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Regional News
Repentant B/Haram members invade police station in Borno – Daily Trust
Some repentant Boko Haram insurgents Tuesday night invaded a police station in Maiduguri in an attempt to set free their colleagues that were arrested earlier over alleged drug offences, witnesses told the Daily Trust on Thursday.
However, Police Public Relations Officer in Borno State, Kenneth Daso, who confirmed that there was an incident at the police station, said the assailants were repelled by officers on duty.
At least 23 civilian force members killed in northern Nigeria, officials say | Reuters
Maidguri, Nigeria, April 28 (Reuters) – At least 23 members of Nigeria’s civilian joint task force were killed on Saturday in separate attacks by militants and an armed kidnapping gang in the north, two officials from the force said on Sunday.
In northeast Borno state, the heartland of an Islamist insurgency, suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters used an improvised explosive device (IED) to blow up a vehicle carrying the Civilian Joint Tast Force (CJTF) team, a local force chairman said.
Cameroon-Security: Handmade Bombs Cause Panic In Bamenda – Journal du Cameroun
“I was outside with my children, doing some chores, when all of a sudden we heard a terrifying explosion and we ran inside the house,” a resident of Mile 2, Nkwen, told Mimi Mefo Infos.
Ayaba Cho Lucas, a separatist leader in the diaspora, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was directed against government forces. “There was an attack on an enemy target at kilometre 2 of Nkwen,’ said the leader of the armed separatist militia dubbed the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF).
JUST IN: Terrorist IED kills eight in Borno – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
At least eight people were killed today in Gamboru Ngala, Borno, when an IED detonated, according to a Civilian Joint Task Force source.
The blast ripped through a Hilux vehicle carrying CJTF members.
A source familiar with the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that five CJTF members, one hunter assisting the force, and three civilians were killed in the attack.
Cameroon Launches New Strategic Plan To Fight Malaria – Journal du Cameroun
The 6th edition of the National Strategic Plan to Fight Malaria aims to ensure universal and equitable access to the most effective interventions for the prevention and management of malaria, at an affordable cost, for all Cameroonian populations, including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Just over three hundred and thirty-six billion nine hundred and fifty-five million forty-four thousand three hundred and fifty CFA francs will be needed to implement the programme.
Mali forces kill senior figure in Islamic State affiliate | Africanews
A senior Islamic State group commander wanted in connection with the deaths of US forces in Niger was killed in an operation by Malian state forces, the country’s military said.
Abu Huzeifa , known under the pseudonym Higgo , was a commander in the group known as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara . The US State Department had announced a reward of up to $5 million for information concerning him.
Huzeifa is suspected of helping lead a 2017 attack on U.S. and Nigerien forces in Tongo Tongo , Niger , that resulted in the deaths of four Americans and four Nigerien soldiers. Following this attack, the American army reduced its operations with its local partners in the Sahel.
US troops repositioning in Chad after halt order (trtworld.com)
The United States will withdraw some troops from Chad, the Pentagon has said, days after Washington agreed to move forces out of neighbouring Niger.
The US has approximately 100 troops stationed in Chad as part of its strategy to combat extremism in West Africa.
“USAFRICOM is currently planning to reposition some US military forces from Chad, a portion of which were already scheduled to depart,” Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder told a news conference on Thursday, referring to the US Africa Command unit.
Nigerians struggle with fuel shortages as queues form across major cities | Africanews
Nigerians on Tuesday, April 30 queued for hours to buy fuel across major cities as the West African nation struggled with its latest fuel shortage, causing more hardship for millions already struggling in an economic crisis.
The fuel shortage has led to an increase in transportation costs in the country where many people rely on public transportation. Authorities blamed the shortage on supply disruptions due to logistical challenges. Queues leading to gas stations stretched up to 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) in some cities including the national capital, Abuja.
Burkina Faso Suspends BBC and Voice of America | Africanews
Burkina Faso suspended the BBC and Voice of America radio stations for their coverage of a report by Human Rights Watch on a mass killing of civilians carried out by the country’s armed forces.
Burkina Faso’s communication spokesperson, Tonssira Myrian Corine Sanou, said late that Thursday that both radio stations would be suspended for two weeks, and warned other media networks to avoid reporting on the story.
