Once a lover of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/twitter?page=1">Twitter</a>, the former US President, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, is not leaving any stone unturned to voice his newfound hatred for the platform now.

Almost a week after Nigeria banned the social media platform in the country, Trump has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unpatriotic-nigeria-government-orders-media-houses-to-stop-using-twitter-389980" hreflang="en">'Unpatriotic': Nigeria government orders media houses to stop using Twitter</a>

"Congratulations to the country of Nigeria, who just banned Twitter because they banned their president," Trump said.

Twitter was banned 'indefinitely' a few days after the platform suspended President Muhammadu Buhari’s account following an&nbsp;'abusive' civil war tweet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-bans-twitter-indefinitely-after-muhammadu-buharis-account-suspension-389533" hreflang="en">Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension</a>

While all other world leaders chose to remain quiet on the matter, Trump came in support of the Nigerian President.

"Who are they to dictate good and evil, if they themselves are evil," the former reality TV star said in a statement.

In addition to lending support to Nigeria, Trump urged other countries to ban Twitter and Facebook too for not allowing "free and open speech".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-president-donald-trump-attacks-fauci-hints-at-re-run-in-2024-election-390165" hreflang="en">'Our president': Donald Trump attacks Fauci, hints at re-run in 2024 election</a>

His hatred for the platforms is a result of him being banned from Twitter and Facebook due to his role in the US Capitol riots.

This has come a few days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/insult-to-75-million-voters-donald-trump-banned-for-two-years-from-facebook-389539">Facebook extended his ban to at least two years</a>. The former social media enthusiast also claimed that he wanted to ban the social media platform, Facebook, during his time at the White House. However, he claims, the Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, “kept calling me and coming to the White House for dinner telling me how great I was”.

Once a lover of Twitter, the former US President, Donald Trump, is not leaving any stone unturned to voice his newfound hatred for the platform now. Almost a week after Nigeria banned the social media platform in the country, Trump has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision.

Once a lover of Twitter, the former US President, Donald Trump, is not leaving any stone unturned to voice his newfound hatred for the platform now. Almost a week after Nigeria banned the social media platform in the country, Trump has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision. Also read | 'Unpatriotic': Nigeria government orders media houses to stop using Twitter "Congratulations to the country of Nigeria, who just banned Twitter because they banned their president," Trump said. Twitter was banned 'indefinitely' a few days after the platform suspended President Muhammadu Buhari’s account following an 'abusive' civil war tweet. Also read | Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension While all other world leaders chose to remain quiet on the matter, Trump came in support of the Nigerian President. "Who are they to dictate good and evil, if they themselves are evil," the former reality TV star said in a statement. In addition to lending support to Nigeria, Trump urged other countries to ban Twitter and Facebook too for not allowing "free and open speech". Also read | 'Our president': Donald Trump attacks Fauci, hints at re-run in 2024 election His hatred for the platforms is a result of him being banned from Twitter and Facebook due to his role in the US Capitol riots. This has come a few days after Facebook extended his ban to at least two years. The former social media enthusiast also claimed that he wanted to ban the social media platform, Facebook, during his time at the White House. However, he claims, the Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, “kept calling me and coming to the White House for dinner telling me how great I was”.

'Everyone should ban them': Trump hails Nigeria's Twitter ban

The death toll from an attack by a gang of cattle thieves on seven villages on Thursday has risen to 88 in northwest Nigeria's Kebbi state. The attacks come as Nigeria is witnessing a rise in gang violence for decades.

Nigeria: Death toll surpasses 88 in gang attack on seven villages in Kebbi region

A few days after suspending the social media platform, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/twitter">Twitter</a>, ‘indefinitely’, the Nigerian government has ordered all TV and radio stations to immediately stop the usage of the platform.

Describing it as ‘unpatriotic’, the government directed all media houses to “suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately”, be it to collect news or to distribute it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-bans-twitter-indefinitely-after-muhammadu-buharis-account-suspension-389533">Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension</a>

"Broadcasting stations are hereby advised to de-install Twitter handles and desist from using Twitter as a source... of information gathering for news," National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s director Armstrong Idachaba wrote in a statement. "It would be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter as a source of its information."

This order has come a few days after the Nigerian government suspended Twitter from the country ‘indefinitely’ after the platform suspended President Muhammadu Buhari’s account following an&nbsp;'abusive' civil war tweet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-nigerian-presidents-account-for-12-hours-389291" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-nigerian-presidents-account-for-12-hours-389291&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-3NPUt_7wAhVO7XMBHX23DMwQFjAEegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kGz6nQpjjYMxwzQrz5kFW" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-nigerian-presidents-account-for-12-hours-389291" target="_blank">Twitter suspends&nbsp;Nigerian&nbsp;president's account for 12 hours</a>

The leader had tweeted in relation to the 1967-70 civil war saying, "Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand".

Claiming it to be a strong violation of the "abusive behaviour" policy, Twitter suspended President’s account for 12 hours. However, the government decided to suspend the platform for an indefinite time and claimed Twitter was being misused for activities that were "capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence".

A few days after suspending the social media platform, Twitter, ‘indefinitely’, the Nigerian government has ordered all TV and radio stations to immediately stop the usage of the platform.

A few days after suspending the social media platform, Twitter, ‘indefinitely’, the Nigerian government has ordered all TV and radio stations to immediately stop the usage of the platform. Describing it as ‘unpatriotic’, the government directed all media houses to “suspend the patronage of Twitter immediately”, be it to collect news or to distribute it. Also read | Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension "Broadcasting stations are hereby advised to de-install Twitter handles and desist from using Twitter as a source... of information gathering for news," National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s director Armstrong Idachaba wrote in a statement. "It would be unpatriotic for any broadcaster in Nigeria to continue to patronise the suspended Twitter as a source of its information." This order has come a few days after the Nigerian government suspended Twitter from the country ‘indefinitely’ after the platform suspended President Muhammadu Buhari’s account following an 'abusive' civil war tweet. Also read | Twitter suspends Nigerian president's account for 12 hours The leader had tweeted in relation to the 1967-70 civil war saying, "Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand". Claiming it to be a strong violation of the "abusive behaviour" policy, Twitter suspended President’s account for 12 hours. However, the government decided to suspend the platform for an indefinite time and claimed Twitter was being misused for activities that were "capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence".

