Regional News
More Than Half Of Islamic State Operations Now In Africa – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
The Islamic State — also called ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) — has claimed that Africa now accounts for more than 60 per cent of its global operations, indicating its continued drive to expand in the region and positioning the continent as a new frontier for international terrorism. The presence of ISIS-affiliated groups in Africa allows them to recruit, train, and launch attacks all over the continent.
Bandits kill 7 policemen, 35 others in Zamfara, Katsina – Daily Trust
Bandits have killed at least 42 persons in different attacks on many villages in Zamfara and Katsina states. In Zamfara State, 12 people, including seven policemen were killed om Thursday at Magarya village in Zurmi Local Government Area. Among the victims were a member of the Zamfara State Community Guards, also known as Askarawan Zamfara and four residents of the village.
Over 9000 terrorists killed, 9562 fighters surrendered in 1 Year – Military – Daily Trust
No fewer than 9,303 have been killed, 6,998 arrested and 9,562 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatant fighters and their families surrendered to security forces in the last year. The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known during the joint briefing by Security, Defence and Response agencies organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Thursday in Abuja.
Bandits kidnap 56 in Niger, demand N63m ransom, motorcycles, rice – Daily Trust
Bandits have kidnapped at least 56 people, including women and children in Kankuru, Adogon-Mallam, and Tungan-Kawo villages in Munya and Shiroro local government areas of Niger State. It was gathered that 30 people were kidnapped in Kankuru village on Sunday night, while 26 others were abducted in Adogon-Mallam and Tungan-Kawo communities in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Mine pit collapse in central Nigeria kills one, traps 30 | Reuters
A mining pit collapse in Galkogo village of Niger State in central Nigeria killed one person and left 30 others trapped, the state’s emergency agency said on Tuesday. Six miners were rescued with serious injuries, Hussaini Ibrahim, a spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said in a statement. The incident, at the underground gold mine, occurred on Monday after heavy rains softened the soil around the pit, triggering the collapse.
Cameroon North West : 100 Students Reported Absent From FSCL Exams – Journal du Cameroun
The Anglophone crisis continues to rock the North West region, threatening the population. The latest news comes from the Donga Mantung division. In this area, authorities have just reported that nearly 110 students were absent during the First Certificate examination. Many say that this absence is due to the threat posed by the separatist fighters.
Bandits hinder rescue efforts for trapped miners in Nigeria | Africanews
Efforts to rescue some 30 artisanal miners trapped in a collapsed mining pit in Niger state, Nigeria, have been obstructed by threats from armed bandits, an emergency official reported on Wednesday June 5 as reported by local media. The miners, working for a local company, were in a large pit in the village of Galkogo, Shiroro district, when it caved in late Sunday, trapping them inside, said Abdullahi Baba Ara, head of the Niger State Relief Agency.
MNJTF kills 140 terrorists, 6 soldiers dead – Daily Trust
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Operation LAKE SANITY 2 says it has neutralized 140 terrorists while six soldiers died during the operation in the Lake Chad Basin. The Force Commander (MNJTF), Major General Ibrahim Sallau, disclosed this during an international press conference on Operation Lake Sanity 2 at the Theatre Command, Maiduguri on Tuesday.
Gunmen kill pastor, 4 others in Plateau community – Daily Trust
Gunmen have reportedly killed 5 persons in Kimakpa village of Kwall District in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. According to the National Publicity Secretary, Irigwe Development Association ((IDA), Sam Jugo, the killing took place on Monday, at about 12 midnight.
70% of Nigerian children cannot read with meaning – Report – Daily Trust
The National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA-NIGERIA) has expressed concern over a recent report indicating that 70 per cent of children in Nigeria cannot read with meaning or solve simple mathematical problems. The finding was part of the Nigeria Measuring of Learning Achievement report which highlighted significant deficiencies in the country’s education system.