According to the report published by Human Rights Watch on Thursday, the army killed some 223 civilians, including 56 children, in villages accused of cooperating with militants. The report was widely covered by the international media, including the Associated Press.
Petrol price soars to over N1,000 per litre – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Nigerians are reeling from a staggering increase in petrol prices, with the cost reaching a record N1,000 per litre.
This unprecedented hike comes after the complete removal of fuel subsidy by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in mid 2023.
Analysts attribute the surge to the interplay of a depreciating naira and rising global crude oil prices.
Nigeria: Court adjourns trial of Binance and execs to May 17 | Africanews
A court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital has adjourned a money laundering trial against cryptocurrency exchange Binance and two of its executives to May 17.
The adjournment came Thursday after Chukwuka Ikuazom, a lawyer for the exchange said he had not been served with documents needed to prepare for the case.
Binance and its executives Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, and British-Kenyan Nadeem Anjarwalla, are charged with laundering more than $35.4 million and engaging in specialized financial activities without a license.
Labour to FG on Workers’ Day: Pay us N615,000 minimum wage or face showdown – Daily Trust
The organised labour yesterday urged the federal government to increase the minimum wage to N615, 000. It said this was in line with current economic…
The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Festus Osifo, made this demand at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the venue of the Workers’ Day celebration.
They asked the government to conclude the process of implementing the new national minimum wage for workers by the end of May.
Kaduna bombing: Military concludes probe, indicts officers – Daily Trust
The military high command says it has concluded its long-awaited investigations on the bombing of innocent citizens Tudun Biri village of Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.
It also said two officers of the Nigerian Army, who were found wanting about the incident would face court-martial, saying the operation shouldn’t have happened in the first place.
Some Borno pensioners still earn N4,000 monthly – NLC – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Borno State chapter, has said that some retirees in the state were still being paid N4,000 monthly as pension.
The NLC Chairman, Yusuf Inuwa, said this in an address to mark the 2024 May Day celebration, on Wednesday in Maiduguri.
He advocated for upward review of the pension to improve the social and economic wellbeing of retirees.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Depot Chairmen Forum, has exonerated its members from the current fuel scarcity in the country.
According to IPMAN, the is caused by its inability to source petroleum products.
The IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum also threatened to withdraw its services over non-payment of N200 billion bridging claims by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to its members, since 2022.
A former Senator who represented Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has said that Nigerian masses are experiencing unprecedented hardship under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Mr Sani stated this on his X handle on Wednesday, while celebrating the annual May 1st workers day.
While lamenting the effects of the current situation, the former lawmaker and governorship aspirant said the country would find itself in a tragic situation when mass suffering has become the destination.
France Ambassador, Thierry Marchand and Virginie Dagos, Director of the French Development Agency in Cameroon, visited the ongoing C2D operations in the city of Bamenda. During the visit, Minister Ketcha Courtès said: “together, we assessed the work already done and launched the structural road works entrusted to RAZEL, Buns and Mag.
Nigeria: Uptick recorded in private funding for climate-tech startups | Africanews
**Solar panels dot rooftops across sprawling Lagos, a Nigerian city that is transforming as it adopts solar power.**Nearly a decade ago, things looked quite different.
Climate technology was new in Africa, and it was tough to get funding for start-ups that would eventually enable the region’s electrification.
But the ecosystem has since changed, and in recent years, venture capital and private equity firms are increasingly funding climate-tech startups, with businesses raising more than $3.4 billion since 2019.
Peace and Security
US says it will return to Chad for talks to keep troops in the country | Africanews
The U.S. military plans to return to Chad within a month for talks about revising an agreement that allows it to keep troops based there, an American general said Wednesday.
The U.S. said last month it was withdrawing most of its contingent of about 100 troops from Chad after the government questioned the legality of their operations there. This followed Niger’s decision to order all U.S. troops out of the country, dealing a blow to U.S. military operations in the Sahel, a vast region south of the Sahara desert where groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group operate.
Burkina Faso rejects Human Rights Watch’s report on village massacre as ‘baseless’ | Africanews
Burkina Faso has denied claims that its soldiers killed 223 people in February attacks. Human Rights Watch accused the army of killing 179 in Soro and 44 in Nondin, including 56 children. The government calls these claims “baseless.”
