Regional News
At least 30 killed in armed attack in Nigeria (trtworld.com)
A recent armed attack in Nigeria’s Benue State has killed at least 30 people, according to an official. Matthew Aboh, the commissioner for information in Benue State, reported that the attack occurred in the village of Ayati on Friday night when armed assailants opened fire on residents. Aboh confirmed that at least 30 victims were killed and many were injsssured. Some reports suggest the death toll could be as high as 50.
Convoy carrying more than 1,000 civilians ambushed in Burkina last week, governor says | Reuters
Suspected jihadists ambushed a military convoy carrying more than 1,000 civilians in Burkina Faso last week, leading to civilian deaths and injuries, the regional governor said in a statement published on Wednesday, without providing a death toll.
The ambush took place on Aug. 9 in the village of Tawori in the east of the Sahel country, Governor Ram Joseph Kafando said in the statement, after visiting the wounded in hospital on Tuesday.
Nigeria considers tough penalties for subversive acts under proposed law | Reuters
LAGOS, Aug 14 (Reuters) – Nigerian lawmakers are considering a bill that would impose punishments of up to 10 years in jail for actions deemed subversive, a move that crtics see as an attempt to crack down on dissent following a wave of anti-government protests. The proposed Counter Subversion Bill, currently in its early stages of debate, introduces a 10-year jail term for refusal to recite the national anthem, a five-year jail term for erecting an “illegal road block”, and a three-year sentence for “disobeying constituted authority”.
Flood kills 16, destroys 3,936 houses in Jigawa – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, has confirmed 16 persons killed and 3,936 houses destroyed to flood disaster. It said the flood also submerged 2,744 hectres of farmlands following torrential rainfalls since the commencement of the 2024 rainy season. The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Haruna Mariga, who stated this in Dutse on Wednesday, said the disaster affected 10 local government areas of the state. Mr Mairiga said the deaths were as result of building collapse, drowning and canoe mishaps.
#EndBadGovernance: Release all detained protesters now, Labour tells FG – Daily Trust
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday asked the federal government and the police high command to immediately release all arrested Nigerians that were involved in the just-concluded #EndBadGovernance protest. It also demanded immediate apologies from the duo over the recent invasion of the headquarters of the NLC by the security operatives, stating that it would hold the Nigeria Police Force responsible for any incident at the building.
Flood kills 4 people in Bauchi — SEMA – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, has confirmed four persons dead in recent flood disaster in the state. The flood also destroyed houses, submerged farmlands and washed away some sections of the Kano-Maiduguri expressway. Masud Aliyu, the Director-General of the agency, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Bauchi. He said the flood affected Shira, Giade and Katagum Local Government Areas of the state, following torrential rains in the past days.
Nigerian army destroys 27 illicit refineries, seizes stolen oil | Reuters
Nigerian army troops have destroyed at least 27 illicit refining sites and seized stolen crude oil following raids this week on illegal oil bunkering sites in the Niger River delta, an army spokesperson said on Wednesday. Large-scale oil theft and sabotage of pipelines have hobbled output from Nigeria, Africa’s top energy producer, and crimped exports in recent years, crippling government finances and leaving President Bola Tinubu with one of his biggest challenges.
Mpox: NCDC places Lagos, Abuja, other states on high alert – Daily Trust
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that some states of the country have been put on high alert for the Mpox outbreak. The director general of the agency, Dr Jide Idris, said the states include Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, and Taraba.
Human Rights Watch says Cameroonian activist missing since arrest | Reuters
A Cameroonian social media activist and government critic has not been seen since his arrest three weeks ago and his lawyers believe he has been extrajudicially returned to Cameroon from Gabon, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday. The activist, Steve Akam, was last seen in a video circulated online that showed him handcuffed and surrounded by Cameroonian police near the border with Gabon. Akam had been living in Gabon for the past decade. Human Rights Watch said the video was filmed about three weeks ago in the Cameroonian town of Kye-Ossi, near the border with Gabon.
Health of detained Binance executive deteriorates in Nigerian prison, wife says | Reuters
The health of detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has deteriorated in a Nigerian prison where he faces money laundering charges, his wife said on Monday. Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, and two of its executives – Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and head of financial crime compliance, and Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan who is a regional manager for Africa – have bee charged with laundering over $35 million.
EFCC seeks specialised court to try cases of oil theft, vandalism – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, has made a case for a specialized court to try culprits of oil theft in the country. Michael Uzokwe, the Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede said this during the investigative hearing of crude oil theft in Abuja. Uzokwe said that the delay in prosecution through regular courts was hampering prosecution and militating against elimination of crude oil theft and other financial crimes.
