Libyan Police Arrest Two Nigerians Over Drug Trafficking in Zliten.

Authorities in Zliten, Libya, have arrested two undocumented Nigerian migrants for alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

According to a Sunday report by Migrant Rescue Watch, operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) apprehended the suspects with quantities of hashish and hallucinogenic pills believed to be intended for sale.

The organisation disclosed that the duo has since been transferred to the Anti-Narcotics Agency for further interrogation and prosecution.

“CID in Zliten arrested two undocumented Nigerian nationals over drug trafficking. They were caught with hashish and hallucinogenic pills ready for distribution,” the statement read.

In recent months, Libyan security agencies have ramped up efforts to combat crimes linked to irregular migrants, focusing on curbing drug-related offences and dismantling smuggling networks across the country.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Criminal Conspiracy

On September 25, 2025, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy appeared at the Paris courthouse for the verdict in his high-profile trial over alleged corruption and unlawful campaign financing linked to supposed Libyan funding of his 2007 presidential campaign, reported BBC News and Reuters.

Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy and handed a five-year prison sentence, while being cleared of other charges, including passive corruption and unlawful campaign financing. In addition, the court imposed a €100,000 ($117,000, £87,000) fine.

Judge Nathalie Gavarino stated that Sarkozy had allowed close aides to negotiate with Libyan officials in an attempt to secure funding for his campaign. However, the court concluded there was insufficient evidence that Sarkozy personally benefited from the funds.

The sentencing drew audible gasps in the courtroom, marking a historic moment: Sarkozy could become the first former French president to serve prison time in Paris.

Speaking outside the courthouse, Sarkozy said:

“What happened today... is of extreme gravity in regard to the rule of law, and for the trust one can have in the justice system. I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high, if they really want me to.”


The investigation into Sarkozy’s alleged dealings with Libya began in 2013, two years after Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the late Libyan leader, accused him of embezzling millions of dollars from Libya to fund his campaigns. Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine claimed to possess evidence that Sarkozy’s 2007 campaign was heavily funded by Tripoli, including a reported €50 million (£43 million) transfer.

Former interior ministers Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux were also defendants in the trial, with Hortefeux convicted of criminal conspiracy and Guéant found guilty of corruption.

Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, has previously faced accusations of concealing evidence and collaborating in fraud related to the case, which she denies.

This verdict adds to a series of legal challenges for Sarkozy. He previously received a one-year sentence (six months suspended) in 2024 for hiring a PR firm to conceal excessive spending on his 2012 re-election campaign and became the first former French president sentenced to prison in 2021 for attempting to bribe a judge in 2014. That sentence was later converted to home detention with an electronic tag by a Paris appeals court.

The Paris criminal court’s decision underscores Sarkozy’s ongoing legal troubles, even years after leaving office.

Libya Police Arrest Five Undocumented Nigerian Migrants

Police authorities in Libya have arrested five undocumented Nigerian migrants during routine road security checks in the Bin Jawad area of Sirte.

According to a statement released on Thursday by Migrants Rescue Watch, the individuals were intercepted and subsequently handed over to the competent authorities for legal action.

“Police during road security checks in Bin Jawad area (Sirte) apprehended five undocumented migrants of Nigerian nationality. The individuals were referred to competent authorities for legal action,” the statement read.

Migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, frequently face harsh conditions in Libya, often ending up in overcrowded detention facilities while awaiting deportation or further legal proceedings.

Source: SaharaReporters / Migrants Rescue Watch

#Libya #Nigeria #MigrationCrisis

162 Nigerians, Including Women & Children, Repatriated From Libya

At least 162 Nigerians, including women and children, have been voluntarily repatriated from Libya.

The Libyan Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), facilitated the return via Misrata International Airport, according to Migrant Rescue Watch.

Many of the returnees were victims of human trafficking, forced labour, or became stranded after failed attempts to cross the Mediterranean into Europe.

The Nigerian government, with support from international partners, continues efforts to bring stranded citizens back home from North Africa.

#Libya #Migration #Nigeria

Libya Police Raid Migrant Prostitution House, Arrest 36 Nigerians, Chadians

Police in Ajdabiya, Libya, have raided a residential house allegedly used for prostitution involving undocumented migrants, according to Migrant Rescue Watch.

