How Stakeholders view Pastor Chris’ Bold New Economy Vision

August 25, 2026

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder and President of LoveWorld Incorporated, has attracted widespread attention following the unveiling of a new range of electric vehicles under the Tsion automotive brand at the New Economy Unveiling 2026 (NEU26).

The unveiling has generated largely positive reactions among religious leaders, technology observers and members of the public.

Additionally, stakeholders describe the initiative as an ambitious demonstration of innovation.

It also signals economic empowerment and the potential of faith-based institutions to contribute to technological and industrial development.

The development represents a significant expansion of LoveWorld’s activities into automobile technology.

Additionally, it covers energy, digital finance, artificial intelligence and marketplace manufacturing.

Moreover, this signals a broader vision that extends beyond traditional ministry operations.

Tsion Electric Vehicles: Innovation Takes Centre Stage

The automotive showcase featured a collection of electric sports cars and luxury SUVs across four major series — Tsion Passion, Tsion Falcon, Vision Series and OG Series.

The Tsion Passion was presented as an electric SUV featuring a sleek exterior and modern interior, while the Tsion Falcon was showcased as a high-performance sports car designed with speed and track performance in mind.

The Vision Series featured luxury vehicles, including coupe and convertible models, while the OG Series comprised luxury SUVs. During the presentation, it was explained that “OG” refers to “Of God.”

Pastor Chris invited attendees to view footage of the vehicles as part of the unveiling, giving audiences an early look at the designs and technological direction of the proposed Tsion automotive range.

Production timelines, pricing, technical specifications and commercial launch details have yet to be fully disclosed.

Nevertheless, the unveiling has already generated significant public interest.

Praise for Expanding Beyond the Pulpit

The initiative has received commendation from prominent voices who see the project as evidence of the expanding role religious organisations can play in technology, enterprise and economic development.

Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre was among those who praised the development, describing it as an example of how the church can stretch the boundaries of what is considered possible and contribute practical technological solutions to society.

Supporters argue that the Tsion project demonstrates how faith-based organisations can participate in the marketplace not merely as consumers, but as innovators, entrepreneurs and creators of solutions.

The electric vehicle initiative has also attracted attention because of its potential relevance to Nigeria’s transportation and energy challenges.

Public commentators have pointed to the growing cost of petrol.

Moreover, they note the need for alternative mobility solutions and increased investment in electric transportation.

Tsion Ark and the New Digital Economy

The automotive project forms part of a much broader economic vision unveiled at NEU26.

At the centre of the proposed ecosystem is Tsion Ark, a digital platform presented as bringing together financial and market activities, including stocks, cryptocurrency and gold trading.

The event also highlighted World Street Gold, an initiative focused on global trade and the gold market, alongside VIVID, an artificial-intelligence platform.

Together, the initiatives point to an integrated vision encompassing electric mobility, artificial intelligence, digital finance, global trade and technology-driven enterprise.

Details regarding Tsion Ark’s regulatory status, operating jurisdictions, launch timetable and specific financial products have not yet been fully disclosed.

A New Conversation About the Church and Enterprise

The response to the Tsion unveiling has opened a wider conversation about the role of religious organisations in economic development and technological innovation.

For supporters, the initiative represents a shift from simply discussing economic empowerment to actively developing products, platforms and enterprises capable of participating in the marketplace.

The positive reactions from religious leaders, technology watchers and members of the public suggest that the unveiling has struck a chord beyond LoveWorld’s immediate constituency.

As development of the Tsion vehicles and other NEU26 initiatives progresses, attention will turn to their commercialisation and regulatory compliance.

Moreover, it will also focus on manufacturing capacity, technological development and the potential impact on the wider economy.

The unveiling has positioned LoveWorld at the centre of a new conversation about faith.

Moreover, it advances discussions on technology, entrepreneurship and the future of the African marketplace.

Two Ethiopian Peacekeepers Die In South Sudan Ambush

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

August 25, 2026

A U.N. patrol came under deliberate attack in South Sudan’s Jonglei State on Monday, leaving two Ethiopian peacekeepers dead and seven others wounded, the latest in a troubling pattern of violence against U.N. personnel that has now claimed nine peacekeepers’ lives worldwide this year.

The injured include three U.N. peacekeepers, two South Sudanese police officers, and two civilian staff members, according to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, who addressed the incident at a press briefing. Dujarric said the attackers, who remain unidentified, appeared to have specifically targeted the patrol rather than encountering it by chance. The patrol itself was part of routine operations aimed at easing persistent insecurity in the region.

The U.N. has since called on South Sudanese authorities to launch a swift and thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable, with Dujarric emphasizing that attacks on peacekeepers can rise to the level of war crimes under international law.

While rare, assaults on U.N. personnel are not unheard of in South Sudan, where peacekeeping patrols regularly operate in unstable areas shaped by intercommunal conflict, armed youth movements, and clashes involving government forces. The broader trend has alarmed the international community: in June, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution specifically designed to strengthen accountability for attacks on peacekeepers, responding to growing concern over both rising violence and a lack of prosecutions.

Monday’s ambush also echoes a deadly incident earlier this year, when seven peacekeepers serving with the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon were killed in March amid renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, underscoring how peacekeeping missions across multiple conflict zones have faced an increasingly dangerous operating environment in 2026.

FG Sets 24-Month Deadline To Complete Reconstruction Of Lagos’ Carter Bridge – Umahi

Favour Enyosa

August 25, 2026

The Federal Government has reduced the timeline for completing the reconstruction of Lagos’ Carter Bridge from the initial 36 months to 24 months, citing the bridge’s importance to the city’s transportation network.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced the revised timeline on Monday while inspecting the ongoing reconstruction of the Carter and Iddo Bridges in Lagos.

Umahi was accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goronyo, and members of the National Assembly, including the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi.

The minister explained that the decision to fast-track the project was influenced by the strategic role Carter Bridge plays in vehicular movement across Lagos.

The 1.58-kilometre bridge has served Lagos for more than six decades, but inadequate maintenance over the years has contributed to significant structural deterioration.

“Carter Bridge has stayed for over 60 to 70 years with no maintenance.

“The lifespan of every bridge is about 50 years, and what we found out from the underwater survey is that a lot of the piles had detached from the pile caps.

“It is like having the leg removed from the hip. There was also a lot of rust within the piles, while scouring and illegal sand mining contributed to the failure of the bridge,” Umahi said.

The minister said a new design had been completed for the reconstruction, with additional engineering features aimed at improving traffic movement and protecting the structure from future damage.

The redesigned bridge will include more ramps to ease congestion, while one carriageway will be built above the other.

A cable-stayed section will also be incorporated to provide adequate clearance for navigation.

“Carter Bridge is 1.58km but you are going to see aesthetics, engineering and innovation.

“We are going to be flying one carriageway over the other, increasing the number of ramps to decongest traffic towards the ramp sections.

“We are also having a cable bridge to contain the 105 spans for navigational activities. It is going to be beautiful,” Umahi said.

According to Umahi, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), the contractor handling the project, has completed about 15 per cent of the preliminary works.

The completed preparatory activities include securing a project yard and constructing access roads, while piling work is expected to commence before the end of the week.

The minister also disclosed that additional protection measures, including gabions, would be installed to safeguard the bridge foundations from erosion and scouring.

He explained that the existing Carter Bridge could not be fully closed during construction because of its importance to Lagos’ transportation system.

As a result, the Federal Government will continue monitoring and maintaining the existing structure until the new bridge is completed.

“If we close Carter Bridge, Lagos will go into katakata (chaos). That is why we are maintaining it while the reconstruction is going on,” Umahi said.

Umahi added that similar intervention measures were being carried out on the Third Mainland Bridge to extend its service life by another 50 years.

He expressed confidence that the reconstructed Carter Bridge could remain in service for more than 100 years because of the engineering features incorporated into its new design.

The minister commended CCECC for the progress made so far and thanked members of the National Assembly for their support for the project.

