One year after devastating floods killed more than 160 people in Mokwa, Niger State, survivors are protesting over what they say are unfulfilled government promises. Residents are demanding accountability and stronger protections ahead of another rainy season.
Monday, June 1, 2026
Video - Nigeria flood survivors demand answers
One year after devastating floods killed more than 160 people in Mokwa, Niger State, survivors are protesting over what they say are unfulfilled government promises. Residents are demanding accountability and stronger protections ahead of another rainy season.
Nigeria seeks used German H145M military helicopters and support on Sahel security
Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Germany have reached a 65 years’ milestone, marked by a recent strategic dialogue between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During a ten-minute telephone conversation on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the two leaders addressed a multifaceted agenda covering regional security, energy infrastructure, and cultural exchange. A central focus of this discussion was a request from the Nigerian presidency for the transfer of used military helicopters to bolster Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities within the volatile Sahel corridor.
Strengthening Aerial Reconnaissance in the Sahel
President Tinubu emphasized the deteriorating security environment in the Sahel, noting that instability is increasingly moving toward the coastal states of West Africa. To counter this threat, Nigeria is seeking to acquire used Airbus H145M helicopters from German military inventory. These aircraft would serve as a specialized platform for intelligence reconnaissance, providing a necessary eye in the sky over porous borders and rugged terrain. The H145M is a light twin engine helicopter known for its agility and relatively low acoustic signature, making it an effective choice for covert surveillance and tactical support roles.
The H145M features the Helionix avionics suite and a four axis autopilot, which reduces pilot workload during complex ISR missions. Its performance in high altitude and hot environments is particularly relevant for the Sahel, where temperatures often exceed 40 degrees Celsius. While the German government has not yet formally confirmed the transfer, the Bundeswehr (the German armed forces) has been transitioning its rotary wing fleet. The potential availability of these assets stems from Germany’s ongoing modernization programs, which involve the phased replacement of older light utility units with newer configurations. By utilizing used airframes, Nigeria could potentially shorten the procurement timeline and reduce the capital expenditure required to expand its aerial surveillance fleet.
The request for German aviation support comes at a time of profound transition in Sahelian security architecture. For several years, European partners have modified their engagement in the region. In August 2021, the French Army deployed 32 Griffon armored vehicles to the Sahel as part of the 3rd Marine Infantry Regiment to combat insurgent groups. However, geopolitical shifts led the European Union to end some of its military training commitments in Mali by April 2022, primarily due to the presence of private military contractors and the political direction of the local administration. Despite these withdrawals, the European Union remains vocal about its commitment to the region, with officials stating that the Sahel remains a priority for international stability. During that period, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) had sent five of its CH-53G Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters and an additional 120 personnel to Gao, Mali to support the United Nations mission (MINUSMA).
The German military (Bundeswehr) utilizes the Airbus H145M as a highly versatile, multi-role light twin-engine helicopter. Formally designated in German service as the Leichter Kampfhubschrauber (LKH or Light Combat Helicopter), it serves as a flexible platform bridging tactical transport, special operations, and armed reconnaissance.
Nigeria’s proactive stance in requesting German assets demonstrates a regional push to fill the security vacuum left by departing international missions. Effective ISR operations are critical because insurgent movements in the Sahel rely on mobility and the exploitation of ungoverned spaces. Without persistent aerial oversight, ground forces often remain reactive. The H145M could bridge this gap by providing real time data to commanders, allowing for more precise deployments of ground units and a more effective response to cross border incursions.
President Tinubu emphasized the deteriorating security environment in the Sahel, noting that instability is increasingly moving toward the coastal states of West Africa. To counter this threat, Nigeria is seeking to acquire used Airbus H145M helicopters from German military inventory. These aircraft would serve as a specialized platform for intelligence reconnaissance, providing a necessary eye in the sky over porous borders and rugged terrain. The H145M is a light twin engine helicopter known for its agility and relatively low acoustic signature, making it an effective choice for covert surveillance and tactical support roles.
The H145M features the Helionix avionics suite and a four axis autopilot, which reduces pilot workload during complex ISR missions. Its performance in high altitude and hot environments is particularly relevant for the Sahel, where temperatures often exceed 40 degrees Celsius. While the German government has not yet formally confirmed the transfer, the Bundeswehr (the German armed forces) has been transitioning its rotary wing fleet. The potential availability of these assets stems from Germany’s ongoing modernization programs, which involve the phased replacement of older light utility units with newer configurations. By utilizing used airframes, Nigeria could potentially shorten the procurement timeline and reduce the capital expenditure required to expand its aerial surveillance fleet.
