News
U.S. to Deploy Wireless Technology to Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria
U.S. to Deploy Wireless Technology to Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has announced plans to deepen the deployment of American wireless technology in West Africa, targeting underserved rural communities in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.
The agency said it is funding a feasibility study for the installation of about 1,500 turnkey mobile communications base stations using technology developed by Vanu Inc. as part of efforts to bridge the region’s digital connectivity gap and provide an alternative to Chinese-made telecommunications infrastructure that currently dominates the market.
According to the U.S. agency, the project is aimed at expanding trusted and secure broadband access to millions of people in off-grid and rural communities that still rely on outdated 2G and 3G networks or have no access at all.
Deputy Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Thomas R. Hardy, said the initiative would unlock affordable internet access while also creating export opportunities for American firms.
“USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa,” Hardy said.
“By helping American companies compete in these critical markets, we are offering an alternative to insecure infrastructure while creating export opportunities that make America more prosperous.”
The study will be undertaken for Vanu Côte d’Ivoire, with Vernonburg Group LLC providing technical expertise to assess the commercial viability of the large-scale rollout and mobilise financing for implementation.
Officials said the assessment would examine existing telecommunications infrastructure, market conditions, regulatory frameworks and financing options across the four countries.
The proposed deployment is expected to create opportunities for the expansion of U.S.-made wireless solutions, digital infrastructure systems and network management technologies across West Africa.
Chief Executive Officer of Vanu Inc., Andrew Beard, said the initiative would demonstrate that broadband connectivity in difficult and underserved markets could be profitable and sustainable.
He noted that the company’s systems were designed to help mobile network operators provide broadband internet and voice services in economically challenging locations using cost-effective technology built on open interfaces and architectures.
Beard added that the study would help stimulate investment, boost U.S. exports and accelerate the rollout of secure digital infrastructure globally.
The project comes amid growing competition between the United States and China over digital infrastructure development in Africa, where Chinese firms have played a dominant role in telecommunications expansion over the past decade.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency said the initiative aligns with its mandate of supporting critical infrastructure projects in emerging markets while promoting the deployment of trusted U.S. technologies and services.
U.S. to Deploy Wireless Technology to Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
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