Regional News

Islamist militants kill 14 Nigerian soldiers in Borno state, sources say | Reuters MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, March 5 – Islamist militants killed at least 14 Nigerian soldiers and injured several others during ​two separate attacks on army bases in northeastern Borno state ‌on Tuesday night, security sources said, as insurgents intensify attacks on the military. Suspected Islamic State West

Terrorists Abduct Over 100 Women, Children In Borno – Daily Trust Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists abducted more than 100 women and children in an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Daily Trust gathered. They also killed some soldiers, the chief imam of the town and some community elders during the assault which occurred shortly after Muslims broke their fast on Wednesday.

DDR Framework in Nigeria Focuses on Victims, Communities – Africa Defense Forum Nigeria is getting closer to adopting a new disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) program that aims to rehabilitate former combatants and reconnect them with society. The new program’s framework was developed with a focus on victims, communities and survivors of terrorism. During a late November workshop in Abuja, Maj.

Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 82 cases, 20 deaths in one week– NCDC The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed an increase in Lassa fever infections, with 82 new confirmed cases and 20 deaths reported in one week. In its latest situation report released on Tuesday, the agency said the number of confirmed cases increased from 72 in week 6 to 82 in week 7 . The new infections were reported in Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Kebbi,

FG Suspends Christian Pilgrimage Over Middle-East Crisis – Daily Trust The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), on Tuesday announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel due to the security situation in the Middle East. Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, made this known in a statement signed by Mr Celestine Toruka, the Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations in the commission, on Tuesday in Abuja.

ECOWAS to establish anti-terrorism force with an initial contingent of 2,000 troops – TRT Afrika West African states decided over the weekend to create a new 2,000-strong force to combat terrorism in the region, diplomatic and military sources told AFP on Tuesday. The idea of an anti-terrorism force has been discussed for years by the 12 countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

More than 1,700 Africans fighting for Russia, Ukraine says | Reuters KYIV, Feb 25 (Reuters) – More than 1,700 Africans are fighting for Russia in its war in Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Wednesday, adding that Moscow was using deception to trick them into fighting. Speaking alongside his counterpart from Ghana, Sybiha said that discussions were taking place with governments across Africa to prevent their citizens from

UPDATED: One vigilante killed, seven injured in Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Yobe – Yerwa Express News One community vigilante has been confirmed killed following yesterday’s attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in Yobe State. Seven other people were left injured after the incident, YERWA EXPRESS NEWS has learnt this morning. The incident

US/Israel War: US embassy in Nigeria cancels visa appointments over concerns of protest The US Embassy in Nigeria has cancelled all visa appointments scheduled for Wednesday over concerns of a high potential for protest linked to the US-Israel war on Iran. The mission announced this in a statement issued on Wednesday. “Due to the potential for protests in Abuja, the US Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments on Wednesday,” it said. The mission also advised US citizens in the country to remain in their residences throughout

African nationals among 58 people injured by Iranian strikes on UAE | Africanews African nationals were among those injured in an Iranian missile strike on the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement published on social media. Three people from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh were killed in the weekend attack, the ministry said, and 58 others sustained minor injuries. They include people from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda, Egypt, and a number of Asian countries. Iran has launched dozens of ballistic missiles towards the

UK to block study visas for Cameroon, Sudan nationals – TRT Afrika The British government announces it would stop issuing education visas to nationals from Cameroon and Sudan, as well as Afghanistan and Myanmar, as part of its broader clampdown on asylum seekers. The Home Office said on Tuesday there had been a surge in asylum applications by students from those countries, and almost 135,000

Terrorist strike in Geidam – Yerwa Express News Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly attacked Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, setting parts of the market on fire. According to a source who spoke to our correspondent while hiding near the scene, flames were seen engulfing sections of the market. ‘As I am talking to you now, the market is on fire,

NAF Airstrikes Kill Terrorist Commanders, Dismantle Strongholds In Sambisa Forest – Arise News The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the elimination of high-value terrorist commanders and fighters following a precision airstrike in the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State. The operation, conducted on February 28, 2026, by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai under the Joint Task Force (North-East), targeted insurgent enclaves in the Yuwe general area.

Airport Cashless Policy: Keyamo urges Nigerians to exercise patience The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday said that he and his team will conduct a review of the first week of the airport cashless policy to assess its performance, address teething challenges, and ensure optimal revenue collection. The review, he said in a post on his official X page, is aimed at refining the system and eliminating corruption at airport payment points.

Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage launches foundation for young artists – TRT Afrika Nigerian Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage has conquered global stages, mentored the next generation on reality TV, and now is about to become the fairy godmother of African music. The 46-year-old Nigerian artist has just launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation and is partnering with the United States’

Conservative Anglicans to pick rival leader, widening Church rifts | Reuters LAGOS, March 3 (Reuters) – A grouping of conservative Anglican churches will meet in Nigeria this week to elect a ​leader to rival the Archbishop of Canterbury, an unprecedented ‌step that is likely to deepen a widening theological split within the Anglican Communion. The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON)

Nigeria’s grid capacity shrinks with gas supply at 43% | Reuters LAGOS, Feb 27 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s gas-fired power plants are receiving less than half of the fuel they need, worsening electricity supply across Africa’s most populous country, the grid manager said on Friday. The shortage is tied to mounting sector debt from government subsidies, which operators say has risen to 6 trillion naira

Pope Leo to tour four African countries in first major overseas trip of 2026 | Reuters VATICAN CITY, Feb 25 (Reuters) – Pope Leo will visit four countries across Africa from April 13-23, the Vatican announced on Wednesday, with the pontiff making his first major overseas trip in 2026 to the continent where the Catholic Church is growing fastest. The pope will also make a one-day visit on March 28 to Monaco, the microstate on the French Riviera, and will visit

FG Monitoring Middle East Situation, No Nigerian Will Be Endangered, Says NiDCOM • Channels Television The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says the Federal Government is working to ensure the safety of Nigerians in the Middle East amid the crisis in the region. NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday.

Major, 3 Soldiers, Hunter Killed In Borno – Daily Trust Boko Haram terrorists have killed a Forward Operations Base (FOB) commander, a Major, three soldiers and a hunter during a deadly attack on a military position in Mayanti, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. Security sources confirmed to Daily Trust that the personnel were killed during a coordinated night assault on the forward base on Sunday.

Iran: Protest In Lagos, Sokoto, Gombe, Others – Daily Trust Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites, on Monday, continued their protest against the United States and Israel attacks on Iran and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, was killed in the opening salvo of a massive US and Israeli attack, sparking a new wave of retaliatory missile strikes from Tehran on Sunday.

Iran: IGP Orders Heightened Surveillance In North – Daily Trust The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Sunday, ordered all the 37 Commissioners of Police in the States and the Federal Capital Territory to heighten surveillance across the country. He charged the commissioners to pay particular attention to the North Central, North East and the North West of the country amid developments in Middle East occasioned by the global war between the United States/Israel and Iran.

Gov Yahaya: 48 Children Stolen From Gombe – Daily Trust Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has alleged that 48 children from the state are missing, raising concerns over child safety and security. The governor disclosed this on Friday during the inauguration of the Ramadan palliative distribution exercise held in Gombe. According to him, records available to the state government indicate that dozens of young children, aged between two and five years, have allegedly been taken from the state.

Gajiram Attack: Two children die by stray bullet, mother wounded – Yerwa Express News Two children have lost their lives and their mother sustained injuries after suspected Boko Haram fighters launched an attack on a military formation in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State. Residents said the attackers stormed Gajiram late Saturday night and headed straight for the military base

Nigeria Police Boosts Security Amid Middle East Tensions The Nigeria Police Force has reassured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to maintaining security and public order in light of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While Nigeria remains stable, the Force said it has intensified intelligence-led policing across the country to prevent any attempt to exploit global developments for unrest.

