US travel restrictions are full effect for 26 African countries, including 12 full bans and 14 partial bans, with Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, among those affected. These restrictions come at a time when Africa’s aviation sector was seeing new growth. In Nigeria, however, industry operators report a decline in passenger traffic on Nigeria-US routes, as the country had already been subject to strict visa regulations.
Monday, January 5, 2026
Video - Nigerian aviation industry reels from US travel ban
US travel restrictions are full effect for 26 African countries, including 12 full bans and 14 partial bans, with Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, among those affected. These restrictions come at a time when Africa’s aviation sector was seeing new growth. In Nigeria, however, industry operators report a decline in passenger traffic on Nigeria-US routes, as the country had already been subject to strict visa regulations.
Video - Locals in northern Nigeria warned against handling unexploded artillery
The Nigerian military has urged civilians in the country’s northwest not to keep or tamper with unexploded artillery found at sites targeted in recent US airstrikes. The warning comes after online footage showed local residents scavenging debris and unexploded ordnance at strike locations in Sokoto State, raising fears of potentially deadly explosions.
Video - Nigeria struggles as US trade barriers disrupt exports
Nigeria's exports to the US have taken a hit due to new tariffs under the Trump administration, forcing local businesses to adapt. As demand falls, Nigerian exporters are looking to shift their focus to Asia and Europe to stay competitive. In this report, we examine the impact of these trade barriers on Nigeria's economy and the changing global trade landscape.
26 dead and 14 missing after boat capsizes in northeastern Nigeria
At least 26 people drowned and 14 others are missing after a boat carrying farmers and fishermen capsized in northeastern Nigeria, the emergency services said Sunday.
The incident happened late Saturday, when a rudimentary passenger boat going from Jigawa State to Yobe State capsized, Mohammed Goje, executive director of the State Emergency Management Agency in Yobe state, told reporters.
"So far, emergency volunteers and rescue teams have recovered 26 bodies," he said. His agency said in a statement that 14 others were missing.
Thirteen other passengers were rescued, he said, adding that search and rescue operations were still underway.
Accidents are common on Nigeria's busy rivers, often caused by overloaded boats, poor maintenance or failure to comply with safety regulations. Police indicated that the boat captain would likely be prosecuted if he survives.
Several dozens die each year in various accidents along the country's waterways but boat worker Sunusi Ahmed says it's been two or three years since an accident like this last occurred.
"The reason such accidents happen is because people overload the boats. However, despite that, some measures were taken to avert that, yet we also call on the authorities to take firm action against overloading."
The incident happened late Saturday, when a rudimentary passenger boat going from Jigawa State to Yobe State capsized, Mohammed Goje, executive director of the State Emergency Management Agency in Yobe state, told reporters.
"So far, emergency volunteers and rescue teams have recovered 26 bodies," he said. His agency said in a statement that 14 others were missing.
Thirteen other passengers were rescued, he said, adding that search and rescue operations were still underway.
Accidents are common on Nigeria's busy rivers, often caused by overloaded boats, poor maintenance or failure to comply with safety regulations. Police indicated that the boat captain would likely be prosecuted if he survives.
Several dozens die each year in various accidents along the country's waterways but boat worker Sunusi Ahmed says it's been two or three years since an accident like this last occurred.
"The reason such accidents happen is because people overload the boats. However, despite that, some measures were taken to avert that, yet we also call on the authorities to take firm action against overloading."
At least 30 killed in Nigeria market attack
At least 30 people were killed and several others abducted when gunmen attacked a market in Nigeria’s Niger State, police said on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said the gunmen, locally called bandits, stormed Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village at around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, burning stalls and looting food items.
“Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack, and some persons were also kidnapped. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims,” Mr. Abiodun said.
Witnesses said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately. They said the violence was part of a series of raids that began on Friday in the nearby villages of Agwarra and Borgu.
“Women and children were not spared,” said Dauda Shakulle, who was wounded while fleeing. “There has been no presence of security forces since the attacks began. We are currently recovering corpses.”
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Sunday said that he has directed the authorities to hunt down the perpetrators behind the attack.
“I have also directed that all abducted victims be urgently rescued and that security operations around vulnerable communities, especially near forests, be intensified,” Mr. Tinubu said in a statement.
The Nigerian military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The attack came weeks after gunmen seized more than 300 children and staff of a Catholic school in the state in central Nigeria. Those victims were released after nearly a month in captivity.
Such banditry has escalated across northwestern and central Nigeria, with armed groups carrying out mass killings and kidnappings in rural communities. Security forces have struggled to contain the violence despite continuing operations.
Witness Khalid Pissa said the gunmen attacked communities in Kasuwan Daji and also in nearby Chukama and Shanga. Pissa put the death toll at 40.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said the gunmen, locally called bandits, stormed Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village at around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, burning stalls and looting food items.
“Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack, and some persons were also kidnapped. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims,” Mr. Abiodun said.
Witnesses said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately. They said the violence was part of a series of raids that began on Friday in the nearby villages of Agwarra and Borgu.
“Women and children were not spared,” said Dauda Shakulle, who was wounded while fleeing. “There has been no presence of security forces since the attacks began. We are currently recovering corpses.”
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Sunday said that he has directed the authorities to hunt down the perpetrators behind the attack.
“I have also directed that all abducted victims be urgently rescued and that security operations around vulnerable communities, especially near forests, be intensified,” Mr. Tinubu said in a statement.
The Nigerian military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The attack came weeks after gunmen seized more than 300 children and staff of a Catholic school in the state in central Nigeria. Those victims were released after nearly a month in captivity.
Such banditry has escalated across northwestern and central Nigeria, with armed groups carrying out mass killings and kidnappings in rural communities. Security forces have struggled to contain the violence despite continuing operations.
Witness Khalid Pissa said the gunmen attacked communities in Kasuwan Daji and also in nearby Chukama and Shanga. Pissa put the death toll at 40.
By Ahmed Kingimi, Reuters
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