NewStats: 3,264,430 , 8,183,704 topics. Date: Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 05:12 AM 1z5i2y

LAGOS, June 10 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (Discos) recorded a revenue shortfall of ₦202.61 billion in the first quarter of 2025, despite a 106.7% year-on-year increase in customer billing, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), analysed by Punch newspaper.

The 12 Discos billed customers a total of ₦761.91 billion between January and March 2025, up from ₦368.65 billion in the same period of 2024. However, only ₦559.3 billion was recovered during the quarter, reflecting a collection efficiency of 73.4% and leaving a gap of 26.6%.

While this marks an improvement in billing volume and nominal collections compared to the first quarter of 2024—when only ₦291.62 billion was collected—industry observers noted a worsening in the absolute size of revenue lost, which more than doubled year-on-year.

“The performance underscores continued weaknesses in the collection systems of Discos, particularly in northern Nigeria where collection rates remain lowest,” said an unnamed energy analyst quoted in the Punch report. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4855

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ABUJA, June 10 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned the public against investing in a cryptocurrency called Punisher Coin, also known as $PUN, citing its lack of regulatory approval and high risk of investor losses.

In a public notice issued on Sunday, the Commission said Punisher Coin and its promoters are not ed to operate or solicit investments in Nigeria’s capital market.

“The attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘the Commission’) has been drawn to several online publications blatantly advertising the unauthorised presale of a cryptocoin termed ‘Punisher Coin’, aka ‘$PUN’,” the SEC said in its statement.

The regulatory body expressed concern over a recent Daily Trust E-Paper article titled ‘Cryptos to Buy: Why Punisher Coin Could Avalanche and Chainlink as a Top Investment Pick’, which it described as promoting an uned investment scheme.

Preliminary investigations, the SEC noted, indicate that $PUN is a meme coin—a category of digital assets typically driven by online hype rather than real-world utility or intrinsic value. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4848


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LAGOS, June 9 (AGCNewsNet) — Ecobank Nigeria is positioning itself to tap into the $100 billion global fashion industry by promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially Adire fabric makers, through its annual Ecobank Adire Lagos exhibition.

Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs at Ecobank Nigeria, told journalists at the ongoing fourth edition of the event that the bank is focused on ing Nigerian entrepreneurs and creatives to become key players in Africa’s $30 billion contribution to the global fashion market.

“With backing from development finance institutions like the World Bank and IFC ing Africa’s fashion industries, Nigeria must not be left behind,” Odu said. “Ecobank is creating free platforms for Nigerian SMEs to showcase their work globally.”

The exhibition celebrates indigenous textile craftsmanship, offering artisans, designers, and producers a chance to increase visibility, boost sales, and expand into local and international markets. Odu highlighted the event’s blend of established and emerging brands that emphasize innovation and cultural pride. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4830

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LAGOS, June 4 (AGCNewsNet) – President Bola Tinubu has awarded American billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates with Nigeria’s third-highest national honour, Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), in recognition of his decades-long commitment to improving health, agriculture, and poverty alleviation in the country.

The honour was conferred during a private ceremony held at the president’s residence in Lagos on Tuesday. A statement issued by Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga said the award acknowledges Gates’ “indivisible commitment to humanity” and his inspiring role in lifting the lives of the poor and underprivileged through his foundation’s work in Nigeria.

“Today, I would like to share my happiness and respect and acknowledge one of the greatest human beings in the world,” President Tinubu said during the ceremony. “All I need to say is thank you Bill Gates. It is highly remarkable. It is an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you.”

The CFR is Nigeria’s third-highest national honour, following the GCFR (Grand Commander of the Federal Republic) and GCON (Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger). Typically reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development, the CFR is a rare recognition for foreign nationals. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4794

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ZAMFARA, Jun 4 (AGCNewsNet) – A precision airstrike by the Nigerian military on terrorist camps in Maraya village, Zamfara State, has killed 20 insurgents, signalling a renewed push against terrorism in Nigeria’s restive northwest.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed the strike, which occurred in the early hours of June 1, was the result of coordinated aerial intelligence and forms part of a wider offensive to reclaim rural territories plagued by terrorist violence.

