Regional News

Dozens abducted in Nigeria church attacks; church leader says more than 160 seized | Reuters KADUNA, Nigeria, Jan 19 (Reuters) – Armed bandits abducted dozens of worshippers from two churches in Nigeria’s Kaduna state, police said on Monday, while a senior church leader put the number of those missing at more than 160. Kaduna state police said gunmen armed with “sophisticated

Boko Haram Bombers Hit Military Convoy In Borno – Daily Trust A suicide bomber rammed into a military convoy in Timbuktu triangle in Borno State, killing five soldiers and injuring an unspecified number of troops. Security sources confirmed to Daily Trust that two senior military officers – a major and a lieutenant – were affected in the attack.

Troops Clear Terrorist Camps, Thwart Drone Attacks In Borno – Daily Trust Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have cleared multiple Boko Haram/ISWAP camps and repelled coordinated drone attacks by terrorists in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State. Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the JTF, in a statement, said scores of terrorists were killed while others fled with gunshot wounds.

NAF Airstrikes Kill 40 Terrorists Planning Attacks on civilians in Borno – PRNigeria News NAF Airstrikes Kill 40 Terrorists Planning Attacks on civilians in Borno The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed no fewer than 40 terrorists in coordinated airstrikes carried out in Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, foiling planned attacks on civilian communities. The precision strikes, conducted on January 15 and 16, were executed by NAF aircraft

Landmine Explosion Injures Six In Mumbang Village, Adamawa State – News Hunter An explosive device believed to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists in some parts of Hong local government area in Adamawa State has exploded, injuring six people in Mumbang of Yadul district. The incident that occurred on

Nigeria Police deny reports of church abductions in Kaduna | Africanews Nigerian police have rejected reports that worshippers were abducted from churches in Kaduna state on Sunday, insisting that no such attack took place. In a statement issued on Monday with local government officials, Kaduna’s police commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, described the reports as false and accused unnamed actors of spreading misinformation to incite unrest.

11 killed as bus, truck collide on Nigerian highway At least 11 people lost their lives, while seven others sustained injuries in a fatal auto-crash that occurred at Okhuahe community along the Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State, South-south Nigeria. The accident, which reportedly occurred on Saturday, involved an 18-seater commercial bus travelling towards Lagos and a truck.

ANALYSIS: 2026: Africa’s year to turn climate ambition into action | Premium Times Nigeria The 2025 COP30 in Brazil was a milestone moment in the global climate agenda, but for unexpected reasons. The United States (US) did not participate in the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and this month announced its withdrawal from the convention (and 30 other UN entities).

Bomb kills miner on Niger rural road An improvised explosive device (IED) has killed an artisanal miner, Abubakar Dahiru, on a rural road in Niger State. Sources in the area said the incident happened Monday afternoon as Mr Dahiru was returning from Udawa, a neighbouring town in Kaduna State, where he had taken his niece for school resumption.

Qatar Airways’ Lagos–Doha flight returns safely after in-flight technical issue Qatar Airways said its aircraft operating the Lagos–Doha route returned safely to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after the flight crew detected a technical issue while the plane was airborne on Friday. The airline said the aircraft, flight QR1406, was turned back as a precautionary measure in line with international aviation safety procedures and landed without incident.

FG Alerts Farmers On Bird Flu – Daily Trust In response to the recent detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) commonly known as ‘bird flu’ in the United Kingdom and other European nations, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has issued an alert to poultry farmers, urging them to remain vigilant. The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Anzaku, in a letter to the directors of veterinary services in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday, asked the states and farmers

Renewed ISWAP–Boko Haram Feud Turns Deadly in Abadam – Abc News Nigeria Dozens of fighters were reportedly killed on Tuesday as rival extremist factions—Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and a Boko Haram splinter loyal to Abu Umaima—clashed in a fresh outbreak of violence along the Lake Chad Basin corridor of Abadam Local Government Area. Security sources said the gun battle erupted around 6:00 a.m. near Dogon Chiku Buhari, a border settlement barely a kilometre from the Nigeria–Niger frontier, and raged until about

Mali’s president tightens direct control over key mining sector | Reuters ACCRA, Jan 22 (Reuters) – Mali’s military leader has created a new ministerial-level role to oversee the mining sector, strengthening the presidency’s direct oversight of the critical gold industry, and appointed a former Barrick Mining (ABX.TO), opens new tab executive to fill it. Legal documents governing the role show the minister will have powers to supervise mining policy implementation, monitor

At least 8 Nigerian soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack in Borno | Reuters MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Jan 21 (Reuters) – At least eight Nigerian soldiers were killed and 50 wounded on when Islamist Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military formation in Borno State, security sources said on Wednesday. The militants arrived by motorcycle and in armoured vehicles in the incident on Monday, the sources said.

