DICAN to Host Global Summit on Combating Disinformation and Protecting Investment

By: Michael Mike

The Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) will convene its second Diplomatic, Security, Trade, and Investment International Conference on May 20, 2026, in Abuja, in a move aimed at tackling the escalating threat of foreign information manipulation and its impact on national security and economic stability.

The summit will focus on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), a growing form of hybrid warfare that can distort public perception, undermine diplomatic relations, and deter foreign investment. Organisers say the conference will serve as a platform for shaping international strategies to detect, neutralise, and prevent the weaponisation of false information.

DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick, explained that the event seeks to “promote collaborative truth across borders, ensuring that misinformation does not destabilise local markets or scare away investors.” He added that building a secure information environment is essential for sustainable trade, investment, and diplomacy.

The summit will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including diplomats, intelligence officials, media professionals, regulators, and business leaders, with the aim of strengthening coordination across key sectors. Discussions will cover international standards for countering state-sponsored disinformation, improving early-warning systems for hybrid threats, and reinforcing credible reporting to protect national interests.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who serves as DICAN’s Grand Patron, will deliver the keynote address. He will be joined by high-profile facilitators, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, alongside security experts, regulators, and private sector leaders.

The conference follows the success of DICAN’s inaugural international gathering in July 2025, which attracted representatives from over 60 diplomatic missions, civil society organisations, and academic institutions.

Organisers say the 2026 summit is particularly timely as governments, media, and businesses worldwide face unprecedented challenges from misinformation campaigns, which threaten to disrupt trade, erode trust, and destabilise economies.

By convening leading voices across diplomacy, intelligence, media, and business, DICAN aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard information integrity, protect investment flows, and ensure that the country remains a stable and attractive hub for international commerce.

This event underscores a growing recognition that defending truth in the digital age is not only a matter of public information but a strategic priority for national security and economic growth.

DICAN to Host Global Summit on Combating Disinformation and Protecting Investment

Troops recover rustled cattle in Riyom, Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Safe Haven have recovered rustled cattle in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the troops of Sector 6, deployed at Makera, responded to intelligence at about 7:20 a.m. on March 16 on the movement of suspected rustled cattle around Tahoos Community.

The troops conducted a search-and-rescue operation in the area and recovered six cattle abandoned by the rustlers, who fled on sighting the troops.

The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their rightful owner.

Troops have continued patrols in the area to deter further criminal activities.

Troops recover rustled cattle in Riyom, Plateau

Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Ties on Trade, Innovation, Regional Stability

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Sweden have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with renewed focus on trade, innovation, and regional cooperation, as both countries seek to expand mutually beneficial partnerships.

This formed the outcome of a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

During the engagement, Ambassador Westerholm expressed Sweden’s appreciation for Nigeria’s hospitality since assuming office in August 2025, describing bilateral relations as cordial and built on strong goodwill. She reaffirmed Sweden’s readiness to deepen cooperation across key sectors of shared interest.

Central to the discussions was the expansion of economic ties, with Sweden identifying trade, investment, and strategic partnerships as priority areas. The envoy highlighted Sweden’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s transition towards a green and digital economy, particularly through collaboration in digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology development.

As a globally recognised innovation-driven economy, Sweden sees significant opportunities to partner with Nigeria in enhancing digital connectivity and strengthening its technological ecosystem.

Beyond technology, both countries explored potential collaboration in the energy sector and the creative industry.

Westerholm pointed to Nigeria’s growing global influence in music—especially Afrobeats—as a gateway for partnerships that could merge Swedish expertise in music production and business models with Nigeria’s vibrant creative economy.

In a move signalling stronger commercial engagement, Sweden recently established a trade office in Lagos, led by a government-appointed Trade Commissioner. The development follows earlier high-level engagements, including a visit by Sweden’s Crown Princess, underscoring Stockholm’s commitment to expanding trade and investment links with Africa’s largest economy.

On the multilateral front, Sweden commended Nigeria’s role as a reliable partner in promoting a rules-based international order, particularly through cooperation at the United Nations and other global platforms.

Regional security and political developments also featured prominently in the talks, with both sides exchanging views on the evolving situation in West Africa. Discussions focused on the Sahel region and the role of Economic Community of West African States in maintaining stability, including its engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Both parties acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic role in driving regional integration and fostering dialogue amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

In his remarks, Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and regional cooperation frameworks as key responses to security and governance challenges across West Africa. He emphasised ongoing engagement with ECOWAS member states and regional partners to promote peace, stability, and sustainable solutions in the Sahel and beyond.

The minister also highlighted progress under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), noting that while frameworks for regional economic integration are largely established, increased private sector participation is essential to unlocking its full benefits.

Both countries agreed to sustain high-level consultations and explore new avenues of cooperation to further consolidate their longstanding relationship. As part of ongoing diplomatic engagements, Sweden’s State Secretary is expected to visit Nigeria in the coming days for further discussions.

The renewed partnership signals a shared commitment by Abuja and Stockholm to leverage trade, innovation, and diplomacy in advancing economic growth and regional stability.

Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Ties on Trade, Innovation, Regional Stability