Regional News

UPDATED: Local authorities say “at least 200” feared dead in Jilli Market airstrikes – Yerwa Express News More than 200 traders and buyers are feared dead following an airstrike at Jilli Market in Yobe State, according to local sources and victims. The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Jilli Market in Fucchimiram Ward,

Over 1,100 people kidnapped in Northern Nigeria in four months – Amnesty At least 1,100 people were abducted across northern Nigeria between January and April 2026, Amnesty International has said, warning that the scale and pattern of the attacks reflect a deepening security crisis and a failure of authorities to protect vulnerable communities. mIn a statement, the organisation said those abducted are often subjected to extreme violence and inhumane conditions. “Those abducted are frequently subjected to torture, starvation, amputation, rape, and forced to witness or commit atrocities,”

744 Repentant Terrorists Complete Rehabilitation in Nigeria No fewer than 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism on Thursday graduated from the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp under Operation Safe Corridor. A breakdown of the 744 clients shows that two are from Abia State, 10 from Adamawa State, one from Akwa Ibom State, two from Anambra State,

LEAKED MEMO: Boko Haram Targets Abuja Airport, Kuje Prison In New Threat Report – NEWS POINT NIGERIA A LEAKED internal memo has raised fresh concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, with indications that Boko Haram insurgents may be planning coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure in Abuja and neighbouring Niger State.

Military launches intelligence course to combat terrorist ambushes – The Nation Newspaper Concerned by the rising frequency of terrorist ambushes targeting operational bases, convoys, patrol teams, and logistics movements, the Defence Intelligence College (DIC) launched a Counter-Ambush Intelligence and Movement Security Course to counter the threat. The course, organised in collaboration with Renown Consult Limited, drew participants from the military and other intelligence and

ACF: Insecurity Escalating To ‘State Of War’ – Daily Trust The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has declared that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity has escalated into a “state of war,” calling on the Federal Government to urgently reorder national priorities and treat security as the country’s most pressing emergency. This position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 38th meeting of the ACF Board of Trustees on Wednesday and and signed by its Chairman, Bashir M. Dalhatu.

NCDC alerts 10 states on flood-linked cholera, disease outbreak risks — Daily Nigerian The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has alerted 10 states to a high risk of cholera and other disease outbreaks. The alert follows forecasts by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, which indicate that parts of Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Kwara States may experience heavy rainfall and flooding between April 13 and April 17.

Developing Story: Tension escalates in Monguno as troops resume demolition of Chali 2 community – Yerwa Express News The situation in Monguno, Borno State, is worsening as Nigerian troops have resumed the burning of houses in Chali 2 community despite an earlier suspension of the operation. The demolition follows Sunday’s attack by terrorists from Boko Haram and the Islamic State

[UPDATED] 33 States, Over 14,000 Communities At High Flood Risk In 2026, FG Warns • Channels Television The Federal Government has revealed that 226 local government areas in 33 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory fall within the high flood risk areas identified in 2026. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, stated this on Wednesday during the public presentation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the

Give Us Constitutional Power Now, Zazzau Emir Tells FG – Daily Trust The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, has called for urgent constitutional reforms to strengthen the role of traditional rulers, saying their contributions to peace and grassroots development remain underutilised. He made the call at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Week (NPRW) “Croc City 2026” forum held at the State House, Hassan Usman Katsina House, Kawo, Kaduna.

Brig. Gen. Braimah, 7 Fallen Soldiers Buried In Borno – Daily Trust The Nigerian Army yesterday laid to rest the remains of Late Brigadier General Oseini Braimah, Captain Azubuike Michael Esimai, and six other officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty, while fighting insurgents in Borno State. The military officers were killed during a battle last Wednesday, when suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the 29 Task Force in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Terrorists kill 4 soldiers, 1 civilian in Borno attack Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed four soldiers and one civilian in a fresh attack in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred around 12pm on Wednesday in Mussa community. Confirming the incident exclusively to PUNCH Online on Thursday, the Chairman of the Local Government, Mada Saidu, said the

Airlines Threaten Shutdown Over Hike In Aviation Fuel Price – Daily Trust Domestic airlines in Nigeria have threatened to suspend operations from Monday, April 20, 2026, following a sharp spike in the price of aviation fuel, raising concerns over a potential shutdown of the country’s air transport sector. The planned action was disclosed in a letter dated April 14, 2026, by the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Abdulmunaf Sarina.

