Multiple suicide bombers carried out a series of bombing attacks in northern Nigeria on Saturday. The Nigerian police reported that the attacks were carried out by female suicide bombers, one of whom was carrying a baby on her back. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. However, the hand of jihadist group Boko Haram is suspected as the group has used women for suicide bombing attacks in the past.

Gravitas | Nigeria Bomb Attack: Woman with baby on her back carries out suicide attack

At least 32 people killed and dozens were seriously wounded in suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday, authorities said. Watch in for more details!

Female suicide bombers kill at least 32 in Nigeria

At least 18 people were killed and 19 seriously wounded in suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday, authorities said.

Nigeria attacks: Multiple suicide bombings in Nigeria, female suicide bombers kill 18

Nigeria: Many killed in blasts by female suicide bombers, multiple suicide bombings take place

At least 18 people have been killed and several&nbsp;others&nbsp;injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the attacks</h2>

According to the head of the local state emergency management agency, a series of attacks by suspected female suicide bombers took place in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state leading&nbsp;to the death of 18 people. There have also been&nbsp;injuries to 42 people of which 19 are seriously wounded.&nbsp;

The region has been at the centre of a 15-year Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands of people and led to the displacement of millions of others. The group at the centre of this violence, Boko Haram, did not immediately claim responsibility for the string of attacks.

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A report by AFP citing a state police spokesman said in one of the three blasts on Saturday in the town of Gwoza, a woman with a baby strapped to her back detonated explosives in the middle of a wedding ceremony.&nbsp;

The blast at the wedding ceremony took place at around 3:45 pm (local time) when a “woman carrying a baby on her back detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) she had on her at a crowded motor park,” said Borno State police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso.&nbsp;

The female suicide bombers also targeted a hospital in the same town and carried out another attack at the funeral for victims of the wedding blast, reported AFP citing local authorities.&nbsp;

<h2>About the victims</h2>

Barkindo Saidu, director general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, said 18 deaths had been confirmed, a toll that included children, adults and pregnant women.&nbsp;

“The degree of injuries ranges from abdominal ruptures, skull fractures, and limb fractures,” said Saidu, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

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Saidu, in a report seen by AFP, said 19 people who had been “seriously injured” were taken to the regional capital Maiduguri, while 23 others were awaiting evacuation.&nbsp;

<h2>Violence in Gwoza</h2>

The Nigerian town which lies across the border from Cameroon has been witnessing violence for more than a decade now. Boko Haram had seized Gwoza in 2014, but it was taken back by the Nigerian military with help from Chadian forces the year after.&nbsp;

Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are the most active militant groups in Borno. The violence has killed more than 40,000 people&nbsp;and displaced around two million in Nigeria’s northeast, according to AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 18 people have been killed and several others injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials.

At least 18 people have been killed and several others injured in suspected suicide attacks targeting a wedding, a hospital and a funeral in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday (Jun 29), said local officials. What we know about the attacks According to the head of the local state emergency management agency, a series of attacks by suspected female suicide bombers took place in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state leading to the death of 18 people. There have also been injuries to 42 people of which 19 are seriously wounded. The region has been at the centre of a 15-year Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands of people and led to the displacement of millions of others. The group at the centre of this violence, Boko Haram, did not immediately claim responsibility for the string of attacks. Also Read | Rights of Afghan women is an internal issue: Taliban ahead of UN-led talks A report by AFP citing a state police spokesman said in one of the three blasts on Saturday in the town of Gwoza, a woman with a baby strapped to her back detonated explosives in the middle of a wedding ceremony. The blast at the wedding ceremony took place at around 3:45 pm (local time) when a “woman carrying a baby on her back detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) she had on her at a crowded motor park,” said Borno State police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso. The female suicide bombers also targeted a hospital in the same town and carried out another attack at the funeral for victims of the wedding blast, reported AFP citing local authorities. About the victims Barkindo Saidu, director general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, said 18 deaths had been confirmed, a toll that included children, adults and pregnant women. “The degree of injuries ranges from abdominal ruptures, skull fractures, and limb fractures,” said Saidu, as quoted by Reuters. Also Read | Dozens of firefighters in Greece battle to stop wildfire ignited north of Athens Saidu, in a report seen by AFP, said 19 people who had been “seriously injured” were taken to the regional capital Maiduguri, while 23 others were awaiting evacuation. Violence in Gwoza The Nigerian town which lies across the border from Cameroon has been witnessing violence for more than a decade now. Boko Haram had seized Gwoza in 2014, but it was taken back by the Nigerian military with help from Chadian forces the year after. Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are the most active militant groups in Borno. The violence has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million in Nigeria’s northeast, according to AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: At least 18 killed after string of suspected suicide bomb attacks

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu recently signed a bill switching back to a national anthem composed by a British expatriate and adopted at independence, a move some dismissed as a cynical distraction from an escalating economic crisis.

