Regional News

MALI : ‘Jihadists’ kidnap dozens in bus hold-up – Daily Trust

Suspected jihadists abducted dozens of civilians after holding up a bus in the centre of jihadist-rocked Mali, an eyewitness and local sources told journalists on Thursday. Tuesday’s attack saw a bus bound for the capital Bamako from the central town of Bankass “intercepted by a group of jihadists”, said local Bankass leader Abdalah Togo in a statement.

Police Confirm Landmine Explosion in Borno, Injuring Security Officers – HumAngle

On the evening of March 11, a police Rapid Response squad (RRS) on routine patrol triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected terrorists group in Borno state, northeastern Nigeria.  ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the Borno State Police Command’s public relations officer, confirmed to HumAngle that no lives were lost in the incident, although some officers sustained minor injuries.  However, the police vehicle on patrol was damaged in the explosion.

Kebbi: Lakurawa kills 13 in revenge mission – Daily Trust

In a reprisal attack over the killing of their leader, Maigemu, by combined security operatives last Thursday, the Lakurawa group on Sunday attacked Birnin Dede, a community in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State killing 13 people. The Lakurawa group, which consists of persons from various tribes, including Hausa, Fulani, Toureq, Barebari and other tribes, has been operating in Kebbi State and environs for some time now.

Boko Haram insurgents bow to superior firepower of Zulum’s convoy – Daily Trust

Security personnel attached to the convoy of Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum have intercepted a Boko Haram operation close to Gujba town, along Damaturu – Biu road in Yobe state. The personnel also recovered a rifle loaded with ammunition, a motorcycle abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, and rescued some kidnapped travellers.

How drones killed nearly 1,000 civilians in Africa in three years | Drone Strikes News | Al Jazeera

The use of drones by several African countries in their fight against armed groups is causing significant harm to civilians, according to a new report. More than 943 civilians have been killed in at least 50 incidents across six African countries from November 2021 to November 2024, according to the report by Drone Wars UK.

BURKINA FASO: ‘Army tortured and massacred civilians’ – Daily Trust

Burkina Faso’s army and allied volunteer militias “tortured and massacred” civilians in a revenge attack in the west of the country this week, an NGO official and a local source told AFP on Thursday. “Whole families of Fulani shepherds were killed in the bushes of Solenzo, in the Bema and Ban areas,” the source told AFP on condition of anonymity, giving a toll of “several dozen deaths”.

Nigeriens frustrated by ongoing fuel shortage | Africanews

For almost a week, Niger’s service stations have been short of enough premium fuel to meet local demand. As a result, long queues of cars and motorbikes have been forming at those that do have a supply. Fuel is rationed by the Niger Petroleum Company, SONIDEP, and some people say this does not make their day-to-day activities any easier. Moussa Kassou says he drove all to the way to the Boukoki quarter of the capital, Niamey, only to be told that there was no petrol. “Now someone has just called to tell me to come to Wadata. Someone with a litre of petrol. For two or three litres you have to waste a litre and a half, it’s a nightmare,” he says.

Motsepe re-elected as leader of African football | Africanews

African soccer leader Patrice Motsepe was re-elected Wednesday and urged working with private financiers to help federations build national stadiums in countries where government budgets are tight. The 54 member federations of the Confederation of African Football — 12 of whom currently cannot host national-team games in international competitions — elected Motsepe by acclaim unopposed to have a second four-year term.

3,688 inmates on death row in Nigeria – NCoS CG | Premium Times Nigeria

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that a total of 3,688 inmates are currently on death row across various correctional facilities in the country. The Acting Comptroller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, disclosed this during his screening before members of the Senate Committee on Interior on Wednesday. He was nominated earlier in the week as substantive comptroller-general by President Bola Tinubu.