'Unpatriotic': Nigeria government orders media houses to stop using Twitter

Nigerian militant Islamist group c killed himself in a fight against rival jihadist fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

News Alert: Nigeria's Boko Haram leader is dead, say rival militants

Nigerian militant Islamist group Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau killed himself in a fight against rival jihadist fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Reports of Abubakar's death had emerged two weeks ago and now the ISWAP has confirmed it.

Nigeria’s Boko Haram leader 'killed self,' says rival militant group ISWAP

A gang of cattle thieves killed 66 people in raids on seven villages in northwest&nbsp;Nigeria's Kebbi state, police told AFP Saturday.

Dozens of assailants on motorcycles attacked seven neighbouring villages in Danko-Wasagu district on Thursday, Kebbi state police spokesman Nafiu Abubakar said.

"We have established 66 people were killed in the attacks," which targeted Koro, Kimpi, Gaya, Dimi, Zutu, Rafin Gora and Iguenge villages, Abubakar said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-nigerian-presidents-account-for-12-hours-389291">Twitter suspends Nigerian president's account for 12 hours</a>

"Investigation is still going on to ascertain the extent of destruction wrought by the bandits and search for more bodies is still on," he added.

Policemen were deployed to the area to forestall further attacks while residents of the affected villages fled their homes, said Abubakar.

The assailants were believed to have launched the attacks from neighbouring Zamfara or Niger states where criminals are known to maintain camps.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/150-children-kidnapped-after-islamic-school-ambushed-by-armed-bandits-in-nigeria-388484">150 children kidnapped after Islamic school ambushed by armed bandits in Nigeria</a>

In April nine policemen were killed in the area in a shootout with gunmen who invaded a village in nearby Sakaba district&nbsp;to steal livestock, Abubakar told AFP at the time.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-are-school-children-being-kidnapped-in-nigeria-388582/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Northwest and central&nbsp;Nigeria&nbsp;are a hub of criminal gangs of cattle&nbsp;thieves who raid villages, killing and abducting residents for ransom after looting and burning homes.

The gangs, called bandits by locals, maintain camps in the Rugu forest which straddles Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states.

Driven by financial motives, the criminals have no ideological leanings, but there is growing concern they are being infiltrated by jihadists from the northeast waging a 12-year-old insurgency to establish an Islamic state.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/northwest-nigeria-witnessed-another-mass-kidnapping-389206/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The gangs have recently stepped up attacks on schools, kidnapping hundreds of students to squeeze ransoms from authorities and parents.

A gang of cattle thieves killed 66 people in raids on seven villages in northwest Nigeria's Kebbi state, police told AFP Saturday. Dozens of assailants on motorcycles attacked seven neighbouring villages in Danko-Wasagu district on Thursday, Kebbi state police spokesman Nafiu Abubakar said.

A gang of cattle thieves killed 66 people in raids on seven villages in northwest Nigeria's Kebbi state, police told AFP Saturday. Dozens of assailants on motorcycles attacked seven neighbouring villages in Danko-Wasagu district on Thursday, Kebbi state police spokesman Nafiu Abubakar said. "We have established 66 people were killed in the attacks," which targeted Koro, Kimpi, Gaya, Dimi, Zutu, Rafin Gora and Iguenge villages, Abubakar said. Also Read | Twitter suspends Nigerian president's account for 12 hours "Investigation is still going on to ascertain the extent of destruction wrought by the bandits and search for more bodies is still on," he added. Policemen were deployed to the area to forestall further attacks while residents of the affected villages fled their homes, said Abubakar. The assailants were believed to have launched the attacks from neighbouring Zamfara or Niger states where criminals are known to maintain camps. Also Read | 150 children kidnapped after Islamic school ambushed by armed bandits in Nigeria In April nine policemen were killed in the area in a shootout with gunmen who invaded a village in nearby Sakaba district to steal livestock, Abubakar told AFP at the time. Northwest and central Nigeria are a hub of criminal gangs of cattle thieves who raid villages, killing and abducting residents for ransom after looting and burning homes. The gangs, called bandits by locals, maintain camps in the Rugu forest which straddles Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states. Driven by financial motives, the criminals have no ideological leanings, but there is growing concern they are being infiltrated by jihadists from the northeast waging a 12-year-old insurgency to establish an Islamic state. The gangs have recently stepped up attacks on schools, kidnapping hundreds of students to squeeze ransoms from authorities and parents.

Gunmen kill 66 people in northwest Nigeria

A day after Nigerian Government suspended Twitter, telecom operators in the African nations say that they have restricted access to the social media platform. However the US and EU have voiced concerns over Nigeria's decision to indefinitely ban Twitter.

Twitter VS Nigerian Govt: European Union and United States condemn Nigeria's Twitter ban

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups

Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. The government directive was released after Twitter deleted a tweet by Nigerian President Buhari.&nbsp;

The diplomatic missions of the EU, US, Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban.

"Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said.

"Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic."&nbsp;

"The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added.

More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organisation based in Nigeria.

The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year.

On Wednesday, Twitter deleted President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet. In his tweet, Buhari had made a reference to Nigeria's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest.

The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices.

"Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter.

The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely.

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. The government directive was released after Twitter deleted a tweet by Nigerian President Buhari. The diplomatic missions of the EU, US, Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban. "Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said. "Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic." "The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added. More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organisation based in Nigeria. The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year. On Wednesday, Twitter deleted President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet. In his tweet, Buhari had made a reference to Nigeria's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest. The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices. "Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter. The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union, US condemn Twitter ban in Nigeria

Almost two days after Twitter removed Nigerian president's 'abusive' civil war tweet, the government has decided to ‘indefinitely’ ban the social media platform in the country.

Twitter indefinitely shutdown in Nigeria

A day after Nigerian government's indefinite suspension of Twitter, telecom operators in the country restricted the social media platform. The suspension has come what are being called activities "capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence".

The move has been condemned by international human rights groups.

Twitter suspension in Nigeria came two days after the platform deleted a tweet from president Muhammadu Buhari for violating rules.

"The Federal Government has suspended, indefinitely, the operations of the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria," ministry of information and culture spokesman Segun Adeyemi said in a statement on Friday.

The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) confirmed its members had received formal instructions from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator to suspend access to Twitter.

