News
Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy
Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy
By: Michael Mike
Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has punched hole in reason given by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN ) for inability of Nigerian athletes to attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following alleged visa delays by the Chinese authorities.
The embassy in a statement on Saturday accused the AFN of inconsistency in its allegations, expressing that the embassy has always assisted in such matters in time past and had equally not failed to give needed assistance in recent case.
The statement read: “The Embassy of China in Nigeria has noted that, according to Nigerian media reports, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN ) issued a statement announcing its withdrawal from the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following visa delays by the Chinese authorities.
“The Embassy of China in Nigeria would like to state the following facts and position:
On April 24, the Embassy received a letter from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria (dated April 22) requesting assistance in processing visas for Nigerian athletes to participate in the event in China.
“The Embassy immediately communicated with the Commission and guided it to prepare the relevant materials so as to expedite visa application. On May 6, China Visa Application Centre received the relevant application materials submitted by the Nigerian athletes. The Embassy immediately activated the expedited procedure, provided the utmost assistance to the Nigerian applicants, and completed the visa issuance on May 8.
“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries, repeatedly expressed its welcome for Nigerian athletes to participate in events in China, and consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner. It should be noted as well that visa issuance is a matter of national sovereignty, and all foreign embassies require applicants to provide the corresponding documents and materials, as well as allow sufficient time for the application process.
“We regret that the Nigerian athletes were unable to participate in the event in China this time, but the statement issued by the AFN is clearly inconsistent with the facts. The Embassy of China in Nigeria remains committed to promoting friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples and stands ready to continue providing support and assistance for exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including sports.”
Failure of Nigeria Athletes to Attend Guangzhou World Athletics Relays, AFN Not Consistent with Fact- Chinese Embassy
Military
Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno
Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno
By: Our Reporter
Following the clearance mission, the patrol occupied a tactical ambush position along a suspected terrorist route to monitor movement and deter any attempt by insurgents to infiltrate the area.
Military sources described the patrol as hitch-free, adding that troops maintained a high level of vigilance throughout the operation.
The clearance mission forms part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V, which is aimed at sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, preventing their return to previously cleared locations, and creating a secure environment for civilian populations to carry out their livelihoods.
Sources added that the general security situation in the area remained calm but fluid, while the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops were reported to be satisfactory.
Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno
News
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Members During Clearance Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Members During Clearance Operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested two suspected Boko Haram members during a clearance operation conducted along the Mandaragirau–Kurtum axis in Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 10:00 a.m. on July 22 by troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local hunters and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).

The joint security team, mounted on a gun truck and 10 motorcycles, conducted the operation along the Mandaragirau–Kurtum route, extending to the Nguma area as part of ongoing efforts to clear suspected terrorist hideouts and deny insurgents freedom of movement.
During the operation, troops apprehended two suspected Boko Haram members identified as Sidi Shagari, 42, and Abubakar Sadiq, popularly known as “Buba,” 25, both natives of Birni in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

Items recovered from the suspects included two mobile phones, three cutlasses, one dagger, and the sum of N9,500.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken to the Abogo Largema Cantonment for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources said the operation forms part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V, a theatre-wide offensive aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, dismantling insurgent networks, and enhancing security across the North-East.
The sources added that although the general security situation across the theatre remains calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining a high level of vigilance while morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram Members During Clearance Operation in Borno
News
Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe
Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested five suspected kidnappers during a coordinated raid operation in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 2:00 p.m. on July 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers in Jegalari village.

The sources said troops of the 233 Battalion, deployed at Damaturu Military Cantonment, stormed the hideout in conjunction with the local hunters, leading to the arrest of five suspects identified as Hassan Lawan (28), Isah Bello (30), Haruna Suleiman (20), Ibrahim Bello (20), and Ahmadu Haruna (19).
During the operation, security personnel recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, three Tecno mobile phones, and one Android phone.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are indigenes of Ririn Village in Rano Local Government Area of Kano State. They identified themselves as members of the Fulani ethnic group and claimed to be cattle rearers.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into military custody for further investigation to determine their involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Military sources said the successful operation forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts by Operation HADIN KAI and other security stakeholders to dismantle kidnapping and criminal networks operating across the North-East and adjoining states.
The security situation in the area was reported to be calm after the operation, although security forces remain on alert to prevent any retaliatory or related criminal activities.
Troops, Hunters Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearms in Yobe
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