“We strongly reject and condemn such baseless accusations,” said Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo.
An investigation is ongoing, but the BBC and Voice of America were suspended for covering the HRW report.
Niger: Former president Mohamed Bazoum’s lawyers call on the state court | Africanews
The State Court is expected to rule in about ten days on the lifting of the immunity of the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, to stand trial, particularly for “high treason.”
Mohamed Bazoum’s defense team urges the State Court to reopen the debate to allow the ousted president’s lawyers access to the case file, communicate with their client, and prepare his defense. Since the military coup, Mohamed Bazoum has remained detained at the presidential residence in Niamey with his wife.
Cameroon-South Korea Cooperation Gets New Impetus – Journal du Cameroun
South Korea is one of the most important partners of Cameroon in the field of development. Especially in the areas of education, agriculture and technology. On the strength of the cooperation between the two countries, South Korea’s 2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kang In-sun, came to Cameroon.
Nigerian Customs hands over 6,240 smuggled explosives to SSS in Kebbi – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Kebbi Area Command, has handed over 6, 240 items of suspected explosive substances it intercepted in 2022 along Yauri-Jega road in the state.
The Area Comptroler of the command, Iheanacho Ernest- Ejike made this known while handing over the items to the State Security Service, SSS, in the state, on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi.
He said: “On July 6, 2022 at about 7:15a.m; a team of Joint Boarder Patrol Team (JBPT) while on intelligence-based patrol, intercepted an item suspected to be explosives along Yauri-Jega road in Kebbi.
Expectations as farmers, herders sign peace pact in South West – Daily Trust
Historically, farmer/herder crisis used to be rare in the southwestern Nigeria but degradation of pasture and increasing violence in the North have forced herders South, extending the farmer/herder crisis southward.
Over the years, competition for resources; land for pasture or for farming to foster their distinct enterprises has been a major reason for the crisis.
What’s next as ‘heavy-handed’ US negotiates pullout from Niger? | Military News | Al Jazeera The United States is preparing to withdraw more than 1,000 military personnel from Niger, once a front-line partner in its war against the ISIL (ISIS) group and al-Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel region of Africa, which is currently experiencing a surge in deadly violence.
Niger announced in March that it was breaking off its defence agreement with the US “with immediate effect”. The US Department of State confirmed that officials were meeting their Nigerien counterparts on Thursday to discuss “an orderly and responsible withdrawal of US forces”.
US, UK call on Burkina Faso to investigate civilian killings | Reuters
WASHINGTON, April 29 (Reuters) – The United States and Britain on Monday called on Burkina Faso’s transition authorities to thoroughly investigate the killings of 223 civilians in two northern villages in February that were detailed in a recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report and hold those responsible to account.
The governments of the U.S. and UK are “gravely concerned by reports of massacres of civilians by Burkinabe military forces in late February,” the countries said in a joint statement, calling for the probe.
Chad leader tries to step out of his battle-tested father’s shadow | Chad | The Guardian
Last month the Chadian head of state, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, announced the release of his autobiography.
It was French publisher VA Editions’ second launch in recent months of a title by an African leader in the run-up to a presidential election. In December it had published a memoir by Felix Tshisekedi, the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The new book has been interpreted as the latest strand of Itno’s continuing efforts to portray himself as his own man, while also cultivating the fearsome reputation of his battle-tested father, Idriss Déby, before Chad goes to the polls on 5 May.
Humanitarian
IRC allocates $84.4 million to combat insurgency-induced malnutrition in northeast – Daily Trust The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has allocated 84.4 million across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe to tackle malnutrition, provide economic empowerment through cash assistance, offer innovative education outreach for out-of-school children, and extend agricultural support.
Country Director of IRC, Mr. Babatunde Ojei, who stated this during a town hall meeting in Yola, said the donation is geared toward fostering sustainable partnerships for inclusive development.
Humanitarian crisis escalates in Northeastern Mali as armed groups besiege major towns | Africanews
A humanitarian crisis is worsening in northeastern Mali where armed groups linked to Islamic State have besieged major towns leaving residents including some 80,000 children vulnerable to malnutrition, locals and an aid group warned Wednesday.