The association said in a statement that a robust assessment of the request had been made and that members had "acted in compliance".&nbsp;

"Network data show that access to the Twitter platform and backend servers is now restricted on leading networks MTN, Globacom, Airtel and 9mobile," the London-based internet monitor Netblocks wrote on its website Saturday.

'Repressive action'&nbsp;

Amnesty International on Friday condemned the moved. It called on Nigeria to "immediately reverse the unlawful suspension".

"This repressive action is a clear attempt to censor dissent &amp; stifle the civic space," Human Rights Watch researcher Anietie Ewang said.

Twitter said that the move was "deeply concerning".&nbsp;

"We're investigating and will provide updates when we know more," the company said in a statement.

Nigeria in 2019 had announced it would tighten regulations on social media to fight fake news and disinformation, sparking concerns over freedom of expression.

Twitter on Wednesday deleted a remark on the president's account after he referred to the country's civil war in a warning about recent unrest in the southeast.

The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame separatists for attacks on police and election offices.

"Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Nigerian government's indefinite suspension of Twitter, telecom operators in the country restricted the social media platform. The suspension has come what are being called activities "capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence".

A day after Nigerian government's indefinite suspension of Twitter, telecom operators in the country restricted the social media platform. The suspension has come what are being called activities "capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence". The move has been condemned by international human rights groups. Twitter suspension in Nigeria came two days after the platform deleted a tweet from president Muhammadu Buhari for violating rules. "The Federal Government has suspended, indefinitely, the operations of the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria," ministry of information and culture spokesman Segun Adeyemi said in a statement on Friday. The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) confirmed its members had received formal instructions from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator to suspend access to Twitter. The association said in a statement that a robust assessment of the request had been made and that members had "acted in compliance". "Network data show that access to the Twitter platform and backend servers is now restricted on leading networks MTN, Globacom, Airtel and 9mobile," the London-based internet monitor Netblocks wrote on its website Saturday. 'Repressive action' Amnesty International on Friday condemned the moved. It called on Nigeria to "immediately reverse the unlawful suspension". "This repressive action is a clear attempt to censor dissent & stifle the civic space," Human Rights Watch researcher Anietie Ewang said. Twitter said that the move was "deeply concerning". "We're investigating and will provide updates when we know more," the company said in a statement. Nigeria in 2019 had announced it would tighten regulations on social media to fight fake news and disinformation, sparking concerns over freedom of expression. Twitter on Wednesday deleted a remark on the president's account after he referred to the country's civil war in a warning about recent unrest in the southeast. The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame separatists for attacks on police and election offices. "Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria restricts Twitter just days after it deletes president's tweet

Almost two days after Twitter removed Nigerian president's 'abusive' civil war tweet, the government has decided to ‘indefinitely’ ban the social media platform in the country.

The leader had tweeted in relation to the 1967-70 civil war saying, "Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand".

Twitter immediately removed the post claiming it violated its "abusive behaviour" policy. As a result, his account was suspended for 12 hours.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-nigerian-presidents-account-for-12-hours-389291" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-nigerian-presidents-account-for-12-hours-389291&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-3NPUt_7wAhVO7XMBHX23DMwQFjAEegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kGz6nQpjjYMxwzQrz5kFW" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-nigerian-presidents-account-for-12-hours-389291" target="_blank">Twitter suspends&nbsp;Nigerian&nbsp;president's account for 12 hours</a>

However, that was not well received by the Nigerian government, who proceeded to ban the social media platform on Friday, until further notice.

Nigerian government claimed Twitter was banned as it was being misused for activities that were "capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence".

The social media platform was still operational on Friday when the announcement was made. "I can't answer technicalities... operations will be suspended indefinitely," Nigeria’s ministry special assistant Segun Adeyemi told news agency AFP.

Almost two days after Twitter removed Nigerian president's 'abusive' civil war tweet, the government has decided to ‘indefinitely’ ban the social media platform in the country. The leader had tweeted in relation to the 1967-70 civil war saying, "Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand". Twitter immediately removed the post claiming it violated its "abusive behaviour" policy. As a result, his account was suspended for 12 hours. Also read | Twitter suspends Nigerian president's account for 12 hours However, that was not well received by the Nigerian government, who proceeded to ban the social media platform on Friday, until further notice. Nigerian government claimed Twitter was banned as it was being misused for activities that were "capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence". The social media platform was still operational on Friday when the announcement was made. "I can't answer technicalities... operations will be suspended indefinitely," Nigeria’s ministry special assistant Segun Adeyemi told news agency AFP.

Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension

Twitter on Wednesday removed Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari's post threatening punishment for regional secessionists blamed for attacks on government buildings. The tweet was in reference to 1967-70 civil war in Biafra region. The war had killed 1 million people. Twitter said Buhari's tweet violated its "abusive behavior" policy leading to a 12-hour suspension of his account.

Buhari has served in the army against the secessionists and was Nigeria's military ruler in the 1980s. He tweeted on Tuesday that &nbsp;many people misbehaving today were too young to remember the deaths and destruction from the civil war.

"Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," he warned in the tweet that was taken down.

Nigeria has seen a spate of arson attacks on electoral offices and police stations in recent weeks, especially in the southeast. Officers have also been killed.

Buhari's tweet attracted criticism from some social media users before it was removed. They accused him of targetting Igbo people from the largest ethnic group in the southeast The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is influential in the region and its efforts to revive sentiments over Biafra have prompted a crackdown from security agencies in recent years.

Nigeria's Information Minister Lai Mohammed was dismissive of Twitter's action, saying Buhari had every right to express dismay at violence by a banned organization.

(With inputs from agencies)

Twitter on Wednesday removed Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari's post threatening punishment for regional secessionists blamed for attacks on government buildings.

