Regional News

Yobe buries 127 killed by terrorists – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Victims of a suspected Boko Haram attack in Mafa ward of Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe state—127 in number—have been buried. The burial held after Zuhr prayers today in Babbangida Town, headquarters of Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe state. Total of 87 people were buried at Babbangida while 40 were buried at Mafa.

Terrorists enslaving us to work on their farms – Niger residents – Daily Trust The Secretary to the Federal Government, Sen. George Akume, has said it is unacceptable for 2,776 people to be killed and 16,309 injured in road traffic crashes between January and July this year. Speaking yesterday in Abuja during the launch of the FRSC Mobile App and National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS), he stated that between January and December last year, 5,081 people were killed while 31,874 were injured in road mishaps.

FG: 2,776 killed, 16,309 injured from road crashes in 7 months – Daily Trust The Secretary to the Federal Government, Sen. George Akume, has said it is unacceptable for 2,776 people to be killed and 16,309 injured in road traffic crashes between January and July this year. Speaking yesterday in Abuja during the launch of the FRSC Mobile App and National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS), he stated that between January and December last year, 5,081 people were killed while 31,874 were injured in road mishaps.

Northern govs condemn Yobe attack, condoles with victims’ families – Daily Trust The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has condemned the attack in Mafa, Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State, which resulted in 34 deaths. The chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed outrage over the attack, calling it a senseless act of violence that has inflicted immense grief on the affected families and communities.

African nations losing 5% of their GDP to climate change – Report | Africanews African nations are losing up to 5% of their GDP every year as they bear a heavier burden than the rest of the world from climate change, a new report said Monday after one of the continent’s hottest years on record. The World Meteorological Organization said many African nations are spending up to 9% of their budgets for climate adaptation policies. “Over the past 60 years, Africa has observed a warming trend that has become more rapid than the global average,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, warning that it is affecting everything from food security to public health to peace.

Nigeria: EndBadGovernance protestors charged with subversion | Africanews Nigeria has filed treason charges against 10 people in connection with last month’s #EndBadGovernance protests. The suspects who were arraigned on charges of criminal conspiracy, subversion and cyber crime, appeared before court on Monday (Sept. 02). The police says the 9 male and one female allegedly acted in concert with 70-year-old British citizen Andrew Martin Wynee who is wanted for allegedly attempting “to take over the government from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu” and for financing terrorism.

161 Nigerian students fail UK border checks, denied entry | Africanews Between 2021 and 2023, 1,425 international students admitted to UK universities were denied entry at the country’s airports. Among those affected, 161 were Nigerians, who were turned away upon arrival, according to data obtained from the UK Home Office through the Freedom of Information Act. Indian students were the most affected, making up 45% of the total with 644 removals. Nigerians followed with 11.3%, while students from Ghana and Bangladesh represented 6.46% and 6.32% respectively

How NAF Special Forces Kill Notorious Terrorist Kingpin in Kaduna – PRNigeria News The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces have eliminated Mustapha Abdullahi, a notorious terrorist kingpin, and five members of his group in Kaduna State’s Igabi Local Government Area. While acting on an intelligence report, the Special Forces were deployed to the Sabon Gida forest, where they engaged the terrorists in a firefight, resulting in the neutralization of the entire group. The operation yielded the recovery of weapons, including five Dane guns, a locally fabricated sub-machine gun, and live ammunition, as well as assorted charms and personal items.

3,590 inmates on death row in Nigeria – NCoS – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Nso fewer than 3,590 inmates across the custodial centres in Nigeria are on death row, the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, has revealed. NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections, Abubakar Umar made this known while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

#EndBadGovernance protest: Court issues arrest warrant against Briton, others – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, issued a warrant of arrest against a British citizen, Andrew Wynne, and other Nigerians over allegations bordering on treason and terrorism. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order in an ex-parte motion filed by the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police but moved by Audu Garba.