Qatar govt to sponsor 1,000 orphans in Borno – Ambassador – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
The Qatar Charity Organisation is to sponsor the education of 1,000 orphans in Borno.
The Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Dr Ali-bin Ghanem Al-Hajri, made this known on Thursday in Maiduguri during a ccourtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno in Maiduguri.
Al-Hajri, who reiterated the commitment of the Qatari government to enhance relations with Nigeria, added that Borno, which occupied a historical place in Islamic history, would be supported as it recovered from insurgency.
Malaria: The plight of residents of low-income neighbourhoods | Africanews
Makoko is a costal watery district in Lagos, that low-income earners call home for lack of a better option.
The surroundings provide ideal breeding conditions for malaria-spreading mosquitoes.
In parts of Nigeria where poor living condition means waste and stagnant water litter the streets, the danger is ever present.
Funmilayo Kotun cannot afford insecticide-treated bed nets that cost between $7 and $21 each and often falls sick.
Niger: Agadez re-emerges as migration hub to europe | Africanews
Agadez’s public transport square has been bustling with arrivals and departures since the ruling military junta rescinded the decree banning the transport of migrants and all migrant-related activities in Niger in November 2023.
In the town located in northern Niger, migrant smuggling is back in full swing, with convoys of migrants leaving on Tuesdays and Thursdays of the week.
With the help of smugglers, migrants leave Agadez in small 4X4 cars or in lorries on their way to Libya or Algeria – Niger’s neighbours – and the last stop before crossing the sea to Europe.
Nigerian gasoline prices soar as shortages worsen cost of living crisis | Reuters
LAGOS, April 30 (Reuters) – Gasoline shortages persisted in Nigeria’s major cities on Tuesday, causing a sharp increase in prices and exacerbating the country’s cost-of-living crisis.
Prices in some retail outlets in Lagos and Abuja rose above 850 naira, while those outside major cities, such as Kano, soared above 1000 naira, though the government-owned oil firm, NNPC Ltd, which imports the products sells at an average price of 617 naira.
Cameroon-Food security: FAO Director Meets With Prime Minister Dion Ngute – Journal du Cameroun
Cameroon has more than 15 million urban dwellers, half of whom live in Yaounde and Douala, and the number of urban dwellers has increased by 50 per cent between 2010 and 2020.
A pilot project of the Green Cities Initiative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation has been running since March 2023. Its implementation has attracted the interest of other municipalities in Yaounde and elsewhere, focusing on a micro-project to train waste collectors who visit households and collect waste for composting, the process of composting itself, and the promotion of urban agriculture.
Mali heatwave: Ice becomes a hot commodity as temperatures soar (bbc.com)
Record-breaking heat means ice cubes now cost more than bread and milk in parts of Mali.
“I’ve come to buy ice because it’s very hot now,” says 15-year-old Fatouma Yattara as she visits her local vendor in the capital, Bamako.
With no working fridge due to prolonged power cuts, she resorts to using ice cubes to preserve food and keep cool during a heatwave which has seen temperatures soar to 48C.
It works to an extent, but price hikes are making life even harder. “In some places it’s 100 francs CFA ($0.20; £0.16)” for a small bag, she says, “even 300, 500 – it’s too expensive.
Pregnant women decry soaring costs of medical care, baby essentials – Daily Trust
Against the backdrop of surging inflation and the escalating cost of living, pregnant women across Nigeria are urging the government to alleviate the economic strain on the populace, particularly in light of the exorbitant prices of medical care and essential baby items.
Expressing their concerns, approximately 400 pregnant women voiced their grievances during a health gathering convened at the Ibadan Central Hospital, Ososami, Ibadan, Oyo State, to commemorate the hospital’s 26th anniversary.
Counter-terrorism: NSA orders full implementation of 2024 Cybercrime Act – Daily Trust
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu has ordered the full implementation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Amendment Act 2024 with a view to strengthening counter-terrorism in Nigeria.
Ribadu also directed the operationalisation of the National Cybersecurity Fund by all regulators and businesses specified in the second schedule of the Act.
