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Nigeria, Angola to Sign 15 MOUs as 5th Joint Commission Begins in Luanda

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Nigeria, Angola to Sign 15 MOUs as 5th Joint Commission Begins in Luanda

…Cooperation in technical manpower, migration partnership, transfer of sentenced persons, security, defence top list

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Angola are expected to sign no fewer than 15 Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) at the ongoing 5th session of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission (BEJC) in Luanda.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the MoUs when signed will propel the existing bilateral relations between the two countries to a higher pedestal, and play very crucial roles in enhancing their mutual interest, strengthening domestic institutions, promoting economic and social growth, and building capacity for friendly countries.

She listed the areas covered by the MOUs to include: Establishing Nigeria-Angola Business Council; Economic and Technical Cooperation; Cooperation in Combating Illicit Production, Manufacturing, and Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and their Precursors; Migration Partnership;

Cooperation Waiver of Visa Requirements for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders; Cooperation on Transfer of Sentenced Person(s) and Cooperation in Correctional Administration and Reforms.

Others are-Cooperation in Technical Manpower Assistance; Cooperation in the Field of Tertiary/Higher Education; Cooperation in the Fight Against Corruption; Cooperation in Youth Development; Cooperation in Policing and Security; Cultural Cooperation and Exchanges; Cooperation on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters; Cooperation on Defence and Intelligence;

Cooperation on Public Communication, Media, and Information Exchanges;

Cooperation in the Field of Mining and Mineral Processing; Cooperation on Land Transportation and Related Matters; and Cooperation in the Field of Health and Medical Sciences.

The minister however regretted that previous efforts to hold another session since the 4th session in Abuja in October 2001 were not successful but expressed delight that the event became possible after over two decades.

The Minister who spoke on Tuesday in Luanda, Angola at the opening of the Session, said: “Our gathering here today is the outcome of the recent efforts by both countries from February this year after decades of unfruitful efforts including the failed 2013 attempts by technical officials.

“The continued efforts toward resuscitating this Joint Commission by both countries over the years is aimed at strengthening the fraternal relations between Nigeria and Angola, whose foundation was laid when Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission was established in Luanda in 1975. Prior to that, Nigeria contributed immensely to the liberation of Angola from Portugal and the recognition of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) as the legitimate representative of the Angolan people.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the eventual reactivation of the Joint Commission attested to the continued efforts by both countries towards actualising the aspirations of their diplomatic relations for the mutual benefit of their people.

She said: “This reactivation, which has birthed the 5th Session of the Joint Commission, has provided an opportunity to resuscitate the moribund bilateral agreements between the two countries. I am specifically delighted to note that the collective efforts by both sides have yielded results in the drafting, strenuous vetting of 19 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) together with two Twinning Agreements between the Government of Bayelsa State (Nigeria) and the Province of Namibe (Angola) as well as the Twinning Agreement between the Government of Nasarawa State (Nigeria) and the Province of Bengo (Angola), on very important areas of cooperation for final consideration during this Joint Commission meeting.”

The minister disclosed that she and her delegation looked forward to presenting several other vital issues for consideration, including cooperation and partnerships in the human and natural resources development, such as Technical Manpower Assistance to achieve human capital development, deliberation on the commencement of the Nigerian airline carriers’ flight to Angola and other Bilateral Air Services Matters; exploring abundant opportunities existing in the richly endowed oil and gas sectors of both countries, as well as the mineral resources.

She further said that the draft cooperation and collaboration for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to taxes on income and Prevention of Tax Avoidance and Evasion from the Ministry of Finance and Economy and deliberation on the progress made between the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Bank of Angola in the finalization on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the proposed take-off of the operation by some selected Nigerian banks in Angola, among others, will also be considered.

The Nigerian side presented a draft of four broad Working Groupings of the participating MDAs for consideration by the Joint Commission. They include

Diplomatic, Consular and Migration Group, Defence and Security Group, Economic Trade and Investment Group, as well as Natural and Human Resources Development Group.

In his opening remarks, Angolan Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Domingos Vieira Lopes welcomed the Nigerian delegation, saying that his country looked forward to very fruitful outcomes.

He said: “This meeting is an opportunity to strengthen the ties and diplomatic relationship between African people. I am convinced that this meeting will open new dynamics in our diplomatic relationship. The relationship between the two countries began in 1975 when Nigeria was the first country to recognize Angola as an independent State. And the relationship has continued to grow.

“So, the signing of new cooperation instruments will boost our bilateral relations.

“I know that the mutual benefit would be enormous. These agreements and cooperation will help development and growth in both countries to the benefit of our people.”

Nigeria, Angola to Sign 15 MOUs as 5th Joint Commission Begins in Luanda

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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