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Nigeria Calls for Stronger Africa–Latin America Alliance at CELAC Forum
Nigeria Calls for Stronger Africa–Latin America Alliance at CELAC Forum
By:Michael Mike
Nigeria has urged deeper cooperation between African and Latin American nations, stressing that stronger partnerships among countries of the Global South are essential to navigating growing global uncertainty and building more balanced international relations.
Speaking at the CELAC–Africa High-Level Forum in Bogotá, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, called on leaders from both regions to intensify collaboration in key sectors including technology, agriculture, education, energy and culture.
Community of Latin American and Caribbean States — commonly known as CELAC — is a regional organization that brings together countries from Latin America and the Caribbean to promote political dialogue, economic cooperation, and regional integration.
Tuggar, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the gathering, described the forum as a timely opportunity for Africa and Latin America to redefine their role in a rapidly changing global landscape. He praised Colombian President Gustavo Petro for convening the meeting at a moment marked by geopolitical tensions and economic disruptions across the world.
According to the minister, the consequences of global conflicts and instability are increasingly felt by developing nations, even when such crises occur far beyond their borders. He therefore urged countries in both regions to take a more coordinated approach in shaping international outcomes that promote peace, economic resilience and shared prosperity.
Tuggar said Africa and Latin America must strengthen their collective voice in global affairs to challenge systems that have historically disadvantaged developing economies. He emphasized that stronger South–South cooperation could unlock new opportunities for trade, innovation and sustainable development.
Highlighting Nigeria’s priorities for deeper engagement, the minister pointed to growing prospects in agriculture, solid minerals, renewable energy and emerging technologies. He also stressed the need for both regions to actively participate in the development of transformative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, warning that the Global South must not be left behind in the next wave of technological advancement.
Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international cooperation through initiatives such as the Technical Aid Corps, which has deployed Nigerian professionals to Caribbean countries for nearly four decades. He said the programme reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to strengthening ties with partners across Latin America and the Caribbean.
On economic cooperation, the minister highlighted Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest market and underscored opportunities for investment in agro-processing and food production. He noted that Nigeria is implementing policies aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency while expanding fertiliser production to support farmers and boost agricultural output.
Beyond economic ties, Tuggar also stressed the importance of cultural exchange and creative industries as powerful tools for deepening connections between the two regions. He called for expanded collaboration in arts, education, digital innovation and intellectual property development.
Addressing wider global challenges, the minister advocated stronger joint action on climate change, improved healthcare access and increased technology transfer to developing countries. He also reiterated Nigeria’s position on the need for greater accountability in addressing illicit financial flows from developing economies and renewed calls for historical reparations linked to the legacies of slavery and colonialism.
The CELAC–Africa High-Level Forum, organised under the framework of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, brought together leaders and senior officials from Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa from March 20 to 21 to explore ways of strengthening political, economic and cultural cooperation between the two regions.
Tuggar concluded by urging participants to seize the moment to build stronger interregional partnerships capable of unlocking economic potential and advancing a more equitable global order.
Nigeria Calls for Stronger Africa–Latin America Alliance at CELAC Forum
District head rescued from mob attack in Jos East
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, have rescued the District Head of Fursum in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State, Alhaji Musa Usman, from a mob attack by youths of Ninseng community.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2026, when troops responded to a report of a mob attack at the district head’s residence.
The youths reportedly attacked Usman, accusing him of allegedly supporting Fulani residents in the community.
The attack followed a reported incident in which a local was attacked and killed at an illegal mining site in Nabar Dutse community.
Troops intervened and rescued the district head, who sustained injuries during the attack.
He was subsequently evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.
During the incident, the district head’s vehicle was also set ablaze by the attackers.
The troops brought the situation under control and dominated the general area to prevent further escalation and possible retaliatory attacks.
Security forces are maintaining a presence in the area while efforts continue to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
District head rescued from mob attack in Jos East
Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims, recover arms, ammunition in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims and recovered arms, ammunition and a motorcycle during ongoing clearance operations in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to security sources, the troops carried out routine security patrols along the Faskari axis on Sept. 25, 2026, when they intercepted a group of suspected terrorists.
The troops engaged the terrorists and overpowered them, forcing the group to abandon their positions and flee into the surrounding terrain.
During the subsequent clearance operation, the troops rescued 14 kidnapped victims, comprising 12 males and two females.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the victims had been abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki communities, both in Faskari LGA.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and necessary support before being reunited with their families.
In a related operation within the same area, the troops also foiled an attempted attack by suspected terrorists.
Following the engagement, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, some quantity of 7.62mm special ammunition and a motorcycle reportedly used by the suspects.
Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims, recover arms, ammunition in Katsina
Troops foil attack by Fulani bandits on Gyamgyam community in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack by fulani bandits on Gyamgyam community in Garga District of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 7:45 a.m. on Sept. 25, when troops responded to reports of sporadic shootings in the community.
Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered that the community had come under attack by some assailants.
Security sources said no casualty was recorded, as members of the community resisted the attackers and prevented them from achieving their objective.
Following the incident, the troops commenced area domination patrols around the community and adjoining locations to deter further attacks and track the movement of the assailants.
The operation is ongoing as security forces continue to maintain a presence in the area and monitor the security situation.
Troops foil attack by Fulani bandits on Gyamgyam community in Plateau
District head rescued from mob attack in Jos East
Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims, recover arms, ammunition in Katsina
Troops foil attack by Fulani bandits on Gyamgyam community in Plateau
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