The tragic incident occurred shortly after the Brigade Commander had participated in a successful joint air–ground offensive against insurgents in the area.
A Nigerian Army top officer and commander, Brigadier General M Uba, has been killed by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters after the terrorists reportedly intercepted and tracked his location along the Damboa–Biu axis in Borno State, multiple security sources have confirmed.

The tragic incident occurred shortly after the Brigade Commander had participated in a successful joint air–ground offensive against insurgents in the area.

Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly ambushed a Nigerian military convoy in Borno State on Friday night, abducting a serving general and killing several soldiers, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), according to HumAngle.

The abducted general is said to be a brigade commander who was leading the troops at the time of the attack.

If confirmed, HumAngle — a platform focused on conflict and humanitarian crises — notes that this would be the first recorded instance of an extremist group in Nigeria capturing a serving general directly from the frontline.

While insurgents have previously killed high-ranking military officers, reports of their abducting are extremely rare.

Military authorities have yet to release an official statement, and the exact casualty figures remain unknown.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele, has also not responded to inquiries about the incident.

Nigeria Strikes Major Security Pact With Mali as Both Nations Unite Against Rising Regional Threats.

Nigeria and Mali have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and tackling escalating security challenges across West Africa.

This followed a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, to Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, on the sidelines of the maiden International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX 2025) in Bamako.

Badaru, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level event, described Mali’s reception as warm and exemplary. He delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill message and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Mali in pursuit of regional peace and stability.

“Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Mali to confront threats that endanger peace in our region,” Badaru said.

He noted that Mali remains a strategic partner, with both nations sharing common security concerns and a mutual desire to strengthen defence collaboration.

Responding, Prime Minister Maiga praised Nigeria’s continuous support and participation at BAMEX 2025, calling it proof of the “enduring friendship and mutual respect” between both countries.

“Our unity is essential as we confront the security issues facing our nations. Nigeria’s partnership remains invaluable,” Maiga said.

He also highlighted BAMEX 2025 as a critical platform for exchanging defence ideas and innovations, essential for building stronger security structures across Africa.

As the exhibition concluded, both nations signalled a renewed determination to pool resources, intelligence, and expertise to secure West Africa and address emerging threats.

Top military officials from both countries attended the meeting, including the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency, senior defence officers, and Nigerian Embassy officials in Mali underscoring the importance of the strategic engagement.

NAF Bombs Several ISWAP Terrorists, Bandits To Death In Multiple Airstrikes.

Air strikes carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have resulted in the killing of several terrorists and bandits across the country and the destruction of their hideouts.

According to a statement on Monday by the NAF Spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, scores of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State, as well as bandits’ enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, as well as Zango Hill in Kankara local government area of Katsina State, were affected by the strikes.

He added that the coordinated missions were carried out on November 9, 2025, based on credible intelligence on the movement and activities of the criminals.

Ejodame said the missions represent a decisive phase in ongoing joint operations under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fansan Yamma, aimed at degrading terrorists and criminal networks across Nigeria’s northern theatres.

News reports that the NAF airstrikes dealt a heavy blow to ISWAP terrorists entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns of Borno State.

According to the NAF spokesman, the Air Component guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds conducted precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram before shifting to Mallam Fatori, where ISWAP elements were observed mobilising with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin.

According to him, the strikes destroyed the insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities, eliminating several terrorists and crippling their mobility capabilities.

“Post-strike assessments confirmed multiple neutralizations and a significant degradation of ISWAP’s operational networks in the area,” he said.

Similarly, NAF aircraft carried out precision air interdiction missions over Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, striking bandits,’ camps with devastating accuracy based on credible intelligence.

He said the attacks caused panic in the enemy camp and inflicted heavy losses among the criminals.

In a related operation, air assets under Operation Fansan Yamma struck Zango Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina State, the hideout of a terrorist kingpin and his fighters.