FG Begins Reconstruction Of 56.5km Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road To Boost Trade And Connectivity

Favour Enyosa

August 25, 2026

The Federal Government has officially commenced the reconstruction and dualisation of the 56.5-kilometre Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road, a major project expected to strengthen transportation, improve economic activities and support development across Ogun and Oyo states.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the flag-off ceremony, said the project would help improve security, strengthen the agricultural value chain and create direct and indirect employment opportunities for residents of both states.

The ceremony was held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan.

President Tinubu described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor as an important economic route linking Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode with the Lekki economic axis, while also providing connections to other parts of the South-West and Nigeria.

According to the President, the project reflects his administration’s commitment to developing strategic economic corridors and delivering infrastructure capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said the commencement of the project was more than another road construction initiative but “a decisive statement that no critical infrastructure deficit will be ignored and no strategic economic corridor will be allowed to stand in the way of our collective prosperity.”

“The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road is too important to Oyo State, Ogun State, Lagos and, indeed, the entire Nigeria to be left unattended to.

“Today, the Renewed Hope Agenda moves beyond promises into practical action through a project that will improve mobility, strengthen commerce and create new possibilities for our people,” he said.

Tinubu said better road infrastructure would support trade, increase productivity, lower transportation costs and create opportunities for farmers, manufacturers, traders and other Nigerians.

He disclosed that the project would involve the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement designed to improve durability, safety and long-term value.

The President said the contractor had assured the government that the work would be completed in less than 24 months. He directed the company to mobilise fully to the site, comply with approved specifications and deliver within the agreed timeframe.

He also appealed to communities along the corridor to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and relevant government agencies to facilitate the smooth execution of the project.

Tinubu warned against encroachment, disruptions and unreasonable demands that could slow down construction, stressing that the cooperation of all stakeholders would be essential to the project’s success.

According to him, the project’s impact should ultimately be measured by the benefits it brings to Nigerians, including easier movement of agricultural products from farms to markets, faster transportation of goods, reduced travel times and improved access to employment, education and healthcare.

The President also disclosed that approval had been given for the reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road, which he said would further improve connectivity between the two cities and stimulate economic activity in Ogun and Oyo states.

Minister of Works Dave Umahi said Tinubu had directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Ibadan–Abeokuta Road, with the procurement process already underway.

Umahi disclosed that Oyo State currently has 17 major road projects out of 47 Federal Government projects being implemented across the South-West.

He added that Ogun and Ondo states have a combined 82-kilometre section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which he said would provide access to the largest seaport currently under development in Ogun State.

Highlighting other Federal Government projects in the region, the minister mentioned the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road, with 258 kilometres already dualised.

He also cited the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road, which he said was 80 per cent complete, as well as the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, which had been abandoned but was revived by the current administration.

Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode project, as one of Nigeria’s best-equipped indigenous construction companies, with experience delivering projects across the country.

He urged residents of communities along the route to support the contractor and help ensure that the project is completed on schedule.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said the road was originally conceived during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1965 to connect Ibadan and Ijebu communities.

He said the reconstruction and modernisation of the road under Tinubu would make the route more functional, reduce travel time and help minimise accidents.

The member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Joseph Adegbesan, said he had moved for the reconstruction because of the road’s importance to the socioeconomic development of Ogun and Oyo states.

He noted that the route provides vital access to markets, farms and educational institutions, and thanked the President for responding to calls for its reconstruction.

Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, said the project would provide relief to residents who had endured the poor condition of the road for years.

He assured that communities would cooperate with the Federal Government and contractor to support timely completion.

The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, recalled the difficult condition of the road and its impact on communities along the corridor.

He said the reconstruction would help revive commercial activities, improve connectivity and reduce accidents, while urging residents to cooperate with the contractor.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashid Ladoja, said the deteriorated road had contributed to security challenges by leaving parts of the corridor vulnerable to criminal activities.

He expressed optimism that the reconstruction would help reduce incidents of banditry and kidnapping while strengthening the longstanding relationship between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

The road project was awarded on May 5, 2026, and construction commenced on July 11, 2026. The project is scheduled for completion by June 10, 2029.

