Marcellina Akpojotor weaves past thumping sewing machines and into a storefront shop, leaving just as quickly as she arrived with a cement bag brimming with discarded fabric swatches. The colourful pieces, which would typically be burned or thrown into the lagoon as waste, find a second life as valuable art in Akpojotor's hands.

Cut from the same cloth, Nigerian waste fabric becomes art

Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Nigeria - even after a controversial police unit accused of brutality was disbanded. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why Nigerians are protesting against the cops.

Gravitas: Protest against police brutality sweep Nigeria

The head of Nigeria's police dissolved its special anti-robbery squad with immediate effect on Sunday, prompted by days of protests across the country against alleged brutality by the controversial unit.

Nigeria's Police disbands controversial anti-robbery squad after protests

Lawmakers in Nigeria's Kaduna State have approved surgical castration as punishment for those convicted of raping children under the age of 14. Watch the report to know more.

Lockdown witnesses rise in rapes in Nigeria, accused to be castrated

At least 23 people were&nbsp;killed in Nigeria after a truck carrying petrol overturned and caught fire on a busy road on Thursday.

"The death of 23 people as confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Commission, represents another disturbing and saddening incident in the litany of tragedies that have befallen our country," President Buhari said, adding, "I am seriously worried about the frequency of these unfortunate and large scale tragedies in the country which cause needless deaths."

Buhari urged drivers to comply with safety regulations as reports claimed the bus was carrying students from the state polytechnic who were reportedly killed after the bus skidded off the road and caught fire.

"It is very sad to learn of the tragic loss of lives, many vehicles, property and other valuables in the petrol tanker fire," &nbsp;Yahaya Bello, the state governor said while offering sympathies to the students at the polytechnic.

Several other vehicles including the bus caught fire leading to chaos on the street as officials struggled to get the situation under control.

At least 23 people were killed in Nigeria after a truck carrying petrol overturned and caught fire on a busy road on Thursday. "The death of 23 people as confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Commission, represents another disturbing and saddening incident in the litany of tragedies that have befallen our country," President Buhari said, adding, "I am seriously worried about the frequency of these unfortunate and large scale tragedies in the country which cause needless deaths.

At least 23 people were killed in Nigeria after a truck carrying petrol overturned and caught fire on a busy road on Thursday. "The death of 23 people as confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Commission, represents another disturbing and saddening incident in the litany of tragedies that have befallen our country," President Buhari said, adding, "I am seriously worried about the frequency of these unfortunate and large scale tragedies in the country which cause needless deaths." Buhari urged drivers to comply with safety regulations as reports claimed the bus was carrying students from the state polytechnic who were reportedly killed after the bus skidded off the road and caught fire. "It is very sad to learn of the tragic loss of lives, many vehicles, property and other valuables in the petrol tanker fire," Yahaya Bello, the state governor said while offering sympathies to the students at the polytechnic. Several other vehicles including the bus caught fire leading to chaos on the street as officials struggled to get the situation under control.

At least 23 killed including students as fuel truck catches fire in Nigeria

Soldiers in Niger executed dozens of civilians during the counterinsurgency campaign against jihadists in the country's troubled Tillaberi region, a probe into the deaths reported.

This campaign was carried out earlier this year.

The West African nation has suffered years of conflict with Islamic militants operating in the vast and inhospitable Sahel desert, with thousands of soldiers and civilians killed to date.

The national armies of Niger and its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have been accused of war crimes in their response operations, including forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Niger's National Commission on Human Rights was investigating reports by Amnesty International and other rights groups that 102 civilians had gone missing in the western province between March 27 and April 2 after an army operation.

Jihadist violence resulted in 4,000 deaths in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso last year, the United Nations has said.

The UN has condemned what it said was a spike in criminal acts by national armies in the Sahel at the beginning of this year, including more than 100 extrajudicial executions by the Malian army between January and March.

Amnesty International reported in June that the armies of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso had been responsible for nearly 200 disappearances in the space of a few months.

Soldiers in Niger executed dozens of civilians during the counterinsurgency campaign against jihadists in the country's troubled Tillaberi region, a probe into the deaths reported.

Soldiers in Niger executed dozens of civilians during the counterinsurgency campaign against jihadists in the country's troubled Tillaberi region, a probe into the deaths reported. This campaign was carried out earlier this year. The West African nation has suffered years of conflict with Islamic militants operating in the vast and inhospitable Sahel desert, with thousands of soldiers and civilians killed to date. The national armies of Niger and its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have been accused of war crimes in their response operations, including forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Niger's National Commission on Human Rights was investigating reports by Amnesty International and other rights groups that 102 civilians had gone missing in the western province between March 27 and April 2 after an army operation. Jihadist violence resulted in 4,000 deaths in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso last year, the United Nations has said. The UN has condemned what it said was a spike in criminal acts by national armies in the Sahel at the beginning of this year, including more than 100 extrajudicial executions by the Malian army between January and March. Amnesty International reported in June that the armies of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso had been responsible for nearly 200 disappearances in the space of a few months.

Niger soldiers executed dozens of civilians, probe says

Africa is set to be declared as a 'polio-free- region by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, fiur years after cases re-emerged in northeastern Nigeria.

The WHO thanked volunteers, donors, local leaders and communities, and front line health workers who put in efforts round the clock to save children from the crippling disease.

"Thanks to the relentless efforts by governments, donors, frontline health workers, and communities, up to 1.8 million children have been saved from the crippling lifelong paralysis," the WHO said in a statement.

Wild polio, classified as an endemic had been crippling the childen of Africa by leaving them paralysed. The WHO and health experts were successful in finishing the disease from the continent, until few years ago when handful cases re-emerged in Nigeria. However, four years after the recent cases, the continent is now certified as polio-free.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-pace-slows-worldwide-except-for-southeast-asia-eastern-mediterranean-who-322990">Also read|&nbsp;Pandemic pace slows worldwide except for Southeast Asia, Eastern Mediterranean: WHO</a>

The local doctors have expressed joy of relief for this achievement.&nbsp;"Happiness is an understatement. We've been on this marathon for over 30 years," said Tunji Funsho, a Nigerian doctor and local anti-polio coordinator for Rotary International.

The official announcement was made through a videoconference, which was attended by the&nbsp;WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and key figures including philanthropist and Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

After Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan will be the only countries to have polio cases now.

African officials had to fight not only with polio, but also with extremists who protested against the vaccine, alleging the vaccine was an excuse to negatively affect children's health. Various health officials had to face the threat of violence from extremists groups. The health officials took help from 'health informants' and local leaders to gain trust of such groups.

"People trust their local traditional leaders who live with them more than the political leaders," said Grema Mundube, a community leader in the town of Monguno, in the far north of Nigeria.

"Once we spoke to them and they saw us immunising our children, they gradually accepted the vaccine," he continued.

Dr Musa Idowu Audu, coordinator for the WHO in Borno also took a moment to remember and thank the leaders and the officials who lost their lives or became victims of violence while making sure the vaccines reach the affeted children. Remembering the days and thanking teh officials for their efforts, eh said,&nbsp;"International agencies, local governments, donors — all partners took the bull by the horns to find new strategies to manage to reach these children."

Audu also said that while he is happy that Africa will now be a 'polio-free' continent, he hopes no new case arrives from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and all children, in future, get vaccinated on time.

Africa is set to be declared as a 'polio-free- region by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, fiur years after cases re-emerged in northeastern Nigeria.

Africa is set to be declared as a 'polio-free- region by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, fiur years after cases re-emerged in northeastern Nigeria. The WHO thanked volunteers, donors, local leaders and communities, and front line health workers who put in efforts round the clock to save children from the crippling disease. "Thanks to the relentless efforts by governments, donors, frontline health workers, and communities, up to 1.8 million children have been saved from the crippling lifelong paralysis," the WHO said in a statement. Wild polio, classified as an endemic had been crippling the childen of Africa by leaving them paralysed. The WHO and health experts were successful in finishing the disease from the continent, until few years ago when handful cases re-emerged in Nigeria. However, four years after the recent cases, the continent is now certified as polio-free. Also read| Pandemic pace slows worldwide except for Southeast Asia, Eastern Mediterranean: WHO The local doctors have expressed joy of relief for this achievement. "Happiness is an understatement. We've been on this marathon for over 30 years," said Tunji Funsho, a Nigerian doctor and local anti-polio coordinator for Rotary International. The official announcement was made through a videoconference, which was attended by the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and key figures including philanthropist and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. After Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan will be the only countries to have polio cases now. African officials had to fight not only with polio, but also with extremists who protested against the vaccine, alleging the vaccine was an excuse to negatively affect children's health. Various health officials had to face the threat of violence from extremists groups. The health officials took help from 'health informants' and local leaders to gain trust of such groups. "People trust their local traditional leaders who live with them more than the political leaders," said Grema Mundube, a community leader in the town of Monguno, in the far north of Nigeria. "Once we spoke to them and they saw us immunising our children, they gradually accepted the vaccine," he continued. Dr Musa Idowu Audu, coordinator for the WHO in Borno also took a moment to remember and thank the leaders and the officials who lost their lives or became victims of violence while making sure the vaccines reach the affeted children. Remembering the days and thanking teh officials for their efforts, eh said, "International agencies, local governments, donors — all partners took the bull by the horns to find new strategies to manage to reach these children." Audu also said that while he is happy that Africa will now be a 'polio-free' continent, he hopes no new case arrives from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and all children, in future, get vaccinated on time.