Mobilization and economic development
African heads of states meet in Nairobi for World Bank summit | Africanews
African heads of state convened in Nairobi for the International Development Association (IDA) summit, with a focus on favorable lending terms and strategies to bolster sustainable development across the continent.
Established in 1960 as part of the World Bank, the IDA’s mission is to combat poverty by providing grants and low-interest loans to support programs that foster economic growth, reduce inequalities, and enhance living standards for people in developing nations.
Nigeria: Govt workers salaries increased by up to 35 percent | Africanews
In commemoration of May day, the Nigerian government has announced the approval of a 25 percent and 35 percent salary increase for some categories of workers in the country.
A statement signed on Tuesday by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) said the increases included government workers in the education, health and security sectors.
The increase was back-dated to January 2024, and the lowest-paid government employee will earn 450,000 naira ($323.97) a year or 37,500 monthly, according to the NSIWC’s statement.
World Bank chief expects rich nations to meet African donation requests | Reuters
NAIROBI, April 30 (Reuters) – World Bank President Ajay Banga said he expects donor countries to meet a request by African leaders to make record contributions to a low-interest facility for developing nations, saying these were not handouts but investments in the future.
African heads of state called on Monday for rich nations to help raise at least $120 billion for the International Development Association (IDA) at a conference to be held in Japan in December.
IMF, Mali reach staff deal on $120 mln emergency financing | Reuters
JOHANNESBURG, April 30 (Reuters) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday it had reached a staff-level agreement with Mali for about $120 million in emergency financing, as the West African country is struggling with rising food insecurity.
Import costs for essential goods such as food and fertilizers in Mali have risen due to a regional funding squeeze and recent geopolitical shocks, the IMF said in a statement.
Upon approval by IMF Management and Executive Board, Mali would receive a disbursement that is expected to cover food provision costs, provide access to clean water, sanitation facilities and shelter for displaced people.
Nigeria’s regulator begins evaluation of Shell’s onshore divestment in Niger Delta region | Reuters
ABUJA, April 29 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s oil regulator on Monday commenced the evaluation of the divestment processes of Shell’s 75-year-old onshore assets to Renaissance company, the new investors.
Shell (SHEL.L), opens new tab in January announced that it had reached an agreement to sell its onshore assets in the Niger Delta region to Renaissance and focus on Deepwater and Integrated gas investments.
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited is a consortium of five companies comprising four exploration and production companies based in Nigeria and an international energy group.
Nigeria secures $600 million Maersk investment in seaport infrastructure | Reuters
ABUJA, April 28 (Reuters) – Nigeria secured a $600 million investment in seaport infrastructure from Danish shipping company A.P. Moller-Maersk (MAERSKb.CO), opens new tab, the presidency said in a statement on Sunday.
The investment was secured during a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Moller-Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla on the sidelines of a World Economic Forum meeting in Saudi Arabia.
“We believe in Nigeria, and we will invest $600 million in existing facilities and make the ports accommodating for bigger ships,” the Nigerian presidency quoted Uggla as saying during the meeting.
Naira Devaluation Biggest Mess of 2023 —Dangote – Daily Trust
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has lamented that the devaluation of naira, Nigeria’s currency was the biggest mess for his company in 2023.
Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Industries Limited made this statement during the annual general meeting of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc.
Cocoa now gold in Taraba as buyers overwhelm farmers – Daily Trust
Grade 1 cocoa bean is now sold at the rate of N950,000 per 100 kilogramme (kg) bag in Taraba State.
The current price of the commodity is the highest ever witnessed by cocoa farmers in the state.
Daily Trust has gathered that the high demand of the commodity at the international markets is responsible for the high price of cocoa beans being witnessed.
Yusuf Sanda, a cocoa farmer from Kurmi LGA of the state said farmers that have old stock of the product are making money as middlemen have besieged the area buying off the commodity.
Paga transaction value hits N14trn – Yerwa Express News (yen.ng)
Tayo Oviosu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Paga, a mobile payment company, on Thursday in Lagos said the firm had processed over 335 million transactions worth N14 trillion since inception.
Mr Oviosu said this at a media parley to celebrate the firm’s 15 years anniversary
He said that 80 per cent of the total transactions was done in five years.