Bandits demand N30 million ransom for release of abducted Bauchi farmers

Suspected bandits who invaded a farm two weeks ago and abducted four people harvesting yams in the Alkareri Local Government Area of Bauchi State have demanded a N30 million ransom for their release. The abducted persons are residents of Futuk, a village in the Gwana District. They were abducted by bandits operating from the Mansur forest in the Alkaleri local council area. A resident, Bello Haruna, said the whereabouts of the victims were…

54.6 years life expectancy in Nigeria below global average – Report – Yerwa Express News

The 2024 State of the Nation Report indicates that life expectancy in Nigeria, though improving, remains below the global average at 54.6 years. According to the report, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Tuesday in Abuja, life expectancy for women is 54.9 years, while for men it is 54.3 years, reflecting ongoing health challenges.

Nigerian troops ambush bandits, kill three | Premium Times Nigeria

The Troops of Sub-Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on Tuesday, ambushed bandits and killed three of them off the Kaduna-Abuja highway, according to an official statement. Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Musa Yahaya, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna. Mr Yahaya said, “In a well-coordinated operation on Tuesday, troops of Sub-Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully neutralised three Violent Extremists and Insurgents (VEIs) in an ambush at an area near Ngwagi Hill, Gwagwada Community, off the Kaduna – Abuja highway in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.”

Nigerian Army hands over 75 rescued civilians to Borno govt – Yerwa Express News

The Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK, has handed over 75 rescued civilians to the Borno Government. The handover ceremony, held on Monday, was attended by representatives of the Borno government, military officials, and humanitarian stakeholders.

Court fixes date for Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism trial to begin afresh

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja has fixed 21 March for the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to begin. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reliably gathered on Wednesday that Mr Omotosho fixed the date after the case file was transferred to him. Mr Kanu, who was repatriated to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021 under controversial circumstances, is expected to take his plea as the case begins afresh.

Nigeria steps up fight against Lassa fever outbreak after 98 deaths this year | Reuters

LAGOS, March 11 (Reuters) – Nigeria is battling a severe Lassa fever outbreak with 535 confirmed cases and 98 deaths reported across 14 states since the start of this year, an 18.3% case fatality rate. Health officials have confirmed that a patient with recent travel history to the United Kingdom died from the disease after returning to Nigeria, prompting contact tracing efforts in both countries.

ISWAP Claims Attacks on Nigerian Military and CJTF in North East Nigeria  – HumAngle The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for two separate attacks targeting the Nigerian military and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Borno and Yobe States, North East Nigeria. The terrorist group made the claims in statements released through its media channels on Sunday, March 9, saying the attacks occurred the previous day.

Many Stranded as Tanker Explosion Wreaks Havoc in Nigeria’s Lagos  – HumAngle

A devastating tanker explosion which occurred in Lagos, southwestern Nigeria, on Tuesday night, has caused widespread destruction and left many commuters stranded.  The incident occurred at the Otedola Bridge axis, a major highway connecting Lagos to other parts of the country, around 8:00 p.m. Multiple witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with flames engulfing several vehicles and nearby buildings. HumAngle’s reporter was around the bridge when he saw the tanker explode.

Notorious bandit terrorising Abuja, Kaduna killed in shootout | Premium Times Nigeria

Dogo Saleh, a 21-year-old who leads an armed group terrorising communities in Abuja and Kaduna, has died from gunshot wounds sustained during a gun battle between his group and police operatives, according to an official statement. The police said Mr Saleh, born Salisu Mohammed, had been apprehended by the police and was leading a police team to his group’s hideout when they were ambushed. Abuja police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said Mr Saleh was arrested on 3 March when police operatives acted on intelligence about the infiltration of bandits into the Nigerian capital.

Niger boat operators to undergo drug tests

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIW and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) are collaborating to conduct drug tests on boat operators in Niger State. The NIWA area manager in Niger State, Akapo Adeboye, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme for boat operators, traders, and farmers in Katcha Local Government Area (LGA). The initiative comes in response to frequent boat accidents in the state, many of which involve traders and farmers travelling to Katcha’s weekly market. Several lives have been lost due to poor safety practices and unregulated operations.