Historic mosque in Niger destroyed by torrential rains (trtworld.com) One of Niger’s oldest mosques has been destroyed by torrential rains that have battered the deeply Muslim Sahel country, residents have said. The iconic mud building in Zinder, built in the mid-19th century, “was completely wiped off the map yesterday after a massive downpour”, resident Ali Mamane confirmed on Wednesday. Niger has been lashed by heavy rains since June that have caused flash floods and landslides, killing hundreds and affecting hundreds of thousands more.

Binance executive jailed in Nigeria to know bail outcome next month | Africanews Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, will have to wait until 9 October to find out whether he will be released on bail or remain in custody. The US citizen has been detained since February in a dispute between what is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange and the Nigerian government. Gambaryan, who is the exchange’s head of financial compliance, is on trial for money laundering, while Binance separately faces tax evasion charges. He denies any wrongdoing. In this latest bail application, his lawyer argued that his client needs to undergo surgery outside prison and that his health is deteriorating.

Fuel pump price hike: FCT motorists express frustration – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Many motorists in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have expressed frustration over increase in the pump price of petrol. The NNPC Retail Management has approved upward review of the pump price of petrol from N617 per litre to N897 llitre, effective from September 3. This is amid economic hardship and persistent fuel scarcity.

South African beauty queen crowned Miss Nigeria after nationality row | Africanews Chidimma Adetshina, who was forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa contest amid nationality controversies, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria. The 23-year-old law student celebrated her victory on Saturday, stating that the title represents a call for unity. Adetshina, whose father is Nigerian and mother Mozambican, faced scrutiny over her eligibility in the Miss South Africa pageant. Despite being a South African citizen, her mixed heritage led to doubts about her participation.

BREAKING: Heavy rain damages Alao Dam, causes destructions – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Parts of Alao Dam in Borno has damaged following a heavy downpour. The collapse has resulted in significant damage to surrounding farmland and communities, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Malam Bunu Muhammed, an eyewitnesses who spoke to YERWA EXPRESS NEWS, said the dam’s collapse has displaced numerous people, forcing them to flee their homes in search of safety.

‘New petrol price will push more Nigerians into poverty’ – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) An Economic Expert, Dr Sand Mba-Kalu says the fuel price hike by NNPC Ltd. from N617 per litre to N897 litre will push more Nigerians into poverty. The expert said the sudden increase in Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, pump price the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) was beyond a simple fuel price adjustment.

Nearly 60 percent of African youth want to emigrate because of corruption (rfi.fr) The 2024 African Youth Survey,  based on interviews with 5,604 young individuals from 16 countries between the ages of 18 and 24, is the third iteration of the biennial study targeting African young people. According to the Johannesburg-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation, Africa’s youth have recovered from the impacts of COVID-19, but are dissatisfied with the direction their respective governments are heading.

Burkina Faso issues new passport without ECOWAS logo – Daily Trust Burkina Faso has issued a new biometric passport without the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The new passport was unveiled by Burkinabe Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana Recall Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, severed ties with ECOWAS following sanctions imposed on them due to military coups. Responding, ECOWAS accused the three countries was aimed at undermining freedom of movement and common market in the region.

How undergraduate abducted by mutual friend was killed after ransom payment – Daily Trust Fresh facts have emerged on how an undergrade student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Christiana Idowu, was murdered after ransom was collected. The deceased, who was kidnapped between Ikorodu and Yaba in Lagos State, was killed by her abductor identified as a known person to her.

Customs intercepts military camouflage, illicit drugs at Onne Port – PRNigeria News The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area 2 Command, Onne, Rivers has confiscated 12 containers laden with military/paramilitary equipment and illicit drugs worth over N31 billion. Comptroller-General, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, stated this while briefing newsmen on Wednesday at Onne, Rivers. The seized items include 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage, rain boots, various rubber footwear, chilly cutters and cough syrup with codeine. Others are Tramadol and other illicit drugs, all with a total duty value of N31,200,688,142. Adeniyi condemned the continued violation of import guidelines by some individuals who were engaging the route for illicit businesses.

