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Regional News
Burkina Faso’s army executed more than 200 civilians: Rights group | News | Al Jazeera Burkina Faso’s military forces “summarily executed” 223 civilians, including at least 56 children, in two villages in February, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said in a new report. The mass killings took place on February 25 in the northern villages of Nondin and Soro, according to the report published on Thursday.
ISWAP concludes plan to launch radio station – Daily Post Nigeria Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), has reportedly concluded plans to launch an online radio broadcast station titled “Radio Raeed” to its range of propaganda channels. Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency expert and security analyst in Lake Chad, said the move is likely aimed at targeting more people in the North East to join its ranks. According to him, impeccable sources informed him that the Radio Service, which will be located in Kangarwa, will be a supporter of Islamic State, with weekly news propaganda summary to be broadcast in Hausa, Arabic and Kanuri.
Mali: More than 110 civilians kidnapped by “suspected jihadists” | Africanews
Local groups and an official in Mali are calling for the release of more than 110 people kidnapped by suspected jihadists some 6 days ago. They told the AFP news agency that three buses carrying the civilians were stopped by the group of men in the centre of the country and forced to head towards a forest between Bandiagara and Bankass. An elected official from Bandiagara, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, says the buses and passengers are still being held captive.
Six soldiers killed during an operation against bandits in Nigeria | Africanews Nigeria’s military said six soldiers were killed in an ambush in the centre of the country on Friday where the army is fighting armed criminal gangs. In a statement on Sunday, it said the troops were attacked while on a “fighting patrol” in Shiroro district in Niger state, which lead to a gunfight. Two other soldiers were wounded in the incident.
Over 100 inmates break free from a Nigerian prison after heavy rains | Africanews Over 100 prisoners have fled from a correctional facility near Nigeria’s capital following severe rain that caused damage to parts of the prison infrastructure. Authorities report that initially, 118 inmates escaped from the Suleja Prison, with 10 individuals subsequently recaptured. A large-scale manhunt is underway to locate the remaining escapees. Details regarding the identities of the escaped prisoners remain unclear, raising concerns about potential risks to public safety. However, a statement from the prison authorities assures collaboration with other security agencies to address the situation and urges citizens to continue their daily routines without undue alarm.
Burkina Faso soldiers massacred over 200 civilians in a day, Human Rights Watch says | Africanews Human Rights Watch has documented a staggering toll of civilian deaths in a single day in Burkina Faso this year. According to their investigation, more than 220 civilians, among them at least 56 children, fell victim to atrocities allegedly committed by the country’s military. The events unfolded on February 25th, with the village of Soro bearing witness to the loss of 179 lives, while 44 others perished in the neighbouring village of Nondin. Human Rights Watch has labelled these mass killings as some of the most egregious abuses by the army in nearly ten years.
MNJTF Eliminates Boko Haram Terrorists in Sustain Operations in Cameroon – PRNigeria News
MNJTF Eliminates Boko Haram Terrorists in Sustain Operations in Cameroon. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Sector 1, stationed in Mora, Cameroon, has achieved significant success in its ongoing efforts to combat Boko Haram terrorism. In two separate operations conducted on April 15 and April 22, 2024, MNJTF troops neutralized a total of three Boko Haram terrorists.
Mali: Dozens of passengers abducted by suspected jihadists near Bandiagara freed | Africanews
Local reports claim that several hostages abducted by suspected jihadists near Bandiagara in Central Mali have been freed. Local groups and officials in Mali had been calling for the release of more than 110 people kidnapped by suspected jihadists on Tuesday April 16. With no reliable figures obtained yet, the RFI news agency reports that several dozens of people were released on Wednesday, mainly villagers whose authorities had signed informal ‘peace’ agreements with some jihadist groups operating in their zone.
Chinese supermarket in Abuja shut for allegedly barring Nigerians | Africanews
Nigeria’s consumer protection watchdog has ordered the closure of a Chinese-owned supermarket in Abuja following allegations of racial discrimination. The authorities claim the supermarket exclusively permits individuals of Chinese descent to enter, sparking outrage among Nigerian citizens. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) summoned the supermarket’s owner for investigation following widespread social media outcry. Nigerians shared videos online recounting their experiences of being turned away by security personnel at the supermarket’s entrance.
No respite from deadly heat in Mali and elsewhere in the Sahel | Africanews
In Mali, as elsewhere in West Africa, there is no respite from the searing heatwave which has descended on the region. Souleymane Samake is a presenter at Benbakan community radio station on the outskirts of the capital, Bamako. He says most of its listeners are farmers and many of his broadcasts are currently focused on the weather. “The provisional weather forecast predicts 41 degrees during the day. So, this interval will last for a week. Let’s be careful don’t go out, we must protect ourselves against this heat,” he tells listeners.
