Regional News
Burkina Faso Recruiting 14,000 Soldiers Amid Waves of Terror – Africa Defense Forum
Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta in mid-March announced it was recruiting 14,000 soldiers to fight rebels affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group (IS). The fighters are civilian defense volunteers known as VDPs. The new soldiers will be involved in rapid response operations. They receive about 14 days of civic and military training
TIMELINE: 363 People Killed, 101 Others Abducted Across Nigeria in March – HumAngle
At least 363 Nigerians were killed and 101 kidnapped in various incidents across the country in March, according to HumAngle Tracker. The data provides insights into key issues in Nigeria, including conflict and security trends, humanitarian crises, and governance and accountability. It also shows that no fewer than 1,420 people were killed and 537 others kidnapped in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, according to statistics from media reports.
Insecurity in North: Military replaces theatre commander in Borno – Daily Trust
Authorities of the Nigerian military have commenced tactical changes in some of its operations to contain the renewed attacks in Plateau, Borno and other states. With the changes, which began yesterday with the Nigerian army, the force that commands ground troops against external aggression, are expected to be extended to the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy in a few days.
’49 killed in fresh Plateau attacks’ – Daily Trust
At least 49 people have been reportedly killed in another string of attacks in Zike and Kimakpa, in the Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. Sources from the area said the attacks on the villages, which are under Iregwe Chieftaincy, also left many injured people hospitalised in Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos University Teaching Hospital, among others.
Senator Ali Ndume has expressed concern over the escalating resurgence of Boko Haram terrorism in Borno State, revealing that over 300 lives have been lost in 252 attacks within the last six months. He warned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating, with three local government areas—Gudumbari, Marche, and Abadam—now entirely under Boko Haram control.
B/Haram kills 6 in attacks on Adamawa communities – Daily Trust
Boko Haram terrorists have killed six people in attacks on the Banga and Larh communities in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The attacks, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted both civilians and security personnel. According to local sources, two men were killed in Banga, while a woman was also fatally attacked. Two additional fatalities were recorded in the nearby Larh community.
Drug abuse rising in Borno IDP camp – NEMA – Daily Trust
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised alarm over increasing cases of drug abuse, prostitution, and other social vices in the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno State. During a town hall meeting with over 9,000 households in the camp on Wednesday, NEMA’s North-East Zonal Coordinator, Abdullahi Sirajo, urged parents and community leaders to work with authorities to tackle the growing problem.
Africa needs more than election monitoring, Speaker tells EU
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has advised the European Union to make its impact felt among African nations beyond its routine election monitoring mission.He urged the union to leverage the withdrawal of aid to developing countries by the United States to do more for African countries, which are hit by the measure.
Food, beverages, others push rebased inflation to 24.23% in March – Daily Trust
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 24.23 percent in March, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has stated. A report by the bureau said the figure was a 1.05 percent increase from the 23.18 percent recorded in February. Daily Trust reports that this is the first increase of the inflation figure since the NBS rebased the Consumer Price Index (CPI) earlier in the year.
Wet season: Why some Niger communities may not produce crops – Daily Trust
As farmers prepare for this year’s rain-fed farming season, some communities in Niger State are battling to reclaim farmlands eroded by years of recurring floods. The destruction caused by the flooding has affected multiple communities, including Muye, Apataku, Egba, Ebwa, Bina, Achiba, Dere, Cheku, Sokun and Arah.
NAF strikes insurgent camps in Sambisa forest, kills several terrorists
The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday said two successful airstrikes conducted on insurgent strongholds in Borno State killed several terrorists. The service said the coordinated air interdiction missions, executed under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, targeted Kollaram and Arra—two locations long considered havens for terrorist activity in the Sambisa general area and the Southern Tumbuns.