Peace and Security

Insecurity in our region must end now – ACF, Northern leaders – Daily Trust Following a high-level meeting with Northern stakeholders-including former state governors, ministers, service chiefs, National Assembly members, retired senior public officers, academics, professionals and other patriotic citizens-the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for urgent action to end the ongoing security crisis in Northern Nigeria. Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, read a communiqué issued after the Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting. He criticised the current strategies against insurgents and bandits, stating, “Other measures, even unconventional ones, need to be considered and tried.”

Russian mercenaries withdraw from Burkina Faso to fight Ukraine in Kursk (trtworld.com) Ukraine’s cross-border incursion into Russia has disrupted Russian mercenaries’ plans in junta-led Burkina Faso, with many now pulled out to help boost Moscow’s defences back home, a paramilitary commander has said. In an interview with AFP on Friday, Viktor Yermolaev, head of a paramilitary unit known as Medvedi (Bears) in Russia and the Bear Brigade in the West, said many of his fighters had left the West African country, while some stayed behind.

Communities have roles to play in curbing terrorism — Buhari – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Former President Muhammadu Buhari says communities, supported by governments, have more work to do in curbing the menace of the terrorists. The former president said this in a message to express his concern about the recent terrorist attack on Yobe that led to the loss of many lives. In the message, issued by his aide, Malam Garba Shehu, to Governor Mai Mala of Yobe, Buhari commiserated with Council of Chiefs and the entire people of the state.

Defence minister storms Zamfara to lead onslaught against bandits – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Muhammad Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence, has on Tuesday conducted a high-profile visit to the 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto State. He was joined by General CG Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Brigadier General IA Ajose, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, and several other senior military officers.

FG Should Adopt IBB’s  Model to Combat Insecurity – General Halliru Akilu – PRNigeria News Retired Brigadier-General Halliru Akilu, former Chief of Defence Intelligence, has urged Nigerian leaders to adopt the security strategies employed by former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in addressing the nation’s current security challenges, including banditry and kidnapping. General Akilu made this appeal during a Virtual International Colloquium on the Legacies of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, held in Ghana over the weekend.

#EndBadGovernance: Court Remands Protesters Charged with Treason in Kuje, Suleja Facilities – PRNigeria News A Federal High Court in Abuja has arraigned ten members of the #EndBadGovernance protest on charges of attempting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include treason, incitement, and destruction of public properties. The Inspector General of Police alleged that the accused persons committed the offences during their nationwide protests between July 1 and August 4. They were said to have levied war against Nigeria, broken into the Abacha Army Barracks, and called on the military to take over the government.

Emir Sanusi offers to resolve Fulani crises – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has expressed his willingness to intervene in the Fulani crises in Nigeria, with the goal of finding a permanent solution. Mr Sunusi spoke at his Palace on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of Tapital Pulaku Njode Jam Nigeria, a Fulani group with members across the 36 states. The emir emphasised that his efforts would require the full support of the Federal Government, leveraging their resources and authority to implement his strategy.

Attacks on schools: Forum wants 10-year jail term for perpetrators – Daily Trust Civil society and education experts have urged the federal government to work with the National Assembly to institutionalised punishment for perpetrators of attacks on schools and other educational institutions in the country. They gave the advice on Wednesday in Abuja at the expert meeting on the validation of the draft legislation on Safe School Declaration (SSD) bill for the domesticated of the National Policy on Safety Security and Violence-Free Schools (NPSSV-FS).

JUST IN: Police declare British national, Nigerian wanted for planning to overthrow Tinubu – PRNigeria News The Nigeria Police Force, on Monday, declared a British national, Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, and a Nigerian, Lucky Obiyan, wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the democratically elected government in the country. The police accused the British national of building a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos. Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said Wynne rented a space at Labour House and established a school to serve as a decoy.

