Regional News
5,000 repentant Boko Haram fighters reunited with families –FG – Daily Trust
The National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Advisor, says at least 5,000 repented Boko Haram fighters have been reunited with their families. It says none of the ex-combatants returned to the battle ground after six months of the deradicalisation programme. Amb. Mairo Musa Abbas, Head of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), stated this at the second-day session of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum.
Miners have guns, explosives – Niger gov – Daily Trust
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, said some artisanal miners in communities across the state are in possession of guns and explosives, raising concerns about security risks. He stated this during a visit to Sabon-Pegi community in Mashegu LGA, where a dynamite explosion at a miner’s residence killed three people and injured several others.
Hajj 2025: Low turnout as fare payment deadline ends today – Daily Trust
Nigeria may not fully utilise the hajj seats allocated it by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 hajj pilgrimage due to low turnout as the payment deadline lapses today. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) set the payment deadline for January 31, and reports indicate that there will likely be a repeat of last year’s situation where only 51,447 pilgrims paid, despite Nigeria receiving 95,000 slots.
West Africa bloc announces formal exit of three junta-led states | Reuters
LAGOS, Jan 29 (Reuters) – The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) on Wednesday announced the formal exit of junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the bloc following their withdrawal last year. West Africa has been rocked by a spate of coups that has countries in the 15-member body under military rule in the past five years. “The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger has become effective today, 29th January 2025,” ECOWAS said in a statement.
African nations seek to connect 300 million people to power by 2030 | Reuters
DAR ES SALAAM, Jan 27 (Reuters) – Several African nations committed on Monday to open up their electricity sectors to attract investors and light up homes of 300 million people currently lacking power in the next six years. The continent has the highest number of people without access to electricity globally and is racing to connect homes to power by 2030 under a plan dubbed “Mission 300” launched by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) in April.
NIGER: Country becomes first African state to eradicate river blindness – Daily Trust
Niger has become the first African country to eliminate river blindness, a parasitic disease that is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world, the WHO said Thursday. Niger is “the fifth country globally and the first country in Africa to be acknowledged by WHO for interrupting transmission of the parasite Onchocerca volvulus,” the World Health Organisation said, referring to the worm that causes river blindness.
Barrick Gold and Mali to start new negotiations on mine Tuesday | Reuters
TORONTO, Jan 27 (Reuters) – Mali’s government and Barrick Gold (ABX.TO), opens new tab will start a new round of negotiations on Tuesday to resolve a deepening dispute over the alleged nonpayment of taxes by the Canadian miner and the seizure of its gold stocks by authorities in the country, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Coalition seeks protection for hijab-wearing women in schools, institutions – Daily Trust
The Coalition of Nigerian Muslim Women has called on schools, corporate organisations, and security agencies to adopt inclusive policies that respect the religious and cultural identities of students and employees. The coalition made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Media Trust Group office in Abuja on Thursday as part of its advocacy for the 2025 World Hijab Day, scheduled for February 1.
Oil tanker explosion in Nigeria leaves several dead
Several victims have been confirmed dead as tragedy struck in Nigeria again when a petrol tanker exploded, according to officials. Multiple sources told Anadolu that widespread panic affected six other vehicles when the fuel-laden tanker fell while navigating down a hilly busy expressway in Enugu State. Witnesses who shared video of the scene with Anadolu’s correspondent added that no fewer than 15 people, including three children, have been confirmed dead.
Strengthening democracy in Nigeria – Daily Trust
This week, under the leadership of the Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, civil society groups and some development partners convened a conference attended by leading politicians, pro-democracy activists and academics to address rising threats to the democratic order and the role we should play in trying to sustain it. Also, this week, three ECOWAS countries – Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso- left ECOWAS because of its opposition to the coup they had implemented to overthrow the
JNI, Jos chief imam disagree over planned cemetery closure – Daily Trust
A disagreement has emerged between the Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Ghazali Isma’il Adam, over the proposed closure of Zaria Road cemetery and a petition against the use of loudspeakers by mosques in the state. The controversy follows a viral video in which the chief imam stated that the state government has no plans to close the cemetery.
5 farmers killed in attack on Ondo community – Daily Trust
Gunmen have killed five farmers in a violent attack on the Ajegunle Powerline community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. The attack occurred on Tuesday while the farmers were working on their farmland. One of the survivors, Akinola Olowolafe, confirmed the incident on Thursday, describing how the attackers arrived in a “commando-style” operation before shooting to scare them away.
