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Regional News
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said Nigerian troops killed at least 213 terrorists and arrested 283 others in different theatres of operation across the country in the last week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, disclosed this while giving an update on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Buba, a major general, said the troops within the period also apprehended 67 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 26 kidnapped hostages.
Armed men have kidnapped 15 pupils from a boarding school in northwestern Nigeria days after more than 280 students were abducted from another school with the army still searching for them.
The men broke into the Islamic seminary in the village of Gidan Bakuso in Sokoto state on Saturday and seized 15 children from the hostel as they slept, police told The Associated Press news agency.
Herders under fresh attack in Plateau – Daily Trust
Gunmen attacked cattle rearers on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least 13 cattle in the Fan district of Ndim community in the Barikin Ladi local government area of Plateau state.
Our correspondent reports that the latest incident occurred exactly one week after a herder was killed and over 100 cattle were rustled in Nafan Dreji, also in the Fan district of Barikin Ladi LGA.
Security operatives tasked with maintaining peace in the area had promised to arrest the perpetrators of the attack.
Abubakar Gambo, secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), confirmed the latest incident to Daily Trust on Wednesday, stating that the affected cattle died instantly at the scene of the incident.
Seven bus passengers killed in Taraba attack – Police (premiumtimesng.com)
The police in Taraba State have confirmed the killing of seven people in an attack on an 18-seater bus at Gamkwe, a village in Mararaban-Baissa of Donga Local Government Area of the state.
In the incident that occurred on Tuesday, armed men attacked the passengers from Zaki/Biam in Benue State, who were heading to Maihula in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The commissioner of police in the state, David Iloyonomon, informed journalists that the police had sent officers to the area.
Niger citizens struggle with soaring prices as Ramadan begins | Africanews
As the holy month of Ramadan commences for Muslims in Niger, citizens are grappling with skyrocketing prices, making it increasingly difficult to afford essential items.
The transition of power has left the country’s economy in turmoil, exacerbated by an embargo imposed by neighboring countries that lasted nearly eight months.
The lifting of the embargo just weeks before Ramadan offered a glimmer of hope, but the reality on the ground remains dire. Basic necessities such as rice, sugar, oil, and milk, essential for Ramadan observance, have become prohibitively expensive for many Nigerians.
Niamey resident Kadidja Bagnou’s experience at her local market reflects the challenges facing ordinary citizens. Despite her need for sugar, she was unable to afford it, echoing the sentiments of many who are struggling to make ends meet. Bagnou’s plea for government intervention to lower prices underscores the desperation felt by many Nigerians.
Communal clash claims 3 lives in Adamawa – Daily Trust
The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three persons in a communal clash in Numan and Demsa local government areas of the state.
The violence reportedly erupted in the Selti and Kpasham communities, leading to the loss of three lives.
But the police said on Wednesday that normalcy had been restored to the affected areas.
The Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, was said to have led a team of operatives to evaluate and patrol the region, leading to the restoration of order.
Sudan conflict: Army retakes state broadcaster’s headquarters from RSF | Africanews
Sudanese army retakes state broadcaster HQ in Omdurman, marking a significant advance in the 11-month civil conflict with RSF.
The RSF had occupied the headquarters since the conflict began, but soldiers now celebrate outside. The conflict has displaced eight million, raising hunger concerns. Army hails it as a “major victory”.
However, despite taking the building last April, the RSF had not been able to transmit from it and state television continued to show pro-army content, which was broadcast from elsewhere in the country.
Ever since the war broke out, the army and the RSF have battled for control of Khartoum and the nearby cities. Despite the United Nations Security Council’s call for a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, intense fighting has continued in several parts of the capital.
Missing persons after suspected attack on commercial bus in Taraba – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Donga, Taraba State – At least 15 individuals, including women and children, are missing following an attack on a passenger bus by armed men suspected to be vigilantes.
The incident occurred on Tuesday near Gankwe village, along the Donga-Mararaban-Baissa road.
According to the bus driver, Mr. Mpuuga Mbaave, who was quoted by THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER and who sustained machete injuries, the attackers were dressed in vigilante uniforms.
Mbaave narrated that after noticing a large group of armed individuals, he initially stopped the bus due to suspicion.
‘I loaded 18 passengers from Zaki/Biam in Benue State to Maihura in Taraba state, and on our way close to Mararaba, I saw many people in Vigilante uniform. I suspected something was wrong, so I parked the vehicle,’ he was quoted by the paper.