The operation, conducted on the orders of the public prosecutor, led to the arrest of 36 undocumented migrants — 18 men and 18 women and children of Nigerian and Chadian nationality.

Authorities confirmed that those apprehended have been transferred to the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) for legal processing.

The DCIM, which oversees detention of undocumented migrants under Libya’s Interior Ministry, has faced criticism over alleged overcrowding, poor conditions, forced labor, and mistreatment in its facilities.

Rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have previously raised alarm about arbitrary detention of children and the agency’s collaboration with armed groups.

#Libya #Migration #HumanRights #BreakingNews

Surge in Killings Across Nigeria Due to 2027 Polls Defence Chief Musa.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has linked the recent surge in killings across the country to political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa noted that the renewed wave of insecurity, particularly in the North-East and North-West, cannot be divorced from heightened political activities.

“Last year we recorded the lowest number of deaths. How come this year, suddenly, everything has spiked?” he asked. “Politics is coming, the election is coming. You cannot rule out the fact that some people are controlling these criminals to ensure there is no peace, and governance is discredited. But the funny thing is, how do you kill the people you want to govern?”

The Defence Chief said both bandits and terrorists are working together to destabilize communities, adding that local and foreign funding continue to sustain their operations. He explained that agencies, including the Attorney-General’s office, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), are tracking financiers of terrorism, though prosecutions remain slow due to legal hurdles.

Musa criticized Nigeria’s legal system for frustrating terrorism trials and called for the creation of special courts, faster prosecutions and stiffer punishments.

He further identified instability in the Sahel region and Nigeria’s porous 4,000-kilometre border as major security risks, stressing that weapons from conflict zones in Libya, Sudan and neighbouring countries flow easily into Nigeria.

He cautioned against indiscriminate hospitality towards foreigners, warning that insurgents often disguise themselves as ordinary visitors before turning violent.

On equipment and technology, Musa lamented that the military lacks real-time satellite systems and precision weaponry, noting that global conflicts have made security technology more expensive and harder to acquire.

He welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the Defence Industrial Bill, which he said would enable Nigeria to manufacture its own military hardware in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers.

Nigerian-Born Beninese Footballer Razak Omotoyossi Dies at 38.

Former Beninese international and Nigerian-born footballer Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 38, with the cause of death yet to be revealed.

His death was confirmed on Tuesday morning, sending shockwaves through the African football community. Omotoyossi, who began his career in Nigeria before switching allegiance to Benin, carved out a reputation as one of the nation’s greatest footballers.

He netted 21 goals in 55 appearances for the Squirrels, placing him among Benin’s all-time leading scorers. He remains particularly celebrated for his heroics in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he scored all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 win over Togo and finished the campaign as joint top scorer alongside Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o.

He later made history by becoming the first player to score for Benin at the AFCON finals. At club level, Omotoyossi enjoyed a journeyman career across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, featuring in leagues in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France.

His most memorable spell came at Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he impressed in the UEFA Champions League before securing a move to French side FC Metz.

His sudden passing represents a huge loss for Beninese football and the wider African game. The Benin Football Federation is expected to release an official statement in the coming days.

16 real Reasons why Gaddafi was killed:

1. Libya has no electricity bill, electricity came free of charge to all citizens.

2. There were no interest rates on loans, the banks were state-owned, the loan of citizens by law 0%.

3. Gaddafi promised not to buy a house for his parents until everyone in Libya owns a home.

4. All newlywed couples in Libya received 60,000 dinars from the government & because of that they bought their own apartments & started their families.

5. Education & medical treatment in Libya are free. Before Gaddafi there were only 25% readers, 83% during his reign

6. If Libyans wanted to live on a farm, they received free household appliances, seeds and livestock.

7. If they cannot receive treatment in Libya, the state would fund them $2300+ accommodation & travel for treatment abroad.

8. If you buy a car, the government finances 50% of the price.

9. The price of gasoline became $ 0.14 per liter.

10. Libya had no external debt, and reserves were $150 Billion (now frozen worldwide)

11. Since some Libyans can't find jobs after school, the government will pay the average salary when they can't find a job.

