Regional News
Boko Haram Intensifies Attacks in Cameroon Amid Resurgence in Lake Chad Region – HumAngle
A Cameroonian soldier was killed and three others were wounded during a two-night attack by Boko Haram terrorists from 19 to 20 May. The assault occurred in Kerawa, a locality on the border with Nigeria, within the Kolofata sub-division of the Mayo-Sava division in the Far North region. A member of the local vigilante committee said the assailants, who came from Nigeria, targeted a Cameroonian military post.
ISWAP Kills Over 50 Farmers, Abducts 18 Others In Borno – NEWS POINT NIGERIA
NO fewer than 50 farmers and fishermen were killed in an attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the village of Malam Karanti near Baga, in the Kukawa Local Government Area of the northern part of Borno State, sources have said. Our correspondent gathered that the attack occurred on Thursday morning in Malam Karanti, a village five kilometres from Baga. Sources said the terrorists gathered farmers and fishermen near the village and killed 50 bean farmers.
Borno: How Boko Haram killed 90 farmers in 5 months – Daily Trust
At least 90 farmers and fishermen have been killed in two separate attacks by armed groups in the Lake Chad area of Borno State in the last five months. Fighters from the Boko Haram group and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) were suspected to have carried out the attacks.
37 die in Kwara boat mishap – Daily Trust
A tragic boat mishap in the Gbajibo-Mudi community of Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State has claimed 37 lives. The incident which occurred on Thursday around 6:00 p.m. was reportedly caused by overloading.
This comes barely seven months after a similar tragedy in the state claimed over 106 lives. According to a community member, the boat was carrying about 150 passengers when it capsized mid-river.
1,593 Nigerians killed in road crashes in 3 months – Daily Trust
At least 1,593 Nigerians lost their lives in road traffic crashes during the first quarter of 2025, according to figures released by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The data also shows a disturbing rise in both fatalities and injuries, despite a slight drop in the overall number of crashes.
Bandits kill 49 in Katsina, Kebbi, Benue – Daily Trust
Bandits, over the weekend, killed 49 persons in Katsina, Kebbi and Benue communities. At least 19 bodies were recovered following a deadly attack by bandits on the Gobirawa community in Kuki ward of Dutsinma Local Government Area, Katsina State. The attackers, who stormed the village on Saturday night, began shooting indiscriminately, killing several people on the spot.
Immigration, labour reforms: Reps urge FG to rescue Nigerians stranded in Saudi – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to rescue Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia affected by the recent labour and immigration reforms introduced by the Saudi authorities. The call followed the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance moved by Rep. Muhammad Bello Shehu (NNPP, Kano) at the plenary on Wednesday.
FG to end flooding from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam – Daily Trust
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has said the government is planning to construct Datsin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State, to serve as a buffer to perennial flooding from the release of water from Lagdo Dam when opened by the Cameroonian authorities. The minister said during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing that it is carrying out a study and design to protect Nigerians from such release.
15 traders killed in fresh attack on Benue communities – Daily Trust
At least 15 traders have reportedly been killed by armed invaders in communities around Ogwumogbo and Okpo’okpolo in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. Our correspondent gathered that the traders were returning from Oweto market in Agatu to their various villages when they were attacked by the gunmen who laid siege to the affected vicinities
Chad honors Afreximbank President Oramah with top national award
President Idriss Déby of Chad has awarded Benedict Oramah, president of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), one of the country’s highest national honours in recognition of his support for the Chadian economy during a period of political and financial uncertainty.
The Chadian president conferred on Mr Oramah the title of Commander in the National Order of Chad, a distinction reserved for individuals who have made sustained and significant contributions to the nation.
JUST-IN: 23 farmers killed in Borno village, 18 others abducted – Yerwa Express News
At least 23 farmers and fishermen were killed in an attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province ISWAP, a Boko Haram splinter group, in the village of Malam Karanti, near Baga, Borno State. The attack occurred on Thursday morning in Malam Karanti, a village five kilometres from Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area.
FG, FAO initiate digital platform to reform agric sector – Daily Trust
The federal government and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) are driving efforts to establish the Nigeria Agri-Innovation and Digital Agriculture platform, a robust infrastructure that will aid actors in digitising agricultural value chains. To ensure sustained, transformative impact, the platform employs a collaborative ecosystem co-creation approach that includes both public and corporate partners.
