Regional News

UN calls for immediate release of former Niger leader Mohamed Bazoum – african News

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention called for the immediate release of Mohamed Bazoum and his wife, Hadiza, on Monday, February 10. Bazoum was overthrown in a coup in July 2023. Since then, he and his wife have been cut off from all outside contact. They have been detained for a year and a half in a wing of the presidential residence in Niamey. Only his doctor is allowed to visit him.

Trial-Begins-For-84-Congolese-Soldiers-Accused-Of-Murder-Rape-And-Other-Crimes/African News

The trial of 84 Congolese soldiers accused of murder, rape and other crimes against civilians in the country’s conflict-battered east opened Monday. The soldiers are accused of having broken into civilian homes in several villages of the Kabare and Kalehe territories in the eastern province of South Kivu over the weekend, raping several women and killing at least 12 people.

Dangote-Oil-Refinery-To-Reach-Full-Capacity-In-30-Days/ African news

Nigeria’s Dangote Oil Refinery, the largest in Africa, is set to begin full operations in the next 30 days. Located in Lagos, this 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery was built by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and aims to transform the country’s energy landscape.

Since starting operations in January last year, the refinery has produced diesel, naphtha, and jet fuel, with petrol production beginning in September. This move is part of Nigeria’s strategy to reduce reliance on imported refined products and strengthen its domestic fuel supply.

Goma-Residents-Express-Fears-Over-Increased-Tensions-And-Escalations/African news

The situation in Bukavu is increasingly tense as the presence of military forces escalates, with growing concerns about the security of the city and its surrounding areas. Local interviews paint a picture of mounting fear and uncertainty among the population.

Cameroon-Sugarcane-Strike-Turns-Violent-Over-Wages/ africanews.

Over 150 hectares of sugarcane fields have been destroyed in Cameroon due to violent clashes between workers at the Société Sucrière du Cameroun (SOSUCAM) and police. The unrest, which erupted earlier this week, stems from protests over harsh working conditions, low wages, and demands for better labour practices.

Huge data price hike sparks anger in Nigeria-bbc news

Nigerians are expressing outrage over a big jump in the price of mobile data charged by some of the country’s major phone networks. MTN – Nigeria’s largest operator – trebled the cost of one of its most popular weekly offers. Airtel has also increased its tariffs. A price jump was expected as the telecoms regulatory body had approved an increase, but in an announcement three weeks ago it said it had capped it at 50%. The phone companies wanted to boost their revenue in order to cover rising costs.

Sudan fighters accused of storming famine-hit camp-BBC news

A paramilitary force in Sudan has stormed the country’s largest displacement camp, looting and setting fire to the market and several homes, a local refugee group has said.

The Zamzam camp in North Darfur has been the target of intense artillery shelling since late last year, but this is the first time the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been accused of sending in fighters. An eyewitness told the BBC the situation at the camp was “extremely catastrophic”. There were many casualties, but the camp’s hospital no longer had a functioning surgery, he said.

Sudan army makes huge gains as it seeks to recapture war-torn capital-BBC News

Residents of Sudan’s capital Khartoum say the army has recaptured large parts of the city from RSF paramilitaries, marking its biggest victory in a year. “Shrapnel and stray ammunition are falling on my neighbourhood,” a doctor we are calling Mustafa tells the BBC. “The clashes these days are heavy”. Key sites recaptured by the army this week include the mint – where money is printed.

US aid pause hits DR Congo humanitarian work – UN-BBC News

A pause in US foreign aid has “severely impacted” humanitarian efforts in conflict-hit Democratic Republic of Congo, a senior UN official in the country has said.

Bruno Lemarquis told reporters that DR Congo was the largest recipient of US humanitarian assistance last year – 70% of the African country’s aid had come from Washington.

US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause all international aid was, therefore, a “major source of concern”, Mr Lemarquis said.

The suspension comes as intense clashes between the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group and DR Congo’s army worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis. Approximately 700,000 people are said to have been forced from their homes since the fighting escalated last month.