Nigeria’s Space Council meets, discusses funding, ambition President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the realisation of Nigeria’s space policy and programme as enshrined in the revised 25-year roadmap for space development. To this end, the president directed the immediate release of approved funds for maintenance of the country’s space assets in line with the National Space Policy and Programme.

4 Die In Katsina Ramadan Alms Stampede – Daily Trust No fewer than four persons were killed in a stampede during the distribution of annual Ramadan alms at Kofar-Guga quarters, Katsina, the state’s Police Command has confirmed. A statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Aliyu Abubakar, described the incident as regrettable.

6 Worshipers Abducted During Taraweeh In Kaduna – Daily Trust Bandits have abducted six Muslim residents while they were observing Taraweeh prayers inside a mosque in the Azara community of Kachia LGA, Kaduna State. A resident of Azara, Tanimu Ibrahim, stated that the incident occurred on Thursday. He said the bandits invaded the community and shot sporadically into the air before whisking away six adults—four men and two women.

BREAKING: Panic in Konduga after residents report heavy gunfire – Yerwa Express News There are reports of a security incident in Konduga Local Government Area, with residents saying they heard gunshots from several directions across parts of the area on Thursday. Residents who spoke to our correspondents via telephone confirmed that gunshots were heard in multiple locations within the local government area, sparking fear among communities.

National ID Errors Lock Nigerians Out of Essential Services When Catherine Bello received a text message from the World Food Programme (WFP) in August 2025, she was excited. She had been anticipating it ever since she applied for the Anticipatory Action Response (AAR), a WFP programme that provides “multipurpose cash assistance” to reduce the humanitarian impact of flooding in vulnerable communities.

Peace and Security

NIGERIA DAILY: What The U.S. Military Presence In Nigeria Really Means For Security – Daily Trust The presence of U.S. military personnel in Nigeria has sparked debate, especially after signals of renewed counter-terrorism efforts under the U.S. President Donald Trump. Many Nigerians expected direct military support against insecurity, but attacks continue and communities remain unsafe.

US lifts sanctions on top Malian officials as ties improve  | Reuters DAKAR, Feb 27 (Reuters) – The U.S. has lifted sanctions targeting three senior Malian officials for their relationship with Russia’s mercenary group Wagner, according to a notification from the Treasury Department, as bilateral relations improve. The Trump administration has brushed aside concerns about dealing with military-led governments in Africa’s Sahel region, aiming instead

US-Iran conflict will have ‘serious implications’ for Africa, African Union warns | Africanews The intensifying military action in the Middle East will have serious consequences for Africa, the West African economic community ECOWAS has said in a statement. ECOWAS joins the African Union in expressing deep concern over the conflict, which began when Israel and the United States launched strikes against Iran early on Saturday. The ensuing instability will impact global energy markets, trade and food supply chains, especially for Africa and other

US Issues Security Alert To Citizens In Nigeria After Iran Attack – Daily Trust The United States government has issued a global security alert to its citizens in Nigeria and across the world amid escalating hostilities between Washington and Tehran. The alert, released by the U.S. Department of State on Sunday, urged Americans to exercise heightened caution following recent U.S. military operations against Iran.

Humanitarian

UNICEF raises alarm over recruitment of 1,120 children by armed groups in N’East About two armed groups operating in Northern Nigeria recruited more than 1,120 children as foot soldiers and sex slaves in the North-East in 2024, the United Nations Children’s Fund has said. UNICEF Child Protection Manager, Tarek Akkad, disclosed this on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State, to mark the 2026 Red Alert Day, the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers.

Banditry: Over 300,000 Displaced In Niger – Bago – Daily Trust Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has disclosed that more than 300,000 persons have been displaced across 10 local government areas (LGAs) of the state due to persistent insecurity. Niger remains one of the frontline states severely affected by banditry, with armed groups frequently attacking vulnerable communities, killing and abducting residents, including schoolchildren.

