Aliko Dangote plans to list his Lagos-area refinery on the Nigerian Exchange next year. He says the initial public offering would allow investors to purchase stakes in naira but receive returns in hard currency, a rare hedge for both local and foreign investors.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Video - Dangote refinery aiming for a dual listing on the London and Lagos bourses
Aliko Dangote plans to list his Lagos-area refinery on the Nigerian Exchange next year. He says the initial public offering would allow investors to purchase stakes in naira but receive returns in hard currency, a rare hedge for both local and foreign investors.
US ramps up intelligence flights over Nigeria amid Trump’s intervention threat
The United States has stepped up intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November, according to flight-tracking data and current and former US officials cited by Reuters, signalling a renewed focus on security cooperation in West Africa.
The surveillance missions come weeks after President Donald Trump threatened possible military intervention in Nigeria, accusing the government of failing to curb violence against Christian communities. While the precise intelligence being collected remains unclear, the timing has heightened scrutiny of Washington’s intentions in Africa’s most populous country.
Flight data reviewed by Reuters shows that contractor-operated aircraft have been taking off from Accra, Ghana, flying over Nigerian territory, and returning to the Ghanaian capital.
The operator is Tenax Aerospace, a Mississippi-based company that provides special-mission aircraft and works closely with the US military. The company did not respond to requests for comment.
Analysts say the flights underscore a strategic recalibration following the US military’s forced withdrawal from Niger last year. Niger ordered American troops to leave a newly built air base and subsequently turned to Russia for security assistance, weakening Washington’s intelligence footprint in the Sahel.
Liam Karr, Africa team lead at the American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats Project, described the flights as an early indication that the US is rebuilding its intelligence and surveillance capacity in the region. He noted that Accra has long served as a key logistics hub for US military operations in Africa.
“In recent weeks, we have seen a resumption of intelligence and surveillance flights in Nigeria,” Karr said, adding that the operational pattern suggested a deliberate effort to re-establish situational awareness after setbacks elsewhere in the Sahel.
A former US official told Reuters that the aircraft was among several assets repositioned to Ghana in November under the Trump administration.
According to the official, the missions include attempts to locate a US pilot kidnapped earlier this year in neighbouring Niger Republic, as well as broader intelligence collection on militant activity in Nigeria.
Nigeria continues to battle multiple armed groups, most notably Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province, both of which have carried out deadly attacks in the country’s north east and beyond. Persistent insecurity has strained Nigeria’s security forces and drawn increasing international concern.
For African observers, the renewed US surveillance raises questions about sovereignty and the long-term implications of foreign military involvement.
For global audiences, it highlights how shifting alliances in the Sahel, coupled with domestic political rhetoric in Washington, are reshaping US engagement across West Africa.
The surveillance missions come weeks after President Donald Trump threatened possible military intervention in Nigeria, accusing the government of failing to curb violence against Christian communities. While the precise intelligence being collected remains unclear, the timing has heightened scrutiny of Washington’s intentions in Africa’s most populous country.
Flight data reviewed by Reuters shows that contractor-operated aircraft have been taking off from Accra, Ghana, flying over Nigerian territory, and returning to the Ghanaian capital.
The operator is Tenax Aerospace, a Mississippi-based company that provides special-mission aircraft and works closely with the US military. The company did not respond to requests for comment.
Analysts say the flights underscore a strategic recalibration following the US military’s forced withdrawal from Niger last year. Niger ordered American troops to leave a newly built air base and subsequently turned to Russia for security assistance, weakening Washington’s intelligence footprint in the Sahel.
Liam Karr, Africa team lead at the American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats Project, described the flights as an early indication that the US is rebuilding its intelligence and surveillance capacity in the region. He noted that Accra has long served as a key logistics hub for US military operations in Africa.
“In recent weeks, we have seen a resumption of intelligence and surveillance flights in Nigeria,” Karr said, adding that the operational pattern suggested a deliberate effort to re-establish situational awareness after setbacks elsewhere in the Sahel.
A former US official told Reuters that the aircraft was among several assets repositioned to Ghana in November under the Trump administration.
According to the official, the missions include attempts to locate a US pilot kidnapped earlier this year in neighbouring Niger Republic, as well as broader intelligence collection on militant activity in Nigeria.
