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Germany Promises Continued Support For Nigeria’s Anti-terrorism Fight
Germany has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, describing the West African nation as a vital ally in Africa’s development and stability.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, outlined a roadmap for bilateral relations covering security, economic development, education, energy, and cultural exchange.
“Germany will continue to stand with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism,” Günther said,
She announced that the Nigerian-German Binational Commission would meet in Berlin in less than two weeks, calling the event “a landmark occasion to accelerate bilateral cooperation.”
“Less than two weeks from now, the joint Nigerian-German Binational Commission will be held in Berlin, led by the two Foreign Ministers.
“This commission aims to take our relations to another level,” she said.
Marking 65 years of diplomatic ties, the envoy emphasised the historic and evolving nature of both nations’ relationship.
“Germany recognised Nigerian independence and established diplomatic relations right away.
“Ever since, the relations have been close and cordial, but now, especially with the Binational Commission underway, they are getting more and more intense,” she noted.
Günther noted that recent high-level visits underscored Nigeria’s importance in Germany’s Africa policy.
“In December 2024, German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Abuja and Lagos and met with President Tinubu. In May 2025, Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama Tuggar met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin, making Nigeria one of the first African countries to engage the new German government,” she said.
Drawing parallels between the two nations, she said, “Both Nigeria and Germany are Federal Republics, the most populous in their region and the most powerful economies on their continents.
“We share the same values: we are both freedom-loving and democratic. And we want the world to be governed through the strength of the law, and not the law of the strongest.”
The ambassador said Germany’s current foreign policy, guided by the motto “Security, Freedom and Prosperity,” reflects its global outlook.
She condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “nothing but an imperialistic war of aggression,” warning that its destabilising influence also affects Africa.
“Russia aims to undermine free and democratic societies in Europe as well as in Africa,” she said.
On trade and investment, Günther reported that Nigeria remains Germany’s second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with trade volumes rising by 30 per cent this year.
“Germany is shifting into growth mode again,” she said, citing progress in digitisation, infrastructure, education, and renewable energy. “There are more than 90 German companies active in Nigeria, indirectly creating about 17,000 jobs.”
She highlighted two key projects under the partnership. “The Presidential Power Initiative with Siemens will add about seven gigawatts to Nigeria’s power grid,” she said, adding that collaboration in the gas sector would “reduce gas flaring and improve Nigeria’s CO? footprint.”
Security cooperation, she noted, remains a top priority.
“Germany will continue to stand with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism,” Günther said, announcing the launch of a Bilateral Annual Programme for military experts and forthcoming high-level military staff talks in Abuja.
Germany has also invested nearly €900,000 between 2024 and 2025 to support Nigerian law enforcement, providing training, equipment, and programmes targeting terrorism, kidnapping, human trafficking, and narcotics. She cited the “Supporting Police Accountability and Transformation Project” with the UNDP as a flagship reform initiative.
Addressing instability in Nigeria’s Northeast, the envoy said Germany continues to back reconstruction and livelihood projects in communities affected by Boko Haram. “A prosperous and secure Nigeria is also in Germany’s interest,” she said.
Günther expressed concern over the country’s humanitarian situation, noting that “around 31 million people are acutely food insecure, and approximately 3.5 million children are at risk of severe malnutrition.”
She reaffirmed Germany’s support in food security, health, and flood mitigation but urged Nigeria to take stronger leadership. “It is crucial that Nigeria assumes greater responsibility for protection, food security, and stability.”
Rejecting traditional donor-recipient models, she stressed that modern development cooperation is based on equality.
“Aside from genuinely believing in equitable development everywhere in the world, we are also hoping to contribute to Nigeria’s and Africa’s stability and prosperity.”
The ambassador also revealed that the German Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos issued about “1,400 long-term and 6,200 short-term visas in 2024,” with numbers expected to increase.
“The German missions remain committed to furthering the bilateral relations by granting visas to properly documented applications,” she said.
On cultural ties, Günther announced that the Goethe Institute in Abuja would expand its language programs and deepen collaboration with Nigeria’s dynamic film industry.
Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, at the weekend.
This raised fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.
The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed last Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the ministry said its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the latest assault on March 14.