Twitter on Wednesday removed Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari's post threatening punishment for regional secessionists blamed for attacks on government buildings. The tweet was in reference to 1967-70 civil war in Biafra region. The war had killed 1 million people. Twitter said Buhari's tweet violated its "abusive behavior" policy leading to a 12-hour suspension of his account. Buhari has served in the army against the secessionists and was Nigeria's military ruler in the 1980s. He tweeted on Tuesday that many people misbehaving today were too young to remember the deaths and destruction from the civil war. "Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," he warned in the tweet that was taken down. Nigeria has seen a spate of arson attacks on electoral offices and police stations in recent weeks, especially in the southeast. Officers have also been killed. Buhari's tweet attracted criticism from some social media users before it was removed. They accused him of targetting Igbo people from the largest ethnic group in the southeast The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is influential in the region and its efforts to revive sentiments over Biafra have prompted a crackdown from security agencies in recent years. Nigeria's Information Minister Lai Mohammed was dismissive of Twitter's action, saying Buhari had every right to express dismay at violence by a banned organization. (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter suspends Nigerian president's account for 12 hours

A state government in central Nigeria confirmed today that gunmen abducted 136 children from an Islamic school at the weekend, the latest in a string of mass kidnappings in the country.

Northwest Nigeria witnessed another mass kidnapping

Twitter removed a tweet by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari referring to the 1967-70 civil war in southeastern Biafra region that killed 1 million people. Muhammadu Buhari’s office slammed Twitter action.

Twitter removes Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweet

Relatives of scores of schoolchildren kidnapped by gunmen from an Islamic seminary over the weekend have appealed to the government to help free them, after the latest mass abduction to target a Nigerian school.

Some 200 children were at the school in Tegina, central Niger state, when it was raided on Sunday, the local government said, without confirming the exact number abducted.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/150-children-kidnapped-after-islamic-school-ambushed-by-armed-bandits-in-nigeria-388484">150 children kidnapped after Islamic school ambushed by armed bandits in Nigeria</a>

Niger state police said attackers had arrived on motorbikes and started shooting indiscriminately, killing one resident and injuring another, before snatching the children from the Salihu Tanko Islamic school.

"My appeal to the government is that they should try to protect our people first and our children first," Sa'idu Umar, whose child was among those abducted, told AFP on Tuesday.

"We are hoping that they are going to try harder to bring back our children successfully."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-are-school-children-being-kidnapped-in-nigeria-388582/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mothers and other relatives crouched, weeping and waiting for the missing children outside the school.

The Tegina attack marked the latest mass kidnapping in central and northwest&nbsp;Nigeria, where armed criminal gangs often raid villages to loot, steal cattle and kidnap for ransom.

Nigerian state authorities have said they are negotiating to bring the children back safely, though said they refused to pay the ransom.

One school official said more than 100 children were taken though gunmen soon let a few go because they were "too small and couldn't walk".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gunmen-in-nigeria-abduct-students-from-islamic-school-388507/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The authorities have done well, but we want them to do more, because as we are here, all the security, both the civil defence, and the army, and the police, they are there with us since yesterday," said Muhammed Garba, another parent.

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the security and intelligence forces to step up efforts to rescue the children.

Mass kidnappings in the northwest and central&nbsp;Nigeria&nbsp;are complicating challenges facing Buhari's security forces, who are also battling a more than decade-long jihadist insurgency in the northeast of the country.

Since December 2020, before the attack on Sunday, 730 children and students had been kidnapped.

Gangs often target schools in remote areas, where pupils live in dormitories with little security protection, before taking their victims deep into nearby forests to negotiate.

Relatives of scores of schoolchildren kidnapped by gunmen from an Islamic seminary over the weekend have appealed to the government to help free them, after the latest mass abduction to target a Nigerian school.

Relatives of scores of schoolchildren kidnapped by gunmen from an Islamic seminary over the weekend have appealed to the government to help free them, after the latest mass abduction to target a Nigerian school. Some 200 children were at the school in Tegina, central Niger state, when it was raided on Sunday, the local government said, without confirming the exact number abducted. Also Read | 150 children kidnapped after Islamic school ambushed by armed bandits in Nigeria Niger state police said attackers had arrived on motorbikes and started shooting indiscriminately, killing one resident and injuring another, before snatching the children from the Salihu Tanko Islamic school. "My appeal to the government is that they should try to protect our people first and our children first," Sa'idu Umar, whose child was among those abducted, told AFP on Tuesday. "We are hoping that they are going to try harder to bring back our children successfully." Mothers and other relatives crouched, weeping and waiting for the missing children outside the school. The Tegina attack marked the latest mass kidnapping in central and northwest Nigeria, where armed criminal gangs often raid villages to loot, steal cattle and kidnap for ransom. Nigerian state authorities have said they are negotiating to bring the children back safely, though said they refused to pay the ransom. One school official said more than 100 children were taken though gunmen soon let a few go because they were "too small and couldn't walk". "The authorities have done well, but we want them to do more, because as we are here, all the security, both the civil defence, and the army, and the police, they are there with us since yesterday," said Muhammed Garba, another parent. President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the security and intelligence forces to step up efforts to rescue the children. Mass kidnappings in the northwest and central Nigeria are complicating challenges facing Buhari's security forces, who are also battling a more than decade-long jihadist insurgency in the northeast of the country. Since December 2020, before the attack on Sunday, 730 children and students had been kidnapped. Gangs often target schools in remote areas, where pupils live in dormitories with little security protection, before taking their victims deep into nearby forests to negotiate.

Nigeria schoolkids kidnapping: Families appeal for aid, authorities refuse to pay ransom

One person was killed and some others injured when unknown gunmen&nbsp;abducted about 150 children of an Islamic school in Nigeria's Niger state.

The Salihu Tanko Islamic School is located at Tegina in the Rafi Local Government Area of the north-central Nigerian state of Niger. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gunmen-in-nigeria-abduct-students-from-islamic-school-388507/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to sources, the kidnapping was carried out at 4:30 pm (local time) on Sunday. 
 
The state police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said the armed bandits came in motorcycles and were firing 'indiscriminately'.

Security teams have been mobilised to rescue the schoolkids and the police will "ensure the children are rescued unhurt", he said.

Armed bandit groups have been behind a spate of kidnappings for ransom raids on colleges and educational institutions in northern Nigeria in recent months, abducting over 700 young people since December.&nbsp; 
 
Watch:&nbsp;Nigeria's growing kidnapping industry, which killed hundreds&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigerias-growing-kidnapping-industry-hundreds-have-been-killed-366655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
According to human rights groups, Nigerian security authorities have failed to create a strategy to protect its school children and college students and their access to study even after the seven years of the most infamous 'Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping', when the 279 girls from a government school in northern Nigeria were abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kidnappers-release-all-279-nigerian-students-after-talks-with-government-367318">Also read: Kidnappers release all 279 Nigerian students after talks with the government</a>

On April 14, 2014, the militant group Boko Haram kidnapped the 279 schoolgirls in Chibok, a town in Borno state. Most of them were able to flee or were eventually released.

