China warns against interference in Nigeria’s affairs after US threat of military action
The Chinese government says it firmly supports the President Bola Tinubu administration as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions”.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, said “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force”.
Ning was answering a question on US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
China said on Thursday it “opposes” recent sanctions slapped by the United States on the two largest Russian oil companies over Moscow’s war in Ukraine, saying they had “no basis in international law”.
President Donald Trump announced the measures on Wednesday after plans for a fresh summit with Vladimir Putin collapsed, complaining that talks with his counterpart “don’t go anywhere”.
China — a major Russian trading partner — has said it takes a neutral stance on the war and has refrained from condemning Moscow’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Asked about the new US sanctions at a daily press conference in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said “China consistently opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and are not authorised by the United Nations Security Council”.
In response to another question about Trump’s statement that Chinese President Xi Jinping could have a “big influence” on Putin in efforts to end the war, Guo said that “dialogue and negotiations are the only feasible way out of the Ukraine crisis”.
At the same press conference, Guo criticised sanctions on Russia agreed on Wednesday by the European Union, whose targets included Chinese companies, saying Beijing was “strongly dissatisfied”.
“China is neither the creator of the Ukraine crisis nor a party to it,” he said.
“The European side is in no position to make irresponsible remarks about the normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises.”
Guo urged Brussels to “stop making an issue out of China”, vowing that Beijing “will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests”.
United States Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday of the tough task ahead in disarming Hamas and building a peaceful future for Gaza, as Washington sought to reassure its ally Israel over the next steps in its ambitious ceasefire deal.
Vance met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the second day of a trip to Israel, part of a diplomatic blitz in support of the US-brokered plan to end the fighting, recover hostages and, eventually, rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory.
“We have a very, very tough task ahead of us, which is to disarm Hamas but rebuild Gaza, to make life better for the people of Gaza, but also to ensure that Hamas is no longer a threat to our friends in Israel,” Vance said.
Vance had kicked off the three-day visit on Tuesday by opening the Civil-Military Coordination Centre in southwest Israel, where US and allied troops will work with Israeli forces to monitor the truce and to oversee aid to Gaza.
Turkish troops?
“A lot of our Israeli friends working together with a lot of Americans to actually mediate this entire ceasefire process, to get some of the critical infrastructure off the ground, ” Vance said, after talks with Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
Vance cited an “international security force” as one of the bodies that would have to be set up. Under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, this military mission would keep the peace in Gaza as Israel withdraws.
Several US allies are considering joining the force, but no American troops would be on the ground inside Gaza, instead coordinating from the CMCC in Kiryat Gat, Israel.
Reports that Israel’s outspoken critic and regional rival Turkey could provide troops have rattled Israeli opinion.
Netanyahu said decisions on the new security force would be made in discussion with the United States, but on Turkey’s role he said: “I have very strong opinions about that. You want to guess what they are?”
‘Great optimism’
Despite an eruption of violence on Sunday, when two soldiers were killed and Israel responded with a deadly wave of air strikes, Vance expressed “great optimism” that the ceasefire would hold and the plan to end the war proceed.
Netanyahu and his wife Sara welcomed Vance and the US Second Lady Usha Vance to his office and the couples sat down for breakfast, followed by a working meeting and a televised news conference.
The Israeli leader, who has been criticised by some domestic opponents for accepting the US-backed ceasefire before Hamas was fully destroyed and before all the remains of deceased hostages are returned, defended the deal.
“We’ve been able to do two things. Put the knife up to Hamas’s throat. That was the military effort guided by Israel,” he said, thanking Trump for his diplomatic efforts in the broader Middle East, smoothing relations with Israel’s neighbours.
“And the other effort was to isolate Hamas and the Arab and Muslim world, which I think the president did brilliantly with his team. So those two things produced the hostages,” Netanyahu said.
Vance also championed the Gaza deal’s role as a “critical piece in unlocking the Abraham Accords” — a Trump administration plan to build relations between Israel and its former foes in the Arab world.
‘Very, very fragile’
Israel responded to its soldiers’ deaths on Sunday with an intense wave of bombings that the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry said killed 45 Palestinians. Hamas denies any role in the killings.
Despite the violence, Hamas has continued to hand over the remains of deceased hostages in small numbers as part of the ceasefire deal, and Palestinians have welcomed the truce, their cities lying in ruins.
Displaced civilian Imran Skeik, 34, living in a tent in Al-Saraya Square in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza City, told AFP: “The situation is much better — the war has stopped, and there are no sounds of bombs and shelling like before.
“We hope the ceasefire continues and that Israel and Hamas both stick to it. We’ve started to get some rest, but there are still many problems. Will we have to stay in tents — another kind of suffering?”
Hostage remains
The Israeli military said Wednesday the remains of two more hostages returned the day before had been identified as Aryeh Zalmanovich and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar.
Zalmanovich, 85 at the time of his death, was abducted from his home in kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity on November 17, 2023, the military said.
The soldier Adar, 38 when he died, was killed while fighting to defend Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken captive, it said.