Ejodame said the aircraft guided by actionable intelligence and ISR surveillance, executed multiple attack passes, destroying key logistics hubs and neutralizing several terrorists in one of the most decisive strikes in the region.

Furthermore, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma (Sector 1) conducted an Armed Reconnaissance mission across the northwest corridor, covering key settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello.

Ejodame said the locations served as known routes and hideouts for armed groups along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis.

“During the mission, coordination with Forward Operating Bases at Dankolo and Kotonkoro revealed suspicious movement near Wam Hill, where terrorists on motorcycles were spotted attempting to flee. The aircrew swiftly engaged and neutralized the targets, with no further hostile activity observed,” he said.

UK warns against travel to six Nigerian states over rising insecurity.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has issued a fresh warning against travel to parts of Nigeria, citing escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.

In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and sighted by our correspondent on Sunday, the FCDO stated, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”

The advisory urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”

The statement warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”

In addition, the UK government advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory.

The FCDO said, “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city.”

It added that “British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.”

Ecowas Rejects Claims of Religious Genocide in West Africa.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed claims that any religious group is being systematically targeted in West Africa.

ECOWAS expressed serious concern over growing terrorist attacks across the region, including Nigeria, and warned against misinformation that could inflame divisions among communities. This follows US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Christians in Nigeria face systematic persecution and his subsequent declaration of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern,” along with threats of cutting aid and possible military intervention.

President Bola Tinubu rejected these claims, affirming that Nigeria remains a democracy committed to constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and belief.

In a formal statement ahead of the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism through diplomatic engagement and national unity, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at building a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient nation.

In its communiqué dated November 4, 2025, ECOWAS urged the United Nations and international partners to increase support for member states combating terrorist groups whose activities have caused widespread devastation and loss of life. The bloc stressed that extremist violence targets civilians of all faiths, ethnicity, gender, and age, and strongly rejected claims suggesting a genocide against any particular religious group, warning that such narratives could undermine social cohesion and worsen insecurity.

ECOWAS called on the international community to stand in solidarity with West African nations in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing that coordinated regional and global efforts are crucial to protecting all communities and ensuring lasting peace.

U.S. Bill Seeks Visa Bans, Asset Freezes for Miyetti Allah Over Religious Freedom Violations.

A new bill before the United States Congress has proposed targeted sanctions on Nigerian individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom, naming the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore among entities of concern.

The legislation, introduced on Tuesday by House Representative Smith Christopher, recommends visa restrictions and asset freezes for members of the listed groups. Christopher also praised President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under US law.

In the bill, “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states were also placed on the Entities of Particular Concern (EPC) list reserved for non-state actors implicated in serious religious freedom abuses. Previously designated EPCs include Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, ISIS-Sahel, the Taliban, and the Houthis.

The development came the same day US Senator Ted Cruz renewed pressure on Abuja, vowing to hold Nigerian officials accountable over what he described as evidence of a Christian gen+cide. Cruz, who in October proposed the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, said he would soon name officials he believes enabled religious persecution.

His earlier bill sought sanctions against federal or state officials accused of promoting or enforcing blasphemy laws.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected such allegations, insisting that insecurity across the country is driven by criminal activity rather than religious motivations.

Trump takes fresh aim at Nigeria as US Africa command proposes options for attack.

US President Donald Trump took fresh aim at two of Africa’s biggest economies, renewing his threat of an attack on Islamist militants in Nigeria and questioning South Africa’s role in the Group of 20 days before it hosts a global summit.

Trump in particular berated the Nigerian government for failing to contain the islamic militancy in the north of the country that has killed thousands and said his forces will be made to.do the work but there will be peice like he’ll to be paid.

In a video posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated his claim that the Nigerian government is failing to prevent the killing of Christians and said he’s asked the Pentagon to prepare for “possible action” unless the West African nation acts.

