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Regional News
4 travellers killed, 7 injured in Borno landmine explosion – Daily Trust
At least four travellers have been killed while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries when they stepped on landmine along Maiduguri/Gomboru Ngala highway in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, sources said. The incident occurred around Gajibo village at about 1.45pm on Saturday. Among the four persons killed were three women.
MNJTF makes significant strides against Boko Haram in Lake Chad region – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has reported a major success in its fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad region. In a press statement released on Tuesday, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, spokesperson for the MNJTF, announced the ‘neutralization’ of 299 Boko Haram fighters over the past ten months through targeted operations.
Gunmen attack Catholic school in Benue – Daily Trust
Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked Father Angus Fraser Memorial High School located at Adeke village in Makurdi metropolis of Benúe State. The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi therefore ordered the closure of the school on Wednesday after the incident carried out by the yet-to-be-identified armed men.
HRW accuses an extremist group and ethnic militias of atrocities in Mali | Africanews
An extremist group linked to al-Qaida carried out mass killings in two villages in central Mali in January, Human Rights Watch reported on Wednesday, May 08. The group known as JNIM killed at least 32 people, including three children, during attacks on Jan. 27 on the villages of Ogota and Ouémbé. The report stated that over 350 homes were set on fire during the attacks, which caused thousands to flee their homes. Villagers described the carnage as ethnically motivated.
Meningitis: Urgent vaccination campaign launched in Niger | Africanews
Niger is currently facing a rapid increase in the number of meningitis cases compared to teh same period last year. By mid-April, the country recorded 2012 cases with 123 deaths according to World health organization. Last year, when 1,389 cases were recorded, with 72 deaths in the first 16 weeks of the year.
NAF airstrikes kill many terrorists in Borno, Niger – Daily Trust
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Sunday said the air components of Operations Hadin Kai and Whirl Punch in the North East and North Central killed many terrorists in airstrikes in Borno and Niger. The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement.
Road crashes kill 295, injure 315 in 3 months – Daily Trust
At least 295 people were killed in road accidents during the first quarter of this year; a data-based survey conducted by Daily Trust has shown. Although the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said this figure does not tally with its statistics, it failed to avail this newspaper with the official figure.
Shettima shelves US trip following fault in presidential jet – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Vice President Kashim Shettima has made a detour and shelved his trip to the US after presidential jet developed a technical fault. Mr Shettima was originally scheduled to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas.
FAAN, NSA move to stop multiple checks at airports – Daily Trust
To enhance passenger facilitation at airports across the country, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have concluded plans to end the era of multiple physical checks at the nation’s airports. This is coming amidst the rising number of military and paramilitary personnel at the country’s international airports despite complaints from passengers and stakeholders.
Lagos Market Clash: unions threaten to cut tomato supply to south – Daily Trust
Tomato Crates Dealers Association of Nigeria and Amalgamated Union of Food Stuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria have threatened to cut tomato supply to Lagos state over destruction of their commodities. Alhaji Ahmed Alaramma, the National Chairman, Tomato Crates Dealers Association, made the threat at a press briefing in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Sunday.
Nigeria needs to raise more money for climate action – APRI – Daily Trust
The Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) has said that the country has to raise more money to be able to deal with climate change. The Executive Director of APRI, Mr Olumide Abimbola, stated this Monday at the one-day event titled: Unlocking Climate Finance, Actionable Pathways for Nigeria’s Low Net Emission Growth in Abuja.
TUC threatens shutdown over cybersecurity levy – Daily Trust
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has threatened a shut down of the economy over the plan to begin implementation of the 0.5 per cent cyber security levy on electronic transactions. The body urged the Federal Government to direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withdraw its directive to financial institutions on the issue, to avert the shutdown
Counting begins in Chad Presidential election | Africanews
Counting commenced on Monday evening in Chad for a presidential election intended to mark the end of three years of military rule. However, it evolved into an unprecedented showdown between General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, head of the junta, and his Prime Minister Succès Masra, a former opponent turned ally.
