Nigeria News

A tragic bus accident on Saturday in Nigeria resulted in the deaths of 21 athletes who were returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival. Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicated that the crash, which occurred on a highway without any other vehicles involved, may have been caused by driver's fatigue or excessive speed following a long overnight journey. The athletes were traveling back to Kano, located in northern Nigeria, after participating in the sports festival held approximately 1,000 kilometers away in Ogun state. President Bola Tinubu praised the event's significance, highlighting it as a representation of national unity, strength, and resilience. Road accidents in Nigeria are frequent, largely attributed to poorly maintained infrastructure and significant disregard for traffic regulations. According to FRSC statistics, the country experienced 9,570 road accidents last year alone, which led to 5,421 fatalities.

At least 151 people have died due to severe flooding in Mokwa, a market town in Nigeria's Niger state, following heavy rainfall that began on Thursday. Niger State emergency service spokesperson Ibrahim Audu Husseini reported the numbers rising dramatically, with over 3,000 residents displaced and many still unaccounted for. The flooding has submerged roads and buildings, heavily impacting local infrastructures, which are already facing criticisms for being inadequate during natural disasters. Experts are warning that climate change is exacerbating such disasters. Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, highlighted the "cruel irony" faced by African nations, noting that those least responsible for climate change are suffering its direst consequences. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has initiated emergency response measures to aid recovery efforts, ensuring that relief materials reach affected individuals promptly. Meanwhile, ongoing budget cuts to international aid by nations like the UK have raised concerns among NGOs about the ability to support countries like Nigeria, which are vulnerable to climate impacts. The rainy season began in April, but infrastructural improvements in flood-prone regions are long overdue, as highlighted by local officials.

At least 110 people have died in central Nigeria due to catastrophic flooding following intense rainfall, according to officials from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency. The head of the agency, Abullahi Baba-Arah, reported that the heavy rainfall lasted several hours, resulting in surging floodwaters that submerged and destroyed over 50 homes, displacing their occupants. The Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa districts of Mokwa town were identified as the most affected areas. Mokwa's District Head, Muhammad Shaba Aliyu, remarked that it has been "60 years" since the community experienced such severe flooding and urgently called for government assistance. Meanwhile, ongoing search and rescue operations are in place as many remain at risk. Local fishermen like Danjuma Shaba shared harrowing accounts of their loss, revealing they have been left homeless due to the destruction of their houses. This situation follows a trend of heavy rainfall and flooding in Nigeria, which significantly impacted northern regions in previous years, displacing over 1.3 million people and causing more than 600 deaths in 2022.

Severe funding cuts by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are exacerbating the malnutrition crisis in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno state. According to humanitarian workers, over 1 million children may lose access to critical treatments, leading to an estimated 163,500 additional deaths annually. Yagana Bulama, a resident of Dikwa, shared the tragic impact of these cuts after losing a twin to malnutrition. With USAID's funding reductions this year, programs for malnourished children, such as those run by Mercy Corps, have been abruptly terminated, leaving families like Bulama’s without essential support. “Feeding is severely difficult,” she stated. Shawn Baker, chief program officer at Helen Keller Intl, emphasized that USAID has been the backbone of nutritional support in the region, historically funding 50% of therapeutic foods. Meanwhile, local facilities face overwhelming demand; Intersos, the only remaining inpatient service in Dikwa, reports 10 new admissions daily. UN humanitarian officials warn that without additional funding and support, the situation is likely to worsen, risking the lives of thousands more vulnerable children.

Nigeria has filed a lawsuit against cryptocurrency exchange Binance, seeking approximately $79.5 billion in economic damages and an additional $2 billion in back taxes, according to court documents. Authorities claim the exchange's operations have severely impacted the Nigerian economy and contributed to currency instability. Two Binance executives were detained earlier in 2024 amid rising concerns over cryptocurrency trading and its effects on the local naira currency. The lawsuit reflects Nigeria's broader efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency market, which officials argue exacerbates economic challenges. Additionally, Binance operates in Nigeria without official registration, complicating matters for local regulators. As reported by Reuters, the Nigerian government is focusing on addressing economic issues linked to cryptocurrency to protect its financial system from further impact. Binance has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit. The legal action represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between cryptocurrency firms and regulators in various countries.

