Regional News
Explosion rocks Army barracks in Borno – Daily Trust
Heavy sounds from Giwa Barrack in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, sent residents into confusion in the early hours of Thursday. The deafening blast and red flares in the sky forced residents of polo, fori, GRA, Unimaid and others out on the streets in fear of possible Boko Haram attack. However, Borno State Police command, in a statement said it was a fire outbreak in the ammunition facility of the Barrack and advised the public to remain calm.
Landmine blast in Borno State kills 26 – including women and children – Radio Ndarason International
Borno State senator says there is an urgent need to provide the military and other security operatives with sophisticated weapons to end the rampant killings and destruction. Twenty-six people – including four adult women and six children – have been killed in a landmine attack in the Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State n Nigeria’s northeast.
Boko Haram kills 10 hunters – Daily Trust
At least 10 hunters lost their lives while on a rescue mission to Kopire village, Hong local government area of Adamawa State. Chairman of the Hunters Association of Nigeria, North East, Shawulu Yohanna, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Tuesday. He said the deceased hunters paid supreme price during a fierce battle with Boko Haram terrorists in the bush.
BREAKING: Again, terrorists massacre 17 fishermen in northern Borno – Yerwa Express News
Again, Boko Haram terrorists have killed 17 fishermen in the Fadana-Garuwa River, located in Duji Ward of Mobbar local government area in faraway northern Borno. The attack was launched on Sunday around 2 p.m., according to local sources. The river, which straddles the border between Nigeria and Niger, lies just a few kilometers from Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar.
At least 22 killed in weekend attacks in Nigeria’s northeast | Reuters
Suspected Islamist miltants killed at least 22 people and wounded several others in two separate attacks over the weekend in northeastern Nigeria, residents and police said, the latest incidents in a region plagued by armed violence. Nigeria has been grappling with a long-running insurgency in its northeast region, primarily driven by the Islamist armed group Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province.
Twelve Niger soldiers killed in attack, two suspects detained, says army | Reuters
Twelve Nigerien soldiers have been killed in an attack in the west of the Sahel country and two suspects have been arrested, the army said in a statement seen by Reuters on Saturday. The attack took place on Friday near the tri-border region of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, epicentre of a jihadist insurgency in West Africa linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.
JUST-IN: 14 dead, many missing in another terrorist attack in Chibok – Yerwa Express News
At least 14 people were killed after Boko Haram terrorists attacked Kwaple, a village 5 kilometres from Chibok in Borno State. Similarly, many others have gone missing after the attack. The terrorists struck around 6 p.m. on Monday, targeting villagers gathered for the funeral rites of a community member.
Boko Haram Kills 14 Farmers, Two Civilian JTF In Borno • Channels Television
Boko Haram terrorists have killed 14 farmers and 2 civilian Joint Task Force members at different locations within Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The 2 Civilian Joint Task Force members were reportedly killed in an ambush at Sabon-Gari near Kirawa while returning from routine patrol in their vehicle on Friday.
Residents flee as Boko Haram intensifies attacks on Adamawa villages – Daily Trust
Five villages—Kwapre, Dabna, Garha, Lar and Za—in Hong LGA of Adamawa State have been largely deserted after brutal attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, forcing residents to flee for safety. On April 26, Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly assault on Kwapre village, killing 12 hunters and members of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in an ambush.
ISWAP claims responsibility for Borno attack as death toll hits 26 – Daily Trust
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for a deadly improvised explosive device (IED) attack near Rann, in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State. According to residents and security sources, the incident occurred along the Furunduma axis around 11 a.m. on Friday and initially left 17 people dead. The casualties included four women, six children, and seven other passengers.
Burkina Faso to nationalise more industrial mines, PM says | Reuters
Burkina Faso plans to take control of more foreign-owned industrial mines, its prime minister said, as the West African nation seeks a bigger share of revenue from its resources.
Like neighbours Mali and Niger, Burkina Faso is pushing for greater control over its resources and revised its mining code last year, creating a new state mining company, Société de Participation Minière du Burkina (SOPAMIB).
Nigeria appoints new commander after renewed militant attacks in northeast | Reuters
Nigeria has appointed a new commander for its fight against insurgency in the northeast after renewed attacks in the last four months that have killed several civilians and soldiers in the region. The military appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as its 15th commander in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency in the northeast, Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the operation, said in a statement.
