News
BfNigeria Takes Steel Development Drive to China
BfNigeria Takes Steel Development Drive to China
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has taken the drive to develop its steel industry to China as the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, and the Minister for Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu are currently on a high-level working visit to the Asian country to attract strategic development projects and deepening industrial cooperation with key Chinese partners.
The delegation held a strategic meeting with executives of Sino Steel, one of China’s largest and most influential steel conglomerates over the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, a key industrial asset considered critical to Nigeria’s manufacturing ambitions and job creation strategy. The talks centred around technical evaluations, operational modelling, and financing frameworks required to restore the facility to full productivity.
A statement on Wednesday from NCSP, said earlier Mr Tegbe had met with the leadership of Jingye Steel, one of China’s foremost private steel manufacturers with a global footprint, where they explored the possibility of establishing integrated steel mills in Nigeria, a critical step toward strengthening local capacity for steel production and supporting key sectors such as infrastructure, automotive manufacturing, and construction.
The Minister for Steel subsequently led Nigerian officials on a site visit to the production facilities of Jingye Steel, located in the Hebei province in China.
In Beijing, Tegbe held a productive meeting with SYS Company, a leading water engineering and environmental solutions firm specializing in wastewater recycling and renewable energy generation. Discussions focused on the potential deployment of SYS’s innovative technologies in Nigeria, particularly in converting wastewater into reusable resources and power. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the development of a circular economy that supports energy diversification.
Earlier in the visit, the Director-General of NCSP held a follow-up meeting with executives of CSSC Haishen, advancing a prior understanding between the Chinese firm and CPL Ltd, a leading Nigerian medical and pharmaceutical equipment company. The meeting centered on securing competitive pricing for medical equipment, enhancing knowledge transfer and operational support, and identifying financing solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of the healthcare modernization initiative.
According to the statement, these strategic engagements underscore NCSP’s broader mission to build transformative partnerships that harness China’s technological expertise and Nigeria’s development priorities—delivering practical outcomes across health, industry, infrastructure, and environmental innovation.
BfNigeria Takes Steel Development Drive to China
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
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