Regional News
Global Terrorism Index: Nigeria Ranks Sixth, with 565 Fatalities in 2024 – HumAngle
Nigeria has ranked sixth in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, with a score of 7.658, moving up from eighth place in 2023 and 2024. According to the 2025 report released on March 5, the country recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in 2024, indicating an increase in fatalities over the previous two years. “Globally, deaths from terrorism have declined by almost a third since the peak in 2015, with Iraq and Nigeria recording the largest decreases.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that the military, in partnership with the federal government and international organizations, has successfully rescued 60,000 children born to Boko Haram terrorists, shielding them from extremist indoctrination. Speaking during a visit by a delegation from the Alliance of Sahel States—comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—Gen.
FG to implement N/East rights violation report – Daily Trust
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), plans to implement the report of the investigation into alleged human violations in the North East. Fagbemi stated this while receiving the report of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations during Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North East from the chairman, Justice Abdul Aboki, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Terrorits abducts 30, professor along Maiduguri-Damaturu Road – Yerwa Express News \
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have abducted at least 30 people, including a professor, along the Maiduguri-Damaturu road. The incident, as reported by Daily Trust, occurred near Kamuya village, where the terrorists ambushed two Volkswagen cars and a Borno Express shuttle bus, abducting all the male passengers.
Zulum: Alau Dam Reconstruction to Restore Dignity, Livelihoods in Borno – DAILYFACT NEWS
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has emphasised that the reconstruction of the Alau Dam will restore the dignity and livelihoods of the people of Borno, who were severely impacted by the devastating flood disaster of 2024. The Alau Dam collapsed on September 10, 2024, causing catastrophic flooding that killed at least several people and displaced thousands. The dam was built between 1984 and 1986.
Massive job losses in Nigeria over USAID’s funding freeze – Daily Trust
Many people working with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and its implementing organisations in Nigeria have lost their jobs following its 90- day funding freeze, Daily Trust has learnt. The affected workers were from organisations funded by the agency, contractors, consultants, vendors community volunteers, including those working on programmes being done in collaboration with state and local governments and adhoc staff and direct staff of the USAID.
Establishing more tertiary institutions without sustainability plan
Amid the persistent funding shortfalls crippling Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions, President Bola Tinubu has continued to establish new ones without introducing a sustainable funding model. Last year, many universities struggled to pay their electricity bills – at least three of them were temporarily disconnected from the electricity grid over failure to pay accrued bills. In 2023, the Mr Tinubu-led federal government postponed the take-off of some federal universities approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari, citing funding concerns.
Insecurity: Over 12,000 killed in Northwest –Kukah – Daily Trust
The Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto and Founder, The Kukah Centre (TKC), Matthew Hassan Kukah, says over 12,000 persons have lost their lives to insecurity in Northwest Nigeria over the past decade. The cleric also said that 76 per cent of abductions which occurred in Northern Nigeria, occurred in the northwest region of the country. He said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the second edition of the Northwest Regional Conference on Women, Peace and Security.
73% of Nigerian youth don’t trust INEC — Report
A recently unveiled Citizen Report has revealed that at least 73 per cent of young Nigerians aged between 18 and 35 do not trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible election. The report also found that six in 10 people within the age bracket have avoided politics and political activities because of misinformation on and off social media. Ninety-four per cent of the respondents noted that they have encountered misinformation about political events, and 73.5 per cent of them found the disinformation campaigns on social media.
New ATM Fees: Banks begin implementation, customers groan
Banks have commenced implementation of the new Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fee charge on customers following the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) directive. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who monitored some banks’ ATM galleries in Abuja and environs on Sunday, reports that some customers were lamenting the increase. NAN reports that all the banks’ ATMs visited had monies loaded in them.
B/Haram kill police officer’s sons in Yobe – Daily Trust
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have broken into the house of a police inspector, Malam Jibrin, slaughtered his two sons and set their corpses and the house ablaze, in Buni Yadi town, Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Daily Trust gathered that the incident happened on Monday morning around 1am at Shuwari Baban Layi area of the town.
20 killed in Ogun, Kogi road crashes – Daily Trust
Twenty people have been killed in separate road accidents in Ogun and Ogun states. At least 16 passengers have been reportedly burnt to death while three others sustained injuries in a road crash in Ogun, four people were confirmed dead in a lone accident involving an articulated vehicle in Kogi. Daily Trust gathered that the accident in Ogun State, which occurred at the Buhari Estate along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway on Tuesday, involved a white Mazda bus registered as KJA 949 YJ.
Lassa Fever: Health worker infected as NCDC records 54 new cases
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 54 new confirmed infections and six deaths from Lassa fever in one week. NCDC made this known in its latest Lassa fever situation report for week eight, spanning 17 to 23 February. The confirmed cases were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi states.