A 27-year-old convict, Ibrahim Yahaya, has been shot dead in Abuja by some corrections personnel, after he allegedly jumped down from the vehicle conveying him to prison in a bid to escape.
SP Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
She said the convict, apprehended by the operatives of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, Task Force, was tried and convicted by a Mobile Court sitting in Wuse Market.
“The convict, alongside others were being conveyed to the prison, when he reportedly jumped from the vehicle and took to his heels in an attempt to escape.
Islamic Police in Nigeria arrest 11 Muslims caught eating during Ramadan fast | Africanews
The Islamic police, known as Hisbah, in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano, detained 11 Muslims for breaking the Ramadan fast by eating.
Hisbah spokesperson Lawal Fagge reported the arrest of 10 men near markets and a female groundnut vendor caught eating from her wares. The arrests followed tips from onlookers.
“We got 11 persons on Tuesday including a lady selling groundnuts who was seen eating from her wares, and some persons alerted us,”Fagge said.
“The other 10 were men and were arrested across the city especially close to markets where a lot of activities happen.”
The 11 accused were later absolved of their crimes after vowing to abstain from food or drink. Additionally, their families were requested to ensure they observe the fast.
Cameroon: 52 footballers suspended for “double identity” | Africanews
A member of Cameroon’s African Cup of Nations squad is among 52 players who face being excluded from the playoffs for the country’s premier national championship due to irregularities in their registration.
Wilfried Nathan Douala and 51 other players considered by the Cameroonian Football Federation to have a “double identity” lied about their age and were suspended, French channel RMC and Cameroonian media reported on Monday.
Only one club – Yong Sports Academy – has had 13 players highlighted for suspension or dual identity.
The federation published on Sunday the lists of teams participating in the qualifiers which are due to begin on Friday, with the names of 52 players highlighted in red for “double identity”.
Plateau Attack: Another 13 cattle shot dead, 6 injured in Barikin Ladi – Daily Trust
Gunmen have reportedly attacked cattle rearers on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least 13 cattle in the Fan district of Ndim community in the Barikin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
Our correspondent reports that the latest incident occurred exactly one week after a herder was killed and over 100 cattle were rustled in Nafan Dreji, also in the Fan district of the LGA. Security operatives tasked with maintaining peace in the area had promised to arrest the perpetrators of the attack.
Abubakar Gambo, Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the area, confirmed the latest incident to City & Crime on Wednesday, stating that the affected cattle died instantly.
He explained that they had reported the incident to Sector 4 command of Operation Safe Haven in Barikin Ladi where some personnel of the operation had visited the scene and promised to track the perpetrators.
Paris Olympics condemns racist attacks on Malian-French singer Aya Nakamura | Africanews
The Paris Olympics organizing committee condemned recent “racist” attacks against Malian-French singer Aya Nakamura by far-right French groups.
The controversy erupted over reports that Nakamura would perform a song by Édith Piaf at the Olympics’ opening ceremony.
Despite migrating to France as a child and obtaining citizenship, Nakamura faced xenophobic backlash.
Supporters of the far-right Reconquest party also jeered at her during a rally. French leaders and fans have rallied behind Nakamura, but Les Natifs, a far-right group, insists she doesn’t represent French culture.
Success Masra declares candidacy for Chad’s presidency | Africanews
Chadian Prime Minister Success Masra made an unexpected appearance at a gathering of his party, Les Transformateurs, on March 10, 2024. Amidst a warm reception from thousands of supporters, Masra announced his acceptance of his party’s nomination for the upcoming presidential election, solidifying his candidacy in the eyes of many.
The decision comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Masra’s intentions following the announcement of the current transitional President’s candidacy. Masra’s presence at the gathering, following his recent participation in the CEEAC meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, signifies a significant moment in Chad’s political landscape.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Masra delivered a passionate speech, expressing his commitment to serving the Chadian people and steering the country towards a brighter future. He spoke of being inspired by the patriotic spirit of the people and emphasized his determination to lead Chad to new heights.
Nigeria: Parents of abducted school children wait anxiously for news | Africanews
Parents of abducted children in Nigeria waited anxiously to hear off any news concerning the recovery of the children on Saturday.