Mobilization and economic development

NLC demands immediate reversal of telecom tariff hike-YERWA EXPRESS

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called for the immediate reversal of the 50 per cent telecommunications tariff hike.

MJoe Ajaero, President of the NLC, made this demand in a communiqué jointly signed with Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the NLC, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The communiqué was issued at the conclusion of the Central Working Committee, CWC, meeting of the NLC, held in Lokoja, Kogi State.

It is important to recall that the NLC’s National Administrative Council, NAC, had declared a one-day mass rally at all Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, offices across the country in response to the proposed 50 per cent tariff hike.

Senate passes N54.9trn 2025 Appropriation Bill

The National Assembly on Thursday passed the N54.9 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill.

This followed the adoption of the report of the Committee on Appropriations on the bill.

The report was presented by Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun).

NAN reports that highlights of the passed 2025 appropriation bill indicates an aggregate expenditure of N54.9 trillion, statutory transfers of N3.6 trillion, with recurrent expenditure put at N13.6 trillion.

While the sum of N23.9 trillion was earmarked for capital expenditure, debt servicing was put at N14.3 trillion, fiscal deficit N13.8 trillion, while 1.52 per cent was approved as deficit and GDP.

TEF and UAE partners join forces to empower 1,000 young Afri…

Tony Elumelu Foundation, TEF has announced a partnership with the UAE Office of Development Affairs and the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation to empower an additional 1,000 young African entrepreneurs.

The $6 million agreement was signed on Wednesday at the World Governments Summit, will provide these aspiring business leaders with crucial resources, including business training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and non-refundable seed capital of $5,000 each.

It was formalized by the CEO and founder of TEF, Tony Elumelu and Mohamed Haji Al Khoori, Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, an affiliate of Erth Zayed.

Oil clean-up ‘scam’ warnings ignored by Shell, whistleblower tells BBC

A BBC investigation has uncovered allegations that energy giant Shell has ignored repeated warnings that a controversial clean-up operation of oil-polluted areas of southern Nigeria has been beset by problems and corruption.

The multinational headquartered in London, along with the Nigerian government, has repeatedly stated that work to clean up oil-contaminated sites of Ogoniland, which kicked off around eight years ago, is going well.

But the BBC has discovered evidence that they were warned repeatedly over several years that the scheme, set up by the government and funded by various oil firms to the tune of $1bn (£805m), has been suffering from a string of issues.

Customs, ONSA destroy 60 containers of substandard, illegally imported drugs-PR NIGERIA

The Nigerian Customs Service, Area 2 Command in Onne, Rivers State in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser has destroyed about 60 containers of substandard and illegally imported pharmaceutical products worth billions of naira.

The destruction took place at the Rivers State Waste Management dump site along the Port Harcourt Airport Road on Wednesday.

Speaking at the site of the operation, Assistant Controller General of Customs from the Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation Department of the NCS, Timi Bomodi, said it was a joint operation carried out by a multi-agency committee set up by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Northwest-Nigerian-Miners-Block-Highway-To-Protest-Extortion-Intimidation/humangle

Scores of gold miners staged a protest along the Jabaka federal highway over what they described as “incessant intimidation by government security forces” in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara, North West Nigeria.

The protest was staged for about six hours on Thursday, Feb. 6, by local groups and associations of gold miners from Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina states. The miners accused the Nigerian security operatives of attacking them occasionally just as terrorists would do.

Shafiu Garba, a local miner from the Yarkatsina village in Maru, told HumAngle that they do not go to the farm because terrorists denied them access. They resorted to local mining after obtaining liecense from authorities.

“This is how we survive the torments brought by the incessant challenges of the present high cost of living and the uncontrollable inflation in the land,” Shafiu complained. “These security officers in police and MOPOL uniforms always come to our mining site, arresting our labourers and imposing on us illegal levies; they pocket the money they charge us to pay.”

Peace and Security

Jubilation as Borno’s Displaced Community Gets New Shehu Years After Insurgency 

Dikwa, a border community in Borno State, North East Nigeria, erupted in celebration on Saturday, Feb. 8, as it officially installed its 13th Shehu, Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim. The event marked a milestone in the town’s recovery, years after its residents were forced into displacement by Boko Haram insurgents.