Outrage in Nigeria after President Tinubu switched national anthem

Nigeria's inflation rate soared to more than 28-year high in May as higher food and transport prices continue to ravage the economy. This comes against the backdrop of the World Bank approving a $2.25 billion loan to support economic reforms in the country.

Data shows that consumer prices climbed to 33.95 per cent in May, compared with 33.7 per cent in April. Food inflation also rose to 40.66 per cent in May from 40.3 per cent in April. Depreciation of currency has also contributed to inflation. The local currency, the Naira, has dropped 70 per cent against the dollar since June last year.

This food crisis is largely driven by two&nbsp;major factors - partial removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of currency. This is also the worst economic crisis facing Nigeria in decades. The once-biggest African economy has now fallen to fourth place this year.

The bulk of the World Bank loan, $1.5 billion, is set to assist millions facing poverty; the rest will go to support tax reforms &amp; safeguard oil revenues. Despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria has struggled with high imports, underinvestment, &amp; mismanagement.

Bloomberg analysts are optimistic that some relief might be on the horizon. This is due to upcoming reforms around suspending import duties on certain essentials for six months and increasing minimum wages. Annual inflation is expected to gradually slow to around 32 per cent at year-end, while the rate-hike cycle is expected to end in July.

Nigerians are struck in the 'future land' while their present is clouded with unprecedented turmoil. The country is facing its worst cost-of-living crisis in years. However, Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu,&nbsp;said his economic reforms will continue despite increasing hardships.

Nigeria's inflation rate soared to more than 28-year high in May as higher food and transport prices continue to ravage the economy. This comes against the backdrop of the World Bank approving a $2.

Nigeria's inflation rate soared to more than 28-year high in May as higher food and transport prices continue to ravage the economy. This comes against the backdrop of the World Bank approving a $2.25 billion loan to support economic reforms in the country. Data shows that consumer prices climbed to 33.95 per cent in May, compared with 33.7 per cent in April. Food inflation also rose to 40.66 per cent in May from 40.3 per cent in April. Depreciation of currency has also contributed to inflation. The local currency, the Naira, has dropped 70 per cent against the dollar since June last year. This food crisis is largely driven by two major factors - partial removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of currency. This is also the worst economic crisis facing Nigeria in decades. The once-biggest African economy has now fallen to fourth place this year. The bulk of the World Bank loan, $1.5 billion, is set to assist millions facing poverty; the rest will go to support tax reforms & safeguard oil revenues. Despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria has struggled with high imports, underinvestment, & mismanagement. Bloomberg analysts are optimistic that some relief might be on the horizon. This is due to upcoming reforms around suspending import duties on certain essentials for six months and increasing minimum wages. Annual inflation is expected to gradually slow to around 32 per cent at year-end, while the rate-hike cycle is expected to end in July. Nigerians are struck in the 'future land' while their present is clouded with unprecedented turmoil. The country is facing its worst cost-of-living crisis in years. However, Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu, said his economic reforms will continue despite increasing hardships.

Nigeria's inflation rate soars to 28-year high

On Wednesday Nigerian President Bola Tinubu signed a bill into a law reverting the national anthem to a previous version composed by a British expatriate.

Nigeria: President Tinubu signs 'Anthem Bill' into law, no Parliamentary debate prior to adoption

Nigeria: President Tinubu signs 'Anthem Bill' into law

The verdict is in and it's a victory for the Nigerian incumbent president Bola Tinubu. A Nigerian court has now dismissed the petition by the opposition labour party to overturn the president's victory in the elections last February.

Nigeria marks 25 years of democracy, Tinubu shares his vision for the future

A general strike demanding higher wages brought nigeria to a standstill. Nigeria has africa’s largest population and it’s one of the world’s top oil producers. Yet the nation of more than 200 million people has struggled with corruption, economic mismanagement and a weak currency. Union leaders want a higher minimum wage and blame recent reforms by president bola Tinubu for worsening the situation.