“The Nigerian government better move fast before its too late,” Trump said. “If they don’t there is going be hell to pay.”
The fresh threat against Nigeria came after a New York Times report that the US Africa command had proposed three options for attacking Nigeria.

Three defense officials said the plans from the command had three options — light, medium and heavy — and were intended to be escalatory. The light option, the officials said, included what the military called partner-enabled operations. Under that option, the U.S. military and the State Department would support government forces in Nigeria to target Boko Haram and other Islamic insurgents who have attacked, kidnapped and murdered civilians, mostly in northern Nigeria, where sectarian and ethnic violence has raged for almost 20 years.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim whose wife is a Christian pastor, said on Sunday he was committed to working with the US and international community to protect all faiths. But “the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” he said.

The nation of 230 million — roughly split between Christians and Muslims — has suffered from years of ethnic violence, with more than 20,000 killed since 2020, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data nonprofit, which tracks such incidents around the world. Of the almost 12,000 attacks in that period, the vast bulk were not religiously motivated.
While Trump’s initial comments over the weekend led to some selling of Nigerian bonds earlier this week, the country was still able to sell $2.35 billion of new debt to global investors on Wednesday. Demand was big, with orders topping $12 billion.

The US president also said South Africa — the continent’s biggest economy — shouldn’t form part of the G20. Pretoria is preparing to host a summit of the group’s leaders on Nov. 22-23, though Trump reiterated that he won’t be attending, with Vice President JD Vance travelling to the forum in his stead.

“South Africa shouldn’t even be in the Gs anymore, because what’s happened there is bad,” he said at an America Business Forum event in Miami.

Trump has previously made the false claim that there’s a genocide against White Afrikaner farmers in South Africa, which led him to offer them refugee status in the US.

Nigerian Army repel assault by Boko Haram and ISWAP, take out six terrorists.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on their base in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.

According to Lt-Col Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for OPHK, the terrorists launched the assault around 4:30 a.m., targeting the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kangar with drones and mortar fire. Reinforced by the Main Force from Sector 3, the soldiers fought back with support from Nigerien fighter jets, forcing the insurgents to flee into the Tumbun waterways with their dead and wounded.

Troops recovered six bodies of terrrorists, five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, over 250 rounds of ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades, drone bombs, hand grenades, and an Android phone. Additional airstrikes by Nigerian and Nigerien air forces reportedly neutralized more fleeing fighters.

Some soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members sustained minor injuries but were evacuated for treatment and are in stable condition. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) praised the troops’ bravery and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the North-East.

Meanwhile, the trial of two top Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Abubakar Abba (aka Isah Adam), will continue on November 19, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The duo arrested in July during a DSS-led counter-terrorism operation are accused of coordinating terrorist cells across Nigeria and funding jihadist activities through kidnapping and illegal mining. Usman, who pleaded guilty to one count of illegal mining, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Abba pleaded not guilty to all 32 terrorism-related charges.

US angry over Nigeria’s rejection of military base, not Christian killings CSO alleges.

A civil society organisation, Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance, has claimed that the recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump were not about alleged religious persecution but rather a reaction to Nigeria’s refusal to approve a U.S. military base and deportee resettlement deal.

Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, the group’s chairman, Usman Muhammed Anache, alleged that Washington had been pressuring Abuja to allow the establishment of a U.S. military base following the withdrawal of American forces from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

According to him, Nigeria’s decision to decline the proposal, coupled with its recent alignment with BRICS, the economic bloc led by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, may have further strained relations between the two countries.

“The U.S. is displeased because Nigeria refused its request to set up a military base and to house American deportees. They have now resorted to using religion, knowing how sensitive Nigerians are to faith-related issues,” Anache said.

He commended Nigerian Christian leaders who openly rejected Trump’s claim of “Christian genocide,” noting that terrorist attacks in the country have affected both Muslims and Christians alike.

Anache further praised the Federal Government for what he described as its steadfastness in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and promoting peace across West Africa.