The new monarch’s coronation came at a crucial moment, coinciding with the large-scale return of displaced persons to the town. Dikwa had been overrun by Boko Haram militants seven years ago, forcing its people to flee and leading to the occupation of the Shehu’s grand palace—the second most prestigious traditional seat in Borno—which the insurgents repurposed as their headquarters.

13th Shehu of Dikwa receives Staff of Office – Yerwa Express News

Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the Governor of Borno has assured the people of the state that normalcy will return to the state before the end of his tenure (by the Grace of God).

Gov. Zulum disclosed this at the inauguration of Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar Elkanemi as the 13th Shehu of Dikwa Emirate.

What Gov. Zulum told Shehu of Bama as he present staff of office

Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno has presented staff of office to Dr. Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi, 2nd Shehu of Bama.

The excercise took place today at the township stadium in Bama Local Government Area.

The emergence of the 2nd Shehu of Bama followed the demise of his father, Alhaji (Dr.) Shehu Kyari Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi in 2020 after 30 years of reign.

During the ceremony, Gov. Zulum charged the monarch to unify the people of his emirate and carry all the ruling houses along.

Boko-Haram-Attacks-Leave-Trail-Of-Destruction-In-Northern-Cameroon/humagle news

In the past week, communities in Kolofata in northern Cameroon, suffered from a fresh wave of violence and kidnappings as suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched multiple attacks on villages in the region.

The Kolofata district, which shares a border with Nigeria, has been a long standing target of the insurgents, who have exploited the porous borders to launch attacks on civilians.

Over the past three days, insurgents have abducted two children and an elderly man, looted homes, and set an entire village on fire, leaving at least three people dead, locals told HumAngle.

The attack occurred in Kerawa, a town in the Kolofata district, on Thursday. “The children went to herd sheep behind the trench near Camp BIR when armed men on motorcycles appeared and took them away. Their names are Hassan Boukar, aged between 10 and 12 years, and Baba Boukar, aged 10,” a local source told HumAngle in a telephone interview.

Over 100 UniAbuja Staff Petition President Tinubu Over Removal of VC, Dissolution of Governing…

Over 100 UniAbuja Staff Petition President Tinubu Over Removal of VC, Dissolution of Governing Council

A group of staff members from the University of Abuja has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to reverse the sudden removal of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor and the dissolution of the university’s 10th Governing Council. The petition, dated February 10, 2025, was addressed to the President through the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu.

FG Recruits 50 Doctors, 100 Nurses for Prison Inmates

FG Recruits 50 Doctors, 100 Nurses for Prison Inmates

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has approved the employment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to cater to the medical needs of inmates in correctional centres across the country.

The Minister has also gotten a presidential approval for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to post medical doctors to correctional centres for the service year, in realization of the need to protect the rights of the weakest in society.

The Minister also announced the approval of the extension of service beyond retirement age for existing medical personnel under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to cover for shortfalls in the short term.

Troops Crush Terrorist Hideouts, 75 Killed, 65 Surrendered-PR NIGERIA

During the week under review, land component of the Armed Forces conducted joint operation with the ONSA team, security agencies and hybrid forces. These operations include; fighting and confidence building patrols, raids, ambushes and clearance as well as search and rescue operations.

In the cause of the operations, they neutralized several terrorists, apprehended their collaborators, rescued kidnapped victims and received surrendered terrorists. Gunrunners, oil theft collaborators and other violent extremists were also apprehended. The air component also, conducted several close air supports, armed reconnaissance patrols as well as air interdiction.

NAF Disciplines Personnel Over Clash With Police in Warri PR NIGERIA

He said the injured police officers have received medical attention, while the NAF personnel involved are undergoing disciplinary procedures in accordance with military regulations.

The NAF has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct and fostering harmonious relationships with sister agencies.

Measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents and ensure national security and public safety, NAF spokeperson said

The NAF appreciates the public’s continued support and understanding in this matter.

