Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (retd.), has officially assumed his diplomatic responsibilities in Beijing after presenting copies of his credentials to China’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Director-General of the Protocol Department, Hong Lei.

The ceremony held in Beijing marks the formal commencement of Dambazau’s mission in China, authorising him to undertake official engagements and represent Nigeria’s interests in one of its most significant bilateral relationships.

A former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, Dambazau was named ambassador by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in key strategic countries.

His posting comes at a period of increasing cooperation between Nigeria and China, with both nations expanding collaboration in commerce, infrastructure, technology, education, security and cultural exchanges.

Over the past decade, China has remained one of Nigeria’s leading economic partners. Trade volumes between the two countries have continued to rise, with bilateral commerce exceeding $28 billion in 2025. The growth reflects stronger economic ties and increasing demand for Chinese industrial products, machinery and technological equipment within the Nigerian market.

Beyond commercial relations, China’s involvement in Nigeria’s development landscape has become increasingly visible through major infrastructure projects supported by Chinese financing and technical expertise.

Among the flagship projects linked to China-Nigeria cooperation are the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, modern railway developments connecting key parts of the country, and the construction of new terminal facilities at major airports, including those in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

Other notable projects include the rehabilitation and expansion of major highways such as the Abuja-Keffi corridor and the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi-Enugu route, as well as strategic investments in the energy and water sectors through the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Greater Abuja Water Supply Scheme.

Observers believe Dambazau’s appointment comes at a crucial stage in relations between Abuja and Beijing, as both governments seek to unlock new opportunities in investment, industrialisation, agriculture, innovation and human capital development.

Given his extensive background in military leadership, governance and public administration, the retired army general is expected to play a significant role in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic objectives while facilitating stronger economic and strategic cooperation with China.

His tenure is anticipated to focus on attracting investment, promoting trade, strengthening educational and cultural exchanges, and expanding partnerships that support Nigeria’s development agenda.

Gunmen have abducted the sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons in Ibadan.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday morning in the Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.

An eyewitness told PUNCH Online that the victims were taken at about 7:30 a.m. while the woman was on her way to drop her children at school.

Confirming the development, media aide to Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, said the abducted woman, identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, was seized alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.

He said the family had already contacted security agencies, adding that efforts were underway to ensure their safe rescue.

According to the statement, “Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, aged 43, was reportedly abducted by armed gunmen at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop her children at school in Ibadan. The abductors also forcefully took away her twin sons who were with her at the time of the incident.”

The family added that security operatives had commenced preliminary investigations and were working to track down the abductors and secure the release of the victims.

They also expressed distress over the incident but said they remained hopeful that security agencies would ensure the safe return of the victims.

“The family is deeply distressed but confident that security agencies will secure their safe release,” the statement added.

The statement urged members of the public to avoid speculation and refrain from spreading unverified information that could interfere with ongoing investigations.

Residents were also encouraged to report any useful information to security authorities to aid rescue efforts.

The abduction adds to a growing list of similar incidents in Oyo State in recent months, including the kidnapping of over 40 teachers and pupils during a coordinated attack in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.

Security agencies are yet to issue an official detailed briefing on the latest incident as investigations continue.

The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria’s Northwest region has risen sharply to nearly 800,000, driven largely by escalating insecurity and banditry across several states, according to new data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The PUNCH reports that IDP figures in the region increased by 143,189 persons within six months, marking a 22 per cent rise between December 2025 and May 2026.

The latest figures, published in the UNHCR Nigeria Forcibly Displaced Populations dashboard, show that the Northwest now hosts 793,534 displaced persons, up from 650,345 recorded in December 2025.

The dashboard is jointly produced by UNHCR and the Federal Government through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, drawing data from registration records, biometric enrolment, field assessments, and contributions from agencies including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Displacement Tracking Matrix.

Sokoto, Zamfara Drive Surge

Sokoto State recorded the most dramatic increase, with its IDP population more than doubling from 88,562 in February 2026 to 181,526 in March 2026—an increase of 92,964 persons, representing a 105 per cent spike.

Zamfara State, which remains one of the epicentres of banditry, also saw a significant rise, adding 74,648 displaced persons within the period. Its total climbed from 204,576 to 279,224, a 36.5 per cent increase.

Together, Sokoto and Zamfara account for the majority of the displacement surge in the region.

Mixed Trends Across Other States

In contrast, Katsina State recorded a decline in displacement figures, dropping from 235,898 to 206,071 IDPs—a reduction of 29,827 persons, or 12.6 per cent.

Kaduna State, however, saw a modest increase, rising by 4,653 displaced persons from 110,813 to 115,466.

The report also shows that Nigerian refugees from the Northwest registered in neighbouring Niger Republic increased from 258,359 to 268,967 within the same period.

Nationwide Displacement Picture

Across Nigeria, the total number of internally displaced persons now stands at 3,711,314 as of May 2026. The UNHCR estimates that Nigeria accounts for 3.5 per cent of the world’s 117 million forcibly displaced persons.

Banditry and communal violence in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara continue to disrupt farming activities, markets, and access to basic services, displacing nearly 1.4 million people—many of whom now live in host communities.

Rising Violence and Casualties

The increase in displacement follows intensified attacks in the region. In the first half of 2025 alone, at least 2,266 people were killed by insurgents or armed groups, exceeding the total fatalities recorded in 2024.

Broader security data indicates that over 10,217 people have been killed in attacks across Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara states during the first two years of the current administration.

The emergence of armed groups such as Lakurawa, reportedly linked to Islamic State Sahel Province, has further complicated the security situation, with cross-border operations extending into Niger and Mali.

Government Response and Humanitarian Efforts

In response to the crisis, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Northwest Governors’ Forum and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched state-level adoption of the National Policy on IDPs and action plans for Katsina and Zamfara in February 2026.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has also expanded humanitarian operations beyond the Northeast to cover affected Northwest states.

Outlook

Despite ongoing military operations and government assurances, insecurity remains a major driver of displacement in the region. The UNHCR data underscores the continuing humanitarian pressure in the Northwest, where thousands of families remain uprooted amid persistent attacks and instability.