Gombe to experience 143 days of rainfall – NiMet – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has said that Gombe State would experience 143 days of rain this season. The Agency stated this during the presentation of its 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction, SCP.
Chadian ruler Mahamat Deby Itno casts ballot in polls set to end military rule | Africanews Chad’s transitional President voted in N’djamena Monday (May. 6), in a long-delayed presidential election set to end three years of military rule. Ten candidates are running in the poll including prime minister Succès Masra. Some 8 million Chadians are registered to vote. “This is the commitment I made before God and the Chadian people, that of organizing, in the agreed upon timeline, elections which will mark a return to constitutional rule,” Deby Itno told reporters.
Guinness World Records: Nigerian woman attempts record by painting nails for three days | Africanews
Lisha Dachor, 19, from Plateau state, Nigeria, took on a remarkable challenge: painting over 4,000 nails in just 72 hours. With vibrant colors like blue, pink, and purple, she adorned hundreds of fingernails at an events center in her hometown. Her three-day marathon climaxed on Wednesday, with a nail-biting finish. To potentially break the Guinness World Record (GWR), Dachor needed to paint 60 fingernails per hour, adhering to GWR rules. Now, she awaits GWR’s review after submitting her evidence.
Chadian citizens residing in Borno on Monday trooped out to vote in the Presidential election taking place in their country. The Chadians, who voted at the Chadian Consulate office in Maiduguri, were excited to participate in the election that lasted from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Liaison Officer of the consulate, Dr Umar Attaib, told the News Agency of Nigeria that 3,500 Chadians registered to vote in the election in Borno.
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army will continue to engage all the relevant stakeholders to ensure that troops receive the highest benefits commensurate with the sacrifices they make daily in the defence of Nigeria. Mr Lagbaja gave the assurance at the week-long, Combat Arms Training, CAT, Week 2024, held at Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji Military Cantonment on Tuesday in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Gov Yusuf signs mandatory premarital health screening bill – Daily Trust
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed into law a new premarital health screening bill aimed at safeguarding health and upholding the sanctity of marriage in the state. Effective May 13, 2024, the law mandates all prospective couples to undergo health screening tests for genotype, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and other related illnesses before marriage.
Chad votes in first Sahel presidential poll since wave of coups | Africanews
Chad goes to the polls on Monday in its first presidential election in three decades. Originally scheduled for October 2022, the election was postponed, sparking protests quashed by security forces. The vote marks the Sahel region’s first presidential election since a series of coups. Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, despite facing a spirited opponent, holds favor for victory. He pledges security, law enforcement, and energy enhancements.
Protesters storm Force Headquarters, demand release of detained journalist – Daily Trust
Hundreds of protesters including journalists, activists, leaders of civil society organisations, on Thursday morning stormed Force Headquarters, Abuja, to protest against continued detention of a journalist with Foundation of Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Daniel Ojukwu. The angry protesters, led by the country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odey, demanded immediate release of Ojukwu, saying his continued detention was equivalent to an extrajudicial trial and punishment.
NDLEA busts international drug syndicate, arrests 5 – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have smashed an international drug syndicate with networks in parts of Nigeria, South Africa and Thailand. The director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
NLC rejects CBN’s cybersecurity levy – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the recent directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of 0.5 (0.005) per cent Cybersecurity Levy on electronic transfers. Joe Ajaero, NLC President stated the NLC position in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
6 killed, 8 injured in southern Kaduna attack – Daily Trust
The Ambe community in Arak Chiefdom, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday night came under a bandits’ attack that left six people dead and eight others injured.
According to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, the attack occurred without any prior conflict with neighbouring communities, suggesting that it was a targeted assault by criminal elements.
Peace and Security
Korea aiming to expand economic relations with Nigeria – Ambassador – Daily Trust
Kim Pankyu, the new Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, has said his topmost priority is to expand economic relations between his country and Nigeria. He disclosed this during a press conference at the Korean embassy in Abuja on Monday
Insurgency: Terrorists shift tactics to IEDs, targeting commuters – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
A recent surge in Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks by Boko Haram insurgents has left at least 15 people dead, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). This shift in tactics comes after years of military pressure that has weakened the group.