It added that the attacks left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.
“Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” UAE added.
According to the ministry, those killed in the attacks included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
“Although the authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry said the injured victims were from several countries, including Nigeria.
Others affected include residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The list also included Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
The Tide reports that this development has sparked concern among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens live and work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and trade.
Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission shows that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The Nigerian government had in recent years raised concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens in the country following diplomatic tensions and visa restrictions affecting Nigerians.
Saturday’s attacks have now heightened anxieties within the diaspora community, especially as the Gulf region faces growing military confrontations.
In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country remained fully prepared to confront any threats to its security.
“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the ministry said.
In a separate update, the ministry noted that its defence systems were still actively intercepting missiles and drones.
“UAE air defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” it said.
Regional media reports indicate that the attacks form part of a wider escalation of hostilities between Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran has continued sustained missile and drone strikes across the Gulf despite protests from neighbouring states.
The strikes were said to be in retaliation for military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions in the region.
Tehran targeted several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, late on Friday and into Saturday.
The attacks also caused infrastructural damage in parts of the UAE.
Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that US interests in the UAE would remain legitimate targets.
Iranian state media reported that the group issued the warning after US forces attacked Iranian-controlled islands.
The IRGC specifically mentioned ports, docks and military installations linked to the United States as potential targets.
It also urged residents in the UAE to evacuate areas around ports and military facilities to avoid civilian casualties.
Security analysts say the growing exchange of threats and strike across the Gulf could destabilise the region’s economic and aviation activities if the conflict escalates further.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the five new commissioners sworn-in last Wednesday to put in their best for the development of the State.
Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in of the commissioners at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
This followed the successful screening of the five commissioners by the Rivers State House of Assembly, last Tuesday.
The five commissioners are Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
The Tide reports that the governor had sent nine commissioner-nominees to the Assembly for screening, but the Assembly confirmed only five nominees and rejected the nomination of four over various allegations.
Those rejected by the Assembly are Prof. Dantonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Demua, Mr. Tamuno Williams, and Otonye Amachree.
The governor congratulated the new commissioners on their appointment, noting that their thorough screening by the Rivers State House of Assembly was a proof of their capabilities.
He urged them to deploy their wealth of experience in various fields and put the State on a fast lane of development.
“Ordinarily, I am supposed to charge you on your responsibilities and how to operate. But that has been taken care of by the screening at the Assembly.
“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screenings, it is enough to say that for those of you who succeeded, you are fit and ready to deliver to our dear State.
“So there is no further charge. The screening was the charge, so I wish you the best as I don’t expect anything less than the best from you,” Fubara said.
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, destroying a reactivated illegal refinery site in Rivers State and intercepting suspected stolen petroleum products in Calabar, Cross River State.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement released in Abuja, yesterday.
Folorunsho said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, destroyed a reactivated illegal refinery site at Okolomade Community in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He said the action followed credible intelligence that a previously dismantled illegal refining site had resumed operations.
According to him, an Anti–Crude Oil Theft team deployed to the location discovered that the dismantled refining oven had been reconstructed.
“Further exploitation of the area led to the discovery of additional refining equipment and storage facilities containing about 3,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” he said.
Folorunsho added that the illegal refining infrastructure, including ovens, storage tanks, hoses, connected pipes and newly acquired metal components used for illegal refining, was destroyed in line with operational procedures.
He said personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, in another operation, intercepted about 3,950 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products at the Nigerian Ports Authority area in Calabar, Cross River State.
He said the interception was based on credible intelligence on suspected siphoning of petroleum products from vessels berthed at the port.
The naval patrol team, according to him, swiftly deployed to the area and traced the illegally siphoned products to a trailer park within the port facility.
“On sighting the naval patrol team, the suspected perpetrators fled the scene, after which the area was cordoned off and the illegally siphoned products secured,” he said.
Folorunsho said further inspection led to the recovery of about 3,950 litres of Automotive Gas Oil stored in drums and jerrycans, which had been evacuated to the naval base for further necessary action in line with extant regulations.
He noted that the successes aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to intensify operations against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Folorunsho reiterated the Navy’s commitment to sustaining the operational tempo of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intensified surveillance, patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage.