Regional News
Wagner mercenaries and Mali army accused of killing civilians near Gao
Mali’s military said there had been a “series of clashes” with “armed terrorist groups” in the area. A relative of the driver of one of the vehicles from the northern city of Gao told French news agency AFP that the group was bound for Algeria when the deadly attack occurred. “The driver of the first vehicle is my cousin,” they said on the condition of anonymity.
Niger: General Abdourahamane Tiani’s term extended by national conference | Africanews
Since the military took control of Niger following the coup in 2023, a national commission has suggested a political transition lasting at least five years towards a democratic regime. The national conference in Niger has recommended a renewable five-year term for General Abdourahamane Tiani, the president of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the
BREAKING: Terrorists regrouping on Lake Chad shores – local vigilantes cry out – Yerwa Express News
A report reaching YERWA EXPRESS NEWS on Wednesday indicated that Boko Haram terrorists are regrouping on the shores of the Lake Chad region. A community vigilante, in a phone conversation, informed our reporter that the terrorists were coming from Tumbun Alkali, Tumbun Barebari, Musarram, Shangaram, and Masharam, under the Kukawa Local Government Area.
The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, says about 789 ex-terrorist combatants, are presently undergoing De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme under the Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) initiative.
Orano looks to Mongolia as new source for uranium | Reuters
French nuclear fuels company Orano is looking to increase output of uranium from new mines in Mongolia and elsewhere to meet rising demand from the nuclear power industry and offset production from its stalled projects in Niger, said CEO Nicolas Maes. State-owned Orano has had problems exporting uranium from its mines
Haunted by War: Nigerian Soldiers Battle Trauma After Fighting Boko Haram – HumAngle
Segun Akogun*, a sergeant in the Nigerian Army, left the war-torn streets of Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, in 2018. Seven years later, he remains haunted by the unimaginable horrors he witnessed on the battlefield while combating Boko Haram insurgents. Deployed to Monguno local government area in northern Borno in Feb. 2016 from Ojo Cantonment in Lagos.
198 stolen cows returned to owners in Taraba – Daily Trust
The Taraba State Government on Thursday returned 198 cows recovered from cattle rustlers to the owners in Jalingo. Dr Aminu Jauro, the chairman of the Taskforce Committee on Recovery of Stolen Cows to Owners, who handed over the animals in Jalingo, said total recovered cows were 222 and 58 sheep. Jauro, also the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area and the state’s Chairman of ALGON, said that the feat was achieved through collaboration with security agencies and local hunters.
Over 50 Locals Severely Injured by Gunpowder Explosion in Zamfara – HumAngle
Over 50 local traders were victims of a gunpowder explosion on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Talata-Mafara Central market in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. The explosion happened around 3:30 p.m. when the local gun manufacturers were displaying their arms, including dangerously identified gunpowder which exploded due to heat pressure amidst a rowdy market
Northern Mali rebels say army killed 24 civilians, army reports clashes | Reuters
A Tuareg-dominated rebel alliance in northern Mali accused Malian soldiers, accompanied by Russian Wagner mercenaries, of killing 24 civilians travelling north to Algeria from the city of Gao, as the army reported clashes in the region. Mali, led by a military junta, has for more than a decade battled jihadist groups allied to Islamic.
Nigerian state bans nightclubs as Hisbah threatens tough actions | Premium Times Nigeria
The Katsina State Hisbah Board has banned all nightclub activities across the state, citing Islamic principles and the need to uphold moral values. The Hisbah Commander-General, Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), announced this in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday. He ordered nightclub owners to shut down their establishments to curb immoral practices, protect
Netherlands to return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria | Reuters
The Netherlands has agreed to return more than 100 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, the latest European country to return cultural artefacts to Africa, the Dutch embassy in Abuja said on Wednesday. Nigeria is on a quest to get thousands of intricate bronze sculptures and castings that were looted by British soldiers during a raid on the then-separate Kingdom of Benin, located in what is now southwestern Nigeria, in 1897.
Kogi varsity shuts down indefinitely over students’ protest – Daily Trust
The management of the Federal University, Lokoja in Kogi State, has closed down the institution indefinitely to forestall further loss of lives and prosperity. This was contained in a statement signed by the institution’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, on Thursday and made available to the newsmen in Lokoja.
Over 40 people killed in Mali mine collapse | Reuters
Forty-three people, mostly women, were killed after an artisanal gold mine collapsed in western Mali on Saturday, the head of an industry union said. The accident took place near the town of Kenieba in Mali’s gold-rich Kayes region, Taoule Camara, secretary general of the national union of gold counters and refineries (UCROM), told Reuters.
Niger commission recommends 5-year transition to democratic rule | Reuters
A commission in military junta-led Niger has recommended a minimum five-year transition to democratic rule following national discussions, officials said.
After a coup in 2023 when the army seized power and ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s junta proposed a three-year timeline for a transition back to civilian rule.
Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, a pioneer of African cinema, dies at age 84 | Africanews
Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, a pioneer of African cinema with a career spanning 50 years, has died at age 84, Malian television announced Wednesday. The cause of Cissé’s death was not announced. The Malian government said Cissé “had just held a press conference to present two trophies as a prelude to the 29th edition of Fespaco, the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), which will open this next weekend in the capital of Burkina Faso.”