“Following the air interdiction at approximately 01:11 a.m., troops from 1 Brigade, stationed at Forward Operating Base Magami, were immediately dispatched to the Maraya/Wabi area,” said Major General Marcus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations. “Their mission was to assess battle damage and confirm the success of the strike.”

Kangye reported that on-the-spot assessments verified the elimination of 20 terrorists, who had been operating in the area as part of ongoing attacks on vulnerable communities in Maru Local Government Area.

However, the strike was not without unintended consequences. Two local vigilantes assisting military operations were killed, and two others injured, in what officials described as inadvertent casualties. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4791

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MOKWA, June 2 (AGCNewsNet) — More than 700 people are feared dead after severe flooding devastated Mokwa, a town in Nigeria’s Niger State, in what authorities describe as one of the worst flood disasters in over six decades. At least 200 deaths have been confirmed so far, while over 500 residents remain missing.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun distributing relief packages, and emergency responders warn of the potential for disease outbreaks as search-and-rescue operations shift to recovery.

“This is a tragedy of unimaginable scale,” said Deputy Vice-Chairman of Mokwa, Musa Kimboku, in an interview with the BBC. “We no longer believe that survivors can be found. We have informed neighbouring villages to bury any corpse that they find.”

District Head Muhammadu Aliyu revealed that some bodies were swept as far as Rabba, a town over an hour away, while others remain buried beneath the mud. “We will begin digging them out to prevent disease outbreaks,” he said. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4774


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MOKWA, June 2 (AGCNewsNet) – The death toll from the catastrophic flooding that engulfed the market town of Mokwa in north-central Nigeria has climbed to at least 200, local authorities confirmed on Sunday, as rescue operations were officially halted.

The floods, triggered by intense predawn rainfall on Thursday, struck the Niger State town located roughly 380 kilometers west of Abuja. Mokwa, a key agricultural and trading hub, was devastated within hours as floodwaters surged through homes, markets, and roads, submerging entire communities.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Musa Kimboku, deputy chairman of the Mokwa Local Government Area, said authorities have suspended rescue efforts, believing there are no survivors left to find beneath the rubble. “We are now focusing on recovering bodies and preventing disease outbreaks,” he said. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4764

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BORNO, June 2 (AGCNewsNet) – A deadly bomb explosion at a bus stop in Mairari village, Borno State, has claimed the lives of nine civilians, marking a resurgence in Boko Haram attacks across northeastern Nigeria.

The blast occurred on Saturday and was reportedly triggered by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by suspected terrorists who had been monitoring the victims' movements, according to Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan.

“It is unfortunate that nine of my resilient constituents were killed by planted IEDs while waiting to board vehicles at a local bus stop in Mairari village,” Lawan said, adding that the victims were waiting to return to their destinations when the explosives detonated.

The attack comes just days after a failed suicide bombing attempt in Abuja, where a bomber died while attempting to target the Mogadishu Barracks, highlighting a growing pattern of insecurity in the country. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4757

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ABUJA, May 29 (AGCNewsNet) – As President Bola Tinubu marks two years in office, Amnesty International Nigeria released a report alleging that more than 10,217 people have been killed across the country due to attacks by armed groups, bandits, and terrorists since 2023. The report highlights severe insecurity mainly affecting Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

According to Amnesty, Benue State suffered the highest death toll with 6,896 fatalities, followed by Plateau State with 2,630 deaths. The organisation also documented mass abductions, village burnings, and the rise of new armed groups such as Lakurawa in Sokoto and Kebbi and Mamuda in Kwara State.

Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, criticized the government’s inability to improve security, urging President Tinubu to urgently address the escalating violence, including the resurgence of Boko Haram activities.

The report warns that over 500,000 people have been displaced in Benue and Plateau states, causing a humanitarian crisis as affected communities struggle with hunger and poverty.

Civil society organizations echoed the report’s concerns, with calls for President Tinubu to apologise to Nigerians instead of celebrating. Okechukwu Nwanguma of the Rule of Law and ability Advocacy Centre described Nigeria as a failed state due to unchecked violence and government inaction. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4739


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LAGOS, May 28 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigeria is set to earn up to $7 million daily from urea fertiliser exports, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, said on Monday, highlighting the growing importance of the country’s petrochemical sector as a source of foreign exchange amid persistent revenue challenges.

