Regional News
Armed attackers kill 21 civilians in western Niger, army says | Reuters
Armed attackers on motorcycles killed at least 21 civilians in the West African nation of Niger, the army said. The attack last Thursday near the town of Tera, about 175 km (108 miles) west of the capital Niamey and SSclose to the border with Burkina Faso, came at a time of heightened violence in the Sahel, where military rulers have kicked out Western forces and turned to Russia and others for support.
Bandits abduct 50 women, children in Zamfara community – Daily Trust
Bandits have abducted about 50 persons, mostly women and children, from the Kakidawa ward in the Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State. A source, who spoke to Daily Trust under anonymity, said the incident occurred at around 2 am on Sunday. “We have counted 43 people, including three adult males and 40 women and children, who were taken by the bandits during the attack,” the source said.
Borno govt to boost agricultural production and food security with N20b – Yerwa Express News
Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno, has announced his plans for agriculture in the year 2025, which is to enhance production and ensure food security in the state. According to him while presenting proposals of the 2024 budget, in 2024, the state government made significant strides in the agricultural sector, including: Input Distribution: Distributing seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural equipment to over 70,000 farmers. Mechanization: Investing in modern farming equipment to boost productivity.
Burkina Faso leader names new premier after dissolving government | Africanews
A day after dissolving the government without providing any reason, Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta on Saturday appointed a new prime minister. Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, communications minister and spokesperson for the previous government, has been named as the country’s new premier. Military leader, Ibrahim Traore, made the announcement in a presidential decree read on state television on Saturday.
Burkina Faso Prime Minister Sacked And Government Dissolved | Africanews
Burkina Faso’s ruling military leader Ibrahim Traoré has dismissed the country’s prime minister and dissolved the government, according to a presidential decree obtained by AFP on Friday. The ousted prime minister, Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela, had served as head of three successive governments, surviving multiple reshuffles. However, no official reason has been given for his removal. Kyelem de Tambela was appointed prime minister in October 2022 following the coup that brought Ibrahim Traoré to power.
Parents demand ‘palliatives’ before releasing children for immunisation in Kwara – Daily Trust
The Kwara State government has raised concerns over the reluctance of some parents to participate in routine immunisation campaigns for children aged 0 to 59 months, citing demands for “palliatives” as a prerequisite for allowing their children to be vaccinated. During the ongoing Routine Immunisation Vaccine Catch-Up exercise, the government announced a targeted focus on three local government areas—Ilorin East, Ifelodun, and Baruten—which previously recorded suboptimal performance in immunisation coverage.
Mama Boko Haram, 2 others jailed for N6m fraud – Daily Trust
The Chief Executive Officer of Complete Care and Aid Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, Aisha Alkali Wakil popularly known as MaSma Boko Haram, has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment over a N6 million fraud. Wakil was jailed alongside Programme Manager, Tahiru Saidu Daura and Country Director, Prince Lawal Shoyode, by Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri.
INEC seeks legal backing for IReV – Daily Trust
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to seek an amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 to clarify issues surrounding result management, particularly the manual transfer and electronic transmission of election results. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja yesterday.
Soldiers, Civilians Killed in Terror Attack in Niger Republic – HumAngle
Authorities in the Niger Republic have confirmed the killing of soldiers and civilians in a brutal attack orchestrated by suspected jihadists in the country’s Tera region. The attackers ravaged the Chatoumane weekly market on Dec. 10. In fashion, the attack is similar to the bloody raid of a refugee camp in the Boni area of the country in May. Colonel Amadou Abdramane, the country’s military spokesperson, said the attackers took everyone by surprise and stormed the marketplace in a situation that rendered the army and the civilians defenceless.
1 killed, livestock rustled as assailants raze houses in Gombe – Daily Trust
Assailants attacked Powishi village in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, killing one person, burning houses, and rustling livestock. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers arrived on motorcycles early Thursday morning, killing Malam Yusuf Akwara. Abdullahi said security forces, including personnel from the 301 Artillery Regiment and police, responded swiftly, but the assailants had fled before their arrival.
Professor Charlotte Watts, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Chief Scientific Adviser, has arrived in Nigeria to explore UK-backed projects that are boosting the country’s science, technology, and innovation landscape. Her visit underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering partnerships in research and development to drive sustainable economic growth and tackle global challenges.
Village head killed in Gombe attack – Daily Trust
Suspected herders armed with dangerous weapons have reportedly invaded Powishi village in Kalmai, Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, killing the district head, Mallam Yusuf Akwara. The attackers also set several houses ablaze and rustled an unknown number of animals. A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, said the assailants stormed the village on motorbikes on Wednesday night, unleashing chaos.