The militants have now released 15 of the 28 hostage bodies pledged to be returned under the deal, but Hamas has said the search is hampered by the level of destruction in the territory.
The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has killed at least 68,229 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the UN considers credible.
Hamas’s 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
The United Kingdom on Tuesday cut the post-study work period from two years to 18 months for foreign students, including Nigerians, from January 2027.
This was disclosed by the UK’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, on October 14 while explaining the reasons for the need for immigrants to pass an A-level standard of English Language.
According to a statement posted on the UK Government’s website on Wednesday, the time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will be reduced to 18 months from the current two years.
The statement read, “Laid in changes before Parliament this week, the measures form part of the government’s flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change to deliver on the priorities of working people for tighter control of who comes to this country while continuing to attract top global talent.
“The time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will also be cut to 18 months from the current two years. The immigration skills charge (ISC), which is paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers and reinvested in training the domestic workforce, is being raised by 32%.
“The ISC increase is the first since 2017 and will be used to boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment. The Parliamentary process to increase the charge will begin later this week. To ensure graduates contribute effectively to the economy, the maximum post-study stay will be reduced to 18 months from the current 2 years for most from 1 January 2027. It comes after data clearly showed that many holders had not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended.”
Recently, the UK announced that an additional fee is expected to be passed on to overseas students, making studying in the UK more expensive than before.
The tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in the 2025/26 academic year have already risen by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.
Additionally, stricter English language requirements are being introduced for international students entering the country for study, work, and settlement.
Data shows fewer foreign students opted for the UK as a study option in 2024.
UK immigration rules were modified in January 2024 to prevent students from bringing dependants, except for those studying postgraduate research courses or courses with government-funded scholarships.
Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Sweden men’s national football team, the Swedish Football Association confirmed on Monday.
According to Fabrizio Romano’s X post on Monday, “Graham Potter, new head coach of Sweden until March 2026, as an initial short-term contract with World Cup mission. Deal agreed last week and signed in the last 24h as former West Ham manager returns immediately.”
He replaces Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was dismissed earlier this month following Sweden’s dismal start to World Cup qualifying, sitting bottom of Group B with just one point from four matches.
PUNCH Online had reported that West Ham United sacked Potter following a disappointing run of form stretching from the second half of last season into the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Potter is no stranger to Swedish football. He began his managerial career in Sweden with Östersunds FK, transforming the small-town club from the fourth tier to the Allsvenskan and European competition in just over seven years.
His success there earned him a move to England, where he later managed Swansea City, Brighton, and Chelsea.
In a landmark moment for African football, Morocco clinched the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Argentina in the final, held early Monday morning in Santiago, Chile.
The North African side owed their historic win to rising star Yassir Zabiri, who struck twice in the first half, once in the 12th minute and again in the 29th, to silence the Argentine crowd and secure the title.
Despite Argentina’s best efforts in the second half, they were unable to break through a disciplined Moroccan backline.
According to ESPN, captain Rayan El-Mourabet led by example, anchoring a rock-solid defence, while goalkeeper Youssef Bakkali delivered a standout performance, making several key saves to maintain a clean sheet.
Morocco’s road to glory was anything but easy. Drawn into a daunting group alongside football heavyweights Spain, Brazil, and Mexico, the Atlas Lions topped the group despite an opening loss to Mexico.
They went on to defeat Brazil and Spain in impressive fashion to advance.
The knockout rounds saw Morocco eliminate South Korea in the round of 16, outclass the United States in the quarter-finals, and edge out France on penalties in a nerve-wracking semi-final. Their victory over Argentina in the final capped a sensational tournament run.
With this triumph, Morocco becomes the second African country to win the U-20 World Cup, following Ghana’s memorable 2009 victory over Brazil.
This win not only marks Morocco’s first FIFA trophy at any level but also underscores the country’s emergence as a growing powerhouse in global football.
PUNCH Online reports that it is a defining moment for Moroccan sport and a proud day for African football.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has been appointed by the Economic Community of West African States to head its Election Observation Mission for the forthcoming presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire.
According to a statement from ECOWAS, the election is scheduled to be held on October 25, 2025, while the observation mission will be deployed from October 19 to 29, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“As Head of Mission, Osinbajo will lead a delegation of eminent West Africans who will engage with key national stakeholders to encourage a peaceful and credible electoral process,” the statement said. “The team will also collaborate with international and domestic observer groups to assess the conduct of the polls.”
The regional body said the deployment of the mission underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections across West Africa.
The Côte d’Ivoire election comes at a critical time for the region, where several member states are preparing for key national polls amid efforts to consolidate democratic governance.
The Federal Government has officially handed over four Technical Aid Corps volunteers to the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The formal ceremony took place in Freetown on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Representing Nigeria at the event, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria, Ambassador Anthony Ebipador, officially presented the volunteers to Sierra Leonean authorities, who were represented by the Director of Education, J. Momoh.
According to a statement signed and released by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Sunday, the four volunteers include two professors, one PhD holder, and one Master’s degree holder, with expertise in law, medicine, and science.
