Nigeria News

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.