Plateau: 49 killed in Sunday night attack; troops rescue 16 – Vanguard News
No fewer than 49 persons have been confirmed killed and property razed in a Sunday night attack in the Zike hamlet, Kimakpa community, Kwall District, Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. Sam Jugo, the National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Development Association, IDA, said the incident happened when residents were fast asleep. He said they were awakened by gunshots which sent them scampering to safety. His words: “The leadership of Irigwe Development Association, IDA, woke up with yet
Bauchi women farmers decry low budgetary allocation to agriculture
The Bauchi State Budget Committee Group (BCG) has expressed concern over the inadequate funding of the agricultural sector in the state’s 2025 budget. The committee chairperson, Tabawa Atiku, stated this at a news conference on Monday in Bauchi. The news conference was organised in collaboration between the BCG, Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative (FAWOYDI), Smallholder Women Farmers Network (SHOWFAN), Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), and ActionAid Nigeria.
Concerns over unbranded food seasonings in northern markets – Daily Trust
There is a raging concern in most markets in northern Nigeria following a huge influx of unbranded monosodium glutamate (MSG) Daily Trust can report. Findings showed that unbranded MSGs are packed and displayed in transparent nylon bags for consumers to buy. The consumption of this unbranded MSG is said to have grown significantly among northerners, which is posing a serious health risk.
Bandits set Mosque ablaze in Zamfara Reprisal Attack – Daily Trust
Suspected bandits have razed a Juma’at mosque, a Primary Healthcare Centre, and at least 10 residential houses in Biyabiki village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The assault, which occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, is believed to be a reprisal by armed loyalists of notorious bandit leader Adamu Aliero.
Tinubu’s administration attacking freedom of speech –Afenifere – Daily Trust
A faction of Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere, has expressed concern over what it called, “the de-structuring of the Nigerian federation” by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration. It also decried the “stifling of democratic freedoms” which it said has become the hallmark of the administration. The group loyal to Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the late leader of the organization in a statement by its leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan Afenifere Leader and Prince Justice Faloye, National Publicity Secretary said it “is.
Nigerian Court finds club and football federation negligent of Chineme Martins’ death | Africanews
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has found the Nigerian soccer league, the federation (NFF), the match commissioner and the club of Chineme Martins’ negligent for the player’s death in March 2020. This is according to a statement by world football players’ union FIFPRO said on Thursday. Martins collapsed and died while playing for Nasarawa United in a league match in March 2020. He was 25. The court ruling said it was “reprehensible” that Martins was allowed to play without complete medical tests and without the provision of adequate medical facilities at Lafia Township Stadium.
Davido talks new album ‘5ive,’ helping lead the Afrobeats craze | Africanews
Davido, the Grammy-nominated artist who has multiple 100 million-streamed songs on Spotify and is often credited as playing a vital role in the global expansion of Afrobeats, drops his new album, “5ive,” on Friday. I call it ‘5ive,’ obviously it’s my fifth album. But after I called it ‘5ive,’ I went to go and do more research on the number five and what it entails which is like symbol of hope, grace, change, growth,” said Davido. “I feel like this album is not only go to change a lot of things for me, but also gonna change a little things for the culture as well. I feel like this album touches every nick and cranny in the world: like Latin, Caribbean, African, Francophone, French.”
Nigeria cuts electricity subsidies by 35% after tariff hike | Reuters
Nigeria has achieved a 35% reduction in electricity subsidies following a tariff increase implemented last year for some users, Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu said on Thursday, easing some pressure on public finances in Africa’s most populous nation. Nigeria’s power sector is burdened by a failing grid, gas shortages, high debt and vandalism, leading to a reliance on expensive generators for many.
At least 51 killed in another attack in Nigeria’s Plateau state | Reuters
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, April 14 (Reuters) – At least 51 people were killed by gunmen in the early hours of Monday in Nigeria’s northern Plateau state, residents and Amnesty International said, two weeks after deadly clashes in another part of the state left dozens dead. Last week, the national emergency agency said gunmen had killed at least 52 people and displaced nearly 2,000 others over several days of attacks in Plateau, which has a history of violence between farmers and cattle herders.