A Nigerian chess champion has broken the world record for the longest chess marathon after playing unbeaten for more than 58 hours in New York City’s Times Square to raise money for underprivileged children. Tunde Onakoya, 29, embarked on his marathon session on Wednesday, hoping to raise $1 million for children’s education across Africa through the record attempt.
Boko Haram bomb experts defy commanders, surrender to troops – P.M. News (pmnewsnigeria.com)
Two members of Boko Haram identified as Abubakar Mohammed and Bana Modu assigned to plant bombs on the roads leading to Doron Baga and a fish farm in Baga, both in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno state by their commanders have surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force ( MNJTF)
Peace and Security
Niger, US begin talks on withdrawal of American troops | Africanews
Talks have begun between the authorities in Niger and the US for the withdrawal of American troops stationed in two airbases in the sahelian nation. On Tuesday both parties gave confirmation amid the decision of the Nigerien government last month to end military co-operation agreement with Washington.
Mali’s political parties appeal to Supreme Court | Africanews
**A group of Malian political parties and civil society organisations appealed to the Supreme Court on Monday to annul the junta’s ban on political activities. ** In a statement, the group said they are appealing to Mali’s top court “with the aim of annulling the decree which they consider tyrannical and oppressive.” The ruling junta suspended all political parties and activities on April 10. It came following a demand made on March 31 by more than 80 political parties and civil society organisations for a return to constitutional order by holding presidential elections as soon as possible.
Drug seizures soared in the West African Sahel region according to figures released Friday in a new U.N. report, indicating the conflict-ridden region is becoming an influential route for drug trafficking. Sharp Increase in Cocaine Seizures In 2022, 1,466 kilograms, (3,232 pounds), of cocaine were seized in Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Niger compared to an average of 13 kilograms (28.7 pounds) between 2013 and 2020, said the report from the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime.
Protests against U.S. military presence in Niger continue | Africanews
Hundreds of people demonstrated on Sunday in Northern Niger calling for the immediate departure of the 1,000 American troops based there. The demos happen even as the the U.S. say it will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger. A U.S. official said there was no timeline for withdrawal besides talks set to start in the coming days about next steps. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to detail the private diplomatic discussions. An American delegation to coordinate the details of the withdrawal process will be dispatched soon.
Over 6,000 mass atrocities recorded in 11 months – Report – Daily Trust
No fewer than 6,945 mass atrocities comprising killings and abductions have been recorded under President Bola Tinubu-led administration within 11 months, a report released by the Global Rights has shown. The report, which was released to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, by the Executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, showed that 3,707 were killed between May 29 and April 23 while 3,238 were abducted.
Residents flee as Soldiers leave Niger Community After Deadly Ambush – Daily Trust
The Nigerian military has closed its camp and withdrawn troops in Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Allawa community is one of the communities facing severe attacks by bandits and terrorists in Shiroro LGA of the state.
Zamfara Emir Blames Foreigners, Mineral Resources for Insecurity in North/West – PRNigeria News
The Emir of Kwatarkwashi, His Royal Highness Abubakar Ahmad Umar, has blamed foreign collaborators and the presence of mineral resources for the worsening insecurity situation in Zamfara state and northern Nigeria. He also said the disagreements between Fulanis and Hausas over cattle rearing were initially the main cause of the conflict, but the situation has been aggravated by the discovery of gold and other mineral resources in the region.
German police arrest 11 Nigerians for dating fraud – Daily Trust
German police said that 11 alleged members of the Nigerian mafia gang responsible for a massive dating fraud have been arrested. The German Police said this on Wednesday. The Black Axe gang was involved internationally in “multiple areas of criminal activity”, with a focus in Germany on romance scams and money-laundering, Bavarian police said in a statement.
The dating trick was a “modern form of marriage fraud.
The Truth Alliance, an alliance of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society groups, have called for confirmed efforts in combating terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism to avoid a repeat of the kidnapping of Chibok Girls 10 years after the dastardly act perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists. This call was made in a statement issued at the weekend by Ahmed Mustapha in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Chibok Girls kidnap. He said that the alliance of these NGOs and CSOs have united under the banner of ‘Time to Tell the Truth’ to shed light on the harsh realities of life inside these extremist groups.
President Tinubu Opens African Counter-Terrorism Summit in Abuja – PRNigeria News President Bola Tinubu will on Monday, April 22, open the African Counter-Terrorism Summit in Abuja. Nigeria, with the support of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), is organizing a high-level African counter-terrorism summit under the theme, ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Institution Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism’, in Abuja, from April 22 to April 23. The objective of the summit is to enhance multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and reshape the international community’s collective response to terrorism in Africa, while emphasizing the importance of African-led and African-owned solutions.