Nigeria has initiated a lawsuit against the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, demanding $79.5 billion in economic losses and $2 billion in back taxes, according to court documents filed on February 19, 2025. The government alleges that Binance's operations have exacerbated the nation's currency issues, resulting in significant financial harm. Officials have detained two Binance executives in connection with the investigation, highlighted by claims that the exchange has become a popular platform for trading the Nigerian naira. Binance is currently contesting four charges of tax evasion, which include allegations of non-payment of value-added tax and failure to file tax returns. According to Nigeria's Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Binance operates with a substantial economic presence in the country and thus is liable for corporate income tax. FIRS is seeking a court declaration to enforce tax payment for 2022 and 2023, alongside penalties and interest based on the Central Bank of Nigeria's lending rate. As of March 2024, Binance announced it halted all transactions involving the naira, as it continues to address potential tax liabilities in Nigeria.

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, expressed strong discontent after Canada denied his visa along with several senior military officials' visas to attend an event honoring wounded army veterans. The delegation was supposed to participate in the ongoing Invictus Winter Games in Vancouver, which has now reached its fifth day. Musa stated, "Half of my team… they've already gone," highlighting the disruption caused by the visa denial. The Canadian embassy in Nigeria acknowledged awareness of the situation but refrained from further comments, citing privacy concerns. This incident follows Canada’s recent introduction of new regulations allowing officials to "cancel temporary resident documents" as part of enhanced border security measures. Nigeria's national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Interior Minister, Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo, both criticized Canada's decision, with Ribadu remarking that Canada "can go to hell" for what he called a "disrespectful" act. Despite the tensions, Olubunmi-Ojo indicated that Nigeria might seek diplomatic avenues to address the issue.

A BBC investigation has revealed that Shell has allegedly ignored warnings regarding the troubled clean-up of oil-polluted areas in Niger Delta's Ogoniland. This initiative, started eight years ago and funded by various oil companies to the tune of $1 billion, claims progress—though internal documents suggest systemic corruption and mismanagement, leading to the characterization of the effort as a "scam." Observers have reported ongoing issues, including falsified laboratory results and the awarding of contracts to inexperienced firms. Shell, headquartered in London, contends that the challenging operating environment in Niger Delta is due to widespread illegal activities like oil theft, denying wrongdoing for pollution caused by sabotage or theft. As a civil trial looms in London, communities allege severe health risks and loss of livelihoods due to Shell's infrastructure spills between 1989 and 2020. The UN previously indicated that full remediation of the Ogoniland area could require 25 to 30 years, highlighting the ongoing struggle of local populations burdened by the legacy of oil contamination.

Millions of lives are at risk in Africa as the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) halts critical HIV research and treatment programs in Nigeria and Uganda, according to various health officials. AbulMumini Isah, a senior lecturer at the University of Nigeria, noted that an ongoing field study aimed at improving HIV care in Northern Nigeria has been interrupted due to a USAID stop-work order instituted by President Trump. Despite a recent emergency waiver exempting some humanitarian aid, many clinics supported by USAID remain closed. In Nigeria, over two million people living with HIV rely on aid for antiretroviral therapy, leading to fears that essential medication supplies will dwindle. In Uganda, more than 200 staff at the Infectious Disease Institute are on administrative leave while HIV prevention projects are stalled, impacting broader health services. The implications are severe; health workers warn of a potential collapse of healthcare systems if U.S. funding is permanently withdrawn after the 90-day pause. “The government of Nigeria alone will not be able to provide the services needed,” Isah stated, highlighting the critical need for PEPFAR funding that has historically supported HIV treatment efforts.

Research conducted by the Ineos Oxford Institute indicates that houseflies in Nigerian hospitals are carrying bacteria resistant to critical antibiotics, raising alarms about their potential role in spreading infections among patients. The study collected 1,396 flies from eight hospitals across six cities, revealing 17 different species of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, a common hospital-acquired infection culprit. Dr. Chioma Achi, the project's lead researcher, emphasized that while the study cannot definitively prove flies are transmitting these bacteria, their findings suggest that flies could be vectors for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). According to the World Health Organization, AMR is projected to kill over 39 million people by 2050. Dr. Kirsty Sands, scientific lead at the institute, reiterated the risks associated with flies in hospital wards, particularly for vulnerable patients. Nigeria ranks 20th globally in AMR-related deaths, with around 263,400 fatalities recorded in 2019. The research aims to inform future studies on the impact of insect control measures, such as window screens, on reducing AMR in healthcare settings.