The centre stated that one health worker got infected in the reporting week, adding that the number of the confirmed increased from 38 in week seven to 54 in the reporting week.
6 killed as fuel tanker explodes in Niger – Daily Trust
A fuel-laden tanker explosion in Karami Rami, Babban Rami Ward, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, has claimed at least six lives. Residents said the tanker, which was transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), skidded off the road and overturned, leading to a fuel spill. The incident occurred along the Makera-Bokani-Sabon Pegi road while the tanker was en route to Kontagora.
Troops Eliminate Scores of Terrorists, thwart Logistics Operations – PRNigeria News
In a sustained offensive against terrorism, troops have intensified clearance operations across multiple theaters, dealing significant blows to terrorist elements in the Northeast and Northwest regions. On 26 February 2025, troops in Sambisa Forest, overran terrorist positions in Iza and Garin Asmau villages of Bama local Government area of Borno state forcing the insurgents to abandon their hideouts in disarray. During the operations, troops successfully detonated several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the fleeing terrorists.
Benue varsity students still in captivity 1 week after abduction – Daily Trust
One week after their abduction, four female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM), formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), remain in captivity, with no clear updates on rescue efforts.The students were kidnapped by gunmen on the North Core campus around 8:30 pm last Tuesday while heading for a night study session.
Military kills 92 terrorists, captures 111 in latest operations – Daily Trust
The Defence Headquarters has announced that 92 terrorists were neutralised, 111 suspected terrorists apprehended, and 75 kidnapped hostages rescued in the past week. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
Mali suspends artisanal mine permits for foreigners after accidents | Reuters
BAMAKO, March 5 (Reuters) – Mali is suspending the granting of new artisanal mining permits to foreigners, after a couple of accidents in recent weeks left dozens dead. The collapse on February 15 of an artisanal gold mine killed 43 people, mostly women, in the gold-rich Kayes region. On January 29, 13 artisanal miners, including women and three children, were killed in southwest Mali after a tunnel in which they were digging for gold flooded.
Nigeria launches standards and guidelines for organ and tissue transplants | Africanews
Nigeria has launched comprehensive standards and guidelines for organ and tissue transplants. The country’s health minister said the new rules, set out on Thursday, aim to regulate a sector that has been plagued by ethical concerns and exploitation. He said the establishment of the framework underscores the federal government’s commitment to saving lives through ethical organ transplant procedures.
Borno seeks new rice varieties – Daily Trust
The Borno State Government’s Agricultural Transformation Committee (AgTC) delegation has visited the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) Badeggi, Niger State, to assess the new improved rice varieties that will boost production in the state. The primary goal of the visit was to examine new varieties of rice seeds that could significantly enhance the productivity of farmers in the state.
Peace and Security
Nigeria’s war on Boko Haram has more than a USAID problem | Responsible Statecraft
Insinuations by a U.S. member of Congress that American taxpayers’ money may have been used to fund terrorist groups around the world, including Boko Haram, have prompted Nigeria’s federal lawmakers to order a probe into the activities of USAID in the country’s North East.
Nigeria, China Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation in Media – PRNigeria News
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fully implementing the two Memoranda of Understanding signed between the China Media Group and two key Nigerian public broadcasters – the NIgerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria at the last Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.
Tinubu hosts Sierra Leonean President at Aso Rock – Daily Trust
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is presently meeting with his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Julius Maada Bio, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting between the two African leaders is taking place behind closed doors, with only a handful of government officials present. President Bio arrived at the Presidential Villa at 12: 30 p.m. and was welcomed by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Appraising ECOWAS’ 50 years of subregional integration
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established by its founding fathers on May 28 1975 with the aim of fostering regional economic integration, mutual cooperation, and political stability among its member states. The creation of the subregional bloc was driven by the collective desire of member states to address their common challenges and harness shared opportunities. They sought to translate their common heritage of historical, socio-cultural and political experiences and ties into regional growth and development by promoting effective cooperation and integrating their development processes.
Disinformation threat to democracy, good governance – CDD – Daily Trust
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa has raised concerns over the rapid spread of disinformation, warning that if left unchecked, it could undermine democracy and good governance in the sub-region. Speaking at a regional conference in Lagos, organised in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), CDD West Africa Director, Dr. Dauda Garuba, stressed the urgent need for a collective effort to combat misinformation.
ECOWAS team leaves Guinea-Bissau after threat of expulsion | Africanews
A mission from the West African Regional bloc, ECOWAS, has left Guinea-Bissau saying the president had threatened to expel it. The team was sent to the country last month to help it reach a “political consensus” on how to conduct elections this year. It said it had “prepared a draft agreement on a roadmap for elections” and had started presenting it to the stakeholders for their consent
Killings of northern drivers in South-East unacceptable – ACF – Daily Trust
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday expressed concern over the attacks on drivers of trucks conveying goods from the North to the South-East by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The ACF warned that the killings of the drivers and the destruction of their vehicles constitute a serious threat to national security that could lead to the breakdown of law and order and generalised anarchy.