Surge in attacks signals jihadist comeback in Nigeria’s northeast | Reuters
A surge in attacks in Nigeria’s northeast by Boko Haram and its splinter rival ISWAP has raised fears of a major comeback by jihadists, whose tactics now include armed drones and explosive devices planted on major roads, security experts said. At least 22 people were killed in weekend raids by militants in Adamawa and Borno states, while 26 others died on Monday after an explosive device ripped into two vehicles in Borno.
Soldier to die by hanging for killing girlfriend – Daily Trust
A General Court Martial sitting at the Headquarters, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has sentenced one Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for killing his girlfriend, identified as Miss Hauwa Ali. The court martial, presided over by the president of the court, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, also sentenced one Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years imprisonment for robbery that was committed at a popular Mall in Enugu, Enugu State capital.
Five Indians kidnapped in attack in Niger | Reuters
Five Indian citizens were kidnapped in western Niger during an attack last week by armed men that also killed a dozen soldiers, according to two Nigerian security sources and a statement by Indian state authorities seen by Reuters on Wednesday. Reuters reported on Saturday that 12 soldiers had been killed.
Electricity-related incidents kill 112 in 2024 – Daily Trust
Not less than 112 Nigerians died from electricity-related accidents in 2024, a quarterly report released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed. The report indicated that the deaths were recorded from 228 accidents that occurred in the sector from which 108 were injured. A breakdown showed that 23 persons died from 55 incidents in the first quarter while 31 were injured. In the second quarter, the number of deaths increased to 34 from 63 incidents with 17 injured.
HURIWA joins call for Thorough Probe of British Army Major Over Alleged Arms Smuggling – Daily Trust
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has joined other prominent Civil Society organizations calling for a full-scale, transparent investigation into the alleged involvement of an alleged British Army officer, Major Micah Polo, in a major arms trafficking case recently uncovered by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Delta State.
Security agencies on alert over emerging threat to civil aviation – Daily Trust
The federal government is putting all security agencies on red alert over emerging threat to civil aviation with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), calling for deeper collaboration among stakeholders in the aviation and security sectors to tackle the growing and complex threats facing Nigeria’s airspace.
How Plateau traders lost over N1bn to midnight inferno – Daily Trust
Hundreds of traders woke up on Wednesday morning to count their losses after a devastating fire engulfed a significant section of the temporary Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State. Located in the city’s heart, the market serves as a major hub for traders dealing in clothing, footwear, handbags, and various fashion accessories.
N/Central governors mull joint security operations – Daily Trust
Governors of the North Central geopolitical zone have agreed to launch joint security operations to tackle persistent insecurity in the subregion. Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who also chairs the North Central Governors’ Forum, disclosed this during an expanded State Security Council meeting held at the Government House, Lafia on Wednesday.
The Deadly Madness of ‘Prank Culture in Nigeria – Daily Trust
In a country already battling the scourge of kidnapping, ritual killings, and rampant insecurity, the last thing Nigeria needs is a dangerous new wave of “pranksters” playing with human lives for social media clout. Yet, that is exactly what is happening — and the consequences could be fatal. In recent weeks, a particularly disturbing trend has emerged: pranksters stage fake phone calls near innocent pedestrians or cyclists, loudly discussing the number of.
Navy rescues 99 passengers from boat mishap in Rivers – Daily Trust
Officers of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday rescued 99 passengers from a boat accident on the Bukuma River in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The boat, a local market vessel, was en route from Port Harcourt to Akuku-Toru LGA when it collided with a barge in the middle of the river. Base Information Officer, Lieutenant Commander Bridget Bebia, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.
The British High Commission has said a man arrested by the operatives of Department of State Service (DSS) at Murtala International Airport in Lagos is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces. Last weekend, media reports said an Itsekiri man serving in a foreign army is alleged to have procured weapons and ammunition at the behest of one Collins to instigate unrest in Warri, Delta State.
Tackling misinformation to boost Nigeria’s immunisation rates – Daily Trust
This week, countries around the world are observing World Immunisation Week to celebrate the power of vaccines. In line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 2025 theme, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,” the focus is on ensuring that no one is left behind due to barriers such as access, equity, or trust. According to WHO, over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives globally and yet, despite this.
Kidnapped imam, family members feared killed in bandits’ den – Daily Trust
Residents of Maru in Zamfara State are in mourning following reports that its chief imam, Alkali Salisu Suleiman, his two sons, and a grandchild were killed while in captivity after being abducted by bandits. The revelation came from a female abductee who recently escaped and informed the community of the deaths. “There are conflicting reports about the timing of his death-some say before Ramadan, others say just before Sallah.