Insecurity persists despite over 120m NIN enrolment – Daily Trust
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) said the number of Nigerians and legal residents with the National Identity Numbers (NINs) has hit 120.04 million, but cases of insecurity reported across the country have equally ballooned. With more than half of the country’s population now having their data and identities captured in the NIMC and by extension security agencies’ database, the cases of insecurity have yet to reduce, forcing many Nigerians to question the rationale behind NIN (SIM) registration and capturing.
Insurgents launch 12 attacks in Borno in three weeks
Residents are again deserting Borno rural communities following renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents. The Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have carried out at least 12 attacks in the state in the last three weeks, resulting in the killing of scores of soldiers and civilians. Residents had hoped the attacks would reduce after the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, led his state counterpart, Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff, Chris Musa, and the service chiefs on a visit to assess the security situation.
1 killed, many injured as farmers, herders clash in Yobe – Daily Trust
A 35-year-old man, Usman Mohammed, has been confirmed dead following a conflict between farmers and herders at Chikuriwa village in Nangere LGA of Yobe State. The dispute reportedly broke out after an unidentified herder allegedly entered a farmer’s land with his animals, leading to a violent clash between the two groups. During the confrontation, the farmer, Babayo Maina Osi, was allegedly shot on the forehead with an arrow and he sustained injuries.
NIS Reaffirms Commitment To Maritime Border Security • Channels Television
While delivering her address at the jointly organised workshop by the United Nations counter terrorism team and the Nigeria Immigration Service in Lagos on Tuesday, she harped on the importance of re-evaluating strategies of evolving challenges. “We recognise the urgent imperative of deploying modern surveillance systems and advanced communication technologies for early threat detection and rapid response. Maritime border security is a cornerstone of national security, and the NIS is unwavering in.
Troops capture terrorists’ informants, rescue abducted victims – PRNigeria News
In a bold show of renewed strength and strategic coordination, the Nigerian Armed Forces—backed by hybrid units and security agencies—have launched intensified military operations across various regions of the country, aimed at neutralizing terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and dismantling criminal networks threatening national stability. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media.
Security operatives escorting the convoy of Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum have opened fire on Boko Haram terrorists on their way from Gamboru Ngala to Maiduguri after a three-day tour. Though the terrorists’ motive was not known, the convoy’s security escort went after them and exchanged fire for nearly half an hour between 12:50 pm and 1:30 pm.
The military rulers of Burkina Faso have turned to a man once known as “Africa’s Che Guevara” as a way to rally a country struggling to defeat extremists and turning away from former Western allies. Hundreds of young people gathered over the weekend in the capital, Ouagadougou, for the opening of a mausoleum for legendary leader Thomas Sankara. “I’m the driver of the revolution!” one young man exclaimed with delight, sitting behind the wheel of the jeep that Sankara used during his presidency decades ago.
Nigeria’s Qadri Aruna secures third round spot in table tennis world championship | Africanews
Nigeria’s Qadri Aruna beat Germany’s Benedikt Duda 4-2 in their Round of 32 match in the International Table Tennis Federation World Championship currently underway in Doha, Qatar. Often referred to as the “King of African Table Tennis”, the 36-year-old professional player’s win over the higher ranking German sees him move up to the Round of 16. His spirited performance has kept Nigeria and Africa’s hopes alive in the competition which ends on Sunday.
Nigerian Army deals blow to Boko Haram insurgents in Borno – Lake Chad Times | Lake Chad Times
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have successfully neutralized Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents in a series of operations across Borno State. The operations also led to the recovery of weapons and materials used for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). According to a press statement issued by the Nigerian Army on Thursday, the troops responded to intelligence about insurgents attempting to loot food supplies from a civilian vehicle near Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government.
Cameroon soccer great Emmanuel Kundé dies at age 68 | Africanews
Emmanuel Kundé, Cameroon’s defensive anchor on the first African team to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup, has died, the country’s soccer federation said. He was 68. Kundé scored a penalty against England in the last eight of the 1990 World Cup in Italy before the Indomitable Lions lost in extra time. He also played at the 1982 World Cup when Cameroon made its tournament debut. “His death is a huge loss for Cameroonian soccer,” the country’s football federation said in a statement late Friday.