Speaking during a tour of the Dangote Fertiliser Plant in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Dangote said Nigeria had become the second-largest urea exporter globally, trailing only Russia.

“We are making Nigeria proud with what we have achieved here,” Dangote said. “The country will earn about $2.5 billion annually, or about $7 million daily, in foreign exchange from fertiliser exports.”

The Dangote Fertiliser Plant, part of the expansive Dangote Industries Limited, has a production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum. Commissioned in 2022, the plant is one of the largest in the world and has already begun shipping products to markets across the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

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At least several Nigerien soldiers were killed in a deadly assault on a military post in the country’s western region, an incident claimed by the Islamic State group, a local source told AFP on Tuesday.

The attack occurred on Sunday, targeting the Eknewan military position near the volatile tri-border region where Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso converge — an area long plagued by jihadist violence linked to both the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda.

“There were deaths among the defence and security forces,” said a local source who requested anonymity, without disclosing specific casualty figures. However, the Islamic State group, in a statement released Monday, claimed responsibility and alleged it had killed around 40 of Niger’s security forces — a figure that has not been independently verified. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4716

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ABUJA, May 26 (AGCNewsNet) – The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has applauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its critical role in dismantling transnational crime networks and enhancing border security through a robust intelligence-sharing partnership with Canadian and Nigerian law enforcement agencies.

The RCMP International Special Services revealed that collaboration with the NCS led to the interception of 65 stolen vehicles and over 1,000 packages of synthetic cannabis smuggled from Canada into Nigeria via ports, airports, and illegal routes.

Speaking at a recognition ceremony in Abuja, Canadian High Commissioner Pasquale Salvaggio commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership in combating cross-border crimes. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4687

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ALEXANDRIA, May 26 (AGCNewsNet) – Egypt has undertaken major restoration efforts, including draining groundwater threatening centuries-old Christian ruins, in a bid to remove the historic site of Saint Menas near Alexandria from UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites in danger.

The ancient site, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 and placed on the endangered list in 2001 due to rising groundwater levels damaging ruins of an early Christian church, public buildings, and homes, is now showing signs of recovery.

Senior Egyptian antiquities officials and Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II toured the archaeological area on Tuesday, highlighting progress after the 2022 groundwater drainage.

“The Egyptian government managed to lower the level of the water table and maintain the restoration and archaeological work,” said Mohamed Ismail, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. He expressed hope that the site could return to the normal World Heritage list by next year. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4684

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BISSAU, May 26 (AGCNewsNet) – In a bold move to curb the longstanding issue of child marriage, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau has proposed raising the legal minimum age for marriage to 25. Addressing a public rally in Guiledje, in the southern part of the country, Embaló emphasized the importance of education and condemned child marriage as a form of abuse.

“Marriage is only accepted in Guinea-Bissau from the age of 25. Anyone who marries before then we will say is a paedophile,” the president declared to the crowd. His proposal, if enacted, would apply equally to men and women, though he noted that young girls are disproportionately affected by the practice. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4678

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DOHA, May 21 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigeria’s top table tennis player Aruna Quadri has secured his place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Championship in Doha, Qatar.

The 36-year-old, widely hailed as the “King of African Table Tennis,” defeated ’s Benedikt Duda 4-2 in the Round of 32, overcoming a higher-ranked opponent with a spirited and skillful performance.

Aruna’s victory has kept Nigeria and Africa’s hopes alive in the prestigious global competition, which concludes on Sunday.

In the next round, Aruna is set to face either Brazil’s third seed Hugo Calderano or Kazakhstan’s Kirill Gerassimenko, promising a challenging but exciting matchup ahead.

Stay connected with AGC NewsNet for the latest news from Africa.

LAGOS, May 21 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigerian billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote has been listed among TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential global philanthropists, an honour that recognises his significant contributions to health, education and nutrition across Africa.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man and founder of the Dangote Group, was celebrated by TIME for leveraging his vast resources to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing challenges through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), which is reputed to be the largest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa.