Experts canvass women’s financial inclusion, health insurance to boost economy – Daily Trust Experts in the development sector has canvassed a clear cut strategy that will boost financial inclusion for Women that will boost their overall wellbeing and enable them contribute to economic growth. They made the call in Abuja on Wednesday at a fireside chat on the role of health insurance in promoting Women’s wellbeing organised by the Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) a subsidiary of the Nigerian Soverign Investment Authority (NSIA).
Why farmers must consider NiMet predictions on 2025 rainfall – Daily Trust In the last couple of weeks, several parts of the country have been witnessing sporadic rainfall. On February 4, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in Abuja, unveiled the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) to the public. The SCP document predicts that most parts of the country would experience significant rainfall at the beginning of 2025; and the rains would likely come before the onset.
‘Women miners need exposure to huge resources in sector’ – Daily Trust
Women stone crushers in the country must be assisted to access the huge resources in the mining sector. A non-governmental organization, Center for Gender Economics in Africa (CGE Africa), made the call at a one-day training workshop and sensitization programme for local women miners in Olorun, Kwara State cap-ital.
SPOTTED: Top Nigerian judge’s document used for selling shawarma in Chad – Daily Trust
In what could merely pass of as a skit, an envelope bearing the stamp of the Chief Justice Chambers of the Supreme Court of Nigeria was found in an awkward place in the Republic of Chad. Fatima Zhara Umar, Nigeria’s Representative on the Executive Board of Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN-SAD), had walked off to a spot to purchase shawarma in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, when she found the unthinkable.
FBI, others to release Tinubu US probe reports May 2 – Daily Trust
Parties involved in the investigation of the alleged drug-related case involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 1990s are expected to release investigation reports on Friday, May 2 as ordered by the court. The agencies expected to make their investigation reports available are US Attorneys, Department of State, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Zamfara communities attacked, shops burnt as bandits launch reprisal – Daily Trust
Bandits launched a fresh wave of reprisal attacks on Tuesday, setting shops ablaze and rustling livestock in Yar Tashar Sahabi, a village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The early morning raid is believed to be in retaliation for the recent killing of several bandits by the vigilantes. According to residents, the vigilante group had ambushed and killed many armed men on Sunday, recovering stolen cattle in the process.
USAID funding pause: FG assures Nigerians of availability of HIV medicines – Daily Trust
The National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Program (NASCP) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social welfare says the country is taking proactive steps to ensure the continued availability of HIV treatment despite the current pause in the United States government’s funding. The National Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, in a statement Tuesday.
FG unveils 148mw renewable energy for 36 states, FCT – Daily Trust
The federal government has unveiled plans to power up all government infrastructures across the 36 states and the FCT with 148 megawatts of clean renewable energy sources. The Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, who disclosed this said two megawatts of clean renewable energy would be provided in each of the 37 federal universities across the 36 states and FCT.
Lawyers march for return to democratic governance in Rivers – Daily Trust
A group of lawyers known as Lawyers in Defence of Democracy, has taken to the streets to demand the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State. The group is calling on the United States and the international community to pressure the Nigerian government to rescind its decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
CAN seeks inclusion in Hisbah activities – Daily Trust
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Sabon Gari Local Government chapter in Zaria, Kaduna State, has called for the inclusion of Christians in Hisbah activities to foster harmony and enhance societal reforms. Speaking at a workshop organised by the Hisbah Board on Monday, Pastor Nuhu Sani, CAN Secretary, emphasised the need for synergy, noting that both Muslims and Christians live peacefully together in the area and jointly experience social vices.
50.1% of Nigerians’ monthly income spent on food – Report – Daily Trust
A report by SEID, a marketing communications firm in Lagos, has disclosed that 50.1 per cent of Nigerians’ monthly income is spent on food, just as rising electricity costs are pushing 18.5% of households to adopt solar solutions. The firm also said 31.7% rely on self-employment, while consumer behaviour is shifting faster than ever. SEID said this while launching its first-of-a-kind report titled ‘Nigerian Consumer Outlook Report 2025 (NCOR 2025)’.
37 cattle shot dead in Plateau community – Daily Trust
At least 37 cattle were shot dead at Tashek community of Riyom local government area of Plateau state, on Sunday. According to the state chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim. Yusuf Babayo, the incident occurred around 1: pm. The latest attack occurred barely a week after a similar incident in Tanjol community, also in Riyom LGA, where gunmen opened fire on herders, leaving two herders injured and five cattle killed.
