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Angola, Nigeria Vote for Stronger Bilateral Relations

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Angola, Nigeria Vote for Stronger Bilateral Relations

By: Michael Mike

Angola and Nigeria have expressed readiness to strengthen their bilateral relations as well as be at the forefront of regional multilateral cooperation.

This was disclosed at the weekend at the Angola’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Abuja.

The event with themed: “Pieces of Angola’s History Told by the Protagonists,” brought together diplomats, scholars, business leaders, and veterans to celebrate half a century of independence and friendship between Angola and Nigeria.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Angola.

Tuggar, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Director/Head Southern African Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Nonyelum Afoekelu,, said the 49 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Angola had witnessed tremendous achievements.

He added that: “There is no doubt that there is room for more collaboration in these new areas identified by both countries during the Joint Commission.

“I wish to reiterate Nigeria’s unrelenting commitment to deepening the strong bilateral ties between Nigeria-Angola for the mutual benefit of both countries.”

In his remarks, Angola Ambassador to Nigeria, Benin, Niger, and ECOWAS, José Bamaquina Zau, said his country is looking particularly in the area of trade, security, and cultural exchange.

The envoy said both nations are working on 29 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding, including visa exemptions and business partnerships to boost commerce between Luanda and Lagos.

“We are committed to ensuring that investors from both countries can move freely and build lasting prosperity,” he added.

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Zau praised the long-standing brotherhood and mutual respect between Angola and Nigeria, describing the relationship as one founded on solidarity, shared struggles, and a deep sense of African unity.

He specifically commended and awarded the Nigerian generals, now retired, who actively participated in the United Nations Observation Missions for the peace process and monitoring of the unification of the Angolan Armed Forces.

They include Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Maj. Gen. Chris Garuba, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, and Brig. Gen. Buba Saleh.

He said: “The awards are symbolic recognition and gratitude for their selfless contributions to the process of political emancipation and the achievement of lasting peace in Angola.

“The conferment of the awards today is an expression of profound gratitude from Angolan people to Nigerians, for the sacrifice made in voluntarily supporting the cause of freedom and independence in Angola.

“After our independence, on November 11, 1975, the Republic of Angola plunged into an unprecedented civil and proxy war that lasted for almost 27 years.

“The result was dramatic; thousands of citizens killed and maimed; the country was completely surrounded by 15 million landmines and around 5 million internally displaced citizens overcrowding the coastal cities.

“More than 100 thousand children separated from their families: around 70 per cent of the population deprived of access to health care.”

He noted that: “Nigeria has always stood by Angola in times of conflict, in peacebuilding, and in our continued development journey. Our friendship is historic and unshakable.”

He also acknowledged his predecessor, Ambassador Eustaquio Januario Quibato, for laying the groundwork for closer diplomatic and cultural ties between both nations, while reaffirming Angola’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria in trade, investment, security, and regional integration.

Angola, Nigeria Vote for Stronger Bilateral Relations

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Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed

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Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled simultaneous attacks by ISWAP terrorists on Jihuhi and Harang villages in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving one person dead.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Jan. 27 at about 1630 hours, the terrorists invaded the villages, firing indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.

The attack fatally injured Adamu Inusa, also known as Daddy, 35, a member of the Hunters Group in Hawul.

He was evacuated to General Hospital Hawul, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital mortuary and will be released to his family for Islamic burial after clearance operations in the affected communities.

A combined team of troops of Operation HADIN KAI, police tactical units, and local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters groups responded promptly, engaging the terrorists and successfully repelling the attack.

The area remains under close monitoring as security forces continue clearance and patrol operations.

Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed

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Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep

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Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep

By: Zagazola Makama

Gombe State Police Command has arrested a suspected cattle rustler and recovered 50 sheep following a distress call in Amada.

The report revealed that on Jan. 28 at about 8:22 p.m., a mob apprehended one Sani Jamilu, 25, of Sabon Kaura LGA, Katsina State, who was reportedly seen with a flock of sheep around Dolli and Shilto communities.

The second suspect, identified only as Lawali, escaped.

The injured suspect was rescued by police and taken to Amada Primary Health Clinic for medical attention.

Sources say Police have launched an investigation into the incident and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep

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How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria

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How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Ambassadors of Germany and France to Nigeria have urged the country to draw lessons from decades of Franco-German cooperation, stressing that reconciliation, friendship, and shared responsibility are critical drivers of growth, stability, and regional integration.

German Ambassador Annett Günther and French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during events marking the 63rd anniversary of German-French Day, which commemorates the signing of the Élysée Treaty on January 22, 1963.

Speaking jointly, the envoys reflected on how France and Germany overcame centuries of rivalry and conflict to become close partners and allies after the Second World War.

They noted that the experience demonstrates that even the most hostile relationships can be transformed through sustained dialogue and political commitment.

“The history of reconciliation and European unification shows that no matter how dark the past may seem, a different future is possible,” the ambassadors said, adding that this message is particularly relevant for Nigeria and its partners. “We are stronger together — and stronger as friends.”

They explained that Franco-German cooperation is anchored in formal treaties that mandate continuous consultation between both countries at all levels, including heads of state, foreign ministers, and senior officials. This coordination, they said, now extends beyond Europe to global and African issues.

Fielding questions from journalists, the ambassadors pointed to Nigeria’s strategic role within West Africa, saying the country could apply similar principles to strengthen the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Fonbaustier said stronger countries within a regional bloc have a responsibility to drive integration while supporting weaker members to ensure collective progress. “A union only succeeds when all its members move forward together,” he said, noting that unity should be based on shared development rather than narrow national interests.

He described Nigeria as the leading power within ECOWAS and encouraged it to continue playing a central role in promoting regional security, economic integration, and people-to-people exchange.

Günther also echoed these views, highlighting what she described as a “Franco-German reflex” of constant consultation and coordination. She said this habit of cooperation enables both countries to respond jointly to emerging challenges and align their diplomatic efforts, including in Africa.

They both stressed that the Franco-German journey from hostility to partnership offers valuable lessons for Nigeria and the African continent, particularly in fostering regional unity, managing diversity, and building long-term peace through cooperation.

How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria

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