A reduction in international aid is exacerbating Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis, particularly in Borno state, where over two million displaced people depend on assistance. With several aid organizations scaling back, critical services like nutrition and healthcare are being disrupted, leaving vulnerable populations at greater risk.
Friday, February 13, 2026
Nigeria faces humanitarian crisis due to aid cuts
A reduction in international aid is exacerbating Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis, particularly in Borno state, where over two million displaced people depend on assistance. With several aid organizations scaling back, critical services like nutrition and healthcare are being disrupted, leaving vulnerable populations at greater risk.
Court convicts two Chinese nationals for cyber-terrorism, N3.4bn fraud
The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday convicted two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, on cyber-terrorism and a N3.4 billion fraud charges.
The convicts, alongside one Friday Audu, were among a syndicate of 792 fraudsters arrested for cryptocurrency, investment and romance fraud on 19 December 2024 in Lagos.
They were arrested during a surprise operation tagged ‘Eagle Flush Operation’ by the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) operatives.
Some of the suspects had been convicted and sentenced to varying terms of imprisonment in separate trials last year.
On Wednesday, trial judge Daniel Osiagor convicted Haoyou and Hongxu after they changed their pleas from “not guilty” to “guilty” during Wednesday’s proceedings.
The judge imposed cumulative 46 years’ imprisonment on each of the two convicts, according to a statement by the prosecution agency, EFCC, on Wednesday.
The statement did not disclose the breakdown of the sentences attracted by each of the offences of which they were convicted. That would have revealed the maximum number of years the convicts would spend in prison, since the prison terms on imposed on them for each charge are likely to run concurrently.
But the statement said the judge gave the convicts an option of a N56 million fine.
He also ordered that they undertake three days of community service and be repatriated to their home country after serving their sentences.
The case was adjourned until 29 April, for the continuation of trial of the third defendant, Friday Audu, who maintained his plea of not guilty.
By Emmanuel Agbo, Premium Times
The convicts, alongside one Friday Audu, were among a syndicate of 792 fraudsters arrested for cryptocurrency, investment and romance fraud on 19 December 2024 in Lagos.
They were arrested during a surprise operation tagged ‘Eagle Flush Operation’ by the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) operatives.
Some of the suspects had been convicted and sentenced to varying terms of imprisonment in separate trials last year.
On Wednesday, trial judge Daniel Osiagor convicted Haoyou and Hongxu after they changed their pleas from “not guilty” to “guilty” during Wednesday’s proceedings.
The judge imposed cumulative 46 years’ imprisonment on each of the two convicts, according to a statement by the prosecution agency, EFCC, on Wednesday.
The statement did not disclose the breakdown of the sentences attracted by each of the offences of which they were convicted. That would have revealed the maximum number of years the convicts would spend in prison, since the prison terms on imposed on them for each charge are likely to run concurrently.
But the statement said the judge gave the convicts an option of a N56 million fine.
He also ordered that they undertake three days of community service and be repatriated to their home country after serving their sentences.
The case was adjourned until 29 April, for the continuation of trial of the third defendant, Friday Audu, who maintained his plea of not guilty.
Plea reversal
Messrs Huanthe g and Hongxu were arraigned alongside Mr Audu and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 on seven counts of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud and money laundering.
The charges involve N3,407,824,740.78 and $2,562,203 allegedly traced to the syndicate.
At the resumed hearing on 11 February, lawyer to the first and third defendants, Bridget Omateno, informed the court that Messrs Huang and Hongxu wished to change their pleas.
When the charges were re-read, both defendants pleaded guilty, while Mr Audu maintained his earlier plea.
Following the plea change, prosecution lawyer Bilikisu Bala-Buhari urged the court to impose the maximum penalty of life imprisonment on counts one to three and 14 years on counts four to seven.
The court subsequently convicted and sentenced the two men.
Messrs Huanthe g and Hongxu were arraigned alongside Mr Audu and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 on seven counts of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud and money laundering.
The charges involve N3,407,824,740.78 and $2,562,203 allegedly traced to the syndicate.
At the resumed hearing on 11 February, lawyer to the first and third defendants, Bridget Omateno, informed the court that Messrs Huang and Hongxu wished to change their pleas.
When the charges were re-read, both defendants pleaded guilty, while Mr Audu maintained his earlier plea.
Following the plea change, prosecution lawyer Bilikisu Bala-Buhari urged the court to impose the maximum penalty of life imprisonment on counts one to three and 14 years on counts four to seven.
The court subsequently convicted and sentenced the two men.
The offences
According to the EFCC, the defendants conspired in 2024 to access computer systems in a manner capable of seriously destabilising Nigeria’s economic and social structures.
They were accused of recruiting and employing Nigerian youths to falsely pose as foreign nationals on online platforms to defraud unsuspecting victims through cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.
The offences contravene Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024), as well as provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The EFCC also alleged that between August and December 2024, the defendants retained N3.4 billion in a Union Bank account belonging to Genting International Co. Ltd., knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
The anti-graft agency said the defendants were among 792 suspected cybercrime operatives arrested on 19 December 2024, during a coordinated operation in Lagos codenamed “Eagle Flush.”
In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said investigations revealed that Mr Audu incorporated Genting International Co. Ltd. at the directive of Mr Huang to facilitate the alleged fraudulent scheme.
According to the EFCC, the defendants conspired in 2024 to access computer systems in a manner capable of seriously destabilising Nigeria’s economic and social structures.
They were accused of recruiting and employing Nigerian youths to falsely pose as foreign nationals on online platforms to defraud unsuspecting victims through cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.
The offences contravene Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024), as well as provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The EFCC also alleged that between August and December 2024, the defendants retained N3.4 billion in a Union Bank account belonging to Genting International Co. Ltd., knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
The anti-graft agency said the defendants were among 792 suspected cybercrime operatives arrested on 19 December 2024, during a coordinated operation in Lagos codenamed “Eagle Flush.”
In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said investigations revealed that Mr Audu incorporated Genting International Co. Ltd. at the directive of Mr Huang to facilitate the alleged fraudulent scheme.
Forfeiture
The court ordered the forfeiture of items recovered from four properties in Victoria Island and Ikoyi to the Federal Government.
Recovered items include 1,596 mobile phones, 43 computer systems, 194 routers, a network server, thousands of SIM cards, 126 air-conditioning units, generators, vehicles, office furniture, mattresses and bunk beds.
The court ordered the forfeiture of items recovered from four properties in Victoria Island and Ikoyi to the Federal Government.
Recovered items include 1,596 mobile phones, 43 computer systems, 194 routers, a network server, thousands of SIM cards, 126 air-conditioning units, generators, vehicles, office furniture, mattresses and bunk beds.
Bail to defendant
Earlier in the proceedings, Mr Osiagor granted Mr Audu bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties, one of whom must be a serving director and property owner with verifiable title documents deposited in court.
However, bail was denied to the two Chinese nationals prior to their guilty pleas after the EFCC argued that they were flight risks and key figures in the alleged syndicate.
Earlier in the proceedings, Mr Osiagor granted Mr Audu bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties, one of whom must be a serving director and property owner with verifiable title documents deposited in court.
However, bail was denied to the two Chinese nationals prior to their guilty pleas after the EFCC argued that they were flight risks and key figures in the alleged syndicate.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Nigerian fintech Redtech plans to raise $100 million for expansion
CEO Emmanuel Ojo says the company will first extend its services to 29 African countries, after which they will consider a Series A funding round. Redtech expects annual transactions on its platform to grow from $25 billion in 2025 to $100 billion within two years, with the transaction value tripling to $73.6 billion. Backed by tycoon Tony Elumelu, Redtech is also looking to expand its equity base and introduce new products across the continent.
US Bill targets illegal Chinese mining in Nigeria
A new bill in the United States House of Representatives seeks to have the US Secretary of State collaborate with Nigeria to counter what lawmakers describe as the destabilizing impact of illegal Chinese mining operations in the country.
The “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026” was introduced on Tuesday by five Republican lawmakers: Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. The sponsors allege that some Chinese mining companies operating in Nigeria have been paying protection money to Fulani militias, fueling local violence and insecurity.
Under the proposed legislation, the Secretary of State would provide technical support to Nigeria aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating militia-related violence, including through disarmament programs and comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation. The bill also calls for coordination with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the UK to advance religious freedom and peace.
Clauses 10 and 11 of the bill specifically direct:
“The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilizing practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”
The legislation also tasks the Secretary of State with determining whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias qualify as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
The bill references a 2023 report by The Times, which alleged that Chinese nationals in Nigeria’s mining sector were indirectly funding militant groups in the northwest to secure access to mineral resources. According to the report, some miners in Zamfara acted as runners for militant groups, raising concerns that “Beijing could be indirectly funding terror in Africa’s largest economy.”
If passed, the bill would represent a significant US intervention in Nigeria’s mineral sector and security landscape, linking foreign mining operations to militia activity and underscoring broader concerns about regional stability, counter-terrorism, and governance.
By David Meshioye, The Guardian
The “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026” was introduced on Tuesday by five Republican lawmakers: Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. The sponsors allege that some Chinese mining companies operating in Nigeria have been paying protection money to Fulani militias, fueling local violence and insecurity.
Under the proposed legislation, the Secretary of State would provide technical support to Nigeria aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating militia-related violence, including through disarmament programs and comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation. The bill also calls for coordination with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the UK to advance religious freedom and peace.
Clauses 10 and 11 of the bill specifically direct:
“The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilizing practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”
The legislation also tasks the Secretary of State with determining whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias qualify as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
The bill references a 2023 report by The Times, which alleged that Chinese nationals in Nigeria’s mining sector were indirectly funding militant groups in the northwest to secure access to mineral resources. According to the report, some miners in Zamfara acted as runners for militant groups, raising concerns that “Beijing could be indirectly funding terror in Africa’s largest economy.”
If passed, the bill would represent a significant US intervention in Nigeria’s mineral sector and security landscape, linking foreign mining operations to militia activity and underscoring broader concerns about regional stability, counter-terrorism, and governance.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Desperation pushes communities in Nigeria to seal peace pacts with armed gangs
In northern Nigeria's Katsina state, persistent insecurity has led some communities to take drastic measures. A recent attack in a town occurred despite a local peace agreement with armed groups, highlighting the fragility of such deals. While authorities like the police do not endorse these arrangements, they reflect the extreme steps residents are taking to protect themselves when formal security measures fall short. CGTN explores this complex reality on the ground.