In recent years in Nigeria, criminal bandit groups seeking a huge amount of ransom have increased their assault and mass abductions, frequently targeting boarding schools outside of towns and cities.

One person was killed and some others injured when unknown gunmen abducted about 150 children of an Islamic school in Nigeria's Niger state. The Salihu Tanko Islamic School is located at Tegina in the Rafi Local Government Area of the north-central Nigerian state of Niger.

One person was killed and some others injured when unknown gunmen abducted about 150 children of an Islamic school in Nigeria's Niger state. The Salihu Tanko Islamic School is located at Tegina in the Rafi Local Government Area of the north-central Nigerian state of Niger. Watch: According to sources, the kidnapping was carried out at 4:30 pm (local time) on Sunday. The state police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said the armed bandits came in motorcycles and were firing 'indiscriminately'. Security teams have been mobilised to rescue the schoolkids and the police will "ensure the children are rescued unhurt", he said. Armed bandit groups have been behind a spate of kidnappings for ransom raids on colleges and educational institutions in northern Nigeria in recent months, abducting over 700 young people since December. Watch: Nigeria's growing kidnapping industry, which killed hundreds According to human rights groups, Nigerian security authorities have failed to create a strategy to protect its school children and college students and their access to study even after the seven years of the most infamous 'Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping', when the 279 girls from a government school in northern Nigeria were abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists. Also read: Kidnappers release all 279 Nigerian students after talks with the government On April 14, 2014, the militant group Boko Haram kidnapped the 279 schoolgirls in Chibok, a town in Borno state. Most of them were able to flee or were eventually released. In recent years in Nigeria, criminal bandit groups seeking a huge amount of ransom have increased their assault and mass abductions, frequently targeting boarding schools outside of towns and cities.

150 children kidnapped after Islamic school ambushed by armed bandits in Nigeria

Gunmen abducted scores of students from an Islamic seminary in Nigeria. Authorities said that nearly 200 students were present at the time of kidnapping. However, the number of students who were abducted is yet to be confirmed.

Gunmen in Nigeria abduct students from Islamic school

Why are school children being kidnapped in Nigeria?

Nigerian authorities have recovered the bodies of more than 70 people after an overloaded boat capsized in the northwestern state of Kebbi on Wednesday, a state spokesman said.

"Seventy-six corpses have so far been recovered, while 22 (people) were rescued, divers are still looking for more bodies," Abubakar Dakingari, spokesman for the Kebbi state governor, said on Friday.

The wooden boat was ferrying between 100 and 200 people, according to wide-ranging estimates from authorities and locals.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nigerian authorities have recovered the bodies of more than 70 people after an overloaded boat capsized in the northwestern state of Kebbi on Wednesday, a state spokesman said.

Nigerian authorities have recovered the bodies of more than 70 people after an overloaded boat capsized in the northwestern state of Kebbi on Wednesday, a state spokesman said. "Seventy-six corpses have so far been recovered, while 22 (people) were rescued, divers are still looking for more bodies," Abubakar Dakingari, spokesman for the Kebbi state governor, said on Friday. The wooden boat was ferrying between 100 and 200 people, according to wide-ranging estimates from authorities and locals. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: 70 dead after boat capsizes

A boat ferrying about 200 persons in Nigeria sank on Wednesday, and just 20 survivors have been found.

Four people are confirmed dead and 156 were missing as of Wednesday afternoon. Officials presume the missing individuals have drowned.

According to local authorities, the boat was over-burdened with passengers and packs of sand. The vessel was just intended to carry only 80 individuals.

The accident occurred between 9 am and 10 am on Wednesday morning and all the passengers in the boat were in the river and there is less hope of getting missing passengers alive, they said.

The boat was carrying miners, traders and some Nigerien nationals.

National Inland Waterways Authority local manager Yusuf Birma said: “The boat capacity was not up to the 180 passengers it carried. As we speak, only 20 people have been rescued alive, four dead confirmed while the remaining 156 people are still missing and they are believed to be underwater.”

The majority of the travellers were craftsmen, diggers and brokers, who were getting back from Niger State to Kebbi State.

Data showed that only four corpses were recovered, while a rescue operation is continuing.

According to a Red Cross official, the absence of rescue equipment is a major impediment to the rescue operation.

The boat was carrying about 250 people, he said adding Red Cross workers&nbsp;had since joined the rescue team.

A boat ferrying about 200 persons in Nigeria sank on Wednesday, and just 20 survivors have been found. Four people are confirmed dead and 156 were missing as of Wednesday afternoon.

A boat ferrying about 200 persons in Nigeria sank on Wednesday, and just 20 survivors have been found. Four people are confirmed dead and 156 were missing as of Wednesday afternoon. Officials presume the missing individuals have drowned. According to local authorities, the boat was over-burdened with passengers and packs of sand. The vessel was just intended to carry only 80 individuals. The accident occurred between 9 am and 10 am on Wednesday morning and all the passengers in the boat were in the river and there is less hope of getting missing passengers alive, they said. The boat was carrying miners, traders and some Nigerien nationals. National Inland Waterways Authority local manager Yusuf Birma said: “The boat capacity was not up to the 180 passengers it carried. As we speak, only 20 people have been rescued alive, four dead confirmed while the remaining 156 people are still missing and they are believed to be underwater.” The majority of the travellers were craftsmen, diggers and brokers, who were getting back from Niger State to Kebbi State. Data showed that only four corpses were recovered, while a rescue operation is continuing. According to a Red Cross official, the absence of rescue equipment is a major impediment to the rescue operation. The boat was carrying about 250 people, he said adding Red Cross workers had since joined the rescue team.

Over 150 feared drowned as boat capsizes in Nigeria

Nigeria's Statistics Office said its economy grew 0.5% in the first quarter, lifted by higher crude oil production and oil prices, as activities gain momentum after a gradual easing of the Coronavirus lockdown.