FG bans use of 60,000 litres petrol tankers on Nigerian roads – Yerwa Express News
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has banned 60,000 litres petroleum tankers from operating on Nigerian roads, effective March 1, to mitigate truck-in-transit incidents. Ahmed Farouk, Authority’s Chief Executive, NMDPRA,
Adamawa governor sacks traditional rulers
The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has sacked all district heads and traditional title holders in the newly created emirates and chiefdoms in the state. He announced the dismissal on Wednesday at Gulak while presenting the staff of office to the new chief of Madagali, Ali Danburam. “All district heads and traditional title holders who acquired titles from their old emirates and chiefdoms are to be dropped with immediate effect.
Boko Haram: FG must seek Leah Sharibu, others release now -CAN – Daily Trust
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the federal government to redouble its efforts to secure Leah Sharibu’s and others in Boko Haram captivity. President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Thursday in Abuja in a statement he signed, said the body stands in solidarity with Sharibu’s family and all who continue to bear the pain of her absence.
Fresh 180 Nigerians repatriated from Libya – Daily Trust
Fresh 180 Nigerians have been repatriated back home on Wednesday via a chartered flight from Libya. Alexander Oturu, Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), said in a statement on Thursday that the repatriation was done in a coordinated and all-of-government approach.
W/Africa recorded 67 new infectious disease outbreaks in 2024 – Daily Trust
The ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC), says a total of 67 outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases were recorded across West Africa in last year. The Executive Director of the organiSation, Dr. Mamadou Diarrassouba made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja during the workshop on the establishment of a Technical Advisory Council (TAC) for the centre.
2 Nigerians awarded £50,000 Commonwealth Peace Prize – Daily Trust
James Wuye and Muhammad Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, have been named the winners of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize. The two Nigerians were honoured for their exceptional contributions to “peacebuilding and reconciliation” in Nigeria. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland announced the award on Wednesday in a congratulatory letter to Nigeria’s Deputy High Commissioner, Sani.
Offensive Agricole: Burkina Faso | Africa’s New Directions | Agriculture | Al Jazeera
Burkina Faso has started an agricultural development strategy to achieve food sovereignty by 2025. Between climate change, rising prices and security threats, Burkina Faso has an urgent need to develop sustainable food sovereignty. In response to this challenge, the Burkinabe government has launched an “agriculture offensive”, which aims to reduce the food imports that put a strain on foreign reserves and everyone from farmers to city dwellers.
Peace and Security
Djibouti’s Foreign Minister wins AUC Chair race | Africanews
Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Youssouf, has won the race to become the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Youssouf defeated former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Malagasy Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato for the prestigious role. Youssouf says he will prioritise regional security and promote greater unity across Africa, aiming to bridge linguistic and cultural divides on the continent.
CDS speaks over visa denial by Canada – Yerwa Express News
The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, says the military met all the requirements and passed through all the processes in respect of the recent visa application to Canadian High Commission. Mr Musa made this known on Wednesday in
African Union Summit opens as conflicts rage on the continent
African heads of state are gathering for their annual summit in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa this weekend, with escalating conflict in the DRC, the war and resulting humanitarian crisis in Sudan and cuts to aid from the US dominating the agenda.
Niger convention recommends 5-yr transition for Tchiani – Daily Trust
A consultative body appointed by Niger’s junta proposed on Thursday a five-year timeline for the transition to civilian rule and the “possibility” of the county’s military leaders standing for election. In a ceremony broadcast on state television, junta chief General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who will have the final say on the proposal, proclaimed it as a “fresh start” that brought hope for the West African nation.
Arrest: Prof Usman Yusuf’s family writes US, seeks diplomatic intervention – Daily Trust
The wife and sons of the former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Prof Usman Yusuf, have written to the United States Government for diplomatic intervention towards the quick release of their father. The letter dated February 18, 2025 by the wife, Iftikar Abdallah Yusuf, and addressed to the American Embassy, is titled, “Re: Request For Consular Assistance For My Husband Professor Usman Yusuf,” and the letter jointly written by the three sons, Abdullah.
USAID never funded Boko Haram, American Ambassador to Nigeria says
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr, has said that there’s no evidence to back allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded the Boko Haram terrorist group in the country. PREMIUM TIMES reported that US Congressman Scott Perry recently claimed that the USAID funded global terrorist groups like Boko Haram.
How realistic is the African Union’s call for reparatory justice? | African Union | Al Jazeera
African leaders are seeking reparations from former colonial powers at a summit in Ethiopia. After decades of colonisation, exploitation and resource extraction, African countries want an apology and a paycheque. Members of the 55-member African Union bloc are meeting in Addis Ababa to try to consolidate a position on reparatory justice.