Nigeria's economical turmoil persists as Microsoft moves base to Kenya

Residents said on Monday that gunmen attacked the village of Yargoje in northwest Nigeria over the weekend, killing at least 50 people and kidnapping an unspecified number, including women and children. Watch in for more details!

Nigeria: At least 50 killed in gun attack; unspecified number kidnapped including women & children

Residents said on Monday that gunmen attacked the village of Yargoje in northwest Nigeria over the weekend, killing at least 50 people and kidnapping an unspecified number, including women and children.

Nigeria: Gunmen kill at least 50 during an attack in a village Northwestern Nigeria

Nigerian gunmen kill at least 50 in raid on a northwest village

Nigerian&nbsp;union leaders on Tuesday suspended a nationwide strike to allow for more wage talks after they disrupted flights, shut down the national power grid and closed public offices and schools.

The stoppage called by two main&nbsp;unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), came as Africa's most populous nation struggles with soaring inflation and an unstable naira currency.

On Monday, union workers shut down the national grid, stalled domestic flights and closed most federal offices, ports, petrol stations and courts to demand the government increase its offer for a higher minimum salary.

The government late Monday said the&nbsp;unions&nbsp;had agreed to another week of negotiations to try to reach an agreement.

After consultations on the government's position with their members on Tuesday, NLC and TUC said they had called off the strike for seven days.

"There is a greater need to create the right ambience for negotiation to continue unhindered," the two&nbsp;unions&nbsp;said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The indefinite nationwide strike action is therefore relaxed for one week from today to allow the Federal Government commit to a concrete and acceptable National Minimum Wage."

Unions&nbsp;had been demanding a minimum monthly wage of 494,000 naira (around $330), up from the current level of 30,000 naira.&nbsp;

The government said late on Monday it was "committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000" and that the two sides would meet "every day for the next week" in order to reach a deal.

The&nbsp;unions&nbsp;are also protesting for the reversal of a steep electricity tariff hike, one of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They said&nbsp;unions&nbsp;were "deeply disappointed by the government's silence and lack of concrete action" on the tariff.

Since coming to office a year ago, Tinubu has ended a fuel subsidy and currency controls, leading to a tripling of petrol prices and a spike in living costs as the naira has slid against the dollar.

The government has asked Nigerians to give time for the reforms to work, saying they will draw more foreign investment, but the measures have&nbsp;hit spending power hard.

<h2>Stranded</h2>

The second day of the strike had been more mixed than Monday.&nbsp;

Before the suspension, in Abuja some ministry employees returned to work though most offices and the National Assembly building were still padlocked, AFP correspondents saw.

Aviation union members had shut the entrance of the domestic airport in Lagos, the country's economic capital, but it was later reopened.

Though domestic flights were impacted, international flights were still operating on Tuesday, the spokesman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said.&nbsp;

Eight members of Nigeria's Super Eagles football squad, including winger Ademola Lookman, were stranded on Monday by flight disruptions and could not make a World Cup qualifier training session, a team spokesman said.

NLC is an umbrella of dozens of&nbsp;unions&nbsp;with tens of thousands of members, from civil servants and teachers to oil sector workers and transport employees.

Nigerian union leaders on Tuesday suspended a nationwide strike to allow for more wage talks after they disrupted flights, shut down the national power grid and closed public offices and schools.

