Anambra Election: NSCDC Deploys 10,250 Operatives for Hitch-free Poll

By: Michael Mike

Over 10,000 operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed to Anambra State for November 8 Governorship Election.

A statement on Thursday by the spokesman of the Corps, Afolabi Babawale said the deployment was ordered by the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi to forestall beach of security during the election in the Southeastern state.

He revealed that the over 10,000 operatives deployed include Tactical Forces from the Corps’ National Headquarters.

Babawale said the CG while addressing the State Commandants and Heads of Tactical Squads relayed that the deployment hinged on the need to collaborate with the Nigeria Police who is the lead agency in Election duty, noting that with effective Coordination, Cooperation and Collaboration amongst the security agencies there would be a violence-free elections.

Audi, in his address, warned desperate politicians against insightful statements and actions that could trigger violence before, during, and after the governorship election.

He said: “The Anambra Election is slated for Saturday 8, November; all Intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed with immediate effect and man the various identified flash points; Tactical forces are to commence round the clock patrol while operatives deployed to various polling units and collation centers are to adhere strictly with the posting order.

“Based on the resolution of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the NSCDC alongside other security agencies on election duty will monitor the election process and provide adequate security for Election materials and electoral officials on duty; you are hereby directed to be professional while discharging your duties with respect for fundamental human right of citizens”.

The NSCDC boss further hinted that the 10,250 operatives deployed for the Election were drawn from the National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, Anambra, Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, Bayelsa States respectively, he assured the public of a peaceful elections without hitch.

Anambra Election: NSCDC Deploys 10,250 Operatives for Hitch-free Poll

Sudanese War Could Spiral Across Africa, Envoy Warns Nigeria, Others

By: Michael Mike

The Sudanese authorities have called on Nigeria and other African countries to support the ongoing efforts at ending the war in Sudan, warning that the war is a siege and could spiral across Africa if actions are not taken to halt it.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the Sudanese Charge d’ Affairs in Nigeria, Ambassador Ahmed Omer Taboul said no one should be deceived that the war is between two generals or among Sudanese ethic groups, but rather it is a proxy war for the resources of Sudan.

He appealed that there must be conscientious efforts by the international community to stop the onging Rapid Support Forces (RSF) genocide against the people, adding that the international community must pressure United Arab Emirates to end the war.

The envoy alleged that UAE are the major sponsor of the RSF, insisting that it is scramble for Sudan’s gold and rich mineral deposits.

Taboul, who was speaking ahead of the United Nations Security Council meeting on Sudan, said the war is about scavenging for resources by identified external forces.

He stressed that the war in Sudan is nothing but a proxy war, “It is a proxy war. This militia is fighting on behalf of others. On behalf of some Arab countries like UAE. On behalf of Israel. On behalf of some other Western countries.”

He said: “The main pressure the international committee can do is to stop the support and the feed of the United Arab Emirates. If they stop them, the war will stop in no time,” warning that it might affect the peace and security of the entire continent.

He stressed that “it will not stop only in very close neighbouring countries. This will go deep to the western part of Africa, through the Sahel and Sahara states.”

The envoy therefore urged Nigeria and other friendly countries to stand up for them.

He said the international community must endeavour to push for the implementations of resolutions of the UN Security Council.

“So what we need actually is full support from our brothers to be with us, to be very close to us. And to support the people of Sudan. They need a lot of things, we need a lot of things in Sudan.

“And we need the support of our brothers like Nigeria. We need the support of them in the international organisations, in the EU, in the United Nations. tomorrow or the day after tomorrow there will be a meeting for the Security Council on Sudan issues.

“We need the support there. Because I’m quite sure they are going, they are trying to adopt something against Sudan. They are trying to mandate themselves and others to come to Sudan”.

He said previous resolutions were never implemented by the RSF and that is why the war is still going on.

He said: “I have told you this just about the resolution adopted by the Security Council last year. Asking the militia to lift the siege on al-Fashir. But nobody imposed this, nobody pushed the militia to do so. Then after two years the militia invaded the city and killed within two days 3,000 women and children.”

He emphasised that the people of Sudan are not waiting for others to fight their battles but only needed their understanding and support.

He said: “Actually what we do, really, and this is very clear to everybody. We are fighting our own war. We don’t need anybody to fight with us. We don’t need any troops, we don’t need anything from anybody. We are able to do this ourselves. Our National Defence Army with the people of the Sudanese.

“Because now, if you see the news, the government of Sudan are mobilising the people. And now they are fighting with the National Defence Army. thousands of young Sudanese people are fighting and defending themselves, their families, their places, their entities, their everything. We are able to do this with ourselves.

“And we don’t want to involve any sisters or brothers or foreigners in our own war. What we need from our brother, for example, Nigeria is to know well what is going on in Sudan. And to accept our narrative. Because we are telling the truth. We are saying the truth, what is going on in Sudan. We told this to our brother in Nigeria, frankly.”

He also gave reason for the expulsion of two United Nations officials from Sudan. He said

the UN officials were given false report about happenings in Sudan.

“And yesterday (Wednesday) we expelled two of the United Nations officials from Sudan. Because unfortunately, they were reporting about the situation in Sudan. I mean, they were giving very, very false report and it was not real at all.

“So we expelled them out and we said, still, we have a good relation with the United Nations agencies. They are able to work, but these two people, we don’t like them in our country. They have to go bring any other instead of them.”

Sudanese War Could Spiral Across Africa, Envoy Warns Nigeria, Others

UK Government Convenes Working Group Dialogue Under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have launched the UK-Nigeria Economic Diversification Dialogue, a strategic follow-up to the recently concluded Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) Roadshow in Kano and Lagos States.

Convened under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), the event which held on Thursday brought together senior government officials, trade experts, and private sector leaders from both nations. The discussions focused on unlocking Nigeria’s non-oil sectors: agriculture, manufacturing, and digital services; with the UK offering support through trade facilitation, investment promotion, and capacity building initiatives.

Opening the event, British Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Jonny Baxter reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to deepening bilateral trade relations, which was valued at £7.9 billion in the12 months ending March 2025.

He also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigerian exporters through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides generous tariff reductions and simplified trade rules. Under the DCTS, over 3,000 Nigerian products stand to benefit from enhanced market access. These include produce such as ginger, cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, soya beans, and textiles, among others.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, further said: “Today’s dialogue marks a significant milestone in the UK-Nigeria partnership. It reflects our shared commitment to driving inclusive, sustainable economic growth through strategic exports diversification. By working together, government to government and with the private sector through our market development programmes like Propcom+, we are unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation across key sectors.

“The UK remains a steadfast partner in supporting Nigeria’s ambition to stimulate economic growth. Through initiatives such as the Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS) and our joint efforts with the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment (FMITI), on standards and export readiness, we are laying the foundation for long-term prosperity that benefits both our nations.”

Also speaking, Director of Trade and Investment, representing Ambassador Abba Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Orji Gertrude said “This DCTS initiative comes at a critical time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to diversify its export base beyond oil and strengthen its participation in global value chains. However, to fully harness these benefits, stakeholders must have a clear understanding of the rules of origin, documentation requirements, product standards, and trade facilitation measures under the scheme. Through partnerships like this with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), we aim to reduce barriers to trade, improve competitiveness, and ensure that Nigerian products meet international market standards.”

Looking ahead, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to building resilient, diversified economies. The dialogue concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy innovation to drive future trade and investment between both our countries.

UK Government Convenes Working Group Dialogue Under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership