Regional News

ISWAP kill 29 firewood sellers, fishermen, abduct others in Borno – Yerwa Express News Suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP have killed at least 29 firewood sellers and fishermen in communities under Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State. The insurgents attacked Anadawa and close

This Week in the Sahel: Issue VII Suspensions and closures of international media outlets are increasingly being used to silence critical reporting and restrict access to information across the Sahel. Since 2022, several international media organisations, including Radio France Internationale, France 24 and Voice of America, have suffered suspensions or

Is violence involving Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province rising? | ACLED Exactly five years after a confrontation between Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) led to the death of Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Mohammed Shekau, violence between the two groups continues and

Nigeria: Joint US strikes hit militants as 46 kidnapped in school raids | Africanews Nigeria is facing a renewed surge in violence as security operations intensify in the northeast and kidnappings spread in the southwest, highlighting the country’s widening security crisis. In the northeast, Nigeria and the United States have carried out fresh joint airstrikes against Islamic State-linked militants, according to military officials. The strikes, conducted on Sunday,

Nigeria–U.S. joint strikes kill 175 ISIS fighters, several top commanders — DHQ — Daily Nigerian The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, says ongoing joint counter-terrorism operations between Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, have eliminated 175 ISIS fighters in the North-East. The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Nigeria confirms 17 police officers killed in terrorist attack in country’s northeast – TRT Afrika Nigeria’s police said on Saturday terrorists killed 17 officers last week in a raid at a special training centre in the country’s northeast. Since 2009, the West African country has been battling Boko Haram terrorist group and its splinter faction.

Boko Haram convict Kabiru Sokoto appeals 2013 life sentence for Catholic church bombing near Abuja Twelve years after Kabiru Umar, alias Kabiru Sokoto, was convicted over the 2011 bombing of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla near Abuja, the suspected Boko Haram member has filed an appeal challenging the life imprisonment sentence imposed on him. The appellant argued that circumstances beyond his control prevented him from filing the appeal within the prescribed time.

Nigerian Army acquires drones to boost combat operations The Nigerian Army has acquired additional protracted TP-2 drones and reconfigured its aviation assets for combat operations as part of efforts to enhance operational effectiveness against emerging security threats across the country. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this at the close of the 2026 COAS conference on Wednesday, where senior

Nigeria, US Joint Air Strikes Kill Over 20 ISWAP Terrorists in Borno – DHQ – PRNigeria News The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), has intensified coordinated military operations against Islamic State terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East, with fresh air strikes reportedly killing more than 20 ISWAP fighters in

DHQ, AFRICOM confirm 20 ISWAP terrorists killed in Nigeria-U.S. airstrikes – The Nation Newspaper The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has confirmed additional airstrikes against the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the Northeast. In a statement on its official X handle, the combatant command said U.S. and Nigerian forces carried out further strikes on ISWAP targets on Sunday.

Soldiers, Civilian Killed in Lakurawa Terrorist Ambush in So At least seven soldiers and a civilian were feared killed after suspected Lakurawa terrorists ambushed troops of Operation Fasan Yamma at Runji village in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday evening as the soldiers were returning from a military offensive against a suspected Lakurawa hideout near the border community.

NAF bombards Boko Haram commander’s stronghold in Borno | Premium Times Nigeria The Nigerian Air Force says it has intensified its air offensives against terrorists in the North-east, conducting precision strikes on identified strongholds, including Chikide, around the Mandara mountains, where a Boko Haram commander, Ali Ngulde, exerts influence. NAF identified the other location targeted as Bukar Meram in southern Tumbuns.

NECSOB Urges Urgent Action After Insurgents Abduct 48 School Children in Borno – Abc News Nigeria The Network of Civil Society Organizations – Borno State (NECSOB) has strongly condemned the abduction of 48 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the Mussa Biri community of Askira Uba Local Government Area, describing the attack as a serious violation of children’s rights and a major threat to ongoing stabilization and educational recovery efforts in Borno State.

Senate Condemns Student Abductions in Nigeria The Senate has condemned the abduction of 87 students and teachers across Borno and Oyo states within 24 hours, describing the incidents as an attack on Nigeria’s future. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who issued the condemnation through a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday, said the abductions were particularly

High cost of tests, consultations shut out patients from hospitals – Daily Trust Rising costs of medical services amid worsening economic hardship are pushing many patients away from public hospitals in the North-East. The situation has forced a significant number of patients to abandon hospitals and rely on self-medication, traditional remedies and, in some cases, quack doctors.

Boko Haram raids Borno school, abducts pupils – Daily Trust Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have invaded Primary and Junior Secondary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, abducting unspecified number of students. Sources in the village said the assailants, in large number, forced their way into the school on motorcycle on Friday, shortly after the military left the town.

Six ISWAP bomb makers killed in Borno IED explosion – Vanguard News No fewer than six (6) suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province have been killed following a premature Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated in the Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. Security sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Jubilaram, where the terrorists were reportedly assembling an explosive device.

AFCON 2027 qualifying groups announced | Africanews The draw for the qualifiers of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations was held on Tuesday in Cairo, with teams learning their routes to the tournament that will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda next year. Defending champions Ivory Coast were placed in Group C alongside Ghana, Gambia and Somalia, while hosts Morocco headline Group A with Gabon, Niger and Lesotho. Other notable groups include Group D

Cameroonian MMA heavyweight star scores first round knockout | Africanews Cameroonian heavyweight star, Francis Ngannou, scored a first round knockout at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Saturday night. He exchanged strikes and clinches with Brazilian Philipe Lins before finishing him with a sweeping left hand to the head in the final minute. It was the veteran’s second mixed martial arts bout in four years and he immediately teased the possibility of new matches – with two names coming up. After the fight, the former Ultimate

Why African fashion is gaining global attention | Africanews African fashion is going through a quiet but powerful shift. It’s no longer only about traditional outfits for ceremonies or cultural events. It is now becoming part of global luxury culture, red carpet identity, and international storytelling. What makes this moment interesting is not just the clothes themselves, but the system growing around them, designers, celebrities, media platforms, and digital culture all pushing African fashion into global visibility. Across the continent,

School Abductions in Oyo and Borno Spark New Terror Wave in Nigeria – HumAngle Before sunrise, Kellu Habila had risen from her mat in Mussa, northeastern Nigeria, and stepped into the kitchen, moving carefully in the dim light while the rest of the house slept. Outside, the dry-season dust had disappeared, replaced by the heavy stillness that precedes the rains in southern Borno. She prepared breakfast, then woke her four children one after the other: three boys and the youngest, a girl named Rifkatu.

As Africa rapidly goes digital, it becomes a prime target for hackers – RFI A reported cyberattack on Senegal’s treasury highlights the vulnerability of African institutions to cybercrime. As parts of the continent go digital at breakneck speed, countries are struggling to build up their defences against hackers and fraudsters at the same pace.

Man arrested for raping teenage relative in Bauchi A 29-year-old man, Sadiq Abubakar Yusuf, has been arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command for allegedly raping his 14-year-old grandniece in Guru Village, Bauchi State. The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Four Nigerians held for social media fraud in India No fewer than four Nigerians have been arrested in India over alleged fraud and impersonation offences. PUNCH Metro gathered from separate reports by the Times of India on Monday that three suspects identified as Chinedu, Sunday and Jules were arrested by the Gurugram police over alleged social media fraud involving the impersonation of women to deceive victims.

Kebbi Hisbah arrests four over alleged immoral acts in hotel raid – Daily Post Nigeria The Kebbi State Hisbah Board has arrested four young persons — three men and one woman — over alleged involvement in immoral acts at Summit Guest Inn Hotel located in the Old Garage area of Birnin Kebbi. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Legal Affairs of the Kebbi State Hisbah Board, Surajo Usman Kamba.

Nigerian twins bring ‘Clarissa’ to Cannes with portrait of privilege and division | Africanews At the Cannes Film Festival, Nigerian twin filmmakers Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri are drawing acclaim for Clarissa, a postcolonial adaptation of Mrs Dalloway. Set in Lagos, the film explores the lives and private struggles of Nigeria’s wealthy elite against a backdrop of deep inequality and national tension. “In any underdeveloped nation, the middle disappears,” says Chuko Esiri. “So it’s basically two classes.” The film also examines the country’s enduring divisions.