Residents attack firefighters preventing them from scooping fuel from tanker – Daily Trust
Some residents of Sabo Market, Orile Igbon, along the Ogbomoso-Ilorin expressway in Oyo State, on Wednesday night attacked firefighters for preventing them from scooping fuel from a fallen petrol-laden tanker. The tanker, carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), had suffered a tyre burst, resulting in a spill and subsequent fire outbreak.
FG targets N35.4tr investment in power sector – Daily Trust
The federal government has unveiled plans to attract $23.2bn (N35.438tr) investment into the power sector, out of which it aims to mobilise $15.5bn in private investment to drive last-mile electrification. The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this at the just-concluded Energy African Summit held in Tanzania, according to a statement.
NDC technology will reduce cost of Nigeria’s airlines’ distribution – Expert – Daily Trust
The co-founder, Verteil Technologies, Satheesh Satchit, has harped on the New Distribution Capability (NDC) solutions, saying it has the potential to reduce the cost of distribution for airlines by almost one-tenth. Satchit stated this during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Lagos, highlighting the cost of purchasing fuel and providing adequate welfare for staff as the largest expenditure for airline operators.
ECOWAS Court to commence implementation of e-case mgt system – Daily Trust
The ECOWAS Court of Justice will soon begin the implementation of its Enhanced Electronic Case Management System (ECMS). Mr Felicien Hounkanrin, the court’s Acting Head of Public Information and External Relations, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. The ECMS, which entails the deployment and integration of state-of-the-art technology, aims to streamline the court’s operations and reduce case delays.
NDLEA seizes 537kg drugs, nabs 46 in Yobe – Yerwa Express News
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Yobe, says it has seized over 537 kilogrammes of illicit substances and arrested 46 suspects in 2024. The NDLEA Commander, Abdulazeez Ogungboye, stated this on Tuesday in Damaturu while reviewing the activities of the agency in the last one year.
Nigeria set to strengthen domestic HIV response amid US funding uncertainty
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has pledged to intensify domestic resource mobilisation strategies to ensure ownership and sustainability of the country’s HIV/AIDS response. The Director General of the agency, Temitope Ilori, made this known in a statement obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday. Ms Ilori, a doctor, said the move became necessary following the executive order by President Donald Trump to reevaluate and realign United States’ foreign aid which includes a 90-day pause on foreign development assistance.
20 soldiers pay ultimate price as terrorists attack military base
At least 20 soldiers died on Friday as terrorists attacked a Nigerian military base in Mallam Fatori, a Borno town linking feuding neighbours — Nigeria and Niger Republic. Among those killed was a lieutenant colonel, also the commanding officer of the base, according to Reuters. Several other soldiers were reportedly injured in the attack that is yet to be claimed by any group. Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), majorly operate in Borno. Although the latter group always takes responsibility for its attacks, it has not issued any propaganda since Friday.
Nigerian Army apprehends Boko Haram suspect in Taraba – Yerwa Express News
Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, have arrested a Boko Haram Terrorist suspect in Taraba. This is contain in a statement on Tuesday in Jalingo, by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations.
Nigeria’s President Opens Lake Chad Governors’ Forum Meeting, Says Region “Not at Ease” – HumAngle
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has called for renewed commitment to regional cooperation and resilience as the Lake Chad Basin grapples with persistent insecurity and economic hardship. Speaking at the opening of the 5th meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, acknowledged the progress made in stabilising the region but warned that significant challenges remain.
Nigerian govt flags off 5 Mini LNG plants
The Nigerian government on Thursday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of five Mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. The five Mini LNG plants include PRIME LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete. According to NNPC Ltd, the project aims to deliver a cost-effective, long-term, dedicated, secure and reliable natural gas solution to industrial and commercial customers. It said with its strategic central location in Ajaokuta and proximity to the northern market, the project will serve
Four killed, many Injured in Niger mining site explosion
Four people have been confirmed dead, and several others injured from an explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident occurred on Sunday morning as miners resumed work at the site. The cause of the explosion remains unclear, but residents of the area suspect it may be linked to the improper handling of explosive devices by the mining company operating at the site. Community sources confirmed the recovery of four bodies after the explosion, but the exact number of casualties remains unknown, with fears that the death toll may rise.