“The divisive tactic of using religion to destabilize Nigeria will never succeed. This has been their plan since independence, but Nigeria has always stood united,” he added.

Trump had last week accused Nigeria of allowing the mass killing of Christians and threatened possible U.S. military action, a remark that has continued to attract condemnation from within and outside the country.

Claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria false, dangerous ECOWAS.

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has described recent claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria as false and dangerous, warning that such allegations are intended to fuel insecurity and undermine social cohesion across the region.

In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the regional bloc said terrorist groups operating in parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, have targeted civilians of various faiths, Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other religions, without discrimination.

“As independent reports have confirmed, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity or age,” ECOWAS stated.

The commission urged the United Nations and other international partners to disregard what it called misleading claims and to continue supporting West African governments in combating terrorism.

“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and divisive narratives that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region,” the communiqué added.

The regional body reiterated its support for member states facing insurgent violence and called for global solidarity in addressing terrorism in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

The statement follows remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that Christians were being massacred in Nigeria and threatened to withdraw aid over the killings.

BUA Refinery: Nigeria’s Next Big Move to End Fuel Import Dependence

Nigeria is set for another major breakthrough in its energy sector as BUA Group pushes forward with the construction of its new 200,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Akwa Ibom State. Led by billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, the project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to refine its own crude oil locally — a crucial step toward ending decades of fuel import dependence.

A Game Changer for Nigeria’s Economy

For years, Nigeria has exported crude oil only to import refined fuels at high costs. With the new BUA refinery coming onstream, this cycle is expected to change dramatically. The refinery will produce:
• Petrol (PMS)
• Diesel (AGO)
• Aviation fuel (Jet A1)
• LPG (cooking gas)
• Petrochemicals

This means more jobs, cheaper domestic fuel, and extra revenue for the nation through exports.

Why This Refinery Matters

✔ Supports fuel supply stability
✔ Reduces foreign exchange pressure
✔ Expands Nigeria’s refining capacity
✔ Encourages competition with other refineries — especially Dangote Refinery
✔ Boosts development in the Niger Delta region

The refinery is already attracting international partners in engineering, technology, and infrastructure.

Driving Local Content & Industrial Growth

BUA Group is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing conglomerates — with investments in:
• Cement
• Foods & sugar
• Port operations
• Real estate
• Energy & power

The refinery project expands BUA’s footprint into the petroleum value chain, helping to keep more wealth within Nigeria.

Looking Ahead

Once completed, the BUA refinery will become one of West Africa’s largest privately-owned refineries, adding healthy competition to the market and supporting Nigeria’s long-awaited shift toward full downstream independence.

“Nigeria should not be importing fuel when we have crude oil.”
— Abdul Samad Rabiu

The journey continues — and the results could reshape the nation’s economic future.

Chad Closes Border With Nigeria Over Security Concerns, Cites U.S. Military invasion reports.

The Government of Chad has announced the immediate closure of its border with Nigeria, citing security concerns following reports of alleged U.S. military plans in West Africa.

According to a report by Zagazola, the directive was issued by President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who ordered a complete military lockdown along the Nigerian border after intelligence suggested that terrorist elements from northern Nigeria were preparing to flee into Chadian territory.

Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed that the Chadian army has been placed on full alert, with troops and armoured vehicles deployed across key border corridors linking the two countries.

President Déby was quoted as saying that “no armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise.”

The move comes amid heightened regional tension and growing speculation over America’s alleged military activities in parts of West Africa.

Security analysts, said the closure was a preventive measure aimed at safeguarding Chadian sovereignty and preventing possible infiltration by armed groups exploiting regional instability.

Chad Shuts Its Border With Nigeria Amid Fears Of U.S. Troops Invasion.

The Chadian Government has reportedly announced an immediate closure of its border with Nigeria, citing heightened security concerns and intelligence reports of possible militant infiltration from Northern Nigeria.

Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed on Monday that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a military lockdown on the Nigerian border following reports that armed groups were planning to cross into Chad.

According to regional security analyst Zagazola Makama, Chadian troops have been deployed along key border corridors, backed by armoured vehicles and aerial reconnaissance units to prevent infiltration.

“Chadian troops and armoured vehicles have been deployed to critical routes from Nigeria, and all units are now at full readiness,” Makama reported.

President Déby was quoted as warning that “no armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise.”

Rumours of U.S. Forces’ Movement Heighten Tension the border closure follows growing tension across the Sahel and West Africa amid rumours of U.S. military movements in the region.

While no official statement has been issued from Washington, speculation about America’s alleged repositioning of troops in parts of West Africa has sparked diplomatic unease and security responses from several regional governments.

Security experts described Chad’s border closure as a preventive measure designed to protect its territory from potential spillovers of regional instability.

FG, EU, ECOWAS Sign Health Agreements to Boost Local Manufacturing, Reproductive Health in West Africa.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has signed three major agreements aimed at advancing local pharmaceutical production, attracting investments in the health sector, and improving reproductive health outcomes across West Africa.

The agreements, Enabling Local Manufacturing of Health, Immunisation and Nutrition Commodities in Nigeria (ELM-N), Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), and Strengthening Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in West Africa, were formaliSed on Thursday during the Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja.

The initiatives are part of the EU’s Global Gateway Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies (MAV+) Programme, a global effort designed to enhance regional health resilience and reduce dependency on imported medical products.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice-President Kashim Shettima said the agreements reaffirm the government’s commitment to building a “sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven health economy.”

Represented by Uju Rochas, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Health, Shettima said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order promoting local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

“Through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and complementary frameworks such as the sector-wide approach (SWAp), this administration has taken concrete steps to strengthen health governance, stimulate investment, and promote local manufacturing,” he said.

“Our message is clear: Nigeria is open for health investment, innovation, and impact. The President has declared that Nigeria’s health transformation will not be driven by aid and dependency alone, but by ownership, accountability, and innovation made in Nigeria, for Nigerians, and by Nigerians.”

Shettima also commended the EU, PVAC, and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) for their collaboration, describing the partnership as “a new chapter defined by shared prosperity, local innovation, and global collaboration.”

Nigeria has started exporting locally produced solar panels to Ghana, marking a key milestone in its drive to become West Africa’s renewable energy hub.

Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, announced the development at the 2025 Nigeria Energy Forum in Lagos, noting that new solar factories can now produce up to four gigawatts annually — enough to meet domestic needs and serve regional markets.

He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at boosting local production, innovation, and energy independence. The move follows partnerships formed at the 2025 Renewable Energy Innovation Forum, which attracted global investors to Nigeria’s clean energy sector.

Adelabu added that Nigeria has mobilised over $2 billion through partners such as the World Bank and JICA to expand renewable energy projects. He expressed confidence that the country’s growing solar capacity will make it a key supplier across the ECOWAS region and a leader in Africa’s green energy transition.

82-Year-Old Ouattara Wins Fourth Term With 89.77% in Ivory Coast Election.

Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in office after winning 89.77 percent of the votes in Saturday’s election, the country’s electoral commission announced on Monday.

The poll, which excluded Ouattara’s two strongest rivals, saw nearly nine million Ivorians eligible to vote in the world’s top cocoa-producing nation. 

Despite fears of unrest, voting took place peacefully, although tensions had soared in the lead-up to the election following opposition complaints over disqualifications.

Provisional results showed Ouattara sweeping the polls across most regions, with voter turnout reaching almost 100 percent in his northern strongholds. He also made surprising gains in southern areas and parts of Abidjan, traditionally considered opposition territory, where many polling stations recorded low turnout.

Entrepreneur Jean-Louis Billon finished a distant second with 3.09 percent of the vote, according to the commission’s president, Ibrahime Kuibiert Coulibaly. Turnout stood at 50.10 percent — similar to the 2020 election, when Ouattara won 94 percent amid an opposition boycott.

