Nigeria continues to grapple with a worsening kidnapping crisis as a new study estimates gunmen have collected at least $5.8 million in ransom payments. Researchers say the figure is likely conservative because many cases and payments remain undisclosed. The report also estimates that 7,825 people were abducted between 2025 and 2026, highlighting the scale of insecurity facing communities across the country and the growing influence of criminal networks.


Nigeria's kidnapping crisis: Gunmen earn millions in ransom

Mass kidnappings and armed violence are crippling Nigeria’s education system and eroding trust in the government. A new SBM Intelligence report says kidnappers collected 7.78 billion naira ($5.79 million) in ransoms between July 2025 and June 2026.


Nigeria: crime cripples education, erodes trust in Nigerian govt

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate, large-scale joint security operation to rescue approximately 600 citizens who were mass-abducted in north-central Niger State.

Nigeria mass kidnapping: Nigeria launches operation to rescue 600 kidnapped victims

An armed group in Nigeria has released a chilling video showing roughly 600 women, children, and elderly people who were abducted during a mass raid on a mosque in Dekara village, Niger State


Nigeria mass abductions: Video of people abducted in Nigeria surfaces

At least 51 people are dead after a boat capsized in Sokoto State in northwest Nigeria on Thursday. Authorities say rescue operations are still underway.

Boat accidents are frequent on Nigeria's rivers and waterways, with officials often pointing to overloading, poor maintenance and lax safety enforcement as contributing factors.

Nigeria boat accident: 51 people dead after boat capsizes 

Nigeria boat tragedy: About 50 bodies prepared for burial at community mosque

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has officially launched his re-election campaign, setting up a high-stakes contest against opposition heavyweights Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. While Tinubu points to reforms aimed at reviving the economy, critics highlight the impact of fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluations that have driven up living costs. As campaigning gathers pace, the economy is expected to dominate the race for Nigeria’s top office.


Nigeria leader Bola Tinubu launches re-election bid, but challenges persist

A fresh attack in Nigeria’s Plateau State has deepened concerns over worsening security and renewed violence in the region. The incident has raised fears among local communities as authorities face continued challenges in protecting residents and preventing further attacks.


Nigeria violence: Plateau state rocked by deadly night raid, security fears grow 

The fishing community of Ayetoro is seeing its village being slowly swallowed by the waves. For some residents, the encroaching Atlantic ocean has forced them to move several times. Experts say coastal erosion has intensified in recent decades, as rising sea levels threaten communities along nigeria's 850-kilometre coastline.


Rising seas: How a Nigerian community is being swallowed by the waves 

Nigeria’s cocoa farmers are facing a new hurdle to accessing the European market.

EU rules put Nigeria’s cocoa trade at risk

Nigeria is stepping up efforts to strengthen religious harmony, promote tolerance and encourage peaceful coexistence among different communities.

The push comes as the country continues to focus on national unity and dialogue across religious and social groups. Authorities and community leaders are emphasising the importance of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and cooperation in maintaining stability.

The latest developments highlight Nigeria’s efforts to build stronger relationships between religious communities and promote a more inclusive and peaceful society.

Nigeria Champions Efforts to Strengthen Religious Harmony

A harrowing story has emerged from Nigeria, where 57 kidnapping victims are receiving treatment after being rescued from months of captivity in a forest. Many of the survivors reportedly spent nearly six months in harsh conditions and are now battling skin diseases and other health complications.


Nigeria Kidnapping horror: 57 survivors rescued after six months in forest

In what President Bola Tinubu hailed as the country's largest single-day rescue operation, Nigerian security forces have successfully freed over 300 abducted citizens from forest captivity. The landmark mission secured the release of 163 villagers—predominantly women, children, and patients—who were originally snatched six months ago during a brutal militant raid on the Woro community in Kwara State, alongside 145 others primarily from neighboring Niger State.


Nigeria mass kidnapping: patients among 163 kidnapped victims rescued from captivity

Kano state in Nigeria married off 1,500 couples in a single ceremony on Friday as part of a government initiative to help low-income residents cover marriage costs and support family stability.

Kano hosts a mass wedding for couples facing the cost of marriage

At least 12 people were killed and several women and children abducted after armed bandits attacked a village in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria. The overnight assault also saw homes set ablaze, with six members of one family burned to death, highlighting the worsening insecurity in the region.

Nigeria: Gunmen target North Western states of Zamfara & Sokoto 

At least 30 people have been killed after armed men attacked a village in Nigeria's northwestern Kaduna state, according to residents. Witnesses say the attackers stormed the community around midnight, opened fire on villagers, and set homes ablaze before fleeing.

Among the victims were women, children, and elderly residents. Local sources say several people were injured, while others were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

The attack is the latest in a series of deadly raids that have plagued parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed gangs and criminal groups continue to pose major security challenges.

Violence continues in Nigeria: At least 30 killed in Kaduna village raid, children among dead

A major controversy has erupted after a map of Africa displayed by the U.S. State Department at the AIDS 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro reportedly mislabeled every African country.

The incorrect map quickly drew criticism from delegates and observers after analyses found major geographical errors, including Nigeria being shown as a landlocked country in the Sahara, Mozambique placed in the Horn of Africa, and Ivory Coast located on the wrong side of the continent.