NITDA flags TikTok, X over tax fillings in Nigeria – Daily Trust
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has indicated that TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) are yet to comply with tax filing requirements in accordance with Nigeria’s regulatory framework. The social media platforms were identified in a report obtained by PRNigeria, titled “Analysis of Compliance with Laws and Misinformation Management by Social Media Platforms in Nigeria.”
‘There’s increase in reporting of GBV’ – Daily Trust
Wonder Woman Nigeria (WWN) has said over 400 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) were brought to its attention in the last six years, marking an increase in reporting of the trend in the country. Speaking at a sensitization exercise in Kaduna, the Vice President, WWN, Anne Dirkling, urged community leaders and other critical stakeholders to use their influence to create more awareness on GBV. She explained that fighting SGBV required collective actions, adding that it is everybody’s responsibility.
Tinubu to present 2025 budget to NASS Tuesday – Daily Trust
President Bola Tinubu will on Tuesday present the N47.9 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed at a plenary on Thursday. “The president has made his intention known to the National Assembly to present the 2025 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly on the 17th of December, 2024,” Akpabio said. Tinubu had weeks ago, forwarded to both chambers of the National Assembly, the 20224 – 2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper where the sum of N26.1tn was proposed as the total expenditure profile for the 2025 fiscal year.
Badenoch replies Shettima over call to drop Nigerian name – Daily Trust
Kemi Badenoch, the UK-born Conservative Party leader, has replied Vice President, Kashim Shettima over call to drop her Nigerian name. During a visit to the United States, Badenoch had described Nigeria as “a place where almost everything seemed broken.” She added that there are instability and corruption in Nigeria, prompting the vice president to describe her comment as disrespectful. Shettima had during a speech on migration in Abuja said that Badenoch might “remove the Kemi from her name if she did not feel pride in her “nation of origin.”
Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Déby elevated to Marshal rank | Africanews
The National Transitional Council (CNT) of Chad promoted General Déby to Marshal on Monday 160 members voted to adopt the resolution against 2 while 6 abstained in a council mostly dominated by the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS). This promotion now ranks Mahamat at the same level as his late father, Idriss Déby Itno, who was the President of Chad.
Malian Forces Kill High-Profile Terrorists in Recent Major Manhunt – HumAngle
The armed forces in Mali raided and dislodged several terrorist camps during their November operations, using sophisticated military weapons to launch air and ground attacks on the criminal masterminds troubling the country. In a Dec. 10 statement, the Malian forces said at least 20 reconnaissance offensives were carried out against the terrorist groups. There were six direct terrorist attacks against the Malian troops and seven against the civilian populations. Sixteen incidents of improvised explosive devices (IED) were also reported, as the criminal groups destroyed one bridge.
Mali arrests, Niger site seizure rattle Western miners | Reuters
The arrest of mining executives in Mali, threats by Burkina Faso’s junta to strip permits and the seizure of a French-run uranium site in Niger have unsettled Western miners operating in West Africa and could limit further investments. Day-to-day production in Mali and Burkina Faso has so far been largely unaffected. The escalation is expected, however, to hit firms seeking finance and insurance – curbing supply growth in Africa’s engine of gold output, more than a dozen people, including mining employees, financiers, insurance providers and government sources, told Reuters.
Peace and Security
France begins military withdrawal from Chad, army says | Reuters
France has started the withdrawal of its military from Chad with the departure of two warplanes that were based in the capital N’Djamena, the French army said, two weeks after Chad said it was ending its defence cooperation pact with Paris.
In a surprise move, the government of Chad – an ally of the West in the fight against Islamist militants in the region – ended the defence cooperation pact on Nov. 28.
Christian, Muslim communities in Jos agree to coexist after 3 years of tension – Daily Trust
Three years after a deadly attack that strained relationships between Christian and Muslim communities in Yelwa Zangam, a suburb of Jos North, Plateau State, the two groups have agreed to live in peace. The attack on August 25, 2021, claimed over 30 lives, including women and children, which caused significant mistrust between the communities
Govs back state police as NEC defers decision to January – Daily Trust
Governors of the 36 states have agreed to establish state police to tackle the prevailing insecurity in the country. This was part of the resolutions of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday. State police is one of the initiatives government has proposed to employ in the bid to address the country’s persistent insecurity challenges. At the last NEC meeting in November, three states-Adamawa, Kebbi, and Kwara-along with the Federal Capital Territory, were yet to submit their reports.
Progress in healthcare, anti-corruption, and human rights is essential to Nigeria’s growth, according to Ambassador Richard M. Mills, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria. In an op-ed marking World AIDS Day, International Anti-Corruption Day, and Human Rights Day, he acknowledged that the U.S. has significantly invested in Nigeria’s health sector. However, persistent corruption and rights violations continue to undermine efforts to provide equitable healthcare for vulnerable communities.