Nigerian union leaders on Tuesday suspended a nationwide strike to allow for more wage talks after they disrupted flights, shut down the national power grid and closed public offices and schools. The stoppage called by two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), came as Africa's most populous nation struggles with soaring inflation and an unstable naira currency. On Monday, union workers shut down the national grid, stalled domestic flights and closed most federal offices, ports, petrol stations and courts to demand the government increase its offer for a higher minimum salary. The government late Monday said the unions had agreed to another week of negotiations to try to reach an agreement. After consultations on the government's position with their members on Tuesday, NLC and TUC said they had called off the strike for seven days. "There is a greater need to create the right ambience for negotiation to continue unhindered," the two unions said in a statement. "The indefinite nationwide strike action is therefore relaxed for one week from today to allow the Federal Government commit to a concrete and acceptable National Minimum Wage." Unions had been demanding a minimum monthly wage of 494,000 naira (around $330), up from the current level of 30,000 naira. The government said late on Monday it was "committed to a National Minimum Wage that is higher than N60,000" and that the two sides would meet "every day for the next week" in order to reach a deal. The unions are also protesting for the reversal of a steep electricity tariff hike, one of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They said unions were "deeply disappointed by the government's silence and lack of concrete action" on the tariff. Since coming to office a year ago, Tinubu has ended a fuel subsidy and currency controls, leading to a tripling of petrol prices and a spike in living costs as the naira has slid against the dollar. The government has asked Nigerians to give time for the reforms to work, saying they will draw more foreign investment, but the measures have hit spending power hard. Stranded The second day of the strike had been more mixed than Monday. Before the suspension, in Abuja some ministry employees returned to work though most offices and the National Assembly building were still padlocked, AFP correspondents saw. Aviation union members had shut the entrance of the domestic airport in Lagos, the country's economic capital, but it was later reopened. Though domestic flights were impacted, international flights were still operating on Tuesday, the spokesman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said. Eight members of Nigeria's Super Eagles football squad, including winger Ademola Lookman, were stranded on Monday by flight disruptions and could not make a World Cup qualifier training session, a team spokesman said. NLC is an umbrella of dozens of unions with tens of thousands of members, from civil servants and teachers to oil sector workers and transport employees.

Nigeria unions suspend nationwide strike to hold more wage talks

In the gripping story Postcards, a Nigerian single mother travels to India for medical treatment. After a number of relationship setbacks, she eventually makes contact with her Indian relatives.

All about postcards: Cultural ties between India & Nigeria help B'wood, Nollywood's show popularity

Separatists in Nigeria killed at least 11 people during an assault on the checkpoint. The armed attackers killed five soldiers and six civilians during the shootout.

Nigeria: 11 killed in checkpost violence, military vows to revenge deadly attack

Days after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's high-profile visit to Nigeria, the country's First Lady, in a bold address, stated that the women of Nigeria should not lose themselves trying to emulate American celebrities.

Gravitas |'Nakedness': Nigerian First Lady's remark after Meghan Markle's visit

Gunmen attacked a remote village in central Nigeria, killing eight people and kidnapping about 150 more in the country's latest mass abduction. The attack took place in Kuchi village in Niger state, where local government chairman Aminu Najume reported that heavily armed bandits on motorcycles stormed the village, killing eight individuals and abducting over 150 villagers. The attackers operated for three hours without any intervention, highlighting the vulnerability of the area to such attacks.

Gunmen kidnap over 150 people in Nigeria

At least 40 people were killed and many others wounded by gunmen on motorbikes in an attack on a mining village in Central Nigeria on the 20th of May. This is the latest violent episode to hit the region deeply troubled by resource disputes and intercommunal strife. The late Monday attack took place in the Plateau state where clashes between nomadic herders and pastoral farmers are rife. Also, last December, nearly 200 people had been killed in Plateau's Bokkos and Barkin Ladi districts over several days of violence during the Christmas period.

Nigeria plagued with security challenges on multiple front

Gunmen attacked a remote village in central Nigeria, killing eight people and kidnapping about 150 more in the country's latest mass abduction. The attack took place in Kuchi village in Niger state. Watch in for more details!

Gunmen kidnap over 150 in central Nigeria

Gunmen on motorbikes killed up to 40 people and torched homes during an attack on a mining village in Central Nigeria. This is the latest violence to hit the region troubled by resource disputes and intercommunal strife police.

Nigeria: Gunmen on motorbikes kill dozens, torch houses

Former US President Donald Trump's lawyers on Monday pressed the judge overseeing his Hush Money Trial to stop the case from going to the jury and throw out the charges after prosecutors concluded their presentation of evidence. Watch in for more details!

Hush money trial: Testimony continues | Nigeria attack: Gunmen kill around 40

At least 40 people were killed and many others wounded in an attack by gunmen on Zurak Village in Nigeria's North Central Plateau state where clashes between herders and farmers arise. Gravitas tells you more.

Gravitas | Nigeria: Zurak mining community attacked by bandits on Monday evening

Gunmen riding motorbikes killed around 40 people in a raid on a mining community in northcentral Nigeria, opening fire on residents and torching homes, the local government said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The attack late on Monday on Wase district in Plateau state was the latest violence in an area which has long been a flashpoint for disputes over resources and for outbreaks of intercommunal clashes.

Armed men invaded Zurak community, shooting sporadically and torching houses, Plateau state commissioner for information Musa Ibrahim Ashoms told AFP by telephone.&nbsp;

"As we speak, about 40 people have been confirmed dead. Zurak is a popular mining community," he said.