Conflicts making migrant routes in Sahel more dangerous, says UN | Africanews
The UN Refugee Agency has warned in a new report that conflicts in Sudan and across the Sahel region have compromised protection for migrants crossing from sub-Saharan Africa. For the hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants attempting to cross from sub-Saharan African countries to Europe, the journey is an extremely dangerous one. The migration routes are all the more dangerous due to the lack of critical services, the UNHCR has said.
In Burkina Faso, a growing number of children are traumatized by war | Africanews
When armed men entered Safi’s village in northern Burkina Faso and began firing, she hid in her home with her four children. The gunmen found them and let them live to suffer the guilt of survival after killing her husband and other relatives. Safi, is among 2 million people displaced in the West African country by growing violence between Islamic extremists and security forces. About 60% of the displaced are children. Many are traumatized, but mental health services are limited and children are often overlooked for treatment.
Cameroon-North-West: Municipal Councillor Murdered By Separatist Fighters – Journal du Cameroun
Reports says the incident occurred as he was travelling from Wum to Bamenda, with the ambush taking place near Befang in Menchum division of the North West region, when separatist fighters intercepted the motorbike he was riding. Mathias Bang, a town councillor, fell victim to the violence and died from gunshot wounds inflicted by armed separatists. Eight years after the Anglophone crisis began, the authorities have still not managed to end this bloody war, which has claimed more than 6,000 lives according to the NGO dubbed Human Rights Watch. In its latest report, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that at least 638,421 people have been internally displaced by the violence in the two regions, while more than 63,204 have fled to Nigeria.
Nigeria unions suspend strike for one week | Africanews
Nigeria’s main labour unions have suspended a strike which led to the shutdown of the country’s power grid and the closure of its busiest airports on Monday. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said on Tuesday they were suspending the strike for one week in order to continue talks with the government over a new minimum wage. The unions warned that failure on the part of the government to offer an acceptable new minimum wage will “prompt the organised labour to resume the strike without further notice.”
Mali financial workers union calls for strike after leader arrested | Reuters
A worker’s union in Mali has called on employees of banks, insurance companies, micro-finance institutions and petrol stations to temporarily stop work from Thursday after the arrest of its secretary-general. The National Union of Banks, Insurance Companies, Financial Institutions and Businesses of Mali (SYNABEF) said its secretary-general, Hamadoun Bah, was arrested on Wednesday. In a statement, it called for employees to halt work from Thursday until Saturday following an emergency meeting of its executive bureau.
Nigeria may spend 50% more on fuel subsidies in 2024, draft document shows | Reuters
President Bola Tinubu last May axed a popular but costly subsidy on petrol in a landmark reform cheered by investors, to try to kick-start growth. But the move caused petrol prices to triple, increased transport cost and stoked inflation, angering motorists. Tinubu has faced pressure from labour unions over the rising cost of living due to his reforms, but he has vowed not to roll them back. Since July last year petrol prices have been fixed despite two currency devaluations. The country has relied on imports of petroleum products for years because state-owned refineries produce hardly any of them
Bandits attack Niger villages, set houses ablaze – Daily Trust
Dozens of farmers in Kasmani village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have fled their homes following an attack by bandits. Residents told City & Crime that many houses and property worth millions of naira were set ablaze by the attackers.
Reps: Nigeria records 17 jailbreaks, 7,000 escapees in 8 years – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives on Thursday urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately set up a judicial panel of inquiry on prison attacks in the country and ensure that such assaults on the entire security apparatus of Nigeria do not recur. The House also mandated the Committees on Interior and Reformatory Institutions to interface with the relevant federal government agencies to constitute threat management in correctional centres across the country and collate data of inmates by enrolling them in the National Identity Number system and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
Benin-Niger spat deepens with arrests at crude pipeline terminal | Reuters
A prosecutor in Benin said authorities had detained on Wednesday five Niger nationals for allegedly entering Benin’s Seme-Kpodji pipeline terminal under false pretences, deepening a dispute over exports of crude oil from Niger via Benin. In a statement on Thursday, special prosecutor Mario Metonou said the group had entered the terminal clandestinely and accused at least two of the detainees of being agents of Niger’s ruling military junta.