Troops Advised to Secure Families’ Health Insurance Before Deployment– PR NIGERIA

Troops Advised to Secure Families’ Health Insurance Before Deployment

The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Oluyinka Soyele, has urged troops preparing for operations to ensure their families are well-informed about available health insurance schemes before deployment.

General Soyele made this call during a courtesy visit by the State Manager of Defence Health Management Limited (DHML), Colonel Abdullahi Gambo (retired), on February 12, 2025, in Gusau, Zamfara State. He emphasized that the well-being of both troops and their families is critical to maintaining focus during military operations.

“The health of our personnel and their families should not be a source of distraction on the battlefield. Troops must take full advantage of health insurance options to guarantee their families’ well-being while they serve,” he stated.

Ribadu slams Canadian Embassy for denying visa to CDS, other top… PR NIGERIA

Ribadu slams Canadian Embassy for denying visa to CDS, other top military officers

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has slammed the Canadian government over its decision to deny visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other top military officers.

Ribadu, who spoke on Thursday at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, described the visa snub as “disrespectful” and declared that Canada “can go to hell.”

Minister Momoh Inaugurates Boards of North-West and South-East Development Commissions-PR NIGERIA

The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has called on the newly inaugurated Board Members of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) and the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to prioritize accountability, transparency, and collaboration in their operations. The minister made the appeal during the official inauguration of the boards in Abuja on Tuesday.

Troops Neutralize Top Terrorists, Destroy 40 Hideouts in Zamfara, Sokoto-PR NIGERIA

The troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have dealt a significant blow to terrorist activities in Zamfara and Sokoto States from 1 to 10 February 2025. This operation has resulted in the neutralization of numerous terrorists, including several key terrorist kingpins, thereby enhancing the safety and security of lives and property within the Joint Operations Area.

During this period, troops successfully neutralized dozens of terrorists, including kingpins such as Kachalla Na Faransa, Dogon Bakkwalo, Auta Gobaje and Dan Mai Dutsi, among others. Notably, many of these individuals were eliminated in a fierce battle in Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas (LGA) of Zamfara State as well as Isa LGA of Sokoto State. The operations have also dismantled the terrorist network and destroyed their support structures thus, significantly weakening their operational capacity.

NDLEA Raises Alarm, Says 14m Nigerians Are Abusing Drugs-PR NIGERIA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says no fewer than 14 million Nigerians are estimated to have involved and addicted to the consumption of harmful drugs.

The Deputy Commander, Ondo State Command, NDLEA, Yetunde Joyifous, made the disclosure at a drug abuse awareness programme, organised by Oijefon Youth for secondary schools in Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

Mrs Joyifous said that drugs consume were mostly chemical substances that have the ability to change the mind of users negatively.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says no fewer than 14 million Nigerians are estimated to have involved and addicted to the consumption of harmful drugs.

World Radio Day: Minister Tasks FM Stations on Anti-Climate Change Advocacy-PR NIGERIA

World Radio Day is an international day set aside by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and celebrated on the 13th of February every year. It is a day dedicated to celebrating the power and importance of radio in our daily lives. This year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” holds great significance for our community in Nigeria, as we face the devastating effects of climate change on our environment and livelihoods.

Radio has always been a trusted source of information and a lifeline for communities, especially in times of crisis. In recent years, it has played a crucial role in raising awareness about climate change and its impact on our planet. With its wide reach and accessibility, radio has the power to educate and mobilize Individuals towards taking action against climate change.

New MNJTF Command Assesses Troops’  Readiness in Borno-PR NIGERIA

As part of operational assessment visit in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram Terrorists, the new Force Commander (FC)  Multinational Joint Task Force ( MNJTF)  Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut, has  conducted a pivotal familiarization visit to Sector 3 in Monguno, Nigeria, on Tuesday 11 February , 2025. The visit marks a new chapter in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad region.

Sharia Courts and Religious Rights in Yoruba Land-PR NIGERIA

A few weeks ago, a storm erupted across traditional and social media platforms. The cause? Reports surfaced that some Islamic scholars were advocating for the establishment of Sharia courts or independent Sharia panels in Nigeria’s SouthWest, the Yoruba land, a region renowned for its religious diversity.