Humanitarian
WFP, Mastercard Foundation to support 200,000 farmers in North – Daily Trust
The World Food Programme (WFP) Nigeria, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced a strategic initiative to support 200,000 smallholder farmers and farm workers in northern states by 2027. WFP Country Director, Mr. David Stevenson, disclosed this at the launch of a Mastercard Foundation project in Mamado village, Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Malnutrition: NEC inaugurates Nutrition 774 Initiative – Daily Trust
The National Economic Council (NEC) has inaugurated Nutrition 774 Initiative to combat malnutrition across the country. This is as the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima called on state governors, ministers, local government chairmen and other stakeholders, including the private sector, to take urgent and decisive action against the scourge of malnutrition in the country.
One Dies, 5 Injured as wall collapses on Students in Yobe classroom – Daily Trust
At least one female student was killed, while 5 sustained injuries after a classroom wall collapsed at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Potiskum, Yobe state, on Thursday. Multiple sources told Daily Trust that the unfortunate incident happened when the victims were in the classroom. ‘‘This unfortunate incident happened around 12:30 pm when most of the students in the school were taking lessons. There was no teacher in the affected classroom when it occurred.
Scars of War (I): Children Caught in Nigeria’s Boko Haram Conflict Battle Trauma – HumAngle
In 2009, 15-year-old Abba Kyari had just finished his final exams for junior secondary school and travelled to Mafoni Ward in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, to spend the holidays with his grandfather. But his break was violently disrupted when Boko Haram launched attacks on police stations and government buildings in the community on July 26, 2009, marking the start of its insurgency in Nigeria.
Foreign aid freeze raises fears of renewed AIDS crisis in Africa | Africanews
Concerns are rising in Africa about a potential resurgence of the devastating AIDS crisis that once claimed millions of lives across the continent. Florence Makumene, a 53-year-old from Zimbabwe, witnessed the tragic toll of HIV on her loved ones, who faced a diagnosis that was often seen as a death sentence. However, when she tested positive in 2016, her story took a different turn thanks to
Mobilization and economic development
Nigeria keeps benchmark interest rate steady as inflation seen falling gradually | Reuters
Nigeria’s central bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Thursday after six hikes last year, saying that it was reassured by stability in the foreign exchange market and saw inflation gradually falling. Economists polled by Reuters had been split on what the Central Bank of Nigeria would do, partly because of a rebasing.
Exclusive: Barrick Gold signs agreement with Mali to end mining dispute | Reuters
Canadian miner Barrick Gold has signed a new agreement with the Malian government to end an almost two-year-old dispute over its mining assets in the West African country, four people familiar with the developments told Reuters on Wednesday. Barrick has signed the agreement and it is now up to Mali’s government to formally approve the deal, the sources told Reuters.
Nigeria suing Binance for $81.5 billion in economic losses and back tax | Reuters
Binance, which is not registered in Nigeria, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It has previously said it is working with Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service to resolve potential historic tax liabilities. The inland revenue service alleges in documents seen by Reuters that Binance has a “significant economic presence” in Nigeria and is therefore liable for corporate.
African leaders approve creation of financial stability fund | Reuters
African leaders have approved the establishment of a continental financial stability fund, the African Development Bank (AfDB) said, a move designed to stave off potential debt crises on the continent before they take hold. The facility, known as The African Financial Stability Mechanism (AFSM), will get its own credit rating to allow it to borrow on international.
Nigeria’s inflation rate drops after statistics overhauled and updated | Reuters
Nigeria’s annual inflation rate stood at 24.48% in January, the statistics agency said on Tuesday, well down from the previous month’s figure after the country’s price index was rebased for the first time in more than a decade. The National Bureau of Statistics said the rebasing – in which the items in the reference ‘basket’ used to calculate inflation were.
Microsoft invests $1m in AI skilling for 1million Nigerians – Yerwa Express News
Microsoft on Wednesday announced a one million dollars investment to equip one million Nigerians with Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills. The Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Ms Ola Williams, said at a Microsoft AI Tour media briefing in Lagos that the AI skill training would reach one million Nigerians by 2026.
How we will meet 4m bpd oil production target– Tinubu’s aide – Daily Trust
The Special Adviser to president Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, has outlined efforts and plans of the administration to achieve Nigeria’s ambitious target of increasing oil production to 4 million barrels per day by 2030. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Arise News on Wednesday, Verheijen said the government is providing fiscal incentives and eliminating bureaucratic.
Naira appreciates to N1,505/$1 as CBN retains interest rates – Daily Trust
The naira has sustained its strong performance as the local currency appreciated to close at N1,505/$1 at the parallel market on Thursday, gaining N9 from N1,514 it sold on Wednesday. This is as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) retained all monetary parameters at its 299th Monetary Policy Committee meeting, the first in 2025.
CBN retains interest rate at 27.5%
The Central Bank of Nigeria has held its benchmark lending rate at 27.50 per cent, marking the first time it has opted to maintain the rate in almost three years. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed this while addressing journalists at the end of a two-day MPC meeting held in Abuja. CBN had been persistent in raising the lending rates since March 2022 when the rate stood at 11.5 per cent.
A group of African countries is set to launch a bank to fund oil and gas projects amid growing reluctance by Western institutions to further invest in fossil fuels. The long-planned “Africa Energy Bank” that is expected to take off soon was announced last June as a joint initiative by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
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