Fuel subsidy in 2020 higher than defence, education, healthcare budgets — UNILORIN VC – Daily Trust
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, has said Nigeria’s budget spent on fuel subsidy between January 2020 and June 2022 was higher than the budget allocated to defence, education and healthcare sectors. Egbewole, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also said between 2006 and 2018, about N10 trillion was spent on fuel subsidies – a development he described as a significant drain on the government’s finances, adding that only educated Nigerians understand its removal.
Gombe to issue almajirai ID cards – Daily Trust
As part of efforts to reform the almajiri system of education, the Gombe State Government will begin data capture of all Tsangaya schools and almajirai across the state with the aim to ascertain their number and states of origin. Sayyada Aminatu Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Special Adviser to Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya on Tsangaya and Almajirai, disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent.
Army organises peace parley to ensure violence-free farming in Plateau, Kaduna – Daily Trust Operation Safe Haven, the special task force maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states, has organised a peace summit to unite members of communities affected by communal clashes in the regions. At the event’s opening in Jos, Plateau State, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Commander of Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, stated that the meeting aimed to unite farmers and herders to ensure a hitch-free farming season this year in Plateau and Kaduna states.
Army debunks alleged mass killing in South East – Daily Trust
The Nigerian Army (NA) has denied the allegation of mass killing in South Eastern Nigeria, as alleged by Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Reps probe decline in Kolmani oil well exploration activities – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives has tasked its Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream, Upstream, and Midstream) and Gas Resources to investigate the decline in exploration activities at the Kolmani Integrated Development Project. The committees are to report their findings within four weeks for further legislative action.
Northern senators, MACBAN reject bill restricting herders’ movement – Daily Trust
Northern senators and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have rejected a bill seeking the establishment of ranching as the only viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria. The National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission establishment Bill scaled second reading on the floor of the Senate yesterday after an intense debate.
Peace and Security
France Denies Secret Deployment of Troops in Benin against Niger – PRNigeria News
France has denied reports that it has secretly deployed troops in Benin Republic to counter the government in Niger Republic. The French Embassy in Nigeria described the reports as baseless and unfounded, stating that the aircraft mentioned in the article is not a French military aircraft and has no connections to France. The embassy also emphasized that French security and defense cooperation is based on partnerships with full respect for sovereignty.
Russia to provide more military aid, instructors to Burkina Faso | Reuters
Russia will send additional military supplies and instructors to Burkina Faso to help the west African country boost its defence capabilities and fight terrorism, Russian state media quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying on Wednesday. Burkina Faso, under military leadership since a 2022 coup, has played host to contingents of the Wagner mercenary force, whose founder Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last August.
US military defends Africa strategy amid coups and Russia shift | Africanews
The head of the US military in Africa has vigorously defended his anti-terrorism strategy on the continent and pledged to pursue it despite a wave of criticism and a drift by African nations towards seeking aid to security from Russia.In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday May 29 during Africa Lion , a war simulation exercise in Morocco , Gen. Michael Langley blamed a wave of Russian disinformation for anti-American sentiment in unstable regions. He said the military must reaffirm how its long-standing strategy can promote stability throughout the Sahel , the semi-arid region south of the Sahara Desert.
Niger-Benin pipeline crisis: No resolution in sight | Africanews
The meeting of the Benin-Niger inter-state committee has not resolved issues between the neighbours. The countries partnered with the China National Petroleum Corp on an oil project which has yet to fully take off. The pipeline, linking Koulele in Niger to the port of Seme in Benin will produce about 90,000 barrels per day. Niger currently pumps around 20,000 bpd of oil, most of it from China National Petroleum Corp. projects in the Agadem Rift Basin in the country’s southeast.