Local youth leader Shafi'i Sambo also said at least 42 people had been killed in the raid.

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidIELYnoqUgBja" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/kidnapping-epidemic-in-nigeria-gunmen-abduct-over-100-during-raids-on-three-villages-720497" target="_blank">Kidnapping endemic in Nigeria: Gunmen abduct over 100 during raids on three villages</a>

Wase has deposits of zinc and lead, while Plateau as a whole is known for its tin mining industry.

Sitting on the dividing line between Nigeria's mostly Muslim north and predominantly Christian south, Plateau often sees outbreaks of violence sparked by disputes between nomadic herders and pastoral farmers.

Climate change has also helped escalate tensions over grazing land, water access and other resources such as the state's metal reserves.

Parts of northwest and northcentral Nigeria have also been terrorised by heavily armed criminal gangs, who raid villages to loot and carry out mass kidnappings for ransom.

In January, intercommunal clashes erupted in Plateau's Mangu town that left churches and mosques burned, more than 50 people dead and thousands displaced. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Gunmen riding motorbikes killed around 40 people in a raid on a mining community in northcentral Nigeria, opening fire on residents and torching homes, the local government said on Tuesday.

Gunmen riding motorbikes killed around 40 people in a raid on a mining community in northcentral Nigeria, opening fire on residents and torching homes, the local government said on Tuesday. The attack late on Monday on Wase district in Plateau state was the latest violence in an area which has long been a flashpoint for disputes over resources and for outbreaks of intercommunal clashes. Armed men invaded Zurak community, shooting sporadically and torching houses, Plateau state commissioner for information Musa Ibrahim Ashoms told AFP by telephone. "As we speak, about 40 people have been confirmed dead. Zurak is a popular mining community," he said. Local youth leader Shafi'i Sambo also said at least 42 people had been killed in the raid. Also read: Kidnapping endemic in Nigeria: Gunmen abduct over 100 during raids on three villages Wase has deposits of zinc and lead, while Plateau as a whole is known for its tin mining industry. Sitting on the dividing line between Nigeria's mostly Muslim north and predominantly Christian south, Plateau often sees outbreaks of violence sparked by disputes between nomadic herders and pastoral farmers. Climate change has also helped escalate tensions over grazing land, water access and other resources such as the state's metal reserves. Parts of northwest and northcentral Nigeria have also been terrorised by heavily armed criminal gangs, who raid villages to loot and carry out mass kidnappings for ransom. In January, intercommunal clashes erupted in Plateau's Mangu town that left churches and mosques burned, more than 50 people dead and thousands displaced. (With inputs from agencies)

Gunmen kill around 40 people in attack on Zurak community in northcentral Nigeria: Official

The Sussexes, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, completed a three-day unofficial visit to Nigeria at the invitation of the country's military. The tour came as a surprise to many as the couple had been relatively low key for a couple of months prior, many Nigerians say the trip was a success as it boosted their relations and some say renewed their bond not only with the British Royal family but with the UK, although some did not see the relevance of the visit.

Nigeria: Decoding Harry & Meghan's unofficial tour

Gunmen raided three villages in northwest Nigeria on Friday (May 10) night, kidnapping more than 100 people, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday citing a district official and residents.

Gunmen raided three villages in northwest Nigeria on Friday (May 10) night, kidnapping more than 100 people, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday citing a district official and residents. Alhaji Bala, head of a district in the Birnin-Magaji local government area of Zamfara, told Reuters that gunmen attacked the villages of Gora, Madomawa, and Jambuzu. Bala added that 38 men and 67 women and children were missing. "But the number of people abducted could be more than that," he added. Reuters reported that Zamfara has been a hotspot for kidnapping gangs who carry out attacks and retreat into forests where they have set up camps. Gunmen arrived on bikes, shot sporadically Madomawa village head Aminu Aliyu Asha said on Saturday that gunmen arrived in his village on motorbikes and shot sporadically before kidnapping several people. Also read | Over 200 abducted schoolchildren in northwestern Nigeria freed after two weeks "The abduction breaches the peace agreement between us and bandits. In February this year, we made several ransom payments in order to stop them from attacking our territory," Asha added. A resident from Madomawa said that his two brothers were among those abducted, while another resident, said that among the abducted were 15 passengers in a lorry that was passing through Gora, Madomawa, and Jambuzu. Kidnapping has become endemic in northwest region Kidnapping incidents have become endemic in Nigeria's northwest region, as gangs are abducting people from villages, highways, and schools, and demanding ransom money from their relatives. Mass kidnappings were first carried out by Boko Haram but now the practice has been adopted by armed gangs with no known ideological affiliation and has grown as Nigerians grapple with economic hardship. Also watch | Tanker explosion in Nigeria: People stranded for hours, many trapped in their vehicle × Friday's kidnappings came a day after at least nine students were kidnapped from their classrooms by gunmen at the Confluence University of Science and Technology in the state of Kogi. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Kogi's information commissioner, said the students were studying when gunmen attacked the university on Thursday night. (With inputs from agencies)