Uncertainty on the streets over Nigeria’s sachet alcohol ban
Philip, who buys sachets “almost every day,” says he prefers to “take it small, small” rather than buy a large bottle. “I plan it…I have a minimum and a maximum.” For him, sachets are about volume control, not price. “If there is no sachet, I can switch to a bigger one… It depends on my mood,” he told DW.
Nigeria’s food and drug regulator, NAFDAC, has long planned a phase-out of alcohol packaged in sachets and in plastic bottles of less than 200ml (0.05 gallons). It announced the ban would be enforced as planned from December last year, but disagreement between government agencies has created confusion and ambiguity about whether the ban is actually in force. The policy is intended to reduce alcohol abuse by minors and drivers.
Conflicting directives are causing confusion
At a Lagos press briefing in late January 2026, NAFDAC Director General Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye stated that enforcement had resumed, saying the agency had received a “matching order” from the Senate. But NAFDAC’s statement conflicts with a December 15, 2025, directive issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), ordering an immediate suspension of all enforcement actionspending consultations and a final directive. The statement also added that any action taken without OSGF clearance “should be disregarded.”
At the time of publication, there was no public OSGF notice lifting that suspension, leaving manufacturers, retailers and buyers guessing which order to obey.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, director general of Nigeria’s Manufacturers Association (MAN), says that a “renewed ban” would hurt the economy, disrupt compliant producers, and encourage the sale of illicit, unregulated products. He added that operators are “confused as to which directive to follow.”
According to Ajayi-Kadir, alcohol packaged in sachets serves low-income adult consumers, and an outright ban would limit their choice.
On January 23, members of Nigeria’s labour unions, including the country’s Distillers and Blenders Association, held demonstrations outside NAFDAC’s Lagos office, holding placards that read: “Local manufacturers deserve protection, not frustration” and “5.5 million Nigerians cannot be pushed to the streets.” They argue that the ban risks jobs and investments.
At a Lagos press briefing in late January 2026, NAFDAC Director General Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye stated that enforcement had resumed, saying the agency had received a “matching order” from the Senate. But NAFDAC’s statement conflicts with a December 15, 2025, directive issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), ordering an immediate suspension of all enforcement actionspending consultations and a final directive. The statement also added that any action taken without OSGF clearance “should be disregarded.”
At the time of publication, there was no public OSGF notice lifting that suspension, leaving manufacturers, retailers and buyers guessing which order to obey.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, director general of Nigeria’s Manufacturers Association (MAN), says that a “renewed ban” would hurt the economy, disrupt compliant producers, and encourage the sale of illicit, unregulated products. He added that operators are “confused as to which directive to follow.”
According to Ajayi-Kadir, alcohol packaged in sachets serves low-income adult consumers, and an outright ban would limit their choice.
On January 23, members of Nigeria’s labour unions, including the country’s Distillers and Blenders Association, held demonstrations outside NAFDAC’s Lagos office, holding placards that read: “Local manufacturers deserve protection, not frustration” and “5.5 million Nigerians cannot be pushed to the streets.” They argue that the ban risks jobs and investments.
Each sachet has its ‘own work’ in the body
For Amara Ruth, who has sold alcohol packaged in sachets at her roadside kiosk in FESTAC town since 2019, demand has not dipped. “People always buy,” she told DW. “At night sales are very high,” she said, adding that afternoons also bring in a steady flow of clients. Pricing is simple: 100 Naira for the smaller sachet, 200 Naira for the larger one.
Ruth believes buyers would still pay even if prices rose, because sachets are an inexpensive entry point. Her bestsellers range from gins used for libation to bitters and “manpower” brands popular for sexual enhancement. “Each sachet has its own work they do in the body,” she explained. Nigerian bitters drinks are herbal-based alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are traditionally believed to provide the body with various health benefits.
“Nobody from NAFDAC has come here. Nobody at all,” she says, recalling only a temporary squeeze on one bitters brand last year. Ruth sometimes refuses sales to older men who get drunk quickly or to young buyers she does not trust, but admitted that children may buy for adults.
Philip’s experience is similar. He says availability has not tightened since talk of a ban began. “Nothing changed. It’s even multiplied. In Lagos, you can get it anywhere, within 20 meters, you have one.” On youth access, he adds: “If they want to get it, they will get it.”
A 2019 report published in African Health Sciences revealed 30% alcohol use among young Nigerians. The World Health Organization’s (WHO)Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health (2018) estimated heavy episodic drinking among Nigerians aged 15–19 at 22.5%, one of the highest rates in Africa.
For Amara Ruth, who has sold alcohol packaged in sachets at her roadside kiosk in FESTAC town since 2019, demand has not dipped. “People always buy,” she told DW. “At night sales are very high,” she said, adding that afternoons also bring in a steady flow of clients. Pricing is simple: 100 Naira for the smaller sachet, 200 Naira for the larger one.
Ruth believes buyers would still pay even if prices rose, because sachets are an inexpensive entry point. Her bestsellers range from gins used for libation to bitters and “manpower” brands popular for sexual enhancement. “Each sachet has its own work they do in the body,” she explained. Nigerian bitters drinks are herbal-based alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are traditionally believed to provide the body with various health benefits.
“Nobody from NAFDAC has come here. Nobody at all,” she says, recalling only a temporary squeeze on one bitters brand last year. Ruth sometimes refuses sales to older men who get drunk quickly or to young buyers she does not trust, but admitted that children may buy for adults.
Philip’s experience is similar. He says availability has not tightened since talk of a ban began. “Nothing changed. It’s even multiplied. In Lagos, you can get it anywhere, within 20 meters, you have one.” On youth access, he adds: “If they want to get it, they will get it.”
A 2019 report published in African Health Sciences revealed 30% alcohol use among young Nigerians. The World Health Organization’s (WHO)Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health (2018) estimated heavy episodic drinking among Nigerians aged 15–19 at 22.5%, one of the highest rates in Africa.
Alcohol in sachets linked to road accidents, domestic violence
Civil society groups like CAPPA, a regional corporate accountability organisation, and NHED, a Nigerian Health Equity NGO, argue that sachets make high-strength alcohol easy for young people to obtain and conceal, linking widespread use to road crashes, school dropouts, domestic violence and early addiction.
Several African countries have restricted or banned sachet alcohol on health grounds. Kenya in 2004 andCote d’Ivoire in 2016, with additional actions in Malawi, Cameroon and Tanzania.
In Nigeria, the question is no longer about availability — sachets remain widely sold — but about who is responsible for enforcement, with NAFDAC announcing a crackdown while the OSGF’s suspension order remains in place.
Back in FESTAC town, very little appears to have shifted. At Amara’s kiosk, sachets continue to sell alongsidebeer and sodas, and demand remains steady through the day.
For consumers like Philip, the appeal is still convenience and control over how much they drink. But until the authorities resolve the conflicting directives and set out how enforcement should work at street level, drinkers can allay their confusion with an alcohol sachet of their choice.
Civil society groups like CAPPA, a regional corporate accountability organisation, and NHED, a Nigerian Health Equity NGO, argue that sachets make high-strength alcohol easy for young people to obtain and conceal, linking widespread use to road crashes, school dropouts, domestic violence and early addiction.
Several African countries have restricted or banned sachet alcohol on health grounds. Kenya in 2004 andCote d’Ivoire in 2016, with additional actions in Malawi, Cameroon and Tanzania.
In Nigeria, the question is no longer about availability — sachets remain widely sold — but about who is responsible for enforcement, with NAFDAC announcing a crackdown while the OSGF’s suspension order remains in place.
Back in FESTAC town, very little appears to have shifted. At Amara’s kiosk, sachets continue to sell alongsidebeer and sodas, and demand remains steady through the day.
For consumers like Philip, the appeal is still convenience and control over how much they drink. But until the authorities resolve the conflicting directives and set out how enforcement should work at street level, drinkers can allay their confusion with an alcohol sachet of their choice.
By Okey Omeire, Inquirer
Nigerian lawmakers approve real-time online election results
Following major pressure from trade unions and civil society, Nigeria's Senate on Tuesday reversed its earlier decision to reject plans for the real-time electronic transmission of election results in future.
The vote last week against making the automatic and immediate uploading of results mandatory — a measure long championed by pro-reform groups as key to reducing risks of interference during manual vote collation — sparked widespread condemnation and public protests.
The lower chamber of parliament, the House of Representatives, had approved the proposal before the Senate threw it out, with some members arguing the plan would prove impractical.
Presidential elections expected a year from now
After an emergency meeting on the matter, the Senate said that members "approved the electronic transmission of election results... after the completion of all statutory procedures at the polling unit."
It said the decision was unanimous and that it would boost "public confidence" and enable "citizens to follow the electoral process more transparently."
Nigeria's next presidential election, when incumbent Bola Tinubu is likely to seek a second and final term, is scheduled for February 2027.
Nigeria's largest trade union group threatened over the weekend to try to boycott the next vote entirely unless the changes were implemented.
"Failure to add electronic transmission in real time will lead to mass action before, during and after the election, or total boycott of the election," NLC President Joe Ajaero said on Sunday.
Public skepticism and voter apathy high, long tradition of contested results
At the last presidential election in February 2023, turnout dipped to 27%, its lowest levels since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
The result was challenged in court and ultimately had to go to the Supreme Court.
Almost every election in Nigerian history, barring 2015 when Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat, has faced legal challenges. Allegations of wrongdoing are commonplace albeit almost always unsuccessful before the judges.
Can the vast, violence-ridden country deliver real-time vote counts?
Over the past decade, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced various technology designed to improve the integrity and transparency of election results.
However, the implementation and execution has proved extremely challenging and unsuccessful.
In 2023's vote, the new online results database was much touted but proved an unreliable platform, with only around 10% of constituencies, mostly in the larger and wealthier cities and towns, managing to deliver prompt results.
EU election observer Barry Andrews wrote after that vote that the plan to post itemized results online "were perceived as an important step to ensure the integrity and credibility of the eletions," but that "uploading the results ... did not work as expected."