Russia’s top diplomat promises more military support for Burkina Faso | Africanews
Russia’s foreign minister on Wednesday pledged more support to Burkina Faso in fighting militant groups as he pressed his whirlwind tour of West Africa in an attempt to fill a vacuum left by the region’s traditional Western partners. Sergey Lavrov spoke at a news conference in the country’s capital of Ouagadougou while on the third leg of his latest Africa trip, after Guinea and the Republic of Congo.
Gov’t urged to tackle increasing number of out-of-school children – Daily Trust
The Child Protection Network and the Treasured Points of Light Foundation (TPLF) have called on the government at all levels to redouble their efforts at tackling the increasing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The groups advocated sustainable funding for the educational sector in order to get the over 20 million children back to school.
8 Zamfara local gov’t areas may be flooded — NEMA – Daily Trust
Eight local government areas of Zamfara are predicted to be affected by moderate flooding in the 2024 rainy season, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has disclosed. The Director-General of the agency, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, disclosed this in Gusau on Thursday at the sensitisation programme for the 2024 down-scaling of flood early warning strategies for early actions.
Russian foreign minister wraps Africa tour with working visit in Chad | Africanews
Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov landed in N’Djamena, Chad on Wednesday (Jun. 5). He was wrapping up an Africa tour which included stops to Guinea, the Republic of Congo, and Burkina Faso.During his working visit, the veteran minisiter met with his Chadian counterpart Abderaman Koulamallah. Central Africa and western Africa have been considered as France’s sphere of influence for decades. Lavrov emphasized that Russia’s relations with Chad are not directed against other countries.
The Combined Forces for Security, Defense, Intelligence, and Reconciliation Agency, on Thursday, held its maiden press briefing on troops and personnel’s efforts to end insecurity in the country. During the briefing, it was revealed that no fewer than 9,303 ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists had been killed, 6,998 arrested and 9,562 others including families surrendered to security forces in the last one year.
Humanitarian
For the second year in a row, the displacement crisis in the West African country of Burkina Faso has been adjudged the most neglected worldwide. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), an international non-governmental organisation, made this observation in a report released on Monday, June 3.
Following closely are the crises in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Niger. Burkina Faso was also the worst-ranked country in 2023, then followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, Sudan, and Venezuela.
We offered 50,000 free dialysis in 7 years – Yobe govt – Daily Trust
The Mai Mala Buni administration in Yobe has sponsored over 50,000 free dialysis for patients suffering from renal diseases in the last seven years. Dr Baba Goni, Chief Medical Director, Yobe Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Damaturu, the state capital.
Nigeria ranks 2nd worst on children’s climate risk globally – UNICEF – Daily Trust
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that the Nigeria Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC, 2023) report indicates that Nigeria ranks as the second worst country globally on the Children’s Climate Risk Index. UNICEF chief of the Kano field office, Mr Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, announced this during the commemoration of World Environment Day 2024, themed, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.”
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called for more support to address medical challenges in northern Nigeria, which are fast worsening and overstretching its resources. In a statement shared with HumAngle on Tuesday, June 4, during a press briefing in Abuja, the medical humanitarian organisation noted that it has recently recorded an “extraordinary increase” in the number of children admitted for severe, life-threatening malnourishment, with the admissions doubling in some places compared to figures from last year.
Yobe invests N900m in swamp buggy to combat flooding – Daily Trust
To tackle the recurring challenge of flooding and its devastating impacts, the Yobe State Government has acquired a swamp buggy valued at N900 million. This investment aims to mitigate the annual flooding that often wreaks havoc on infrastructures and communities across the state. Governor Mai Mala Buni, during the commissioning of the machine, highlighted its crucial role in dredging rivers and clearing waterways obstructed by overgrown vegetation along major rivers like Komadugu and Yobe.
