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China, Nigeria Commit to Promotion of Tourism, Cultural Exchange
China, Nigeria Commit to Promotion of Tourism, Cultural Exchange
By: Michael Mike
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja has reiterated its commitment to promote tourism and cultural exchange with Nigeria within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in order to enhance the two countries’ bilateral relations.
The Embassy made the pledge at the weekend during a Seminar on “Promoting Culture and Tourism Exchange In BRI Cooperation”, jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy, China Alumni Association of Nigeria and University of Abuja.
Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Li Xuda said that the Embassy has always regarded promoting people-to-people ties between China and Nigeria highly because cultural and tourism exchange plays a special and important role in societal progress and national development.
Li also added that the joint construction of BRI takes “Five Cooperation Priorities” as the main content: Policy Coordination, Facilities Connectivity, Unimpeded Trade, Financial Integration and People-to-People Bond.
He said: “The people-to-people bond, one of the five cooperation priorities of the BRI, goes beyond culture and tourism exchange and seeks to build common understanding out of respect for countries and regions in its big family.
“Both China and Nigeria are cultural giants with fabulous ancient civilization and rich tourism resources.
“Since six years ago, China and Nigeria became close partners in jointly building BRI, which made our bilateral exchange even more in-depth and practical.
“I firmly believe that our culture and tourism will be further promoted in the new stage of high-quality joint construction of BRI and some of our cultural gaps and exchange barriers will be bridged.
On his part, the Executive Secretary/CEO , National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for their continuous support in developing Nigeria’s culture and tourism sector.
He noted that Nigeria has a large wealth of natural and cultural attractions ranging from stunning landscapes of its national parks to the historic landmarks and vibrant cities that tell the story of our nation.
He said: “We must therefore leverage the BRI to enhance our tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism practices, and create unique cultural experiences for visitors.
“By doing so, we can attract more tourists, generate revenue, and create jobs while preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage.
“We will work closely with our Chinese counterparts to develop joint projects, exchange programmes and collaborative initiatives that have mutual benefits for both countries.”
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in more than 150 countries and international organisations.
China, Nigeria Commit to Promotion of Tourism, Cultural Exchange
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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