Regional News

Africa accounts for 40% of global conflicts: International Committee of the Red Cross – TRT Afrika Africa accounts for roughly 40% of the world’s armed conflicts, with some 50 ongoing clashes across the continent, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday. “We now have more than 50 active armed conflict situations in Africa,” the ICRC’s Gilles Carbonnier said.

Military: We Killed Over 50 Terrorists In Borno, Yobe Attacks – Daily Trust Troops of the Operation “Hadin Kai”, OPHK, said they killed more than 50 terrorists and repelled multiple coordinated attacks on military locations in Borno and Yobe States. Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, OPHK, in a statement in Maiduguri, said the simultaneous attacks occurred between midnight and 0400 hours on Thursday.

Time to double down after security strikes against Boko Haram leaders | ISS Africa Over the past three months, security forces from the Lake Chad Basin countries – Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon – have announced the arrest or neutralisation of key figures in Boko Haram factions. Although these gains will weaken the terrorist groups, they have shown an ability to outlast their leaders and reinvent themselves. Security forces must therefore remain vigilant

What Nigeria, others must do following successful strikes against Boko Haram leaders In the same month, the Nigerian Army announced the killing of Bakura Doro, head of the other Boko Haram faction, Jama’atu Ahlus-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal Jihad (JAS). Also in August, Nigerian security services arrested Mahmud Usman and Mahmud Al-Nigeri – the two leaders of Ansaru, a JAS splinter group. Along with these actions against group

Lassa Fever: Death Toll Rises To 172 As Cases Hit 924 – NCDC – Daily Trust The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that 172 people have died from Lassa fever across the country so far in 2025. In its latest situation report released on Tuesday, the agency said a total of 924 confirmed cases have been recorded as of epidemiological week

NDLEA Launches Portal For Drug Integrity Test, Visa Clearance – Daily Trust The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a digital platform that will make its drug integrity test and visa clearance processes seamless, more accessible, and ultimately curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country. The portal was unveiled at a press conference to flag off the digitization of the Agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Women, Children Killed In Another Niger Tanker Explosion – Daily Trust At least 24 people including children and women died yesterday in a petrol tanker explosion at Essa village, Agaie-Bida road in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State. Our correspondent gathered that the victims got burnt following an explosion while scooping fuel from the tanker. It was further gathered that no fewer than 40 others were injured in the incident. A source

ECOWAS Appoints Osinbajo to Lead Election Observation Mission in Côte d’Ivoire – PRNigeria News The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, as the head of its Election Observation Mission to Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2025. According to a statement issued by ECOWAS on Sunday, the mission will be deployed from October 19 to 29, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary

Nigerian military begins probe of officers detained for alleged coup plot The Nigerian military authorities have set up a panel to investigate about 20 officers detained over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.  Sahara Reporters newspaper broke the news that 16 officers, including a brigadier general and a colonel, were arrested in late September following intelligence that they were holding secret meetings and expressing discontent with the administration.

The Quiet Comeback Of HIV/AIDS: A Call To Stay Vigilant – Daily Trust For millions, the history of HIV/AIDS is not just a story on the internet, in a textbook, or on a billboard; it is the story of their own lives. Much as it is true that we have come a long way from the terrifying 1980s when this condition first came to the fore, transforming an immediate death sentence into a manageable chronic one, that

Six Killed In Yobe Road Accident – Daily Trust At least six people have been confirmed dead, with 8 others injured, in a tragic motor accident that occurred along Potiskum–Fika Road, around Maiduwa Junction, in Yobe State. The incident occurred when a Sharon vehicle with registration number PKM 549 YZ, driven by one Adamu Hassan, lost control while conveying passengers from Potiskum to Bajoga, Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, resulting in a fatal crash.

Togo, Mali, Niger Owe Nigeria N29.1bn Electricity Bills In 6 Months – Daily Trust International customers that get their power supply failed to pay the sum of $19.84m (N29.18bn) from the $34.71m (51bn) bills issued to them from January to June of 2025, analysis of quarterly reports by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has shown. The report said the countries that got the supply through their electricity utility companies include; Société Beninoise d’Energie Electrique (SBEE), Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo (CEET) and

Troops Foil Terrorists Attack, Recover N4.7m, Phones, Bicycles in Borno – PRNigeria News Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recovered ₦4.77 million, mobile phones, bicycles, and other items following an encounter with suspected terrorists along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road in Borno State. Reliable security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on October 18, 2025, when troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Molai, while on a routine patrol along the Main Supply Route

Tragedy in Gubio as young woman takes her Life over forced marriage – Lake Chad Times | Lake Chad Times A young woman in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State has reportedly taken her own life after being forced by her father to marry one of his friends. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls against forced marriages in the region. It occurred on Sunday evening around 6:20 p.m., when the woman, said to be under intense emotional distress, ended her life after repeated pressure from her family to proceed with the

