Author: kajarbi54

The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have announced the success of a large-scale air and ground operation that resulted in the neutralization of approximately ten terrorists and the destruction of key weapons and equipment. According to a statement released by the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Oumar Diarra the operation took place on Sunday, in a strategic area between Bambara-Maoudé and Inadjatafane in the Douentza region.  The forces said that swift coordination and responsiveness on the ground allowed them to gain the upper hand against armed groups attempting to reorganize in the area. The General Staff reaffirmed its…

A Nigerian entrepreneur has launched what is being described as Africa’s first homegrown global social media platform, marking a significant step in the continent’s expanding digital ambitions. The platform, LekeeLekee, was founded by media executive Nduka Obiagbene and is designed to bridge global technology standards with local African realities. Developed as part of a broader digital expansion strategy, the platform aims to create an ecosystem that empowers users, encourages authentic engagement, and builds inclusive online communities. In a statement announcing the launch, Obiagbene described the initiative as an opportunity to promote a more equitable digital landscape. He said the app…

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), has foiled a major cocaine trafficking plot, dismantling a network operating across multiple airports and urban centres. Several suspects, including a Nigerian businessman and two Angolan nationals, were arrested in the operation and significant amounts of cocaine were seized, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking. NDLEA officers apprehended Ibeanu Chukwudulue at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport with 52 wraps of cocaine concealed inside his body en route to China. On the same day, two Angolan nationals were arrested at Kano Airport carrying 1.33 kg of ingested narcotics. Airport authorities also intercepted…

Nigeria has fixed February 20, 2027, as the date for its next presidential election. The country also announced a timetable for governorship and legislative elections scheduled for March 6. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan, made the announcement on Friday, describing the forthcoming elections as a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey. Although INEC has introduced technological tools, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), over the past decade to improve the integrity of election outcomes, the reforms have had limited success in boosting public confidence, and post-election litigation remains common. Earlier this…

Mali’s transitional government has relaunched its annual social welfare programme, distributing food kits to military personnel and vulnerable populations ahead of Ramadan and Lent. The initiative, aimed at supporting citizens during the holy season, features a significant increase in aid compared to previous years. The donations were presented at the Kati military camp and the Military Engineering unit in the capital, Bamako. A total of 800 food kits were distributed. Each kit contains 50 kilograms of millet, 50 kilograms of rice, 50 kilograms of sugar, and a 20-litre container of cooking oil. Two additional donations were made by the Transitional…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for a reinforced global offensive against transnational organised crime, warning that the increasing sophistication of criminal networks requires stronger international law enforcement collaboration. Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, made the remarks on Friday at the graduation ceremony of NDLEA officers at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs and transnational organised crime. Describing the ceremony as significant, Marwa noted that the course was dedicated to members of the…

The Gambia and the United Nations are charting a new course to strengthen parliamentary engagement, with particular emphasis on accountability, transparency, and citizen-centred multilateralism. A delegation led by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie, is participating in the 2026 IPU-United Nations Parliamentary Hearings, convened under the theme, “Parliaments and the United Nations: Better Together, Delivering for the People.” During the proceedings, Njie raised concerns about the structural, political, and operational challenges that continue to limit the effectiveness of the United Nations, particularly in delivering meaningful outcomes for African countries and for women and girls across…

Five Republican lawmakers in the United States, have accused Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining in Nigeria of financing terrorism. The allegation was contained in a bill titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced by lawmakers Riley Moore, Chris Smith, Bill Huizenga, Brian Mast and Mario Diaz-Balart. The lawmakers alleged that extremist groups including Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out killings, kidnappings and mass displacement since 2009, claiming that tens of thousands of Christians were killed between 2009 and 2025. Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Chris Smith, explained that the bill would…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support police operations against escalating gang violence and organised crime in parts of the country. The directive was announced on Thursday during the State of the Nation Address delivered before a joint sitting of Parliament at Cape Town City Hall. Ramaphosa said the military would assist the South African Police Service in stabilising high-risk areas, dismantling criminal syndicates, and restoring public safety. The president described organised crime as “the most immediate threat to the nation’s democracy, society and economic development,” identifying the Western Cape…

Nigeria has secured a $62.8 million concessional loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, to strengthen climate-resilient school infrastructure, enhance teacher training and expand inclusive access to education. The Nigerian government disclosed this in Abuja, during celebrations marking Kuwait’s 65th National Day and 35th Liberation Day. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, said the 2025 financing agreement reflects deepening Nigeria-Kuwait ties and a shared commitment to human capital development. According to the diplomat, both countries are expanding collaboration in agriculture, food security, renewable energy, infrastructure and digital connectivity, with subnational governments also…