Tuggar Urges Multilateral Reform Amid Global Fragility

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar has called for renewed commitment to multilateralism and a candid examination of the challenges threatening global peace and governance.

He made the call at the European Union–African Union Ministerial Follow-Up Committee and the 3rd EU–AU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

Tuggar, in his statement, acknowledged the EU’s enduring support for African-led initiatives, stating that “it is at this point, when discussing peace, security and governance, that the foreign minister of a large African country is meant to outline for his hosts the progress we have made in tackling a host of complex issues – and the outstanding challenges that only closer cooperation can resolve.”

The minister, while outlining a familiar but pressing list of issues: the proliferation of small weapons; climate change; violent extremism; irregular migration; the fragility of democracy; technology, trade and markets, challenged the routine nature of such discussions, urging his counterparts to move beyond recitation and towards genuine reflection.

He said: “At this point, typically, we all nod and pledge further collective action. And we have indeed seen many positives.” He however acknowledged that: “But I wonder if perhaps our focus on the symptoms of despair and conflict obscure our vision of the underlying cause and how best we manage the condition.”

Tuggar while pointing to the broader international context, warned of an increasingly fragile global framework. He said: “We are here today as one of the most prominent expressions of faith in multilateral agencies, a rules-based international order and the search for common solutions to common problems. And yet we know that it is a framework that has never appeared so fragile.”

The minister cited the disruptive roles played by non-state actors, disinformation, and unregulated digital currencies—factors that pose existential risks to nations rich and poor alike.

Tuggar despite these challenges, reaffirmed Nigeria’s belief in multilateralism and the promise of strategic partnerships. He highlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Nigeria’s stake in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and regional gains within ECOWAS, including freedom of movement as a viable economic alternative for African youth.

He said: “Nigeria believes that agencies survive only when they can adapt to circumstance,” while reiterating Nigeria’s longstanding calls for UN reform, fairer trade, and equitable access to capital.

He observed that: “Little was done,” lamenting that “and into that emerging vacuum we now face even greater uncertainty.”

He addressed the internal pressures faced by African governments—struggling to meet rising public expectations with limited capacity. “It’s a process that crowds out serious debate and empowers political snake oil salesmen,” he warned, noting that while West Africa has witnessed several coups in recent years, “the crisis of democracy is global.”

Tuggar while drawing on his tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, referenced the simultaneous popularity of two seminal works—Jean Raspail’s Camp des Saints and Hannah Arendt’s Origins of Totalitarianism. He said: “We should recognise the fears expressed in the former and the lessons in the latter,” insisting that: “We cannot allow our responsibilities to be diluted by our rights. The truth is not a supermarket, to be picked or discarded according to taste.”

He decried the double standards in global responses to hate speech and disinformation, stating that: “We were told online hate speech in Africa was the price of freedom; when it happens here, arrests follow.”

Tuggar Urges Multilateral Reform Amid Global Fragility

Troops kill seven terrorists, recover arms in Rann and Damboa operations

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in separate operations in Rann and Damboa areas of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the first encounter occurred on Wednesday when troops of 3 Battalion, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), engaged terrorists attempting to loot food items from a broken-down vehicle along the Gamboru–Ngala Main Supply Route near Rann.

The troops opened fire, killing six of the assailants and recovering two AK-47 rifles, each with a magazine. One magazine contained four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition while the other held six rounds.

In a separate operation, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Molai, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush at the fringes of Komala village along the Maiduguri–Damboa road in Damboa Local Government Area.

The ambush, which targeted terrorists transiting towards Sambisa Forest, resulted in the death of one insurgent and the recovery of multiple motorcycles and improvised explosive device (IED) materials allegedly intended for burial.

Military sources described the operations as part of ongoing clearance efforts to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement within the theatre of operations.

Troops kill seven terrorists, recover arms in Rann and Damboa operations

Gunmen kill one, injure two, abduct one on Anka–Mayanchi road in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed assailants on Wednesday attacked travellers along the Anka–Mayanchi road in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing one person, injuring two others, and abducting one victim.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred between Bobo and Yashar Rogo villages when the attackers intercepted two golf vehicles conveying passengers.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire on the vehicles, killing one on the spot and injuring two others, while another passenger was taken away.

Residents and local security volunteers responded by evacuating the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment and took the remains of the deceased for burial.

Search operations and efforts to rescue the abducted victim were said to be ongoing as of the time of filing this report.

The road, which connects Anka and Mayanchi, has in recent months witnessed repeated attacks blamed on bandits operating from forest enclaves in the area.

Gunmen kill one, injure two, abduct one on Anka–Mayanchi road in Zamfara