Conditions next February are not likely to be much better in Africa's most populous country.
Internet connections remain patchy in rural areas. The country's police and military is struggling to contain a string of often Islamist rebel and terrorist insurgencies, as well as criminal groups and gangs, in several different states.
Delayed or extended voting has been commonplace in many of the roughly 176,000 polling stations nationwide for years for a variety of reasons, from security concerns to technical mishaps or simple overcrowding.
The vote last week against making the automatic and immediate uploading of results mandatory — a measure long championed by pro-reform groups as key to reducing risks of interference during manual vote collation — sparked widespread condemnation and public protests.
The lower chamber of parliament, the House of Representatives, had approved the proposal before the Senate threw it out, with some members arguing the plan would prove impractical.
Presidential elections expected a year from now
After an emergency meeting on the matter, the Senate said that members "approved the electronic transmission of election results... after the completion of all statutory procedures at the polling unit."
It said the decision was unanimous and that it would boost "public confidence" and enable "citizens to follow the electoral process more transparently."
Nigeria's next presidential election, when incumbent Bola Tinubu is likely to seek a second and final term, is scheduled for February 2027.
Nigeria's largest trade union group threatened over the weekend to try to boycott the next vote entirely unless the changes were implemented.
"Failure to add electronic transmission in real time will lead to mass action before, during and after the election, or total boycott of the election," NLC President Joe Ajaero said on Sunday.
Public skepticism and voter apathy high, long tradition of contested results
At the last presidential election in February 2023, turnout dipped to 27%, its lowest levels since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
The result was challenged in court and ultimately had to go to the Supreme Court.
Almost every election in Nigerian history, barring 2015 when Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat, has faced legal challenges. Allegations of wrongdoing are commonplace albeit almost always unsuccessful before the judges.
Can the vast, violence-ridden country deliver real-time vote counts?
Over the past decade, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced various technology designed to improve the integrity and transparency of election results.
However, the implementation and execution has proved extremely challenging and unsuccessful.
In 2023's vote, the new online results database was much touted but proved an unreliable platform, with only around 10% of constituencies, mostly in the larger and wealthier cities and towns, managing to deliver prompt results.
EU election observer Barry Andrews wrote after that vote that the plan to post itemized results online "were perceived as an important step to ensure the integrity and credibility of the eletions," but that "uploading the results ... did not work as expected."
Conditions next February are not likely to be much better in Africa's most populous country.
Internet connections remain patchy in rural areas. The country's police and military is struggling to contain a string of often Islamist rebel and terrorist insurgencies, as well as criminal groups and gangs, in several different states.
Delayed or extended voting has been commonplace in many of the roughly 176,000 polling stations nationwide for years for a variety of reasons, from security concerns to technical mishaps or simple overcrowding.
By Mark Hallam, DW
US to deploy 200 troops to train Nigerian forces in fight against terrorists
The United States will deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to train its armed forces in their fight against terror groups, Nigerian and US officials said on Tuesday, as Washington increases military cooperation with the West African country.
"We are getting US troops to assist in training and technical support," Major General Samaila Uba, a spokesperson for Nigeria's Defence Headquarters, told AFP.
The Wall Street Journal reported the deployment, which will supplement a small US team already in the country to aid the Nigerians with air strike targeting.
The additional troops, expected to arrive in the coming weeks, will provide "training and technical guidance," including by helping their Nigerian counterparts coordinate operations that involve air strikes and ground troops simultaneously, the US daily said.
A US Africa Command spokesperson confirmed the details of the report to AFP.
Nigeria has been under diplomatic pressure from the United States over insecurity in the country, which US President Donald Trump has characterised as "persecution" and "genocide" against Christians.
Although there are instances where Christians are specifically targeted, Muslims are also killed en masse, with Trump's senior adviser on Arab and African affairs Massad Boulos saying last year Boko Haram and Daesh "are killing more Muslims than Christians."
Abuja rejects allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria, a framing long used by the US religious right.
So do independent analysts, who point to a broader state failure to curb violence from these groups and armed gangs across swaths of sparsely governed countryside.
Despite the diplomatic pressure, Nigeria and the United States have found common ground in increasing military collaboration.
The US targeted terrorists in northwest Sokoto state with strikes in December, in a joint operation with Nigeria, officials from both countries said.
Going forward, the US military has said it will supply intelligence for Nigerian air strikes and work to expedite arms purchases.
While the 200-troop deployment represents a scaling up of that collaboration, "US troops aren't going to be involved in direct combat or operations," Uba told the Journal.
Nigeria requested the additional assistance, he added.
Africa's most populous country is battling a long-running insurgency concentrated in its northeast, while non-ideological "bandit" gangs conduct kidnappings for ransom and loot villages in the northwest.
Nigeria insecurity persists despite US military deployment
"We are getting US troops to assist in training and technical support," Major General Samaila Uba, a spokesperson for Nigeria's Defence Headquarters, told AFP.
The Wall Street Journal reported the deployment, which will supplement a small US team already in the country to aid the Nigerians with air strike targeting.
The additional troops, expected to arrive in the coming weeks, will provide "training and technical guidance," including by helping their Nigerian counterparts coordinate operations that involve air strikes and ground troops simultaneously, the US daily said.
A US Africa Command spokesperson confirmed the details of the report to AFP.
Nigeria has been under diplomatic pressure from the United States over insecurity in the country, which US President Donald Trump has characterised as "persecution" and "genocide" against Christians.
Although there are instances where Christians are specifically targeted, Muslims are also killed en masse, with Trump's senior adviser on Arab and African affairs Massad Boulos saying last year Boko Haram and Daesh "are killing more Muslims than Christians."
Abuja rejects allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria, a framing long used by the US religious right.
So do independent analysts, who point to a broader state failure to curb violence from these groups and armed gangs across swaths of sparsely governed countryside.
Despite the diplomatic pressure, Nigeria and the United States have found common ground in increasing military collaboration.
The US targeted terrorists in northwest Sokoto state with strikes in December, in a joint operation with Nigeria, officials from both countries said.
Going forward, the US military has said it will supply intelligence for Nigerian air strikes and work to expedite arms purchases.
While the 200-troop deployment represents a scaling up of that collaboration, "US troops aren't going to be involved in direct combat or operations," Uba told the Journal.
Nigeria requested the additional assistance, he added.
Africa's most populous country is battling a long-running insurgency concentrated in its northeast, while non-ideological "bandit" gangs conduct kidnappings for ransom and loot villages in the northwest.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Nigeria insecurity persists despite US military deployment
CGTN examines the latest wave of violence in Nigeria alongside the limited presence of US military personnel in the country.
Nigeria slips to 85th in global internet speed rankings as peers pull ahead
Nigeria’s expanding internet access is no longer translating into better online performance, as the country slipped to 85th place globally in internet speed, underscoring growing infrastructure pressure and a widening digital gap with regional peers.
According to the latest Speedtest Global Index by US-based research firm Ookla, Nigeria’s median mobile download speed stood at 44.14 Mbps by December 2025, down seven places from the previous ranking.
The report, which assessed mobile and fixed broadband performance across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), shows that while more Nigerians are online, network quality is struggling to keep pace with demand.
Within Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), only three countries made the global top-100 list: South Africa (64th), Kenya (80th), and Nigeria (85th). South Africa retained its regional lead despite dropping five places globally, posting a median mobile download speed of 65.7 Mbps, while Kenya recorded 45.37 Mbps.
The results highlight a growing contrast across the region. While Nigeria continues to face infrastructure bottlenecks, other African markets are making sharper gains through fibre expansion and network modernisation. Côte d’Ivoire, for instance, recorded the biggest improvement in SSA, climbing to 103rd globally with a median download speed of 58.17 Mbps, despite relatively low fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) coverage of between 15 percent and 19 per cent, according to Omdia.
Ookla noted that Côte d’Ivoire’s performance may be boosted by a user base concentrated on higher-speed connections, supported by competitive offerings such as Orange’s entry-level fixed broadband packages starting at 50 Mbps.
Elsewhere, Mauritania posted the largest ranking jump in SSA, rising 24 places to 106th globally after expanding its national backbone with 5,500 kilometres of fibre, with plans to add another 8,000 kilometres under its Digital Agenda 2022–2025.
Six SSA countries now rank within the global top-120, reflecting uneven but accelerating infrastructure investment across the continent.
South Africa remains unique in the region for its widespread use of wholesale-only fibre-to-the-premises networks, a model analysts say has helped improve competition and service quality.
Ookla said improvements in both fixed and mobile network performance typically result from a mix of network optimisation, architecture modernisation, technology upgrades, fibre expansion, commercial migration to higher-speed plans, quality-of-service regulation, and strategic policy support from governments and regulators.
While Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries continue to dominate the MEA rankings, Nigeria’s slide signals a more urgent challenge, in that, without faster, more resilient networks, gains in internet penetration risk delivering diminishing economic returns, especially for digital services, fintech, remote work, and online education.
For Africa’s largest internet market, the message is that connecting more users is no longer enough, speed now matters just as much.
By Royal Ibeh, Business Day
According to the latest Speedtest Global Index by US-based research firm Ookla, Nigeria’s median mobile download speed stood at 44.14 Mbps by December 2025, down seven places from the previous ranking.
The report, which assessed mobile and fixed broadband performance across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), shows that while more Nigerians are online, network quality is struggling to keep pace with demand.
Within Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), only three countries made the global top-100 list: South Africa (64th), Kenya (80th), and Nigeria (85th). South Africa retained its regional lead despite dropping five places globally, posting a median mobile download speed of 65.7 Mbps, while Kenya recorded 45.37 Mbps.
The results highlight a growing contrast across the region. While Nigeria continues to face infrastructure bottlenecks, other African markets are making sharper gains through fibre expansion and network modernisation. Côte d’Ivoire, for instance, recorded the biggest improvement in SSA, climbing to 103rd globally with a median download speed of 58.17 Mbps, despite relatively low fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) coverage of between 15 percent and 19 per cent, according to Omdia.
Ookla noted that Côte d’Ivoire’s performance may be boosted by a user base concentrated on higher-speed connections, supported by competitive offerings such as Orange’s entry-level fixed broadband packages starting at 50 Mbps.