Kidnapping endemic in Nigeria: Gunmen abduct over 100 during raids on three villages

Tensions are increasing between Nigerian authorities and Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, as the Nigerian government refutes allegations of bribery levelled by Binance's CEO, Richard Teng. <o:p></o:p>

In a recent blog post, Teng accused unidentified Nigerian officials of demanding a $150 million cryptocurrency bribe to halt ongoing investigations against the company. <o:p></o:p>

Nigerian Information Ministry spokesperson Rabiu Ibrahim dismissed these claims, calling them baseless and a part of a larger scheme aimed at undermining the country's legal proceedings.<o:p></o:p>

The rift between Nigeria and Binance deepened after criminal charges were brought against the exchange and two of its executives, citing tax evasion and money laundering exceeding $35 million. <o:p></o:p>

Despite Binance's vigorous defence against these charges, Tigran Gambaryan, the company's head of financial crime compliance, remains in custody, while Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan executive, has fled the country. <o:p></o:p>

The Nigerian government perceives Binance's bribery allegations as an attempt to divert attention from the serious legal consequences that the company faces within the country.<o:p></o:p>

According to Ibrahim, Nigeria maintains that Binance is under investigation for facilitating money laundering, terrorism financing, and illegal foreign exchange manipulation through its platform. <o:p></o:p>

He said that the government will uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability, dismissing Binance's accusations as a manoeuvre to evade accountability for criminal activities. <o:p></o:p>

The Nigerian authorities assert that Binance's bribery claims are part of a bigger campaign to discredit ongoing investigations, drawing parallels with similar legal challenges encountered by the exchange in the US.<o:p></o:p>

While Binance refrained from commenting on Nigeria's rebuttal, the exchange previously criticised the Nigerian government's handling of the situation. <o:p></o:p>

Binance highlighted concerns over the detention of its executives following purported discussions with Nigerian officials, characterising it as a crackdown on the crypto industry. <o:p></o:p>

The escalating dispute has already seen Binance suspend operations in Nigeria, a move that elicited further criticism from Nigerian authorities attributing cryptocurrency trading to the country's currency woes amidst dollar shortages.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Tensions are increasing between Nigerian authorities and Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, as the Nigerian government refutes allegations of bribery levelled by Binance's CEO, Richard Teng.

Tensions are increasing between Nigerian authorities and Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, as the Nigerian government refutes allegations of bribery levelled by Binance's CEO, Richard Teng. In a recent blog post, Teng accused unidentified Nigerian officials of demanding a $150 million cryptocurrency bribe to halt ongoing investigations against the company. Nigerian Information Ministry spokesperson Rabiu Ibrahim dismissed these claims, calling them baseless and a part of a larger scheme aimed at undermining the country's legal proceedings. The rift between Nigeria and Binance deepened after criminal charges were brought against the exchange and two of its executives, citing tax evasion and money laundering exceeding $35 million. Despite Binance's vigorous defence against these charges, Tigran Gambaryan, the company's head of financial crime compliance, remains in custody, while Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan executive, has fled the country. The Nigerian government perceives Binance's bribery allegations as an attempt to divert attention from the serious legal consequences that the company faces within the country. According to Ibrahim, Nigeria maintains that Binance is under investigation for facilitating money laundering, terrorism financing, and illegal foreign exchange manipulation through its platform. He said that the government will uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability, dismissing Binance's accusations as a manoeuvre to evade accountability for criminal activities. The Nigerian authorities assert that Binance's bribery claims are part of a bigger campaign to discredit ongoing investigations, drawing parallels with similar legal challenges encountered by the exchange in the US. While Binance refrained from commenting on Nigeria's rebuttal, the exchange previously criticised the Nigerian government's handling of the situation. Binance highlighted concerns over the detention of its executives following purported discussions with Nigerian officials, characterising it as a crackdown on the crypto industry. The escalating dispute has already seen Binance suspend operations in Nigeria, a move that elicited further criticism from Nigerian authorities attributing cryptocurrency trading to the country's currency woes amidst dollar shortages. (With inputs from Reuters)