UN Building bombing suspect tells court how he joined Al-Barnawi terror group, Ansaru Mohammed Bashir Saleh, one of the defendants standing terrorism trial over the 2011 United Nations House bombing, told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday how he joined the Ansaru terrorist group led by Khalid Al-Barnawi. Mr Saleh, in a video recording played before the trial judge, Emeka Nwite, said he joined the terrorist organisation in Bauchi, Bauchi State, North-east Nigeria, shortly before the attack on the United Nations (UN) Building in Abuja.

Nigeria leading in global AI adoption for learning, entrepreneurship — Google report – Yerwa Express News A new report by Google and Ipsos has revealed that Nigeria is leading in global adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in learning, work and entrepreneurship. This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday by Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa.

‘20m Nigerians Lack Digital Access’ – Daily Trust Nigeria’s persistent digital divide which has continued to exclude economic potential of rural communities from the overall digital economy of the country is now threatening the investment in the sector as urban dwellers’ income dwindles. Increased taxes and charges are causing rural dwellers to reduce their spending on internet and other telecom services.

Peace and Security

Military Resettles Over 1M Displaced Households in Borno Over one million households displaced by years of insurgency have been resettled in their ancestral homes across parts of Borno State, following sustained stabilisation operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists during a media tour organised by the

Nigerian troops free 62 hostages, kill two militants in northwest operations | Reuters MADUGURI, Nigeria, Jan 21 (Reuters) – Nigerian troops have rescued 62 hostages and killed two militants in separate operations across Kebbi and Zamfara states as part of an ongoing offensive against armed groups in the northwest, the army said on Wednesday. The northwest has been hit by a surge in mass

Egypt Pledges Support for Multinational Joint Task Force Operations — Northern Nigerian Express Egypt has pledged to support and strengthen cooperation with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Lieutenant Colonel Iweha Ikedichi, Acting Chief Military Public Information Officer.

Top US officials to visit Nigeria | Premium Times Nigeria A high-level delegation of United States officials will visit Nigeria to discuss with the Nigerian government about protecting Christian communities and strengthening counterterrorism efforts. The US State Department disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday that this visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour spanning Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Togo expels ex-Burkina Faso leader after coup plot claim, sources say | Reuters LOME, Jan 20 (Reuters) – Togo has arrested and expelled Burkina Faso’s former president to his home country after officials there accused him of attempting a coup, two sources told Reuters on Tuesday. Paul-Henri Damiba came to power in 2022 after a coup against Burkina Faso’s civilian government, which had lost support over rising violence by Islamist militants.

BREAKING: Security operatives foil mass recruitment of minors into terrorism in Borno – Yerwa Express News Security operatives have thwarted an attempt to recruit more than 40 underage children into terrorist activities in Borno State. The operation led to the arresting of three suspected trainers linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

NAF Eliminates Terrorists, Destroys Boats in Precision Air Strikes in Lake Chad Region – PRNigeria News The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded a major operational success with coordinated night-time precision air strikes that destroyed terrorist watercraft, hit key hideouts and neutralised several fighters in the riverine areas of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Borno Pledges Continued Support for MNJTF in Fight Against Terrorists – PRNigeria News The Borno State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in its ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the Lake Chad region. Governor Babagana Umara Zulum gave the assurance on Monday while hosting the new Force Commander of the MNJTF, Major General Saidu Tanko Audu, during a familiarization

Recent Homicides in Kano Reveal Gaps in Community Watch and Early Warning Systems What Bashir Haruna would later remember was only the ordinariness of that cold morning.  He had prepared to go out early, and the day had not announced itself as a tragedy. His wife, Fatima Abubakar, was quietly arranging the clothes she planned to wash while he stood watching her. There was no hurry, no sense of foreboding. He later heated some water and took his bath.

Tinubu Names Ambassadors To US, 3 European Countries – Daily Trust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of four ambassador-designates, out of the 68 confirmed by the Senate last December. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, announced this in a statement, on Thursday. ”President Tinubu confirmed the postings of Ambassador Ayodele Oke as the ambassador-designate to France, and Colonel Lateef Are as the ambassador-designate to the United States of America.”

Jihadist attack claims lives of eleven police officers in Burkina Faso | Africanews At least eleven police officers were killed in a major jihadist assault in eastern Burkina Faso over the weekend, security sources confirmed, highlighting the persistent and deadly violence plaguing the country despite military claims of progress. Security sources told AFP that “several hundred jihadists” attacked a police detachment in Balga, located in the Gourma province of the East Region. The assault left seven officers dead at the scene, with four others later succumbing

Humanitarian

UN says 35 million Nigerians risk hunger after global funding collapse | Reuters ABUJA, Jan 22 (Reuters) – Nearly 35 million Nigerians are at risk of hunger this year, including 3 million children facing severe malnutrition, the United Nations said on Thursday, following the collapse of global aid budgets. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 humanitarian plan in Abuja, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Malick Fall said the long-dominant,

US withdrawal from WHO takes effect today Thursday marks one year since US President Donald Trump ordered the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) just hours after taking office. According to an agreement between the US and the Geneva-based UN agency, the withdrawal is due to take effect on Thursday, after the US has completed a mandatory one-year notice period.