The 82-year-old leader, who first took power in 2011, remains a dominant figure in Ivorian politics. His victory underscores his continued grip on power in a country that has largely resisted the coups and insurgencies destabilizing other parts of West Africa.

Kenya Takes Nigeria to the ICC - President Ruto Challenges Nigeria Before International Court, Freezes Billions in Assets and Declares: "You Kidnapped Nnamdi Kanu Return Him to Kenya or Face the World Court!".

President William Ruto has reportedly taken a firm stance against Nigeria over the unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). According to emerging reports, President Ruto has brought Nigeria before the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the West African country of violating international law by abducting Kanu from Kenya in 2021. The Kenyan leader is also said to have imposed a travel ban on Nigerians entering Kenya and frozen assets worth billions of dollars owned by Nigerians in the country, a move aimed at pressuring Abuja to release Kanu immediately.

We are not afraid of Nigeria. If justice requires war, we are ready. You cannot invade our land, kidnap a man, and call it justice," President William Ruto was quoted as saying.

Attorney-General Sues Lawyer, Engineer, Others For Alleged Forgery.

Attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice (AGF) has dragged a legal practitioner, Bob Chiedozie Ugu and five others, including a civil engineer, Nnaemeka Chukwueke, to court for alleged forgery of title documents, theft, conspiracy and impersonation.

Other defendants in the charge dated April 8, 2025, are Samuel Udo-Imeh, Ifeanyi Abaekwueme, Earth Conscience Limited and NBC Infrastructure West Africa Limited.

Meanwhile, Justice Samira Umar Bature, of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has fixed January 27, 2026, for their fresh arraignment.

The commissioner of police had earlier filed a seven-count charge (FCT/HC/CR/302/2023) against Bob Chiedozie Ugu, Samuel Udo-Imeh, Ifeanyi Abaekwueme, and Earth Conscience Limited before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

However, the AGF after taking over the prosecution, increased the counts to 12 with two additional defendants, Nnaemeka Chukwueke, a civil engineer and NBC Infrastructure West Africa Limited.

The fresh charge was filed by a private counsel with the fiat of the AGF, Abdul Ter Kohol.
Meanwhile, the defendants who had pleaded not guilty to the previous charge, are yet to take their plea in the fresh charge.

In the fresh charge, the prosecution said the defendants allegedly forged title documents including the power of attorney with fraudulent intention of converting the property belonging to Nexune Nigeria Limited.

While Bob Chidozie, an Abia State-based legal practitioner, who also doubles as the managing director of Earth Conscience Limited, was a former commissioner for works in state, Samuel Udoh-Imeh, who works in the Information Technology and Services Sector, is an Abuja-based businessman.

FG Approves just $1bn for Modernisation of Apapa, TinCan Ports in Lagos.

The Federal Government has approved $1 billion (₦1.4 trillion) for the modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos — Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced this on Wednesday at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference in Lagos. 

He said the project aims to enhance cargo handling, expand capacity, and align operations with global standards under the ministry’s 10-year marine and blue economy strategy.

“We are working closely with stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption,” Oyetola stated.

He added that similar port upgrades are being planned outside Lagos to ensure balanced development nationwide.

Though the government has not released full details or a timeline, reports earlier this year indicated that ITB Nigeria — owned by Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury — had been awarded a $700 million contract for the Lagos port renovation, expected to begin in mid-2025. 

The project is to be financed through a Citibank loan backed by UK Export Finance, with additional support from Afreximbank.

APM Terminals, operators of the Apapa port and a subsidiary of Maersk, has also proposed a $500 million investment.

Oyetola noted that the ministry is fostering private sector participation through regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, and incentives to drive innovation and job creation.

Lagos ports, despite high fees and ageing infrastructure, remain vital trade hubs for West Africa and continue to attract major global shipping companies.