Troops killed 147, apprehended 381 suspects in 1 week – DHQ – Daily Trust
The Nigerian military in the last week eliminated 147 terrorists, apprehended 381 suspects and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages across the country. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja. Buba said the troops recovered 74 assorted weapons and 3,498 ammunition, comprising one dushka, one RPG bomb, one RPG charger, 42 AK47 rifles, 10 fabricated rifles, and 13 Dane guns. “Also recovered are one FN rifle, one revolver pistol, one locally made pistol, 27 magazines, one AK47 dummy rifle, one AK47 top cover and one baofeng radio.
MNJTF force commander inducts new MSOs, charges them to be steadfast – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Major General Ibrahim Ali, Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), has inducted new Military Staff Officers (MSOs) into the Headquarters MNJTF. Olaniyi Osoba, spokesperson of the MNJTF, in a statement on Wednesday said, the force commander charged the newly inducted officers to remain steadfast and dedicated to the mission’s principles. According to him, the induction ceremony marks the beginning of their journey within MNJTF and the continuation of a legacy built on dedication, honor, and commitment to the mandate.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, says the Nigeria Police apprehended vandals in a blue pick-up van loaded with tower cables. Ndidi Mbah, TCN’S General Manager, Public Affairs, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Mrs Mbah said that the items were allegedly stolen from transmission towers along the Damboa/Maiduguri 132KV line on Aug. 7.
UN:Floods in Central and West Africa affect over 700,000 people | Africanews
The floods currently affecting Central and West Africa have already impacted more than 700,000 people, according to a report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This alarming situation is the result of torrential rains that have hit the region just two months into the rainy season. “The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is concerned about the flooding in the region, which has already affected hundreds of thousands of people. Just two months into the rainy season, heavy rains and severe flooding have impacted more than 700,000 people in the Central African Republic, Chad, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, and Togo,” said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during a press conference.
A new global health emergency: All you need to know about mpox outbreak | Africanews
The World Health Organization declared Wednesday that the increasing spread of mpox in Africa is a global health emergency, warning the virus might ultimately spill across international borders. The announcement by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus came after a meeting of the U.N. health agency’s emergency committee. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared mpox a public health emergency on the continent on Tuesday. WHO said there have been more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa this year, which already exceed last year’s figures.
COVID-19: 775m people got infected since inception – WHO – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The World Health Organisation, WHO, stated that, as of 21 July 2024, more than 775 million confirmed cases and more than seven million deaths from COVID-19 have been reported globally since the pandemic began. This was announced in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. “Globally, during the 28-day period (24 June to 21 July), the number of new cases and deaths increased by 30 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively.
Is Africa experiencing a protest-led revolution? | Protests News | Al Jazeera
Not long after widespread, and deadly, protests against tax hikes rocked Kenya in June and forced a sharp government turnaround, Ugandans assembled for anticorruption protests, before Nigerians too began clamouring for demonstrations. Many had watched captivating scenes on social media and on Kenyan news channels showing demonstrators storming the Parliament Building in the capital Nairobi on June 25. As lawmakers scampered into hiding, the angry protesters set fire to the building.
It was just a few minutes before 7 o’clock on a Friday evening in early June when Kani* and 10 others fleeing violence in northeastern Mali arrived at a checkpoint in Labbezanga, close to the border with Niger. Six armed men, three of them wearing military fatigues, at the checkpoint stopped the men and women who had begun their journey from their village on foot the previous day.
Nigeria immigration probes woman for destroying husband’s passport at Lagos Airport | Africanews
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has called for an investigation into an event at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, where a woman was filmed tearing a Nigerian passport. According to local media reports, the woman identified as Mrs. Favour Igiebor, was seen in the video confessing to damaging the passport, reportedly belonging to her husband. Despite her admission, the airport officials did not take any action but allowed her to leave with her two children. NIS spokesperson Kenneth Udo confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday, August 11, adding that the Comptroller General of Immigration, K.N. Nandap, had ordered Mrs. Igiebor to be summoned for further investigation.
Malian rebels say they have received no help from Ukraine, foreigners | Reuters
A spokesperson for Mali’s Tuareg rebel alliance said it received no external assistance in fighting in late July that dealt a significant blow to Mali’s army and its Wagner partners, nor has it received any help from Ukraine. The northern rebels in early August said they had killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers over days of fierce fighting in the town of Tinzaouaten near the Algerian border, in what appears to be Wagner’s heaviest defeat since it stepped in two years ago to help the West African country’s military authorities fight insurgent groups.
