Foreign News
Why Niger Republic Release Seized Relief Materials for Nigerian Refugees

The Nigeriens Douanes (Customs) at Konni, a border town, have released the seized relief materials meant for Nigerian refugees residing in Niger Republic.
The Nigeriens Douanes seized the relief materials because the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) did not present a transit permit.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the six trucks were heading to the refugees camp at Gidan Runji, Maradi state of Niger Republic when they were intercepted and impounded on Monday 5th August, 2019.
The relief materials, which were being conveyed to the refugees by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were released at about 8 30 p.
m on Tuesday 6th August, 2019 .The items were released after NEMA officials had paid 120, 000 CF which is equivalent to about N66, 000 to a private clearing agent to obtain another transit permit.
NAN recalls that the trucks left Nigeria through Illela border on their way to the beneficiaries who were victims of banditry attacks in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto state.
The victims relocated to Gidan Runji community in Maradi state, Niger after the attacks.
NAN Correspondent who was part of the mission reports that relevant authorisation from Niger Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs were duly obtained by Nigerian Consulate before the trucks left Nigeria.
The Nigerien Douanes in Konni, however, insisted that original waiver documents on the goods should be provided as NEMA officials only had photocopies of the papers.
When an official the of Nigerian Consulate showed up with the documents on Tuesday morning, the Douanes insisted that transit permission should also be presented.
The Consular official, Mr John Usman, along with NEMA Head of Operation in Sokoto, Mr Kofoworola Soleye and an official of Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Bashir Sokoto have to consult the Chairman of Konni district and presented the waiver permit documents.
In spite of Chairman’s intervention, the Douanes officials directed officials to obtained the private transit permit before the released and also attached a security officer to excort the goods. (NAN)
Foreign News
China to Eliminate Tariffs on Imports from African Countries

China has announced the full removal of tariffs on imports from all African countries, ENA, a partner of TV BRICS, has reported.
The tariff elimination falls under the new China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, a framework designed to accelerate Africa’s integration into global trade by increasing market access, improving customs procedures, and strengthening institutional trade capacity.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by Beijing to support industrialisation, diversify imports, and reinforce economic links with African states beyond raw materials.
President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s readiness to welcome all African exports under zero-tariff treatment.
He emphasised that the new arrangement would be accompanied by enhanced cooperation in customs, quarantine, logistics, and capacity building.
China also pledged to support training programmes and expand the visibility of high-quality African goods in the Chinese market.
In 2024, China–Africa trade reached nearly 300 billion dollars, consolidating China’s position as Africa’s largest trading partner.
Observers note that the new tariff policy may further strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area by encouraging intra-African production and export diversification.
The strategic shift is expected to unlock new opportunities for value-added goods and services from across the continent, reinforcing Africa’s role in global supply chains. (TV BRICS/NAN)
CRIME
Man in Germany Charged with Serial Rape After Drugging Victims

German prosecutors on Tuesday have charged a 43-year-old Chinese national with 22 offences, including attempted murder and aggravated rape after drugging victims, in some cases involving women he knew.
The accused, who was not identified, is suspected of sedating women with sleeping pills and raping them in eight cases.
Prosecutors in Frankfurt said some victims knew the defendant and were unaware of what was happening.
In four cases, the man is suspected of overpowering, anaesthetising and raping the victims during property viewings and of videoing or photographing the acts.
In seven cases, the drug dose was so high it may have endangered victims’ lives, prosecutors said in a statement.
The accused is alleged to have been a member of the Telegram online platform for several years, where he exchanged information about how to sexually assault unconscious women.
He is also believed to have illegally sold sedatives to other chat participants, prosecutors said.
The man from Offenbach, near Frankfurt, is believed to have committed the offences between January 2020 and November 2024, and has been in custody since November 2024, prosecutors said.
The charges follow the high-profile case of Dominique Pelicot in France, convicted in December of repeatedly drugging and raping his wife for almost a decade and inviting dozens of strangers to rape her unconscious body. (Reuters/NAN)
Foreign News
Man Bites Off Part of Another Man’s Ear On Train

A fight on a German train saw a man bite off a piece of another man’s ear, police said on Monday.
The incident occurred on a Deutsche Bahn train between the south-western cities of Mannheim and Stuttgart.
An argument broke out after an unknown man accused a 43-year-old man of looking at his partner.
The former bit the ear of the 43-year-old, who retaliated by biting the man’s finger.
According to police, the unidentified man and his companion were able to leave the train at the central station in Stuttgart and fled.
Police said that they are searching for the man’s identity.
The 43-year-old was taken to the hospital, where the piece of his ear was sewn back on.
(dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)