Elsewhere, Mauritania posted the largest ranking jump in SSA, rising 24 places to 106th globally after expanding its national backbone with 5,500 kilometres of fibre, with plans to add another 8,000 kilometres under its Digital Agenda 2022–2025.
Six SSA countries now rank within the global top-120, reflecting uneven but accelerating infrastructure investment across the continent.
South Africa remains unique in the region for its widespread use of wholesale-only fibre-to-the-premises networks, a model analysts say has helped improve competition and service quality.
Ookla said improvements in both fixed and mobile network performance typically result from a mix of network optimisation, architecture modernisation, technology upgrades, fibre expansion, commercial migration to higher-speed plans, quality-of-service regulation, and strategic policy support from governments and regulators.
While Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries continue to dominate the MEA rankings, Nigeria’s slide signals a more urgent challenge, in that, without faster, more resilient networks, gains in internet penetration risk delivering diminishing economic returns, especially for digital services, fintech, remote work, and online education.
For Africa’s largest internet market, the message is that connecting more users is no longer enough, speed now matters just as much.
Alex Iwobi and Nigeria push for a lifeline for 2026 World Cup
In recent hours, Alex Iwobi has broken his silence. The Fulham midfielder still holds out hope that the Super Eagles could feature at the 2026 World Cup, as all eyes turn to FIFA and the ongoing administrative dispute with DR Congo.
Speaking to Supersport, Alexander Iwobi voiced a sentiment shared by an entire nation. Despite Nigeria’s sporting elimination in the play-offs, the hope for a lifeline through administrative means remains very much alive in the Super Eagles’ locker room. "We are still waiting. I hope we can go to the 2026 World Cup. It’s a tough choice, because winning AFCON is a huge legacy, but many of my teammates have never experienced a World Cup. I can’t be selfish." he said.
The case hinges on a complaint filed by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), challenging the eligibility of several key DR Congo players (with names like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Epolo, Mario, and Axel Tuanzebe being mentioned).
Although FIFA already dismissed the initial complaint last December, the NFF continues to push for a deeper investigation.
Friday, February 6, 2026
US withdrawal from WHO puts strain on Nigeria’s health budget
Nearly N400 billion, or 20 percent of Nigeria’s 2026 health budget, depends on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) technical support, funding, and disease-surveillance operations. This has raised concerns among experts who believe that the United States’ exit from the global organisation could affect the speed and efficiency of health policy interventions in Nigeria.
From disease surveillance to strategic partnerships in vaccine programmes, training, and medical research, WHO plays a critical role in Nigeria’s health sector. However, with the United States’ withdrawal from the organisation, experts warn that the country’s health budget could come under significant strain.
BusinessDay analysis shows that about 12 items in the 2026 health budget rely on WHO’s technical support, international donor funding, policy guidance, and adherence to global standards. These items together amount to nearly N400 billion, representing about one-fifth of the N2.1 trillion proposed health budget for 2026.
For instance, the allocation for the National Blood Bank Service Commission, item 142 of the 2026 proposed health budget,worth N42.8 billion, largely depends on WHO’s technical support. Blood screening, safety standards, and quality assurance are critical aspects of the commission’s operations and are guided by WHO protocols.
Similarly, the allocation for the National Centre for Disease Control,item 90 of the 2026 proposed health budget,worth N22.4 billion, is heavily dependent on WHO’s technical capacity. Disease surveillance, health-emergency coordination, and laboratory safety standards are largely WHO-led, and any weakening of this capacity could undermine Nigeria’s preparedness for disease outbreaks or pandemics.
Ebuta Agbor, vice president of the Medical Initiative for Africa, expressed similar concerns, warning that Nigeria may need to draw up a supplementary health budget to address potential funding and capacity gaps.
“The withdrawal of the United States from WHO could have significant and unprecedented impacts on sub-Saharan Africa, as over 50 percent of countries in the region allocate less than five percent of their annual budgets to the health sector,” he said.
On the contrary, some budget items, including allocations to Federal Medical Centres, teaching hospitals, and psychiatric and orthopaedic hospitals, are not directly dependent on WHO support, according to BusinessDay analysis.
Recall that U.S. President Donald Trump officially announced on January 22, 2026, that the United States had completed its withdrawal procedures from WHO. As the organisation’s largest donor,contributing between $500 million and $700 million annually, representing 15 to 18 percent of its funding,the U.S. exit has raised concerns among experts about increased health security risks for many African countries.
From disease surveillance to strategic partnerships in vaccine programmes, training, and medical research, WHO plays a critical role in Nigeria’s health sector. However, with the United States’ withdrawal from the organisation, experts warn that the country’s health budget could come under significant strain.
BusinessDay analysis shows that about 12 items in the 2026 health budget rely on WHO’s technical support, international donor funding, policy guidance, and adherence to global standards. These items together amount to nearly N400 billion, representing about one-fifth of the N2.1 trillion proposed health budget for 2026.
For instance, the allocation for the National Blood Bank Service Commission, item 142 of the 2026 proposed health budget,worth N42.8 billion, largely depends on WHO’s technical support. Blood screening, safety standards, and quality assurance are critical aspects of the commission’s operations and are guided by WHO protocols.
Similarly, the allocation for the National Centre for Disease Control,item 90 of the 2026 proposed health budget,worth N22.4 billion, is heavily dependent on WHO’s technical capacity. Disease surveillance, health-emergency coordination, and laboratory safety standards are largely WHO-led, and any weakening of this capacity could undermine Nigeria’s preparedness for disease outbreaks or pandemics.
Ebuta Agbor, vice president of the Medical Initiative for Africa, expressed similar concerns, warning that Nigeria may need to draw up a supplementary health budget to address potential funding and capacity gaps.
“The withdrawal of the United States from WHO could have significant and unprecedented impacts on sub-Saharan Africa, as over 50 percent of countries in the region allocate less than five percent of their annual budgets to the health sector,” he said.
On the contrary, some budget items, including allocations to Federal Medical Centres, teaching hospitals, and psychiatric and orthopaedic hospitals, are not directly dependent on WHO support, according to BusinessDay analysis.
Recall that U.S. President Donald Trump officially announced on January 22, 2026, that the United States had completed its withdrawal procedures from WHO. As the organisation’s largest donor,contributing between $500 million and $700 million annually, representing 15 to 18 percent of its funding,the U.S. exit has raised concerns among experts about increased health security risks for many African countries.
Winners, losers of US exit from WHO
While some experts have raised concerns about the impact of the United States’ withdrawal from WHO on Nigeria’s health system, others argue that it presents an opportunity for the country to become more self-reliant and exercise greater control by dealing directly with the U.S.
Oyebade Funmilade, a public health specialist and expert in HIV/AIDS prevention and control, highlighted an increased disease burden as one of the possible impacts of the U.S. withdrawal from WHO in Nigeria.
“The HIV disease burden could spike if the PEPFAR programme slows its operations due to a shortage of funds,” he noted.
“However, it also creates an opportunity for increased investment in pharmaceutical research and the promotion of local products, thereby reducing our dependence on external sources,” he added.
Neto Ikpeme, a health economist and analyst, pointed out that although the U.S. withdrawal from WHO might affect some ongoing health programmes, it also offers Nigeria an opportunity to deal directly with the United States. He referenced a $2.1 billion five-year health partnership deal between Nigeria and the U.S. signed in December 2025.
“Although the U.S. withdrawal from WHO could slow the progress of some ongoing health programmes, it also presents an opportunity for direct partnerships with foreign partners, giving the country more control, as seen in the recent $2.1 billion deal signed by both countries,” he added.
In addition, African countries with relatively higher health budget allocations, such as Rwanda (18.8 percent), Botswana (17.8 percent), and Niger (17.8 percent), are better positioned to experience minimal disruption from the United States’ exit, according to WHO. In contrast, countries with significantly lower health spending, including Nigeria (4.2 percent), South Sudan (2.1 percent), and Cameroon (2.8 percent), are likely to face greater adverse impacts.
While some experts have raised concerns about the impact of the United States’ withdrawal from WHO on Nigeria’s health system, others argue that it presents an opportunity for the country to become more self-reliant and exercise greater control by dealing directly with the U.S.
Oyebade Funmilade, a public health specialist and expert in HIV/AIDS prevention and control, highlighted an increased disease burden as one of the possible impacts of the U.S. withdrawal from WHO in Nigeria.
“The HIV disease burden could spike if the PEPFAR programme slows its operations due to a shortage of funds,” he noted.
“However, it also creates an opportunity for increased investment in pharmaceutical research and the promotion of local products, thereby reducing our dependence on external sources,” he added.
Neto Ikpeme, a health economist and analyst, pointed out that although the U.S. withdrawal from WHO might affect some ongoing health programmes, it also offers Nigeria an opportunity to deal directly with the United States. He referenced a $2.1 billion five-year health partnership deal between Nigeria and the U.S. signed in December 2025.
“Although the U.S. withdrawal from WHO could slow the progress of some ongoing health programmes, it also presents an opportunity for direct partnerships with foreign partners, giving the country more control, as seen in the recent $2.1 billion deal signed by both countries,” he added.
In addition, African countries with relatively higher health budget allocations, such as Rwanda (18.8 percent), Botswana (17.8 percent), and Niger (17.8 percent), are better positioned to experience minimal disruption from the United States’ exit, according to WHO. In contrast, countries with significantly lower health spending, including Nigeria (4.2 percent), South Sudan (2.1 percent), and Cameroon (2.8 percent), are likely to face greater adverse impacts.
Increased budget, reduced percentage allocation
Nigeria’s health budget increased by 157.4 percent, from N816 billion in 2022 to N2.1 trillion in 2026, BusinessDay analysis shows.
However, the percentage share of the health budget allocation remained relatively stable over the five-year period but declined by 1.3 percentage, from 5.5 percent in 2025 to 4.2 percent in 2026.
Stakeholders in the health sector have raised concerns, noting that the allocation does not meet the Maputo Declaration target of 15 percent annually.
Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APIN), highlighted the impact of low funding in the health sector.
“Nigeria’s health budget falls short of the Maputo Declaration target of 15 percent, further putting the country’s health system at risk of poor emergency response and threats to lives,” he noted.