Miyetti Allah seeks presidential directive to protect pastoralists
Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has appealed for a presidential directive to security agencies to ensure effective security for pastoralist communities across the country. The National Secretary-General of MACBAN, Bello Gotomo, made the appeal in a statement on Friday in Abuja. He also called on the federal government to end all forms of alleged discriminatory practices against pastoralists in the country.
In less than one month, multiple improvised explosive device (IED) explosions have occurred in Borno state, northeastern Nigeria. At least seven passengers were killed and several others injured on Saturday, April 12, when a commercial bus traveling along the Damboa–Maiduguri road drove on an IED planted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the infamous terrorist group operating across the Lake Chad region.
Peace and Security
Trump administration plans to shut down nearly 30 U.S. embassies — over half in Africa | Africanews
The Trump administration is considering a significant reduction in the United States’ diplomatic presence worldwide, with a proposal to close nearly 30 embassies and consulates, over half of which are located in Africa. This initiative is part of a broader plan to cut the State Department’s budget by nearly 50%, aiming to reduce foreign aid by approximately 75%. According to an internal State Department document, the proposed closures include embassies in Lesotho, Eritrea, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, The Gambia, and South Sudan.
Swiss citizen abducted in Niger – foreign ministry | Reuters
A Swiss citizen has been abducted in the West African country of Niger, the foreign ministry in Bern said on Monday. The Swiss representation in capital Niamey is in contact with local authorities and further investigations are underway, a spokesperson added.
‘Pioneering Ideas’ to Face Emerging Threats – Africa Defense Forum
It was not easy for Nigerian Maj. Gen. Godwin Mutkut to take a week away from his post as force commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which is fighting extremism and banditry in the Lake Chad Basin. He said the challenges are immense. Terror groups are burrowed into dense island “fortresses” that dot the lake.
FG makes peace move to Niger Republic – Daily Trust
Delegation from Nigeria and that of the Republic of Niger met in Niamey on Wednesday, in a move to restore the damaged bilateral ties between the two neighbours. Daily Trust gathered that Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, arrived in Niamey on Tuesday, leading a high-level delegation aimed at restoring and strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
Nigeria, EU Strengthen Defence, Security Cooperation – PRNigeria News
Nigeria, EU Strengthen Defence, Security Cooperation The Nigerian Ministry of Defence has announced plans to deepen its defence and security collaboration with the European Union (EU). The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, made the disclosure during a meeting with EU officials at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. According to a statement released by the Sani Datti for the Director, Information and Public Relations today.
Bulgaria-Nigeria trade volume grew by 70% – Envoy – Daily Trust
The Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Yanko Yordanov, has informed members of the House of Representatives and other stakeholders that his country is enjoying an excellent business, diplomatic as well as other relationships leading to increase in stronger ties in various fields. He stated this while Speaking at a farewell meeting organised in his honour by the Nigeria-Bulgaria Parliamentary Committee in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
Adamawa’s Classroom of Resilience – HumAngle
The night they came, Cecilia Colman was preparing to rest for the night. Then a teacher at Government Christian Secondary School (GCSS) Shuwa in Madagali, Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria, she lived in the staff quarters. The crack of gunfire broke the quiet night. Boko Haram had arrived. Cecilia dropped everything and fled into the dark with many others. In the chaos that followed, the school principal and several teachers were killed. Homes and staff quarters were destroyed.
Burkina Faso’s Volunteer Militia Implicated in ‘Systematic Extermination’ – Africa Defense Forum
Graphic videos of a massacre in villages surrounding the western Burkina Faso town of Solenzo spread rapidly on social media in March. Dozens of lifeless bodies — most of them women, children and elderly — were scattered on the ground with their heads covered, their hands and feet bound.