The Nigerian Army has announced the appointment of Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the new Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the military campaign tackling insurgency in Nigeria’s Northeast region. He takes over from Major General Waidi Shaibu, becoming the 15th officer to hold the strategic position. The official handover ceremony took place on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Headquarters Theatre Command in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State.
Peace and Security
FG denies okaying French military base in Nigeria – Daily Trust
The federal government has denied reports suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of a French military base in Nigeria. Speaking to Daily Trust last night, the Acting Head of Crisis Monitoring & Public Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, dismissed the claims.
Faced with a growing terrorist threat, Benin’s Ministry of National Defense has announced its readiness to conduct joint border security operations with Burkina Faso and Niger. The announcement follows a tragic attack on 19 April, when terrorists attacked Beninese soldiers.
Matawalle receives US AFRICOM to boost security – Daily Trust
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening military cooperation with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) to enhance counterinsurgency operations and promote regional stability. In a statement released by his Personal Assistant for Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, on Wednesday, Matawalle hosted a delegation from AFRICOM, led by Major General.
Germany, Nigeria to drive increased political participation of women – Daily Trust
Nigeria and Germany have expressed readiness to partner in advancing political participation of women through creation of special seats in parliament and other levels of governance. This is further echoed by Her Excellency Annet Günther, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, where she called on Nigerian women to persistently demand their rightful place in governance at all levels, from local councils to the federal parliament.
Weaponising citizens is key to anarchy – Daily Trust
In recent times, prominent Nigerians, including retired generals and senior government officials, have called on citizens to arm themselves in the face of rising insecurity. This disturbing trend signals more than just fear; it is an outright vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture. In 2018, General Theophilus Danjuma, a former Chief of Army Staff, openly warned Nigerians to defend themselves. “The armed forces are not neutral,” he said at a forum in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Security sovereignty: Why Nigeria must lead Africa’s defence future – Daily Trust
In the past two decades, Nigeria has borne the brunt of Africa’s most complex security crises—from insurgency in the North-East to transnational banditry across the Sahel. What is rarely spoken about, however, is the invisible war Nigeria has also been fighting: the war against dependency on foreign military suppliers. Time and again, Nigerian lives have been lost—not because of poor strategy—but because of slow, conditional, or denied access to critical military equipment. Even after full payment, our defence systems are stalled in ports, grounded in hangars, or stuck in foreign bureaucracies.
US consulate, MCDN train journalists in investigative reporting
The United States Consulate in Lagos has partnered with the Media Career Development Network (MCDN) to train 21 mid-career journalists in investigative reporting under a new year-long initiative. The programme, part of MCDN’s Bi-Monthly Journalism Clinic series, aims to build the capacity of journalists with fewer than five years of experience by offering intensive, hands-on training in investigative techniques, ethical journalism, and accountability reporting.
Minister Unveils Defence Company, Lauds Military’s Economic Transformation – PRNigeria News
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the Nigerian Military is being transformed from just a fighting force into a self-sustaining powerhouse with strong footprints in manufacturing, banking, real estate, construction and aviation thereby ensuring lasting operational strength and welfare for personnel, both in service and in retirement. Idris stated this in Guzape District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Wednesday when he commissioned the Defence Holdings Company Limited and its subsidiaries.
In Adamawa, Peacebuilding Begins on the Football Pitch, in Classrooms, and at Townhalls – HumAngle
When Boko Haram attacked a religious gathering in Nassarawo, Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria, and killed 12 persons in January 2012, it ignited deep-seated anger, fear, and suspicion. The incident led to a series of reprisal attacks within Nassarawo, a community where Muslims and Christians once co-existed peacefully, and other parts of the state. Schools closed, businesses shuttered, and families fled, some never returning.
Kidnapping: We provide relevant information to security agents – Telecom operators – Daily Trust
Telecom operators in the country have said the security agents rather than the operators should be asked why kidnappers and bandits using registered SIM cards to commit crimes have not been apprehended. Speaking at a colloquium on a legislative agenda: the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, organised by House of Representatives Committee on Communications and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Lagos yesterday, the chairman of Association of Licensed Telecommunications.