In a significant legal ruling, five men have been sentenced to death by hanging in Kano state, Nigeria, for the murder of 67-year-old Dahare Abubakar, whom they accused of witchcraft. The brutal attack occurred on her farm, where the suspects allegedly beat and stabbed her to death, following a dream experienced by the wife of one of the accused that depicted Abubakar as a threat, according to prosecutor Abba Sorondiki. The case, which highlighted the dangers surrounding witchcraft accusations in rural Nigeria, has drawn national attention and sparked discussions on the issue. Reports indicate that such accusations can often lead to violence, driven by community beliefs that link misfortunes to witchcraft, as noted by officials. “The prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt,” Judge Usman Na'abba stated during the ruling. Abubakar's family has expressed relief at the verdict. Her son, Musa Yahaya, stated, “I am happy because they would get the same treatment they meted out to my mother.” The defense has indicated plans to appeal the ruling. While the death penalty is technically on the books, it is seldom enforced in Nigeria.

Research conducted by the Ineos Oxford Institute has revealed that houseflies in Nigerian hospitals may be spreading drug-resistant bacteria among patients. According to the study, which analyzed 1,396 flies collected from eight hospitals across six cities, many of the insects carried bacteria resistant to vital antibiotics, including those reserved for last-resort treatments. Dr. Chioma Achi, the project's lead, indicated that while the study cannot definitively conclude that flies are the vectors of these infections, the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in the sampled bacteria is concerning. She noted that houseflies, which consume feces, could transmit pathogens from contaminated surfaces to patients, thus posing a significant risk, particularly in tropical low- and middle-income countries where flies are prevalent. The research further highlights that Nigeria ranked 20th globally in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) death rates, with 263,400 fatalities attributed to AMR in 2019. The findings, published in Environment International, may also inform future interventions to reduce AMR linked to insects in healthcare settings.

In Kano state, Nigeria, five men have been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of 67-year-old Dahare Abubakar, whom they accused of witchcraft. The brutal attack occurred while Ms. Abubakar was working on her farm; she was beaten and stabbed, as reported by prosecutor Abba Sorondiki, who expressed hope that the verdict would deter wrongful accusations. The incident unfolded after Abdulaziz Yahaya, one of the accused, claimed his sick wife had a dream involving Ms. Abubakar. Following this, Yahaya organized a group to confront and ultimately kill her. Judge Usman Na'abba ruled that the prosecution established its case beyond a reasonable doubt. This case has sparked debate over the dangers of witchcraft accusations in rural Nigeria; such claims often lead to violence, as they are frequently aimed at explaining family tragedies or misfortunes. Musa Yahaya, the victim's son, expressed relief at the verdict, affirming that justice has been served. Defence lawyer Ma'aruf Yakasai indicated that the convicted men plan to appeal the ruling. Although death sentences are rare in Nigeria, those convicted typically remain in prison for life.

In Koko, Nigeria, the Nanna Living History Museum commemorates the legacy of Nanna Olomu, a merchant prince exiled by the British in 1894. Despite being designated a national monument in 1990, the museum suffers from severe underfunding and lacks essential facilities, including air conditioning and proper pest control, as reported by Eromo Egbejule in The Guardian. The museum showcases artefacts significant to Olomu's life, including items gifted by colonial administrators. Henry Erikowa, chair of the museum's advisory board, noted its unique status as the only living history museum among Nigeria's 52 museums. However, Ibrahim Kadiri, a museum education officer, expressed frustration at the lack of government funding, saying they often have to beg for financial support to maintain the museum. As discussions on cultural reparations gain momentum, experts like Allegra Ayida highlight the need for a broader understanding of colonial impacts beyond well-known cases like the invasion of Benin. The museum hopes that increasing visibility will bring much-needed assistance and recognition to its historical significance.