Cameroon vote results imminent as Tchiroma insists he won | Africanews Cameroon’s top court on Wednesday dismissed all petitions against October’s presidential election, paving the way for the declaration of final results. The constitutional council’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal. 10 petitions challenging the October 12 exercise were sent to the council. They included allegations of ballot stuffing, intimidation and other illegalities. The council argued that the petitioners failed to produce sufficient evidence to back their claims. On Wednesday, candidate Issa Tchiroma repeated his claim that he won the vote, saying he will

Cameroon: Paul Biya declared as provisional winner of presidential election | Africanews Eight days after Cameroon’s presidential election, the National Vote Counting Commission released provisional results pointing to the victory of incumbent president Paul Biya. The Commission said Biya arrived first with over 53% of the votes, in front of his main opponent Issa Tchiroma Bakary at 35%. These preliminary results are already disputed. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma has been claiming victory for the past week. “I want to say this with gravity and

‘Hustling Kingdom’: The Rise of Internet Fraudsters in South-South Nigeria – HumAngle A young Kelvin carries multiple identities. Today, he’s Kelvin, but that might change tomorrow, depending on the identity game he’s up to. For at least 14 hours a day, he describes himself as “Richard”, a stranded American engineer needing financial help from a sympathetic woman he met on a dating site. He’s always glued to his laptop, scheming to swindle his next target in his many romance tricks.

Nigerian govt releases N32.9 billion to PHCs, urges Nigerians to monitor funds The federal government has released N32.9 billion under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to enhance primary healthcare services nationwide. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, announced this in a public message titled “The Red Letter: A National Call to Protect Our Health” on Wednesday.

NUJ to Tinubu: Defend press freedom, review laws that criminalise journalism The Nigeria Union of Journalists has asked the Bola Tinubu administration to defend press freedom and review laws that criminalise journalism in the country. The NUJ stated this on Wednesday when its leadership met with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

American pilot kidnapped in Niger Republic, report says An American missionary was kidnapped in Niger’s capital Niamey, three security sources said on Wednesday. The missionary, who is a pilot for the evangelical missionary agency Serving in Mission, was seized by three unidentified men as he headed to the airport on Tuesday night in Niger’s Plateau neighbourhood, a diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity told Reuters.

Cameroon’s top court rejects election petitions amid clashes in the north | Reuters YAOUNDE, Oct 22 (Reuters) – Cameroon’s constitutional council on Wednesday dismissed all petitions contesting the October 12 presidential election, paving the way for the announcement of full results while security forces and opposition supporters clashed in the north. With 92-year-old President Paul Biya reportedly poised

Nigeria Loses 400,000 Hectares Of Forest Annually, Experts Raise Alarm Environmental experts have raised the alarm over Nigeria’s rapidly shrinking forest cover, warning that the country was losing between 350,000 and 400,000 hectares of forest every year, a development they said threatened food security, biodiversity, and human health.

The Quiet Comeback Of HIV/AIDS: A Call To Stay Vigilant – Daily Trust For millions, the history of HIV/AIDS is not just a story on the internet, in a textbook, or on a billboard; it is the story of their own lives. Much as it is true that we have come a long way from the terrifying 1980s when this condition first came to the fore, transforming an immediate death sentence into a manageable chronic one, that

Cameroon’s Internet access disrupted as election protests continue | Reuters DAKAR, Oct 23 (Reuters) – Internet access in Cameroon is significantly disrupted as protests continue over alleged irregularities in this month’s presidential election, Internet monitor NetBlocks said on Thursday. “We can confirm a significant, ongoing disruption to internet connectivity in Cameroon which may limit coverage of events on the ground,” NetBlocks said in an email to

Peace and Security

Germany Nigeria partnership boosts anti-terrorism fight Germany has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, describing the West African nation as a vital ally in Africa’s development and stability. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, outlined a roadmap for bilateral relations covering security, economic development, education, energy, and cultural exchange.

ISWAP Threat: Security Forces Comb Ondo, Kogi Forests – Daily Trust Combined security forces from the Nigerian military, police and the Department of State Services (DSS), have commenced combing some thick forests in Ondo and Kogi states, Daily Trust reports. It was learnt that the exercise, which is being jointly carried out with the operatives of Amotekun, hunters and forest guards, was in a bid to avert impending attacks by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

Bago Rules Out Negotiation With Bandits, Asks Residents To Defend Selves – Daily Trust Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has ruled out any form of negotiation or ransom payment to bandits, insisting that such actions would only embolden the criminals and worsen insecurity across the state. Bago made the declaration during a condolence visit to Rijau and Magama local government areas, where several communities were recently attacked by armed bandits.

