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Cuba Wants Bilateral Relations Strengthened With Nigeria
Cuba Wants Bilateral Relations Strengthened With Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The government of Cuba has expressed interest to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria.
Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero expressed the interest of her country at the weekend in Abuja during the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations between Cuba and Nigeria and the Day of Cuban Culture.
Palmero who also revealed that no fewer than 400 Nigerian students are currently in different Cuban universities studying mainly medical sciences, said Cuba is not only seeking to maintain but also enhance and develop the ties created 50 years ago.
The envoy also revealed that both countries have signed series of Memorandum of Understanding across some key sectors.
She said: “During these 50 years, we have worked in our bilateral relations not only to maintain but also enhance and develop the ties created. At the economic and commercial level, there has been an increase in the level of exchanges during the last two years, expanding the possibilities and opportunities for business and investments. The signing of agreements, Memoranda, and letters of intent in sectors such as health, education, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Sports, Culture and Energy, and the exchange of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products deserve special mention.
“The exchange between the private sectors is expanding and new opportunities and possibilities of cooperation are being opened.
“I would like to reiterate to the government and people of Nigeria, Cuba’s interest in continuing to strengthen our bilateral economic and commercial relations.
“I would like to reiterate to the government and people of Nigeria, Cuba’s interest in continuing to strengthen our bilateral economic and commercial relations.”
On exchanges, the envoy said “Special mention should be made of the training of more than 400 Nigerian students in different Cuban universities, mainly in medical sciences, which reinforces the fact that our ties are based on mutual solidarity.
She added that: “We have made progress in the exchange of experiences in working with political parties, youth organizations and the civil society.”
She also said “at the the international arena, both countries have maintained a fluid relationship of mutual cooperation, based on respect between nations.”
The envoy appreciated Nigeria’s “vote in favor of the elimination of the economic, commercial and financial blockade unjustly imposed by the United States against our country.”
She equally commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his recent letter to President Biden requesting that Cuba be removed from the spurious list of countries that sponsor terrorism.
She also applauded Nobel Laureate,
Prof. Wole Soyinka “for his permanent support and also for being among the many friends who signed the letter from writer Ignacio Ramonet, also addressed to the American President with the same objective, to denounce the inclusion of Cuba on that list which seeks to economically suffocate 11 million Cubans and create through these pressure mechanisms the false criterion of a situation supposedly created by the management of our revolutionary government.
She said: “We thank the solidarity movement with Cuba in Nigeria, the trade union organizations NLC and TUC for their permanent support and accompaniment in all the campaigns and struggles in defense of the rights of Cuba.
“We thank Nigerians who have always supported us so that the legacy of our ancestors is not lost.”
On her part, Director of Regions, Ambassador Janet Olisa, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, said the relationship between both countries is based on shared values.
Olisa also commended the Cuban government for its support, stating that: “The spirit of cooperation and friendship definitely is what defines our national bilateral relations over the years. We reflect on our shared values, the journey we have made so far, the huge progress that has been we have gained throughout the years, and we must thank the Cuban Government and people for the warm welcome for our students over the years.
“We have such a very strong alumni that have studied especially in the field of medicine over the years and language, like my husband will say he speaks Spanish today because of the Cuban government, free education for diplomats who serve in Havana.
“This is part of the warm reception we as Nigerians have always received in Cuba, and because of that, our relationship, the resilience and the determination that we have in order to pursue this around the world justice, ensuring that human rights is a fundamental right for everyone to be able to benefit from democratic practices and for what is good for each Country, economic growth is not left out.
“We are hoping that in the next 50 years, our business community will thrive. We’ll have more interaction in that aspect.”
Cuba Wants Bilateral Relations Strengthened With Nigeria
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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