Humanitarian

From Captivity To Freedom: Nigerian Trafficking Victim Rescued In Egypt, Reunites With Family – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com) Agbabiaka Bola, a Nigerian smuggled into Egypt by human traffickers in 2023, has been rescued by the Embassy of Nigeria in Cairo.  Her return was facilitated by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) after HumAngle’s investigation into how traffickers deceived her and two others into modern slavery in Egypt.

Governor Zulum supports flood victims in Maiduguri – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) As flooding continues to affect communities in Borno State’s local government areas, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has provided support to victims in Kala Balge Local Government. The situation remains dire, with many families displaced and in need of assistance. Ajid Musa Ajid, chairman of the local government, visited Kala Balge Town on Saturday with relief items and cash for the victims of the recent flood.

Yobe govt donates N30m to families of slain persons in Mafa – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Yobe government on Tuesday announced the donation of N30 million to the families of the victims of insurgent attack in Mafa in Tarmuwa Local Government. Suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mafa on Sunday, killing 34 residents and burned down shops and houses in the village. Idi Gubana, the state Deputy Governor, made the announcement when he led a delegation to Babangida, the headquarters of Tarmuwa, for funeral of the 34 slain persons.

ISWAP Attack Devastates Mafa In Northeast Nigeria, Leaving A Grim Toll of Death – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com) Residents of Mafa, a town in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria, gathered on Tuesday morning, Aug. 3, for a mass burial following a brutal attack by ISWAP terrorists the previous day. Those who survived the deadly assault said they spent the night hiding in bush paths, witnessing their homes being destroyed and torched by the armed men. By morning, they returned to a community in ruins, with bodies of those who could not escape strewn across the area, some charred by fire.

Tunde Onakoya To Nurture Chess Talent Among Displaced Children in Maiduguri – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com) Nigerian chess master and child education advocate Tunde Onakoya arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, northeast Nigeria, last Friday, Aug. 30, to promote chess and unlock the potential of the region’s youth. However, what he found during his visits to some of the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps could reshape the perceptions and futures of children in this troubled region. Invited by the Maiduguri Chess Club of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Officers Mess, Onakoya’s visit marks his first trip to northern Nigeria.

Borno govt, partners brainstorm inclusion of PWDs in decision-making – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) The Government of Borno State has organized a workshop to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in accessing healthcare services. The event, facilitated by the state ministry of health and human services in collaboration with Action Against Hunger, the Christian Blind Mission, the Jemilius Aid and Relief Initiative, and the Future Resilience and Development Foundation, took place at Bon Elvis Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday.

Mobilization and economic development  

China-aid port in Cameroon benefits local community | Africanews The only deepwater port in Cameroon, Kribi Deepwater Port, which was constructed with the help of a Chinese company, has made local people’s life much better. The port boasts an annual throughput of 250,000 twenty-foot equivalent units and 1.2 million tonnes of bulk cargo. In 2011, work began on Phase I of the Kribi Deepwater Port Project. Seven years later, the port was officially put into operation. “I came to Kribi in 2015. I’ve been working hard since then. Thanks to the current work at the port, we’re able to live and have food, and my children can go to school. Everything is very good with no problems at all,” said Ako, a driver at Kribi Port.

Petrol price increment: Tinubu govt betrayed us, we wouldn’t have accepted N70,000 minimum wage – NLC – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called for the immediate reversal of the new price increase in pump price of petrol across the country, regretting that the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government had betrayed them. Recall that the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation Ltd., NNPCL, on Tuesday morning, reportedly directed increase in its pump price of between N568 – N617 per litre to N855 – N897 per litre, depending on the area.

Nigeria’s power generation hits 5,313MW, first time in 3 years – Adelabu – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Nigeria’s power generation rose to a three-year high of 5,313mw on Monday, the Ministry of Power has saud. This is contained in a staement issued by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister of Power , Adebayo Adelabu. Mr Adelabu, therefore urged Electricity Distribution Companies, DisCos,to take more energy in order to prevent a grid collapse.