Many Nigerian civil servants can’t afford mass housing – REDAN – Yerwa Express News

Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) says high mortgage interest rates pose a significant obstacle to housing affordability, particularly for low income civil servants . The REDAN President, Akintoye Adeoye, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja

Chad extends detention of RFI journalist, as lawyers denounce ‘crackdown’

Following a further interrogation at the offices of the criminal investigation department on Saturday, journalist Olivier Monodji’s custody has been extended until at least this Monday, when he will be brought before the public prosecutor of N’djamena. Monodji, a correspondent for Radio France Internationale and publication director of the newspaper Le Pays, has been detained in the Chadian capital, since Wednesday, 5 March.

How bandits attacked Kebbi community, killed 11 – Police

Suspected bandits attacked villages in a Kebbi local government on Sunday and killed at least 11 people, the police have said. The attacks on villages in the Arewa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kebbi were properly coordinated, police spokesperson Nafi’u Abubakar said in a statement. Kebbi is one of the states in northern Nigeria where armed groups, locally called bandits, routinely attack rural communities and travellers.

Peace and Security

ECOWAS initiates plan to mitigate consequences of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger withdrawal – Daily Trust

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission says it has initiated a contingency plan to mitigate unforeseen consequences of the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said this at the meeting of ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Again, Senate summons NSA, security chiefs – Daily Trust

The Senate has again summoned all security chiefs to appear before the chamber next week over the rising insecurity in the country. Those summoned include the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.

Post-conflict: Yobe engages stakeholders on transitional justice – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

In an effort to address human rights violations and build a more peaceful future in the state, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Social, and Community Development in Yobe state, in partnership with UNICEF, organized a one-day capacity-building training for stakeholders.  Blueprint report that the training, which took place on Tuesday in Damaturu, aims to strengthen service providers by equipping them with skills to develop homegrown activities and measures that facilitate peace and reconciliation at the community level.

Bandits sack 5 Kaduna villages – Daily Trust

Bandits have reportedly sacked five communities of Unguwan Tauka, Unguwan Lalle, Sonudazuwa, Tsauni Dodo and Dandauka, all under Kachia LGA of Kaduna State.  A community leader in the area, who confirmed the incident to our reporter over the phone, said the bandits also invaded a Fulani settlement at Kubuwo village, and abducted three teenage herders.

ECOWAS Defence Chiefs  Brainstorm on Maritime Security in Gulf of Guinea – PRNigeria News

ECOWAS Defence Chiefs  Brainstorm on Maritime Security in Gulf of Guinea The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Defence Chiefs are convening to brainstorm solutions and strengthen regional maritime security architectures. The Gulf of Guinea,  which has long been a hotspot for maritime insecurity, with piracy, sea robbery, and other illicit activities threatening the safety of maritime trade and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Fatoumata Maiga: A woman leading Mali’s fight for peace | Africanews

*As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “Accelerate Action”, Fatoumata Maiga’s story stands as a testament to the power of women in shaping peace and security in conflict zones.* Maiga, a longtime activist and founder of the Association Defund Police Initiative to Pay, has dedicated her life to combating the proliferation of weapons in Mali. “You can’t build peace in an environment of violence,” she says. “Our goal is to see how people can resolve their differences without using weapons.”

The Alarming Rise of Femicide in Cameroon – HumAngle

Christina Ekobena* has lived in Douala in Francophone Cameroon for five years. She was forced to relocate outside her native Kumba in Anglophone Cameroon after her father brutally beat her mother to death. In the wake of the attack, enraged neighbours destroyed her family’s home in protest, and her father was sent to prison.

Nigeria to appoint ambassadors, 18 months after worldwide recall, sources say | Reuters

ABUJA, March 11 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s government has started vetting potential candidates to lead its more than 100 diplomatic missions, with appointments expected “very soon”, 18 months after President Bola Tinubu recalled all ambassadors, sources familiar with the matter said. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist insurgents in West Africa, has operated without ambassadors since September 2023.