The North-East Development Commission, NEDC, has called for the involvement of traditional institutions in addressing the persistent insecurity in the Lake Chad region. Mohammed Alkali, Managing Director of the NEDC, made the appeal on Monday during the Regional Meeting of Traditional Rulers of the Lake Chad Basin in Maiduguri.
Troops eliminate 18 terrorists – Yerwa Express News
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 18 terrorists including 3 commanders in the fight against insurgency in the North East. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Nigerian Army on Sunday. According to the statement, the success was recorded during an operation by troops of Hadin Kai on January 16 that led to the dislodgment of the terrorist enclaves in Jemyeri, Abula, Agum, and Digamari.
NLC declares mass rally on February 4 over telecom tariff hike – Yerwa Express News
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has declared plans to embark on a nationwide mass rally on Feb. 4 over the 50 per cent hike on telecom services by the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC. Joe Ajaero, NLC president, said this in a communique issued at the end of the Congress’s National Administrative Council, NAC meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.
‘Lake Chad Is The Future of Africa’ – Governor Zulum – Yerwa Express News
The 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum has commenced on Wednesday at Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre, Maiduguri. The preconference programs held on Monday and Tuesday and the main conference had started with Nigerian president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima in attendance and governors of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
The North East Development Commission, NEDC, has procured two dredging machines worth ₦1.42 billion to mitigate future flooding in Maiduguri, Jere, and surrounding areas. This move followed the devastating flood of September 2024, which claimed lives and caused extensive property damage.
Army refutes attack in Malam-fatori – Yerwa Express News
Nigerian Army has said that there was no any terrorist activity in Malam-fatori that led to casualty on troops as widely circulated in some news outlets. Few days ago, multiple report circulating said that terrorists attacked an army base in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. According to the reports, during the attack, the terrorists killed more than 20 soldiers.
Nigerian Army kills over 60 terrorists in North East – Yerwa Express News
The Nigerian Army has neutralized more than 60 terrorists in North Eastern Nigeria. This achievement was announced in a statement issued by the Nigerian Army on January 26. According to the statement, the troops carried out a one-week operation, led by Operation Hadin Kai which resulted in the clearance of a terrorists hideouts at Timbuktu Triangle.
Peace and Security
Lake Chad Region Youths Share Perspectives on Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention – HumAngle
Plan International and its partners hosted a youth-led side event in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, as part of activities preceding the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum organised by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). The event, which was held at the Indimi International Conference Centre on Jan. 28, focused on amplifying youth voices, promoting gender inclusivity in conflict management, and preventing violent extremism across the Lake Chad region.
How Poverty Forces Teenage Boys in Northeast Nigeria to Grow Up Quickly – HumAngle
At just 14, Umar Muhammad Bello from Tsohuwar Kasuwa, Potiskum in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria, had lived through experiences that would test even the strongest of adults. Thrown into the role of a breadwinner, his life is one of resilience and unyielding responsibility. When Umar lost his father in his early childhood years, his world was forever changed. Though a good Samaritan sponsored his primary education at Almadina Science Academy, a private school in Potiskum, poverty has consistently undermined his opportunities.
Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso officially exit ECOWAS
The three military-led West African nations – Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso – have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The regional bloc disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday. This brings to an end a year-long attempt by ECOWAS to convince the countries to reconsider leaving the bloc. ECOWAS, however, said it intends to “keep its door open” if any of the countries want to return to its fold. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso first announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in early 2024, following months of tension between the countries and the regional bloc.
CHAD: France completes troop withdrawal – Daily Trust
France has concluded the withdrawal of its troops from Chad following the termination of a military agreement by the central African country, the armed forces of both countries announced on Thursday. Until recently, around 1,000 French soldiers were stationed in Chad.
The last base in the capital, N’Djamena, has been handed over, marking the definitive
Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria – Abdulsalami – Daily Trust
A former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has declared that democracy is firmly rooted in Nigeria and there no viable alternative. Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of a book, 100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria (1923–2023), organised by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Abdulsalami reaffirmed that despite past military interventions, democracy remains Nigeria’s best governance model.