Breaking: Army Colonel, Several Other Soldiers Killed in Monguno Ambush — Northern Nigerian Express A serving Nigerian Army colonel has reportedly been killed in an ambush by suspected insurgents in Monguno, Borno State, during a reinforcement mission following an overnight attack on a military position. According to Sahara Reporters, The incident occurred in the early hours

Lassa fever fatality rate rises in Nigeria as cases fall | Premium Times Nigeria The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says Nigeria is recording an increase in Lassa fever fatality rate. This is despite a decline in weekly confirmed cases, raising fresh concerns over disease management nationwide. The agency disclosed on Wednesday in its Epidemiological Week 14 report for 2026 that confirmed cases dropped from 26 in the previous week to 22, while the case fatality rate rose significantly.

Nigeria wildlife trafficking persists as protection law awaits presidential signing | Reuters LAGOS, April 14 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s customs said on Tuesday its officials had intercepted two hyenas, a porcupine and 24 protected birds, the ​sixth major wildlife seizure since parliament passed a long‑awaited protection law ‌in October that has not yet come into force. The bill, intended to overhaul Nigeria’s wildlife protection framework and sharply increase penalties, cleared both chambers of the ​National Assembly late last year but has yet to receive ​presidential assent.

Burkina Faso junta dissolves dozens of civil society groups | Africanews Burkina Faso’s military government has dissolved around 100 civil society organizations in a sweeping move that further tightens control over civic space in the Sahel nation. In a statement released Wednesday, authorities announced that 118 associations—many of them involved in human rights work—are now banned from operating across the country. The decision marks the latest step in an ongoing crackdown since the military seized power in a 2022 coup. The junta, led by Ibrahim Traoré, has increasingly restricted the activities of NGOs, trade unions, and

Police confirm abduction of 14 passengers in Benue The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of 14 passengers, mainly Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) candidates en route from Makurdi to Otukpo Local Government Area of the state. The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the abduction to journalists on Thursday in Makurdi.

PT HEALTH WATCH: Why fibroids, multiple pregnancies raise risk of postpartum haemorrhage – Expert Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), a condition characterised by excessive bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide. In Nigeria, where health facilities and emergency care are often inadequate, the condition contributes heavily to the country’s already high maternal mortality rate.

NACA debunks viral state-by-state HIV figures, warns against misuse of data The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has cautioned the public against relying on unauthorised HIV data circulating on social media, describing the figures as misleading and taken out of context. In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday and signed by its Director-General, Temitope Ilori, the agency said the publication, which presents state-by-state HIV figures for January to March 2026, did not follow established protocols for data

Cameroon sees mass turnout for Pope Leo XIV visit as he calls for peace | Africanews By visiting the north-western city, the pope brought renewed international attention to the conflict in the Anglophone regions, which has persisted since 2017 and deeply divided the country. Roads were crowded with people arriving from across the region, including many displaced by the violence, as he urged unity in faith and warned against a world “ravaged by a handful of tyrants”, condemning the diversion of resources to arms over human development. Earlier in Bamenda, Leo XIV presided over an interfaith meeting at Saint Joseph

Peace and Security

The Adamawa Towns Emptied by Boko Haram Insurgency – HumAngle At the end of every farming season, farmers across Kwapre, an agrarian community in Hong Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State in northeastern Nigeria, come together to mark an annual event. Known for their guinea corn farming, the men in Kwapre take turns harvesting each other’s farms. A date is fixed for each farmer, and the rest join him on the farm. While the men work, a set of drummers line up behind

Military Debunks Claims of Arming Repentant Terrorists The Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brig. Gen Yusuf Ali, has dismissed as false, misleading and entirely unfounded allegations that repentant and active Boko Haram members are being armed to fight alongside the Nigerian military. Viral video clips surfaced online showing a visit by Danish vlogger Jones Raw to purported Boko Haram rehabilitation centres in Maiduguri.

