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Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond

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Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China jointly celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, an age-old Chinese tradition symbolizing family reunion, harvest, and blessings in Abuja on Thursday.

The colorful cultural festival showcase also served as a platform to reaffirm the deepening friendship and cooperation between both nations.

The celebration, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, featured captivating performances by top artists from the Shenzhen Opera & Dance Theatre, Shantou Acrobatic Troupe, and Shenzhen XingZhe Fusion Band.

Guests were treated to a vibrant blend of dance, acrobatics, martial arts, and music inspired by Chinese poetry and folklore.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasized the cultural and symbolic significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

He said: “On this day, we enjoy mooncakes while admiring the full moon, sending our thoughts and best wishes to family and friends who aren’t by our side,” the envoy noted, quoting a famous Chinese poem: “The sea mirrors the rising moon bright; Miles apart, our hearts share tonight.”

Yu also highlighted the unique role of cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties.

“Friendship, which derives from close contact between peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. Events like this are a heartfelt expression of our warmest wishes for the China-Nigeria friendship,” he said.

The Ambassador further introduced Shenzhen, home to the performing artists, as a shining example of China’s transformation. Once a fishing village, the city has evolved into a global innovation hub with a population of 18 million and a GDP surpassing $500 billion in 2024.

Alongside its technological growth, Shenzhen has nurtured a vibrant cultural scene that blends tradition with creativity.

Guests also explored a photo exhibition titled “The Charms of Shenzhen” at the Cultural Center’s Multi-Function Hall, offering insights into China’s modernization journey.

Representing the Nigerian government, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, praised the cultural showcase and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with China through cultural diplomacy.

“The theme of today’s event resonates deeply: The people of China and Nigeria, with their mutual respect and love, celebrate together the Mid-Autumn Festival, a festival symbolizing harvest, reunion, and blessings.

This is not merely a statement; it is a true reflection of the blossoming relationship between our two great nations,” Dr. Muhammad said.

He described the Mid-Autumn Festival as a shared value between both countries, noting that Nigeria also celebrates harvests, family unity, and blessings.

“This shared appreciation for life’s most precious gifts forms a powerful bridge between our peoples,” he added.

Muhammad also underscored the historical significance of the 2025 festival, pointing out that both Nigeria and China will mark their national days on October 1, a coincidence he described as “a powerful symbol of aligned aspirations for national pride, development, and progress.”

Reflecting on his recent visit to Xi’an, the historic Chinese city, he commended the depth of China’s cultural heritage, particularly its Terracotta Army, which he called “an awe-inspiring silent legion guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.”

As the evening drew to a close, guests shared mooncakes—a traditional Mid-Autumn delicacy—while toasting to renewed friendship.

Both Ambassador Yu and Dr. Muhammad agreed that cultural and creative exchange is central to strengthening China-Nigeria ties. From shared artistic performances to tourism and creative economy partnerships, the festival underscored the role of culture in bridging distances and deepening collaboration between the two nations.

Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.

Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence

In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.

The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.

According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.

Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.

🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction

A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.

She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.

🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed

AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.

🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm

In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.

According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.

The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.

The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.

🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial

Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.

Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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