World Business Watch: Nigeria's economy grows 0.5% in first quarter after lockdown eased

Nigeria's Chief of Army staff Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru and ten other officers who were killed in a plane crash were laid to rest in Abuja on Saturday. The military officials died when the plane crashed on Friday after making an official trip to Kaduna state.

Nigeria holds funeral for army chief, officers killed in plane crash

Nigeria's&nbsp;top-ranking&nbsp;army&nbsp;commander&nbsp;Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;on Friday when their plane crashed in bad weather in the country's north, officials said.

Chief of&nbsp;Army&nbsp;Staff Attahiru was only appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January as part of a shakeup of the&nbsp;top&nbsp;military command to better fight surging violence and a more than decade-long jihadist insurgency.

Attahiru died as news also emerged that&nbsp;Nigeria's Boko Haram jihadist leader Abubakar Shekau had himself been seriously wounded or possibly&nbsp;killed&nbsp;after clashes with a rival Islamic State-allied faction.

President Buhari, a former general first elected in 2015, has been under increasing pressure from allies and critics alike over his government's handling of mounting security problems in Africa's most populous country.

In a statement, Buhari said the&nbsp;crash&nbsp;"was one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our armed forces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eleven-soldiers-killed-in-attack-in-nigeria-376443">Eleven soldiers killed in attack in Nigeria</a>

The&nbsp;army&nbsp;spokesman said on Twitter that ten other officers including the plane's crew also died in the&nbsp;crash&nbsp;in northern Kaduna state.

The incident occurred as the plane was landing at the Kaduna International Airport "due to inclement weather," the armed forces said in a statement.

Jihadist rivalries

Nigeria's military has been battling an Islamist insurgency in the northeast since 2009, a conflict that has&nbsp;killed&nbsp;more than 40,000 and displaced around two million more.

Attahiru had once been in charge of leading the frontline offensive against Boko Haram's&nbsp;commander&nbsp;Shekau in the northeast in 2017.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-police-arrest-protesters-at-symbolic-lagos-tollgate-363412">Nigeria police arrest protesters at symbolic Lagos tollgate</a>

Local intelligence sources said Shekau had been seriously wounded this week when IS-allied rival jihadists attacked his stronghold in the Sambisa forest in the northeastern state of Borno.

Sources said Shekau was wounded when he shot himself to try to evade capture after militants from the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) surrounded him following a series of battles between the rival groups.

Nigeria&nbsp;news outlets have been filled with unconfirmed reports about the death of the man who made international headlines in 2014 when his fighters kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls from the remote town of Chibok.

One intelligence source said on Friday Shekau had already died from his wounds in Nainawa village on Thursday, though that was not confirmed by authorities.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-faces-chinas-ecological-financial-drain-361503">Nigeria faces China's ecological, financial drain</a>

"He was buried in the night in an unmarked grave to avoid exhumation by either the Nigerian military or rival jihadists," the local intelligence source said.

The Boko Haram leader has been reported&nbsp;killed&nbsp;several times since the conflict began, only to reappear later.

Nigeria's&nbsp;army&nbsp;has said it was still investigating the reports and neither ISWAP or Boko Haram have issued any statements about the Sambisa attack or Shekau's whereabouts.

But analysts said his loss would be a huge blow to his Boko Haram faction and potentially allow ISWAP to consolidate its territorial control in&nbsp;Nigeria's northeast.

ISWAP has emerged as the dominant force in&nbsp;Nigeria's conflict, showing a sustained ability to carry out complex attacks on the military and recently overrunning several&nbsp;army&nbsp;bases.

Nigeria's top-ranking army commander Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers were killed on Friday when their plane crashed in bad weather in the country's north, officials said.

Nigeria's top-ranking army commander Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers were killed on Friday when their plane crashed in bad weather in the country's north, officials said. Chief of Army Staff Attahiru was only appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January as part of a shakeup of the top military command to better fight surging violence and a more than decade-long jihadist insurgency. Attahiru died as news also emerged that Nigeria's Boko Haram jihadist leader Abubakar Shekau had himself been seriously wounded or possibly killed after clashes with a rival Islamic State-allied faction. President Buhari, a former general first elected in 2015, has been under increasing pressure from allies and critics alike over his government's handling of mounting security problems in Africa's most populous country. In a statement, Buhari said the crash "was one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our armed forces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country". Also Read | Eleven soldiers killed in attack in Nigeria The army spokesman said on Twitter that ten other officers including the plane's crew also died in the crash in northern Kaduna state. The incident occurred as the plane was landing at the Kaduna International Airport "due to inclement weather," the armed forces said in a statement. Jihadist rivalries Nigeria's military has been battling an Islamist insurgency in the northeast since 2009, a conflict that has killed more than 40,000 and displaced around two million more. Attahiru had once been in charge of leading the frontline offensive against Boko Haram's commander Shekau in the northeast in 2017. Also Read | Nigeria police arrest protesters at symbolic Lagos tollgate Local intelligence sources said Shekau had been seriously wounded this week when IS-allied rival jihadists attacked his stronghold in the Sambisa forest in the northeastern state of Borno. Sources said Shekau was wounded when he shot himself to try to evade capture after militants from the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) surrounded him following a series of battles between the rival groups. Nigeria news outlets have been filled with unconfirmed reports about the death of the man who made international headlines in 2014 when his fighters kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls from the remote town of Chibok. One intelligence source said on Friday Shekau had already died from his wounds in Nainawa village on Thursday, though that was not confirmed by authorities. Also Read | Nigeria faces China's ecological, financial drain "He was buried in the night in an unmarked grave to avoid exhumation by either the Nigerian military or rival jihadists," the local intelligence source said. The Boko Haram leader has been reported killed several times since the conflict began, only to reappear later. Nigeria's army has said it was still investigating the reports and neither ISWAP or Boko Haram have issued any statements about the Sambisa attack or Shekau's whereabouts. But analysts said his loss would be a huge blow to his Boko Haram faction and potentially allow ISWAP to consolidate its territorial control in Nigeria's northeast. ISWAP has emerged as the dominant force in Nigeria's conflict, showing a sustained ability to carry out complex attacks on the military and recently overrunning several army bases.

Nigeria's top army commander killed in air crash

Nigerian Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously injured as he tried to kill himself to avoid getting caught, said AP quoting two intelligence sources. Shekau was avoiding capture during clashes with rival Islamic State jihadists in northern parts of Nigeria.