Cybercriminals, known as "Yahoo Boys," are increasingly deploying deceptive tactics to blackmail victims, including the creation of fake news videos purporting to be from reputable news organizations. According to a report by WIRED, these scammers, predominantly operating from West Africa, notably Nigeria, utilize artificial intelligence to generate realistic presentations mimicking outlets like CNN. Victims are often targeted after compromising information is obtained, often through online romance schemes. The fabricated videos can depict the victims as having committed severe offenses, causing panic and distress that frequently leads to compliance with the scammers' demands for payment. David Maimon, a fraud expert, emphasized that this evolving method aims to humiliate and intimidate victims into sending money by maintaining a sense of urgency. Platforms like Telegram serve as hubs for this criminal activity, enabling scammers to share tutorials on crafting these malicious videos. Despite Telegram's policies against such content, the persistence of these channels indicates ongoing challenges in combatting online fraud.

A United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight UA613, was involved in a dramatic in-flight incident that resulted in injuries to nearly 40 individuals. The flight, which departed from Nigeria on its way to Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., made an emergency landing back in Lagos after experiencing a sudden drop approximately 93 minutes into the journey. Of the 256 people on board, which included 245 passengers and 11 crew members, 31 passengers and seven crew members sustained minor injuries, while six individuals—four passengers and two crew members—were seriously injured and required hospitalization. The cause of the significant turbulence remains under investigation, although United Airlines has ruled out severe turbulence as a factor. Witness accounts describe a chaotic scene in the cabin, with belongings scattered as the plane dropped suddenly, leading to a passenger hitting their head on the cabin ceiling. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reported a prompt response by ground rescue teams following the pilot's distress call. In a statement, United Airlines has confirmed that those who were hospitalized have since been released. The company is cooperating with aviation authorities in both Nigeria and the United States to determine the reasons behind the incident.

A United Airlines flight, UA613, from Lagos, Nigeria, to Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C., was forced to make an emergency landing back in Lagos after experiencing "unexpected aircraft movement." The incident occurred approximately 93 minutes into the flight, resulting in injuries to 38 individuals, of which six were seriously hurt. Flight data revealed that the aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots on board. According to reports from CNN, 31 passengers and seven crew members sustained minor injuries, with four passengers and two crew members requiring hospitalization. United Airlines stated the cause of the sudden descent has yet to be determined, ruling out severe turbulence. The airline is cooperating with aviation authorities in both the U.S. and Nigeria to investigate the incident. Following the emergency landing, Nigerian authorities quickly mobilized a rescue team that reached the aircraft within four minutes of the pilot's distress call. The injured were taken to various medical facilities, with those in critical condition stabilized and transported to a hospital. Fortunately, the aircraft itself did not sustain any damage, and United Airlines confirmed that all hospitalized passengers have been released.

A devastating explosion involving a gasoline tanker in southern Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people and injuries to 10 others. The incident occurred on January 26, 2025, along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in Enugu state, where the tanker, filled with gasoline, reportedly lost control and collided with 17 other vehicles before erupting into flames, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps. The spokesperson for the safety corps, Olusegun Ogungbemide, indicated that many of the victims were "burnt beyond recognition." In addition to the injured, rescue efforts successfully extracted three individuals unharmed from the scene of the accident. This tragic event highlights a broader issue in Nigeria, where a lack of an efficient railway system for cargo transport has led to frequent and fatal truck accidents on major roads. Earlier this month, a similar incident in north-central Nigeria resulted in the deaths of 98 people when an explosion occurred while individuals attempted to transfer gasoline from a crashed tanker. In response to the ongoing dangers associated with gasoline handling, including the common practice of scooping gasoline from fallen tankers for personal use, authorities have initiated a nationwide campaign to mitigate these hazardous actions. The situation has been exacerbated by rising gasoline prices following the removal of subsidies by President Bola Tinubu's administration.

