that cooperation with the Federal Government would continue to grow.
“We look forward to expanding collaboration in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, public health, emergency preparedness and humanitarian capacity development,” he added.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in humanitarian action, disaster preparedness, the protection of vulnerable communities and the promotion of sustainable resilience across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested 22 suspects and rescued two minors during an intelligence-led raid on suspected illicit drug dens and criminal hideouts in Ozoro and Abraka communities.
The operation, carried out on July 21, was part of the command’s ongoing campaign against illicit drug trafficking and related crimes across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday, saying the operation was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations.
Edafe said, “On 21st July 2026, at about 1500 hours, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, led operatives of the Command on a coordinated raid of identified illicit drug dens and criminal hideouts at Ofagbe Community, Ozoro, Ekrejeta, and the NUT Area, Abraka, following credible intelligence.
“The operation led to the arrest of 22 suspects, comprising 19 males and three females, for offences relating to the sale, possession, and distribution of illicit drugs.
“During the operation, operatives also rescued two minors who were found in a suspected drug den allegedly operated by their father.
“The children have been taken into protective custody. They will be handed over to the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs for appropriate care and safeguarding, while investigations into the activities of the suspects are ongoing.”
Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, described the discovery of minors in a suspected drug environment as “deeply disturbing.”
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable persons.
The commissioner also urged parents, guardians and community leaders to continue supporting the police with useful information, assuring residents that “the Command will sustain intelligence-led operations to rid Delta State of illicit drug activities and other forms of criminality.”
On July 10, the Yobe State Police Command arrested 14 suspected drug dealers during a coordinated raid on criminal hideouts and drug joints in Jakusko Local Government Area of the state.
The officers also recovered over 300 sachets and packages of suspected illicit drugs, including Tramadol, Vega tablets, Indian hemp and other prohibited.
Abia State Police Command has began investigation to uncover the root cause of the death of five persons from a single family, who were discovered dead in their family house at Umuimo, Osisioma Ngwa local government area of the State on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Decomposing corpses of the five Umuimo residents were discovered by their neighbors and other community members, about three days after they had retired to bed.
It was gathered that the father of the House, late Mr. Kachi Nnabugwu, his wife, Mrs. Chinaza Nnabugwu and their three little children could not come out of their house since Sunday, a situation that made the neighbors to force their locked house open after repeated knocking, only for the five family members to be found dead.
Containers of left over food and a generator set were reportedly found in the building, after the house had been broken open.
The bodies of the victims were on Wednesday evacuated from the compound and taken to the mortuary, even as residents of the area demanded a government thorough investigation to determine the actual cause of their death.
Contacted on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO of Abia State Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka confirmed the incident, saying that investigation had commenced.
“Yes, the attention of the Osisioma Divisional Police Headquarters was drawn to the incident on 22/07/2026 by the brother of the deceased who reported that after being unable to reach Kachi Nnabugwu, they proceeded to his residence at Umuimo Village, Osisioma LGA.
“Upon arrival, repeated knocks yielded no response. They subsequently forced entry into the house, where they discovered the lifeless and decomposing bodies of their brother and his family.
“The crime scene has been visited. A preliminary visual inspection of the bodies was conducted, and photographs taken.
The corpses have been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy,” DSP Chinaka said.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu(first right) decorating Dr. Hycinth Azuka Edozie with his new rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police. Mr. Chidi Dozie is helping the IGP in the task.
Transfer: Arteta Seriously Chasing Two EPL Defenders After Saliba’s Injury Debacle
Police Nab 22 Suspected Drug Dealers In Delta, Rescue Two Minors
Sad: Family Of Five Found Dead In Abia Community As Police Launch Probe
-
News12 hours agoSpain’s World Cup winner Gavi says he does not want Argentina players suspended after he was attacked
-
News12 hours agoPhotos: Top Dignitaries In Attendance As Wike’s Daughter Graduates At Southampton University
-
Sports12 hours agoTransfer: Arsenal Prioritise Deal For Yan Diomande, Target Four Other Stars
-
Sports12 hours ago2026 World Cup: FIFA Releases Team Of The Tournament [BEST XI]
-
News12 hours agoSecurity: Accord, Police Clash Ahead Osun Governorship Election
-
News12 hours agoTrump Writes Tinubu, Commends Efforts To Tackle Terrorism, Violence Against Christians
-
Foreign12 hours agoUS Court Announces Date For Trial Of Ousted Venezuelan President Maduro
-
News12 hours agoPhotos: Insecurity ‘ll soon be a thing of the past in Nigeria – Akpabio