#GallariMen: Journalists, CSOs Demand Justice for Borno Torture Victims – HumAngle Journalists and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have joined forces to seek justice for 42 men arbitrarily detained and tortured by the Nigerian military in Borno State, North East Nigeria. During an advocacy meeting organised by HumAngle and Amnesty International in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, civic leaders and media practitioners took a step to spotlight an investigation that opened a can of worms on the gross violation of human rights.

ISS Clips: ISWAP intensifies its extortion of communities in Lake Chad Basin | ISS Africa ISS Clips: ISWAP intensifies its extortion of communities in Lake Chad Basin Cameroon and Nigeria must take military, administrative and diplomatic action to curb the threat.

In Zamfara, Bandits Kingpin Bello Turji Frees Over 100 Abductees in Renewed Peace Effort – PRNigeria News Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly released more than 100 captives in a fresh peace initiative aimed at restoring stability and ending years of violent attacks and mass abductions in Zamfara State, PRNigeria learnt. Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the release followed sustained dialogue and confidence-building engagements led by community leaders, with facilitation under the North West Operation Safe Corridor peace process.

FG Receives 147 Stranded Nigerians From Libya – Daily Trust The federal government has received 147 stranded Nigerians repatriated from Libya under the Assisted Voluntary Return initiative, facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in a statement on Wednesday, said the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Libya Airlines flight with registration number 5A-BAE around 5:15 pm on October 21,

One dead as Cameroon awaits election results in chaotic tensions | Africanews A young teacher was shot and killed in Garoua on Tuesday during chaotic demonstrations. The bullet was reportedly fired by a police officer. The tensions between president Paul Biya and opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma are meanwhile reaching new levels. Zouhairatou Hassana is the first victim of the post-election chaos in Cameroon. The young teacher died when she was shot – by a police officer, according to neighbours – during demonstrations on Tuesday in

Clerics Ask FG To Create Council To Tackle Religious Violence – Daily Trust Christian leaders and human rights advocates have called on the federal government to establish a National Council on Freedom of Religion to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of religious violence across the country. They warned that recurring killings and destruction of worship centres pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s unity and peace. The appeal was made on Wednesday during a roundtable organised by the Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN) in Abuja.

Kanu Opens Defence, Lists Wike, Umahi, Buratai, Others As Witnesses – Daily Trust Hours after Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and former Presidential Candidate, led some protesters in parts of Abuja demanding freedom for the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, the separatist leader agreed to enter his defence. The detained IPOB leader had last Thursday filed a motion of preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue with his trial.

American missionary abducted in Niger as security worsens, sources say | Africanews The unidentified man was kidnapped overnight Tuesday into Wednesday by three armed individuals in a Toyota Corolla and was probably driven out of town, according to a security source with direct knowledge of the incident but who was not authorized to speak about it publicly. No armed group has claimed responsibility for the abduction. Niger has long faced attacks from armed groups including jihadis linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization.

African football player of the year: the list of candidates revealed | Africanews The Confederation of African Football (CAF) published its list of candidates for the player of the year award on Wednesday. While the date of the ceremony is not yet known, the event already promises quite some suspense. Could it be Fiston Mayele, after his success in the African Champions League? Or Achraf Hakimi, who has participated in an exceptional season with his club, Paris Saint-Germain? The Confederation of African Football has now unveiled its list of contenders for the male African player of the year award.

Army identifies southern and northern politicians behind alleged coup plan According to top security sources, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), working with other security units, has been interrogating several officers and politicians suspected of involvement in the plot. The investigation, which began several weeks ago, followed intelligence reports indicating a possible attempt by some individuals to incite unrest and weaken confidence in the government. It was gathered that about 16 military officers have already been detained for questioning over what

BREAKING: Terrorists ambush troops, kill military commander, others in Borno – Yerwa Express News Boko Haram terrorists have launched a fresh ambush on troops of the 21 Brigade Operation Hadin Kai in Borno. The attack resulted in the killing of the commanding officer and six other soldiers. An intelligence source who spoke to this reporter said the attack happened Friday evening along Kashimri village in the Bama Local Government Area.

How Nigeria Can Defeat Terrorism — Maj-Gen Mainasara – Daily Trust Major General (rtd) Mainasara Abdul Masanawa, a defence innovation and industrial development expert, has said that Nigeria must be self-sufficient in military equipment production to end terrorism. Masanawa stated this at the 6th Abuja Forum 2025 held at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja on Thursday.

What Happened to Gallari’s 42 Men After 12 Years in Military Detention? – HumAngle Before his arrest 12 years ago, Ahmadu Gujja was a strong man in his mid-20s and his family’s breadwinner. Life in Gallari, his village, was simple and fulfilling. He farmed, reared animals, and has supported his widowed mother and seven younger siblings since his father’s death. Gallari is a community of the Shuwa Arab tribe in Konduga Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. The remote village lies along Damboa road, 28 km away from Maiduguri, the state’s capital, 12 km from the nearest military base, and 98 km away from Chibok LGA.

