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What we know about Thursday’s ‘Coalition of the Willing’ summit for Ukraine in Paris

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FILE - Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, front center, hosted the European leaders' summit to discuss Ukraine, at Lancaster House, London, 2 March 2025 © Justin Tallis/AP
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World leaders will gather in Paris on Thursday for a high-stakes summit on Ukraine and to lay the groundwork for long-term security guarantees.

According to the Élysée Palace, 31 countries, including NATO allies, EU member states, and non-EU countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Norway are expected to attend.

On Wednesday evening, Macron will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris for a working dinner ahead of the summit.

“France will make the pursuit and reinforcement of military and financial support for Ukraine its top priority,” said the Élysée Palace in a statement sent to the press.

What is the ‘Coalition of the Willing?’

The summit’s primary goal is to finalise what security guarantees European nations are willing to offer — including whether they will consider deploying peacekeeping troops on the ground in Ukraine, still embroiled in Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year.

France, the UK and Ukraine are also reportedly working on presenting a peace treaty to the US, which will likely be discussed on Thursday.

The countries that agree to this deal would form a “coalition of the willing”.

Thursday’s summit comes at a pivotal moment as the United States announced it had brokered a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea.

French officials, however, remain cautious. “There’s still a long way to go,” the Élysée Palace warned, describing the agreement as a “first step” but insufficient for a lasting ceasefire.

Paris insists that all efforts are being conducted in full coordination with Washington. “All this is being done in complete transparency with our American partners,” the Élysée stated, with Macron set to brief US President Donald Trump on the summit’s outcomes.

Tensions have been escalating between the US and the EU. On Tuesday, Trump’s top national security officials laid bare their disdain for Europe in a top-secret group chat that was leaked when a journalist was mistakenly added to the conversation.

“I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s pathetic,” said US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, leaving EU officials fuming.

What are the key discussion points?

One of the summit’s primary goals is to bolster aid to Ukraine, with each participating country expected to outline what it is prepared to do.

Another focus will be securing a “complete ceasefire,” accepted by Ukraine, but on which Russia has yet to state its position.

But France remains sceptical of any Russian promises. “We know what kind of cheating and manipulation Russia has already shown itself capable of,” an Élysée source remarked.

Thirdly, to provide long-term support for the Ukrainian army as Europe’s “first line of defence… to prevent further Russian aggression,” said Macron’s entourage.

The most sensitive issue, however, will be the possible establishment of a “reassurance force.”

This could involve deploying peacekeeping troops, an option strongly backed by France and the UK.

The question of whether to send peacekeeping troops is a thorny subject among the 27-nation bloc, with countries such as Italy and Poland opposing this outcome.

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Inform us before hiking, camping plans- FCT police

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has urged members of the public, particularly youth groups, organisations, and hiking enthusiasts, to take necessary precautions before embarking on camping and hiking activities.

This advice follows recent security concerns and emphasises the importance of ensuring the safety of all participants.

In a statement by the FCT Police Spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, on Tuesday, April 1, it was stated that the police must be informed prior to any camping or hiking activity.

The statement emphasised that failing to do so presents significant security risks, as remote or unsecured locations can be vulnerable to criminal activities.

The statement reads: “The FCT Police Command hereby advises members of the public, especially youth groups, organizations, and hiking enthusiasts, to take necessary precautions before embarking on camping and hiking activities. This advice comes in light of recent security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all participants.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adwale, PSC, MNIPS, warns that the police must be informed before any camping or hiking activity takes place. He emphasizes that failing to do so poses significant security risks, as remote or unsecured locations can be vulnerable to criminal activities.

“The Command stresses the importance of notifying the police and liaising with them to obtain guidance on safe routes and adequate security arrangements. The FCT Police are committed to working with the public to minimize risks by offering expert advice on intended locations and ensuring proper monitoring and protection where necessary.

“Furthermore, the Command urges organizers to ensure that all participants are accounted for throughout the duration of such outdoor activities. It is essential to verify that everyone returns safely and in the same order to avoid cases of missing persons or unforeseen incidents. Effective communication with law enforcement before and during these activities can significantly reduce safety risks and enhance response efficiency in emergencies.

“To request security coverage, obtain advice on safe routes, or report any suspicious activities, members of the public are encouraged to contact the FCT Police Command through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, 08028940883.”

Source: X | FCT_PoliceNG

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BREAKING: Tinubu sacks NNPCL CEO, Mele Kyari, appoints Bayo Ojulari

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President Bola Tinubu has sacked the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari.

Tinubu also dissolved its board, removing the Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on information and strategy, announced this in a statement on Wednesday.

Onanuga said Tinubu invoked his powers under section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to carry out the sweeping reconstitution, citing the need for “enhanced operational efficiency, restored investor confidence, and a more commercially viable NNPC”.

He announced that Tinubu has now approved a new 11-man board, which has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.

According to the statement, “Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board by President Tinubu.

“Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West, Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas( NLNG), who represents North Central.

“President Tinubu appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a Non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East.

“Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources”.

He added said that all the appointments are effective today, April 2.

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Buccaneer Confraternity builds female cell, renovates Imo police station

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As part of its corporate social responsibility, a non-governmental organization, known as Brothers Across Nigeria International at the weekend commissioned a new female cell and renovated police station in Imo State.

The president of the Imo State chapter of Brothers Across Nigeria International, Chukwuemeka Andrain Nwokeji said the NGO built a brand new female cell and renovated the New Owerri Division Police Station.

He said, “We changed everything around the cell, the louvres, the ceilings and made it a first-class female cell.

“In the coming days, we will continue to support the police on the work they are doing in the society. This year, we decided to make the female cell of the station and we commend the commissioner of Police for the efforts he is making in ensuring security of lives and property and order in the state.

“Apart from what we have done for the police, we also support prison inmates, hospitals and schools to give them a lifeline.”

He extolled the national president of the NGO, Dr Anthony Mark for the approval of the project, explaining that the decision to construct a female cell facility and renovate parts of the office complex was a way of supporting the police and giving back to society.

He also assured that the organization would ensure the continued maintenance of the facility.

 

Nwokeji said, “We applauded the police for their dedication to protecting lives and property and combating crime. We pledged the organization’s ongoing support to the force in their efforts to maintain law and order.”

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma lauded the association for supporting the police in providing conducive cell for the female inmates.

Danjuma said, “We are happy with what you have done and we will ensure that we make use of it very well.

“This is the third project I am commissioning since I came to Imo. You have invested in the right place. Your resources are not wasted.”

The Divisional Police Officer, New Owerri Division Police Station, CSP Abiden Salawu commended the group for the project and noted that the officers are happy and will continue to ensure the project is protected and put into good use.

Salawu said, “Strong partnership between police and the community is a viable strategy to fighting crime. Report any suspicious movement to the police because we cannot do it alone. We need collaborative efforts in combating crime and the motivation received today will go a long way to enhance the work of the police.”

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