The request for German aviation support comes at a time of profound transition in Sahelian security architecture. For several years, European partners have modified their engagement in the region. In August 2021, the French Army deployed 32 Griffon armored vehicles to the Sahel as part of the 3rd Marine Infantry Regiment to combat insurgent groups. However, geopolitical shifts led the European Union to end some of its military training commitments in Mali by April 2022, primarily due to the presence of private military contractors and the political direction of the local administration. Despite these withdrawals, the European Union remains vocal about its commitment to the region, with officials stating that the Sahel remains a priority for international stability. During that period, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) had sent five of its CH-53G Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters and an additional 120 personnel to Gao, Mali to support the United Nations mission (MINUSMA).
The German military (Bundeswehr) utilizes the Airbus H145M as a highly versatile, multi-role light twin-engine helicopter. Formally designated in German service as the Leichter Kampfhubschrauber (LKH or Light Combat Helicopter), it serves as a flexible platform bridging tactical transport, special operations, and armed reconnaissance.
Nigeria’s proactive stance in requesting German assets demonstrates a regional push to fill the security vacuum left by departing international missions. Effective ISR operations are critical because insurgent movements in the Sahel rely on mobility and the exploitation of ungoverned spaces. Without persistent aerial oversight, ground forces often remain reactive. The H145M could bridge this gap by providing real time data to commanders, allowing for more precise deployments of ground units and a more effective response to cross border incursions.
Revitalizing the Presidential Power Initiative
Beyond defense cooperation, the dialogue between Tinubu and Merz addressed the long standing challenges within Nigeria’s energy sector. The Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) is a centerpiece of this effort, aiming to modernize the national grid through a $2.3 billion partnership with Siemens. Although the agreement was established in 2019, it has faced numerous regulatory and logistical hurdles. The original roadmap envisioned achieving 7,000 megawatts of reliable power by 2021 and 11,000 megawatts by 2023, targets that remain unfulfilled.
Chancellor Merz assured President Tinubu that Siemens would fulfill its commitments to rehabilitate transmission lines and distribution substations. Financing remains a critical component of this infrastructure push, with Deutsche Bank ready to provide the necessary capital. In late 2021, the Nigerian Federal Executive Council approved €62.9 million and $1.9 million for the initial phase of the project, focusing on grid expansion and modernization. While President Tinubu noted in late 2025 that progress had been made, he acknowledged that the pace of implementation has not yet met the expectations of the Nigerian public. The renewed commitment from Berlin suggests a diplomatic push to clear the remaining bottlenecks and stabilize Nigeria’s electricity supply, which is a prerequisite for broader industrial growth.
Beyond defense cooperation, the dialogue between Tinubu and Merz addressed the long standing challenges within Nigeria’s energy sector. The Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) is a centerpiece of this effort, aiming to modernize the national grid through a $2.3 billion partnership with Siemens. Although the agreement was established in 2019, it has faced numerous regulatory and logistical hurdles. The original roadmap envisioned achieving 7,000 megawatts of reliable power by 2021 and 11,000 megawatts by 2023, targets that remain unfulfilled.
Chancellor Merz assured President Tinubu that Siemens would fulfill its commitments to rehabilitate transmission lines and distribution substations. Financing remains a critical component of this infrastructure push, with Deutsche Bank ready to provide the necessary capital. In late 2021, the Nigerian Federal Executive Council approved €62.9 million and $1.9 million for the initial phase of the project, focusing on grid expansion and modernization. While President Tinubu noted in late 2025 that progress had been made, he acknowledged that the pace of implementation has not yet met the expectations of the Nigerian public. The renewed commitment from Berlin suggests a diplomatic push to clear the remaining bottlenecks and stabilize Nigeria’s electricity supply, which is a prerequisite for broader industrial growth.
Cultural Diplomacy and the New Ambassador
The conversation also touched upon the “soft power” aspects of the bilateral relationship. Chancellor Merz expressed a desire to establish the Great Museum of African Arts, a project intended to foster deeper cultural understanding and academic cooperation. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to preserve and showcase African heritage on a global stage. The German government is also awaiting the arrival of the new Nigerian ambassador to Berlin, a move expected to further streamline communication between the two administrations.
This multifaceted approach to diplomacy suggests that Germany views Nigeria as a pivotal partner not just for regional security, but as a long term economic and cultural collaborator in West Africa. The success of the helicopter request and the Siemens power project will likely serve as the primary metrics for the strength of this partnership in the coming years. By integrating military hardware, infrastructure engineering, and cultural exchange, both nations are attempting to build a resilient framework for cooperation in an increasingly complex global landscape.