Insecurity Will Stop After Elections – Akpabio – Daily Trust Senate President Godswill Akpabio has attributed the rising insecurity in the country to the forthcoming election, saying there will be a change after the elections. Speaking at the official launch of the Nigerian Revenue Service Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, Akpabio said President Bola Tinubu is performing so well and those opposed to him do not know what to do than to sponsor insecurity.

Air Force Confirms Borno Operation, Silent On Accidental Bombing – Daily Trust The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed its operation in the Jilli axis of Borno State, saying the operation was carried out to sustain pressure on terrorists in the North-East. Daily Trust had reported how over 50 persons were killed in an accidental bombing at a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border. The market usually attracts traders and buyers

Nigeria police arrest 33-member gang over Kwara church abductions | Reuters ABUJA, April 14 (Reuters) – Nigerian police have arrested a 33-member gang over a November attack ​in which 38 people were abducted from ‌a church in central Kwara state, police said on Tuesday, as part of a nationwide crackdown on ​violence. Federal police spokesperson Anthony Okon Placid ​said the gang carried out the November ⁠18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church ​in Eruku

Illicit Gold Mining Is Fueling Gang Violence in Niger State’s Capital City – HumAngle For Ike Uche and many others looking to flee the turmoil of gang violence in Niger State, North Central Nigeria, the eastern bypass area of the Minna metropolis was supposed to be a sanctuary. After years of hard work, Ike finally finished building his house, which is located behind the M. I. Wushishi Housing Estate along the bypass.

Humanitarian

World Bank rolls out initiative to enhance water security for 1 billion people The World Bank has closed ranks with multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, and strategic partners to roll out an initiative to improve water security for 1 billion people globally by 2030. Called “Water Forward,” the enterprise is out to leverage harmonisation of policy reforms, financing and collaborations to deliver dependable water services and support systems as a buffer against droughts and floods worldwide, the Washington-based

Africa CDC reports 95% budget use, grants $463m The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says it has achieved 95 per cent budget utilisation and expanded its grant portfolio to $463 million under its Director-General, Jean Kaseya. In a statement issued by its Director of Communication and Public Information, Margaret Edwin, on Monday, Africa CDC said that the achievement reflected a significant institutional growth since 2023.

SPECIAL REPORT: Vulnerable Nigerian communities continue to suffer from US aid cuts Kabir Abubakar ignored the early signs of malaria in a child under his care, Safiyanu Idris, hoping the illness would pass without treatment. Mr Abubakar had recently learnt that anti-malaria medicine at the community primary healthcare centre in Yabo, Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State, was no longer free. He feared that the treatment would cost more than he could afford, and so, he chose to wait it out.

‘Husband Stitch’: The controversial after-birth suture that puts Nigerian women at risk Shattered, broken, traumatised, Faith* has not been the same since she had her first child in 2023. “I will never have another child again. Childbirth damaged me permanently,” she said. It all started when she realised she was pregnant in October 2022. Having lost her mum to childbirth when she was barely four years old, Faith was intentional about having her first child. From researching helpful guides on pre- and

Group launches programme to address gender-based violence in Kano, Jigawa The Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), a non-profit organisation, has initiated a programme to fight gender-based violence (GBV) in Kano and Jigawa states. The initiative, Grannies Network for Change (G-NEC), was launched in Kano on Monday with the aim to mobilise grandmothers for addressing the growing menace in the North-west region.

Borno hospital issues urgent blood appeal after airstrike Borno State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri has been hit by a shortage of blood following the influx of civilian victims affected by the military airstrike that claimed over 30 lives in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State. PUNCH Online had reported that no fewer than 30 people were

Türkiye Delivers 36 Tons Of Food Aid To Nigerian IDPs – Daily Trust Türkiye has distributed 36 tons of food aid to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Adamawa through its Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) to support Nigeria’s current humanitarian efforts. The food aid, which was carried out in coordination with the United Nations, was distributed at the Malkohi Internally Displaced Persons Camp near the state capital, Yola.

