Regional News
Gunmen kill 20 in fresh attacks on Plateau communities – Daily Trust
Ten people were killed and many others injured on Wednesday in a series of attacks on five communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, bringing the total death toll in the LGA to 20 within one week. The attackers also burned houses, while several residents remain missing. The latest assault happened six days after gunmen killed 10 people and injured three others during a wake-keep ceremony in Ruwi, also in Bokkos LGA.
Urgent AU action could defuse rising Chad–Sudan tensions | ISS Africa
Mediation by the African Union’s High-Level Panel on Sudan could end the warmongering and strengthen regional security. When civil war started in Sudan in April 2023, the United Nations (UN) warned that the conflict could seep through the country’s borders and spread. The likelihood of that happening is increasing with the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) recent threats against its neighbours, Chad and South Sudan.
Grave risks for Cameroon as soldiers desert to fight in Ukraine | ISS Africa
Cameroon faces a multitude of security threats and cannot afford to lose its soldiers to the Russia-Ukraine war. The desertion of soldiers to fight in Ukraine weakens the operational capacity of several African militaries and the stability of the affected countries. Cameroon’s government recently highlighted the trend which, although not new, has intensified since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Joint Forces Kill Several Terrorists in Gao Region of Mali – HumAngle
The joint forces of the Alliance of West African States, popularly known by the French acronym AES, killed “several terrorists” during an operation in Hourara and Fitilli in the Gao region of Mali. A communique from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIRPA) of the Malian armed forces, FAMa, was made public on March 31. Following intelligence shared with the AES forces, the soldiers were able to intercept a vehicle driven by two terrorists in Djidara, Gao region.
Nigerian military kills terrorist commanders, fighters
The Nigerian military says its troops deployed in different operations, killed key terrorist commanders and several of their foot soldiers in the first quarter of the year. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, a major general, made this known while briefing journalists on operations of the military on Thursday in Abuja. Mr Kangye said the first quarter, spanning January to March, witnessed aggressive operational tempo by the gallant troops in conjunction with hybrid forces and other security agencies across all theatres.
Tinubu to embark on 2-week visit to France – Daily Trust
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, today on a working visit. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement said during the visit, the President will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones. The President will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.
2 dead, 13 missing in Bayelsa boat mishap – Daily Trust
Two persons have lost their lives, while 13 are still missing following a head-on collision of two boats at Akede community waterfront in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa State. A source told Daily Trust that the incident which occured on Tuesday evening involved a speedboat carrying passengers and a fishing boat.
Three soldiers of Nigerian Army have sustained injuries during a recent Boko Haram terrorist attack on a military base in Doron Baga, a community of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack also resulted in the destruction of a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.
MTN Cameroon wins court appeal to release seized assets | Reuters
A Cameroon appeals court has ordered the release of South African mobile operator MTN’s bank accounts in the country, which were seized in 2022 over a loan dispute with a Cameroonian businessman, MTN said. A court order froze MTN Group’s (MTNJ.J), opens new tab Cameroon accounts containing 14 billion CFA francs ($23.20 million) in September 2022.
Sahel ministers visit Moscow to strengthen ties with Russia | Africanews
In a significant shift in the region’s diplomatic and security landscape, the foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will visit Moscow this week to deepen their strategic ties with Russia. Scheduled for April 3-4, this marks the first AES-Russia consultations since the formation of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) in 2024. The visit underscores a growing pivot away from former colonial power France and the regional organization ECOWAS, with these West African nations, governed by military juntas following a series of coups between 2020 and 2023, seeking political and military support from Moscow.
Police rescue 2 abducted varsity students in Nasarawa – Yerwa Express News
The Police Command in Nasarawa State says it has rescued two students of the Federal University of Lafia, FULafia, who were kidnapped on Sunday, March 30. SP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, stated this in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Lafia.
Ex-police officer kills 2 family members over land dispute – Yerwa Express News
The Yovoyan community in Badagry, Lagos, was thrown into mourning on Tuesday morning when an ex-police officer, allegedly shot and killed two family members and one other person over a land dispute. A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria learnt that Richard Atideka, Latevi Atideka, both from Yovoyan
Army repels terrorist attacks on military base in Borno – Yerwa Express News
Troops of the Nigerian Army repelled a Boko Haram attack on a military base in Doron Baga, a community within the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack occurred on Thursday at 2:00 AM, sending residents fleeing for safety as terrorists launched assaults from different directions.