Nigeria's government has officially classified the Lakurawa armed group as a terrorist organization, banning its activities across the country. The group, which has engaged in violent acts against local communities in north-western Nigeria and has connections to jihadist factions in nearby Mali and Niger, has caused increasing security concerns as Nigeria battles multiple militant threats. The declaration follows a legal submission detailing the group's activities, which include cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, and attacks on government officials. The Attorney-General highlighted that Lakurawa promotes harmful ideologies, undermining local authorities and resulting in numerous casualties and property destruction. Formed a few years ago in Sokoto and Kebbi states, Lakurawa initially presented itself as a force against banditry. However, residents reported that the group engaged in severe disciplinary measures, such as flogging individuals for listening to music. This gradual escalation of violence has led to fears reminiscent of the early days of Boko Haram, which became notorious for its mass abductions, including the high-profile kidnapping of schoolgirls in 2014. In a decisive ruling, Justice James Omotosho has extended the terrorist designation to similar groups, allowing the Nigerian government enhanced legal powers to combat these threats, including arrest and increased surveillance.

Nigeria's government has formally designated the Lakurawa armed group as a terrorist organization, outlawing its activities across the country. The group, which has been notorious for flogging individuals for listening to music, engages in attacks on local communities, particularly in northwestern Nigeria and along the border with Niger. Officials reported that Lakurawa has established ties with jihadist factions in Mali and Niger, integrating into communities by marrying local women and recruiting young people. This development heightens Nigeria's already significant security challenges, which include ongoing battles against groups such as Boko Haram and various kidnapping gangs. In a legal filing presented to a High Court in Abuja, the Attorney-General of Nigeria outlined the group's extensive involvement in looting, hostage-taking, and attacks on government officials. The document also described the organization's attempts to instill harmful ideologies in local populations, undermining authority and risking civilian safety. Originating in Sokoto and Kebbi states in recent years, Lakurawa initially presented itself as a protector against cattle rustlers but quickly escalated its tactics. Reports indicate that members began checking residents' phones and punishing those found with music files. Justice James Omotosho's swift ruling to label Lakurawa a terrorist group allows the government to implement stronger measures against its affiliates, including arrests and increased surveillance. This action is aimed primarily at northern regions, where there are deep concerns about echoes of the Boko Haram crisis. With heightened fears among citizens, local communities remain wary of the potential for further violence and political instability linked to neighboring nations grappling with Islamist insurgencies.

A devastating explosion involving a fuel tanker in Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of at least 86 people. The incident occurred when a group of individuals gathered to collect leaking petrol from the tanker, which had veered off the road and caught fire. According to Ibrahim Audu Husseini from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, the initial death toll was estimated at 70 but was later revised to reflect the grim reality. The explosion took place on a Saturday at an intersection between Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and the northern city of Kaduna. The tanker, carrying 60,000 liters of petrol, erupted into flames, causing nearby shops and homes to be engulfed. An estimated 52 individuals sustained severe burns as a result of this catastrophic event. The bodies of the deceased were buried the following night, with reports indicating that local residents dug a mass grave by hand due to the unavailability of machinery. The tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns in Nigeria, where such fatal accidents involving fuel tankers are not uncommon. Amid worsening economic conditions in the country—exacerbated by sharply rising fuel prices and persistent shortages—President Bola Tinubu has announced a national campaign aimed at educating the public about the dangers associated with harvesting fuel from overturned tankers. This incident follows another tragic event in October, where over 140 lives were lost in a similar scenario in Jigawa State.

A tragic explosion from a fuel tanker in Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of at least 86 people, with many more injured. The incident occurred when the tanker, carrying 60,000 liters of gasoline, veered off the road at an intersection between Abuja and Kaduna. Subsequently, a crowd gathered around the vehicle attempting to collect leaking fuel when the tanker ignited and exploded. According to Ibrahim Audu Husseini from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, the initially reported death toll of 70 has increased to 86. Additionally, around 52 individuals suffered severe burns due to the blast. The terrifying explosion not only claimed lives but also engulfed nearby homes and businesses in flames. Recovery operations faced challenges as the local community had to dig a mass grave by hand over 14 hours due to a lack of heavy equipment. As the country grapples with rising fuel prices and an ongoing economic crisis, President Bola Tinubu has announced a public information campaign to raise awareness about the dangers associated with gathering fuel from overturned tankers. This incident follows a previous tragedy in October in which more than 140 people lost their lives in a similar situation in Jigawa State.