Humanitarian

Aid organisations warn of growing hunger crisis in Nigeria following US funding cuts | Africanews Aid organisations, including the World Food Programme (WFP), are raising the alarm about an unprecedented hunger crisis in Nigeria. The situation is particularly dire in the north of the country, where millions of people are fleeing terrorist groups. 600.000 children are at risk of dying. While demand for emergency aid is increasing in the West African country, emergency aid has actually declined in recent years. Last summer, the WFP closed more than 150 clinics where children and babies were being treated for malnutrition.

NAF Donates N23m To Yobe Airstrike Victims – Daily Trust The Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force has donated the sum of Twenty Three Million Naira (₦23,000,000) to the victims of the September 14 airstrike that killed 8 people and injured 30 in the Buhari community in Yunusari the Local Government Area of Yobe State. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, said the jet was targeting ISWAP members when the village was mistakenly attacked.

Niger gov donates to tanker explosion victims’ families The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has announced a donation of ₦1 million to each family of the deceased victims and ₦500,000 to each of the injured survivors of the recent tanker explosion in Essa, Katcha Local Government Area. Bago made the announcement on Thursday during a condolence visit to the affected community, where he conducted an on-the-spot assessment and met with local leaders and residents.

Reps Probe $4.6bn HIV/AIDS, Malaria Donor Funds To Nigeria – Daily Trust The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the utilisation of over $4.6 billion in donor grants received by Nigeria between 2021 and 2025 for the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as for strengthening the nation’s health system. The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese (APC, Benue) at Tuesday’s plenary.

Experts call for stronger gender equity, improved access to reproductive health services Health experts have urged the Nigerian government and stakeholders to strengthen policies that promote gender equity and improve access to sexual and reproductive health services. Speaking during a panel session titled ‘Women at the Centre: Advancing Gender Equity in Health’ at the 2025 Gatefield Health Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, the experts warned that cultural barriers, weak infrastructure, and limited funding continue to endanger women’s health nationwide.

The Hidden Sexual Violation Crisis Faced by Female Patients in Nigeria – HumAngle Mardiyyah Hussein* had not yet learned to roll the word ‘virgin’ on her tongue when speculations started to spread about her purity and worth after she was sexually assaulted. She was six years old, publicly beaten and shamed, while the perpetrator, an older relative in his mid-teens, roamed freely. “I could remember people were telling my friends to stay away from me, and other children didn’t want to play with me. To date, snide remarks are still made in reference to that incident. It was a very painful memory,” she told HumAngle.

Mobilization and economic development

Naira Appreciates To N1,465/$ As Reserves Rise To $42.696bn – Daily Trust The naira opened the week on a strong note, gaining N10 against the US dollar on Monday. The naira appreciated against the US dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) after experiencing pressure at the close of business last week. The official exchange rate closed at N1,475/$, down 1.37% week over week at the NFEM window on Friday.

Kano, Katsina, Jigawa plan N50 billion fund to set up regional electricity market 1The governments of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states have reached an advanced stage of talks to establish a regional electricity market and aim to raise N50 billion to fast-track access to power among consumers. Also, the states are looking to acquire equity stakes in Future Energies Africa (FEA), the core investor in Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), according to a press release posted on X on Monday by Saad Umar Faruk (@Asad_Mukty), the public relations officer of the Ministry of Power and Energy, Kano State.

Our Reforms Will Cut N3.5trn Post-harvest Losses, Others – Minister – Daily Trust The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has said that a strategic and robust public-private partnership will reform the agricultural sector and cut the nation’s annual post-harvest losses estimated at N3.5 trillion. The minister stated this during a high-level panel discussion at the FAO Hand-in-Hand Sahel Regional

Dangote Plans Sale Of 10% Stake In Refinery, Targets 1.4m Bpd Capacity – Daily Trust The President and founder of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has hinted on the Dangote Petroleum Refinery plans to sell between five per cent to 10 per cent of its stake on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited within the next year. Dangote said the move will mirror the approach adopted for Dangote Cement and Dangote Sugar Refinery.

Trade with Africa not a game of Minecraft, says Nigerian minister | Reuters ABU DHABI, Oct 22 (Reuters) – Rich countries should not approach trade with Africa as a game of Minecraft in which they secure supplies of natural resources, but rather as a relationship based on mutual respect and the need for Africa to develop, Nigeria’s foreign minister said.

Nigerian fintech gaint Moniepoint raises $200 million to expand digital services | Reuters LAGOS, Oct 21 (Reuters) – Nigerian fintech firm Moniepoint Inc. said on Tuesday it had raised more than $200 million in a funding round led by Development Partners International, as it seeks to expand its digital financial services across Africa and beyond. The Series C financing, which also included LeapFrog Investments, Visa, Google’s Africa Investment Fund, and the International