Author: fatimah

Police in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, have confirmed that a mass abduction took place over the weekend, reversing earlier statements that dismissed reports of the incident as false. In a statement issued late on Tuesday, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said dozens of residents were abducted on Sunday during an attack by armed bandits. He added that security forces have launched operations focused on locating and safely rescuing the victims, as well as restoring calm in the affected communities. Hundeyin explained that the initial denials by police and other officials were aimed at preventing public panic while authorities verified the facts.…

Mali’s transitional government has announced the allocation of 17 billion CFA francs to support members of the armed forces and their beneficiaries, marking the highest publicly disclosed level of social support for military personnel in the country to date. The funding was announced during activities marking Malian Armed Forces Day, an annual event dedicated to recognising the role of the military. Authorities said the allocation will support soldiers deployed across various operational theatres, as well as provide assistance to the families of troops killed or wounded while carrying out missions to defend and secure national territory. The allocation is significantly…

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has stepped up efforts to attract American investment, presenting United States officials with a shortlist of state-owned mining assets as part of a proposed minerals partnership, according to two senior Congolese officials. The assets under consideration include deposits of manganese, copper-cobalt, gold, and lithium, all of which are critical to global energy transition and manufacturing supply chains. The list was formally submitted to U.S. authorities last week, marking what officials describe as the most concrete step so far in translating diplomatic engagement into U.S. participation in Congo’s strategic minerals sector. The move follows…

A United States immigration court in the state of Virginia has adjourned proceedings involving Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, until 27 April 2026. The decision was taken on Tuesday following Mr Ofori-Atta’s recent detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). American authorities argue that he no longer holds lawful immigration status after the revocation of his visitor visa. The case was presided over by Immigration Judge David Gardey, who considered issues relating to bond and conducted an initial assessment of the matter. Court filings show that Mr Ofori-Atta is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Centre in…

Côte d’Ivoire has raised 220 billion CFA francs from the public securities market of the West African Monetary Union (UMOA), following a bond auction held in Dakar, according to data released on Tuesday by UMOA-Titres. The operation, which initially targeted 200 billion CFA francs, drew strong demand from investors, with total bids amounting to 419.1 billion CFA francs. This translated into an oversubscription rate of more than 209 per cent, although just over half of the offers were accepted, resulting in an absorption rate of 52.5 per cent. The issuance consisted of four instruments: 350-day Treasury Bills and Treasury Bonds…

The Togolese government has extradited former Burkinabe transitional president, Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, to Burkina Faso over his alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The extradition was officially announced by Togo’s Minister of Justice and Human Rights, also known as the Keeper of the Seals. According to the statement, the decision followed a formal request submitted on January 12, 2026, by Burkinabe judicial authorities. The request came just days after authorities in Ouagadougou revealed they had foiled an alleged plot aimed at destabilizing the current government. Damiba, who ruled Burkina Faso from January to September…

Authorities in Madagascar have detained two prominent political figures formerly aligned with ex-President Andry Rajoelina, accusing them of involvement in activities allegedly aimed at destabilizing the country through financial inducements. The detentions followed a series of judicial rulings issued on Monday, January 19, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing investigations tied to the country’s political unrest. Those concerned are Marie-Michelle Sahondrarimalala, a lawmaker elected under the former ruling coalition IRMAR and a former Minister of National Education, and retired General Richard Ravalomanana, who previously served as President of the Senate. Judicial sources confirmed that Sahondrarimalala was transferred to Avaradrano…

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has recorded significant operational gains over the past five years, announcing the arrest of 77,792 suspects, including 128 alleged drug barons, alongside 14,225 convictions and the seizure of more than 14.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs nationwide. The figures were disclosed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), during the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Awards and Commendation Ceremony held at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja. Addressing officers and stakeholders at the event, Marwa declared that Nigeria would no longer be a…

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) say they have regained control of the eastern city of Uvira following the withdrawal of fighters from the M23 rebel group and its allied forces. In a statement issued on Sunday, the military accused the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), a rebel coalition that includes the M23, of carrying out widespread looting in the city prior to their departure. The army also alleged the involvement of foreign fighters, including Rwandan troops, claims that Kigali has consistently denied. According to the statement, 20 civilians suspected of participating in the looting have…

The Kaduna State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that more than 100 worshippers were abducted during a church service in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the claims as false and misleading. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, said the reports were being circulated by what he termed “conflict entrepreneurs” seeking to incite fear and destabilise the state. He challenged those behind the allegations to provide verifiable details, including the names and identities of the purported victims. Rabiu warned that individuals spreading unverified information could face legal consequences, stressing…