Bauchi gov charges army on multi-dimensional strategies to address insecurity – Daily Trust
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has urged the Nigerian Army to embrace continuous training and adopt multi-dimensional strategies to tackle the country’s evolving security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and communal unrest. Speaking as the Special Guest at the 2025 Combat Arms Training Week of the Nigerian Army, held on Monday at Obienu Barracks, Bauchi, the governor emphasised that the annual gathering serves as a…
Defending democracy: A call to resist the march toward one-party state in Nigeria – Daily Trust
We, the undersigned democrats, raise our voices in alarm and solidarity at this critical hour in the life of our nation. Nigeria’s democracy—hard-won through decades of struggle, sacrifice, and steadfast resistance against authoritarian rule—is under grave threat. We are witnessing, with increasing dismay, a calculated and systematic effort by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismantle the democratic foundations of our republic and reduce Nigeria to a one-party state.
Thousands of people rally in support of Burkina Faso’s transitional president | Africanews Thousands of people rallied in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ougadougou, on Wednesday in support of transitional President Captain Ibrahim Traoré. With placards in hand and whistles blowing, they were angry over remarks made by the head of United States’ military in Africa, General Michaël Langley. Earlier this month, he accused Traoré of using the country’s mining resources to benefit the junta instead of the people. Burkinabé musician, Ocibi Joan, who came to the protest said Langley and especially “the predators” should stop lying. “Burkina Faso is not against anyone, but we will no longer tolerate looting. The general is a liar. We own it, we use it whenever we want, and sell it to whomever we want,” he said.
Insecurity getting worse in the north – ACF – Daily Trust
Northern elites, on Wednesday, converged on Kaduna at the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting to discusses pressing issues concerning the region and the country at large. This is just as the BOT Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, raised serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation and rising hostility against Northerners in other parts of the country, calling for unity and decisive action to safeguard the region.
How dozens of civilian JTF died defending communities in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa – Daily Trust Dozens of members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and vigilantes have died between January 2024 and April 2025 while defending their communities against the outlawed Boko Haram group in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Daily Trust reports that the terrorists killed Civilian JTF operatives through ambush and by locating their residence in the three states. In January 2023, the Chairman of CJTF, Babashehu Abdulganiu in an interview with newsmen, said 1,773 members of the Civilian Joint.
FG tasks traditional rulers to promote everlasting peace – Daily Trust
The Minister of Youth Development, Engr Ayodele Olawande, has tasked the national chairman of the Traditional Youth Chiefs’ Forum of Nigeria to amplify the voices of all community members, especially the marginalised, and cultivate characters that promote peace, amid political and social cultural violence that have been ravaging the fabric of the nation.
Burkina, Mali, Niger seek sea access through Morocco after Ecowas exit
Foreign ministers of military-ruled Sahel states of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger said on Monday they endorse an initiative offering them access to global trade through Morocco’s Atlantic ports, Morocco’s state news agency reported.
The foreign ministers expressed their countries’ position during a meeting with Morocco’s King Mohammed VI in Rabat, it said.
Leveraging on cattle sub-sector to end insecurity, generate revenue – Daily Trust
Nigeria’s livestock sector contributes about 25 per cent of the population of goats, sheep, cattle and poultry in the whole of the West African region, which makes it a vital sector in the country’s agriculture. What this means is that the sector supports the country’s economy through employment generation, livelihood, wealth creation, food security and export. It accounts for one-third of the agriculture GDP and also supplies more than 30 per cent of the nation’s protein requirement.
Terrorists, bandits to feel impact of new army strategy – COAS – Daily Trust
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said terrorists and bandits will soon begin to feel the impact of the Nigerian Army’s newly adopted techniques and procedures. peaking through Major-General Henry Wesley, Commander of the Ordnance Corps, Oluyede made the statement after a firepower demonstration held at the Victor Kure Armour Range in Bauchi on Wednesday.
Nigeria reaffirms commitment to multilateralism at BRICS foreign ministers meeting – Daily Trust
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has reiterated the country’s commitment to fostering a fairer and more inclusive global system during the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Addressing delegates on the topic, “The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism,” Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening multilateralism, particularly from the perspective of the Global South.
Mali’s Goïta gets backing to be president for next five years – Daily Trust
Mali’s military leader Gen. Assimi Goïta has won the backing of key political allies to be declared president for the next five years. The 41-year-old, who has seized power twice, was named transitional president after his last coup in 2021. At the time, he promised to hold elections the following year – but has since reneged, in a blow to efforts to restore multi-party rule in the West African state.
