Regional News

At least nine soldiers killed in ambush attack in Nigeria’s Borno state, sources say | Reuters MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Jan 5 (Reuters) – At least nine Nigerian soldiers were killed and several others injured when their convoy struck a landmine and came under fire in Borno state in northeastern Nigeria, two security sources said on Monday.

How Bandits Killed 60 In Niger Market – Daily Trust At least 60 people were on Saturday killed in an attack at the Kasuwan Daji Market, Borgu LGA, Niger State. Sources said terrorists who emerged from the Kainji National Park stormed the market around 4pm, surrounded the market and slaughtered traders and buyers, while kidnapping several others, particularly women and children.

Suspected jihadists attack Mali’s Morila mine | Reuters Jan 5 (Reuters) – Suspected jihadists attacked the Morila gold mine in Mali at the weekend, burning equipment and taking seven employees hostage before releasing them, an official from the mining ministry told Reuters on Monday. The attack highlights mounting security risks in Mali, Africa’s third-largest gold producer, which is

Nigeria urges civilians to avoid debris from US-backed strikes on Islamists | Reuters ABUJA, Jan 2 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s military urged civilians in the country’s northwest on Friday not to keep or tamper with unexploded ordnance found at sites targeted in recent U.S.-backed airstrikes. The alert follows online footage showing locals scavenging debris and unexploded ordnance at strike sites in Sokoto state, sparking fears of deadly blasts.

Nigeria police charge Joshua driver with dangerous driving over fatal collision | Reuters Jan 2 (Reuters) – Nigerian police said on Friday the driver of the vehicle involved in a crash that injured British former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and killed two of his close friends was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the

Yobe Boat Mishap: Death Toll Hits 29 – Daily Trust The death toll from the boat accident in Nguru LGA of Yobe State has risen to 29, authorities have disclosed. The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr. Goje Muhammad, said two additional corpses were recovered from the river by search-and-rescue teams from YOSEMA, working in collaboration with the National Emergency

Again, eight suspects, including two ringleaders, arrested over bombing activities – Businessday NG Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have apprehended eight suspects, including two principal suspects believed to be key facilitators within a suicide bombing network in Adamawa State.

China’s top diplomat tours Africa with focus on strategic trade routes | Reuters BEIJING, Jan 7 (Reuters) – China’s top diplomat began his annual New Year tour of Africa on Wednesday, focusing on strategic trade access across eastern and southern Africa as Beijing seeks to secure key shipping routes and resource supply lines. Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to Ethiopia, Africa’s fastest‑growing

Police confirm kidnap of journalist in Kaduna The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a veteran photojournalist, Umar Usman, in Chikun Local Government Area of the state. The command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Kaduna, saying security operatives had commenced efforts to rescue the victim.

Lassa Fever Claimed 206 Lives In Nigeria Last Year – NCDC – Daily Trust The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that Lassa fever continued to claim lives across the country in 2025 despite a modest decline in new infections, with 206 deaths recorded nationwide. The agency disclosed that the fatalities occurred from 1,119 confirmed cases out of 9,270 suspected cases reported in the year, raising

BREAKING: Five killed as building collapses in Borno – Yerwa Express News At least five persons, including one elderly woman and four children, have lost their lives following the collapse of a building in Borno State. The incident occurred on Sunday at Bintu Sugar, located in the Ngomari Airport area of Maiduguri.

Tinubu, Kagame Discuss Africa’s Future At Private Lunch In Paris • Channels Television President Bola Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met for a private lunch on Sunday in Paris, where they discussed global affairs and strategies to propel Africa’s growth in an increasingly complex world.

US introduces $15,000 visa bond for Nigerians & others The United States has introduced new travel restrictions that could require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 visas to post bonds of up to $15,000. According to information published on the US Department of State’s website, Travel.State.Gov, the payment of a bond does not guarantee visa issuance, adding that fees paid without the direction of a consular officer will not be refunded.

Nigerian Navy Clears 11km Of Waterways, Strengthens Security In Lake Chad Region – Daylight Reporters The Nigerian Navy, working alongside the Nigerian Army, has successfully cleared approximately 11 kilometers of waterways and insurgent hideouts in the Lake Chad area. This development marks a notable step forward in restoring peace and socio-economic stability to one of Nigeria’s most affected regions.

Terrorists reabduct some Papiri school pupils during fatal Niger attack Some students of St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, are among the villagers abducted by terrorists in the area on Saturday evening, residents have said. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the terrorists killed at least 35 people and abducted many others.

