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Nigeria Asks for Collaboration with China to Tackle Threats of Misinformation, Disinformation

Nigeria Asks for Collaboration with China to Tackle Threats of Misinformation, Disinformation
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has called for partnership with the China Media Group (CMG) to tackle the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation by leveraging on modern communication channels available in both nations.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, while speaking at an event organised by CMG to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China, with the theme “Written in the Sky: My China Story”.
The Minister, who was represented by the Director of Public Relations and Protocol in the Ministry of Information, Suleiman Harunanoted that initiative by CMG represents a significant effort to strengthen the bonds between Nigeria and China; through cultural and linguistic exchange.
He said: “It is a great honour to attend this special release ceremony of the global solicitation results, organised by China Media Group, under the theme “Written in the Sky: My China Story.
“This initiative represents a significant effort to strengthen the bonds between Nigeria and China through cultural and linguistic exchange, while leveraging the modern communication channels available in both nations.
“The role of media outlets in guiding society is both vital and far- reaching. They promote mutual understanding, foster progress, and contribute to the advancement of societal, economic, and cultural domains.
“In this context, I would like to commend China Media Group for its dedication to delivering accurate news and producing programs that positively influence the development of both Nigeria and China.”
“However, it is crucial to maintain balance in news reporting, when showcasing national progress and achievements. It is also essential to create content that inspires hope and drives aspirations for future growth.”
He added that: “In today’s world, advances in technology have made it possible to deliver credible and timely news to millions of people, even across vast distances.
“While these advancements present us with tremendous opportunities, they also bring challenges, especially the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation. We must work together to tackle this issue and, ideally, eliminate it.
“In this spirit of cooperation, Nigeria and China have already made significant strides. During the recently concluded Forum of China- Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), our two nations signed many agreements to enhance our bilateral relations. Some of these agreements are on media exchange and collaboration; these directly relate to our partnership with the China Media Group.
“As you know, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a lifelong activist, especially in his work with the media to ensure the return of democracy to Nigeria. He remains a staunch advocate for press freedom and its critical role in our society.
“Nigeria and China share a long and fruitful history and I am optimistic that our relationship will continue to thrive in the years to come.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has said, despite just being a few weeks old in Nigeria, he already regards the country as his second home; as a result of the wonderful people of the country.
He said: “I’m just few weeks old in office. I just came from Beijing, after receiving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in China. I’m already in love with this country. I already feel Nigeria is my second home. I am so in love with this country.
“The visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China was a great success. It witnessed the signing of many bilateral agreements. In the next few years, there will be a lot of exchanges between the two countries.
“The relationship between China and Africa will continue to grow from strength to strength. We will continue to play a great role in improving the livelihood of China and Africa. So, I am happy with this special event by the China Media Group, tagged ‘Written in the Sky: My China Story’.”
Nigeria Asks for Collaboration with China to Tackle Threats of Misinformation, Disinformation
News
DSS-led joint operation crushes ESN strongholds, kills top kingpins in Imo