Nearly 300 children were abducted from their school by motorcycle-riding gunmen in the latest mass kidnapping, which analysts and activists blamed on the failure of intelligence and a slow security response.
The abduction of the 287 children in Kaduna state, near the West African nation’s capital, is one of the largest school kidnappings in the decade since the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Borno state’s Chibok village in 2014 stunned the world.
Analysts and activists say the security lapses that allowed that mass abduction remain.
Peace and Security
Putin addresses French president’s concerns over Russian presence in Africa | Africanews
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that heightened Russian influence in Africa has caused an “emotional reaction” in French President Emmanuel Macron.
“I think there is some kind of resentment, but when we maintained direct contacts with him (Macron), we spoke quite openly on this topic,” Putin said in an interview Wednesday.
Putin also maintained that Russia did not “go into Africa and force France out,” and that Macron’s main problem was to do with Wagner being a Russian organisation.
“It’s probably more convenient to be offended by someone without seeing your own problems. Perhaps such an acute, rather emotional reaction on the part of the French President is also connected with what is happening in some African states,” he added.
Transition In Niger: Avoiding dangers of stagnation (premiumtimesng.com)
On 24 February, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifted the economic and financial sanctions imposed on Niger after its 26 July 2023 coup against former president Mohamed Bazoum.
The sanctions did not achieve their intended outcome: Mr Bazoum remains in detention, and the interim government led by General Abdourahmane Tiani has still not adopted a transition roadmap. Instead, the embargoes brought the Nigerien economy to a virtual standstill, severely impacting an overwhelmingly vulnerable population.
JUST-IN: Nigeria lifts all sanctions on Niger – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger.
The president gave the directives in a statement issued on Wednesday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the president’s spokesman.
According to Ngelale, the president also lifted other sanctions against the country with immediate effect.
He said the directives is in compliance with the decisions of the Economic Community of West African States Authority of Heads of State and Government at its extraordinary summit held in Abuja on February 24, 2024.
The ECOWAS Court on 14 March 2024 dismissed an application brought by two (2) non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which asked the Court to hold the Federal Republic of Nigeria liable for violating the right to development of the Africans in the diaspora particularly people of Haiti.
The action was premised on Nigeria’s alleged failure to take measures to ensure the admission of Haiti into the African Union at a 2016 Summit of the AU, in Addis Ababa, which the Applicants claimed would have enabled Haiti to take advantage of developmental initiatives on the continent such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Cameroonian government has described two political groups seeking to create opposition coalitions as illegal.
A statement from the Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji on Tuesday named “The Political Alliance for Change (APC) and the Alliance for Political Transition in Cameroon (ATP) and described them as no political parties under the law.
The statement also expressed concern over “pseudo-associations ahead of the 2025 presidential election”. The minister recalled that only legally recognized political parties have the right to exercise political activities at the national level and ordered the ban on any demonstration associated with these associations.
Members of the ”Miyetti-Allah Kautal Hore”, on Wednesday, staged a peaceful protest at the Federal High Court, Abuja to demand the unconditional release of their detained president, Bello Bodejo.
The protesters, who carried a big banner with inscription: “”Free Bello Bodejo,” gathered at the entrance gate of the high-rise court to press home their demands.
Other members of the group also carried placards which read: “DIA, Free Bodejo Now,” “Release Bodejo.”
Comrade Kabir Matazu, who spoke on behalf of the group, said his arrest and detention was unlawful.
Nigeria’s mass abductions: What lies behind the resurgence? (bbc.com)
Nigeria is once more being rocked by mass abductions.
Twice in one week, gangs of motorcycle-riding armed men, operating from forests in two different places in the north of the country, kidnapped hundreds of people.
First on Wednesday we got news from a remote town in Borno state in the north-east that suspected militant Islamists had seized women and children from a displaced persons camp who were searching for firewood. It took several days for the news to emerge because the local mobile phone masts had been destroyed.
We won’t pay a dime to kidnappers as ransom – FG – Daily Trust
President Bola Tinubu has directed that no ransom should be paid to kidnappers no matter the amount of pressure.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known during the post-Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at Aso Rock on Wednesday.
The Minister noted that government is working round the clock to make sure that those kidnapped were returned to their families.
In Kaduna, not less than 200 students, pupils and their teachers were taken away from Kuriga village and 16 residents abducted in Gonin Gora, all of them are still with the kidnappers.