EXCLUSIVE: Why Tinubu hasn’t appointed ambassadors – Foreign Minister
Nigeria’s foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, says his ministry has forwarded the names of ambassadorial nominees to President Bola Tinubu. However, the president’s attention to economic reforms and other state matters has delayed the formal appointment of the ambassadors, he said. Mr Tuggar, who spoke in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, said, “The president has to forward the names to the Senate for screening, and thereafter, there will be a request where we will assign ambassadors to the nations where they will go…”
Nigeria’s Race For Inclusive Education Leaves Millions of Nomadic Children Behind (II) – HumAngle In addition to Nigeria’s northern region, many nomadic communities down south lack functional schools. School-age children idle around their huts all day. Where nomadic schools exist in the Iseyin town of Oyo state, southwestern Nigeria, just 62 miles north of Ibadan, the state capital, they lack critical infrastructure and sanitation, making them unfit to be called a place of learning for the young ones.
Humanitarian
UN Humanitarian Agency To Shut Down Operations In Nigeria • Channels Television
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe, disclosed this on Wednesday during a Validation Workshop on the Anticipatory Action Framework for Nigeria, held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja. According to him, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, had informed him about the decision.
Chibok girls: 276 parents get N10m on 11th anniversary
The Borno State Government has donated N10 million and food items to the 276 parents of the kidnapped Chibok girls as part of activities to commemorate their 11th year missing anniversary. According to a statement posted on Tuesday on the official Facebook page of the state ministry of Information and Internal Security, the event took place on Monday and saw the coming
Is neighbourhood watch the missing link in Nigeria’s security strategy? – Daily Trust
Insecurity in Nigeria has evolved into a national crisis, touching nearly every part of the country. From the Maitatsine riots of the early 1980s to the enduring Boko Haram insurgency, the nation’s security challenges have deepened, albeit successive efforts to curb them. As traditional military solutions yield limited results, stakeholders are calling for alternative, community-led approaches.
4,000 women benefit from free Cesarean section initiative- Health Minister
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has announced that more than 4,000 women have benefited from the federal government’s free Cesarean section (C-section) initiative since its inauguration. Mr Pate, a professor disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a media conference marking the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Innovating for Safer Birth: A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality,” with the slogan “Care for Moms, Hope for the Babies.”
Tinubu slashes family planning budget by 97% amid decline in donor funding
The Nigerian government has reduced its family planning budget for 2025, raising concerns about how the country will sustain access to reproductive health services for millions of citizens amidst a global decline in donor funding. In the 2025 budget, N66.39 million was allocated for family planning, a 97 per cent decrease from the N2.2 billion allocated in 2024. This budget cut comes as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) froze funding support for key health initiatives in developing countries, including family planning programmes in Nigeria. The funding pause followed a directive from President Donald Trump shortly after his inauguration in January 2025.
Land Dispute, Community Resistance Blamed For Deadly Zamfara Attack – HumAngle
At least four people were killed and dozens abducted when over 200 armed terrorists attacked Morai town in Talata-Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria, in the early hours of Tuesday, April 15. The operation, which lasted nearly three hours, was carried out without any intervention from security forces reportedly present in the area. The attackers stormed the community around 1:00 a.m. in three vehicles and over 50 motorcycles, spreading out across the town and overwhelming residents who were caught off guard.
As Thousands of Sudanese Refugees Troop into Chad, EU Upscales Humanitarian Aid – HumAngle
Following the halt of the United States’ financial aid, the European Union has committed to significantly enhancing its humanitarian assistance to Chad in response to the recent influx of refugees in the Ouaddai region of eastern Chad. The EU is increasing the funding to meet the critical needs of more than 1.5 million forcibly displaced individuals, including Sudanese refugees, while also providing vital services such as food, nutritional support, protection, water supply, sanitation, and healthcare.