Troops Neutralise Bandits in Taraba, Arrest Robbery Suspects in Plateau Market – PRNigeria News Troops of the Nigerian Army and other security formations have recorded fresh operational successes in Taraba and Plateau states, neutralising suspected bandits, recovering arms and arresting robbery suspects in separate operations. In Taraba State, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised two suspected bandits during a clearance operation in Ibi Local Government Area.

Peace and Security

After killing top commander, US sustains attacks on Islamic State in Nigeria | Reuters LAGOS, May 18 (Reuters) – The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Nigerian military said on ‌Monday they had carried out additional airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northeastern Nigeria on Sunday, as joint operations against militant groups intensify.

Abu Bilal Al-Minuki: The Terrorist Who Died Twice – HumAngle By the time the announcement that Abu Bilal Al-Minuki was killed reached the outside world, the strike itself was already hours old. In the early hours of Saturday, May 16, somewhere in Metele, in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, a compound had been hit.

How Nigeria Escaped Trump’s Crosshairs – HumAngle There are moments when nations move dangerously close to collapse before the public fully realises it. It begins with carefully framed messages that conceal or even deny a storm, then the country is described as dangerous, lawless, and extremist-tolerant. By the time formal consequences arrive, the political judgment has often already been made. By late

More Than 1,100 Abducted in Four Months While Tinubu’s Campaign Machinery Moves Quietly Toward a Second Term – West Africa Weekly As heavily armed bandits behead a teacher in Oyo State, kill a former lawmaker after nine days in captivity, and abduct at least 1,100 people across northern Nigeria in just four months, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political machinery is quietly accelerating toward a second term in 2027. To grieving families and a terrified populace, the contrast has become

EXCLUSIVE: Chadian, Nigerien military operations forcing ISWAP fighters to Sambisa routes – Yerwa Express News Military offensives by the Chadian and Nigerien armed forces against suspected members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) around the Lake Chad region have forced large numbers of fighters and their families to flee toward Nigerian territory, local sources have said.

Togo opens borders to African travelers visa-free | Africanews Togo has announced a major shift in its travel policy, granting visa-free entry to all African nationals in a move aimed at boosting regional integration and cross-border movement across the continent. The decision took effect immediately on May 18 and applies to citizens of all African countries holding valid national passports. Authorities say travelers will now be allowed to stay in Togo for up to 30 days without a visa.

US-Africa migrant deals ramp up as government transparency fails | ISS Africa More secretive deals to accept deported third-country migrants from the US degrade democracy and don’t serve African countries. Throughout 2026 there have been reports, almost exclusively initiated by journalists and non-

Army Nabs 25-Yeal Old Gunrunner Supplying Weapons  to Bello Turji, Ado Aliero – PRNigeria News Troops of the 17 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YANMA have arrested a suspected gunrunner allegedly linked to the supply of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups operating across the North-West. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Saidu Rabiu, a native of Wagini in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, was apprehended on May 15, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation.

Junta ally says Malians still ‘love their army’ despite rebel gains – RFI Mali’s military-led authorities say they are determined to fight armed groups despite reeling from a series of coordinated attacks by jihadists and separatists in the north of the country at the end of April. A member of the National Transitional Council, and leader of an armed political movement allied with Malian forces, tells RFI the army and junta have the full backing of the people.

U.S to rollout 1,500 mobile base stations in Nigeria, 3 other countries | AIT LIVE The United States, U.S Trade and Development Agency is funding a feasibility study to deploy 1,500 U.S-made mobile base stations across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana in a bid to connect off-grid communities and offer an alternative to Chinese wireless infrastructure. In a statement by the U.S mission in Nigeria, the grant will support Massachusetts-based Vanu Inc. as it

DHQ dismisses claims of terrorist base in South-west, intensifies search for abducted Oyo pupils The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorist groups have established a permanent operational base in Nigeria’s south-west region, describing the recent attack and abduction of pupils and staff in Oyo State as an isolated criminal act rather than evidence of an entrenched insurgency. Defence spokesperson Michael Onoja, in a statement on Wednesday, said the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi

Mali conflict enters dangerous new phase with banned cluster bombs – RFI The weapons were dropped at least twice last week during anti-terror operations in northern Mali, according to local sources, security specialists and a rights group which documented the attacks. The first strike happened last Friday at Oubder, near In-Gouzma, in the Timbuktu region. The second happened on Sunday at Tadjmart, near Aguelhoc, in the Kidal region.