Strait Of Hormuz Records 68 Incidents And 20 Deaths During Six Months Of War

Favour Enyosa

August 25, 2026

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major flashpoint in the six-month conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with dozens of incidents involving commercial vessels in the strategically important waterway.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has confirmed 68 incidents in the Gulf and surrounding waters, averaging one incident every 2.6 days.

The UN maritime agency reported that at least 20 seafarers and port workers were killed across the incidents, while 35 others were injured and one person remains missing.

Tankers accounted for about half of the incidents, while container ships represented 20 per cent and bulk carriers 15 per cent.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) classified 47 of the 68 incidents as attacks.

Liberia-flagged vessels were the most frequently affected, featuring in 13 incidents. Panama and Marshall Islands-flagged vessels followed, with 10 incidents each.

Iran-flagged vessels were involved in four of the reported incidents.

The frequency of incidents has varied throughout the different stages of the conflict.

From the start of the war in late February until an agreement establishing a framework for peace talks was reached in mid-June, incidents occurred roughly once every 2.3 days.

That period accounted for 16 of the reported deaths and 19 injuries. Incidents were recorded across the Gulf, both east and west of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as near the coasts of Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

As peace negotiations continued until around July 7, the frequency of incidents dropped significantly to approximately one every 4.6 days.

No seafarers or other maritime workers were reported killed, injured or missing during that period.

Four of the five incidents recorded at the time occurred near the Omani coast, around the narrowest section of the Strait. The vessels involved were reportedly using a route that had not been authorised by Iranian authorities.

Iran had previously warned vessels against using the alternative route, with Tehran seeking to retain control of the waterway after the conflict and potentially charge fees for passage.

Following the collapse of the peace talks, maritime incidents increased again, reaching an average of one every 2.8 days.

Four seafarers or maritime workers have been killed during this latest period, while 16 others were injured and one remains missing.

Iran has maintained control of the strategically important energy route since the conflict began. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz has become a key priority for the United States because of its importance to global oil and gas supplies.

However, Tehran has insisted that the waterway will remain closed until Washington lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, removes oil sanctions and unfreezes Iranian assets held abroad.

Zambia’s Judiciary Grinds To A Halt As Election Challenge Deadline Approaches

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

August 25, 2026

Courts across Zambia, including the capital Lusaka, have been shut down and cordoned off just as the legal deadline nears for filing a petition against the country’s disputed presidential election result, a move already drawing sharp criticism from legal circles.

Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who finished second with 38% of the vote to incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema’s 60%, has vowed to challenge the outcome in court over alleged irregularities. But with Monday marking the final day such a petition can be filed, the sudden closure of key judicial buildings including the High Court, the Supreme Court, and the Constitutional Court has raised serious questions about whether that legal avenue is being deliberately blocked.

The situation on the ground has grown increasingly tense. Lawyers attempting to access court premises have reportedly been turned away, with one describing being approached by armed men who ordered him to leave. According to local reports, judiciary staff were instructed not to report to work, citing vague “security reasons” with no further explanation offered.

Mundubile himself is currently in hiding, citing threats to his safety, and is said to be under the protection of an international human rights organization. His flight into hiding followed a violent and controversial period after the election, including the arrest of several opposition figures and the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security raid, an incident officials have characterized as an exchange of fire, but which rights groups are demanding be independently investigated.

The Law Association of Zambia has voiced alarm over the court closures, noting they directly threaten access to justice at the exact moment it matters most — within the narrow window allowed for challenging a presidential election result. The organization says no formal explanation has been given for either the closures or how long they might last.

Despite the turmoil surrounding the judiciary, preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration are moving forward as planned, with officials continuing site inspections ahead of the ceremony scheduled for September 1st at National Heroes Stadium.

International observers who monitored the election described voting day itself as largely peaceful, but flagged a number of troubling issues in the process including a heavy military presence at tallying centres, inconsistent record-keeping between digital and paper results, and limited media access ahead of the vote. The EU’s observer mission has since called for full transparency around the final outcome, noting that Zambia’s electoral commission never released a breakdown of results by individual polling station.