French court orders seizure of 3 Nigerian presidential jets – Daily Trust
A French court has ordered the seizure of three presidential jets linked to the Federal Government. According to Financial Times, the jets to be seized are a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ and an Airbus A330-243 belonging to the federal government of Nigeria, stationed at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports. This is as a result of an application by Zhongshan, a Chinese company whose export processing zone management contract was revoked by the Ogun state government in 2016.
The judgment is the latest arbitration effort against Nigeria by a foreign company alleging that Africa’s most populous nation reneged on an agreement.
Peace and Security
Burkina Faso newspaper suspends publication after reported abduction of journalist | Reuters DAKAR, Aug 15 (Reuters) – A Burkina Faso-based investigative newspaper is suspending publication following the kidnapping of its publishing director, the media outlet said on Wednesday. Armed men had arrived at the home of Atiana Serge Oulon, the publishing director of L’Evenement, in June and ordered him to get into a minibus, media freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in a report, opens new tab. A few hours later two men had returned to Oulon’s home and introduced themselves to his wife as secret service agents before seizing his computer and telephone, according to the report.
Chad opens consulate in Morocco-ruled Western Sahara | Reuters
Chad opened on Wednesday a consulate in Western Sahara, joining African and Arab countries that have established diplomatic missions there in a sign of support for Morocco’s claim to the disputed territory. Morocco considers Western Sahara its own territory, but the Algeria-backed Polisario Front wants to establish its own state there.
So far 29 countries have opened consulates in Western Sahara cities of Layoune and Dakhla in full support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory.
World War II: France honors its African fighters | Africanews
France commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings on the French Riviera during World War II to repel the Nazis, with events on Thursday that particularly honored the many soldiers from Africa, sent by France’s then colonies, who took part. Sometimes called the “forgotten D-Day ,” the event was marked by ceremonies presided over by French President Emmanuel Macron . Storm warnings Thursday around the Mediterranean coast forced the cancellation of a maritime portion of the events.
FG knocks Chinese company, says Presidential jets can’t be seized – Daily Trust
The Presidency has broken its silence on a French Court for the seizure of three Nigerian Presidential jets. Citing Financial Times, Daily Trust had reported how the court ordered seizure of the aircraft over a botched deal involving Ogun State government and a Chinese company. The jets listed for seizure are a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ and an Airbus A330-243 stationed at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports. Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited,, a Chinese company whose export processing zone management contract was revoked by the Ogun state government in 2016, had approached the court. Responding in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency accused the company of misleading the court.
Mali expels Swedish ambassador amid strained relations with the West | Africanews
Mali has ordered Sweden’s ambassador to leave the country within 72 hours because of what it called a “hostile” statement by a Swedish minister, the government said on Friday. Ambassador Kristina Kuhnel’s expulsion comes after Mali on Monday announced it was severing diplomatic ties with Ukraine. It accused a senior Ukrainian official of suggesting that Kyiv had provided help to Tuareg rebels who claimed to have killed dozens of mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group and Malian soldiers in July. Ukraine has denied any involvement in the fighting in northern Mali. Bamako’s decision to cut ties with Kyiv prompted Sweden’s minister for international development cooperation and trade, Johan Forssell, to say on Wednesday that the government had decided to phase out bilateral aid to Mali due to its ties to Moscow.
Foreign ministers from the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden have stressed their governments’ commitment to strengthening partnerships with Nigeria in peacekeeping, trade, education, sustainable development, and addressing disinformation. The ministers declared this at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Aug. 13, during a first-of-its-kind joint visit outside Europe. “The Nordic countries have a long tradition of taking part in international trade, and we believe in forging strong economic ties as a means of long-term development. My country, Sweden, is an example of this.
The United Nations chief has called for the UN Security Council (UNSC) to reform its outdated structure and assign Africa a permanent seat at the table, stressing that the continent is underrepresented. Addressing the council on Monday during a high-level debate, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the composition of the UNSC has failed to keep pace with a changing world.
Peace advocates partner with Borno Gov’t on peacebuilding initiatives – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
A delegation of youth peace advocates has paid a courtesy visit to the Borno State Government in an effort to strengthen their partnership for peacebuilding in the state. The advocates, a group of 100 young individuals, were recently trained in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, mental health, and climate change mitigation by the Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment (PACHE) in partnership with the British Council and the state government.