DSS-led joint operation crushes ESN strongholds, kills top kingpins in Imo
By: Zagazola Makama
A wave of coordinated security offensives in Imo State has barbecued the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), with the killing of key kingpins and the dislodgement of notorious terrorist camps in forested parts of Njaba and Isu Local Government Areas.
Zagazola Makama understand that The offensive, which began on June 29, was spearheaded by the Department of State Services (DSS) in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, special forces, and local tactical units.
It was launched after the arrest and detailed confessions of two ESN commanders Uchenna Opara, popularly known as Ntanta Miri, and Ozioma Ihedoro, a.k.a OZ, both natives of Umuaka community in Njaba LGA.
Acting on actionable intelligence, the joint team raided and obliterated several terrorist enclaves, including Umuele Umuaka, Ezioha, and Ugbele Umuaka, known safe havens of the separatist group.
A fierce gun battle ensued as operatives stormed the camps. Three ESN fighters were neutralised during the confrontation, while others reportedly escaped with bullet wounds. Their bodies were later recovered along the Ugbele Umuaka axis.
What followed was a methodical clearance operation targeting the B44 camp cluster, long considered one of ESN’s strategic base networks. The camps, codenamed B44 Tangle 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9, were all successfully dislodged by the joint force.
A caterpillar operator working with the team was tragically killed in the line of duty when the group came under sudden fire while approaching the B44 main camp. He was rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, but later confirmed dead by a medical officer on duty.
Items recovered from the operation included:
One AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of live ammunition, pump-action shotgun, two locally made IEDs, one human skull and a Biafran flag
In addition, two suspected ESN members were arrested during the combing of nearby bush paths. The duo Emeka Ogene Sabinus of Ezi Isu in Isu LGA and Nnabuike Emmanuel of Ohofia Oduma in Aninri LGA, Enugu State were said to bear tribal incisions associated with the proscribed militia.
The collapse of the B44 cluster was significant in the counterinsurgency drive in the South-East, where pockets of armed resistance have posed growing threats to residents, security personnel, and national assets.
“The terrain is difficult, but our operatives are relentless,” a senior official close to the operation said. “We are targeting leadership figures, supply chains, and safe havens.”
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing fighters, with mop-up operations continuing in adjoining forest belts across Orlu, Njaba, and Isu corridors.
The Imo offensive adds to a growing list of successes by joint intelligence-led operations aimed at stabilising regions grappling with armed separatist violence, kidnappings, and the weaponisation of local grievances.
DSS-led joint operation crushes ESN strongholds, kills top kingpins in Imo
News
FCT police arrest three wanted kidnappers linked to killings, mass abductions

FCT police arrest three wanted kidnappers linked to killings, mass abductions
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three most-wanted bandits and kidnappers operating across Abuja and neighbouring parts of Kaduna State.
According to a police sources, the arrests were carried out on June 29 between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., by operatives of the Scorpion Squad led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey, following actionable and digital reconstructive intelligence.
The sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were identified as: Abdulkadir Abubakar, a native of Mpape, FCT, Mohammed Tasiu Sani, of Rigina, Kaduna State, Suleiman Jibrin, 27, of Sabon-Gayan, Kaduna State.
The three suspects, all Fulani by tribe, have been on the command’s most-wanted list for
their roles in multiple kidnapping and banditry operations, particularly in Jere, Kajuru, the FCT and its environs.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to abducting victims and moving them to detention camps in Kachia and Rigina forests in Kaduna State. Some victims, they admitted, were held for months, while others were killed at will.
The sources revealed that one of the suspects, Abdulkadir Abubakar, provided disturbing details of internal executions within the gang, in which some members were killed by their own leaders over mistrust and betrayal.
An operational motorcycle, popularly referred to by locals as the “Boko Haram Motorcycle,” was recovered during the raid. The suspects are currently assisting operatives in ongoing efforts to recover arms and ammunition, and to track down other gang members still at large.
FCT police arrest three wanted kidnappers linked to killings, mass abductions
News
Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun

Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun
By: Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old farm labourer identified as Solomon (surname yet unknown) has been found dead with gunshot wounds after he was allegedly shot by a member of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, along the Ilesa/Iperindo Road in Osun State.
The incident, which occurred on June 29, followed the reported confrontation between a local security operative and a group of five farm labourers on their way to a farmland.
According to Temidayo Olowookere, the employer of the deceased, the labourers were accosted around 11:00 a.m. by an Amotekun operative, one Ajayi Ibukun, who accused them of extorting money from passersby. Two members of the group were apprehended, while the remaining three fled into the bush.
Olowookere said the detained workers were later released to him in the afternoon. However, later in the evening, when two of the three fleeing labourers returned, Solomon remained missing.
A search party was immediately organised. His body was discovered in the bush with gunshot wounds on his back, raising suspicions that he may have been shot during the initial confrontation.
His remains were evacuated to Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, where he was confirmed dead and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
Police say efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend the security operative allegedly involved in the shooting, while the community continues to call for justice.
Young farm labourer shot dead while fleeing Amotekun in Osun
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