Buni Approves Scholarship For 148 Yobe Law Graduates – Daily Trust Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has approved scholarships for 148 indigenes admitted into the 2026 academic session of the Nigerian Law School. The approval was announced on Friday during a joint meeting of the Yobe State Scholarships Board convened for the disbursement of funds.

Nigerian govt targets 10 million out-of-school children through HOPE-EDU reform The Nigerian government has unveiled a new reform initiative, HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU), aimed at addressing the country’s deep-rooted education challenges, including the crisis of out-of-school children and overcrowded classrooms. The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, said the initiative would mark a turning point for the country’s basic education sector.

Ngoshe Attack: The Fragile Promise of “Safe Resettlement”  – HumAngle Two children he found while fleeing the Ngoshe attack clung to his hands, struggling to keep up as they stumbled across the uneven ground. Behind them, armed terrorists pursued, closing in.  From the distance, smoke rises, and shouts echo. The children stumbled again. Solomon Ali Talake pulled them and kept running. He could not run at full speed, and yet the terrorists would kill him if they caught up. So, he made a quick decision.

Mobilization and economic development

Nigeria’s net FX reserves surge to $34.8 bln in 2025, central bank says | Reuters ABUJA, March 3 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s net foreign-exchange reserves jumped to $34.8  billion by the end ​of 2025, up sharply from $3.99  billion two years ‌earlier, central bank governor Olayemi Cardoso said, citing stronger external fundamentals and policy reforms that helped rebuild confidence ​in the currency market.

Exclusive: Nigeria splits OPL 245 oilfield into four blocks under deal with Eni, Shell, source says | Reuters LAGOS, March 2 (Reuters) – Nigeria has broken up the OPL 245 oil block into four new assets to be operated by Eni (ENI.MI), opens new tab and Shell (SHEL.L), opens new tab, a source told Reuters, potentially settling the future of the field at the centre of one of the oil industry’s biggest historic corruption trials. The agreement clears the way for the

Nigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery | Reuters ABUJA, March 2 (Reuters) – Nigeria has signed a $1.3 billion investment deal with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to build an alumina refinery and fund nationwide mineral exploration, the government said late on Sunday, in one of the country’s biggest private-sector mining deals. The pact, signed

Nigeria’s economic growth marginally faster in fourth quarter | Reuters ABUJA, Feb 27 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s economic growth (NGGDPQ=ECI), opens new tab picked up slightly in the fourth quarter of last year, reaching 4.07% year-on-year, following an improvement in both oil and non-oil sectors, data showed on Friday. The growth rate was faster than the third quarter’s 3.98% reading but short of ambitious targets set by President Bola Tinubu for

World Bank Warns of Looming Jobs Crisis in Developing Nation The World Bank Group has warned that developing economies are heading towards a significant employment crisis as millions of young people prepare to enter the workforce without enough jobs to absorb them, raising concerns about economic stability, migration pressures and global security risks. In a blog post published on its official platform, the Washington-based institution said demographic shifts unfolding across developing countries represent one of the most

Nigeria’s VAT revenue rises to ₦2.28 trillion in Q3 2025 — NBS Nigeria recorded ₦2.28 trillion in Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting a 10.66 per cent increase from the ₦2.06 trillion collected in the preceding quarter. The latest figures released on Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), show a quarter-on-quarter rise in tax collections during the period under review.

Dangote Refinery increases gantry price of petrol amid Middle East war The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its petrol gantry price by N100, raising the ex-depot rate from N774 to N874 per litre amid renewed volatility in global crude oil markets. An official of the refinery confirmed the adjustment to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday morning. “It is true,” the official told PREMIUM TIMES, although the company is yet to release an official statement to that effect. Filling stations in Abuja have already adjusted their prices in Abuja. On Tuesday

ACCI Seeks Financing For Nigeria’s 23m Female Entrepreneurs – Daily Trust The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has stated that Nigeria houses about N23 million female entrepreneurs who require adequate access to finance to drive economic activities across different sectors of the country. President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu made the disclosure at the 2026 international women’s day celebration organised by the Chamber with the theme “Give to Gain.”