Obi wants special intervention in Quranic education for almajiris – Daily Trust
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in last year’s general election, Peter Obi, has called for special interventions in Quranic learning for the almajiris, especially in the northern part of the country. He made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a media conference where he urged wealthy Nigerians to intervene in providing water and education for the less privileged in the country.
The Africa Centre at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is a hosting symposium on “Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria,” for a total of 10 governors from the North-West and North-Central regions. Organizers say the programme “aims to address the pressing security challenges in the region” and will also involve relevant U.S. government officials, governors, Congressional staff and NGO partners.
Nigeria calls for unified response to security challenges in Africa – Daily Trust
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Musa Nuhu, has called for a unified response to security threats in Africa. Amb Nuhu, who is the chairman of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, said this in his welcome remarks at the joint consultation meeting between the African Union’s (AU’s) Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the ambassadorial level on Wednesday in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu says bilateral partnerships must be mutually beneficial and transformative and translate into real gains for ordinary citizens. Speaking at the Nigeria-Netherlands Business and Investment Forum in The Hague on Thursday, President Tinubu emphasised the pivotality of stronger ties between Nigeria and the Netherlands, saying both countries must explore more creative channels of collaboration, whether it is through partnerships, joint ventures, or strategic alliances to build bridges that connect markets and facilitate the flow of goods, services, ideas and peoples.
Terrorists Disguised As Muslim Women Kill 4 In North West Nigeria – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
Terrorists clad in niqab, a loose garment worn by Muslim women, attacked residents in different parts of Tsafe, a community in Zamfara, North West Nigeria. The attack occurred on a market day, around 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 21. The criminal gang raided two neighbourhoods in Tsafe, including Tashar Zaurawa and Bayan INEC, about 600 metres from the central market square.
ANALYSIS: Boko Haram factions fight each other, leave Islamic State worried (premiumtimesng.com)
In October 2023, Boko Haram’s JAS faction (Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad) launched major offensives against the group’s other faction – Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). This forced ISWAP fighters to evacuate many of their island territories in the Lake Chad area, according to ongoing Institute for Security Studies (ISS) research.
The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal has emphasised the pressing need to deploy advanced technology to combat insecurity in the state and northern Nigeria as a whole.
Mr Lawal and other state governors met with Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J Mohammed, in Washington, D C on Friday.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the meeting was attended by governors from Zamfara, Benue, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Niger states.
Humanitarian
Zulum, Qatari Ambassador meet: 1,000 Borno orphans to get support – Champion Newspapers LTD
The Qatari government on Thursday disclosed that over 1,000 orphans resulting from the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State will be supported while laying the foundation stone for constructing a new primary school.Making the announcement in Maiduguri during a meeting with the governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, at the Government House, the Qatari ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Ali Bn Ghanem Al-Hajari, said essential support would be provided for about 1000 orphans in Borno.
Over 282 million suffered acute food insecurity in 2023 – Report | Africanews
Over 282 million people in 59 countries and territories suffered acute food insecurity in 2023, according to the 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis. These numbers represent a 24 million increase in comparison to the previous year.Conflict, extreme weather events, and economic shocks are the main drivers behind acute hunger worldwide, reveals the report, authored by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC), an alliance of humanitarian and development actors launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with other partners in 2016.
Africa: About 51 million lives saved through immunization programme – WHO | Africanews
An estimated 51.2 million lives have been saved through vaccines in the African region over the past 50 years.The World health organization announced the achievement on Wednesday, at the start of this year’s African Vaccination Week and World Immunization Week.In half a century, vaccination against 14 diseases has directly contributed to reducing infant deaths by 40% globally, and by more than 50% in Africa.
Sexual violence in conflict increased by 50% in 2023, says UN | Africanews
The UN’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict presented the annual report to the Security Council on Tuesday. During the UNSC’s meeting on women and peace and security, Pramila Patten reported that wartime sexual violence had increased by 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Curbing Feuds over Water in Cameroon’s Far North | Crisis Group
Disputes over water in the northern tip of Cameroon turned deadly in 2021, taking on a troubling ethnic dimension. The authorities have striven to contain the fighting, but to be sure of preventing a recurrence, they need to address the conflict at its roots.
Zulum: palliative distribution a necessity, not my priority – PRNigeria News
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, said his administration’s frequent distribution of food palliatives was necessary to strike a balance between addressing the immediate needs of the people affected by Boko Haram insurgency and laying the groundwork for a lasting change. Zulum noted that while food palliatives were distributed to vulnerable people most affected by the over-one-decade crisis, remarkable development has been achieved in all the critical sectors such as healthcare, education, security and infrastructure in Borno State.