Nigeria Seeks Enhanced Intelligence Sharing, Joint Operations Against Insurgency in Africa – PRNigeria News Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening African-led security cooperation and collective responses to terrorism, insurgency and other emerging threats across the continent at the 2026 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium in Tunis, Tunisia. The symposium, organised by the Association of African Air Forces, brought together Air Chiefs, senior military officers and

Borno Insecurity: Blocking Citizens’ Protests is Needless FOR more than 15 years, the people of Borno State have borne, perhaps more than any other Nigerians, the crushing burden of Salafist terrorism. They have buried loved ones, fled burning communities, watched their farms destroyed, and endured repeated abductions, bombings and killings. This tragedy must stop.

VP Shettima, others commend Gen. IM Yusuf over book on counterterrorism operations in North-East – Yerwa Express News Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has commended Maj. Gen. IM Yusuf for authoring and launching a two-volume book titled Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in North-East Nigeria. The book launch

Nigeria, Italy Partner on $5bn Global Education Financing Nigeria and Italy have agreed to establish a working group to implement a Global Partnership for Education financing campaign aimed at mobilising $5bn for education globally. The initiative, tagged the “Multiply Possibility Campaign,” is expected to support learning for about 750 million children ahead of the Global Education Summit scheduled to hold in Rome in September 2026.

Humanitarian

EU unveils €4.5m conflict prevention project in Sokoto – Daily Trust No fewer than 537,014 people in Sokoto State are expected to benefit from a €4.5 million conflict prevention and resilience project aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and tackling the root causes of insecurity in vulnerable communities. The initiative, titled Resilience, Engagement and Conflict Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection (RECAP), was officially launched on Wednesday in Sokoto.

Jaiz Foundation distributes N45.88m Zakat to 132 Nigerians – Daily Trust Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation said it disbursed over N45.88 million to 132 beneficiaries across 24 locations during its 10th annual Zakat distribution ceremony held at the Abuja National Mosque. The chief executive officer of the foundation, Mukhtar Sani Abdulkadir, said the interventions were carried out amid worsening economic hardship, rising food prices and increasing pressure on vulnerable households.

Nigeria Reqires 400,000 Doctors To Meet International Standard – WHO | AIT LIVE The World Health Organisation (WHO) says Nigeria currently has an estimated 66,000 licensed Doctors Serving a Population of 230 Million, and requiring, 400,000 to meet International Standards. While the increasing digitalization of the Nation ‘s health care system seems to be a Positive step in covering up for this gap in manpower shortage occasioned by brain drain, some experts worry

EXCLUSIVE: Parents seek return of abducted Borno children as questions trail Zulum’s support package Parents of schoolchildren abducted from a Borno school are unhappy over their representatives being summoned to a meeting with Governor Babagana Zulum in a neighbouring community. Questions also emerged over a reported support package linked to the meeting, with differing accounts from community leaders and representatives regarding the amount, purpose and handling.

Malian refugees in Mauritania bear deep physical and psychological scars | Africanews At a healthcare centre in eastern Mauritania, humanitarian teams are treating a steady flow of Malian refugees suffering from both physical injuries and severe psychological trauma. In the town of Doueinkara, Doctors Without Borders is caring for people who have fled neighboring Mali, where years of violence have forced hundreds of thousands from their homes. “We are also seeing sexual violence affecting both women and men,” says MSF coordinator Mayoury

Mobilization and economic development

Dangote raises planned investment in Ethiopia fertiliser project to over $4 billion | Reuters NAIROBI, May 18 (Reuters) – Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s group of companies has increased planned ​investment in a fertiliser plant ‌in Ethiopia to more than $4 billion from $2.5 billion announced last year. Dangote Group said on ​its X account on Sunday ​that Aliko Dangote had visited the ⁠site of the plant to assess ​construction work with Ethiopian Prime Minister ​Abiy Ahmed.

AES Pushes Resource Control as Niger Secures $1 Billion Oil Pact With China – West Africa Weekly Niger’s military led government has signed a sweeping series of oil agreements with Chinese energy firms, marking a major strategic pivot for the Alliance of Sahel States as it pushes for greater control over the region’s natural resources. The deals, which include the relaunch of two major oil projects valued at $1 billion, were announced on Monday in Niamey. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nigerien Prime