Nigeria’s health budget increased by 157.4 percent, from N816 billion in 2022 to N2.1 trillion in 2026, BusinessDay analysis shows.
However, the percentage share of the health budget allocation remained relatively stable over the five-year period but declined by 1.3 percentage, from 5.5 percent in 2025 to 4.2 percent in 2026.
Stakeholders in the health sector have raised concerns, noting that the allocation does not meet the Maputo Declaration target of 15 percent annually.
Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APIN), highlighted the impact of low funding in the health sector.
“Nigeria’s health budget falls short of the Maputo Declaration target of 15 percent, further putting the country’s health system at risk of poor emergency response and threats to lives,” he noted.
By Faith Donatus, Business Day
Survivors recount terror of Nigeria massacre where people were burned inside houses
When no one attended, they went on a rampage, killing people and torching houses, he said.
Salihu is the traditional chief of Woro, a small, Muslim-majority village in west-central Nigeria where alleged jihadist gunmen are reported to have perpetrated a massacre late Tuesday.
Details were still emerging from the attack, but it was one of the country’s deadliest in recent months. According to the Red Cross, the death toll stood at 162 people, and the search for bodies was ongoing.
Badly shaken, Salihu recounted the night of terror he survived as the attackers killed two of his sons and kidnapped his wife and three daughters.
Around 5pm, the gunmen “just came in and started shooting”, the 53-year-old chief told Agence France-Presse on Thursday, clutching his Muslim prayer beads in his hand.
“All those shops that are within the road, they burnt them … Some people have been burned inside their houses,” he said.
Salihu survived by hiding in a house, then fled to the neighbouring town of Kaiama.
The attack lasted until 3am, he said.
“When the day breaks, the corpses we see, it’s too much,” he said.
Agence France-Presse reporters who visited Woro found it deserted except for a handful of men searching for bodies and burying the dead.
Large parts of the village had been reduced to piles of ash and rubble, with the remains of burned-out vehicles strewn across its dirt roads.
Resident Muhammed Abdulkarim said he had been standing by the road when he saw a group of what looked like soldiers in uniform approaching.
Then he realised they were “bandits”, he said.
“They started chasing people, catching people, tied them by their back,” he said.
“We just hear, pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa. They are shooting them (in) their heads.”
Abdulkarim, 60, lost 12 family members in the attack, and his two-year-old son was abducted, he said.
Woro, a village of several thousand people, sits near a forest region known to serve as a hideout for jihadist fighters and armed gangs, groups that have fuelled nearly two decades of violence in Africa’s most populous country.
It is a Muslim community, but its residents want nothing to do with radicalised jihadist groups, said Salihu, the village chief.
“People don’t want to follow their ideology,” he said.
When a radical group sent a letter saying they planned to come to Woro to preach, no one attended, he said.
Salihu alerted the local security services.
“I think that is what brought the anger to come and just kill people like that in the community,” he said.
The governor of Kwara State gave the death toll from the attack as 75.
But residents reported burying upwards of 165 bodies.
The attackers kidnapped another 38 people, mostly women and children, said local assembly member Sa’idu Baba Ahmed.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu condemned the “beastly attack”, deploying an army battalion to the troubled region and blaming the Islamist movement Boko Haram - though the name was often used generically for jihadist groups in Nigeria.
Kwara State is racked by violence by armed “bandit” gangs and jihadist groups that have been extending their range from northwestern Nigeria farther south.
In October, the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) claimed its first attack on Nigerian soil in the state, near Woro.
Nigeria’s northeast is meanwhile the scene of long-running violence by Boko Haram and a rival offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Nigeria is broadly split between a Christian-majority south and a Muslim-majority north.
US President Donald Trump has alleged there was a “genocide” of Christians in Nigeria - a claim rejected by the Nigerian government and many independent experts, who say the country’s security crises claim the lives of both Christians and Muslims, often without distinction.
Washington has alternately pressured and aided the Nigerian government in its fight against jihadist violence.
On Christmas Day, the United States launched strikes targeting jihadist militants in northwestern Nigeria.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the massacre in Woro as a “terrorist attack”, and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Nigeria turns to China to help fix its broken refineries
Nigeria's state-owned oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), recently revealed its plans to partner with a Chinese company to rehabilitate its dilapidated oil refineries.
This new development was disclosed by the NNPC’s chief, Bayo Ojulari, who also relayed that the group has established a plan to invite refinery operators with proven experience rather than contractors.
"I'm just coming from a meeting with one of the potential investors," Ojulari said, without giving a name.
"They are going to the refinery tomorrow to inspect. It's a Chinese company that has one of the biggest petrochemical plants in China."
The NNPC head stated that operations in the refineries had been put on hold to give time to evaluate potential restoration solutions.
This coincided with the opening of the Dangote Refinery, which provided "breathing space" for the supply of domestic petroleum, as seen on Reuters.
According to him, NNPC would give partners a share of its equity rather than selling the refineries so that the facilities could finance themselves.
In November, however, Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, disclosed that the West African country was open to the idea of selling the refineries.
Selling them is now “one of the options” under consideration, Olu Verheijen stated.
This new development was disclosed by the NNPC’s chief, Bayo Ojulari, who also relayed that the group has established a plan to invite refinery operators with proven experience rather than contractors.
"I'm just coming from a meeting with one of the potential investors," Ojulari said, without giving a name.
"They are going to the refinery tomorrow to inspect. It's a Chinese company that has one of the biggest petrochemical plants in China."
The NNPC head stated that operations in the refineries had been put on hold to give time to evaluate potential restoration solutions.
This coincided with the opening of the Dangote Refinery, which provided "breathing space" for the supply of domestic petroleum, as seen on Reuters.
According to him, NNPC would give partners a share of its equity rather than selling the refineries so that the facilities could finance themselves.
In November, however, Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, disclosed that the West African country was open to the idea of selling the refineries.
Selling them is now “one of the options” under consideration, Olu Verheijen stated.
Debacle with Nigeria’s state-owned oil refineries
For the past two years, the energy group has unsuccessfully attempted to fully reactivate three of its primary oil refineries in Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt.
These endeavors to restore the facilities to operational status have resulted in both public controversy and shifts in strategic direction.
The government initially sought to rehabilitate these refineries, primarily in response to the commissioning of Dangote's 650,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery; however, this effort proved unsuccessful, necessitating an exploration of potential public-private partnerships.
Subsequently, in October 2025, the NNPC announced its search for new technical private equity partners to facilitate the revival of its long-dormant refineries.
The company’s three refineries have a combined processing capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but have remained idle for decades, forcing the country to rely almost entirely on imported fuel, and much more recently, on the Dangote refinery.
This was despite heavy investments to modernize the three oil refineries.
Nigeria’s oil refinery scandal
In May 2025, reports indicated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria's corruption watchdog, had launched a full-scale investigation into a $2.9 billion refinery rehabilitation fund fraud, revealing almost ₦80 billion in accounts related to the Managing Director of one of the refineries, who at the time was just laid off.
Several NNPCL executives, including former GCEO Mele Kyari, have since then been monitored very closely.
The agency requested that NNPCL furnish certified copies of the listed officers' emoluments and allowances, including retirees.
Theyalso requested confirmation of the names of 13 former top officials, including Abubakar Yar'Adua, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ademoye Jelili, Mustapha Sugungun, Kayode Adetokunbo, Efiok Akpan, Babatunde Bakare, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.
Nigeria's engagement with Chinese collaborators underscores the necessity of addressing its persistent refinery challenges as the nation seeks to achieve enhanced self-sufficiency in fuel.
While the Dangote Refinery has alleviated immediate supply constraints, the future of Nigeria's state-owned refineries remains uncertain, with options ranging from equity partnerships to outright divestment remaining on the table.
For the past two years, the energy group has unsuccessfully attempted to fully reactivate three of its primary oil refineries in Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt.
These endeavors to restore the facilities to operational status have resulted in both public controversy and shifts in strategic direction.
The government initially sought to rehabilitate these refineries, primarily in response to the commissioning of Dangote's 650,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery; however, this effort proved unsuccessful, necessitating an exploration of potential public-private partnerships.
Subsequently, in October 2025, the NNPC announced its search for new technical private equity partners to facilitate the revival of its long-dormant refineries.
The company’s three refineries have a combined processing capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but have remained idle for decades, forcing the country to rely almost entirely on imported fuel, and much more recently, on the Dangote refinery.
This was despite heavy investments to modernize the three oil refineries.
Nigeria’s oil refinery scandal
In May 2025, reports indicated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria's corruption watchdog, had launched a full-scale investigation into a $2.9 billion refinery rehabilitation fund fraud, revealing almost ₦80 billion in accounts related to the Managing Director of one of the refineries, who at the time was just laid off.
Several NNPCL executives, including former GCEO Mele Kyari, have since then been monitored very closely.
The agency requested that NNPCL furnish certified copies of the listed officers' emoluments and allowances, including retirees.
Theyalso requested confirmation of the names of 13 former top officials, including Abubakar Yar'Adua, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ademoye Jelili, Mustapha Sugungun, Kayode Adetokunbo, Efiok Akpan, Babatunde Bakare, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.
Nigeria's engagement with Chinese collaborators underscores the necessity of addressing its persistent refinery challenges as the nation seeks to achieve enhanced self-sufficiency in fuel.
While the Dangote Refinery has alleviated immediate supply constraints, the future of Nigeria's state-owned refineries remains uncertain, with options ranging from equity partnerships to outright divestment remaining on the table.
By Chinedu Okafor, Business Insider Africa
Christian group says all abductees taken in Nigeria’s Kurmin Wali released
All 166 people who were kidnapped during an attack on a village and churches in Kurmin Wali in northern Nigeria’s Kaduna State last month have been released, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said.
Reverend John Hayab, chairman of the northern chapter of CAN, said on Thursday that every abducted worshipper had now returned, without giving details on whether a ransom was paid or how the release was secured, the Reuters news agency reported.
It said CAN leader in Kaduna, Reverend Caleb Maaji, also confirmed the release, saying he had just returned from the government house in Kaduna, where the governor is set to receive the worshippers.
“The stage is set for them to be brought … His Excellency will meet with them. This is a result of the prayers we have offered,” he said.