While the kidnappers of 16 citizens Gonin Gora were reported to be demanding a ransom of N40 trillion, 11 Hilux vans and 150 motorcycles for their release, nothing has been heard from those that took away the students of Kuriga school.
Also in Sokoto, 15 persons were seized in Gidan Bakuso village while about 50 women were reportedly abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.
Sudan’s military rejects Ramadan ceasefire | Africanews
Amid escalating tensions in Sudan, General Yasser al-Atta, representing the country’s military, has delivered a resolute stance: there will be no ceasefire during the forthcoming Islamic holy month of Ramadan unless certain conditions are met.
This declaration underscores the entrenched conflict between Sudan’s armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), revealing the complexity of the nation’s political landscape.
At the heart of the matter lies a crucial demand from the military: the RSF must withdraw from civilian and public spaces, a condition predicated on a commitment forged during mediated talks in Jeddah last May. This stipulation, deemed essential by al-Atta, epitomizes the military’s determination to uphold previously established agreements and restore order in the strife-torn nation.
Humanitarian
Global child deaths drop to 4.9m in 2022 -– UN report – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The number of children who died before their fifth birthday has reached a historic low, dropping to 4.9 million in 2022.
This is according to the latest estimates released on Wednesday by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, UN IGME.
The global under-five mortality rate declined by 60 per cent, from 93 deaths per 1,000 live birth in 1990 to 37 in 2022.
The UN report was contained in a statement issued by the World Bank, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.
The statement said the report revealed that more children were surviving today than ever before, with the global under-five mortality rate declining by 51 per cent since 2000.
Nigeria kidnap crisis: Schoolboy recounts daring escape from bandits (bbc.com)
Musa Garba,17, had to slither on the ground like a snake to avoid being detected by his kidnappers as he made his escape through the bush of northern Nigeria.
Earlier, camouflaged by his school uniform, the teenager had managed to hide in a heap of cut grass as the group of schoolchildren he was abducted with were taking a break from their forced trek.
More than 280 of them were snatched last week from a school in the town of Kuriga, in Kaduna state, traumatising a community.
CBN donates over 2m bags of fertilisers worth N100bn to farmers – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has donated over 2 million bags of fertilisers worth N100 billion to farmers through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Yemi Cardoso, the Governor of the CBN, presented the bags of fertilisers to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mr Cardoso said that the gesture aligned with a core objective of the apex bank and the agriculture ministry, which is food security.
He said that the initiative also resonated deeply with livelihoods of all Nigerians, and was aimed at curbing escalating cost of food.
230,000 children, mothers risk dying of hunger in Sudan – Save the Children – Daily Trust
Without critical action, nearly 230,000 children and new mothers in war-ravaged Sudan are “likely to die from hunger”, Save the Children warned on Wednesday.
Nearly 11 months of fighting between the forces of two rival generals has killed thousands and displaced eight million people in the northeast African country, the United Nations says.
The bombing and destruction of fields and factories have plunged Sudan into “one of the worst” nutrition situations in the world, said Arif Noor, Save the Children’s country director in Sudan.
“Nearly 230,000 children, pregnant women and new mothers could die in the coming months,” the British non-governmental organisation said.
Fire claims lives of IDPs, burns 700 shelters in Borno – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Two lives have been reportedly lost as a result of fire incident at Muna Kumbori Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs Camp in Borno.
According to Twenty One, a newspaper headquartered in Maiduguri, the incident took place Tuesday morning.
The inferno claimed two the lives of two IDPs caused various degrees of injuries.
The paper said approximately 700 shelters were completely burnt, leaving around 760 households affected by the disaster.
Relevant authorities have however responded to contain the disaster, including National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA and Nigeria Police Force, NPF.
The Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has said he is ready to engage the terrorists that kidnapped 287 school children from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a press statement made by his media team, Mr Gumi emphasised his desire to assist extensive conversations between the federal government and bandits in order to obtain the release of all abducted Nigerian citizens.
Mr Gumi lamented that the Federal Government’s stand on non-negotiation with bandits is regrettable, saying that dialogue is key to the release of all kidnap victims in the country.
NEDC closes 90% IDPs Camps in Borno – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The North East Development Commission, NEDC, says it has closed 90 per cent of Internally Displaced, IDPs, Camps spread across Borno State.