12. Part of oil sales in Libya are directly linked to the bank accounts of all citizens.

13. The mother who gave birth to the child will receive $5000

14. 40 loaves of bread cost $0.15.

15. 25% of Libyans had all Ilisna diplomas.

16. Gaddafi has implemented the world's biggest irrigation project known as the "BIG MAN PROJECT" to ensure water availability in the desert.
If this is called “DICTATORSHIP” I wonder what democracy is?

BREAKING: Nigerian NSA Confirms Arrest of Two Leaders of Al-Qaeda-Linked Ansaru Group

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has confirmed the arrest of Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a), the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and his deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda) in a months-long intelligence-led operation.

Ribadu said the two men, long on Nigeria’s most-wanted list, were behind major terrorist attacks including the 2022 Kuje prison break, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp, the 2019 kidnapping of Magajin Garin Daura, Musa Umar Uba, and the abduction of the Emir of Wawa.

Abu Bara’a was identified as the coordinator of Ansaru sleeper cells nationwide, while Mamuda, who trained under foreign jihadists in Libya, led the group’s “Mahmudawa” faction around Kainji National Park.

Ribadu noted that the arrests have “effectively dismantled” Ansaru’s central command, calling it “the most decisive blow against the group since its inception in 2012.” He added that caches of materials and digital evidence recovered are undergoing forensic analysis to further disrupt the group’s networks in Nigeria and the Sahel.

#Nigeria #NSA #NuhuRibadu #Ansaru #AlQaeda #Terrorism #Security #BreakingNews

UPDATED: NSA Confirms Arrest of Two Ansaru Leaders

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has confirmed the arrest of two top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, describing it as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

The suspects were identified as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a), Ansaru’s self-styled Emir, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), his deputy and head of the “Mahmudawa” cell.

According to Ribadu, the two men masterminded multiple terrorist attacks, high-profile kidnappings, and the 2022 Kuje jailbreak. Mamuda, who trained in Libya under foreign jihadists, was also linked to IED production.

The NSA said their operations included the abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp (2013), the kidnapping of Magajin Garin Daura, Musa Umar Uba (2019), and attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure.

Ribadu noted that the arrests had “effectively dismantled” Ansaru’s central command, calling it the group’s most significant setback since its emergence in 2012 as a Boko Haram splinter.

Tags: #Nigeria #NSA #NuhuRibadu #Ansaru #Terrorism #Security #BreakingNews

Trump Slaps 15% Tariff on Nigeria, Others in Major Trade Shakeup — South Africa, Libya Hit Harder

In a bold move to recalibrate global trade, U.S. President Donald Trump has officially imposed 15% import tariffs on Nigeria and several African nations, effective August 1.

The sweeping tariffs — under the Executive Order "Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates" — also target Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Malawi, Madagascar, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Lesotho.

South Africa and Libya face even steeper tariffs of 30%, while Tunisia will pay 25%. Outside Africa, countries like India (25%), Japan (15%), and the UK (10%) are also included.

> This marks the second round of tariffs on Nigeria this year, following an earlier 14% hike in April.


According to the White House, the tariffs are part of a broader push to ensure "reciprocal trade terms" with nations benefiting heavily from U.S. markets.

#TrumpTariffs #NigeriaUSRelations #GlobalTrade #TariffWar #AfricaTrade #USImportDuties #TrumpPolicy

Nigerian Passport Jumps to 88th on Global Rankings — Highest in 5 Years.

Nigeria’s passport has reached its highest position in five years, climbing to 88th out of 199 countries in the latest Henley Passport Index released on July 18.

The ranking, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and expert analysis, places Nigeria alongside Ethiopia and Myanmar, countries it was previously grouped with when ranked 91st earlier this year.

Despite the slight improvement, the Nigerian passport still only allows visa-free access to 45 countries, similar to last year when it ranked 92nd. In July 2023, Nigeria was ranked 90th but later dropped to 97th, trailing behind African nations like Burundi, Cameroon, and Liberia. The passport ranked 98th in 2022 and had dropped as low as 103rd in 2021.

In the latest index, Nigeria ranked above just six African countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia—similar to last year’s standings.