Police arrest 280 suspects, rescue 158 kidnap victims in Kaduna – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Police Command in Kaduna State said Its operatives have arrested 280 suspected criminals and rescued 158 kidnapped victims from January to date. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the disclosure at a press briefing at the command on Thursday in Kaduna.
Gbong Gwom Jos worries over killings as farming season begins – Daily Trust
The Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs, Jacob Buba Gyang, has expressed apprehension over the ongoing attacks in various parts of the state as the farming season commences. Gyang urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to take immediate measures to ensure the security of lives and property, particularly for residents in rural areas who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Foreign military bases will weaken Nigeria’s defence – PRP – Daily Trust
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has warned the Nigerian government that allowing United States of America (USA) and France to relocate their military bases from neighbouring African countries to Nigeria will weaken the country’s defence capabilities. According to a statement by Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, Ag. National Publicity Secretary of the party, the presence of foreign military bases could divert Nigeria’s attention from addressing its domestic security challenges to catering to the strategic interests of the base-owner countries.
Group presents 6-point strategy to northern govs to tackle region’s challenges – Daily Trust
The Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP) has presented a six-point alternative strategy to the governors of the 19 northern states to form part of a comprehensive action plan to address the challenges in the region.
Kingibe calls for peace as Chadians vote for new president – Daily Trust
The special envoy to Chad of the heads and governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, has called for a peaceful presidential election in Chad. He made the call on Sunday in a statement he personally signed in N’Djamena and made available to the press.
Nigerian military takes additional weapons, vows to nip off terrorists – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Nigeria has commissioned and added to her fleet of weapons what will be described as terrorist groups’ mayhem ongoing counterterrorism operations. On Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the defence spokesperson announced a boost to frontline troops with the delivery of an improved version of the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to fight insecurity in the country.
Insecurity: Obsolete equipment, manpower shortage affect operational efficiency — Army – Daily Trust
The Commander of the Infantry Corps, Nigerian Army, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, has said obsolete equipment, manpower shortage and insufficient welfare have affected operational efficiency in the fight against insecurity. He spoke at the General 2024 Combat Arms Training Week held at the Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.
Borno NDLEA secures over 300 prosecutions in four-month drug crackdown – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Borno State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has made significant progress in the fight against drug trafficking, prosecuting over 300 suspects in the first four months of 2024. Ilyasu Mamman Mani, the state commander of the agency, disclosed this during a courtesy visit from a team of TwentyOne Newspaper to his office on Maiduguri-Ngamboru Ngala Road.
Russian troops enter base housing US military in Niger (trtworld.com)
Russia has moved some troops onto an airbase in Niger where a small number of US forces remain after most American troops left the base in the nation’s capital, Niamey, a US official said. The arrival of Russian trainers in the West African country about three weeks ago came in the wake of Niger’s decision to order out all US troops. The order dealt a blow to US military operations in the Sahel, a vast region south of the Sahara desert where groups linked to Al Qaida and Daesh operate.
Nigerian army tries two of its personnel over deadly drone strike accident | Africanews Five months after admitting to killing 85 civilians in an airstrike, the Nigerian army has brought those it holds accountable to book. The Director of Defence Media Operations announced on Thursday (May 2nd) that two military personnel were facing a court martial. An army drone strike accidentally hit Tudun Biri village, in northwestern Nigeria on December 3rd, last year. Civilians celebrated a Muslim festival at the time. Major General Edward Buba told reporters in Abuja that the victims had been mistaken for terrorists.
Chadians vigilant ahead of presidential elections on Monday | Africanews
As Chad goes to the polls on Monday to vote for a new president, voters are eager to do battle with the old regime. Indeed, the country has not held a presidential election since the death of former leader, Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled the country for three decades. “We have come a long way, we’re ready and well prepared. So, even if we have to go out and vote today, we’re ready for it,” says Ndjamena resident, Innocent Kouldegue.