Cameroon Celebrates Literary Season with New Novel Release and Debates – Journal du Cameroun
The novel explores the question of whether Africans should sacrifice their identity, authenticity, heritage, customs, and traditions on the altar of Western modernity. This thought-provoking theme was the subject of a debate last Friday, moderated by journalist Chetah Bile, with Professor Henri Ngoa Tabi and Dr. Maurice Simo Djom as panelists. The discussion focused on “For a New African Narrative: Issues and Challenges.”
Cameroon’s Diaspora Kitchen: A Feast For The Senses, The Soul – Journal du Cameroun
The brainchild of former Minister of Arts and Culture, Ama Tutu Muna, Diaspora Kitchen brought together a melting pot of culinary talent, featuring over 50 chefs from Cameroon, the diaspora, and across the globe. From seasoned professionals to aspiring culinary artists, they converged to celebrate the rich tapestry of African cuisine, showcasing both time-honored traditions and exciting new interpretations.
Nigeria’s durbar: The spectacular horse parade closing Ramadan
Booming gunfire, vibrant gowns and blaring trumpets have animated the Nigerian city of Dutse during the durbar.
This is a days-long horse parade held to mark Eid al-Fitr, a celebration for the end of the Ramadan. Emirs – traditional Islamic leaders – usually parade through their territories with a huge procession of horseback riders.
‘Air Peace’s London flight, Emirates’ return reduced int’l air fares’ – Daily Trust
On the international scene, Ohunayo noted that the introduction of Air Peace on the Lagos-London route and the return of Emirates were able to bring down fares marginally. He added, “It also helped in increasing the number of passengers on the international routes and other airlines like Rwanda Air and Air Maroc etc had to adjust their fares with the introduction of Air Peace and with that there were more people who took advantage of that to travel.
DHQ dismisses reports of Niger’s MNJTF withdrawal
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports of Niger Republic’s withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), stating that such a move would have serious security implications.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, a major general, addressed the media on Thursday in Abuja, emphasising the critical role of the MNJTF in regional security. The MNJTF was formed in 1994 by countries of the Lake Chad Commission to fight terrorism and other transboundary crimes in member states. Members of the Force are Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, and the Benin Republic.
Peace and Security
UN concerned after Niger quits force fighting armed Islamist groups | Africanews
The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General has expressed concern over Niger’s decision to withdraw from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNTJF) fighting armed Islamist groups in West Africa. Leonardo Santos Simão, who is also head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), on Thursday told the Security Council that it was crucial to the region that the military coalition continues its operations.
Russia’s Lavrov accuses Ukraine of destabilising Sahel | Africanews
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Ukraine of trying to “destabilize” the Sahel region on Thursday. Lavrov made the comments at a news briefing in Moscow following talks with three of his counterparts from the Confederation of Sahel States. “Some players outside the sahel continue attempts to destabilize the region. Besides former colonizers, this also includes the recently Kyiv regime, which openly supports terrorist groups in this part of Africa while its Western sponsors turn a blind eye to it.” Sergey Lavrov told reporters.
Can West African nations come together to stop terrorism spreading? | ISS Africa
Mistrust between AES and ECOWAS countries must be overcome to enable intelligence sharing and security cooperation. On 8 January, members of the violent extremist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims attacked a fortified position of the anti-terrorist Operation Mirador in northern Benin. Media reports said the attack at the transfrontier W National Park resulted in at least 30 Beninese soldiers’ deaths – the heaviest loss ever recorded.
Niger frees dozens detained after coup including former top officials
The announcement was made on national television on Tuesday, where a government official said the decision was “in line with the recommendations of the national consultations for reform held in February”. The July 2023 coup brought General Abdourahamane Tiani, former head of the presidential guard, to power. Dozens of people were.
The National Counter Terrorism Center has handed over the former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Maharazu Tsiga, and 18 other rescued kidnap victims to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The handover took place in Abuja on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and insecurity in the country. Tsiga was abducted alongside other persons on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tisga in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Burkina Faso pardons 21 soldiers involved in failed 2015 coup
The troubled west African country has been run since September 2022 by military leaders following a coup headed by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Traoré announced an “amnesty pardon” in December last year for several people convicted over the 2015 attempt to overthrow the transitional government in place after the fall of former president Blaise Compaoré. “The following persons, who have been convicted or prosecuted before the.
Retired Security Experts Urge Tinubu to Boost Intelligence, Manpower in Fight Against Insecurity A group of retired security operatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the severe shortage of security and intelligence personnel, which they say is hampering efforts to tackle Nigeria’s complex security challenges. In a communiqué released after their maiden annual lecture, the Alumni Association of the National Institute for.
