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Tuggar Calls for Strengthening of Economic Ties with Canada

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Tuggar Calls for Strengthening of Economic Ties with Canada

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has called for strengthening of bilateral and economic ties between Nigeria and Canada.

Tuggar who recently paid a working visit to Canada where he engaged with various critical stakeholders in furtherance of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Canada, said during his meeting with the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, Tuggar that Nigeria is Canada’s largest trade partner in Africa and called on both countries to strengthen trade ties, given the ongoing implementation of the AfCFTA.

Similarly, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, stated that Canada is committed to supporting socioeconomic development in Nigeria and the wider region for mutual benefit.

According to a statement on Monday by the spokesman of the Nigeria’s Minister, Alkasim AbdulKadir, both countries resolved to take steps to finalise the outstanding MOUs, including the bilateral Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPPA) ahead of the Canadian Trade Mission to Nigeria in June 2024.

He said, the Ministers also discussed regional security in Africa, with Joly lauding Nigeria’s leadership role in the region and offered Canada’s support in strengthening stability and democracy in West Africa.

He said: “They also agreed to work together on a range of regional and global issues, ranging from seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts to multilateral reform and countering disinformation. The bilateral engagement represents a significant step forward in the already robust relations between the two countries.”

AbdulKadir said Tuggar also met with the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF) to discuss Canada-Nigeria relations and regional African issues. He used the opportunity to explain the 4-D foreign policy thrust and ongoing developments in ECOWAS and the implementation of the AfCFTA.

Tuggar equally met with the Parliamentary Secretary, Robert Oliphant, where he explored avenues for enhanced partnership on multilateral reform, African security, education, healthcare, trade, and investment, particularly in the areas of mining, metals refining, energy, and digital economy.

He noted that Oliphant expressed deep appreciation for the visit, stating that it demonstrated the robust relations between the two countries.

AbdulKadir revealed that the Minister also met with the senior leadership of Carleton University and took a tour of its facilities, including the technology and innovation hub, as well as the Institute for African Affairs.

He said Carleton University has several partnerships with Nigerian universities and is an example of the strong educational cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.

He met with the President of the Business Council of Canada (BCC), Goldy Hyder, where they discussed opportunities for enhanced trade and investment, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure., noting that the BCC is exploring the possibility of visiting Nigeria later this year to follow up on the productive engagement.

Tuggar also met with the Canadian Parliamentary Secretary on Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, Maninder Sidhu, to expand the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries. The Minister during the visit, highlighted the linkages between democracy, stability, and sustainable growth, especially given the emergence of the AfCFTA.

The Parliamentary Secretary stated that Canada wants to support Nigeria’s economic development. They also discussed partnerships in the areas of infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and AI.

Tuggar Calls for Strengthening of Economic Ties with Canada

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21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed

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21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed

By: Zagazola Makama

At least twenty-one passengers were rescued unhurt following coordinated attacks by armed bandits on multiple vehicles along Kogi State highways on Thursday, while two security personnel were confirmed dead during the ensuing rescue operations.

Sources reported that about 100 armed bandits attacked a Toyota Siena with registration number YAB 968 AX traveling from Oshogbo to Kaduna, a Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) conveying passengers from Owo, Ondo State to Abuja.

Another Toyota Hiace (GKP 178 XA) from Abuja to Ekiti State, a Toyota Carina (JMU 648 AA) from Lokoja to Kabba, a Dangote truck transporting 900 bags of cement, and a J5 bus (FTA 313 XV) carrying bags of pepper from Kano to Lagos.

The attacks occurred around 2:00 p.m., leaving passengers vulnerable to abduction.

A joint rescue operation involving the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Quick Response Units (QRU), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps vigilantes, local hunters, and other security operatives swiftly engaged the bandits in a gun duel.

The operation successfully secured the release of 21 passengers, including men, women, and infants. Rescued passengers include Moses Oladimeji, Adele Jacob, Obed Onche, Babayemi Ajayi, Funmilayo Ajayi, Samuel Olawoyin, Samuel Job, Jemima Joseph, Nanko Joseph, Enenche Paulina, Bright Enenche, Rachael Enenche, Deborah Enenche (9 days old), Bukola Clement, Toyin Clement, Glory Clement, Faith Clement, Peter Olawale, and the drivers of the Dangote truck and J5 bus.

Tragically, one soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape lost their lives during the exchange of fire. Their identities are yet to be confirmed.

Rescue operations are ongoing to track down any remaining abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

Communities along the highways remain on high alert following the attacks, highlighting the continued threat of organized banditry in Kogi State.

The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between military, vigilante, and local security forces in responding to large-scale armed bandit attacks, although the loss of personnel underscores the dangers faced by security operatives during such missions.

21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed

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Kogi communities reeling as fleeing bandits from Kwara kill four

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Kogi communities reeling as fleeing bandits from Kwara kill four

By: Zagazola Makama

Residents of several Kogi State communities are counting their losses after fleeing armed bandits from Kwara State, displaced by ongoing military clearance operations, stormed the area on Thursday morning, leaving four men dead.

According to local sources, the attackers, travelling on motorcycles, entered Kogi through bush paths from Patigi in Kwara State and moved through Bunu and Kiri communities, firing indiscriminately.

The victims included Dare Olorunfemi, 34, of Ihale community; John (surname unknown), 33, of Taki area; Abdul Siworo, 33, of Ike area; and Oladele Samuel, 25, of Ayetoro-Kiri community.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits, heavily armed and in large numbers, continued towards the Kakanda/Ankumi forest in Obajana, Lokoja Local Government Area, leaving the communities in shock and fear.

intelligence sources suggesting that the attackers have taken refuge around Masalacin Boka area.

Residents described the tension as “palpable,” urging urgent intervention to dislodge the bandits before they consolidate in the forests.

The incident illustrated the ripple effect of security operations in neighbouring states, as armed groups displaced by military offensives migrate and wreak havoc on adjacent communities, threatening livelihoods and local stability.

Efforts to safeguard the affected communities and prevent further attacks are ongoing by security forces.

Kogi communities reeling as fleeing bandits from Kwara kill four

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Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices

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Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police have reportedly arrested four suspected kidnappers and their informants following the abduction of ten persons between Koso Likoro and Soba villages in Mashegu Local Government Area, Niger State.

Sources said the suspects were traced to a hideout around Ibbi Forest, where a joint operation led to the arrest of Sanda Dan, Mallam Wantau, and Atiku.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed and implicated Buba Maiyara, Mantile Alh Majo, and Bilya Musa Baushe, all from Koso village, as their accomplices.

In a subsequent operation, Manu Malami Shehu Maiyara was also arrested and admitted that his son, Buba Maiyara, together with his associates, were responsible for the abductions and cattle rustling in the area.

Sources said that the case remains under investigation.

Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices

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