Nigeria: Detention of investigative journalist sparks concern for press freedom | Africanews
Opposition figures and activists in Nigeria have called for the release of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist associated with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). Ojukwu was detained last Wednesday in Lagos by the Nigerian police, who accused him of violating the nation’s cybercrime laws. Local reports on Sunday say he was subsequently transferred to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
Chad goes to polls to vote for a new president | Africanews
Candidates in Chad delivered their final campaigning messages on Saturday ahead of the country’s first presidential vote since the death of long time ruler Idriss Deby. Success Masra, currently prime minister of the interim government, is one the main challengers. Speaking to supporters in the capital, N’Djamena, the former African Development Bank executive promised young people a better future and the creation of more jobs.
Unique mosque in historic Burkina Faso city retains its authenticity | Africanews
Burkina Faso has been plagued by terrorist attacks since 2015, a security crisis that has shaken the country and had a negative impact on the economy. In the historic town of Bobo-Dioulasso, dating back from the 15th century, tourism has taken a hit. Its impressive Grand Mosque with its unique architecture, dates back from the 1800s and was once a major attraction for tourists from abroad, including Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Humanitarian
Adamawa shuts schools over measles outbreak – Daily Trust
The Adamawa State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools in the state following the outbreak of measles. The directive, which was given on Monday, is aimed at mitigating the spread of the disease and enabling the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) to vaccinate the vulnerable age group.
Nigeriens getting vaccinated against Meningitis as epidemic death toll climbs | Africanews While the current meningitis epidemic in Niger has caused the death of more than 143 people, the vast vaccination campaign launched in Niamey, the country’s capital, by the World Health Organization (WHO) hopes to reverse the contagion curve. Africanews correspondent Joel Honore Kouam reports that Nigeriens are impatiently awaiting the return of the rainy season which they believe can help to stem the tide as Meningitis — an infection of the thin lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord — is seasonal.
Our children’s kidneys removed without our consent – Parents – Daily Trust
The fathers of two of the teenagers whose kidneys were removed by a hospital have testified that they did not give consent to the operation. Salaudeen Sulaimon Adedoyin and Musa Yahaya, the fathers of Oluwatobi Salaudeen Adedoyin and Yahaya Musa, respectively, testified on Wednesday before an FCT High Court in Zuba in the ongoing trial of four staff of Alliance Hospital and Services Ltd accused of the offences.
FG to return 10m out-of-school children to classrooms in 4 years – Daily Trust
The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education has reaffirmed its commitment to reintegrate 10 million out-of-school children into classrooms over the next four years. Dr Idris Sani, the commission’s Executive Secretary/CEO, stated this Tuesday during a hybrid webinar held in Abuja as part of the Global Action Week for Education, themed ‘Transformative Education’.
Rainstorm destroys 200 houses, classrooms in Plateau – Daily Trust
No fewer than 200 houses, classrooms, and a clinic were destroyed in Miango District, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday evening, following a downpour in the area.
The Publicity Secretary of Miango Youth Development Association, Nuhu Bitrus Nga, said three persons were also injured in the incident, and were receiving treatment in a hospital.
Family accuses military officer in Kano of killing son, demands justice – Daily Trust
Residents of Gwagwarwa Community in Nassarawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano State are seeking justice over the alleged killing of one 23-year-old Yusuf Shuaibu by a military officer. The deceased, who was employed as a cleaner at the Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Kano, reportedly suffered fatal injuries in the hands of a military officer identified as Oga Aminu.
Mobilization and economic development
CBN introduces cyber security levy – Daily Trust
The Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced a cyber security levy, which is expected to commence in the next two weeks. In a circular on Monday by the Director, of Payment Systems at the CBN, the collection is premised on the enactments of the cyber-Act.