A devastating petrol explosion in Nigeria today has resulted in at least 70 fatalities. The incident occurred in Niger State, located in the northern region of the country, when a fuel tanker overturned, causing gasoline to spill and ignite, according to the transportation agency. Most of the victims were impoverished residents who rushed to the scene to collect the leaking fuel. Witnesses reported that a large crowd had gathered around the overturned tanker attempting to gather the spilled petrol when the vehicle suddenly exploded, leading to a rapid spread of flames that engulfed another truck nearby. As of now, 70 bodies have been recovered from the site. This incident follows a similar tragedy in October in Jigawa State, where an explosion also claimed 147 lives, marking one of the deadliest events of its kind in Africa's most populous nation.

A military jet in Nigeria mistakenly targeted a group of civilians, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 people in the northwestern state of Zamfara. The incident, which occurred on January 12, 2025, happened as local residents were returning from mobilizing against bandits who had attacked the village of Dangebe, looting livestock and setting homes ablaze. Witness accounts indicate that villagers from nearby areas had joined efforts to confront the armed groups—locally referred to as bandits—when the military aircraft struck them as they reached Tungar Kara village. Eyewitness Sa’idu Ibrahim reported that villagers recovered 16 bodies and rushed several others to the hospital with severe injuries. Additionally, local resident Bube Namare expressed concern that the death toll could rise as recovery efforts commenced. This tragic event marks the second deadly accidental airstrike in recent months. In December 2023, a similar misidentification led to an air raid on a religious gathering, claiming 85 lives, predominantly women and children. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this latest airstrike, which they report may have left 20 dead. The Nigerian military has been embroiled in a prolonged battle against criminal gangs that have terrorized communities across northwestern and central Nigeria, with residents often facing violent raids, kidnappings, and looting.

A tragic incident occurred in northwestern Nigeria's Zamfara state when a military airstrike mistakenly targeted a group of civilians, resulting in 16 deaths. According to local reports, the victims were residents mobilizing from various villages to confront a bandit attack in Dangebe village, which had left their homes burned and livestock stolen. The airstrike took place late on Saturday as the self-defense group was returning home after successfully chasing away the assailants. Eyewitnesses stated that the military jet bombed the villagers as they reached Tungar Kara village. "Sixteen bodies have been found, but the toll may increase as the search for more remains continues," said Bube Namare, a local resident. This incident marks the second accidental airstrike affecting civilians in less than a month, following a December attack in neighboring Sokoto state that also targeted civilians mistakenly. Amnesty International has called for an immediate investigation into the airstrike, highlighting the need for accountability as previous similar incidents have raised concerns regarding the military's engagement strategy in combat against criminal gangs and jihadists. Military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi did not respond to inquiries regarding the airstrike. The Nigerian military has faced increasing scrutiny over civilian casualties in its efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region, with several deadly airstrikes reported in the past.

At least 40 farmers and fishermen have reportedly been killed in an attack by Islamist militants in northeastern Nigeria. The assault is believed to be linked to Boko Haram or its affiliate, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), according to Usman Tar, the information commissioner of Borno state. The incident occurred near the community of Dumba. Initial reports indicate that the victims were outside a government-established security zone and had entered areas still dangerous from militants and landmines. The ongoing violence has had a devastating impact, with over two million people displaced and approximately 350,000 lives lost since the conflict began more than a decade ago. The militants continue to fight for the imposition of Sharia law in parts of Nigeria.

An Austrian woman, Eva Gretzmacher, has been reportedly kidnapped by unknown assailants in Agadez, a city located at the edge of the Sahara Desert in Niger. The Austrian foreign ministry confirmed the incident to AFP, stating that they are aware of the "possible kidnapping" and are currently coordinating with the EU delegation and local authorities. Ms. Gretzmacher, in her mid-70s, has lived in Niger for over twenty years and has been involved in development projects focused on education, health, women's empowerment, and culture. Local media reports indicate that armed individuals forcibly entered her home in the Fada district of Agadez, taking her away in a 4x4 vehicle without stealing any other property. As of now, Niger's government has not issued a statement regarding the incident. The country continues to face challenges from an ongoing Islamist insurgency, which has escalated since the military coup that ousted the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. Niger has been struggling to control militant attacks while forming alliances with neighboring countries experiencing similar threats.