Humanitarian
UN Security Council updated on growing refugee crisis across globe | Africanews
The United Nations says the number of refugees across the globe shows that “violence has become the defining currency of our age.” Filippo Grandi, the U.N.’s high commissioner for refugees, told the Security Council that the plight of millions across the globe is exacerbated by the more than 120 conflicts, which are raging unabated. Grandi paid particular attention in his remarks to Sudan and Ukraine, where close to seven million people have become refugees.
dRPC launches grants for Nigerian NGOs amid funding crisis
The development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) has launched a rapid response grant fund to support Nigerian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) grappling with the recent wave of international funding cuts. The initiative, tagged the NGO Support Initiative (NSI) will provide grants of up to N5 million for short-term projects that can be executed within three months. It is designed to sustain civil society efforts that have been disrupted by the freeze on foreign assistance initiated in January by US President Donald Trump.
Hunger worsens in IDP camps as UN agencies cut operations – Daily Trust
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno and Benue states are grappling with hunger following signs that key United Nations agencies may close or scale down their operations in Nigeria owing to dwindling funding, investigations by Daily Trust have shown. The agencies are the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Displaced People with Disabilities Face Severe Struggles in Borno Camps – HumAngle
About an hour after dawn, Kaka Adam, 45, braces for another day of struggle. He sits quietly outside his small rented room in Bama, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. His single wheelchair, an indispensable and worn-out device he shares with his two wives, rests beside him. The morning is still, but his mind is already pacing. He has to go to the hand pump borehole, half a kilometre from his home, to fetch water for the day.
Injured, Ignored, and Intimidated: The Cost of Speaking Out In NYSC Camp – HumAngle
The foot broke first. Then the silence. But it was breaking the silence that cost Mustapha Kyari the most; he paid for it with humiliation, punishment, and depression. It started at the Wailo National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Bauchi State, northeastern Nigeria, during the mandatory three-week camp in December 2023. Kyari had expected structure, care, and some semblance of accountability after he broke his foot. Instead, the fractured foot became a lesson in institutional failure.
Adamawa targets 1.4 million children in new polio vaccination campaign
The Adamawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ADPHCDA) has launched a polio vaccination campaign targeting no fewer than 1.4 million children, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Speaking at the 2025 National Immunisation Day celebration in Malkohi, Yola South LGA, on Saturday, the State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, said the aim of the exercise is to protect the lives and future of children.
Mr Fintiri, who was represented by Ibrahim Mijinyawa, commissioner for Local Government Affairs, said healthcare is one of the priorities of his administration.
Yobe targets 80% vaccination coverage by 2026
The Yobe State Government on Tuesday said it is committed to achieving 80 per cent vaccination coverage by 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to close immunisation gaps and protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases. Speaking at a one-day media dialogue commemorating the 2025 World Immunisation Day in Damaturu, the State Commissioner for Health, Muhammad Gana, said strategic actions are being implemented to reach underserved and vaccine-hesitant communities.
Nigeria has the highest number of unvaccinated children globally – UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday said Nigeria currently bears the highest burden of unvaccinated children globally. A Health Officer at UNICEF, Bashir Elegbede, disclosed this during a one-day media dialogue in Damaturu, Yobe State, to commemorate the 2025 World Immunisation Week. According to Mr Elegbede, about 2.1 million Nigerian children—representing 24 per cent of the estimated 8.7 million under-one population—have not received a single routine vaccine dose.
Mobilization and economic development
Dangote Sugar targets 1.5m MT of refined sugar, 75,000 jobs – Daily Trust
Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC has grown turnover by 51 per cent to N665.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, as against the corresponding figure of N441.5 billion recorded for the 2023 financial year. This is just as the company is targeting the production of 1.5 million metric tonnes of refined sugar annually and at the same time generate over 75,000 employment opportunities, in the company’s value chain.
Will Africa’s financial stability fund rise to the debt challenge? | Reuters
Angola will use its chairmanship of the African Union this year to advance the creation of a continental financial stability mechanism, its finance minister said, to cushion economies from sliding into a liquidity crisis due to external debt repayments. Here are some key aspects of the proposed African Financing Stability Mechanism (AFSM):
At least four subcontractors employing several hundred people at Barrick Gold’s (ABX.TO), opens new tab complex in Mali are laying off staff following a two-year dispute between the Canadian miner and the state, according to documents seen by Reuters and people familiar with the matter.
Nigerian tribunal upholds $220 million fine against Meta for violating consumer, data laws | Reuters
A $220 million fine against Meta Platforms by Nigeria’s competition watchdog for violating local consumer, data protection and privacy laws has been upheld following an unsuccessful appeal, Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal said on Friday. Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
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