Lessons from ejection of France – Daily Trust
Fuelled by a mix of historical grievances, contemporary dissatisfaction, nationalistic sentiments and new geopolitical politics and players, France’s hold on its former colonies in Africa is crumbling. The military bases that were the cornerstones of strategic partnerships framed upon agreements with its former colonies are at grave risk. A renaissance of unprecedented scrutiny from some African leaders and citizens has put a question mark on the military ties and deployments. The situation marks a major decline in France’s historical and colonial influence in West and Central Africa.
Nigeria’s Rivers state pledges gunboats to navy in fight against oil theft | Reuters
Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers state will provide six gunboats to the navy for patrols as part of efforts to help combat oil theft, which has plagued the region, its governor said on Wednesday. Rampant oil theft from pipelines and wells has crippled Nigeria’s oil industry in recent years, damaging government finances and stifling exports. Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara told reporters in Port Harcourt, the state capital, that Nigeria’s recent oil output surge to 1.8 million barrels per day was due to a combination of state-level initiatives and federal government efforts.
Benue plans livestock census to address farmers-herders crisis – Daily Trust
The Benue State Government on Monday disclosed plans to conduct a comprehensive livestock census as part of its efforts to resolve the farmers-herders conflict and curb related criminal activities. Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Disease Control, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, made the disclosure after assessing abattoirs and livestock markets in Makurdi, the state capital.
129,417 terrorists surrendered to troops in six months –CDS – Daily Trust
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that a total of 129,417 Boko Haram terrorists and their family members surrendered to security forces between July 10 and December 9, 2024. The CDS made this revelation at the ongoing 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar monitored by our correspondent on zoom.
Bill seeking to depose chiefs in Adamawa passes second reading – Daily Trust
A bill aimed at regulating the appointment and deposition of traditional chiefs in Adamawa State has sailed through the first and second readings at the state’s House of Assembly. The bill crossed the two stages on Monday, marking a crucial step towards formalising the process of traditional leadership in the state. The bill, sponsored by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, is formally known as “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) and Matters Incidental Thereto.”
Navy: Our maritime security operation has improved legitimate shipping activities – Daily Trust
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has said the Nigerian Navy maritime security operation has led to significant improvements in legitimate shipping activities due to reduction of crimes in Nigerian waters. Ogalla, who spoke to journalists on the sidelines of the cast off of the 2024 annual sea inspection exercise at Onne, Rivers state, said there has been a rise in oil production as several companies have reported an improvement in oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities.
Yobe engages services of army, vigilantes to secure farms – Daily Trust
The Yobe State government has engaged the services of the Nigerian Army and vigilantes to protect farmers and their crops in the state. Daily Trust gathered that farmers in Gujba, Damaturu, Karasuwa, and Gashua LGAs are now spending 24 hours on their farms to watch over their crops during this harvest season. Addressing newsmen after the state security meeting presided over by the deputy governor, Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (Rtd) said the state government has taken measures to tackle the problem.
10,000 Nigerians detained for immigration offences in 2024 –Shettima – Daily Trust
Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that at least 10,000 Nigerians were detained for immigration offences in African and European countries this year. He however applauded the contributions of Nigerian immigrants to the global economy, saying Nigeria accounts for the highest of all diaspora remittances in West Africa.
Insecurity: Lakurawa will soon be a thing of the past –COAS – Daily Trust
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has promised Nigerians that the Lakurawa group terrorising some parts of North will soon be a thing of the past. Addressing State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Monday, the Chief of Army Staff disclosed that efforts were on to explore alternative strategies to tackle insecurity and improve the security situation.
NAPTIP receives 10 rescued victims of human trafficking in Kano – Daily Trust
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Kano zonal command, has received 10 rescued victims of human trafficking. The agency’s Zonal Commander, Mr Abdullahi Babale, said this on Thursday in Kano while receiving the victims from the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command. He said that the victims were rescued on December 7 at about 2:40pm in a house situated at Rijiyar Lemo Quarters in Kano by a team of policemen, led by CSP Bala Shuaibu.
Humanitarian
Building a Stronger Nigeria Through Health, Transparency, and Human Rights – Daily Trust
Every December, we mark three international observances that are at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership: World AIDS Day, International Anti-Corruption Day, and Human Rights Day. While distinct, these commemorations underscore a simple truth – Nigeria’s path forward requires progress on health, good governance, and human rights. The United States remains your steadfast partner on this journey.
Governor of Borno, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has unveiled plans to rehabilitate all remand homes and correctional facilities in the state. This announcement was made during the presentation of the proposals of the 2025 ‘budget of recovery and continuity’ at the Borno State House of Assembly. The government’s plans extend beyond infrastructure upgrades, with a focus on revitalizing skills acquisition centers in the three senatorial zones of Biu, Monguno, and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC).