Nigeria bets on deradicalization program in North West – DW – 03/03/2025
The Nigerian government said it is expanding its deradicalization program, Operation Safe Corridor, to the country’s North West to tackle rising insecurity in the region. In Nigeria, the North West is a geopolitical zone comprising the states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara. The North West has been locked in a decade-old conflict as criminal gangs,
Army: Kidnapping, Banditry have reduced in Taraba – Daily Trust
Commander of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, says incidents of kidnapping, banditry and communal conflicts have dropped significantly in Taraba State Uwa attributed the drop in crime to sustained efforts and commitment in fighting criminals in all part of the state.
Hit by Violence, Plateau Communities Rebuild with Humanitarian Intervention – HumAngle
For thousands of displaced people in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, rebuilding life after conflict is daunting. The state has endured years of communal violence, with attacks by armed herders displacing thousands. Families have lost their homes, farmlands, and sources of income, forcing many into cycles of poverty and uncertainty.
NATIONAL SECURITY: NAF Receives Helicopter Donated By Rivers Govt – PRNigeria News
The Rivers State Government has donated an AgustaWestland (AW) 139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to complement ongoing efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria to further safeguard critical national assets in the Niger Delta region. Speaking at the handover ceremony held on 5 March 2025 at NAF Base, Port Harcourt, the governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, emphasised that the donation aligns with his
US Lauds NAF’s Efforts in Combating Terrorism – PRNigeria News
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been commended for its relentless commitment and significant contributions to the fight against terrorism and counterinsurgency operations. This recognition came during a high-level meeting at NAF Headquarters, Abuja, on 4 March 2025, where a United States delegation, led by the Acting Principal Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Bureau of Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of State, Jessica
Citing credibility concerns, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday rebuffed suggestions that Nigeria has climbed to sixth place in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), marking an increase in its terrorism impact ranking from eighth place in the past two years. According to the latest report released on Wednesday, Nigeria recorded a GTI score of 7.658. Burkina Faso remains the most terrorism-affected country, topping the index with a score of 8.581. Pakistan (8.374), Syria (8.006), Mali (7.907), and Niger (7.776) ranked second to fifth, respectively.
Humanitarian
FG to return 17m out of schools children in 4 years – Daily Trust
The federal government has said that it plans to pull all the 17million estimated out-of-school children in the country back to the school system in four years. The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hajiya Aisha Garba, said this on Monday in Abuja, when he hosted the management of the Connected Development (CODE), led by its Chief Executive, Malam Hamzat Lawal in her office.
USAID funding cut won’t affect essential services in Borno – Commissioner – Daily Trust
The Borno State Government has assured residents that the withdrawal of USAID funding will not significantly impact essential services, stating that it has measures in place to absorb any financial shocks. The state’s Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr Babagana Wakilbe, made this known during a press conference on the 2025 budget breakdown in Maiduguri on Monday.
Use Ramadan sermons to preach against gender-based violence, clerics urged – Daily Trust
The Development Research and Project Centre (dRPC) has described the holy month of Ramadan as a vital period to raise awareness against gender-based violence (GBV) and advocate for the protection of women and girls within communities. During a stakeholders’ engagement on GBV from an Islamic perspective at the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID), Bayero University Kano, Umar Ahmed.
‘We Survived’: Benue Varsity Students Regain Freedom After a Week in Captivity – HumAngle
Three students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM), formerly the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in Benue State, North-central Nigeria, have regained their freedom after spending a week in captivity. They were released on the evening of Wednesday, March 3, according to multiple sources. Shedrach Elum, spokesperson for the JOSTUM Students’ Union, confirmed the students’ return, saying, “I have been reliably informed that [they].
Funding cuts jeopardise global fight against tuberculosis – WHO | Premium Times Nigeria
The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that severe funding cuts – particularly by the United States – are threatening decades of progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), still the world’s deadliest infectious disease. The health agency highlighted that essential prevention, testing and treatment services were collapsing, leaving millions at risk. The hardest-hit regions include Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific, where national TB programmes depend heavily on international support.
Mobilization and economic development
French govt assures NDLEA of logistics, training support – Daily Trust
The French government has assured the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, of more robust support in the areas of training, capacity building and logistics to further boost the operational capability of the agency in its ongoing effort to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Nigeria Has Secured $50.8bn Investment Deals — Trade Minister
She made the disclosure when she presented the ministry’s achievements at a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. On trade, the minister said her ministry has positioned Nigeria as a key player under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and completed a World Trade Organisation (WTO) review.
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