Takeaways from President Tinubu’s trip to Riyadh and Hague – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Since his first trip abroad as President of Nigeria to Paris in June last year, where he joined other world leaders at the New Global Financial Pact Summit convened by President Emmanuel Macron, President Bola Tinubu has undertaken many other important trips where he has drawn global attention to the new realities in Nigeria and indeed Africa. On those trips, he emerged as the chief salesman of Nigeria and Africa.
NNPCL says over 1.5b liters of petrol available, no reason for panic – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Ltd. says it has over 1.5 billion litres stock of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, which will last for over 30 days. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., said this in a statement on Tuesday. The company called on motorists to shun panic buying of the product as the
Nigeria’s detainment of Binance Executives sets alarming precedent, CEO warns | Africanews
The CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has voiced strong criticism against Nigeria’s recent actions, accusing the country of establishing a troubling precedent. Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, condemned Nigeria’s detention of two of its executives during a crackdown on cryptocurrency. The executives, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, face separate trials on charges of tax evasion and money laundering. Teng emphasized that Binance is challenging these allegations.
Cameroon: chocolate-makers squeezed by high cocoa prices | Africanews
On his plantation in Muyuka in south-west Cameroon, Chief Orok John is inspecting the young cocoa plants. For several weeks now, he has been trying to find suitable treatments for the pod diseases that are weakening his crops. He is one of a number of local producers who sell their crop in Nigeria rather than on the local market, but says competition between local and Nigerian buyers has forced the price up. “We expect the government to pay more attention to our own cocoa factories to produce our local chocolate. Because if we have our own local factories, like Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast the prices of cocoa will increase further,” he says.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the suspension of the 2% and 3% processing fees on cash deposits for individual and corporate deposits, respectively. This suspension applies to individual cash deposits of N500,000 and corporate deposits of N3,000,000.
Ajaokuta: Nigeria imports $8bn steel yearly — Minister – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng) The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaib Abubakar, says Nigeria spends $8 billion to import steel into the country annually, saying it has become necessary for the Ajaokuta steel company to work. The minister disclosed this during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development in Abuja on Thursday.
‘Nigerian officials seek $150m bribe,’ alleges Binance CEO, FG reacts – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Federal Government of Nigeria has accused Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange platform, of attempting to ‘launder its impaired image’ through ‘false allegations of bribery’ against Nigerian government officials. A statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, special assistant to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, claims a blog post by Binance CEO Richard Teng, published by international media, is a ‘well-coordinated public relations effort.’
Police arrest 17 illegal BDC operators in Kano – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The police have arrested 17 suspected forex hawkers for illegal operation of Bureau de Change in Wapa area of Fagge Local Government Area of the state. The Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, told the News Agency of Nigeria in an interview on Wednesday.
Borno governor launches construction of 113km ring road in Maiduguri – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has flagged off construction of a 113-kilometer ring road project for Maiduguri on Monday. The project is part of Zulum’s urban renewal plan to address traffic congestion, housing shortages, job creation, and economic growth in the capital city.
CBN: Over 900 BDC operators getting foreign exchange in North West – Daily Trust
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said no fewer than 935 eligible Bureau De Change (BDC) operators within the North West have been getting foreign exchange. The Branch Controller, CBN Kano branch, Umar Ibrahim Biu, made this known while delivering a keynote address during the Kano Bankers Committee Dinner and Award night held in Kano.
Naira slides against dollar at official market – Daily Trust
The Naira on Tuesday depreciated at the official market, trading at N1,416.57 to the dollar. Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), showed that the Naira lost N62.36.
Reps to Probe NNPC, AGIP over Alleged Diversion of $72m Owed to Nigerian Company – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives at the plenary on Tuesday resolved to investigate the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and multi national oil company, AGIP over allegations of fund diversion and failure to pay $72 million debt to a Nigerian company, Decoon Services Limited. The lawmakers resolved to look into the matter after it received a petition from non- governmental organization, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CSJET), laid by the Deputy spokesman, Hon. Philip Agbese.