They will be deployed across various institutions in Sierra Leone, where they are expected to contribute to human capital development through knowledge transfer, capacity building, and support for socio-economic progress.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the successful deployment and formal handing over of four Nigerian Technical Aid Corps volunteers to the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone. The volunteers comprise two Professors, one PhD holder, and one Master’s degree holder.
“This deployment reflects the commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, to strengthening the bonds of fraternity and solidarity between Nigeria and her sister nations across Africa and the Caribbean.
“The four volunteers, carefully selected and equipped with expertise in law, medicine, and science, will be integrated into various institutions across Sierra Leone.
“Their mission is to support the human capital development goals of the Government and people of Sierra Leone through knowledge transfer, capacity building, and contributions to socio-economic development,” the statement read in part.
According to the statement, Ebipador stressed the historical ties and enduring cooperation between the two nations, adding that Nigeria has consistently provided development assistance and volunteers to Sierra Leone and remains committed to strengthening the institutional framework of the country in all ramifications.
Founded in 1987, the TAC Scheme continues to serve as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s foreign policy, reflecting the country’s sustained commitment to South-South cooperation and Pan-African ideals, the statement added.
Last month, the Director General of NTAC, Yusuf Yakub, revealed that the agency was developing a legal framework to facilitate the structured export of skilled Nigerian professionals, in a move aimed at curbing brain drain and boosting diaspora earnings.
Yakub also revealed that the agency has deployed 396 volunteers to various countries over the past two years.
Vast crowds gathered in western Kenya on Saturday to see the body of a beloved politician, Raila Odinga, for the biggest day of mourning ceremonies that had already claimed at least five lives this week.
There were cries of “Baba” (father) and “We are orphans” from the tens of thousands of people packing the streets of Kisumu, the heartland of Odinga’s support, as his coffin arrived at the city stadium by helicopter.
Odinga, 80, died from a suspected heart attack in India on Wednesday, triggering a huge outpouring of grief across the country, but particularly in western Kenya where his Luo tribe are dominant.
Mourners barged through security barriers and clambered up the sides of the stadium and nearby structures to catch a glimpse of the coffin, AFP journalists saw.
“Without Baba, we are dead. We don’t have anywhere to go,” said Don Pelido, 20, a supporter pressed up against one barrier.
Emergency responders said they had taken more than 100 people out of the stadium, mostly due to fainting and dehydration.
But there was not the same chaos seen at earlier ceremonies in Nairobi, with authorities cancelling a planned procession in Kisumu to avoid the risk of stampedes.
On Thursday, security forces opened fire to disperse a surging crowd in a Nairobi stadium where Odinga was brought to lie in state, killing at least three people.
And on Friday, at the state funeral in another stadium, led by President William Ruto, a stampede of mourners killed at least two people and left dozens injured.
“It was much better than Nairobi. We were ready for it,” said Philip Nyaswa, a member of the emergency team in Kisumu.
– ‘Bad dream’ –
Arguably the most important political figure of his generation in Kenya, Odinga served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 yet never succeeded in winning the presidency despite five attempts.
But he outlasted many rivals and is credited as a major player in returning Kenya to multi-party democracy in the 1990s and overseeing the widely praised constitution of 2010.
Odinga’s body was repatriated from India on Thursday.
After lying in state in Kisumu, the body was transferred to Bondo in nearby Siaya county, the family’s ancestral seat, for a private burial on Sunday.
Odinga’s death leaves a leadership vacuum in the opposition, with critics accusing him of failing to prepare a successor.
“We have not accepted that he is really gone. It is still a bad dream,” said shop owner Maureen Owesi, 39, in Kisumu.
Odinga’s pragmatic deals with rivals — including current president Ruto last year — cost him support among young voters who have staged mass protests in the last two years over poor governance and the economy.
It is unclear whether Odinga’s movement and the alliance with Ruto will survive his death, leaving Kenya on an uncertain path ahead of potentially volatile elections in 2027.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has inspected the ongoing production of Nigerian Air Force aircraft and helicopters at the Leonardo S.p.A’s defence manufacturing facilities in northern Italy.
Badaru, who was part of President Bola Tinubu’s delegation to the AQABA Process meeting, visited Leonardo’s Helicopters Division in Vergiate and Aircraft Division in Venegono, where key platforms for the NAF are being assembled.
This is contained in a statement by the Personal Assistant to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Mati Ali, on Saturday in Abuja.
Ali said the Minister, at the helicopter division, reviewed progress on ten AW109 Trekker attack helicopters being built for Nigeria.
According to him, three have been completed and are ready for delivery, another three will be ready before the end of 2025, while the remaining four are expected in early 2026.
He said the minister also inspected the production of M-346 Fighter Attack Jets, six of which were at advanced stages.
According to him, three are already undergoing flight tests, while the next three are due for testing soon.
“The 24 aircraft will be delivered in four batches, complete with weapons, tools, spare parts, and logistics support,” he said.
In his remarks, Badaru expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and praised Leonardo’s engineers for their professionalism.
He said the acquisitions demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to modernising the armed forces and strengthening Nigeria’s defence partnerships.