Humanitarian
NGO calls for two years of breastfeeding, provides reasons – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Plan International, a non-governmental organization working to improve the lives of vulnerable people has encouraged mothers in Borno to breastfeed their newborns for two years. Out of these two years, the organization explained that newborns need six months of exclusive breastfeeding, free of any supplements, to ensure their effective growth
The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated essential medical and nutritional supplies to the Borno State Government, aiming to save the lives of thousands of children threatened by malaria, malnutrition, and cholera. The donation comes just days after news about a malnourished family whose children were blinded by unexplained ailments went viral on social media. In 2023, FHI 360, a non-governmental organisation operating in Nigeria’s northeastern region, reported over 15,000 cases of child wasting—a 160 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The situation continues to deteriorate due to worsening food insecurity and ongoing displacement caused by armed violence in the region.
The Borno state government has resettled 1,600 households, comprising 9,600 internally displaced people (IDPs), from Bama’s largest displacement camp in Ngurosoye, North East Nigeria. Ngurosoye is one of the villages recovered from insurgents in the Bama local government area. While the return to the community brought joy to the beneficiaries, not all 1,600 households have permanent homes there.
A high-level delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), led by Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou, visited Borno State to discuss ongoing efforts and future strategies for addressing the plight of displaced persons. During the visit, the delegation met with state governor Babagana Zulum, where they emphasised the need for sustainable solutions amid dwindling humanitarian resources.
Mobilization and economic development
The Federal Government has unveiled guidelines for the implementation of the “Zero Percent Duty Rate and Value Added Tax” exemption on certain basic food items. The announcement is contained in a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada on Wednesday in Abuja. Mr Maiwada said that President Bola Tinubu approved the guidelines through Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
Borno dry ports to be ready in 6 months – Zulum – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno says the state is committed to completing the construction of the Inland Dry Ports, IDP, in six months. Mr Zulum gave the assurances on Wednesday when he led the concessioners to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Headquarters in Lagos. He assured NSC Executive members of the resolve of the B
orno government to expedite works toward establishing an inland dry port in Maiduguri. According to him, the establishment of the inland dry port in Maiduguri will bring opportunities to the Federal Government and the people of Borno.
RMAFC clarifies N13.5m monthly salaries, allowances of Senators, Reps – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, has cleared the air on the salaries and allowances being paid to members of the National Assembly. This is contained in a statement signed by the chairman of RMAFC, Mohammad Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday. According to him, the clarification has become imperative. Mr Shehu said that the issue had continued to occupy the front burner of national discourse, especially among elder statesmen, public affairs commentators, Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, as well as the media.
SMEDAN, NIPOST offers 15% logistics discount to small businesses – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SMEDAN, has partnered with the Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, to offer a special 15 per cent discount on logistics services to small businesses. The Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, said this while signing a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Postmaster General of NIPOST, Tola Odeyemi, on Wednesday in Abuja. Mr Odii said that the partnership would improve business conditions, expand sales, and lower operational costs for Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in Nigeria.
Standard Bank plans to increase stakes in Nigeria and Angola businesses | Reuters
Standard Bank (SBKJ.J), opens new tab, Africa’s biggest lender by assets, is looking to increase stakes it holds in businesses in Angola and Nigeria, its CEO said on Thursday. The Angolan government is planning to sell as much as a 34% stake in Standard Bank de Angola SA through an initial public offering, according to a presidential decree, after seizing a 49% stake that was controlled by a former insurance tycoon who is serving a nine-year prison term.
Nigeria inflation falls for first month in well over a year | Reuters
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell in July for the first time in well over a year, dipping to 33.40% in annual terms (NGCPIY=ECI), opens new tab from 34.19% in June, data from the statistics agency showed on Thursday.
Analysts had said June’s reading could mark the peak in inflation as currency devaluation effects start to fade. July’s slowdown will bring some relief to frustrated Nigerians, who protested this month over cost-of-living pressures and governance issues in Africa’s most populous nation.
Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea sign agreement on gas pipeline – Daily Trust
President Bola Tinubu and Equatorial Guinean President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project. The agreement covered legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline; establishment and operation; transit of natural gas; ownership of the gas pipeline; and general principles. Speaking at the event, President Tinubu, who is on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, said the signing of the agreement will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment. The President stated that the two leaders had discussed issues related to the creation of employment, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent during a private meeting that preceded the signing of the agreement.