The TIME100 Global Philanthropy list, launched in collaboration with the Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers initiative, highlights individuals who are using their wealth and influence to drive meaningful change around the world.

“Philanthropy is not just about giving money. It’s about impact,” Dangote said in response to the recognition. “At the Aliko Dangote Foundation, we focus on improving nutrition, eradicating disease and boosting education because we believe these are fundamental to unlocking Africa’s potential.” https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4641


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Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has raised a distress alarm over the renewed onslaught by Boko Haram insurgents, declaring that Marte Local Government Area (LGA) has effectively fallen under the control of the terrorist group, save for one remaining community.

Speaking during a visit to Marte on Saturday amid escalating attacks, Zulum said the LGA—comprising over 300 towns and villages—had been reduced to a single habitable settlement.

“Marte Local Government comprises over 300 towns and villages. Now we have only one standing. If we cannot maintain this one, then we will lose the whole local government to the insurgents, which will be very obnoxious, and I think we will not allow this to happen,” Zulum stated.

He urgently appealed to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army for t action to protect the last stronghold and prevent a complete takeover. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4613


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LIVERPOOL, May 19 (AGCNewsNet) - Africa Oyé, the UK’s largest celebration of African music and culture, is set to make a vibrant comeback to Liverpool's music scene this summer with two major fundraising events, following the cancellation of the Sefton Park festival due to rising costs.

The events, hosted at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall and Birkenhead's Future Yard, aim to raise funds to secure the festival’s return in 2026.

Critically acclaimed Senegalese group Orchestra Baobab will make their debut at the historic Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street on June 15. Known for their hybrid sound combining Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern pop influences, the band formed in Dakar during the 1960s and takes its name from a nightclub built around a baobab tree.

“We can’t wait to play at the iconic Philharmonic Hall to celebrate the Africa Oyé festival,” the band said. “We look forward to premiering new music and introducing our new .” https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4600

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ABUJA, May 19 (AGCNewsNet) – The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted approval for the establishment of electric vehicle factories by Chinese companies, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and China and paving the way for deepened industrial cooperation.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in Abuja. The ambassador underscored the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s vast solid mineral resources, particularly lithium, to drive the shift towards electric mobility.

“Nigeria is a great country blessed with tremendous natural resources,” Dunhai said. “China has always prioritized Nigeria in its foreign policy, and we are now deepening cooperation in line with the new strategic partnership agreed upon by Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping.” https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4595


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ABUJA, May 19 (AGCNewsNet) – The Federal Government of Nigeria has completed the crucial legal and governance frameworks necessary for the operational rollout of the African Energy Bank (AEB), as preparations move into the final phase ahead of its official launch.

The announcement was made during a high-level review meeting held in Abuja, hosted by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank, and Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO).

A statement from Nneamaka Okafor, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister, said the review assessed progress on the bank’s establishment, confirming that critical milestones have been either completed or are on schedule.

“The AEB is poised to become a transformative financing platform for energy projects across the continent. This review confirms that every critical milestone is either completed or on schedule, and we remain fully aligned with our continental partners,” Lokpobiri said. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4588


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LONDON, May 15 (AGCNewsNet) – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has formally approved Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria as new recipient countries, significantly expanding its footprint in West Africa, the bank announced at its 2025 Annual Meeting in London.

EBRD shareholders ratified the decision, which will take effect from July 22, 2025, allowing the three nations to begin receiving investments and technical assistance under the bank’s operational mandate.

“This milestone deepens our commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable growth through private sector engagement,” said Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the EBRD, during the Opening Session of the Board of Governors at Central Hall Westminster on Wednesday.

Since its inception, the EBRD has invested €220 billion—over 30 times the capital contributed by its shareholders—across its member countries. The bank’s Strategic and Capital Framework prioritizes inclusive procurement, supply chain finance, and the green transition, with a strong emphasis on economic governance and human capital development. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4566


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ABUJA, May 15 (AGCNewsNet) - Petrobras, Brazil's state oil company, is looking to re-enter Nigeria's oil sector, with a focus on frontier deepwater acreage, as economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's istration take root.

Petrobras, which had previously wound down operations in Nigeria's Agbami Field, is now actively engaging with Nigerian authorities ahead of the 2025 Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM), part of efforts to revitalise bilateral cooperation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired an inter-ministerial review meeting at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, said the presence of six ministers and the Solicitor-General of the Federation demonstrated Nigeria's commitment to strengthening ties with Brazil.

"We have not maximally capitalised on the fraternity between us and Brazil, but it is better late than never. The SDM presents an opportunity to execute sector-specific Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and unlock investment flows," Shettima said. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4557

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LAGOS, May 15 (AGCNewsNet) – Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on Nigerians to pray for Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who is currently in an induced coma following emergency surgery for a ruptured intestine.

Awoniyi, 27, suffered the injury during the final moments of Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Sunday, May 11. The striker collided forcefully with the goalpost while attempting to reach a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. Despite the injury, he tried to continue playing before being rushed to hospital on Monday evening.

Following urgent abdominal surgery on Tuesday, May 13, Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma to restrict movement and regulate his heart rate. Nottingham Forest officials confirmed the striker is "recovering well so far," with no indication that his condition is life-threatening.

Reacting to the news, Obi expressed deep concern and praised Awoniyi’s resilience and dedication. In a statement shared on his verified X page, Obi said: https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4552


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LAGOS, May 14 (AGCNewsNet) - Six Nigerians have been deported from the United States after being charged with various crimes, as part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to repatriate individuals involved in criminal activities.

The deportees arrived in Lagos on Wednesday aboard a Delta Airlines flight, touching down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly before 9 a.m. They were received by officials from various Nigerian government agencies, who are expected to determine the next steps.

Sources familiar with the matter said the deportation is linked to a recent decision by the U.S. government to expel at least 3,000 Nigerians who have committed crimes. This move aligns with the U.S. istration’s policy to tighten migration and ensure public safety. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4541

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MAPUTO, May 14 (AGCNewsNet) - Suspected Islamic militants attacked a Russian-flagged oceanographic vessel over the weekend near Mocimboa da Praia in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, marking a significant escalation in their insurgency.

According to reports monitored here on Wednesday, two speedboats approached the Atlantida K-1704 off Tambuzi Island on Saturday afternoon and opened fire on the vessel.

The Russian ship managed to escape by moving into deeper waters, but a distress signal—faintly transmitting the words “pirate” and "attack”—was intercepted shortly after 16:00.

The vessel later ed another ship to warn of the assailants' presence.

This marks the first time that militants have targeted a foreign-flagged vessel, having previously focused on attacking fishing boats and kidnapping fishermen along Mozambique’s northern coastline. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4536


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BORNO, May 13 (AGCNewsNet) – At least seven Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following a coordinated attack by suspected Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a military base in Marte Local Government Area, Borno State.

Sources told local outlet Yerwa Express News that the assault occurred on Monday afternoon, with the militants overwhelming troops stationed at the facility. of the Civilian t Task Force (CJTF) reported that the assailants outgunned the soldiers before seizing three gun trucks and around 70 motorcycles—equipment reportedly designated for anti-terror operations.

The base was subsequently set ablaze, and unverified footage circulating on social media shows fallen soldiers covered in leaves as their colleagues attempt to identify them.

The Nigerian military has not yet released an official statement, but security experts have raised concerns over the implications of the looted vehicles. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4527


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BENUE STATE, May 12 (AGCNewsNet) – At least 23 people were killed Saturday night in a series of attacks by unidentified gunmen across four villages in central Nigeria’s Benue State, according to the Red Cross.

The latest violence, which struck the communities of Ukum, Logo, Guma, and Kwande, was confirmed by Anthony Abah, Red Cross secretary in the state, who cited field reports indicating the deadly toll: 8 killed in Ukum, 9 in Logo, and 3 each in Guma and Kwande. Several others were injured.

The attacks are the latest in a wave of deadly confrontations in Nigeria's Middle Belt, where tensions over land rights, ethnicity, and religion have escalated. The region has long seen clashes between nomadic Fulani herders—largely Muslim—and predominantly Christian farming communities.

