Blueprint Newspapers

• Federal University Dutsin-Ma hosted its maiden International Conference on Political Science on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, focusing on regional integration and security dynamics in West Africa. • The conference addressed a wide array of critical threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, insurgency, cybercrime, and unconstitutional changes of government. • These escalating crises are significant because they undermine national stability and test the resilience of regional institutions tasked with maintaining peace and democratic governance.

• Nigeria is facing persistent insecurity driven by Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and widespread kidnapping, particularly across the Northern region. • The author argues that military action alone is insufficient to achieve lasting peace and advocates for a balanced strategy. • This proposed approach combines law enforcement with dialogue, social inclusion, education, and economic development to address the root causes of violence.

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that urgent action is needed to prevent a global food security crisis caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. • FAO Director-General Qu Dongyan met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain, and IFAD President Alvaro Lario in Rome to address these risks. • The warning highlights a period of "profound geopolitical and economic fragility," where instability in this critical shipping lane could trigger severe global food shocks.