Mohammed Alkali, the Managing Director of NEDC who disclosed this on Monday in Abuja added that the commission facilitated the successful return of over 90 per cent of IDPs to their ancestral homes in the state
Fielding questions from newsmen, Mr Alkali said, the feat was made possible through collaboration with the state government as well as other critical stakeholders in the country.
”Two years ago, there were about 52 IDPs Camps in Maiduguri alone, but today we have officially reduced them to five because we have return most of the IDPs to their ancestral homes.
“With the efforts of Borno state government, we are providing the necessary support to encourage them to go back to their ancestral homes.
Mobilization and economic development
AfDB chief says African countries “should put end” to natural resource-backed loans | Africanews
The head of the African Development Bank has urged African countries to put an end to natural resource-backed loans in an interview to the Associated Press.
Akinwumi Adesina called the deals bad and pointed to a bank initiative that helps countries renegotiate them.
“The risk that one has with natural resource-backed loans, as far as I’m concerned, is that they are just bad, bad, and bad. First and foremost, because you can’t price the asset properly. If you have minerals, oil, metals, and gas under the ground, it’s not actually being marketed, so how you actually come up with a price of that for a long-term contract? It’s a challenge.”
Senate explains alleged N3trn padding in 2024 budget – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Senate on Tuesday explained that the N3trillion alleged to be padded in 2024 budget was actually statutory transfers to first line charge agencies of government not domiciled in the ministries.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity Sen.Yemi Adaramodu gave the explanation, while speaking with journalists on the suspension of Sen. Abdul Ningi over alleged padding of 2024 budget.
Mr Adaramodu said the 10th Senate needed to be treasured as pillar of democracy and would only do what would promote national interest
Borno govt awards N8bn third flyover contract – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Borno government has signed a N7.9 billion contract for construction of third flyover at West-End Roundabout in Maiduguri metropolis.
The project has been awarded to a Chinese construction giant, Eighteen Engineering Company, EEC.
Mustapha Gubio, the Commissioner for Works, said this at the signing of the contract agreement on Monday in Maiduguri.
He said the project would address traffic congestion and ease movement in Maiduguri metropolis, adding it was the third flyover to be constructed by Gov. Babagana Zulum’s administration.
Mr Gubio said the EEC company won the contract in view of its track record in compliance with the due process.
FG to spend N178.9bn on Tinubu’s strategic agenda – Daily Trust
The Federal Government has said that it plans to spend N178.9bn in five years through the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and InterGovernmental Affairs (FMSDIGA)on the implementation of the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This is contained in the executive summary of the 63-page FMSDIGA strategic plan 2024-2028 formally presented by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon Zaphaniah Jisalo, on Wednesday in Abuja.
OPEC: Nigeria’s oil production dropped to 1.32m bpd in February – Daily Trust
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says Nigeria’s average daily crude oil production dropped to 1.32 million barrels per day (bpd) in February.
The oil output figure represents 105,000 bpd or 7.36 per cent decrease from the 1.42 million bpd recorded in January.
In its monthly oil market report released on Wednesday, OPEC said the production data was based on direct communication with Nigerian authorities.
OPEC receives data on crude oil production from two sources: direct communication — which is from members of the group; as well as secondary communication, such as energy intelligence platforms.
With its current drilling performance, the country retained its position as the biggest oil producer in Africa.
Reps summon Dangote, BUA, Lafarge, others over arbitrary cement price hike – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives on Wednesday summoned cement manufacturers in the country to appear before it to explain the rationale behind arbitrary increases in the cost of cement in the country.
Daily Trust reports that Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Lafarge are among the major cement producers in the country.
This is because the House also mandated its committees on Solid Minerals Development, Commerce, Industry and Special Duties to investigate the arbitrary increase in the price of cement by manufacturers in the country and report back within four weeks.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Reps Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi and Ademorin Kuye.
EFCC investigation details multi-billion naira fraud at Nigeria’s REA (premiumtimesng.com)
A report by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has provided details of the theft of public funds at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), confirming a PREMIUM TIMES exclusive report and indicting the former management team of the agency headed by erstwhile Managing Director, Salihijo Ahmad.
The management team was suspended and replaced by President Bola Tinubu last week over alleged N1.2 billion fraud.
A team of investigators assigned by the EFCC to probe the alleged fraud indicted Mr Ahmad and other senior officials of stealing or misappropriating about N12.7 billion, according to the interim report of the team seen by PREMIUM TIMES.