Fear grips Borno communities as life-saving projects crumble – Daily Trust
At least 29 communities in Dikwa and Bama local government areas of Borno State have expressed fear over withdrawal of the Action Health Incorporated project, saying there would be consequences for the vulnerable population. This was disclosed by stakeholders representing 29 communities from Bama and Dikwa during end-of-project review meeting in Maiduguri on Monday.
The European Union has said it would spend €1.5 million (approximately #2.7 billion) to support the livelihoods of vulnerable people through diversification of income generation and access to vocational inclusion in seven council areas in Borno and Yobe states. The Country Program Manager for Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Michael Idah, disclosed this during the launching of Promoting Inclusive Education and Vocational Training in Nigeria held in Maiduguri, noting that the project targets four council areas in Borno, including Shani, Biu, Hawul, and Kwaya-Kusar, while three in Yobe State include Bade, Nguru, and Nangere, respectively.
Mobilization and economic development
Nigeria signs ECOWAS tariff offers, waives taxes on 90% of goods traded in Africa – Daily Trust
Nigeria has officially gazetted and transmitted the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariff Offers for Trade in Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to the AfCFTA Secretariat. This move comes ahead of the 16th Council of Ministers Meeting on Trade scheduled for April 15 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s trade integration efforts.
The Federal Government has announced a… – Punch Newspapers | Facebook \
The Federal Government has announced a significant improvement in the stability of Nigeria’s power grid, attributing it to the installation of an additional 700 megawatts in transmission capacity. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said this at the weekend when he received the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in his office in Abuja. According to a statement released on Sunday by the Minister’s media aide, Bolaji Tunji,
$2.3bn Siemens power project was idle until Tinubu came on board – Minister – Daily Trust
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the $2.3bn Siemens project signed by the Buhari administration did not embark on any infrastructure development since the agreement was signed in 2019. The minister, during a meeting with a delegation of the World Bank in his office in Abuja, said not until the ascension of the current administration before the country got a mobile power station.
African youths face education, skills mismatch — AfDB President – Daily Trust
President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has disclosed that the challenge facing many African youths is the mismatch between the education they receive and the skills they need for the labour market. He said for the youths to strive, Africa must create the right environment on the continent, adding, “This must start with providing Africa’s youth with globally competitive quality education.”
Why Nigeria’s debt soared to N144.67trn — LCCI – Daily Trust
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) yesterday expressed worry over the federal government’s new borrowings, which it noted “Are not for productive investments.” The body said Nigeria’s debt is projected to hit over N157 trillion by December 2025, blaming it on “The planned borrowing of N13 trillion to finance the 2025 budget deficit.”
Nigeria signs minerals pact with South Africa in diversification push | Reuters
Nigeria and South Africa have signed an accord to boost cooperation in mining, Nigeria’s mines minister said on Thursday, highlighting Abuja’s push to diversify its economy away from oil. Mines Minister Dele Alake said the two countries will partner on mining, including geological mapping using drones, share mineral data, and jointly explore agro and energy minerals in Nigeria.
IMF approves $129 million for Mali from credit facility | Reuters
The IMF on Wednesday said it would release $129 million to Mali from its Rapid Credit Facility that will help the country address balance of payment needs following floods there.
Nigeria plans petroleum products stockpile to counter global supply shocks | Reuters
Nigeria plans to establish a national strategic petroleum products stockpile this year to safeguard its economy against disruptions in the international market, the petroleum products regulator said at a press briefing on Tuesday. Farouk Ahmed, head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, said the reserve, which the country’s oil law mandates, would mitigate supply shocks and enhance the nation’s energy security.
African cotton producers rally against climate shocks and low prices
Across the African continent, around 20 million people grow cotton, producing 3 million tonnes each year, often using simple tools and methods. African cotton is considered high quality, partly because it is handpicked. But despite this, African farmers have little power in the global market. “African cotton producers have to accept international prices,” said Koussouwè Kourouféi, a farmer from Togo who is president of the Association of African Cotton Producers (AProCA).
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