Players Turn On Infantino: “Enough is Enough”

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

August 25, 2026

A growing wave of current and former footballers has broken ranks with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, publicly demanding leadership change at world football’s governing body.

The revolt was sparked by Mikael Silvestre, the former Manchester United and France defender who serves on FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel. In a pointed statement posted to X and titled “Enough is Enough!”, Silvestre accused FIFA’s leadership of losing touch with the sport’s core values. The message quickly gained traction, with prominent figures including England’s Lucy Bronze, 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit, and former goalkeeper David James all lending their support online.

At the heart of the backlash is Infantino’s controversial push to sell stakes in major competitions — including the World Cup itself — to private investors. Silvestre’s statement framed the issue as a betrayal of trust, arguing that major decisions have repeatedly been made without consulting players or considering the fans who “sustain the sport.” The message didn’t hold back, declaring that “power has blurred the current leadership’s ability to distinguish between its own interests and what is best for football,” and calling for structural reform that gives both players and supporters real influence over how the game is governed.

The timing adds to mounting pressure already surrounding Infantino’s leadership. UEFA has floated the possibility of boycotting FIFA competitions altogether, and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has publicly suggested Infantino should either step down or brace for a genuine electoral challenge when the presidency comes up for a vote next March. Several national federations including those of England, Wales, and Scotland have already pulled their backing.

What makes Silvestre’s intervention particularly notable is that it comes from inside FIFA’s own structure, given his role on the Players’ Voice Panel, a body originally created to help the organization address racism in football.

Not everyone in the football world is siding against Infantino, however. Samuel Eto’o, the former Barcelona striker who now leads Cameroon’s football association, has defended the FIFA president, insisting he sees nothing wrong with his conduct. Speaking to CNN, Eto’o argued that Infantino’s reforms have specifically benefited African football expanding World Cup access for smaller nations and helping retain talent that might otherwise have been lost to other footballing powers. In his view, Infantino has been a genuine catalyst for growth across African federations, a contribution he believes deserves recognition rather than criticism.

Premier League Clubs Race Against The Clock As Transfer Deadline Looms

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

August 25, 2026

With just over a week left before the transfer window slams shut on September 1, Premier League clubs are scrambling to fix the gaps exposed during the season’s opening weekend. From title-chasing giants to relegation-fearing newcomers, nearly every club in the division has unfinished business.

Arsenal, fresh off strengthening their midfield, defence and wings, are still chasing a marquee forward with Julian Alvarez remaining a long-standing target despite a complicated path to a deal. Aston Villa face a different kind of urgency after a wave of departures: Ollie Watkins looks set to leave for Saudi Arabia, pushing the club to hunt for a replacement striker while also needing defensive cover following Ezri Konsa’s exit to Arsenal.

Elsewhere, the picture varies wildly by club. Bournemouth are fending off suitors for their prized young talents while closing in on a new goalkeeper. Brentford, by contrast, appear relaxed, having already built a deep squad though a left-back addition wouldn’t hurt. Brighton anticipate losing key attacking pieces and may need to reinvest in midfield and wide areas to sustain their European ambitions.

Chelsea’s situation is unusual: manager Xabi Alonso reportedly considers his squad complete, but the real challenge is trimming a bloated roster of nearly 40 players down to a workable size before deadline day. Crystal Palace, under new manager Pierre Sage, are hunting a senior centre-back after an early-season injury crisis, while Everton’s long-standing weakness at right-back remains unresolved more than a year on.

Manchester City could be among the busiest clubs left in the window, with several key departures, including Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Nico Gonzalez, forcing a reshuffle that may bring in three or four new faces. Manchester United, meanwhile, are finalizing a big midfield signing and now turn their attention to left-back reinforcements, with several European names under consideration.

Liverpool’s priority remains wide attacking reinforcements, though Sunday’s defensive lapses against Newcastle have renewed calls for a holding midfielder. Tottenham face a similar identity question up front, with doubts over whether their current strikers fit new manager Roberto de Zerbi’s high-tempo system.

Further down the table, promoted sides Sunderland, Hull City and Leeds United are each still shaping their squads for a top-flight survival fight — targeting wingers, forwards and defensive depth respectively, while Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town continue searching for the finishing touches to sides built largely from scratch this summer.