Peace and Security
ANALYSIS: Mali’s transition at risk as political parties are dissolved
On 13 May, Mali’s military transitional authority decreed the dissolution of political parties. Although most of the country’s nearly 300 parties were not functional, this is a major setback for Mali’s prospects of remaining a multiparty democracy. It is also a notable turning point in the transition that started five years ago, when a double military coup led by Mali’s current leader, Assimi Goïta, toppled the government. By closing down the democratic space, the military authorities risk worsening insecurity in the country, which already faces persistent jihadism and a recurrent rebellion in the north.
Nigeria’s Resurging Terror Attacks Amidst Global Displacement Crisis – HumAngle
The recent Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID) published by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) paints a troubling picture: worldwide, there are now 83.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs)—a sharp increase from previous years. A significant number of these displaced persons, nearly 90 per cent, or 73.5 million people, were displaced by conflict and violence, an increase of 80 per cent in six years.
Zulum urges FG to prevent B/Haram takeover of Marte, declares day of fasting – Daily Trust
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has appealed to the federal government to take urgent and decisive action to prevent Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents from recapturing Marte town in northern Borno. Zulum, who spent the night in Marte on Saturday coordinating security logistics, expressed concern over the recent attack that forced about 20,000 residents to flee to Dikwa.
CDS Leads Nigerian Delegation to Cameroon’s 53rd Independence Anniversary – PRNigeria News
The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS) General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR today, 20 May 2025 graced the 53rd National Day celebrations of the Republic of Cameroon, held in Yaounde the country’s capital. General Musa, in his comment, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception, while reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to fostering stronger partnership with Cameroon and other neighbouring nations in addressing common security challenges and promoting socio-economic growth.
Can Realpolitik drive renewed regional cooperation in West Africa? | Premium Times Nigeria Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) became official in January. A month earlier, ECOWAS decided on a six-month grace period to define the terms of separation and a framework for engagement. But nearly four months on, negotiations have not begun. ECOWAS is currently focused on two other milestones: its 50th anniversary celebrations and the upcoming Special Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa.
Racism in the Sahel and the Intelligence Gaps Fueling Terrorism – HumAngle
The ideological battlegrounds of northern Nigeria are disintegrating into a shadow war of self-interest, racial hierarchies, and fragmented loyalties. Once defined by rigid command structures, today’s extremist threat is unrecognised, more volatile, decentralised, and shaped by trauma, greed, and chaos spreading in the Sahel.
Terrorists’ rehabilitation gamble – Daily Trust
As Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) still hold sway, the scars of war continue to mar memory in northeastern Nigeria. It is against that background that the government has been testing the boundaries of justice, forgiveness and national security. Former insurgents, many of whom were active members of Boko Haram or its more brutal offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are being ushered through government-run rehabilitation programmes.
The Nigerian Navy today has announced plans to commission three newly acquired ships and three helicopters as part of activities marking its 69th Anniversary celebration, scheduled to hold from May 23 to June 1, 2025. Speaking during an international press conference at Naval Headquarters in Abuja, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, Chief of Policy and Plans, revealed that the new platforms are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the Navy’s maritime and aerial capabilities in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Zamfara residents flee homes at night, return daybreak – Daily Trust
Residents of some communities in Zamfara State have resorted to fleeing their homes every evening and returning only during the day. This is happening as a fresh wave of attacks by suspected bandits in Kauran Namoda Local Government Area of the state has left at least four people dead, while 26 others were abducted.
Boko Haram: Senate seeks establishment of military base in Adamawa community
The Senate has called for the establishment of a Military base in the Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa, to tackle the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the area and other North-East states. The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Sen. Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) and co-sponsored by all the senators from the North-East geo-political zone during Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja.
We have Boko Haram informants among politicians, soldiers – Zulum
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has alleged that some Nigerian politicians and members of the armed forces are acting as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram insurgents. Zulum made the revelation on Wednesday during an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central, where he vowed that the state would strengthen its intelligence network and deal with saboteurs “ruthlessly.”
Army Clarifies Claims of Bribery, Sexual Harassment in Benefits Processing – PRNigeria News
The Nigerian Army has officially responded to recent social media and media allegations suggesting neglect of widows of fallen soldiers and misconduct—including bribery and sexual harassment—during the processing of death benefits. The allegations, which appeared on Instagram via @hausaroom and were published by Punch Newspaper on May 18, 2025, accuse Army personnel of demanding bribes and engaging in inappropriate conduct while processing the entitlements of deceased soldiers’ families.
