NEWS

Nigeria has been identified as one of the 10 countries most affected by the global food crisis, according to the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises released by a coalition of UN agencies, the European Union, and partners. The report revealed that Nigeria and nine other nations account for nearly two-thirds of people facing severe food insecurity worldwide. In total, about 266 million people across 47 countries experienced acute hunger in 2025—almost a quarter of those assessed and nearly double the figure recorded in 2016. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, warned that food insecurity is no longer a temporary issue but a persistent and recurring global challenge. Earlier this year, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aff...

A Nigerian woman living in South Africa has raised concerns over the treatment of Nigerians, calling on the Nigerian government to intervene. In a video message, she alleged that Nigerians are facing repeated harassment and attacks, while receiving little or no support from officials. She also criticised the Nigerian consulate, saying it has remained silent despite the situation. According to her, the issue has gone beyond documentation, with some Nigerians allegedly being told to leave the country entirely. She shared personal experiences, stating that her children—born in South Africa—have been bullied and told to “go back to their country.” While noting that some may consider returning home, she questioned the reality of coming back to Nigeria, citing concerns about economic...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested businessman and former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, in connection with a suspected multi-billion naira fraud. Ayeni was reportedly apprehended in Abuja and remains in EFCC custody while investigations are ongoing. The anti-graft agency is probing allegations involving the diversion and mismanagement of funds totaling about N36.5 billion and $30 million. The funds are believed to have been sourced from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to him. More details are expected as the investigation unfolds.

The Federal Government has approved a major increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a bid to improve earnings and boost morale across the public service. The announcement was made in Abuja on Friday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a briefing where she outlined recent reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council. According to her, the review covers workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring wide coverage across different categories of federal employees. She explained that the updated “peculiar allowances” have been adjusted across all grade levels, leading to improved earnings for b...

The US State Department is offering up to $10 million for information on the leader of the “Iran-aligned” Iraqi armed group Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS), which Washington designates as a terrorist organisation. US officials said in a social media post on Thursday that they were seeking information on KSS leader Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walai. The group has "killed Iraqi civilians and attacked US diplomatic facilities in Iraq, as well as attacking US military bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria," Washington said. The post notes "you could be eligible for relocation and a reward" for information on al-Saraji's whereabouts. Al-Saraji has a seat within the Coordination Framework, the alliance that holds the parliamentary majority. “Iran-aligne...

South Africa's Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has strongly condemned a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaian nationals and other foreign residents, as escalating unrest in Durban’s central business district has forced hundreds of businesses to close over safety concerns. The developments come amid growing diplomatic and social tensions following recent incidents involving foreign nationals. Recent videos circulating online show foreign nationals being harassed.  Tensions on the ground in Durban have intensified, with the Durban Central Concerned Business Group warning of a “collapse of law and order” in the city’s CBD. In a letter addressed to government and law enforcement authorities, the group said businesses had been forced to shut down due to ongoing intim...

The Nigerian Armed Forces have commenced a general court-martial for 36 personnel accused of participating in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of Bola Tinubu. The proceedings, set up by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), were inaugurated on Friday at the Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, under tight security. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, the session was conducted behind closed doors, with journalists—including accredited defence correspondents—denied entry. Security operatives also restricted the use of mobile phones as the accused officers were transported to the venue in a military bus early in the morning. The court-martial is expected to address multiple cases involving the defendants, as the military seeks to maintain discipline and safeguard constituti...

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) cannot impose fines or penalties on motorists who violate the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act without first obtaining a court order. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa made it clear that although both agencies are authorised to enforce the law, they do not have the power to directly sanction offenders outside judicial approval. The ruling followed a suit filed by lawyer Deji Adeyanju. Before delivering the verdict, the court dismissed a preliminary objection raised by the police, which sought to challenge the court’s jurisdiction and halt the judgment. Counsel to the police, Andrew Victor, had argued that the force was not properly served wi...

A High Court in Maiduguri, Borno State, has sentenced a 33-year-old woman, Salamatu Saidu, to five years in prison for her involvement in human trafficking. The judgment was delivered by Justice Bukar Umar on Monday, the same day the defendant was arraigned. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) confirmed the development in a statement shared on its Facebook page on Thursday, April 23, 2026. According to the agency, Saidu’s actions violated Section 26(2) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. NAPTIP explained that the offence involved the fraudulent movement of individuals aged 21 and 33, describing it as the act of knowingly organizing or facilitating illegal entry or exit of persons through de...

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State is facing criticism after appearing in a video alongside an aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo who made controversial statements directed at opposition figures. In the widely circulated clip, the governor’s aide—also known as a praise singer—was heard pledging to hand over any members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) found in the state to the police commissioner. He also insulted former presidential candidate Peter Obi, calling him a “stupid man.” The footage shows the police commissioner smiling during the exchange, a reaction that has sparked backlash from observers who questioned whether it was appropriate given the seriousness of the remarks. The aide, who has previously faced allegations of issuing threats regarding Peter Obi’s s...