Nigeria continues to battle multiple armed groups, most notably Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province, both of which have carried out deadly attacks in the country’s north east and beyond. Persistent insecurity has strained Nigeria’s security forces and drawn increasing international concern.
For African observers, the renewed US surveillance raises questions about sovereignty and the long-term implications of foreign military involvement.
For global audiences, it highlights how shifting alliances in the Sahel, coupled with domestic political rhetoric in Washington, are reshaping US engagement across West Africa.
By Segun Adeyemi, Business Insider Africa
Nigeria edge past Tanzania to make winning start to AFCON 2025
Ademola Lookman has secured a 2-1 win for a wasteful Nigeria against Tanzania in Fez, Morocco, in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match.
After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would have hoped for more goals given the opportunities his side created on Tuesday.
Star striker Victor Osimhen was among the culprits. He failed to score but could have claimed a hat-trick with better finishing.
Nigerian centre-half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half before Charles M’Mombwa levelled soon after half-time.
However, Atalanta attacker Lookman struck the winning goal shortly after the equaliser to spare Nigeria’s blushes.
The first half followed a predictable pattern, with three-time champions Nigeria pressing and Tanzania soaking up the pressure as they sought their first win after three draws and six losses in three previous AFCON appearances.
Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi suffered a facial injury after advancing off his line to block a shot by Akor Adams.
From the resultant corner, Sevilla striker Adams came close as his near-post header hit the top of the crossbar.
The East Africans threatened for the first time on 14 minutes, with an acrobatic shot from Simon Msuva comfortably saved by Stanley Nwabali.
As rain began to fall in Fez, Nigerian frustrations surfaced, with 2023 African player of the year Osimhen upset after being fouled by Ibrahim Hamad.
Osimhen then became the focal point of the Nigerian attacks, threatening to score twice before another attempt was cleared off the line by Bakari Nondo.
That set-piece led to the Super Eagles taking the lead as the ball was played back to Alex Iwobi, whose cross was nodded into the corner of the net by Ajayi for his second international goal.
Samuel Chukwueze had the chance to increase the lead just before half-time, but his close-range shot was tipped over by Masudi.
The opening seven minutes of the second period were dramatic, as an Osimhen goal was ruled offside before M’Mombwa equalised on 50 minutes, and then 2024 African player of the year Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead two minutes later with a rising shot from just outside the box.
Chelle introduced veteran Moses Simon for Adams in the vain hope of building a wider lead before what is likely to be their toughest Group C match – against Tunisia in Fez on Saturday.
Tanzania squandered a chance to equalise with three minutes of regular time remaining as a Mohamed Hussein cross evaded Nwabali, but substitute Kelvin John failed to connect with the ball.
After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would have hoped for more goals given the opportunities his side created on Tuesday.
Star striker Victor Osimhen was among the culprits. He failed to score but could have claimed a hat-trick with better finishing.
Nigerian centre-half Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the first half before Charles M’Mombwa levelled soon after half-time.
However, Atalanta attacker Lookman struck the winning goal shortly after the equaliser to spare Nigeria’s blushes.
The first half followed a predictable pattern, with three-time champions Nigeria pressing and Tanzania soaking up the pressure as they sought their first win after three draws and six losses in three previous AFCON appearances.
Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Masudi suffered a facial injury after advancing off his line to block a shot by Akor Adams.
From the resultant corner, Sevilla striker Adams came close as his near-post header hit the top of the crossbar.
The East Africans threatened for the first time on 14 minutes, with an acrobatic shot from Simon Msuva comfortably saved by Stanley Nwabali.
As rain began to fall in Fez, Nigerian frustrations surfaced, with 2023 African player of the year Osimhen upset after being fouled by Ibrahim Hamad.
Osimhen then became the focal point of the Nigerian attacks, threatening to score twice before another attempt was cleared off the line by Bakari Nondo.
That set-piece led to the Super Eagles taking the lead as the ball was played back to Alex Iwobi, whose cross was nodded into the corner of the net by Ajayi for his second international goal.
Samuel Chukwueze had the chance to increase the lead just before half-time, but his close-range shot was tipped over by Masudi.
The opening seven minutes of the second period were dramatic, as an Osimhen goal was ruled offside before M’Mombwa equalised on 50 minutes, and then 2024 African player of the year Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead two minutes later with a rising shot from just outside the box.
Chelle introduced veteran Moses Simon for Adams in the vain hope of building a wider lead before what is likely to be their toughest Group C match – against Tunisia in Fez on Saturday.
Tanzania squandered a chance to equalise with three minutes of regular time remaining as a Mohamed Hussein cross evaded Nwabali, but substitute Kelvin John failed to connect with the ball.
Tunisia open with a win against Uganda
Elias Achouri’s double helped Tunisia ease to a 3-1 win over Uganda in their opening game, the last of the day, at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ellyes Skhiri headed in an early opener, and FC Copenhagen winger Achouri then scored twice on either side of half-time, in a game played in relentless rain in Rabat. Denis Omedi netted a late consolation for Uganda.
The result leaves Tunisia on top of Group C after the opening round of matches, above Nigeria on goal difference following a 2-1 victory for the Super Eagles against Tanzania earlier in Fes.
“It was a good performance. I think we can take plenty of positives. We got three goals, and we wanted to start the competition in the best possible way,” Achouri said. “We did that, and we are very proud.”
Tunisia, who have qualified for next year’s World Cup, are appearing at a 17th consecutive AFCON and were eager to do better than at the 2024 edition in Ivory Coast, in which they were eliminated in the group stage without winning a game.
The Carthage Eagles duly got off to a triumphant start on a drenched surface at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, with French-born Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Skhiri opening the scoring after only 10 minutes.
Achouri then took centre stage, doubling the lead with a lovely cushioned finish from an Ali Abdi cross as the interval approached.
He got his second goal and Tunisia’s third shortly after the hour mark, following in to score after an Abdi shot was saved by Uganda goalkeeper Jamal Salim.
Uganda were well beaten but salvaged some pride when Omedi scored in stoppage time, his shot finding the net via a big deflection off Tunisian defender Yan Valery.
Tunisia meet Nigeria next on Saturday in Fes in what looks set to be a decisive game in deciding who wins the section, while Uganda and Tanzania will hope to register their first points when they clash in Rabat.
Elias Achouri’s double helped Tunisia ease to a 3-1 win over Uganda in their opening game, the last of the day, at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ellyes Skhiri headed in an early opener, and FC Copenhagen winger Achouri then scored twice on either side of half-time, in a game played in relentless rain in Rabat. Denis Omedi netted a late consolation for Uganda.
The result leaves Tunisia on top of Group C after the opening round of matches, above Nigeria on goal difference following a 2-1 victory for the Super Eagles against Tanzania earlier in Fes.
“It was a good performance. I think we can take plenty of positives. We got three goals, and we wanted to start the competition in the best possible way,” Achouri said. “We did that, and we are very proud.”
Tunisia, who have qualified for next year’s World Cup, are appearing at a 17th consecutive AFCON and were eager to do better than at the 2024 edition in Ivory Coast, in which they were eliminated in the group stage without winning a game.
The Carthage Eagles duly got off to a triumphant start on a drenched surface at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, with French-born Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Skhiri opening the scoring after only 10 minutes.
Achouri then took centre stage, doubling the lead with a lovely cushioned finish from an Ali Abdi cross as the interval approached.
He got his second goal and Tunisia’s third shortly after the hour mark, following in to score after an Abdi shot was saved by Uganda goalkeeper Jamal Salim.
Uganda were well beaten but salvaged some pride when Omedi scored in stoppage time, his shot finding the net via a big deflection off Tunisian defender Yan Valery.
Tunisia meet Nigeria next on Saturday in Fes in what looks set to be a decisive game in deciding who wins the section, while Uganda and Tanzania will hope to register their first points when they clash in Rabat.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Nigeria boosts security as 130 kidnap victims freed
The governor of Nigeria's Niger state held a ceremony on Monday to welcome back 130 kidnapped children and teachers released after a month in captivity.
Their kidnapping from a Catholic boarding school in Niger state's Papiri community was one of the worst mass abductions in Nigeria’s history. No one has claimed responsibility but local residents blame armed groups looking for ransoms.
School kidnappings have come to define insecurity in Africa’s most populous country. Now authorities say they are stepping security.
"We are implementing immediate short-term protective measures in high-risk areas, while concurrently working with state governments, traditional and religious leaders, to develop lasting community-based security solutions for education," Adamu Laka, a national coordinator with Nigeria's Counter-Terrorism Centre, said on Monday.
"It must not be a casualty to violence. We will continue to pursue policies and operations to restore confidence, reopen schools safely, and ensure that the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety is upheld."
Officials ducked questions about whether ransoms were paid to secure their release.
"I don't think it's very fair to the system, to the government for you to ask whether money was used or not. Most important thing we have gotten these people back unhurt," Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago told reporters on Monday. "The other one is for us, not for you. So, I think the most important is that we have recovered missing children, and how we did it, we know it.”
Most of the kidnapped children were aged between 10 and 17, their school said. They’re scheduled to be reunited with their families before Christmas.
Their kidnapping from a Catholic boarding school in Niger state's Papiri community was one of the worst mass abductions in Nigeria’s history. No one has claimed responsibility but local residents blame armed groups looking for ransoms.
School kidnappings have come to define insecurity in Africa’s most populous country. Now authorities say they are stepping security.
"We are implementing immediate short-term protective measures in high-risk areas, while concurrently working with state governments, traditional and religious leaders, to develop lasting community-based security solutions for education," Adamu Laka, a national coordinator with Nigeria's Counter-Terrorism Centre, said on Monday.
"It must not be a casualty to violence. We will continue to pursue policies and operations to restore confidence, reopen schools safely, and ensure that the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety is upheld."
Officials ducked questions about whether ransoms were paid to secure their release.
"I don't think it's very fair to the system, to the government for you to ask whether money was used or not. Most important thing we have gotten these people back unhurt," Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago told reporters on Monday. "The other one is for us, not for you. So, I think the most important is that we have recovered missing children, and how we did it, we know it.”
Most of the kidnapped children were aged between 10 and 17, their school said. They’re scheduled to be reunited with their families before Christmas.
Gunmen abduct 28 Muslim travellers in central Nigeria
Armed men have kidnapped 28 people travelling to an annual Islamic event in Nigeria's central Plateau state, local sources have told the BBC.
The victims, including women and children, were ambushed in their bus on Sunday night as it was driving between villages.
News of the abductions comes just a day after the Nigerian authorities announced the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren and teachers from a separate mass kidnapping at a Catholic boarding school in Niger state last month.
A journalist based in Plateau state said the families of the latest victims had begun receiving ransom demands.
The perpetrators are not known and the authorities have yet to comment.
Kidnapping for ransom by criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, has become common across parts of northern and central Nigeria.
Although the handing over of cash in order to release those being held is illegal, it is thought that this is how many cases are resolved and seen as a way for these gangs to raise money.
The incident in Plateau state is unrelated to the long-running Islamist insurgency in the country's north-east, where jihadist groups have been battling the state for more than a decade.
The insecurity in Nigeria received renewed international attention in November after US President Donald Trump threatened to send troops to "that now disgraced country, 'guns-a-blazing'". He alleged that Christians were being targeted.
Nigeria's federal government has acknowledged the security problems but has denied that Christians are being singled out.
On Monday, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said that recent tensions with the US over insecurity and alleged persecution of Christians have been "largely resolved", resulting in stronger relations with Washington.
He added that trained and equipped forest guards will be deployed to secure forests and other remote areas used as hideouts by criminal groups to supplement army operations.
By Mansur Abubakar, BBC
The victims, including women and children, were ambushed in their bus on Sunday night as it was driving between villages.
News of the abductions comes just a day after the Nigerian authorities announced the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren and teachers from a separate mass kidnapping at a Catholic boarding school in Niger state last month.
A journalist based in Plateau state said the families of the latest victims had begun receiving ransom demands.
The perpetrators are not known and the authorities have yet to comment.
Kidnapping for ransom by criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, has become common across parts of northern and central Nigeria.
Although the handing over of cash in order to release those being held is illegal, it is thought that this is how many cases are resolved and seen as a way for these gangs to raise money.
The incident in Plateau state is unrelated to the long-running Islamist insurgency in the country's north-east, where jihadist groups have been battling the state for more than a decade.
The insecurity in Nigeria received renewed international attention in November after US President Donald Trump threatened to send troops to "that now disgraced country, 'guns-a-blazing'". He alleged that Christians were being targeted.
Nigeria's federal government has acknowledged the security problems but has denied that Christians are being singled out.
On Monday, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said that recent tensions with the US over insecurity and alleged persecution of Christians have been "largely resolved", resulting in stronger relations with Washington.
He added that trained and equipped forest guards will be deployed to secure forests and other remote areas used as hideouts by criminal groups to supplement army operations.
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