Humanitarian

Africa sees gender equality progress, but continent ‘still only halfway there’

As the world marks International Women’s Day, RFI looks at the situation in Africa. Women on the continent are closer to equality today than they were four years ago, according to the latest report by the UN and the African Development Bank, but the continent is still only halfway to achieving gender parity.

Nigerian confirms 26 meningitis deaths following outbreak since January | Africanews

Nigerian authorities confirmed Tuesday that a meningitis outbreak in the northwest was behind the death of at least 26 people over several weeks. The spread of the disease in the state of Kebbi began late January with over 200 suspected cases recorded, the state commissioner for health, Musa Ismail, told reporters in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. Ismail also said medical supplies have already been dispatched to the affected areas, and isolation centers set up to prevent the further spread of the disease. Sokoto, another state in the northwest and about 150 kilometers (90 miles) away from Kebbi, has urged residents to remain vigilant after several cases were suspected.

Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 29 new cases, death toll rises to 100

Nigeria has recorded 29 new Lassa fever infections and five deaths in one week, bringing the total fatalities recorded in 2025 to 100. This was disclosed in the latest situation report published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Wednesday, from 24 February to 2 March. The report highlights that the country has confirmed 535 cases of Lassa fever across 13 states and 75 local government areas (LGAs) this year.

Cameroon Records 10 Femicide Cases in January 2025 – HumAngle

Ten femicide cases were recorded in Cameroon in January 2025 alone, the country’s Central Bureau of Census and Population Studies, otherwise known by the French acronym BUCREP, has reported. According to the agency report, the figure “seems underestimated and remains less viable because of the lack of reporting which surrounds these crimes.” BUCREP reports that 69 cases of femicide were

7 kidnap victims rescued in Plateau – Daily Trust

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), a multi-security task force maintaining peace in Plateau and some parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states, have rescued seven kidnap victims in Ganawuri community of Riyom LGA of Plateau State.  Parading the victims in Jos, the spokesman of the operation, Major Samson Zhakom, disclosed that the rescue mission followed offensive operations conducted by troops of OPSH on the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A at Attakar high grounds in Ganawuri district.

A School in North East Nigeria is Helping Children Overcome Insurgency Trauma – HumAngle

The school premises buzz with energy; laughter rings out, pencils glide across paper, and feet stomp rhythmically in dance. Beaming smiles replace the wary expressions that once dominated these faces. It is hard to believe that these children, now immersed in creativity, have witnessed the horrors of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Daily Kidnappings Plague Resettled Communities in Lake Chad Region – HumAngle

As Mallami Abadam cast his final net on the evening of Feb. 3, he was ready to call it a day. Alongside two other fishermen, he prepared to leave the riverbank in Kindjindi, a community in Diffa, Niger Republic, when Boko Haram insurgents stormed the riverbank and took them hostage.

Clerics seek protection of women against gender-based violence – Daily Trust

The Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) has asked the Muslim ummah and governments at all levels to protect women and children from all forms of violence and harm The MOLs under the development Research and Projects Centre’s (dRPC), Muslim Opinion Leaders Project for the prevention of gender-based violence in northern Nigeria, supported by the Ford Foundation, made the call in a statement on Wednesday.

NGO hosts summit on women, maternal health action – Yerwa Express News

In order to promote women’s health and empowerment, Acemedix Foundation recently held its first Women & Maternal Health Action Summit (WOMHA 1.0). The event, which took place on March 7, 2025 in Abuja, brought together key health experts and advocates, all united under the theme “Action for Life: Pioneering Change in Maternal Health and Women’s Empowerment.”