The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has called on the Federal Government to ensure the comprehensive training, proper equipping, and motivation of the 130,000 personnel being deployed under the newly established Forest Guard Corps for a special nationwide security operation. The CCC emphasized that the success of the corps in reclaiming ungoverned spaces and addressing Nigeria’s deepening insecurity will depend largely on its operational readiness.
Rising demand for gold, critical minerals fuelling crime in Africa, others – UNODC
The growing demand for gold and critical minerals are fuelling crimes, corruption, and instability in Africa, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has said.
This is contained in a report released by the UNODC on Tuesday in Vienna. The report, ‘Minerals Crime: Illegal Gold Mining, part two of the Global Analysis on Crimes that Affect the Environment’, examined the motivations driving diverse actors to engage in mineral crime. The report also examined the destinations of the unprocessed metals and minerals and the proceeds from their trade.
A self-proclaimed Boko Haram commander, claiming to be the new “Shekau,” has issued a series of grave threats against Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, Muslim clerics, security personnel, and communities supporting the government’s counter-insurgency operations. The terrorist’s outburst appears to be a response to an earlier warning issued by General Musa in Hausa language, in which the CDS vowed that terrorists would either surrender or face total annihilation by Nigerian troops.
INSECURITY: Politicians, soldiers among Boko Haram informants – Zulum – Daily Trust
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has claimed that some military officers and politicians are informants and collaborators for Boko Haram terrorists. The governor stated this following resurgence in attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in his state.
NAF Unveils Framework to Safeguard Civilians in Military Operation – PRNigeria News
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMRAP), a first-of-its-kind framework in the history of Nigeria’s Armed Forces. This move aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and embedding humanitarian considerations into military operations. The initiative, unveiled on Monday during the Nigerian Air Force’s 61st Anniversary seminar in Abuja, signals a new era of accountability and restraint in air operations, especially in asymmetrical conflict zones where civilian safety remains a critical concern.
Nigeria-Morocco $25bn gas pipeline tops Tinubu’s priority projects – Jimoh Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu is committed to the $25bn gas pipeline project between Nigeria and Morocco, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Nigeria at the executive session of the African Parliament Union, announced on Wednesday in Casablanca. The senator stated that this gas initiative is at the forefront of the Nigerian government’s priority projects, with Tinubu poised to review all abandoned projects to ensure their swift completion.
Why Are Southern Youths Abandoning The Army? By Tahir Ahmad – PRNigeria News
As the Nigerian Army closed its 89th Regular Recruits Intake on May 17, 2025, one troubling fact stood out: the low turnout of young people from Southern Nigeria. While thousands from the North came forward, ready to serve their country, the South, including states like Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Enugu, and Abia, showed far fewer applicants. This is more than a recruitment issue — it reveals deeper problems of trust, fear, and identity among Southern youths when it comes to the military.
Delegation from Algeria War College visits Army War College Nigeria on Study Tour – PRNigeria News
As part of efforts to foster mutual understanding, regional cooperation, and academic exchange, a delegation from the Algerian War College (AWC) on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, visited Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) in Asokoro, Abuja, on a strategic study tour. The high-powered delegation was led by the Head of the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Department of the Algerian War College, Major General Baouche Amirouche.
Humanitarian
Nigeria crisis: 20,000 flee Marte after militant attacks | Africanews
At least 20,000 people have fled the town of Marte in northeastern Nigeria following a surge in attacks by Islamist militants, according to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum. Marte, near the border with Cameroon, had been resettled four years ago after years under insurgent control, but was recently overrun again by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. Zulum visited Marte after militants briefly seized a local army base last week, killing at least five soldiers. He also toured nearby Rann, where another base was attacked, and plans to visit Kalawa Balge, where 23 farmers were reportedly killed.
Displaced Families Struggle to Survive as Humanitarian Aid Dries Up in Northern Nigeria – HumAngle
A large farm stretches across the uneven terrain of Bauchi State in northeastern Nigeria, where even motorcycles struggle to navigate the rugged countryside. The land is parched, and the air carries a sense of endurance—of people surviving, not living. This place, Gonar Abacha, is no longer just a farmland; it is a refuge and a wound.