The conversation also touched upon the “soft power” aspects of the bilateral relationship. Chancellor Merz expressed a desire to establish the Great Museum of African Arts, a project intended to foster deeper cultural understanding and academic cooperation. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to preserve and showcase African heritage on a global stage. The German government is also awaiting the arrival of the new Nigerian ambassador to Berlin, a move expected to further streamline communication between the two administrations.
This multifaceted approach to diplomacy suggests that Germany views Nigeria as a pivotal partner not just for regional security, but as a long term economic and cultural collaborator in West Africa. The success of the helicopter request and the Siemens power project will likely serve as the primary metrics for the strength of this partnership in the coming years. By integrating military hardware, infrastructure engineering, and cultural exchange, both nations are attempting to build a resilient framework for cooperation in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Related stories: Video - Inside the US's biggest military push in Nigeria in years
US tech billionaire Joe Lonsdale invests $11.8m in Nigerian drone firm to tackle Africa’s insecurity
Police warn against reprisal attacks on South Africans in Nigeria
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned against reprisal attacks on South Africans residing in Nigeria over the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in the former apartheid country.
The police issued the warning on Sunday in a statement signed by spokesman, Anthony Placid, saying anyone who attacks South African nationals or businesses in Nigeria will face the full wrath of the law.
Placid said the NPF had received concerns about possible reprisal attacks on South African nationals, businesses, and interests in Nigeria in response to the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
“While concerns about attacks on Nigerians in South Africa are understandable, the public is strongly advised not to take the law into their own hands,” the statement read.
“Reprisal attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any conduct that threatens public peace and national security is unlawful and will not be tolerated.
“Nigeria remains a nation governed by the rule of law. All persons lawfully residing within the country, irrespective of nationality, are entitled to protection under the law.
“Consequently, any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act and dealt with in accordance with extant laws.”
Placid also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified, inflammatory, or inciting information, especially on social media.
According to him, false or provocative content can escalate tensions, undermine public order, and hinder diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.
He added that the police is collaborating with other security and intelligence agencies and has implemented security measures and increased surveillance around critical national assets, foreign missions, and other key locations.
“Adequate deployments have been made to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” Placid explained.
By Oluyemi Ogunseyin, The Guardian
The police issued the warning on Sunday in a statement signed by spokesman, Anthony Placid, saying anyone who attacks South African nationals or businesses in Nigeria will face the full wrath of the law.
Placid said the NPF had received concerns about possible reprisal attacks on South African nationals, businesses, and interests in Nigeria in response to the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
“While concerns about attacks on Nigerians in South Africa are understandable, the public is strongly advised not to take the law into their own hands,” the statement read.
“Reprisal attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any conduct that threatens public peace and national security is unlawful and will not be tolerated.
“Nigeria remains a nation governed by the rule of law. All persons lawfully residing within the country, irrespective of nationality, are entitled to protection under the law.
“Consequently, any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act and dealt with in accordance with extant laws.”
Placid also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified, inflammatory, or inciting information, especially on social media.
According to him, false or provocative content can escalate tensions, undermine public order, and hinder diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.
He added that the police is collaborating with other security and intelligence agencies and has implemented security measures and increased surveillance around critical national assets, foreign missions, and other key locations.
“Adequate deployments have been made to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” Placid explained.
Related story: Nigeria evacuating 130 citizens from S. Africa after attacks
Friday, May 29, 2026
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Supporting EV Industry
The Federal Government has restated its support for the growth of Nigeria’s electric vehicle industry through policies focused on local content and innovation.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, said this in Abuja at a meeting of electric vehicle manufacturers and assemblers.
He said government would work with agencies to strengthen local participation in clean transport, energy and technology sectors.
He said the aim was to place Nigerian talent and businesses at the centre of industrial development.
Representatives of the Electric Vehicle Assemblers and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria said the group had gained legal status and expanded its membership across the value chain.
They said Nigeria has the capacity to become a hub for electric mobility in Africa.
Officials of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council said reforms would continue to support investment in emerging industries.
They said electric mobility could create jobs and support growth in manufacturing, energy and logistics.
Industry stakeholders also pointed to challenges such as funding gaps and weak infrastructure.
The meeting ended with the election of new executives to lead the association.
Nigeria firm unveils Africa's largest EV charging hub
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, said this in Abuja at a meeting of electric vehicle manufacturers and assemblers.