Mobilization and economic development

Nigeria’s anti-graft commission recovers nearly $500m in a year | Africanews

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it recovered nearly $500 million in proceeds of crime last year. The recovery effort is part of the agency’s anti-graft campaign launched by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It also seized over 931,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products, 975 properties, and company shares. In a report published on Monday, the commission said that in addition, it secured more than 4,000 criminal convictions, its highest since it was founded more than two decades ago.

Mali to lift its suspension on the issuance of artisanal mining permits | Africanews

Mali will partially lift its suspension on the issuance of mining permits on March 15, the country’s mines ministry announced in a statement on Friday. The West African nation, a leading gold producer, halted the allocation of mining titles across its territory in November 2022, citing efforts to improve the permitting process. In 2023, Mali introduced a new mining code that increased taxes and granted the state greater stakes in mining assets. The ministry said the suspension will be eased after “major work to clean up the mining register.”

Nigeria’s stock market down 0.43%, investors lose N285bn

The stock market on Tuesday witnessed a downturn as performance indices declined by 0.43 per cent. Specifically, the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) market capitalisation fell by N285 billion or 0.43 per cent to N66.484 trillion from N66.769 trillion recorded on Monday Also, the All-Share Index dropped by 0.43 per cent or 454 points to close at 106,167.75 against 106,621.91 posted the previous day. The market breadth closed negative with 31 losers and 23 gainers.

Nigeria more competitive than it has been in 25 years — Report

Nigeria is more competitive than it has been at any point in the last 25 years, a research report by a fellow at Chatham House, an independent policy institute headquartered in the United Kingdom, has claimed. The report, entitled “Nigeria’s Economy Requires a Competitive Naira,” was authored by David Lubin, Michael Klein Senior Research Fellow, Global Economy and Finance Programme. It examined the implications of the devaluation exercise on the monetary and fiscal policies and reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

UK, Nigeria launch creative industries working group

In a major stride toward fostering innovation and collaboration, the United Kingdom and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

Small business owners bemoan incessant power outages, tariffs – Yerwa Express News

Some electricity consumers in the South-South region have bemoaned the gradual destruction of small businesses in Nigeria due to incessant power outages and the high electricity tariffs. The consumers made the remark while responding to the survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River.

Reps secure 7 major oil firms’ commitment to settle $37.4m debt – Yerwa Express News

The House of Representatives has secured the commitment of seven major oil companies to pay the $37,435,094.52 (approximately ₦58 billion) owed the country before August. This is contained in a statement issued by the Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., in Abuja on Monday.

African payments system PAPSS plans to launch FX market platform this year | Reuters

NAIROBI, March 12 (Reuters) – A pan-African payments infrastructure provider designed to facilitate trade on the continent is piloting an African currency market platform to boost commerce across borders in the region, its chief executive said. The Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS), backed by 15 central banks on the

Nigeria’s NNPC, Dangote Refinery in talks to extend naira-based crude supply deal | Reuters

Nigeria’s state oil company NNPC Ltd has begun discussions with the Dangote Oil Refinery to extend its contract for supplying crude oil in the naira currency, the company said. The original six-month agreement, which ends later this month, was implemented in October after local refineries, including the Dangote facility, reported difficulties securing crude supplies.

Nigeria strikes $200 million deal to power rural areas with renewable mini grids | Reuters

Nigeria has agreed to $200 million deal with WeLight, a pan-African Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) company to deploy hundreds of renewable mini grids, aimed at bringing reliable electricity to millions in rural communities and those surrounding urban centres. Africa’s most populous country, seeking to increase its renewable energy share of its electricity mix from 22% to 50%

Africa’s GDP growth to rebound amid ongoing poverty and climate challenges | Africanews

Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow by 3.8% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026, according to a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) released Wednesday in Addis Ababa during the 57th session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. The report, presented by UNECA’s Director of the Macro-Economics, Finance, and Governance Division, Zuzana Schwidrowski, acknowledged the resilience of African economies but emphasized that current growth rates are insufficient to drive widespread social development across the continent.