Africa loses $18bn annually due to conflict — AU – Yerwa Express News
Kenyan President William Ruto, the champion of the African Union, AU, institutional reforms, on Monday said conflicts is hindering Africa’s potential, resulting in estimated losses of 18 billion dollars annually, displacing millions of people. Mr Ruto, said Africa currently hosts 35 million internally displaced persons, 8.9 million refugees, 1.1 million asylum seekers, and 1 million stateless persons.
Humanitarian
How Poverty Forces Teenage Boys in Northeast Nigeria to Grow Up Quickly – HumAngle
At just 14, Umar Muhammad Bello from Tsohuwar Kasuwa, Potiskum in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria, had lived through experiences that would test even the strongest of adults. Thrown into the role of a breadwinner, his life is one of resilience and unyielding responsibility. When Umar lost his father in his early childhood years, his world was forever changed. Though a good Samaritan sponsored his primary education at Almadina Science Academy, a private school in Potiskum, poverty has consistently undermined his opportunities.
Sen. Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria has launched 6th Medium Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Clinic in Borno. The vice president also announced unconditional grant of N300,000 for each Borno entrepreneur participating in the clinic.
Abandoned by Her Father, This Young Woman Struggles with the Emotional Fallout of Neglect – HumAngle
Maryam Umar’s* father had faded into the background of her life for the past eight years. Before then, he was a man who flitted between the houses of his two wives in Kaduna, northwestern Nigeria. “My mother fell seriously sick and had to be taken back to the village for treatment, but by the time she came back, my father had packed her things out of the house,”
The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has called for a regional push toward large-scale irrigated agriculture to address the escalating food security crisis in the Lake Chad Basin. Speaking on the topic ‘Ensuring food security through building climate resilience of food systems in the Lake Chad Basin Region’ at the ongoing Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri on Thursday, Zulum emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to boost food
Mobilization and economic development
Inflation could have gone up to 42.81% without policy interventions — CBN – Daily Trust
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has stated that without its policy interventions, inflation could have surged to 42.81 per cent by December 2024. The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, made these disclosures in Abuja on Thursday at the 2025 Monetary Policy Forum, which brought together ministers, heads of economic agencies, and private sector players.
FIRS collected N21.6trn revenue in 2024, targets 25trn – Adedeji – Daily Trust
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, has revealed that the service surpassed its revenue target in 2024 by collecting N21.6 trillion, adding that it is targeting N25.2 trillion in the year 2025 He made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday at the 2025 strategic management retreat with the theme ‘Building a high-performance FIRS through Collaboration and Innovation’.
Africa leads as airlines record 83% load factor in 2024 – Daily Trust
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released 2024 full-year and December 2024 passenger market performance showing record high demand. Total full-year traffic in 2024 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 10.4% compared to 2023. This was 3.8% above pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.7% in 2024. The overall load factor reached 83.5%, a record for full-year traffic.
‘Seme Customs processed 306,039.57mt non-oil exports in 2024’ – Daily Trust
The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos has disclosed that it processed a total of 306, 039. 57 tonnes of non-oil exports in 2024. The exports comprised manufactured goods, furniture, and iron. The figure is equivalent to about 8487 trucks of export produce with a free on board (FOB) value of N77.9 billion, about $76, 687, 873. 81.
Comply with cash policy or risk access to funding, Edun tells MDAs – Daily Trust
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has warned ministries, departments and agencies of government to comply with the revised cash management policy or risk having access to funds for capital projects. Edun made the disclosure in Abuja yesterday during a one-day stakeholders’ review meeting on the implementation of the revised cash management and bottom-up cash planning policies for MDAs.
Cocoa farmers count gains as cocoa bean prices soar
Cocoa farmers in the agrarian communities of Oyo State are counting their gains from the soaring prices of cocoa beans in the outgoing season. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, a cross-section of cocoa farmers confirmed that the 2024 farming season was the most profitable of their farming years. According to them, proceeds from cocoa farming in the outgoing season tripled what they realised in the previous cocoa farming season. They said the development had positively impacted their living standard, as some had conveniently embarked on house-building projects, buying cars and motorcycles among others.
Naira appreciates by 0.7% at official market – Yerwa Express News
The naira appreciated at the official market on Tuesday trading at the N1,522.68 to a Dollar. Data from the FMDQ Security Exchange official forex trading platform revealed that the local currency gained N10.95. This represents a 0.7 per cent gain when compared to the trading figure on Monday when Naira closed trading at N1,533.63 to a dollar.
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