Mali, Burkina, Niger foreign ministers to visit Moscow this week | Reuters
The foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger will visit Moscow this week as the Sahel nations and Russia seek to strengthen ties, the three African countries’ foreign ministries said in a joint statement on Tuesday. The West African nations, run by juntas that have taken power in coups in recent years, have formed an alliance known as the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
Algeria, Mali report downed drone in border area but differ on details | Reuters
Algeria and Mali on Tuesday gave differing accounts of an unmanned aircraft that went down in their desert border region. Algeria’s defence ministry said the army shot down an “armed surveillance drone” that violated the country’s airspace near Tin Zaouatine, a community that straddles the border.
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Global Collaboration in Border Security at London Summit – PRNigeria News
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Global Collaboration in Border Security at London Summit Nigeria has called for enhanced intelligence sharing and strategic partnerships among global communities to curb the growing threat of Organised Immigration Crime (OIC). Speaking at the Border Security Summit in London, hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized the need for proactive international cooperation to strengthen border security and prevent transnational crimes.
Cameroon-2025 Presidential Elections Cameroon: SDF Sets Out Its Ambitions – Journal du Cameroun
Joshua Osih is the SDF‘s candidate for the October 2025 presidential elections in Cameroon. The party leader was endorsed by the congress last Saturday. They were attending the party’s extraordinary congress at the Yaounde Multipurpose sports complex. During the meeting, the 57-year-old businessman was nominated as the SDF’s candidate for the next Presidential election. This will be the second time after 2018, when he won 3.35% of the vote. Ni John Fru Ndi’s successor at the head of candidates. Some have already declared their willingness to run for the Unity Palace.
ANALYSIS: How to defuse rising Chad–Sudan tensions
When civil war started in Sudan in April 2023, the United Nations (UN) warned that the conflict could seep through the country’s borders and spread. The likelihood of that happening is increasing with the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) recent threats against its neighbours, Chad and South Sudan. Last week, SAF Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Yasir al-Atta, said Chad’s airports in Amdjarass and N’Djamena were legitimate targets for Sudan’s army. His statement was made against a backdrop of continued external support for the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Humanitarian
Niger withdraws from Lake Chad military force | Reuters
Niger has quit an international force fighting armed Islamist groups in West Africa’s Lake Chad region as it seeks to shore up security around oil assets at home, the government said in a bulletin on state television. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which also includes soldiers from Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, has been working to.
The day the insurgents attacked in 2014, eight-year-old Aisha Awagana’s home was filled with quiet anticipation. Her mother, Bintu, was heavily pregnant, resting on a mat while Aisha played with her grandmother, giggling as the old woman scolded her for being too restless. It was a normal day—until the gunfire began.
The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS) has revealed that it spent approximately N110 million on its 2025 Ramadan feeding programme, providing daily meals to an average of 2,700 people—including both Muslims and non-Muslims—throughout the 29-day fasting period. Speaking at a media parley in Abuja, AIS National Chief Imam, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, attributed the success of the initiative to contributions from philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians. He also commended the media for their extensive coverage of Al-Habibiyyah’s Ramadan activities.
No Woman Should Die Giving Birth – Daily Trust
April 7 is World Health Day 2025. The annual event is marked around the world on the anniversary of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) founding in 1948. It presents an opportunity for the global community to reflect on pressing health challenges. The theme this year is “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” and the focus is maternal and newborn health and survival. The goal is to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritise women’s longer-term health and well-being.
Japa: Nursing council decries poor employment of nurses – Daily Trust
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has called for increased employment of nurses to curb the mass migration of health care professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. Acting registrar of the council, Ndagi Alhassan, made this appeal in Abuja during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions.
Lassa fever kills 118 in Nigeria over last three months | Reuters
Lassa fever killed 118 people in Nigeria in the first three months of this year, the West African country’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said. The virus, which is carried by rodents and was first recognised in 1969 in the northeastern state of Borno, has killed thousands of people over the years, especially in rural areas due to unsanitary handling of food.
UNICEF donates 2.5 million of oral polio vaccines to Bauchi govt
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated more than 2.5 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccines to the Bauchi State government. The Chief UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, disclosed this on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi, where the vaccines are kept. Ms Rafique said that the vaccination exercise would take place across the state from 24-29 April. She called on all stakeholders to ensure massive awareness campaign before the commencement of the exercise to ensure high level turnout and participation.
How Nigeria can become more inclusive for people living with Autism
Whether we like it or not, whether we accept it or not – Autism diagnosis rates are rising not only in Nigeria but globally. In this instance, ignorance is not bliss; neither is denial a sustainable option. Inclusion in every area of society is the only way forward. This could be a long dissertation full of lofty ideas and principles that ultimately remain unimplemented and help no one. In real-life practical terms, how can inclusion be achieved?