Poverty in Nigeria: Are we getting better or worse? – Daily Trust
In April 2025, according to the World Bank Nigeria Poverty and Equity Brief Report, quoting the recent official household survey from the Nigeria National Bureau of Statistics, more than three out of four people living in rural areas are poor. They also said more than two out of five people living in urban areas are poor.
Tragedy in Bama: 3 Dead, 21 Injured in Stampede During Cash Distribution – Abc News Nigeria
At least three people have died and 21 others injured following a tragic stampede during a humanitarian cash distribution in Bama, Borno State, on Wednesday. The exercise, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in partnership with UNICEF, took place at Kasugula Primary School, one of the designated payment centres for distributing N28,500 flat-rate assistance to vulnerable residents.
After 10 years: 11,000 IDPs relocate as Borno shuts camp – Daily Trust
The Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Zulum Umara, recently announced that the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Maiduguri that houses over 11,000 people, would be closed in a week’s time. Muna IDP camp, established over 10 years ago, is one of the largest camps of the many located in the state at the height of the humanitarian crisis caused by insurgency that has lasted years in the state in the state.
Mobilization and economic development
China To Build Electric Vehicles Factories In Nigeria, Boost Mining Ties • Channels Television
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in the solid minerals sector, through the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) factories and increased industrial collaboration.
Tinubu approves licences for Kolmani oil project
President Bola Tinubu has granted regulatory approvals for the issuance of all critical licences required for the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, a multibillion-dollar oil exploration initiative located between Bauchi and Gombe States. The development was disclosed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during the flag-off
CBN holds benchmark interest rate at 27.5% | Premium Times Nigeria
The Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday kept its key interest rate unchanged at 27.5 per cent.
The decision, announced by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso at the end of a two-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja, marks the second time in a row that the bank has opted to hold the rate steady. The bank had steadily raised the rate from 11.5 per cent in 2022, including six hikes in 2024 alone, amounting to a cumulative 875 basis points. Mr Cardoso said the committee’s decision to maintain the rate was unanimous and driven by recent positive macroeconomic indicators.
China says its committed to expanding its investments in Africa | Africanews
China is committed to expanding its investment in Africa by further promoting corporate cooperation in various fields. That is according to a Ministry of Commerce official who was briefing the media in Beijing on Wednesday on its current state of investment on the continent. “African countries have seen steady economic development in recent years, with the overall business environment continuing to improve and the willingness of Chinese firms to invest in the continent significantly growing,” said Shen Xiang, director of the West Asia and Africa Department in the ministry.
Petrol price war closes nearly 5,000 fuel stations
Over 4,900 petrol retail outlet owners have shut down their businesses, as thousands of independent marketers are currently scaling down operations, oil dealers in the downstream sector have said. They attributed this to rising financial losses from unpredictable and volatile costs in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) sold by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and PMS importers. This comes against the backdrop of frequent changes in the price of petrol by the refinery.
Nigeria’s Dangote refinery agrees to export polypropylene with Vinmar | Reuters
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals said it will partner with Vinmar Group, an international petrochemicals distribution company, to bring Dangote polypropylene to global markets. Dangote’s $2 billion Petrochemical Plant in Lagos with 830MT tonnes capacity, began producing polypropylene in March, in 25kg bags for the local market.
Cameroon greenlights $347 million in external borrowing to cover treasury gaps | Reuters
Cameroon’s finance minister has been authorised to raise up to 200 billion CFA francs ($348 million) from international financial markets to shore up government cash flows for fiscal year 2025, according to a presidential decree. Kelly Mua Kingsly, Head of Finance Operations of the State at Cameroon’s Ministry of Finance, told.
Nigeria’s Renaissance reports oil spill from illegal pipeline connection | Reuters
Nigeria’s Renaissance Africa Energy Co. Ltd has confirmed an illegal connection on its Okordia-Rumuekpe pipeline at Oshika community in Nigeria’s coastal Rivers state caused a spill, the independent oil producer said on Monday. The company was immediately isolating the pipeline and stopping production to minimize potential environmental impact, a spokesperson said in a statement.
Nigerian fuel traders are struggling to secure gasoline supplies from two newly refurbished state-run refineries six months after they were declared operational, they say, leaving them reliant on the privately owned Dangote oil refinery and imports. Nigeria, which has suffered years of fuel shortages, has spent about $2.4 billion since 2021 to revive the long-mothballed state-owned Port Harcourt and Warri refineries in the Niger Delta to end reliance on imported refined products.
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