Seychelles maintained its position as Africa’s most powerful passport, despite slipping from 22nd to 24th globally, offering visa-free access to 156 destinations.

Globally, Singapore remains the strongest passport, granting access to 193 countries, while Afghanistan continues to rank last, with visa-free access to only 25. The United States, which once topped the index in 2014, now sits at 10th place.

Feared Terror Commander Captured In Agadez By Nigerien Forces.

In a significant victory for counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region, Nigerien security forces have captured one of the most notorious terrorist figures in northern Niger. The suspect, identified as Barhadine Mehdoune, was apprehended during a military operation in the Agadez region, a known hotspot for insurgent activity.


Mehdoune, a former officer in the Libyan military, had long been on the radar of regional intelligence agencies. After deserting the Libyan army with a cadre of loyal combatants, he established a violent presence across the porous desert borderlands, launching attacks that devastated remote communities and disrupted local governance. Security sources describe him as a key figure in the transnational terror networks that operate between Libya, Niger, and Mali.

According to military officials involved in the operation, Mehdoune was captured while attempting to traverse the Agadez region in a convoy of armed fighters. In a bid to avoid detection, he presented false identification and claimed to be Aboubacar Boudour Balla, a civilian driver. However, his efforts to conceal his identity were thwarted by vigilant soldiers who had been briefed with updated intelligence reports and facial recognition photographs.

“We had his file, his movements were being tracked, and when the moment came, our forces acted swiftly,” said one senior officer familiar with the case. “He attempted to mislead us, but the disguise didn’t hold up under scrutiny.”

No resistance was reported during the arrest, and Mehdoune is now in custody. Authorities have confirmed that he is being interrogated at a secure location, with hopes that his capture will yield critical intelligence on terror cells operating across Niger’s northern frontiers.

Military analysts say Mehdoune’s arrest marks a major setback for extremist elements in the region and a morale boost for Niger’s armed forces. The Agadez region, long plagued by insurgency, arms trafficking, and migrant smuggling, has been a focal point of joint regional security initiatives.

While details about the exact nature of the security sweep remain classified, officials hinted that more arrests may follow as the military capitalizes on momentum gained from Mehdoune’s capture. His detention is also expected to facilitate ongoing investigations into cross-border terrorism, illicit arms flows, and radicalization networks in the central Sahara.

Regional observers say Mehdoune’s arrest may prompt retaliation from affiliated militant groups, and the Nigerien government is reportedly tightening security measures around critical infrastructure and urban centers

Keep your America, Mr Trump, and we’ll keep our Africa
In trying to shut us out, Trump may be doing what African leaders have long failed to do: Push us to stand on our own.

On June 16, The New York Times disclosed that United States President Donald Trump is considering broadening his travel ban list to include as many as 36 additional countries, most of them African – including my country, Zimbabwe.

Twelve days earlier, Trump had enacted a proclamation barring citizens from 12 nations from entering the US. Seven of them – Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan – are African.

He also imposed partial travel restrictions, rather than a complete ban, on individuals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Citizens from these nations are barred from permanently relocating to the US or obtaining tourist or student visas.

As promised on the campaign trail, Trump is cracking down on immigration.

For the first time in my life, I now face the extraordinary prospect of being barred from travelling to the US – a nation that several of my family members and friends call home.

My cousin, Dr Anna Mhaka, for example, completed her medical studies and practised exclusively in the US. Spencer Matare, a former classmate, has lived in Indianapolis for more than two decades and is a US citizen.

Despite the Trump administration’s political grandstanding and vilification of migrants – both legal and undocumented – Anna and Spencer, like millions of others, are industrious, law-abiding members of US society.

I know many in Africa hope to follow in their footsteps, and are deeply alarmed by the growing barriers to migration that Trump has erected.

Yet, I am not one of them.

According to @NigeriaStories

JUST IN:
“Five Nigerians arrested in Libya for allegedly stealing electrical equipment from a farm.”

We go dey shout ‘no be all of us,’ but these kinds of headlines keep dragging the rest of us backwards.
Respect yourself wherever you find yourself.

#NigeriaStories #Libya #DiasporaMatters