INTERVIEW: Why Nigeria must increase domestic funding for family planning – UNFPA Official
In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Koessan Kuawa, Deputy Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria, discusses the challenges of limited access and availability of family planning tools, the misconceptions and hesitancy surrounding birth control, and the urgent need to increase domestic funding to support Nigeria’s family planning programmes.
Cameroon’s Lawyers Outraged Over Police Brutality Video – Journal du Cameroun
The Bar Council, led by President Mbah Eric Mbah, released a statement on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, expressing their profound dissatisfaction and condemnation of the incident. The video, which went viral on social media on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, depicts police officers engaging in violent, degrading, and inhumane acts against a lawyer and other individuals.
Patients Still Struggling Despite New Medical Facilities in Adamawa’s Rural Communities – HumAngle
Rashida Usman, 39, still remembers the painful memory of one Thursday morning in 2019. She had woken up at dawn to brace herself for a difficult journey from her home in Shelleng, a local government area in Adamawa, to Yola, the state capital in northeastern Nigeria. The absence of a secondary healthcare facility in Shelleng prompted Rashida’s journey. For years, she and many other women had to rely on a local dispensary that provided only primary healthcare.
Mobilization and economic development
Nigeria’s net FX reserves hit three-year high, central bank says | Reuters ABUJA, April 2 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves stood at $23.11 billion at the end of 2024, their highest level in three years, the Central Bank of Nigeria said, signalling a major improvement in the country’s external financial position. The NFER, which adjusts gross reserves to account for near-term liabilities such as currency swaps and forward
Nigeria names ex-Shell executive to lead state oil firm NNPC | Reuters
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bayo Ojulari, a former Shell executive, to head the state-owned oil firm NNPC Ltd as the country seeks to raise oil production and revitalise its refining capacity, the presidency said on Wednesday.
After ending costly subsidies and twice devaluing the naira currency in his first year.
West African juntas impose levy on imported goods | Reuters
West African neighbours Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have announced a new 0.5% levy on imported goods as they seek to fund a new three-state union after leaving the larger regional economic bloc, they said in a statement. The Alliance of Sahel States began in 2023 as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries.
Julius Berger’s annual profit climbs 24% to N16 billion
Julius Berger Nigeria posted roughly a quarter increase in post-tax profit for 2024, taking its bottom line to N15.5 billion, according to its newly released audited financial report. Turnover for the group rose 27.8 per cent to N566.7 billion on account of improvement in the income from construction contracts and rendering of services, its two chief revenue sources. The conglomerate also saw the contribution of sales of cashew products to its revenue pool jump by more.
Nigeria’s net FX reserves surge to $23.1 billion, highest in 3 years – CBN
Nigeria’s Net Foreign Exchange Reserve (NFER) has surged to $23.11 billion, its highest level in over three years, according to a statement released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday. Net Foreign Exchange Reserve (NFER) is the portion of a country’s foreign exchange reserves that remains after deducting short-term liabilities such as FX swaps and forward contracts. It represents the actual reserves available for meeting immediate external obligations.
The agreement includes a substantial 3.6 billion rand investment in a social bond and a $200 million Risk Participation Agreement (RPA) for Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (SBSA). This initiative will significantly bolster Standard Bank’s lending capabilities, ensuring that SMEs – the lifeblood of economic growth and job creation in South Africa – gain greater access to crucial financing.
BYD Electric Vehicles hit Nigerian market – Daily Trust
LOXEA Nigeria, a subsidiary of CFAO Mobility, has introduced the BYD (Build Your Dreams) electric vehicles to the Nigerian market as the automotive industry embraces a more sustainable and greener mobility option. By offering BYD vehicles, LOXEA becomes the pioneer in bringing a renowned Electric Vehicle (EV) brand to Nigeria. LOXEA is a leading player in innovative mobility solutions in Africa, offering clients a range of 100% electric vehicles from BYD.
U.S. tariffs and Nigeria’s export economy: Risks and opportunities – Daily Trust T
he recent imposition of a 14 percent tariff by the United States on Nigerian exports has raised concerns about its impact on the country’s economy. While Nigeria’s trade volume with the U.S. is relatively small—valued at about $10 billion last year—the new tariff threatens to make its exports less competitive in an already challenging global market.
A booming market, but lacking data: Africa’s challenge [Business Africa] | Africanews
The lack of reliable data: a major obstacle to investment and growth on the continent, the efforts of Congo-Brazzaville to strengthen its food sovereignty with Protected Agricultural Zones, and the economic crisis in the DRC, exacerbated by business closures and ongoing violence. Africa, despite its economic dynamism and the rapid growth of its middle class, faces a significant challenge: the lack of reliable data. This is a considerable barrier for investors and local businesses that struggle to make informed decisions.