Nigerian government officials have yet to comment publicly on the release.
However, Nigerian media reports cited Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, confirming the return of 82 of those who were kidnapped.
On the morning of January 18, gunmen known locally as bandits arrived in Kurmin Wali in numbers, armed with AK47 rifles.
They broke down doors and ordered people out of their homes and the village’s three churches, residents told Al Jazeera at the time.
The gunmen abducted 177 people, taking them into the forest, but 11 escaped their captors.
Initially, Kaduna State officials denied that an attack had occurred. Only two days later did government officials admit that an “abduction” had taken place, promising to help secure the villagers’ return.
The village chief told Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris at the time that the kidnappers accused the community of taking 10 motorcycles they had hidden in the bush, and demanded their return in exchange for the return of the villagers.
The assault on the village and churches in Kaduna was among the latest in a string of mass abductions that have intensified pressure on the Nigerian government.
Nigeria has also faced scrutiny from United States President Donald Trump, who has accused the country of failing to stop the persecution of Christians.
US forces struck what they described as “terrorist” targets on December 25.
Abuja says it is working with Washington to improve security and denies any systematic persecution of Christians.
Reverend John Hayab, chairman of the northern chapter of CAN, said on Thursday that every abducted worshipper had now returned, without giving details on whether a ransom was paid or how the release was secured, the Reuters news agency reported.
It said CAN leader in Kaduna, Reverend Caleb Maaji, also confirmed the release, saying he had just returned from the government house in Kaduna, where the governor is set to receive the worshippers.
“The stage is set for them to be brought … His Excellency will meet with them. This is a result of the prayers we have offered,” he said.
Nigerian government officials have yet to comment publicly on the release.
However, Nigerian media reports cited Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, confirming the return of 82 of those who were kidnapped.
On the morning of January 18, gunmen known locally as bandits arrived in Kurmin Wali in numbers, armed with AK47 rifles.
They broke down doors and ordered people out of their homes and the village’s three churches, residents told Al Jazeera at the time.
The gunmen abducted 177 people, taking them into the forest, but 11 escaped their captors.
Initially, Kaduna State officials denied that an attack had occurred. Only two days later did government officials admit that an “abduction” had taken place, promising to help secure the villagers’ return.
The village chief told Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris at the time that the kidnappers accused the community of taking 10 motorcycles they had hidden in the bush, and demanded their return in exchange for the return of the villagers.
The assault on the village and churches in Kaduna was among the latest in a string of mass abductions that have intensified pressure on the Nigerian government.
Nigeria has also faced scrutiny from United States President Donald Trump, who has accused the country of failing to stop the persecution of Christians.
US forces struck what they described as “terrorist” targets on December 25.
Abuja says it is working with Washington to improve security and denies any systematic persecution of Christians.
Attacks on civilians in central and northern Nigeria kill nearly 200
Nearly 200 people have been killed by armed men in separate attacks in remote villages in central and northern Nigeria, a local lawmaker, residents and police said on Wednesday, as security forces searched for survivors and chased the attackers.
In central Kwara state, gunmen attacked the Woro community on Tuesday leaving at least 170 people dead, the lawmaker for the area Saidu Baba Ahmed said by phone.
It was the deadliest assault recorded this year in the district bordering Niger state, an area increasingly targeted by gunmen who raid villages, kidnap residents and loot livestock.
Ahmed said the gunmen rounded up residents, bound their hands behind their backs and executed them. The lawmaker shared photographs of dead bodies with Reuters, which the agency was not immediately able to verify.
Villagers fled into surrounding bushland during the attack, he said. The gunmen torched homes and shops.
Police said "scores were killed," without giving a figure.
"As I'm speaking to you now, I'm in the village along with military personnel, sorting dead bodies and combing the surrounding areas for more," Ahmed said.
Several people were still missing on Wednesday morning, he said.
Residents told Reuters the gunmen demanded during a sermon that locals ditch their allegiance to the Nigerian state and switch to Sharia Islamic law. When the villagers pushed back, the militants opened fire.
Kwara police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the police and military have been mobilized to the area for a search-and-rescue operation, but declined to provide casualty details.
In central Kwara state, gunmen attacked the Woro community on Tuesday leaving at least 170 people dead, the lawmaker for the area Saidu Baba Ahmed said by phone.
It was the deadliest assault recorded this year in the district bordering Niger state, an area increasingly targeted by gunmen who raid villages, kidnap residents and loot livestock.
Ahmed said the gunmen rounded up residents, bound their hands behind their backs and executed them. The lawmaker shared photographs of dead bodies with Reuters, which the agency was not immediately able to verify.
Villagers fled into surrounding bushland during the attack, he said. The gunmen torched homes and shops.
Police said "scores were killed," without giving a figure.
"As I'm speaking to you now, I'm in the village along with military personnel, sorting dead bodies and combing the surrounding areas for more," Ahmed said.
Several people were still missing on Wednesday morning, he said.
Residents told Reuters the gunmen demanded during a sermon that locals ditch their allegiance to the Nigerian state and switch to Sharia Islamic law. When the villagers pushed back, the militants opened fire.
Kwara police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the police and military have been mobilized to the area for a search-and-rescue operation, but declined to provide casualty details.
A 'cowardly expression of frustration'
Ayodeji Emmanuel Babaomo, the Red Cross secretary in Kwara state, told The Associated Press that hundreds of men attacked and scores were killed, but they did not have exact numbers because of the area's remoteness — about eight hours from the state capital and near Nigeria's border with Benin.
Footage from the scene on local television show bodies lying in blood on the ground, some with their hands tied, as well as burning houses.
Kwara Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said in statement Wednesday the violence was a "cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells" in response to ongoing military operations against armed extremists in the state.
Nigeria is in the grip of a complex security crisis, with an insurgency by Islamic militants in the northeast alongside a surge in kidnappings for ransom by gunmen across the northwest and north-central regions in recent months. Intercommunal violence is also prevalent in the central states.
Mohammed Omar Bio, a member of parliament representing the area, told The Associated Press that Tuesday attacks in Woro and Nuku were carried out by the Lakurawa, an armed group affiliated with the Islamic State group.
But James Barnett, a researcher at the Washington-based Hudson Institute, said the culprits were most likely a faction of Boko Haram that has been responsible for other recent massacres in the area. No one has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attacks.
The Nigerian military has said in the past that the Lakurawa has roots in neighbouring Niger and that it became more active in Nigeria's border communities following a 2023 military coup.
Ayodeji Emmanuel Babaomo, the Red Cross secretary in Kwara state, told The Associated Press that hundreds of men attacked and scores were killed, but they did not have exact numbers because of the area's remoteness — about eight hours from the state capital and near Nigeria's border with Benin.
Footage from the scene on local television show bodies lying in blood on the ground, some with their hands tied, as well as burning houses.
Kwara Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said in statement Wednesday the violence was a "cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells" in response to ongoing military operations against armed extremists in the state.
Nigeria is in the grip of a complex security crisis, with an insurgency by Islamic militants in the northeast alongside a surge in kidnappings for ransom by gunmen across the northwest and north-central regions in recent months. Intercommunal violence is also prevalent in the central states.
Mohammed Omar Bio, a member of parliament representing the area, told The Associated Press that Tuesday attacks in Woro and Nuku were carried out by the Lakurawa, an armed group affiliated with the Islamic State group.
But James Barnett, a researcher at the Washington-based Hudson Institute, said the culprits were most likely a faction of Boko Haram that has been responsible for other recent massacres in the area. No one has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attacks.
The Nigerian military has said in the past that the Lakurawa has roots in neighbouring Niger and that it became more active in Nigeria's border communities following a 2023 military coup.
Separate attack kills 13
In a separate attack in the northern Katsina state, gunmen killed at least 21 people, moving from house to house to shoot their victims, residents and local police said.
The attack broke a six-month peace pact between the community and the armed gang.
It also highlighted the dilemma faced by residents in Nigeria's remote north, where some have sought peace with the armed gangs that terrorize them. Residents typically pool money and food, which they give to bandits so they are not attacked.
Last week, armed extremists in northeastern Nigeria killed at least 36 people during separate attacks on a construction site and on an army base.
Nigeria has been under pressure to restore security since U.S. President Donald Trump accused it last year of failing to protect Christians after numerous Islamist attacks and mass kidnappings. U.S. forces struck what they described as terrorist targets on Dec. 25.
The Nigerian authorities say they are co-operating with Washington to improve security and have denied there is systematic persecution of Christians.
In a separate attack in the northern Katsina state, gunmen killed at least 21 people, moving from house to house to shoot their victims, residents and local police said.
The attack broke a six-month peace pact between the community and the armed gang.
It also highlighted the dilemma faced by residents in Nigeria's remote north, where some have sought peace with the armed gangs that terrorize them. Residents typically pool money and food, which they give to bandits so they are not attacked.
Last week, armed extremists in northeastern Nigeria killed at least 36 people during separate attacks on a construction site and on an army base.
Nigeria has been under pressure to restore security since U.S. President Donald Trump accused it last year of failing to protect Christians after numerous Islamist attacks and mass kidnappings. U.S. forces struck what they described as terrorist targets on Dec. 25.
The Nigerian authorities say they are co-operating with Washington to improve security and have denied there is systematic persecution of Christians.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Epstein wanted to trade in Nigeria’s crude oil, but feared being defrauded
Newly released documents show an email correspondence between Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and a certain David Stern about a potential business deal to trade in Nigerian oil.
The document, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, forms a part of a large tranche of material released by the US FBI under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
In the email correspondence dated 20 September 2010, Mr Stern told Mr Epstein about an opportunity to make a significant profit by brokering or flipping Nigeria’s crude oil.
He referenced a person “PA,” who suggested he meet with individuals with both access to buy and resell the oil to China, with an estimated profit of $6 million.
“PA has asked me to see a guy who has access to Nigerian oil, and when selling it to China (or somebody else), F. can make around $6m.”
However, there was scepticism about the deal.
“This seems very fishy (as my boss JEE would say),” he wrote.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, also has a very shady oil industry that sees its oil routinely traded illegally on the black market. Efforts by different administrations to ensure full transparency in the sector have had little success. The state oil firm, NNPC Limited, only recently started publishing its audited accounts.
