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ECOWAS, Energy China Explore Partnership to Strengthen West Africa’s Power Infrastructure
ECOWAS, Energy China Explore Partnership to Strengthen West Africa’s Power Infrastructure
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has begun discussions with Energy China International (CEEC) to deepen cooperation on the development of regional energy infrastructure aimed at expanding electricity access and strengthening power systems across West Africa.
The engagement took place during a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, where officials from the ECOWAS Energy and Mines Directorate met with CEEC representatives to advance dialogue on priority regional energy projects.
The session also included participants from the West African Power Pool (WAPP), the regional body responsible for coordinating electricity generation and transmission among West African countries.
During the meeting, participants reviewed project portfolios, technical capabilities and potential financing channels designed to accelerate growth in the region’s power sector and support broader infrastructure development.
Discussions focused on exploring partnership opportunities and funding options for ECOWAS priority initiatives covering power generation, electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Acting Director of Energy and Mines at ECOWAS, William Baidoe, provided an overview of the Directorate’s mandate and ongoing programmes aimed at improving energy access across the region. These include projects to expand electricity distribution networks as well as initiatives to develop energy storage systems that can enhance the stability and reliability of power supply.
Also speaking at the meeting, Director of Planning, Investment Programming and Environmental Safeguards at WAPP, Kodjo Afidegnon, outlined the status of several priority projects under the ECOWAS Master Plan for the Development of Power Generation and Transmission Infrastructure (2019–2033).
Among the flagship initiatives highlighted were the CLSG interconnection project linking Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea; the North Core project connecting Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso and Benin; the OMVG interconnection linking Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau; and the Medium Backbone project connecting Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Afidegnon noted that the projects present significant financing and investment opportunities for development partners and international energy companies.
On behalf of CEEC, General Manager Huang Aijun highlighted the company’s expertise in conventional and renewable energy, grid expansion, power planning and electricity transmission infrastructure. He reaffirmed the company’s interest in supporting ECOWAS priority projects through technical support and access to diverse funding sources.
Both parties agreed to maintain close engagement on the identified projects in order to assess their development status and explore concrete areas of collaboration.
ECOWAS said the discussions reflect its continued efforts to build strategic partnerships and mobilise investments to improve electricity access, strengthen grid reliability and promote sustainable infrastructure development across West Africa.
ECOWAS, Energy China Explore Partnership to Strengthen West Africa’s Power Infrastructure
Female Family Member of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Surrenders in Bama
By: Zagazola Makama
A female family member linked to suspected ISWAP terrorists has surrendered to troops operating in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources disclosed that the woman surrendered at about 10:08 a.m. on May 19 to troops of the 81 Division Task Force Battalion operating within Sector 1 Area of Responsibility.
The female surrenderer reportedly came out from Gargash village in Bama LGA and voluntarily presented herself to the troops.
Military sources said she was subsequently profiled and documented in line with existing procedures for further necessary action.
The surrender is the latest in a series of defections involving insurgents and their family members in the North-East, following sustained military offensives and clearance operations targeting terrorist enclaves across the region.
Security sources said ongoing counterterrorism operations had continued to exert pressure on insurgent groups operating within the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa forest areas, leading to increasing cases of surrender by fighters and their relatives.
The military has maintained that surrendered individuals are subjected to profiling, intelligence gathering and other procedures in accordance with extant operational guidelines.
Female Family Member of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Surrenders in Bama
Troops Arrest 10 Illegal Miners in Abuja Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 176 Guards Battalion have arrested 10 suspected illegal miners during a raid on an illegal mining site in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 3:07 p.m. on May 20 as part of ongoing Operation MESA efforts aimed at curbing illegal mining and related criminal activities within the FCT and adjoining areas.
The troops reportedly stormed the illegal mining site following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected illegal miners operating in the area.
During the raid, the troops apprehended 10 suspects believed to be involved in illegal mining activities.
Items recovered from the site included one motorcycle, 15 mining mats, four head pans and several other mining implements used by the suspects.
The suspects are currently undergoing profiling and preliminary investigation for further necessary action.
Security sources said the operation formed part of intensified efforts by security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining activities, which authorities say contribute to environmental degradation, economic sabotage and insecurity in parts of the country.
The sources added that surveillance and enforcement operations would continue across identified illegal mining locations within the FCT and neighbouring states.
Troops Arrest 10 Illegal Miners in Abuja Raid
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims, Recover Arms in Kwara Patrol
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 22 Brigade have rescued two kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol operation targeting suspected terrorist camps in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 9:00 a.m. on May 19 by troops deployed at Oke-Ode and Oreke communities.
The troops reportedly carried out coordinated patrols to suspected terrorist hideouts located around Famonle and Oloponda villages.
During the operation, the troops successfully rescued two kidnapped victims who were found within the general area.
Items recovered from the suspected camps included three Dane guns, three camouflage face caps, and one leg chain.
Security sources said the victims were immediately debriefed and handed over to appropriate authorities for medical attention and further management.
The operation, according to the sources, forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and disrupt kidnapping networks operating within Kwara State.
Authorities added that patrols and clearance operations have been intensified across vulnerable communities in the state.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims, Recover Arms in Kwara Patrol
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