Regional News
Police avert explosion in Maiduguri – Yerwa Express News
Police have averted what would have been deadly explosions in a Maiduguri community today. Three of these explosive projectiles have been recovered by a team of Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal EOD and Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear CBRN Base 13.
We killed 10,937 terrorists in 2024 – Military – Daily Trust
The Military High Command says the troops deployed to various operations across the country have in the last 12 months eliminated 10,937 terrorists, apprehended 12,538 and rescued 7,063 hostages. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military in the year 2024, on Tuesday in Abuja.
‘I deliver foodstuff to my Boko Haram brother in the bush’ – Yerwa Express News
A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force has confessed being in the service of Boko Haram, supplying foodstuff to the terrorists in their enclaves around the Mandara Mountains.
Troops arrest suspected Bello Turji’s accomplice, recover ammunition – Yerwa Express News
Troops of one Brigade, Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma of the Nigerian Army have arrested a 25-year-old female in possession of firearms to be delivered to Bello Turji, a bandit kingpin in Zamfa state. Shamsiyya Ahadu was found in possession of 764 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 6 magazines meant to be delivered to Turji’s camp.
Nigeria oil licence applicants must prove low carbon emissions, Nigerian regulator says | Reuters
Nigeria will require applicants for oil licences and permits to show evidence of low carbon emissions and a renewable energy program from Wednesday before approvals are granted, the head of its upstream regulatory agency said on Tuesday. Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, said the policy was to comply with the country’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2060.
Woman kills husband in Niger – Daily Trust
A 25-year-old Baba Aliyu of Lafiagi Dwafu village in Katcha LGA of Niger State has been reported killed by his wife, Fatima Dzuma. Daily Trust gathered that the incident happened on Tuesday night after the couple had a misunderstanding.
Dr Michael David, Executive-Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, GIFSEP, says addressing food insecurity will ensure sustainable national development. Mr David stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
7 die as hoodlums, security operatives clash in Anambra – Daily Trust
No fewer than seven persons, including police officers and two civilians, lost their lives when some yet-to-be-identified assailants attacked security operatives at Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The Punch gathered that the hoodlums invaded a venue where preparations for a burial ceremony were to be held and started shooting sporadically, leading to the death of the victims.
Calm returns to Abuja village after soldier, 2 locals fight at woman’s birthday – Daily Trust
Calm has returned to Kagini community, off Abuja-Zuba expressway after a soldier, Emmanuel Adam and two other residents reportedly sustained injuries after engaging in a fight at their female friend’s birthday party. The incident, Abuja Metro learnt, took place around 11pm on Thursday at a hotel in the community.
NDLEA Arrests 929 suspects, seizes 2.6 tons of drugs in Kwara – Daily Trust
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested 929 suspects and intercepted 2.6 tons of hard drugs between January and December this year in Kwara State. The State Commander of the agency, Mrs. Fatima Popoola, stated this while briefing newsmen on its achievements in Ilorin on Monday.
ISWAP’s ‘Tax’ System is Bleeding Farmers Dry in Northeastern Nigeria – HumAngle
Kaka Ali gripped the worn handle of his hoe with both hands, his fingers curling tightly around the smooth wood. The August sun hung low, its rays pressing with unforgiving weight. Before him stretched a two-hectare farm in Chiraa, a desolate village on the outskirts of Monguno in Nigeria’s northeast. The plot, a patchwork of millet and beans, swayed gently in the breeze.
Round-Up: Nigerian Journalists Faced Increased Intimidation, Attacks in 2024 – HumAngle
The year 2024 has been marked by a surge in intimidation and violence against Nigerian journalists, who have faced significant risks while covering protests and sensitive events. During the August #EndBadGovernance alone, a staggering 56 journalists were assaulted or harassed by security forces, highlighting the dangers faced by media professionals in the country.
NLC insists on withdrawal of tax reform bills – Daily Trust
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has insisted that the Federal Government withdraw the controversial tax bills from the National Assembly. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero stated this in his New Year message to Nigerian workers titled “In 2025, hope is in our collective resolve’’.
Chad holds parliamentary election likely to cement president’s grip on power | Reuters
Chadians were voting on Sunday in a parliamentary election boycotted by the opposition that will likely consolidate President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s power and complete the oil-producing nation’s transition towards constitutional rule. Deby was elected in a disputed vote in May, three years after seizing power and declaring himself interim leader when rebels killed his father, President Idriss Deby, on the battlefield.
In New Year message, Tinubu preaches hope, acknowledges cost-of-living crisis
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday acknowledged the “numerous challenges” Nigerians faced in 2024 but said he was “confident that the New Year will bring brighter days.” Mr Tinubu, in his New Year message to Nigerians, also summarised some of his government’s achievements while noting the challenge of food and drug prices Nigerians face, partly due to the policies of his administration.
Food crisis: 5 months after, FG yet to implement duty waiver – Daily Trust
Five months after the federal government announced a 150-day window for free importation of food items, the policy is yet to be implemented, Daily Trust learnt. The government had on July 8, 2024, announced the duty-free import window for food commodities so as to ensure a reduction in food inflation in the country.