Shekau's Boko Haram faction and fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province had been battling in northeastern Borno state, where ISWAP militants have become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than decade-long jihadist insurgency.

Shekau made international headlines in 2014 when his men abducted 300 schoolgirls in Chibok. He has been previously been reported dead several times.

After a series of clashes, Shekau and some of his fighters were surrounded on Wednesday by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrender, one intelligence source said.

"To avoid capture, Shekau shot himself in the chest and the bullet pierced his shoulder," the source said, adding: "He was badly injured."

Some of his men managed to escape with him to an unknown destination, the source added.

A second intelligence source said Shekau was critically wounded after detonating explosives in the house where he was holed up with his men.

"We are investigating," Nigeria's army spokesman Mohammed Yerima told AFP by text, asked about those reports.&nbsp;

Shekau's critical injury or death would be a blow to his Boko Haram faction which has already been weakened by military air strikes on its bases and defections among his men.

More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes by the conflict in northeast Nigeria, and fighting has spread to parts of neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Boko Haram and ISWAP have fought battles for control of territory in the past.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nigerian Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously injured as he tried to kill himself to avoid getting caught, said AP quoting two intelligence sources.

Nigerian Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has been seriously injured as he tried to kill himself to avoid getting caught, said AP quoting two intelligence sources. Shekau was avoiding capture during clashes with rival Islamic State jihadists in northern parts of Nigeria. Shekau's Boko Haram faction and fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province had been battling in northeastern Borno state, where ISWAP militants have become the dominant force in Nigeria's more than decade-long jihadist insurgency. Shekau made international headlines in 2014 when his men abducted 300 schoolgirls in Chibok. He has been previously been reported dead several times. After a series of clashes, Shekau and some of his fighters were surrounded on Wednesday by ISWAP jihadists in Boko Haram's Sambisa forest stronghold, where they demanded he surrender, one intelligence source said. "To avoid capture, Shekau shot himself in the chest and the bullet pierced his shoulder," the source said, adding: "He was badly injured." Some of his men managed to escape with him to an unknown destination, the source added. A second intelligence source said Shekau was critically wounded after detonating explosives in the house where he was holed up with his men. "We are investigating," Nigeria's army spokesman Mohammed Yerima told AFP by text, asked about those reports. Shekau's critical injury or death would be a blow to his Boko Haram faction which has already been weakened by military air strikes on its bases and defections among his men. More than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes by the conflict in northeast Nigeria, and fighting has spread to parts of neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger. Boko Haram and ISWAP have fought battles for control of territory in the past. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigerian Boko Haram leader seriously wounded in clash with Islamic State: Report

Kidnappers have released the remaining 29 students they were holding captive from a college in Nigeria’s Kaduna state. In March, militants had seized 39 students from the College of Forestry Mechanization in Kaduna state. Security forces recovered 10 of them in the weeks following the attack, but the remaining students were still missing until Wednesday.

Nigeria: Kidnappers free 29 college students abducted in Kaduna state

Kings of Lagos: Children learn chess to seek escape from Nigeria's slums

Nigeria will ban entry to non-Nigerian passengers, who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in those three nations, health authorities said on Sunday.

The travel ban does not apply to passengers, who have transited through those countries, the presidential steering committee on Covid said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines ">Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines&nbsp;</a>

"These precautionary measures are a necessary step to minimise the risk of a surge in COVID-19 cases introduced to Nigeria from other countries," the statement said.

Nigerians and permanent residents who have been in those countries in the last 14 days will have to undergo mandatory quarantine for a week in a government-approved facility on arrival, it said.

All passengers arriving in Nigeria will now have to show a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel rather then the previous 96 hours period.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has reported just over 165,000 cases of the coronavirus and 2,063 deaths since the virus first emerged in China at the end of 2019.

Nigeria will ban entry to non-Nigerian passengers, who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in those three nations, health authorities said on Sunday.

Nigeria will ban entry to non-Nigerian passengers, who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in those three nations, health authorities said on Sunday. The travel ban does not apply to passengers, who have transited through those countries, the presidential steering committee on Covid said in a statement. Also read: Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines "These precautionary measures are a necessary step to minimise the risk of a surge in COVID-19 cases introduced to Nigeria from other countries," the statement said. Nigerians and permanent residents who have been in those countries in the last 14 days will have to undergo mandatory quarantine for a week in a government-approved facility on arrival, it said. All passengers arriving in Nigeria will now have to show a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel rather then the previous 96 hours period. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has reported just over 165,000 cases of the coronavirus and 2,063 deaths since the virus first emerged in China at the end of 2019.

Nigeria restricts passengers from India, Brazil, Turkey over virus

At least 31 Nigerian soldiers were killed when IS-aligned jihadists ambushed a military convoy escorting weapons and overran a base in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, military sources said on Monday.

Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked the convoy with rocket-propelled grenades on Sunday in the town of Mainok outside the regional capital Maiduguri before storming the nearby base, the two sources said.

The attack was the deadliest this year against Nigeria's army which has been battling a decade-long jihadist insurgency in the region that has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Nigeria: Jihadist ambush kills 19 troops, says report">Nigeria: Jihadist ambush kills 19 troops, says report</a>

"We lost 31 soldiers, including their commander who was a lieutenant colonel, in the ambush by the terrorists," a military officer said about the attack which happened around 1100 GMT.

The convoy was transporting weapons to Maiduguri when it came under attack, said a second military source who gave a similar toll.

"The terrorists came in several trucks, including four MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles) and engaged the convoy in a fierce battle," the second source said.

The militants overwhelmed soldiers, leading to the "colossal loss" of troops, he said.

"We lost a lot of men in very gruesome way."

The jihadists seized weapons and two MRAPs in the attack before overrunning and partially burning the base outside the town, the two sources said.

Mainok, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Maiduguri, has been repeatedly targeted by the jihadists.

ISWAP has frequently set up bogus checkpoints along the 120-km highway linking Maiduguri and Damaturu in neighbouring Yobe state on which Mainok lies, killing and abducting travellers.&nbsp;

ISWAP split from mainstream Boko Haram faction in 2016 and rose to become a dominant force in the northeast as Nigeria's conflict has spilt over borders into neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Around 2,000 residents of Geidam in neighbouring Yobe state fled their homes after a separate attack by ISWAP who invaded the town Friday, local officials said.