The email exchange between Messrs Epstein and Stern is one of the many conversations that Mr Epstein had with several of his ultra-rich and powerful circle before his death in July 2019.
It is also one of the many interactions in which Nigeria was mentioned. Some of the exchanges reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES revolved around business, investment opportunities, and visits to Nigeria.
Also, in 2010, Mr Epstein received an email from George Reenstra, founder of Aircraft Service Group, an American firm specialised in aircraft servicing, notifying him of a visit to Nigeria to meet with then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Mr Reenstra declared in the email that the meeting was mandatory. He said that although the trip was unexpected, he could not postpone it.
“I unexpectedly must leave this evening for Nigeria. I have tried hard to delay this trip but it is with the the country President and I have no alternative,” the businessman wrote on the 27th of September 2010, four months after Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as Nigeria’s president. There are no indications that the meeting with the Nigerian leader eventually held.
“I have passed all the documentation to my partner, Jon Parker, and he will be able to assist you in completing the transaction. I will have email access but not the ability to open attachments. Hopefully we can resolve the contract issues and get the funds into deposit early this week per our telephone and e-mail exchanges of last week,” Mr Reenstra wrote to Mr Epstein.
Several email exchanges with powerful names
Mr Epstein was awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges, to which he pleaded not guilty, before his death. He was found dead in his prison cell after committing suicide in 2019.
Since then, calls for the release of the Epstein files, which are supposed to contain detailed records of his alleged activities, associates, and investigations, persisted.
Many believed the public had a right to know the full extent of the case and potential connections to others involved.
The demand intensified after President Donald Trump assumed office.
The new files showed that members of Mr Trump’s inner circle had been interacting with the disgraced financier for years.
The newly released documents include numerous emails between Mr Epstein and people in his small, ultra-circle. Some of these are also members of Mr Trump’s inner circle.
Mr Trump himself had a relationship with Mr Epstein but maintains that he cut ties long ago.
The documents also include powerful names such as Bill Clinton, Elon Musk, and the British Prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Mr Epstein was known for his connections with the wealthy.
Among the correspondence with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is an invitation for Mr Epstein to dine at Buckingham Palace.
Mr Epstein also offered to introduce the prince to a 26-year-old Russian woman. Some photos appear to show Mr Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over an unidentified woman lying on the floor.
The prince had earlier claimed he had not seen or spoken to Mr Epstein after visiting his house in New York in December 2010, but the documents show emails were sent in February 2011.
Elon Musk’s name also appeared several times in the document, including email exchanges from 2012 to 2013, in which Mr Musk discussed visiting Mr Epstein’s infamous Caribbean island compound.
In 2019, Mr Musk had distanced himself from Mr Epstein, describing him as “obviously a creep” who “tried repeatedly to get me to visit his island.” He claimed he “declined” the invitation.
The file also showed that the current US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, arranged to visit Mr Epstein’s island in 2012.
The document also includes friendly exchanges between Mr Trump’s former advisor, Steve Bannon, and Mr Epstein.
In a January 2019 email, Mr Epstein asked whether Mr Bannon received the Apple Watch he sent him for Christmas.
A few days later, he invited Mr Bannon to “come join” him in New York.
The document, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, forms a part of a large tranche of material released by the US FBI under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
In the email correspondence dated 20 September 2010, Mr Stern told Mr Epstein about an opportunity to make a significant profit by brokering or flipping Nigeria’s crude oil.
He referenced a person “PA,” who suggested he meet with individuals with both access to buy and resell the oil to China, with an estimated profit of $6 million.
“PA has asked me to see a guy who has access to Nigerian oil, and when selling it to China (or somebody else), F. can make around $6m.”
However, there was scepticism about the deal.
“This seems very fishy (as my boss JEE would say),” he wrote.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, also has a very shady oil industry that sees its oil routinely traded illegally on the black market. Efforts by different administrations to ensure full transparency in the sector have had little success. The state oil firm, NNPC Limited, only recently started publishing its audited accounts.
The email exchange between Messrs Epstein and Stern is one of the many conversations that Mr Epstein had with several of his ultra-rich and powerful circle before his death in July 2019.
It is also one of the many interactions in which Nigeria was mentioned. Some of the exchanges reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES revolved around business, investment opportunities, and visits to Nigeria.
Also, in 2010, Mr Epstein received an email from George Reenstra, founder of Aircraft Service Group, an American firm specialised in aircraft servicing, notifying him of a visit to Nigeria to meet with then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Mr Reenstra declared in the email that the meeting was mandatory. He said that although the trip was unexpected, he could not postpone it.
“I unexpectedly must leave this evening for Nigeria. I have tried hard to delay this trip but it is with the the country President and I have no alternative,” the businessman wrote on the 27th of September 2010, four months after Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as Nigeria’s president. There are no indications that the meeting with the Nigerian leader eventually held.
“I have passed all the documentation to my partner, Jon Parker, and he will be able to assist you in completing the transaction. I will have email access but not the ability to open attachments. Hopefully we can resolve the contract issues and get the funds into deposit early this week per our telephone and e-mail exchanges of last week,” Mr Reenstra wrote to Mr Epstein.
Several email exchanges with powerful names
Mr Epstein was awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges, to which he pleaded not guilty, before his death. He was found dead in his prison cell after committing suicide in 2019.
Since then, calls for the release of the Epstein files, which are supposed to contain detailed records of his alleged activities, associates, and investigations, persisted.
Many believed the public had a right to know the full extent of the case and potential connections to others involved.
The demand intensified after President Donald Trump assumed office.
The new files showed that members of Mr Trump’s inner circle had been interacting with the disgraced financier for years.
The newly released documents include numerous emails between Mr Epstein and people in his small, ultra-circle. Some of these are also members of Mr Trump’s inner circle.
Mr Trump himself had a relationship with Mr Epstein but maintains that he cut ties long ago.
The documents also include powerful names such as Bill Clinton, Elon Musk, and the British Prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Mr Epstein was known for his connections with the wealthy.
Among the correspondence with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is an invitation for Mr Epstein to dine at Buckingham Palace.
Mr Epstein also offered to introduce the prince to a 26-year-old Russian woman. Some photos appear to show Mr Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over an unidentified woman lying on the floor.
The prince had earlier claimed he had not seen or spoken to Mr Epstein after visiting his house in New York in December 2010, but the documents show emails were sent in February 2011.
Elon Musk’s name also appeared several times in the document, including email exchanges from 2012 to 2013, in which Mr Musk discussed visiting Mr Epstein’s infamous Caribbean island compound.
In 2019, Mr Musk had distanced himself from Mr Epstein, describing him as “obviously a creep” who “tried repeatedly to get me to visit his island.” He claimed he “declined” the invitation.
The file also showed that the current US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, arranged to visit Mr Epstein’s island in 2012.
The document also includes friendly exchanges between Mr Trump’s former advisor, Steve Bannon, and Mr Epstein.
In a January 2019 email, Mr Epstein asked whether Mr Bannon received the Apple Watch he sent him for Christmas.
A few days later, he invited Mr Bannon to “come join” him in New York.
By Beloved John, Premium Times
US announces military team sent to Nigeria after recent attacks
The U.S. has dispatched a small team of military officers to Nigeria, the general in charge of U.S. Africa Command told reporters in a briefing on Tuesday.
General Dagvin R.M. Anderson said the move followed his meeting with Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, in Rome late last year.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, to include a small U.S. team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States in order to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years,” Anderson said.
It is unclear when the team arrived in Nigeria.
The military officers are the latest step since the U.S launched airstrikes against a group affiliated with the Islamic State last year on Dec. 25.
Nigeria has been in the diplomatic crosshairs of the U.S. following threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to attack the country, alleging the West African nation is not doing enough to protect its Christian citizens. Following the allegations, the West African country was designated as a Country of Particular Concern, a congressional designation in the U.S. for countries responsible for religious oppression.
The Nigerian government firmly rejected the claim of Christian genocide, saying the armed groups target people regardless of their faith.
The diplomatic dispute has led to increased military cooperation between the two countries. The terms of the cooperation have been unclear. The U.S has supplied Nigeria with military equipment and carried out reconnaissance missions across Nigeria.
Nigeria has been battling several armed groups across the country. The groups include Islamist sects like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.
Last month, an armed group launched simultaneous attacks on three churches in northwestern Kaduna state abducting 168 people.
General Dagvin R.M. Anderson said the move followed his meeting with Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, in Rome late last year.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, to include a small U.S. team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States in order to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years,” Anderson said.
It is unclear when the team arrived in Nigeria.
The military officers are the latest step since the U.S launched airstrikes against a group affiliated with the Islamic State last year on Dec. 25.
Nigeria has been in the diplomatic crosshairs of the U.S. following threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to attack the country, alleging the West African nation is not doing enough to protect its Christian citizens. Following the allegations, the West African country was designated as a Country of Particular Concern, a congressional designation in the U.S. for countries responsible for religious oppression.
The Nigerian government firmly rejected the claim of Christian genocide, saying the armed groups target people regardless of their faith.
The diplomatic dispute has led to increased military cooperation between the two countries. The terms of the cooperation have been unclear. The U.S has supplied Nigeria with military equipment and carried out reconnaissance missions across Nigeria.
Nigeria has been battling several armed groups across the country. The groups include Islamist sects like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.
Last month, an armed group launched simultaneous attacks on three churches in northwestern Kaduna state abducting 168 people.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Nigeria signs deal with South Korea to launch Africa’s first electric vehicle factory
Nigeria has taken a major step toward establishing a domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry after signing an agreement with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) to establish what officials are calling Africa’s first EV manufacturing plant.
The agreement, signed on January 30, 2025, by Minister of State for Industry Senator John Enoh for Nigeria and AEDC Chairman Yoon Suk-hun for South Korea, marks a major step in the country’s push to localize vehicle production and green technology adoption.
According to a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC),
“On January 30, 2026, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through Senator John Enoh, Hon. Minister of State for Industry at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) to establish an Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant and develop critical charging infrastructure nationwide. This landmark collaboration aligns strongly with Nigeria’s National Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).”
The agreement, signed on January 30, 2025, by Minister of State for Industry Senator John Enoh for Nigeria and AEDC Chairman Yoon Suk-hun for South Korea, marks a major step in the country’s push to localize vehicle production and green technology adoption.