“These attacks are deeply troubling,” said Cephas Kangeh, a retired state official and local resident. “Villagers are being ambushed and killed, while mining operations by Chinese companies in the area appear untouched.”

Kangeh also raised questions about selective violence, noting that while indigenous communities are frequently targeted, foreign mining interests seem unaffected. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4507

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LAGOS, May 11 (AGCNewsNet) – Seventy trafficked Nigerian girls have been repatriated from abroad following a ₦20 million donation by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The emotional return, documented in a now-viral video, has sparked widespread praise for the activist and his collaborators.

VDM disclosed in the video that he rushed to Lagos from Abuja after receiving an urgent call regarding the girls' arrival. He revealed that the owner of Nigerian airline Air Peace, Allen Onyema, facilitated the repatriation at no cost. According to VDM, Onyema incurred a financial loss of nearly ₦300 million due to changes in the flight schedule and also covered the medical expenses of all the returned girls.

"These girls were trafficked under harrowing circumstances, and some of them are even pregnant," VDM said in the video. He urged Nigerian border authorities, particularly the Nigeria Immigration Service, to tighten security to prevent further trafficking of underage girls.

The return operation comes amid VDM’s ongoing advocacy against child trafficking and follows his public criticism of certain government agencies, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), for failing to act swiftly in similar cases. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4504


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OGERE, May 10 (AGCNewsNet) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians in connection with illegal mining operations in Ogere, a town in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria.

In a statement released Friday, the anti-graft agency said the arrests followed credible intelligence and a detailed surveillance operation conducted by its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1.

The suspects—Zhang Hang Lin, Gao Pei Hai, Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu—were apprehended during a sting operation targeting their mining activities.

EFCC operatives recovered three trucks loaded with sacks suspected to contain ground lithium powder, along with other unidentified solid minerals. The agency also seized a Toyota 4Runner SUV, mobile phones, samples of low-grade lithium, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, international ports, four LED flashlights, and various documents.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement added. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4491

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EAST LONDON, May 10 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, who was recently acquitted of rape and human trafficking charges, has been rearrested in South Africa for alleged immigration violations.

Authorities confirmed his arrest on Saturday morning following a church service in East London. South African Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola stated that Omotoso will face charges under the Immigration Act and is expected to appear in court on Monday.

Omotoso, 66, leads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) Church and was initially arrested in 2017 on multiple charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. Last month, the Eastern Cape High Court cleared him of all charges, citing prosecutorial mishandling and lack of sufficient evidence. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4487


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OKIGWE, May 9 (AGCNewsNet) – Chaos erupted Thursday morning in Imo State’s Okigwe Local Government Area as gunmen launched a deadly ambush along the busy Okigwe-Owerri Road, killing numerous travelers and setting dozens of vehicles ablaze.

The attackers reportedly operated in three separate groups and blocked the highway between Umuna (Onuimo LGA) and Amuro (Okigwe LGA), forcing vehicles to a halt before opening fire and igniting them.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific. Augustine Mbanusi, a resident, told reporters in Igbo that over 20 vehicles—mainly trucks and tippers—were destroyed. He estimated that up to 30 people may have been killed, though the official death toll is yet to be confirmed.

“Some soldiers and police operatives really confronted them. But up to 30 people were killed,” Mbanusi said.

A video clip circulating on Facebook showed several trucks engulfed in flames. Voices in the background of the clip expressed helplessness as travelers screamed and some were trapped in the burning vehicles.

“People are still trapped… One of them is even dead already,” voices said in Igbo. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4484

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LOKOJA, May 9 (AGCNewsNet) — A t team of security forces, local hunters, and police have rescued 31 out of 38 engers abducted by armed hoodlums along a highway in Kogi State, following a violent ambush on two commercial buses traveling from Lagos to Kano and Katsina.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, disclosed the incident via his X handle on Friday, stating that the rescue occurred after a swift response to a distress alert on May 8.

The attackers had intercepted two Toyota Hiace buses—one headed for Kano with 17 engers and the other for Katsina with another 17. https://www.agcnewsnet.com/article/4477

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