1,134,828 Nigerians internally displaced – NBS – Daily Trust
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said an estimated 1,134,828 from 251,082 households are internally displaced in Nigeria. A report by the bureau stated that Borno state recorded the highest number of displaced households with 206,753 while 877,299 were internally displaced, representing 77.3 percent of the entire surveyed population. It stated that the survey was conducted in 2023 across seven states of Adamawa, Yobe, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Benue and Nasarawa.
How my father sexually abused me, girl tells court – Daily Trust
An eleven-year-old girl (name withheld) has accused her father, Moses Udoh, of having carnal knowledge of her in their house in Akure, the Ondo state capital. The teenage girl spoke on Friday while appearing before the Akure Division of the Chief Magistrates Court, where she narrated her ordeal. She also alleged her biological father of sexually abusing her at their residence located at No 20 Igboniki Street, along LAO street in Akure.
NIGERIA DAILY: Real Reason For Prevalence Of Gender-Based Violence In Nigeria – Daily Trust
Gender-based violence is a pervasive human rights violation, and for the last 16 days, the world has campaigned to raise awareness and demand justice for victims. In Nigeria, the crisis remains dire, with daily stories of abuse and silence affecting many people.
Borno govt sets aside N89.9b for maternal, child health – Yerwa Express News
The Government of Borno State has allocated a significant portion of its 2025 budget to improve maternal and child health. As part of its ‘Budget of Recovery and Continuity,’ the state has earmarked ₦89.98 billion for the health sector.This investment will be used to: Upgrade Healthcare Facilities: Construct and rehabilitate hospitals, including an orthopedic hospital in Maiduguri and general hospitals across the state.
Mobilization and economic development
Nigeria out of list as IATA reports $1.7bn blocked funds – Daily Trust
For the first time in recent years, Nigeria is out of the list of countries with a significant amount of airlines’ blocked funds as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) report indicated. Yesterday, the association representing some 340 airlines comprising more than 80% of global air traffic reported that $1.7 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of the end of October 2024.
Private enterprises to play key role in Nigeria-China partnership – Tegbe – Daily Trust
The Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe, has noted that private enterprises from China and Nigeria will play a key role in fostering a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between both countries. He stated this at the Abuja Convention Centre while delivering a keynote address at the 18th China Engineering and Technology Expo.
2025 budget: Increased oil production will reduce borrowing, debt service – Edun – Daily Trust
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has informed the House of Representatives that increased oil production as well as other projected indicators would help the performance of the country’s 2025 budget and the economy. He noted that they will help reduce borrowings and debt service, which will help the country overcome it’s fiscal challenges.
AfDB offers solutions to Nigeria’s debt, forex challenges – Daily Trust
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided key insights into how Nigeria and other African nations can address their growing debt burdens and foreign exchange challenges. The bank’s Vice-President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, Prof. Kevin Urama, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that strategic borrowing and political stability were critical for growth.
Adamawa: Cotton farmers celebrate high yields – Daily Trust
Cotton farmers in Adamawa State are currently celebrating high yields. During the weekend, the farmers gave testimonies on how they experienced more than double of what they used to get from their farms, owing largely to use of improved seeds and better farming practices. Our correspondent reports that in Adamawa,cotton is grown mostly in the local government areas of Mayo-Belwa, Yola South, Demsa, Numan, Guyuk, and Lamurde.
Flood: Borno govt doles out N22b to aid recovery efforts – Yerwa Express News
Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, has said that his administration has released N22 billion as its contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of public infrastructure damaged by the September 10 flood. The governor disclosed this today while presenting proposals of 2025 budget to the Borno State House of Assembly for approval. He said the money was released to the committee of the Maiduguri Flood Disaster Fund.
Cameroon: Louis Paul Motaze Says Fuel Prices Will Not Rise In 2025 – Journal du Cameroun
“It should also be noted that the dynamics of the reduction of subsidies on fuel prices at the pump will be strengthened, with subsidies falling from 263 billion FCFA in 2024 to 15 billion FCFA in 2025.” This is stated in the explanatory letter signed by the minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze regarding the 2025 Finance Bill, which the government submitted for consideration on 1 December.
Reps urge FG to revamp NEPC’s Export Expansion Grant – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to revamp the Export Expansion Grant (EGF) being given by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The call followed the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Mukhtar Zakari Chawai at the Plenary on Thursday. The lawmaker informed that the EEG Scheme administered by the NEPC aims to support active exporters, expanding their international trade through a post-shipment incentive by way of Export grants to encourage non-oil exports.
ECOWAS 13% intra-regional trade too low –FG – Daily Trust
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has called on members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to work towards increasing intra-regional trade to drive development in the region. He made the call while making his opening remark at the 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja on Thursday. “Member States must demonstrate a strong commitment to facilitating and improving trade within the sub-region.
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