Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria Sokoto state is known as the “Seat of the Caliphate” for its role in the birth and propagation of Islam in the region.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Video - Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria
Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria Sokoto state is known as the “Seat of the Caliphate” for its role in the birth and propagation of Islam in the region.
2 Baby Gorillas & 4 Chimpanzees Among 48 Wild Animals Rescued In Wildlife Trafficking Bust In Nigeria
Two baby gorillas and four chimpanzees are among 48 wild animals and birds recovered in Nigeria after authorities uncovered a suspected wildlife trafficking operation that led to the arrest of three individuals.
Officers with the Nigeria Customs Service Kano/Jigawa Area Command located the animals along the Kano–Daura Road at approximately 8:30 p.m. on August 25, 2026, after receiving intelligence about the suspected trafficking activity.
Nigeria Customs reported that the three men allegedly made several attempts to bribe the officers involved in the operation. The officers rejected the alleged bribes and continued with the operation, which resulted in the arrests and recovery of the wildlife.
The suspected trafficking operation involved a wide range of species, including threatened and endangered wildlife. Among those rescued were two baby gorillas, four chimpanzees, four caracals, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, also known as bush babies, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet, and 19 greater bustards.
The animals and the three suspects were later transferred to the Special Wildlife Office at Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters as the investigation continued.
Nigeria Customs cited Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, in connection with the operation, along with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Gorillas and chimpanzees are protected under CITES Appendix I, which includes species threatened with extinction and provides the Convention’s highest level of protection.
The illegal wildlife trade continues to exploit wild animals for profit, putting vulnerable species at risk and taking animals away from the lives they deserve in the wild.
World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals applaud the officers involved in this operation for taking action to protect these precious animals from further exploitation. These baby gorillas, chimpanzees, and all wild animals deserve to live protected from harm — wild and free.
Nigeria confirms planned withdrawal of US troops sent to help tackle insecurity crisis
Nigeria on Tuesday confirmed the planned withdrawal of around 200 U.S. troops sent to help the West African country tackle its complex security crisis.
The deployment was made in February following an escalation in tensions between Nigeria and the U.S. following accusations of Christian genocide.
According to the Nigerian government, the U.S. troops assisted in training and intelligence gathering and took part in a joint operation in which a top Islamic State leader was killed.
“The relationship between Nigeria and the United States remains strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial. The deployment of United States personnel was tied to specific operational and counterterrorism objectives,” Nigerian military spokesperson Samaila Uba said.
He said the withdrawal is a part of the engagement and some parts of the security partnership will continue.
Nigeria is facing a serious security crisis. Jihadist groups and other criminal groups carry out several attacks across the country. Since President Bola Tinubu came to power, the crisis has worsened, spreading southward.
Analysts say that despite the deployment of troops and U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims on the security crisis, little has changed on the ground. Last week, scores of people were abducted in the central region of the country.
The deployment was made in February following an escalation in tensions between Nigeria and the U.S. following accusations of Christian genocide.
According to the Nigerian government, the U.S. troops assisted in training and intelligence gathering and took part in a joint operation in which a top Islamic State leader was killed.
“The relationship between Nigeria and the United States remains strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial. The deployment of United States personnel was tied to specific operational and counterterrorism objectives,” Nigerian military spokesperson Samaila Uba said.
He said the withdrawal is a part of the engagement and some parts of the security partnership will continue.
Nigeria is facing a serious security crisis. Jihadist groups and other criminal groups carry out several attacks across the country. Since President Bola Tinubu came to power, the crisis has worsened, spreading southward.
Analysts say that despite the deployment of troops and U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims on the security crisis, little has changed on the ground. Last week, scores of people were abducted in the central region of the country.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Video - Fuel subsidies emerge as key issue ahead of Nigeria's elections
Petrol subsidies have become a major campaign issue in Nigeria ahead of January's general elections, with candidates divided over how to address the country's cost-of-living pressures. President Bola Tinubu's government removed the subsidy in 2023, triggering a sharp rise in fuel prices and broader economic challenges. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is seeking the presidency, says he would restore the subsidy if elected.