Bello Turji’s “a dead man walking,” Nigerian military says | Premium Times Nigeria
The Nigerian military has described the notorious bandit and terrorist leader, Bello Turji, as a “dead man walking.” Mr Turji is a notorious terrorist and bandit leader operating in North-western Nigeria, particularly Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, stated this while briefing journalists on the operations of the military in 2024, on Tuesday in Abuja. Mr Buba said it was important to realise that terrorists exist for the sake of war and must be destroyed for the sake of peace.
Some of the 38 officers of the Nigerian Army illegally dismissed from service in 2016 have written an appeal letter to the federal government, demanding their reinstatement and payment of their salaries and emoluments. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Danladi Hassan, a colonel, and 37 others were compulsorily retired on 09 June 2016 without being charged by a court martial or found guilty of any offence under the Armed Forces extant rules and regulations.
MTN to disconnect Exchange over unpaid debt
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited, (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) due to a non-settlement of interconnect charges. The NCC said this in a public notice by Reuben Muoka, the director of public affairs of the commission, on Friday. The disconnection, according to the commission, means that MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other network service providers.
Illegal gypsum mining in Yobe denies govt revenue, harms humans, animals, environment
In the sprawling arid lands of Gashuwa in Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State, Abdullahi Adamu, a 46-year-old man from Gombe State, spends his days mining gypsum, unaware of the revenue loss his work causes the Nigerian government. Like many other miners, Mr Adamu works long hours and earns a modest living from selling the mineral for N350 per 25kg.
Nigerian bishop declared missing a month ago resurfaces
An Anglican Bishop who was declared missing in Anambra State has resurfaced. The cleric, Godwin Okpala, is a retired archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi. Mr Okpala, a professor, went missing alongside his driver on 6 December, the church authorities had announced. The cleric embarked on a journey to Umuchu alongside the driver but failed to return. The cleric and his driver resurfaced barely one month after they were declared missing.
Troops nab 2 terrorists’ logistics suppliers, 256 others in 1 week – DHQ – Yerwa Express News
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, says troops on internal security operations have apprehended two terrorist ammunition couriers, 256 other suspects, and neutralised 148 terrorists within one-week. The DHQ’s Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.
Peace and Security
Military, Amnesty Int’l clash over accidental bombings – Daily Trust
The military high command and the rights organisation, Amnesty International, on Tuesday locked horns over the series of accidental bombings carried by the air and land forces in their bid to clear terrorists from their enclaves which also affected some villagers.
Burkina Faso extends amnesty to those involved in failed 2015 coup
The law grants amnesty only to events that took place on 15 and 16 September 2015 when members of ex-President Blaise Compaoré’s elite Presidential Security Regiment tried to end the transitional government, less than a month before democratic elections.
Nigeria issues travel advisory on Australia amid rise in discrimination reports | Africanews
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned citizens planning to visit Australia to exercise heightened vigilance due to an uptick in reports of harassment and discrimination against foreigners. In a statement on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa noted that recent incidents, including antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes, have raised safety concerns for Nigerians in Australia. This advisory follows global tensions and conflicts that have fueled a surge in hate-related incidents in certain areas of the country.
Nigeria has no intention of destabilising Niger Republic – NSA – Yerwa Express News
The National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has categorically denied accusations that Nigeria intended to sabotage or destabilise Niger Republic, as alleged by its leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. Mr Ribadu made this statement in an interview with BBC Hausa, monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, on Friday in Abuja.
FG strengthens move for Simon Ekpa’s extradition – Daily Trust
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, says the federal government has submitted most of the requirements for Simon Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria. Musa disclosed this while appearing on Channels Television’s 2024 year-end review programme. The Defence Chief who said he doesn’t want to say much on the matter, expressed hope that the Finnish government will do the right thing to expedite the process.
Bandits abduct many passengers, burn vehicle in Zamfara – Daily Trust
Bandits have abducted passengers and burnt their vehicle in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Daily Trust learnt that the incident occurred at Kwanar Jalab village in Zungeru Ward, Shinkafi LGA. The notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, had threatened to launch attacks in response to the arrest of his relatives. It is not clear if this incident is as a result of the threat.
US court orders release of seized $6 million arms funds to Nigeria
Nigeria has won a prolonged legal battle to recover over $6 million in arms funds that had been seized by the United States government since 2014. The funds were seized about a decade ago from an arms broker, who was trying to supply military equipment from the US to Nigeria without having the necessary licence.
IPOB criticises Nigerian governor over comments on Nnamdi Kanu
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticised Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State for suggesting that the release of Nnamdi Kanu might not address insecurity in the South-east. Mr Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in detention since he was brought back to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021 under controversial circumstances.
FG to Operationalize Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell at NCTC – PRNigeria News
FG to Operationalize Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell at NCTC The Federal Government has announced plans to operationalize the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) as part of its renewed efforts to combat kidnapping and related crimes.