Food security: Yobe to support 3,560 young farmers – Daily Trust
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to empowering young farmers in agriculture to ensure food security and reduce unemployment in the state. Governor Buni made the declaration during a visit by the new Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Ibn Grema, to the government house in Damaturu.
Mobilization and economic development
Afreximbank disburses $925 million crude oil-backed loan to Nigeria’s NNPC | Reuters
Afreximbank has disbursed $925 million to Nigeria’s state-owned NNPC, part of a syndicated $3.3 billion crude oil-backed prepayment facility, the African trade bank said on Thursday. This brings the total disbursement to Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to $3.175 billion, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) said. Afreximbank said the deal was the largest crude-backed facility in Nigeria and one of the largest syndicated debts raised in Africa.
Nigeria’s Fidelity Bank to sell shares to meet new capital requirement | Reuters
Nigeria’s Fidelity Bank (FIDELIT.LG), opens new tab said on Thursday it would raise up to 127.1 billion naira ($88 million) via a rights issue and a public share offering to comply with a new minimum capital requirement for local lenders introduced by the central bank in March.
The central bank on Tuesday said local lenders have started submitting plans to meet its new minimum capital requirements which will strengthen the financial system and support economic growth.
Nigerian lenders submitting recapitalisation plans, central bank says | Reuters
ABUJA, June 4 (Reuters) – Nigerian lenders have started submitting plans to meet new minimum capital requirements to strengthen the financial system and support economic growth, the central bank said on Tuesday, after setting the standard in March. Commercial banks with international authorization must have at least 500 billion naira ($344.83 million) in capital under the new rule by the Central Bank of Nigeria. More than 20 lenders in Nigeria need to raise extra capital within two years to meet the new threshold.
Nigeria central bank revokes licence of Heritage Bank as bank rules breached | Reuters
Nigeria’s central bank said on Monday it had revoked the banking licence of unlisted lender Heritage Bank Plc due to a breach of banking regulations.
“Regrettably, the bank has continued to suffer and has no reasonable prospects of recovery, thereby making the revocation of the licence the next necessary step,” the regulator said in a statement. The central bank said its action followed a period of engagement with the bank where it prescribed various supervisory steps intended to stem a decline in Heritage’s performance.
Nigerian lawmakers seek to curb central bank’s role in economic policy | Reuters
Nigerian lawmakers are seeking to limit the central bank’s control over economic policy by proposing to set up a committee to coordinate monetary and fiscal policies, headed by the finance minister, according to a bill in the Senate.
The proposal by a member of the ruling party comes as inflation in Africa’s most populous nation hit a 28-year high of 33.69% in April amidst sluggish economic growth and currency woes.
Cameroon – North West: UNDP On Mission To Strengthen Recovery Initiatives – Journal du Cameroun
The UNDP delegation’s trip began with a working meeting with the Secretary General of the North West Governor’s Office. The meeting was also attended by the regional delegation from the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development. Their discussion focused on the promotion of basic services and economic opportunities. Following this meeting, the team visited some key activities in Bamenda and some educational institutions such as Saint Joseph Primary School Big Mankon and CBC Primary School Nkwem.
Cameroon To Upgrade National IP Strategy For Country’s Dev’t – Journal du Cameroun The World Intellectual Property Organisation wants to open a new chapter in its cooperation with the Cameroonian government, according to Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute. He made the announcement after a working meeting with the Director General of the institution, Daren Tang last Tuesday, June 5 2024.
During their discussions, the international organisation pledged to support Cameroon in the use of intellectual property (IP) for national development and economic growth. Joseph Dion Ngute and Daren Tang also agreed on projects to make intellectual property accessible to young people, entrepreneurs and local communities.
High inflation, weak naira may slow down economic growth – CITN – Daily Trust
High inflation, naira weakness and policy tightening may threaten economic growth in the year 2024, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has observed. The President of the CITN, Samuel Agbeluyi, spoke at the 32nd Annual General Meeting of the institute in Lagos, where he revealed their activities in the last one year.