Nigerian extradited to US for fatal sextortion of minor
A Nigerian, Adebola Adekunle, indicted for the sextortion of a minor, has been extradited from Nigeria to the United States to face prosecution.
The US Department of Justice said Mr Adekunle was extradited from Nigeria to the US to face prosecution for the financially motivated extortion of a minor in Mississippi, which led to the victim’s death.
In a statement on Monday, the US State Department said Mr Adekunle was arrested in Nigeria in 2023 and extradited three years later.
He was “arrested in Nigeria in August of 2023, as part of a wider operation with the FBI to apprehend sexual extortionists targeting minors in the US and extradited on Thursday, August 27, 2026.”
The agency also noted that Mr Adekunle is facing a three-count federal indictment for the “sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, the production of child sexual abuse material, coercion and enticement of a minor, and interstate threats with intent to extort.”
He appeared before a federal court in Oxford, Mississippi, for an initial appearance last month.
According to the Department of State, Mr Adekunle is facing up to life in prison, and mandatory minimum prison sentences on at least two charges.
“The child exploitation resulting in death count carries a mandatory 30-year prison sentence, if found guilty of that charge,” it said.
“Several weeks ago we announced an undercover operation dealing with child exploitation, which resulted in 70 arrests. Unfortunately, here we are again in an unrelated child victimisation case. This time a child died,” US Attorney Scott Leary said.
This is the latest US sextortion case involving Nigerians. Many Nigerians have been extradited to America for sexual extortion schemes and cybercrimes, including wire fraud and money laundering.
In February 2026, Afeez Adewale was extradited from Nigeria to the US over his alleged involvement in a sextortion scheme that authorities said contributed to the death of a young American man.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that he was charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In May, a Nigerian identified as Samuel Ugberase was extradited for his role in a romance scam and money laundering scheme.
Mr Ugberase was accused of using online romance scams to deceive victims into sending money under false pretences.
Prosecutors said he and his co-conspirators, who include a naturalised Nigerian, Oluwadamilare Kolaogunbule, used fake identities, fabricated stories and false promises to manipulate victims.
How sextortion scammers in Nigeria targeted my son
The US Department of Justice said Mr Adekunle was extradited from Nigeria to the US to face prosecution for the financially motivated extortion of a minor in Mississippi, which led to the victim’s death.
In a statement on Monday, the US State Department said Mr Adekunle was arrested in Nigeria in 2023 and extradited three years later.
He was “arrested in Nigeria in August of 2023, as part of a wider operation with the FBI to apprehend sexual extortionists targeting minors in the US and extradited on Thursday, August 27, 2026.”
The agency also noted that Mr Adekunle is facing a three-count federal indictment for the “sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, the production of child sexual abuse material, coercion and enticement of a minor, and interstate threats with intent to extort.”
He appeared before a federal court in Oxford, Mississippi, for an initial appearance last month.
According to the Department of State, Mr Adekunle is facing up to life in prison, and mandatory minimum prison sentences on at least two charges.
“The child exploitation resulting in death count carries a mandatory 30-year prison sentence, if found guilty of that charge,” it said.
“Several weeks ago we announced an undercover operation dealing with child exploitation, which resulted in 70 arrests. Unfortunately, here we are again in an unrelated child victimisation case. This time a child died,” US Attorney Scott Leary said.
This is the latest US sextortion case involving Nigerians. Many Nigerians have been extradited to America for sexual extortion schemes and cybercrimes, including wire fraud and money laundering.
In February 2026, Afeez Adewale was extradited from Nigeria to the US over his alleged involvement in a sextortion scheme that authorities said contributed to the death of a young American man.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that he was charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In May, a Nigerian identified as Samuel Ugberase was extradited for his role in a romance scam and money laundering scheme.
Mr Ugberase was accused of using online romance scams to deceive victims into sending money under false pretences.
Prosecutors said he and his co-conspirators, who include a naturalised Nigerian, Oluwadamilare Kolaogunbule, used fake identities, fabricated stories and false promises to manipulate victims.
By Beloved John, Premium Times
Related stories: Nigerian extradited to US for sextortion, death of an American
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