Whatever happens in the coming days, one thing is certain: for many Premier League clubs, the real business of the summer is only now reaching its final, frantic stretch.

President Samia and ADDI Chief Boost Africa’s Development Cooperation

Henry Williams

August 25, 2026

Tanzania’s President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, has called for stronger collaboration between African countries, the African diaspora and development institutions to advance the continent’s interests and shape Africa’s future.

President Samia made the call on Monday, August 24, 2026, when she received the President of the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI), Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao, at State House in Dar es Salaam.

The meeting focused on deepening cooperation between Tanzania, ADDI and Africans in the diaspora, with particular emphasis on youth development, leadership, investment, knowledge exchange and Africa’s role in the changing global political and economic order.

President Samia underscored the need to equip Africa’s young population with a deeper understanding of the continent’s history, its contemporary challenges and the opportunities available to influence its future.

She said young Africans must acquire the knowledge and civic awareness required to navigate an increasingly complex global environment while playing an active role in the development of their nations and the continent.

The Tanzanian leader also highlighted the importance of cultivating patriotism, responsible citizenship and leadership among young people, alongside encouraging the responsible use of information and greater participation in social and economic development.

The discussions further examined the strategic role of African women in raising future generations, strengthening communities, providing leadership and preserving the continent’s cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.

Ambassador Chihombori-Quao, in turn, congratulated President Samia on her leadership and Tanzania’s ongoing development efforts.

She described closer collaboration between African nations and institutions working with the diaspora as an opportunity to unlock investment, facilitate knowledge transfer and promote a more positive and authentic global narrative about Africa.

President Samia commended Chihombori-Quao for her longstanding advocacy for African interests and her efforts to strengthen connections between Africans on the continent and people of African descent across the world.

The engagement comes amid growing calls for Africa to leverage its human capital, diaspora networks, indigenous knowledge and economic resources to strengthen its position in global affairs.

For Tanzania and ADDI, the discussions signal a shared interest in building stronger bridges between the continent and its global African family, while placing young people and African-led development at the centre of the continent’s future.

US Deepens Security Partnership With Nigeria, Trains Troops In Bauchi

Favour Enyosa

August 25, 2026

The United States military has begun specialised training for Nigerian troops in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care and other military skills as both countries strengthen their security partnership.

The training is being conducted at an Operating Location (OL) in Bauchi State under a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation programme designed to improve military capabilities, operational readiness and long-term partner capacity.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed this in a report on Monday.

According to AFRICOM, the training covers areas including Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage techniques, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft systems.

The command said the training topics were selected from options presented by US personnel based on their expertise and the specific needs identified by their Nigerian counterparts.

Capt Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and operations officer at OL Bauchi, said Nigerian commanders were given several options and selected the areas they considered most useful.

“We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them,” Feingold said.

AFRICOM said unmanned aircraft systems generated particular interest among Nigerian forces. Sgt Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, trained about 10 personnel from the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment.

The UAS training began with roughly 45 minutes of classroom instruction before moving to practical exercises involving the operation of the aircraft.

Murphy also taught the Nigerian personnel how to deploy the systems and use intelligence collected through them to support military operations.

“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy said, adding that the Nigerian personnel indicated they wanted further training on the system.

Beyond developing technical and operational skills, AFRICOM said the joint exercises are intended to improve cooperation and interoperability between US and Nigerian military personnel.

Feingold said the engagement was especially valuable for strengthening relationships between personnel at the lower levels of both forces.

“It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” he said.

The US and Nigerian personnel also take part in recreational activities such as basketball and volleyball when operational duties and weather conditions allow.

AFRICOM said the two countries are working on additional training opportunities at OL Bauchi as they continue identifying areas where their personnel can share expertise and strengthen their military capabilities.

The latest exercise comes weeks after AFRICOM disclosed in July that the United States had withdrawn most of the troops deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism operation. However, the US said it would continue its intelligence-sharing and broader security partnership with Nigeria.

1...313233...2,682 Page 32 of 2,682