He said government would work with agencies to strengthen local participation in clean transport, energy and technology sectors.
He said the aim was to place Nigerian talent and businesses at the centre of industrial development.
Representatives of the Electric Vehicle Assemblers and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria said the group had gained legal status and expanded its membership across the value chain.
They said Nigeria has the capacity to become a hub for electric mobility in Africa.
Officials of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council said reforms would continue to support investment in emerging industries.
They said electric mobility could create jobs and support growth in manufacturing, energy and logistics.
Industry stakeholders also pointed to challenges such as funding gaps and weak infrastructure.
The meeting ended with the election of new executives to lead the association.
By Michael Olugbode, Arise News
Islamic State claims first attacks in North-west Nigeria
The Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) has claimed what appears to be its first reported attacks in North-west Nigeria, in which 18 soldiers and a police officer were killed in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
The claims were published in Al-Naba, an Islamic States’ weekly propaganda magazine published on Thursday.
The claims came about six months after United States President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against those he described as Islamic State elements in the North-west, following his claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
However, analysts and security observers remain divided over the footprint of Islamic State in the North-west region.
The claims
According to Al-Naba, ISSP fighters ambushed a patrol team of the Nigerian Army on 28th of Dhul Qadah (15 May) near Runji village in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Islamic State claimed that the attack led to a gun battle involving machine guns, during which seven soldiers were killed while others sustained injuries and fled the area.
The terror group added that its fighters burnt a military vehicle and seized eight rifles as well as three machine guns during the encounter.
In Kebbi State, the group said ISSP fighters carried out another ambush earlier in May near Giro Masa village, killing 11 soldiers and a police officer, while injuring others.
According to the Al-Naba publication, the troops were allegedly attacked while attempting to track the fighters in the area.
It also claimed that two military vehicles were destroyed and weapons carted away during the attack.
The claims by the extremist group could not be independently verified as of press time, while Nigerian military authorities are yet to officially comment on the allegations.
However, similar attacks were recorded mid-May in Illela LGA, Sokoto, and Shanga LGA, Kebbi. Both attacks were blamed on Lakurawa, a terror group that has been operating in the region for years.
The latest claims are expected to renew the debate around Lakurawa’s affiliation.
Analysts hold differing opinions regarding the group’s ideological and operational affiliation. While some believe Lakurawa is aligned with an al-Qaeda franchise operating across the Sahel, others argue that the group may instead be operating as a local affiliate of the Islamic State.
The uncertainty surrounding the group’s allegiance has continued to complicate efforts to clearly define the evolving militant landscape in Nigeria’s North-west, where armed banditry, cross-border insurgency and extremist infiltration increasingly overlap.
By Yakubu Mohammed, Premium Times
The claims were published in Al-Naba, an Islamic States’ weekly propaganda magazine published on Thursday.
The claims came about six months after United States President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against those he described as Islamic State elements in the North-west, following his claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
However, analysts and security observers remain divided over the footprint of Islamic State in the North-west region.
The claims
According to Al-Naba, ISSP fighters ambushed a patrol team of the Nigerian Army on 28th of Dhul Qadah (15 May) near Runji village in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Islamic State claimed that the attack led to a gun battle involving machine guns, during which seven soldiers were killed while others sustained injuries and fled the area.
The terror group added that its fighters burnt a military vehicle and seized eight rifles as well as three machine guns during the encounter.
In Kebbi State, the group said ISSP fighters carried out another ambush earlier in May near Giro Masa village, killing 11 soldiers and a police officer, while injuring others.
According to the Al-Naba publication, the troops were allegedly attacked while attempting to track the fighters in the area.
It also claimed that two military vehicles were destroyed and weapons carted away during the attack.
The claims by the extremist group could not be independently verified as of press time, while Nigerian military authorities are yet to officially comment on the allegations.
However, similar attacks were recorded mid-May in Illela LGA, Sokoto, and Shanga LGA, Kebbi. Both attacks were blamed on Lakurawa, a terror group that has been operating in the region for years.
The latest claims are expected to renew the debate around Lakurawa’s affiliation.
Analysts hold differing opinions regarding the group’s ideological and operational affiliation. While some believe Lakurawa is aligned with an al-Qaeda franchise operating across the Sahel, others argue that the group may instead be operating as a local affiliate of the Islamic State.
The uncertainty surrounding the group’s allegiance has continued to complicate efforts to clearly define the evolving militant landscape in Nigeria’s North-west, where armed banditry, cross-border insurgency and extremist infiltration increasingly overlap.
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