Tinubu vows to complete Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway project – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday gave assurances that the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway project would be completed to the satisfaction of Nigeria and West Africa at large. Tinubu said this during a visit to the headquarters of China Railway Construction Corporation, CRCC, in Beijing, his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement.

Nigerian govt approves establishment of ‘Youth House’ to address employment – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of ‘Youth House’ in Abuja, an innovative gathering place to address the needs of young individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Development, said this in Abuja on Tuesday.

China-Africa cooperation: a model for mutual development gains | Africanews A high-ranking Chinese diplomat responsible for African relations stated on Tuesday that China and Africa will collaborate closely to protect the interests of developing nations against the rising tide of hegemonism and a cold war mindset. Liu Yuxi, China’s special envoy for African affairs, announced at a press conference on Tuesday that the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit will implement an action plan aimed at enhancing collaboration in global governance, security, trade, and investment over the next three years.

We’ve supplied 30m barrels of crude to Dangote refinery –NNPCL – Daily Trust The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says it has supplied 30 million barrels of crude to the Dangote refinery so far. The Executive Vice President of NNPCL Downstream, Adedapo Segun, who disclosed this on Thursday on Arise Television, said plans were underway to supply an additional 17 million barrels to the refinery soon.

Dangote refinery in Nigeria set for sale of petrol | Africanews Nigeria has achieved a historic milestone by starting petrol production for the first time in nearly three decades, a development expected to ease the country’s long-standing fuel shortages. This breakthrough comes with the commissioning of a $20 billion refinery on the outskirts of Lagos, built by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote. With a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery is now the largest in Africa and is poised to drastically reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported oil products. The new refinery is seen as a critical step in Nigeria’s push for energy independence. The country’s economy has long been hampered by its reliance on fuel imports, despite being Africa’s largest oil producer.

Nigeria’s economy stagnated – Bill Gates – Daily Trust The co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic stagnation, highlighting that the country’s debt surpassed 50% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first time since 2001. Gates spoke during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the State House, Abuja on Wednesday.

Why we approved crypto exchanges — SEC – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, on Wednesday, explained that it granted approval-in-principle to two crypto exchanges recently to give Nigerian youths the opportunity for capital market participation. The SEC on Thursday granted Busha Digital Ltd., and Quidax Technologies Ltd., “approval-in-principle” to commence operation under the Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Program (ARIP). Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director General of SEC, gave the clarification in a statement made available in Lagos.

China pledges $50B in 3 years to revamp Africa (trtworld.com) Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pledged over $50 billion in financing for Africa over the next three years and promised to help create a million jobs on the continent. “Over the next three years, the Chinese government is willing to provide financial support amounting to 360 billion yuan ($50.7 billion),” Xi told African leaders in Beijing on Thursday and also promised to help “create at least one million jobs for Africa”.

Nigeria, China sign economic, nuclear energy pact: official (trtworld.com) Nigeria and China agreed to strengthen ties in the Belt and Road Initiative, human resources development and nuclear energy after the countries’ leaders met, a Nigerian government spokesperson has said. China is Nigeria’s biggest bilateral lender, with loans amounting to $5 billion at the end of March, according to figures from Nigeria’s Debt Management office. Both countries have maintained diplomatic ties over the past 50 years. They were strengthened in 2018 when China and Nigeria became partners in the Belt and Road Initiative.

How Beijing has been recalibrating its expanding influence in Africa (rfi.fr) Chinese President Xi Jinping is hosting a major summit in Beijing this week, gathering African leaders to discuss cooperation in infrastructure, energy and education. Focac is the largest event in the city since the Covid pandemic, with China aiming to strengthen its already dominant trade and investment ties with Africa. RFI asked China-Africa expert Daniel Large what the forum means for Africa.

Naira crashes to 1,639/$ at official market – Daily Trust The downward slide of the local currency worsened yesterday as the naira exchanged for N1, 639.41 to a dollar at the official rate. The figure yesterday indicated a whooping loss of N34 after the dollar exchanged for N1,606 the previous day, according to the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) rate.