The news sparked widespread uproar, particularly among non-Muslim groups and influencers from the Southeast, who perceived the move as an attempt to “Islamize” the region and expand Fulani dominance. The situation escalated when certain Islamic scholars urged their followers not to vote for any candidate opposed to Sharia courts.

14m Nigerians are drug addicts, says NDLEA-Yerwa Express

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says no fewer than 14 million Nigerians are estimated to have involved and addicted to the consumption of harmful drugs.

The Deputy Commander, Ondo State Command, NDLEA, Yetunde Joyifous, made the disclosure at a drug abuse awareness programme, organised by Oijefon Youth for secondary schools in Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

Mrs Joyifous said that drugs consume were mostly chemical substances that have the ability to change the mind of users negatively.

N/E States Gather To Explore Renewable Energy Solutions Under New Electricity Act-yerwa express

Representatives from six Northeastern states convened in Maiduguri on Tuesday for a one-day Zonal Stakeholders Advocacy Engagement on the Electricity Act 2003.

The event was organized by the Nigerian Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Association Alliance (REEEA-A) at City Star Hotel event on Tuesday.

The event brought together delegates from Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba, and Bauchi states to discuss harnessing natural resources for renewable energy solutions.

CBN Introduces N100 Fee For ATM Withdrawals-humangle media

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, says it has eliminated the three free monthly withdrawals transaction fees for customers using other banks’ Automated Teller Machine, ATMs, from March 1.

The apex bank disclosed this on Tuesday in a circular posted on its website, addressed to all banks and other financial institutions.

The circular, signed by John Onojah, Acting Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, said the measure was in response to rising costs.

How Borno, FG repatriated thousands of refugees after 10yrs in yerwa expresss

Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno, has led a Nigerian delegation to Chad to begin the repatriation of 7,790 refugees displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.

The refugees, mostly from Borno, fled to Baga Sola in Chad nearly a decade ago.

The delegation included Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, minister of state for humanitarian ffairs.

They were received by Chad’s Lac Province Governor, Saleh Haggar Tidjani.

In the first phase, 1,768 families will return to Nigeria, with a total of 7, 790 in total under the program.

A tripartite agreement was signed between Nigeria, Chad, and the UNHCR to facilitate the process.

Humanitarian

Demolition Fallout: Inside the Controversy Surrounding Maiduguri Airport’s Expansion humangle media

For 17 years, Hajiya Aisha called Shuwari Five, an airport-adjacent community in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, home. It was where she raised her four children, where memories of her late husband lingered in every corner, and where—despite the hardships of widowhood—she had found some sense of stability. But in an instant, all of that was gone.

“When my husband died, I thought I had already seen the worst,” she told HumAngle, struggling to hold back tears. “Now, the government has destroyed the only home he left for us.”

Aisha is one of many residents whose lives have been disrupted by the demolition of homes in Shuwari Five. The exercise, carried out to make way for the expansion of Maiduguri’s Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, has left hundreds displaced, their dreams and belongings reduced to rubble.

The Devastating Impact of  School Fire Disasters on Nigerian Education-humangle media

On the night of Feb. 4, a tragic fire outbreak occurred in an Islamic school in the Kaura-Namoda area of Zamfara state, North West Nigeria, resulting in the loss of at least 17 young Almajiri students. The incident also left 16 others critically injured. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the fire started in the study hall of Makaranta Mallam Ghali, a local Islamic school known for accommodating pariah pupils. When the fire broke out, about 100 students were inside the hall, reciting the Quran and preparing for their night’s rest.

Hundreds Stranded as US Aid Suspension Shuts Healthcare Centres in Nigeria’s Conflict Areas-humangle media

In Konduga, a rural community in Borno, northeastern Nigeria, a healthcare facility run by Family Health International (FHI360) previously treated over 200 patients daily, offering medical assistance and nutritional supplements for malnourished children. Now, its doors are shut.

Yana Modu, who had relied on the clinic for therapeutic feeding and medicine for her three-year-old, arrived last week expecting the usual routine. Instead, she was met with a blunt response from a security guard: “Zakkata”—it is closed.