Benin protests ‘rear base for terrorists’ remark by Niger leader
Benin has protested remarks by Niger’s military ruler accusing its neighbour of involvement in terrorist acts and summoned a Nigerien diplomat “for clarifications”. General Abdourahamane Tiani accused Benin of serving as a rear base for terrorists and wanting to destabilise his country, in an interview on Niger State television last Wednesday.
France returns first base in Chad amid scheduled withdrawal
France has handed over its first military base as part of the withdrawal of its military forces from Chad, the French and Chadian militaries said. Chad’s military chief of staff said on Thursday that the base at Faya-Largeau in the north of the country had been handed over and that it would inform the public about progress concerning the withdrawal of French forces from bases in the eastern city of Abeche and the capital N’djamena.
Humanitarian
53.9% of Nigerian children are multi-dimensionally poor — Report – Yerwa Express News
The Situation Analysis, SitAn, of Children in Nigeria Report has identified some of the reasons why 53.9 per cent of children in the country are multi-dimensionally poor. The report, launched during the 2024 World Children’s Day celebration on Nov.
Gombe enrols orphans in health insurance scheme – Daily Trust
The Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth) has launched the enrolment of orphans into a free health insurance scheme under the equity programme. Speaking at the launch of the exercise on Tuesday, the First Lady of Gombe State, Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, said the gesture was aimed at fast-tracking the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state.
Muna Camp’s toilet crisis: A life without dignity? – Yerwa Express News
In the heart of Maiduguri’s Muna IDP Camp, thousands of displaced families live amidst a fragile balance of hope and despair. The camp is now one of the few unofficial camps operating in the state. This means that it is, to some extent, not enjoying the blessings of being looked after by the state government.
A detention to end poverty and stampedes – Daily Trust
It is embarrassing that despite spending billions into eradicating poverty by the ruining party, there are still spoilsports hell-bent on calling Nigeria the poverty capital of Africa. These unpatriotic elements strive daily to nullify the UN-acknowledged efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign and his recruitment of his adorable wife, Pastor Oluremi Tinubu at fumigating poverty from here with acknowledged success.
Mobilization and economic development
Warri refinery: Marketers hint at further petrol price cut – Daily Trust
There was excitement on Monday as the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) commenced partial production. This is coming after nearly a decade of dormancy as the 125,000 barrels per day refinery was confirmed to be working at 60 per cent capacity, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Nigeria steps up crackdown on oil theft as it targets 3 million bpd production | Reuters
Nigeria has stepped up its drive to crack down on oil theft in the Niger Delta region as it aims to increase national production to 3 million barrels per day in 2025. Africa’s top oil producer, which relies on the commodity for around two-thirds of state revenue and more than 90% of foreign currency earnings, has been hit by large-scale oil theft that has curbed government finances in recent years.
Nigeria says its Warri Refinery is back after a decade of closures | Reuters
Nigeria said on Monday it had resumed some operations at its Warri oil refinery after almost a decade of shutdowns, one of a string of long-running failures that have left Africa’s largest crude exporter importing most of its fuel. The government has promised to revive its moribund refineries which have been hit by years of neglect, damage and accusations of mismanagement.
Nigerian stocks end 2024 yielding 38%
Nigerian stocks closed the year on Tuesday, delivering a 37.7 per cent gain, extending a run of positive returns that began in 2020. That is slightly higher than the country’s current inflation rate, which, ascending to 34.6 per cent in November, is now a breath away from its highest level in three decades.
With more functional refineries, fuel prices will soon crash – Expert – Yerwa Express News
An Economic Expert, Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu says the coming on stream of more refineries in the country is expected to crash the prices of petroleum products. Mr Ekechukwu, the Chief Executive Officer, Dignity Finance and Investment Ltd. said this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja. According to him, this is in view of the re-streaming of the Warri Refinery.
Gombe, Bauchi seek lifting of crude oil from Kolmani – Daily Trust
The Bauchi State Commissioners of Natural Resources and Solid Minerals, Alhaji Mohammed A Bello and Gombe State Commissioner of Energy and Solid Minerals, Alhaji Sanusi Ahmed Pindiga have separately called on the federal government to commence full-scale lifting of crude oil from the Kolmani Integrated Oil Field more than two years after its inauguration.
Nigeria to launch credit guarantee firm to boost economy | Africanews
Nigeria will establish a National Credit Guarantee Company in May 2025 to improve access to credit for businesses and individuals, President Bola Tinubu announced on Wednesday. The initiative, part of Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, aims to bolster financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth by expanding risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions. “This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support underserved groups such as women and youth,” Tinubu said.
Key events that shaped Nigeria’s oil sector in 2024
The year began on a positive note with the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train refinery. This milestone marked a crucial step towards Nigeria’s goal of energy self-sufficiency. However, the refinery’s operations were marred by crises between Dangote, oil regulators and other players in the sector. The issues were eventually resolved, largely, but their implications for the industry were significant. In another development, the Port Harcourt Refinery, one of Nigeria’s previously moribund refineries, began operations after a major rehabilitation.
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