Nigeria dismisses Binance CEO's bribery allegations as "Diversionary Tactic"

Eleven militia fighters working alongside Nigeria's military to battle jihadists were killed Saturday in the country's northeast when their vehicle hit a landmine on a highway near the border with Cameroon, two militia sources told AFP.&nbsp;

Jihadists in Nigeria are increasingly resorting to planting mines on highways to target military and civilian convoys after they were pushed back from territory they once controlled during the early years of the country's more than 15-year Islamist insurgency.

The militia fighters were escorting a civilian convoy from the town of Gamboru in Borno State to the regional capital Maiduguri when around 1230GMT their vehicle drove over a landmine suspected to have been planted by jihadists at Damno village, the two sources said.

"The rear tyres of the vehicle carrying 13 of our comrades hit a wide pothole in which a landmine was buried and it exploded," Shehu Mada, an anti-jihadist militia leader in Gamboru said. "Eleven people in the vehicle were killed while two escaped with injures."&nbsp;

The victims were removed from the remains of the vehicle and returned to Gamboru for burial, said Usman Hamza, another militia who gave the same toll.&nbsp;

Nigeria's militant conflict has gradually eased in intensity as the military carries out offensives against the militants.&nbsp;

The Gamboru to Maiduguri highway is a strategic 140-kilometre (87-mile) trade route in the region, and provides an important link with neighbouring Cameroon.&nbsp;

The highway was reopened in July 2016 after it was shut by the military for two years due to incessant jihadist attacks.&nbsp;

Boko Haram and rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) still launch sporadic ambushes on convoys from their hideouts and plant landmines along the highway.&nbsp;

In January, 17 people were killed along the highway in two separate mine blasts that were blamed on jihadists. Ten more people were killed by a landmine in April.

Nigeria's grinding conflict has killed 40,000 and displaced around two million from their homes in the northeast since 2009. The violence has spilled over into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

The recent military coups in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso and subsequent withdrawal of French and US troops from the Sahel to Nigeria's north have heightened concerns over regional instability and violence extending further into coastal West African states.

Eleven militia fighters working alongside Nigeria's military to battle jihadists were killed Saturday in the country's northeast when their vehicle hit a landmine on a highway near the border with Cameroon, two militia sources told AFP.

Eleven militia fighters working alongside Nigeria's military to battle jihadists were killed Saturday in the country's northeast when their vehicle hit a landmine on a highway near the border with Cameroon, two militia sources told AFP. Jihadists in Nigeria are increasingly resorting to planting mines on highways to target military and civilian convoys after they were pushed back from territory they once controlled during the early years of the country's more than 15-year Islamist insurgency. The militia fighters were escorting a civilian convoy from the town of Gamboru in Borno State to the regional capital Maiduguri when around 1230GMT their vehicle drove over a landmine suspected to have been planted by jihadists at Damno village, the two sources said. "The rear tyres of the vehicle carrying 13 of our comrades hit a wide pothole in which a landmine was buried and it exploded," Shehu Mada, an anti-jihadist militia leader in Gamboru said. "Eleven people in the vehicle were killed while two escaped with injures." The victims were removed from the remains of the vehicle and returned to Gamboru for burial, said Usman Hamza, another militia who gave the same toll. Nigeria's militant conflict has gradually eased in intensity as the military carries out offensives against the militants. The Gamboru to Maiduguri highway is a strategic 140-kilometre (87-mile) trade route in the region, and provides an important link with neighbouring Cameroon. The highway was reopened in July 2016 after it was shut by the military for two years due to incessant jihadist attacks. Boko Haram and rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) still launch sporadic ambushes on convoys from their hideouts and plant landmines along the highway. In January, 17 people were killed along the highway in two separate mine blasts that were blamed on jihadists. Ten more people were killed by a landmine in April. Nigeria's grinding conflict has killed 40,000 and displaced around two million from their homes in the northeast since 2009. The violence has spilled over into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon. The recent military coups in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso and subsequent withdrawal of French and US troops from the Sahel to Nigeria's north have heightened concerns over regional instability and violence extending further into coastal West African states.

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