The controversy deepened after reports revealed that the presentation slide contained an AI watermark, indicating it had been created using OpenAI tools. The U.S. State Department accepted responsibility for the mistake, saying a staff member hastily modified the presentation before the event. OpenAI said it was investigating the reports surrounding the incident.

U.S. Govt's Map of Africa Sparks Controversy | Wion 

A map displayed by the U.S. government during the AIDS 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro has sparked controversy after reports claimed that every African country was incorrectly labelled or misplaced.

The map reportedly showed Nigeria as a landlocked country, placed Mozambique in the Horn of Africa, and positioned Ivory Coast on the wrong side of the continent. The slide also reportedly carried an OpenAI watermark, raising questions about whether AI-generated content was used without proper verification.

U.S. Sparks Controversy After Mislabeling Every African Country on Conference Map

At least 30 people were killed when armed men attacked a village in Nigeria's ​northwestern Kaduna state early on Monday, two ‌residents said.
Dogon Rana, secretary to the village head, said gunmen stormed the community shooting randomly and burning houses. Eight ​children were among the dead, while four ​other people sustained injuries.

Gunmen storm Naridon village in Kaduna, eight children among those killed

In the Nigerian city of Lagos, neighbourhood boxing clubs offer young fighters the chance to lace up their gloves on the streets

Lagos street boxing clubs give young fighters a shot at discipline and opportunity

Another deadly overnight attack has shaken northwestern Nigeria, where armed men stormed a rural community, opened fire on residents and set homes ablaze, leaving dozens dead. The latest massacre has renewed concerns over the country’s worsening security situation as repeated attacks continue to devastate villages despite ongoing military operations and government efforts to restore peace.


At least 30 killed in Nigeria village attack

US President Donald Trump has praised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to tackle violence affecting Christian communities, marking a shift from his earlier criticism over Nigeria's treatment of Christians. The remarks were made in a letter released by Nigeria's presidency.


Trump praises Nigeria's Tinubu's efforts against violence towards Christians 

US President Donald Trump has praised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to tackle violence affecting Christian communities, marking a shift from his earlier criticism over Nigeria's treatment of Christians. The remarks were made in a letter released by Nigeria's presidency.

US Prez praises Nigeria President Tinubu's efforts against violence towards Christians

The Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline has received a major boost after 13 West African nations approved participation in the cross-border energy corridor. The ambitious project aims to strengthen regional energy security, expand natural gas access across West Africa and create a direct export route to Europe through Morocco.

 Nigeria: 13 West African nations join Nigeria-Morocco gas corridor

Nigerian students abducted by Islamist militants in May have finally reunited with their families after months in captivity. Their release marks the end of a prolonged ordeal and highlights the continuing security challenges posed by extremist groups in parts of Nigeria.

Nigerian students abducted in May by Islamist terrorists reunite with kin

Emotional scenes unfolded in Nigeria's Oyo State as students rescued after months in captivity reunited with their families. The students, who were abducted by Islamist militants in May, were freed during a security operation that also led to the arrest of eight suspected militants. Families expressed relief and gratitude as they welcomed their children home after weeks of uncertainty. Nigerian authorities said school kidnappings remain a serious security challenge, with armed groups frequently targeting students to pressure the government and demand ransom. The Nigerian Senate has also approved financial assistance for the families of those who lost their lives during the rescue mission.

Nigeria students reunite with families after rescue | Hostages freed months after Islamist kidnapping 

US envoy Frank Garcia is expected to present a proposed migration deal to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during high-level talks.
The discussions are likely to focus on migration cooperation, regional security, and strengthening bilateral ties between the United States and Nigeria. The proposed agreement comes amid broader international efforts to address migration challenges and enhance strategic partnerships.

Envoy Frank Garcia in Nigeria, Tour to Focus on Security & Counter-terrorism

After 56 days of uncertainty, a major breakthrough: all pupils, students, and teachers abducted from three schools in Oyo State, Nigeria, have been rescued. The captives, who were seized by gunmen on May 15, 2026, in the Oriire Local Government Area, were freed following a sophisticated, intelligence-led operation by the Nigerian Armed Forces, working alongside specialized security units and local vigilantes.


Nigerian military rescues 46 abducted school children 

The United States is set to deport 124 Nigerian nationals under its immigration enforcement policies. The individuals are reported to have exhausted their legal options to remain in the country.
Nigerian authorities are coordinating with US officials to receive the deportees.

US immigration crackdown: 124 Nigerians to be deported 

Nigeria is facing a bizarre corruption row after a 'ghost agency' was found with nearly $1 million in the national budget. The fake body even set up an office inside Abuja's government complex. President Tinubu has now ordered a full investigation into how it slipped through. 


Nigeria's 'ghost agency' scandal: Fake agency allocated nearly $1 million budget 

Gunmen have kidnapped at least 36 children and a staff member from a secondary school in Nigeria's Borno State. The attack marks the third mass school abduction in Nigeria since May, highlighting the country's worsening security crisis. Authorities say some students have been rescued, while efforts continue to locate the remaining victims.

Nigeria mass abduction: Gunmen kidnap 36 students, one staff member in Borno

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