China’s Chief of Consular Section Visits Abia Police Command Over Kidnapping of Nationals

By Zagazola Makama

In a continued effort to address the abduction of its nationals, the Republic of China’s Chief of Consular Section, Mr. Bai Jianusen, visited the Abia State Police Command on April 6, 2025.

The visit was a significant gesture following the kidnapping of several Chinese nationals in the region, which has prompted heightened concerns over their safety.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the delegation, led by Mr. Bai, was received on behalf of the Commissioner of Police (Compol) by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Decompol) in charge of Operations (Dops) in Abia State.

The delegation’s main objective was to express the Chinese government’s deep concern regarding the kidnapping of its citizens and to offer condolences for the tragic loss of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty during the operation.

During the visit, Mr. Bai commended the Abia Police Command for their swift response and ongoing investigation into the abduction. He assured the police that the Chinese government is prepared to assist the investigation by providing any relevant information that could aid in the swift resolution of the case and the safe return of the kidnapped nationals.

In turn, Decompol Dops reassured Mr. Bai and his team that the Abia State Police Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of all foreign nationals, particularly those from China, within the state. He emphasized that security efforts are being intensified, with enhanced patrols and surveillance in areas where the Chinese nationals reside or frequent.

Mr. Bai and his team also met with the Special Investigating Team, known as the “Jaguar Squad,” which was specially formed to investigate the abduction and related crimes. The team has been working diligently to track down the kidnappers and bring them to justice.

Authorities in Abia State continue their investigation into the kidnapping, and efforts to locate the victims and arrest the perpetrators are ongoing. The Chinese Consular delegation expressed gratitude for the collaborative approach to resolving the case and reaffirmed their commitment to further supporting the police in their pursuit of justice.

China’s Chief of Consular Section Visits Abia Police Command Over Kidnapping of Nationals

AT SENEGAL’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY:
Nigeria Hails Strategic Relationship As Key To West African Stability, Economic Growth

** Seeks deeper cooperation in trade, security, democracy

By: Our Reporter

The Nigerian government has described its relationship with Senegal as a strategic partnership built on a foundation of shared history, democratic values and economic interdependence.

This followed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s presence at Senegal’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary held at the Place de la Nation in Dakar on Friday.

VP Shettima had represented President Bola Tinubu at the event where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal played host to guests from across Africa and beyond.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event in Dakar, Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said there were very strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and Senegal, noting that both countries achieved independence in 1960 and have maintained shared commitments to democratic governance and regional security.

Also on Nigeria’s delegation was Hon. Oluwole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“Senegal and Nigeria have very strong bilateral ties. This has been as a result of our shared history and circumstances—both countries attained independence at about the same time in 1960,” the Minister stated.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the need for continued collaboration in democracy, trade, and security between the two countries.

She said, “Both countries have remained committed to deepening democratic governance, values, and constitutional governance in the African continent. We have also jointly remained committed in the fight against terrorism and building strong regional institutions.”

The Minister revealed that Senegal accounts for 68.7% of Nigeria’s exports within the ECOWAS market—an indicator of Nigeria’s central role in regional trade.

“Senegal takes 68.7% exports from Nigeria within the ECOWAS market,” she disclosed, describing the statistic as a reflection of “mutually beneficial economic cooperation.”

The Minister also pointed to sustained high-level engagement, noting that “the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was in Nigeria last year to meet with our President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to talk about areas of collaboration and cooperation.”

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed optimism about the future of the Nigeria-Senegal partnership, expressing hope that both nations will “continue deepening this economic relationship and enhance” their relationship across all sectors.

The event was attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow and Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani.

In his national address at the event, President Faye applauded Senegal’s democratic maturity, reaffirming his commitment to deeply transforming the country.

“Now more than ever, we must harness this driving force to correct what needs fixing and to give shape to the aspirations of our people and the hopes of our youth,” Faye said.

These reforms, he said, include optimizing local finances, ensuring budgetary transparency, rationalizing public spending, and managing debt efficiently to safeguard fiscal sustainability.

AT SENEGAL’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY:
Nigeria Hails Strategic Relationship As Key To West African Stability, Economic Growth

VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the country’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary celebrations.

Senegal celebrates its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its freedom from French colonial rule in 1960. The day is marked by national pride, with ceremonies, parades and cultural events.

The Vice President’s attendance at the annual event is in honour of an invitation extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, following the strong mutual relationship between Nigeria and Senegal.

The independence Day celebrations will be held at the Place de la Nation in Dakar, with President Faye playing host to Vice President Shettima and other distinguished guests from across Africa and beyond.

The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria tomorrow after the one-day event.

VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary