Nigeria Launches National Cybercrime Team with Commonwealth, UK Support

Nigeria has officially launched its National Cybercrime Working Group (NCWG), aimed at strengthening the country’s response to digital threats. The initiative was developed with support from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Kingdom.

The NCWG will coordinate efforts across Nigeria’s law enforcement, regulatory, and security agencies to tackle cybercrime more effectively. It also aligns with the country’s National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to combat online criminal activity.

The launch is part of a broader Commonwealth cybercrime initiative that helps member countries improve legal and technical frameworks to address cyber threats.

By Aayushya Ranjan, Tech Africa News

Video - Nigerian students seek ‘friendlier’ destinations over the U.S.

The United States has for years been popular among Nigerians and other Africans for education, business, vacation and work. But many now say harsh policies by the Trump administration, especially against immigrants, are making them lose interest in the country.

CGTN

Video - Nigerian security forces rethink strategies amid renewed militant threat

Authorities in Nigeria are relying on local intelligence and bolstering the Civilian Joint Task Force to tackle the growing threat posed by militants in recent months. However, experts say a lasting solution requires increased economic support, local policing, and high-tech surveillance.

CGTN

Nigeria to open two Chinese-backed lithium processing plants this year

Nigeria is set to commission two major lithium processing plants this year, the country's mining minister announced on Sunday, marking a shift from raw mineral exports towards adding value domestically.

The facilities, largely funded by Chinese investors, could help transform Nigeria's vast mineral wealth into jobs, technology, and manufacturing growth within the country.

Mining Minister Dele Alake said a $600-million lithium processing plant near the Kaduna-Niger border is slated for commissioning this quarter, while a $200-million lithium refinery on the outskirts of Abuja is nearing completion. Two additional processing plants are expected in Nasarawa state, which borders the capital Abuja, before the third quarter of 2025, the minister said."We are now focused on turning our mineral wealth into domestic economic value - jobs, technology, and manufacturing," Alake said.

Over 80% of the funding for the four facilities has been provided by Chinese firms, including Jiuling Lithium Mining Company and Canmax Technologies, according to separate announcements by governors of the states where the plants are located.

The remaining stakes are owned by local investor Three Crown Mines.The Chinese firms did not immediately provide comment.The push for domestic processing follows a 2022 study by Nigeria's Geological Survey Agency, which discovered significant deposits of high-grade lithium across half a dozen Nigerian States, attracting considerable international interest.These developments are part of Nigeria's broader reforms to its underdeveloped mining sector, which currently contributes less than 1% to the nation's gross domestic product.

Other reforms undertaken include restricting the export of unprocessed minerals, formalising artisanal mining operations, which account for much of the current extraction, and establishing a state mining firm where investors can own up to a 75% stake.

Reuters

Related story: Chinese lithium firms take over copycat Nigeria refinery project

Global investors eye Nigeria’s lithium reserves

Armed gangs kill dozens in northeast Nigeria

Armed gangs in northeast Nigeria have killed dozens of people in two suspected attacks, a local governor and villagers said Saturday.

In a statement, the governor of Taraba state, Agbu Kefas, said "scores of people reportedly lost their lives and properties" in the attacks in the villages of Munga and Magani, in Karim Lamido district, early on Saturday.

What do we know about the attacks?

Kefas did not provide an exact death toll, but Nigerian outlet the Daily Post said more than 30 people had been killed by armed gangs, known in the West African country as "bandits."

"It was midnight, I heard gunshots, I woke up my brother and other people in our area," Magani resident Moses Kefas told AFP news agency.

He added that he and his neighbors returned after the gunmen had left. "I saw 16 bodies scattered around the village," he said.

Andrew John, from Munga, said he had seen about 13 dead bodies in his village.

Northern Nigeria gripped by deadly violence

Dozens of people have reportedly been displaced by the wave of violence.

The governor condemned the violence "in the strongest terms," calling it "horrendous and unacceptable."

"Our citizens' safety is my top priority," Kefas said, according to the Daily Post. "We have activated all necessary security measures to prevent further violence and bring those responsible to book."

Northeastern Nigeria has been plagued by violence in recent weeks, as armed gangs and Islamist groups, including Boko Haram, have increased their attacks.

The region has been ravaged by a 16-year insurgency. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and two million have been displaced, while the local economy has been badly damaged.

By Karl Sexton, DW