According to a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC),
“On January 30, 2026, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through Senator John Enoh, Hon. Minister of State for Industry at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) to establish an Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant and develop critical charging infrastructure nationwide. This landmark collaboration aligns strongly with Nigeria’s National Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).”
Phased Approach and Production Targets
The project will be implemented in phases, beginning with EV assembly and later expanding into full in-house production.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles annually and create approximately 10,000 jobs, according to the NADDC.
The project will be implemented in phases, beginning with EV assembly and later expanding into full in-house production.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles annually and create approximately 10,000 jobs, according to the NADDC.
Government Initiatives to Support EV Adoption
Nigeria’s automotive sector faces structural challenges, including limited local component production, high assembly costs, and heavy reliance on imports.
The country imports between 400,000 and 720,000 vehicles annually, with 74–90% being used cars.
In 2023, imports reached 700,000 units, with passenger cars valued at $1.05 billion in 2024, making Nigeria one of the world’s largest markets for pre-owned vehicles.
To promote electric mobility, the federal government launched a 20 billion naira ($12 million) consumer credit program in December 2024.
The scheme supports the purchase of locally assembled electric vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles, partnering with domestic manufacturers including Innoson, Nord, CIG (GAC), PAN, Mikano, Jets, NEV (Electric), and DAG to expand access and foster the growth of a homegrown EV industry.
Nigeria’s automotive sector faces structural challenges, including limited local component production, high assembly costs, and heavy reliance on imports.
The country imports between 400,000 and 720,000 vehicles annually, with 74–90% being used cars.
In 2023, imports reached 700,000 units, with passenger cars valued at $1.05 billion in 2024, making Nigeria one of the world’s largest markets for pre-owned vehicles.
To promote electric mobility, the federal government launched a 20 billion naira ($12 million) consumer credit program in December 2024.
The scheme supports the purchase of locally assembled electric vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles, partnering with domestic manufacturers including Innoson, Nord, CIG (GAC), PAN, Mikano, Jets, NEV (Electric), and DAG to expand access and foster the growth of a homegrown EV industry.
Previous EV Efforts
Earlier EV initiatives in Nigeria, like the NASENI–Israeli/Japanese collaboration in 2022 or the December 2025 partnership with the Chinese firm, were pilot projects or partial assembly efforts and did not reach full-scale production.
The new AEDC-backed plant is explicitly designed to be the continent’s first large-scale EV production facility, including assembly, manufacturing, and supporting infrastructure such as nationwide charging networks.
Earlier EV initiatives in Nigeria, like the NASENI–Israeli/Japanese collaboration in 2022 or the December 2025 partnership with the Chinese firm, were pilot projects or partial assembly efforts and did not reach full-scale production.
The new AEDC-backed plant is explicitly designed to be the continent’s first large-scale EV production facility, including assembly, manufacturing, and supporting infrastructure such as nationwide charging networks.
Regional Context and Opportunities
Across Africa, electric vehicle adoption is growing but remains limited. According to EV24, the continent had over 30,000 EVs in use by mid‑2025, accounting for less than 1 percent of total vehicle sales.
Ethiopia leads with about 100,000 EVs, followed by Ghana with 17,000, Morocco with 10,000, South Africa with 6,000, Egypt with 3,500–4,000, and Kenya with nearly 3,800.
Most EVs are motorcycles or commercial vehicles, and adoption is constrained by high costs and limited charging infrastructure.
Nigeria’s agreement with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee to build Africa’s first full-scale EV plant highlights its ambition to move beyond assembly toward a sustainable domestic EV industry.
Across Africa, electric vehicle adoption is growing but remains limited. According to EV24, the continent had over 30,000 EVs in use by mid‑2025, accounting for less than 1 percent of total vehicle sales.
Ethiopia leads with about 100,000 EVs, followed by Ghana with 17,000, Morocco with 10,000, South Africa with 6,000, Egypt with 3,500–4,000, and Kenya with nearly 3,800.
Most EVs are motorcycles or commercial vehicles, and adoption is constrained by high costs and limited charging infrastructure.
Nigeria’s agreement with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee to build Africa’s first full-scale EV plant highlights its ambition to move beyond assembly toward a sustainable domestic EV industry.
By Olamilekan Okebiorun, Business Insider Africa
Monday, February 2, 2026
Nigeria technology summit showcases tech-driven innovations for real-world challenges
At Tech Revolution Africa in Lagos, founders and companies showcased solutions already tackling real problems, shifting the continent’s tech conversation from ambition to execution.
Climate change, competition drive deadly land clashes in Nigeria
Farmers and herders in central Nigeria fight over shrinking land and resources, leaving thousands of people dead over two decades. Government efforts struggle as mistrust and deep-rooted tensions persist.
Eighty kidnapped Nigerians return home after escape
Dozens of worshippers kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria's northern Kaduna state have returned home weeks after their abduction, police have confirmed.
They were among 177 people seized last month from three churches in the remote village of Kurmin Wali.
The 80 people escaped on the day they were taken but hid in neighbouring villages for a fortnight "due to fear of being captured again", state police spokesman Mansur Hassan told the BBC.
The authorities say efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining 86 people still being held. The attack was part of a wave of kidnappings for ransom affecting many parts of Nigeria, but no group has said it was behind the abductions.
The raid was initially denied by police, who only confirmed the kidnappings on 21 January after local residents had reported to the BBC that 177 worshippers were abducted, with 11 escaping shortly afterwards.
The official response drew criticism from Amnesty International, which accused Nigerian authorities of "desperate denial".
The rights group urged officials to "take immediate and concrete measures to prevent rampant abductions that are gradually becoming the norm in Nigeria."
In November, more than 300 students and teachers were taken from a Catholic school in Niger state, which neighbours Kaduna, before being released in two groups.
Nigeria faces multiple, overlapping security challenges beyond kidnappings, including an Islamist insurgency in the north-east, separatist violence in the south-east, and frequent clashes between herders and farmers in central regions over land and water.
Security experts say efforts to tackle these crises are hampered by corruption, poor intelligence sharing, and underfunded local police forces.
The security situation has drawn international attention. In December, the US conducted airstrikes in north-western Nigeria on Christmas Day, targeting two camps run by an Islamist militant group.
Following the action, President Donald Trump warned of further strikes if attacks on Christians in the West African nation continued.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is home to more than 250 ethnic groups and is roughly divided between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south, with significant mixing in central regions.
The government maintains that people of all faiths have been victims of the widespread violence.
By Madina Maishanu, BBC
They were among 177 people seized last month from three churches in the remote village of Kurmin Wali.
The 80 people escaped on the day they were taken but hid in neighbouring villages for a fortnight "due to fear of being captured again", state police spokesman Mansur Hassan told the BBC.
The authorities say efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining 86 people still being held. The attack was part of a wave of kidnappings for ransom affecting many parts of Nigeria, but no group has said it was behind the abductions.
The raid was initially denied by police, who only confirmed the kidnappings on 21 January after local residents had reported to the BBC that 177 worshippers were abducted, with 11 escaping shortly afterwards.
The official response drew criticism from Amnesty International, which accused Nigerian authorities of "desperate denial".
The rights group urged officials to "take immediate and concrete measures to prevent rampant abductions that are gradually becoming the norm in Nigeria."
In November, more than 300 students and teachers were taken from a Catholic school in Niger state, which neighbours Kaduna, before being released in two groups.
Nigeria faces multiple, overlapping security challenges beyond kidnappings, including an Islamist insurgency in the north-east, separatist violence in the south-east, and frequent clashes between herders and farmers in central regions over land and water.
Security experts say efforts to tackle these crises are hampered by corruption, poor intelligence sharing, and underfunded local police forces.
The security situation has drawn international attention. In December, the US conducted airstrikes in north-western Nigeria on Christmas Day, targeting two camps run by an Islamist militant group.
Following the action, President Donald Trump warned of further strikes if attacks on Christians in the West African nation continued.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is home to more than 250 ethnic groups and is roughly divided between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south, with significant mixing in central regions.
The government maintains that people of all faiths have been victims of the widespread violence.
Nigeria charges nine with 2025 massacre that killed 150
Nigerian prosecutors filed 57 terrorism-related charges on Monday against nine men accused of carrying out a deadly attack on Yelwata community in Nigeria's central Benue state in June 2025 that killed about 150 people.
Benue sits in Nigeria's volatile Middle Belt, the fault line between the Muslim north and Christian south. Years of violence over land, religion, and ethnicity have proved hard for the authorities to rein in.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, say the defendants held planning meetings, raised funds, procured weapons, and mobilised fighters across several states ahead of the June 13 attack, one of the deadliest rural assaults in years.
The filing says ringleader Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono and others met in neighbouring Nasarawa state to raise cash, issue orders and recruit fighters. Several defendants are accused of supplying AK-47s, aiding the gunmen or providing safe sites for planning.
Prosecutors say the raid torched homes and caused heavy casualties in Yelwata in Benue's Guma district.
Plagued by Islamist attacks and mass kidnappings, Nigeria is under pressure to restore security since U.S. President Donald Trump accused it last year of failing to protect Christians. U.S. forces struck what they described as terrorist targets on December 25. The Nigerian authorities say they are cooperating with Washington to improve security.
By Camillus Eboh, Reuters
Benue sits in Nigeria's volatile Middle Belt, the fault line between the Muslim north and Christian south. Years of violence over land, religion, and ethnicity have proved hard for the authorities to rein in.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, say the defendants held planning meetings, raised funds, procured weapons, and mobilised fighters across several states ahead of the June 13 attack, one of the deadliest rural assaults in years.
The filing says ringleader Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono and others met in neighbouring Nasarawa state to raise cash, issue orders and recruit fighters. Several defendants are accused of supplying AK-47s, aiding the gunmen or providing safe sites for planning.
Prosecutors say the raid torched homes and caused heavy casualties in Yelwata in Benue's Guma district.
Plagued by Islamist attacks and mass kidnappings, Nigeria is under pressure to restore security since U.S. President Donald Trump accused it last year of failing to protect Christians. U.S. forces struck what they described as terrorist targets on December 25. The Nigerian authorities say they are cooperating with Washington to improve security.
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