A military airstrike in Nigeria's northwestern state of Zamfara has resulted in the death of at least 16 civilians after a pilot mistakenly identified local self-defense forces as criminal gangs. The incident occurred on January 12, 2025, when a military jet targeted residents who were mobilizing to confront armed groups that had attacked the village of Dangebe. According to eyewitnesses, the group was returning home after chasing off the bandits when they were struck by the air raid near Tungar Kara village. Local resident Sa’idu Ibrahim reported that 16 bodies were recovered from the scene, with several others suffering severe injuries requiring hospitalization. Amnesty International has since reported the death toll could be as high as 20 and has called for an immediate investigation into the incident. The military has been engaged in a long-running battle against armed groups known locally as bandits, who have been terrorizing communities through kidnappings and attacks. This latest airstrike follows a series of similar incidents, including a devastating airstrike in December 2023 that resulted in the deaths of 85 people attending a religious gathering, highlighting ongoing concerns about the military's targeting errors in civilian areas. The military spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding this tragedy.

The United States has announced it will return $52.88 million in seized assets to Nigeria, connected to a long-running corruption investigation involving former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. This marks the first significant repatriation related to Alison-Madueke, who served from 2010 to 2015 and has been accused of significant misappropriation of funds. U.S. authorities confiscated the assets, which include a superyacht and valuable real estate holdings in New York and California, during her trial in 2023. According to a statement from Nigerian officials and the U.S. government, the bulk of the repatriated funds, amounting to $50 million, will be dedicated to rural electrification programs in Nigeria. The remaining sum of $2.88 million will be granted to the International Institute for Justice to support initiatives aimed at enhancing rule of law and combating terrorism. Alison-Madueke has consistently denied any wrongdoing, despite Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency securing numerous court orders to seize luxury items believed to be linked to her alleged corrupt practices. Many suspect that her illicit assets were hidden in the U.S. and U.K., highlighting the international dimension of Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption.

In Nigeria, cerebral palsy is a significant health challenge, with estimates suggesting up to 700,000 individuals affected by the disorder, many due to complications from neonatal jaundice. This condition, characterized by elevated bilirubin levels in newborns, can lead to permanent brain damage if not treated within the first ten days of life. Unfortunately, many Nigerian infants do not receive timely treatment due to limited medical facilities and resources, contributing to the high incidence of neurological disorders in the country. The Cerebral Palsy Centre in Lagos, founded by Nonye Nweke, serves as a beacon of hope for affected children like 22-year-old Babatunde Fashola, who requires lifelong care. The center provides free support to twelve children, addressing not only their medical needs but also the emotional burdens that families often face due to societal stigma against children with disabilities. A new initiative called Project Oscar aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal jaundice in Nigeria. Launched with support from Reckitt, the project includes training for healthcare workers and the provision of necessary equipment to treat jaundice effectively. By reaching out to mothers and aiming to screen thousands of newborns, the project seeks to prevent the development of cerebral palsy caused by untreated jaundice. This multi-faceted approach hopes to raise awareness and improve care for those affected by cerebral palsy, signaling a collaborative effort to address the pressing health issue in Nigeria, where the government’s engagement has been minimal.

Mubarak Bala, a prominent Nigerian atheist, has been released from prison after serving over four years for blasphemy. Bala, 40, was convicted in Kano for a Facebook post he shared in 2020, which led to 18 charges against him. In an exclusive interview, Bala expressed concerns for his safety, stating he now lives in a safe house due to the threats he faces as a result of his beliefs. Bala was initially sentenced to 24 years in prison, but an appeals court reduced his sentence last year, calling it "excessive." Upon his release in Abuja, he described the experience of freedom as both exhilarating and daunting, saying, "Freedom is here, but also there is an underlying threat I now have to face." Despite feeling relieved to be out, Bala acknowledged the risks of being a vocal critic of religion in Nigeria, a country where blasphemy is punishable under both Sharia and secular law. His situation has drawn international condemnation and ignited debates about freedom of expression in Nigeria. Once imprisoned, Bala faced fears for his life, citing concerns about encounters with guards and fellow inmates. His conviction sparked outrage within the atheist and humanist communities in Nigeria, leading to calls for reforms in the treatment of individuals expressing non-religious beliefs. Now free, Bala is eager to reconnect with his young son, who was just six weeks old when he was imprisoned. Reflecting on his activism, he stated he always understood the risks but felt compelled to speak out regardless of potential consequences.