Troops Kill 5 Terrorists, Rescue Hostages in Konduga — Northern Nigerian Express Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed five terrorists and rescued three abducted civilians during a coordinated operation in Kondunga Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation was carried out in the early hours of Sunday, January 4, 2026, according to the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lt Col Sani Uba, who confirmed the development in a

Breaking: Another Live Ammunition Discovered Near Railway Kumshe in Maiduguri  — Northern Nigerian Express Fresh consignments of live ammunition have been discovered in the Kumshe area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, days after a large cache was recovered by the Nigerian Army in Bulunkutu. A resident of the area, who spoke to Northern Nigerian Express on condition of anonymity, said police operatives and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were on the

Kannywood: Northern Nigeria’s film industry chasing global fame | Africanews Long overshadowed by south Nigeria’s Nollywood, filmmakers in the north of Africa’s cinema powerhouse are pushing the boundaries of censorship in search of international recognition. The Kannywood cinema industry, named after Nigeria’s northern Kano state, produces about 200 films a month. Young Kannywood creatives hope to expand their audience beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Burkina Faso hails security gains and food self-sufficiency in 2025 | Africanews Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, delivered a largely positive end-of-year address on December 31, highlighting major security improvements and the country’s achievement of food self-sufficiency, while laying out ambitious plans for 2026. In his traditional New Year’s message, Traoré emphasized the success of

Mali and Burkina Faso restrict entry to US nations in tit-for-tat move | Africanews Mali and Burkina Faso have announced travel restrictions on American citizens after the United States added both countries to a no-entry list. The two nations said they’re imposing equivalent measures with immediate effect after US President Trump, who has long campaigned to restrict immigration, expanded a travel ban earlier this month by barring people from seven

Plateau: 6 Farmers Killed In Fresh Attacks – Daily Trust At least six farmers have been killed and one injured in fresh attacks in the Foron and Gero communities of Plateau State, spanning Jos South and Barkin Ladi local government areas. The National President of the Berom Youth Moulder-Association (BYM), Solomon Dalyop, said the victims were attacked at a mining site in the Gero community.

Police Evacuate Explosive Device Discovered in Niger State The Niger State Police command has deployed bomb experts to evacuate a bomb discovered by the roadside in the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, made this known on Tuesday when he confirmed the discovery of the bomb. Elleman said there was one and not three bombs. He

Gunmen attack national park office in Oyo, five killed Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly attacked the National Park Service Office in Oloka, in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The PUNCH investigation revealed that the attack occurred at about 9p.m. on Tuesday. Unconfirmed reports added that about five NPS

4 Die Of Lassa Fever In Nasarawa – Daily Trust Four people, including two pregnant women, have died from suspected Lassa fever in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State. The general hospital in Awe has been shut down, and health workers, including the medical superintendent, have been isolated as a precautionary measure.

38 Die In Electricity-related Incidents In 3 Months – Daily Trust The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has stated that 38 Nigerians died from electricity-related incidents in the third quarter of 2025. In its quarterly report, NERC said the number of deaths increased from the 33 recorded in the second quarter of 2025.

Amnesty International condemns unlawful arrest of man over online criticism Amnesty International has decried the unlawful detention of a man by the Nigerian Police for criticising a government official online. Amnesty International, via its official X handle, stated that the police arrested Abubakar Salim in Abuja after conducting surveillance in Gusau, capital of Zamfara State, North-west Nigeria. The arrest reportedly occurred before Amnesty’s public statement on Wednesday.

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency to probe ex-oil regulator despite Dangote dropping petition | Reuters YENAGOA, Nigeria Jan 8 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s anti-graft agency will press ahead with a probe into the former head of the downstream oil regulator, even after billionaire Aliko Dangote’s lawyers withdrew a petition that triggered the investigation, a spokesperson said on Thursday.

Peace and Security

Nigeria to take over anti-jihadist operations after US Christmas strikes | Africanews The Nigerian air force will take over from the United States after Washington’s Christmas Day strikes against jihadists, relying on American reconnaissance flights to support its own operations, a Nigerian official told AFP on Tuesday. On Christmas night, the United States struck sites in Sokoto State, in northwestern Nigeria , against what they described as targets linked to the Islamic State group.

Burkina Faso govt says it foiled another coup to oust Traore The Burkina Faso junta said it has foiled another attempted coup to oust the military leader, Ibrahim Traore. The country’s security minister, Mahamadou Sana, on Tuesday said the plan set for late Saturday was foiled “thanks to the professionalism of the intelligence services.”

Air strike kills 23 fleeing bandits after Kano attack – DAILYFACT NEWS Troops of the Joint Task Force, supported by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralised no fewer than 23 bandits fleeing Kano State following coordinated attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas. A statement issued on Sunday in Kano by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3

UN Chief Demands Protection Of Civilians, Schools In Nigeria – Daily Trust The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for stronger protection of civilians, civilian spaces and schools following a spate of attacks in Niger State. On 3 January, more than 30 people were reportedly killed and an unspecified number abducted after an attack on a village market in Kasuwan Daji,

Nigeria to get 12 US attack helicopters for insurgency Officers of the Nigerian Air Force have met with senior United States officials and representatives of Bell Textron to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, a critical capability upgrade intended to bolster Nigeria’s counterterrorism and security operations across the country.