UPDATED: Court orders arrest of former humanitarian minister Umar-Farouq, top official over fraud charges The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered the arrest of a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, to answer charges of fraudulently diverting social security intervention funds during her tenure in office. A statement from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said the court also ordered the arrest of the permanent secretary of her then-ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali.

ECOWAS Parliament Adopts Measures To Protect Children – Daily Trust The Joint Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a set of strategic and actionable measures to strengthen the protection of children in street situations and combat child exploitation across West Africa. This move is aimed at addressing the growing issue of child vulnerability in the region, where economic insecurity, rapid urbanisation, displacement, and recurring humanitarian crises have contributed to a significant

Despite multidimensional poverty, Bauchi governor splashes billions on vehicles for traditional rulers On Monday, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed distributed hundreds of official vehicles to traditional rulers across the state in a lavish ceremony held at Government House, even as official data shows that more than 70 per cent of the state’s population lives in multidimensional poverty. The vehicles, which included fourteen GMC saloon cars, Toyota buses, Toyota Hilux pickups, and over a hundred Toyota

Mobilization and economic development

Intergovernmental deal for $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline due this year, official | Reuters RABAT, April 13 (Reuters) – An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) on a planned $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline will be signed this year, the head of Morocco’s hydrocarbons and mining ​agency (ONHYM) said. Agreed a decade ago, the project – known as the African ‌Atlantic Gas Pipeline

Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio hits 32.3% – IMF Nigeria’s debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio hit 32.3 per cent in 2026, according to new data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF revealed the projection in its Fiscal Monitor report, published on Wednesday at the ongoing IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC. According to the IMF, Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio slumped from 35.5 per cent in 2025 to 32.3 per cent in 2026 and is expected to be 33.1 per cent in 2027.

Despite oil windfall, South-south states miss 26% education funding benchmark in 2026 budgets Despite being major beneficiaries of the oil revenue windfall, all the south-south states failed to meet the 26 per cent education funding benchmark in their 2026 budgets. The Federal Ministry of Education’s National Policy on Education in Nigeria prescribes a 26 per cent allocation benchmark for both federal and subnational governments. PREMIUM TIMES analysis of the approved budgets shows that none of the states in the region allocated up to the recommended threshold to education, covering personnel,

Nigeria’s 2026 fiscal plan targets big-engine cars with new green tax  | Reuters LAGOS, April 16 (Reuters) – Nigeria has introduced a new green tax surcharge on ​motor vehicles under its 2026 fiscal policy ‌measures that take effect July 1, a government circular seen by Reuters showed. The new levy, ​approved April 1, will apply to ​vehicles with engine sizes of 2,000cc (2-liter) to ⁠3,999cc at a rate of 2%, ​while vehicles with engines of 4,000cc and ​above will face a 4% charge, the document showed.

Higher oil output gives Nigeria fiscal space as reforms continue – Edun | Reuters WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s oil production ​has risen to 1.8 million barrels a day, Finance Minister Wale Edun told Reuters, generating fiscal breathing ‌space that will allow the government to support vulnerable households as it ploughs ahead with reforms. Speaking in an interview on Wednesday on the

Nigeria’s inflation picks up for first time in a year in test for Tinubu | Reuters ABUJA, April 15 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s consumer inflation rate quickened for ​the first time in a year ‌in March, data showed on Wednesday, in a headache for President Bola Tinubu’s government ahead of elections scheduled ​for January next year. Africa’s most populous nation ​had started to get price pressures under ⁠control before the Iran war, with inflation falling ​for 11 straight months.

“Sub-Saharan Africa resilient, despite mounting global shocks” – Abebe Selassie | Africanews Sub-Saharan Africa entered 2026 with its strongest economic momentum in over a decade… before a new global shock abruptly altered the outlook. “Sub-Saharan Africa entered 2026 with the strongest economic momentum it had seen in a decade. And then came the war,” said Abebe Aemro Selassie, presenting the latest Regional Economic Outlook at the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund. How to hold the line, preserving hard-won gains while absorbing yet another shock is the central challenge,” he added. According