Aid Cuts Worsen Northeast Nigeria Hunger for 1.2M People The World Food Programme says aid cuts have pushed at least 1.2 million people in Northeast Nigeria deeper into hunger. The warning on Friday cited the Cadre Harmonisé, the regional equivalent of Integrated Food Security Phase Classification which rates food insecurity on a scale from one to five. IPC levels range up to catastrophic famine, helping governments and agencies plan emergency responses.

Asure: The Women Showing Financial Resilience Through Cultural Feasts in Jigawa The harvest season is a moment of festivity in Medu, a Hausa farming community in the Gagarawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State, North West Nigeria. After residents gather crops and fill their granaries, women set aside a special day to celebrate Asure, an age-old traditional feast whose name means “enjoyment”. Ramma Hassan, a mother of five—two boys and three girls—believes Asure is both a source of joy

Fire destroys over 100 thatched houses in Monguno IDP camp — Daily Nigerian A fire outbreak has destroyed more than 100 thatched houses at the Water Board IDP Camp in Monguno, Borno, the police command says. ASP Nahun Daso, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Maiduguri. Daso said that the incident occurred on Friday at about 4:30 p.m. and was reported by Bukar Mbati, Camp Chairman of the IDP camp, at Monguno Police Station.

Fire Razes 76 IDPs’ Shelters In Yobe – Daily Trust A fire outbreak has destroyed 76 shelters belonging to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yobe State, destroying shelters and livestock. The incident, which happened at the IDP camp in Ngamma village, Gujba Local Government Area, left many already vulnerable households without shelter and resulted in the loss of livestock, foodstuffs and other essential belongings.

‘Nowhere to Shit’: Conflict, Flight, and Lagos’s Toilet Crisis From Zaria to Lagos, Yakubu spent three days. Along the way, he hoped, ate, and even stepped aside to relieve himself.  Home had become a stronghold of terrorists who rustled cattle, kidnapped residents, and cut farmers off from their harvests. Even children, Yakubu recalled, openly carried weapons in Funtua, the area where he grew up in Katsina State, northwestern Nigeria.

Mobilization and economic development

IMF Raises Nigeria’s Economic Growth To 4.4% – Daily Trust The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised Nigeria’s economic growth to 4.4 percent in 2026, from 4.2 percent in 2025, amidst impact of ongoing government reforms and improving macroeconomic conditions. The projection is contained in the IMF’s January 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update, which

EU Removes Nigeria From High-risk Financial List – Daily Trust Nigeria has officially been removed from the European Union’s list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorism financing. The decision, announced by the European Commission in a statement, also delisted South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique and Tanzania, while Bolivia and the British Virgin Islands were newly added to the list.

IMF welcomes Nigeria’s December inflation easing, backs new CPI methodology | Premium Times Nigeria The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has welcomed Nigeria’s December 2025 inflation figures, saying the easing of price pressures, if sustained, could help reduce cost-of-living pressures and support macroeconomic stability. In a statement issued in Lagos, the IMF resident representation for Nigeria said the latest Consumer Price

Stock market extends upward trend with N6bn gain The stock market sustained its upward momentum on Wednesday, with market capitalisation rising by six billion naira or 0.01 per cent, from an opening value of N106.436 trillion to close at N106.442 trillion. The positive performance was primarily driven by gains in NCR Nigeria, RT Briscoe, Mc Nicholas, Jaiz Bank, May and Baker as well as 49 other stocks.

NAHCON, Saudi officials meet in Abuja on 2026 Hajj The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified preparations for the 2026 Hajj with the hosting of senior officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Wednesday in Abuja. The meeting, monitored by PREMIUM TIMES, focused on addressing quotas, visa processing, and airlift challenges affecting Nigerian pilgrims.

33 ships carrying petrol, diesel, other commodities, to arrive Lagos ports No fewer than 33 ships laden with petroleum products, commodities and other goods are expected to arrive at Apapa, Tin-Can Island and Lekki Deep Sea Ports in Lagos from 30 to 31 January. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its publication, ‘Shipping Position,’ a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

Nigerian govt targets N900bn in January bonds offer – Yerwa Express News The Federal Government, through the Debt Management Office, DMO, has offered three FGN bonds, valued at N900 billion for subscription at N1,000 per unit. According to a release by the DMO, the first offer is a Feb. 2031 FGN bond (seven-year re-opening), valued at N300 billion, at 18.50 per cent interest rate per annum.

How Nigeria Can Achieve 2026 Growth Projections — LCCI – Daily Trust The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), says Nigeria can meet 2026 growth projections through coordinated reforms, stronger institutions, and deeper private-sector-driven economic expansion. The President, LCCI,  Leye Kupoluyi, said this on Thursday in Lagos at the chamber’s 2026 first quarter news conference.