Adamawa: Bachama, Chobo Communities Resume Hostility Weeks After Peace Accord – Daily Trust A few weeks after a peace accord was signed to end years of bloodshed, tension has again gripped the Bachama and Chobo communities of Lamurde LGA of Adamawa State following the killing of three Chobo women. Two men, William Joshua (30) and Ezekiel Luka (23), were arrested in connection with the killing of the three women on

Troops arrest criminal associate in Taraba, recover arms Troops of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested an associate of a notorious criminal kingpin, John Ngata in Takum, Taraba. Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters of JTF OPWS, confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday. Zubairu stated that he (the associate) was arrested on

Breaking: Military Unmasks, Arrests Shariff Umar as Suicide Bombing Network Leader — Northern Nigerian Express The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, has identified Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the key coordinator of suicide bombing activities linked to recent attacks in Maiduguri, the North East. The disclosure was made on Saturday, January 3, 2026, by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, following intelligence-led

FG dismisses claims Nigerian scholars abandoned in Morocco – Punch Newspapers The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigerian scholarship students in Morocco have been abandoned, describing the reports as misleading and deliberately intended to misinform the public. Earlier reports suggested that Nigerian students studying in Morocco under the Federal Government scholarship scheme were facing hardships,

ECOWAS urges respect for Venezuela’s independence after US operation | Africanews The Economic Community of West African States has expressed concern over the situation in Venezuela, after the United States captured its president, Nicolás Maduro, and carried out military strikes on its capital Caracas. ECOWAS urged the international community to “respect the independence and territorial integrity” of Venezuela. The bloc also expressed support for the country’s population,

African nations condemn ‘clear violation of UN Charter’ by US in Venezuela – RFI African nations condemn ‘clear violation of UN Charter’ by US in Venezuela – RFI The African Union said in a statement it would be “following with grave concern the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including reports of the abduction of the President of the Republic, Nicolas Maduro, and military attacks on Venezuelan institutions.”

28 Plateau Travellers Still In Captivity As Family Struggle To Raise Ransom – Daily Trust Twenty-eight travellers who were abducted on December 21, 2025, in Zak community of Bashar District in Wase LGA of Plateau State are still in captivity as their family members are struggling to raise ransom for their release. Daily Trust reports that the victims were heading to the Sabon Layi community of Bashar District to attend a Maulud event when they were intercepted and abducted.

Seven Arrested over Plateau Killings, Cattle Rustling as Vigilantes Neutralise 4 Bandits in Zamfara – PRNigeria News Seven Arrested over Plateau Killings, Cattle Rustling as Vigilantes Neutralise 4 Bandits in Zamfara. Security forces have arrested seven suspects in connection with the killing of residents and cattle rustling in Plateau State, while in a separate incident in Zamfara State, four armed bandits were neutralised during a clash with local vigilantes, leaving one civilian dead.

Troops Dislodge Criminals, Free Six Kidnap Victims in Kaduna – PRNigeria News Troops Dislodge Criminals, Free Six Kidnap Victims in Kaduna Troops of Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued six kidnapped victims during a coordinated military operation in the Kajuru/Kujama axis of Kaduna State. The rescue, which took place on January 5, 2026, was part of a series of simultaneous clearance operations conducted across several flashpoints in

Humanitarian

‘141m Nigerians Will Be In Poverty This Year’ – Daily Trust At least 141million Nigerians are expected to be living in poverty this year, according to PwC’s Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026. The report titled: “Turning macroeconomic stability into sustainable growth,” projected deteriorating poverty levels of about 62% of the population in the year preceding the election year 2027

Mobilization and economic development

‘Naira To Remain Under Pressure Against Dollar In 2026’ – Daily Trust Naira is expected to remain under pressure against the United States dollar in 2026, according to the Chief Economist of the Frica Export Import Bank, Yemi Kale,  He made the disclosure while speaking as a keynote speaker at the FirstBank Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026.

Suspend Tax Laws Implementation Now, NLC Tells FG – Daily Trust The organised labour has again asked the federal government to immediately suspend the implementation of the new tax laws, threatening a possible nationwide confrontation with workers if its concerns are ignored. The warning was issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),

Inflation Likely To Fall Below 10% In 2026 – Tinubu – Daily Trust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has projected inflation to fall below 10 per cent in the year 2026. “Indeed, inflation is likely to fall below 10 per cent before the end of this year, leading to improved living standards and accelerated GDP growth. The year 2026 promises to be an epochal year for delivering prosperity to all Nigerians,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special

Tinubu applauds N100 trillion NGX milestone, says reforms paying off President Bola Tinubu has praised corporate Nigeria, investors and other stakeholders in the capital market following the Nigerian Exchange’s (NGX) crossing of the N100 trillion market capitalisation mark. In a statement on Thursday signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the milestone as “the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation,” urging Nigerians to deepen their investments in the local economy.

Nigeria’s GDP to grow by 4.3% in 2026 – PwC Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to enlarge by 4.3 per cent in 2026, backed by expanding services, a steady improvement in oil and non-oil exports as well as increased macro stability and investor confidence, according to a new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The professional services firm is taking a more optimistic view of Nigeria’s economic performance this year,

KPMG Identifies ‘major Loopholes’ In New Tax Laws – Daily Trust KPMG, globally renowned auditing firm with expertise on tax services, says it has identified loopholes in the new tax laws. The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee had said it proposed the laws to provide better oversight on government revenues, and streamline tax administration in Nigeria to bring it closer to best practices globally and improve efficiencies in tax administration.