On Sunday residents fled, crossing to the other side of the river to escape militants who have been in control since they attacked the town.

"Our people are fleeing Geidam which is now under the control of the insurgents," Ali Koko Kachalla, Geidam's political administrator, said.

Late on Friday ISWAP jihadists took control of Geidam after a gunfight with troops, looting and burning stores in the town.

At least 11 civilians were killed in the fight after a projectile hit two adjoining homes, killing all occupants, according to residents.

The exodus was prompted by targeted killings of residents by the insurgents, according to fleeing residents.

"Everybody is running away because the insurgents have started killing people who are Christians and those with western education," resident Babagana Kyari said.

"So far they have killed two Christians and two Muslim school teachers. They went to their homes and slaughtered them," said another resident Ari Sanda.

The army issued a statement on Saturday, claiming to have taken back Geidam from the jihadists. But residents and local officials said militants were still around.

Since 2019, soldiers have closed up some smaller bases and moved into larger fortified garrisons known as "super camps" in an attempt to better resist militant attacks.&nbsp;

But critics say the "super camp" strategy has also allowed militants more freedom in rural areas and left travellers more vulnerable to kidnapping.

At least 31 Nigerian soldiers were killed when IS-aligned jihadists ambushed a military convoy escorting weapons and overran a base in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, military sources said on Monday.

At least 31 Nigerian soldiers were killed when IS-aligned jihadists ambushed a military convoy escorting weapons and overran a base in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, military sources said on Monday. Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked the convoy with rocket-propelled grenades on Sunday in the town of Mainok outside the regional capital Maiduguri before storming the nearby base, the two sources said. The attack was the deadliest this year against Nigeria's army which has been battling a decade-long jihadist insurgency in the region that has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes. Also read: Nigeria: Jihadist ambush kills 19 troops, says report "We lost 31 soldiers, including their commander who was a lieutenant colonel, in the ambush by the terrorists," a military officer said about the attack which happened around 1100 GMT. The convoy was transporting weapons to Maiduguri when it came under attack, said a second military source who gave a similar toll. "The terrorists came in several trucks, including four MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles) and engaged the convoy in a fierce battle," the second source said. The militants overwhelmed soldiers, leading to the "colossal loss" of troops, he said. "We lost a lot of men in very gruesome way." The jihadists seized weapons and two MRAPs in the attack before overrunning and partially burning the base outside the town, the two sources said. Mainok, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Maiduguri, has been repeatedly targeted by the jihadists. ISWAP has frequently set up bogus checkpoints along the 120-km highway linking Maiduguri and Damaturu in neighbouring Yobe state on which Mainok lies, killing and abducting travellers. ISWAP split from mainstream Boko Haram faction in 2016 and rose to become a dominant force in the northeast as Nigeria's conflict has spilt over borders into neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon. Around 2,000 residents of Geidam in neighbouring Yobe state fled their homes after a separate attack by ISWAP who invaded the town Friday, local officials said. On Sunday residents fled, crossing to the other side of the river to escape militants who have been in control since they attacked the town. "Our people are fleeing Geidam which is now under the control of the insurgents," Ali Koko Kachalla, Geidam's political administrator, said. Late on Friday ISWAP jihadists took control of Geidam after a gunfight with troops, looting and burning stores in the town. At least 11 civilians were killed in the fight after a projectile hit two adjoining homes, killing all occupants, according to residents. The exodus was prompted by targeted killings of residents by the insurgents, according to fleeing residents. "Everybody is running away because the insurgents have started killing people who are Christians and those with western education," resident Babagana Kyari said. "So far they have killed two Christians and two Muslim school teachers. They went to their homes and slaughtered them," said another resident Ari Sanda. The army issued a statement on Saturday, claiming to have taken back Geidam from the jihadists. But residents and local officials said militants were still around. Since 2019, soldiers have closed up some smaller bases and moved into larger fortified garrisons known as "super camps" in an attempt to better resist militant attacks. But critics say the "super camp" strategy has also allowed militants more freedom in rural areas and left travellers more vulnerable to kidnapping.

Jihadists kill 31 soldiers in northeast Nigeria

Three of the students kidnapped by gunmen in northern Nigeria earlier this week have been shot dead, a local official said Friday.

Criminals known locally as bandits attacked the private Greenfield University in Kaduna state on Tuesday evening, in the fifth known kidnapping assault on a school or college in the country since December.

"The armed bandits who kidnapped students of Greenfield University, have shot dead three of the abducted students," Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna state's internal security and home affairs commissioner, said in a statement.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/university-staffer-killed-students-kidnapped-by-nigerian-gunmen-379171">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/university-staffer-killed-students-kidnapped-by-nigerian-gunmen-379171/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said their remains had been found Friday close to the university.&nbsp;

Two university officials told AFP that 20 students along with three non-academic staff were kidnapped but officials could not confirm those numbers.&nbsp;

Bandits have ramped up kidnapping attacks in recent months, hoping to squeeze ransom payments out of the authorities.

Local authorities have said they would not pay any ransom.&nbsp;

Recent mass kidnappings have prompted six northern states to shut public schools to prevent further attacks.

Three of the students kidnapped by gunmen in northern Nigeria earlier this week have been shot dead, a local official said Friday. Criminals known locally as bandits attacked the private Greenfield University in Kaduna state on Tuesday evening, in the fifth known kidnapping assault on a school or college in the country since December.

Three of the students kidnapped by gunmen in northern Nigeria earlier this week have been shot dead, a local official said Friday. Criminals known locally as bandits attacked the private Greenfield University in Kaduna state on Tuesday evening, in the fifth known kidnapping assault on a school or college in the country since December. "The armed bandits who kidnapped students of Greenfield University, have shot dead three of the abducted students," Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna state's internal security and home affairs commissioner, said in a statement. Watch | He said their remains had been found Friday close to the university. Two university officials told AFP that 20 students along with three non-academic staff were kidnapped but officials could not confirm those numbers. Bandits have ramped up kidnapping attacks in recent months, hoping to squeeze ransom payments out of the authorities. Local authorities have said they would not pay any ransom. Recent mass kidnappings have prompted six northern states to shut public schools to prevent further attacks.

Three students kidnapped in Nigeria shot dead: Official

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