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Nigeria Urges Europe and Africa to Build Bridges, Not Walls

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Nigeria Urges Europe and Africa to Build Bridges, Not Walls

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has called on Europe and Africa to reject isolationist tendencies and embrace a partnership rooted in shared history, geography, and responsibility.

Delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Annual Conference of Spanish Ambassadors in Madrid, attended by 182 diplomats, Ambassador Tuggar framed Europe and Africa not as distant continents but as interconnected regions whose destinies are historically and economically linked.

Speaking under the theme, “Good Neighbourliness: Building Bridges or Building Walls,” he urged policymakers to focus on tangible realities rather than abstract divisions, highlighting the Mediterranean as a historic connector of peoples.

Tuggar recounted Africa’s longstanding contributions to the modern world—from the trans-Saharan gold trade of the 14th century to early Atlantic commerce in sugar and palm oil—emphasising that contemporary relations cannot ignore this shared past. He proposed that Africa be recognised alongside Europe and Ibero-America as a core component of Spain’s broader historical identity.

On migration, the Foreign Minister acknowledged its sensitivity while warning against policies driven by fear. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s opposition to irregular migration but cautioned that securitised approaches in the Sahel often exacerbate instability, dismantle local economies, empower traffickers, and undermine governance.

He praised Spain’s circular migration schemes as a pragmatic, humane model that aligns with centuries-old patterns of seasonal work across West Africa.

Highlighting Nigeria–Spain collaboration, Tuggar cited joint initiatives in migration management, police training, and the fight against human trafficking. He commended Spain for demonstrating that engagement, dialogue, and development-focused partnerships yield more sustainable results than coercion.

Turning to development, the minister stressed that Africa’s marginal share of global trade is incompatible with its demographic weight. He argued that reliance on raw material exports in exchange for manufactured goods perpetuates underdevelopment, urging investment in value-addition and development finance as mutually beneficial strategies for stability.

Tuggar also cautioned against the shrinking space for diplomacy amid over-militarisation and polarised domestic politics. He called for diplomats to champion dialogue, compromise, and long-term solutions, particularly in addressing democratic backsliding and unconstitutional changes of government in parts of West Africa. He highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in launching a Regional Partnership for Democracy with the United Nations Development Programme, a program designed to strengthen democratic resilience in ways that respect local histories and cultures.

He urged Spain’s diplomatic corps to promote good neighbourliness not only within Europe but globally, stressing that in a world tempted by walls and withdrawal, true statesmanship lies in building bridges where geography, history, and shared interest already demand them.

Nigeria Urges Europe and Africa to Build Bridges, Not Walls

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Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue two victims in Plateau

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Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue two victims in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued two victims in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The troops responded at about 0345 hours on Aug. 29 following a report of an attempted abduction of Mrs Juliana Luka, 34, and Mr Luka Agwom, 43, at Road 12, Haske Quarters, Jos.

Military sources told Zagazola News that the troops’ quick intervention forced the suspected kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee from the area.

The troops subsequently rescued the two victims and conducted preliminary debriefing to obtain useful information that could assist in tracking and apprehending the fleeing criminals.

Security personnel have commenced efforts to locate the suspects, while patrols and surveillance have been intensified around the area to prevent further attacks.

The successful intervention highlights the importance of rapid response and timely information sharing in countering kidnapping and other criminal activities in urban communities.

Operation ENDURING PEACE has continued to sustain security operations across Plateau State, with emphasis on protecting vulnerable communities and denying criminal elements freedom of action.

Troops foil kidnapping attempt, rescue two victims in Plateau

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Troops investigate suspected Malicious poisoning of cattle in Plateau

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Troops investigate suspected Malicious poisoning of cattle in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have commenced investigation into the suspected poisoning of cattle belonging to a resident of Jol Community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The troops, deployed at Dakku, responded at about 1530 hours on Aug. 28 following a report of suspected poisoning of cattle belonging to Alhaji Isah.

Upon arrival at the location, the troops discovered one cow dead after reportedly grazing on a suspected poisonous substance.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the animal remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Military personnel have commenced investigation to determine the nature of the substance involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The development comes amid heightened sensitivity over farmer-herder relations in parts of Plateau State, where incidents involving livestock, farmland destruction and cattle rustling have the potential to trigger community tensions.

Security forces have continued to engage local stakeholders and encourage residents to promptly report suspicious activities to prevent isolated incidents from escalating into broader conflict.

Troops investigate suspected Malicious poisoning of cattle in Plateau

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Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto

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Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised several terrorists and recovered arms, motorcycles and rustled livestock during an encounter in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The troops, acting on credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists attempting to move rustled livestock through the Maikujera general area, swiftly deployed to intercept the group.

During the operation, the advancing troops encountered an attempted ambush along the route. However, the troops responded with superior firepower, breaking through the ambush and neutralising several of the terrorists.

The remaining terrorists reportedly fled into the surrounding bush as the troops intensified their advance.

Items recovered during the exploitation included AK-47 rifles, motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists and the rustled livestock.

The general area of Rabah and Maikujera is currently reported to be calm and stable, while troops remain deployed to maintain security.

The troops are also conducting routine patrols across the area to deter further terrorist activities and safeguard residents and their property.

Troops neutralise terrorists, recover weapons, motorcycles in Sokoto

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