USAID: Zulum passionate on livelihood of Borno citizens – PRNigeria News
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has commended Borno State Governor, Banagana Umara Zulum, for his passion for enhancing the live lihood of Borno citizens. The Mission Director of USAID, Melisa Jones, made the commendation in Maiduguri. She said, “The governor (Zulum) is very passionate about ensuring the livelihood and well-being of his citizens. That is what we as USAID would continue to do.
Mobilization and economic development
Niger-Benin pipeline: First drops of oil arrive at Sémè Kraké | Africanews
Amid frosty diplomatic relations, Benin is expected to receive transit duties and tax revenues per quantity of Nigerien oil that gushes out at Sémè Kraké. The projection comes as the platform where the 1980km pipeline that connects the Agadem oil fields lands. Last Sunday, Nigerien oil reportedly gushed out at Sémè Kraké in Benin raising hopes for at least 2,000 jobs across the west African nation.The project whose construction began in September 2019 has faced several delays. It was expected to last two years and cost over $5 billion.
Nigeria seeking $2.25 billion in World Bank loans | Africanews
Nigeria has said it is seeking up to 2.25 billion dollars in World Bank loans, in a statement by Finance Minister Wale Edun. Speaking following the IMF/World Bank spring meetings in Washington D.C. at the weekend, Edun said the Nigerian government is also aiming to issue diaspora bonds later this year to attract foreign exchange into the country. The World Bank loans would comprise 1.5 billion dollars in development policy financing and 750 million dollars in programme-for-results financing.
Nigeria’s crude oil output goes down again in March – OPEC | Africanews
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says Nigeria’s average daily crude oil production dropped again in March. OPEC data based on direct communication show that Nigeria’s average daily production dropped to 1.2 million barrels, from 1.3 in February. “The only sector we continue to depend on for revenues is collapsing right under our nose. How can you project a crude production of 1.7 million barrels a day and you are struggling to do 1.2 million barrels. How do you want to survive? That is over 30 percent of your expected revenue gone.”
Niger signs deal to supply Mali with cheaper diesel | Africanews
Niger is set to deliver 150 million litres of diesel to neighbouring Mali, after the two countries signed a partnership on Tuesday. The diesel is to be supplied to Énergie du Mali (EDM-SA), Mali’s national energy company, as the country suffers from regular power cuts. EDM-SA, which is heavily indebted, struggles to consistently provide power to those with access to electricity in the capital and other Malian towns. Under the terms of the deal agreed between Mali’s junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, and Niger’s oil minister, Mahaman Moustapha Barke, Niger will sell the diesel at almost half the normal rate.
Dangote Cement sale volume rises by 26.1% to 4.6MT – Daily Trust
Domestic sales volume of Dangote Cement has increased by 26.1 percent to 4.6Mt in the first quarter of 2024.
The company attributed the drastic rise to the strategies adopted by Dangote Cement to increase sales and ensure an adequate supply of products to customers.
Glo, MTN, Airtel, Others move to raise tariff – Daily Trust
The telecommunications companies operating in Nigeria notably Glo, MTN, Airtel and 9Mobile are asking the federal government to facilitate constructive dialogue in the industry.
According to the telcos, the current price control mechanism is not in tandem with the economic realities, thus seeking the government’s intervention in order to address pricing challenges.
NNPC Ltd has signed an agreement with African Refinery Port Harcourt (ARPHL) for the subscription of 15% equity in Nigeria’s second largest private Refinery after Dangote Refinery. The agreement was executed by Mr. Omotayo Adebajo (Managing Director) on behalf of African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited (ARPHL) and Mr. Adedapo Segun, the NNPC Executive Vice-President, Downstream signed the agreement on behalf of NNPC Ltd.
Food Security: AfDB partners with BUK centre on climate adaption, entrepreneurship – Daily Trust
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has partnered with the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at the Bayero University Kano on climate adaptation and entrepreneurship to tackle food security challenges in Nigeria. Dr Beth Dunford, the Vice President of Agriculture, Human, and Social Development at AfDB, announced the partnership during a working visit to the centre on Wednesday.
NCAA suspends Dana Airline operations (premiumtimesng.com)
Tthe Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Wednesday, announced that it has suspended the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Dana Airlines with effect immediately amidst safety concerns.
The directive is contained in a letter issued and endorsed by the NCAA Acting Director General, Chris Najomo, in Abuja.
It said the action was based on “elevated safety concerns” posed by the airline.