WHO to certify Africa 'polio free' after 30 years of fighting

11-year-old Anthony Mmesoma Madu stands out in black leggings, a white turtleneck and poise beyond his years. His parents wanted him to become a priest. Instead, he has captivated millions with his ballet.

Leap of faith: Nigerian boy captivates the world with his ballet

Nigeria has turned into a land of conflicts, leading to protests against President Muhammadu Buhari. Islamic militant group Boko Haram is exploiting the situation, bringing new armed groups into its fold. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Nigeria pulled apart by multiple conflicts

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari's throne is shaking.

His election in 2015 had brought hope that he would end the violence in the country, but the situation became worse.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigerian-foreign-minister-geoffrey-onyeama-tests-positive-for-covid-19-314494">Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama tests positive for COVID-19</a>

The entire nation is gripped by multiple conflicts, from the militant group Boko Haram thriving in the northeast to armed bandits laying siege in the northwest and central regions.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-man-was-sentenced-to-death-in-nigeria-via-zoom-app-inviting-backlash-297390#:~:text=A%20man%20in%20Nigeria%20was,distancing%20guidelines%20to%20curb%20coronavirus.">A man was sentenced to death in Nigeria via Zoom app, inviting backlash</a>

There are deadly clashes between farmers and herders, organised gangs taking over the streets, Biafra separatists raising their voice in the southeast and oil militants attacking rigs in the Niger Delta.&nbsp;

Buhari's, a former general, inability to resolve these conflicts is emboldening Boko Haram.&nbsp;

In northwest Nigeria, Boko Haram is wooing Fulani militias, who are engaged in kidnapping, banditry and cattle stealing.&nbsp;

The lines between ethnic clashes and terrorism have become blurred.

Boko Haram has claimed more than 36,000 lives in 10 years and forced around two million people to flee their homes.&nbsp;

Lacking state protection, communities in Nigeria are becoming vulnerable.&nbsp;

Between January and June alone, over 600 civilians killed in more than 200 attacks.&nbsp;

Local economies have been hit, first by violence and then by the pandemic.&nbsp;

The United Nations says at least 10 million people in the country are in urgent need of support.

The essential supplies are getting hit with aid convoys and workers being targetted.&nbsp;

In a rare interview, the president admitted that the violence is disturbing, but he blamed the armed forces for it.&nbsp;

As many as 356 soldiers have applied for voluntary retirement, suggesting the morale is low and the risks are high.&nbsp;

The Senate has passed a resolution asking the service chiefs to step down.

However, the army chief has placed the blamed on Nigerians, asking them to stop the violence.&nbsp;

His comments took the country by storm.

Buhari has to decide whether he needs to retain the service chiefs or not, but his own position is in jeopardy.&nbsp;

Still, the question that haunts all the Nigerians and the rest of the world is: how did Africa's most populous and largest economy end up in this situation? 
&nbsp;

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari's throne is shaking. His election in 2015 had brought hope that he would end the violence in the country, but the situation became worse.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari's throne is shaking. His election in 2015 had brought hope that he would end the violence in the country, but the situation became worse. Also read | Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama tests positive for COVID-19 The entire nation is gripped by multiple conflicts, from the militant group Boko Haram thriving in the northeast to armed bandits laying siege in the northwest and central regions. Also read | A man was sentenced to death in Nigeria via Zoom app, inviting backlash There are deadly clashes between farmers and herders, organised gangs taking over the streets, Biafra separatists raising their voice in the southeast and oil militants attacking rigs in the Niger Delta. Buhari's, a former general, inability to resolve these conflicts is emboldening Boko Haram. In northwest Nigeria, Boko Haram is wooing Fulani militias, who are engaged in kidnapping, banditry and cattle stealing. The lines between ethnic clashes and terrorism have become blurred. Boko Haram has claimed more than 36,000 lives in 10 years and forced around two million people to flee their homes. Lacking state protection, communities in Nigeria are becoming vulnerable. Between January and June alone, over 600 civilians killed in more than 200 attacks. Local economies have been hit, first by violence and then by the pandemic. The United Nations says at least 10 million people in the country are in urgent need of support. The essential supplies are getting hit with aid convoys and workers being targetted. In a rare interview, the president admitted that the violence is disturbing, but he blamed the armed forces for it. As many as 356 soldiers have applied for voluntary retirement, suggesting the morale is low and the risks are high. The Senate has passed a resolution asking the service chiefs to step down. However, the army chief has placed the blamed on Nigerians, asking them to stop the violence. His comments took the country by storm. Buhari has to decide whether he needs to retain the service chiefs or not, but his own position is in jeopardy. Still, the question that haunts all the Nigerians and the rest of the world is: how did Africa's most populous and largest economy end up in this situation?

Nigeria, where most forms of violence thrive and an end looks distant

Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's Finance Minister, has announced that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Onyeama, the 64 year old minister, is the first member of the cabinet to test positive. He announced the news through a Twitter post. He also added that this was his fourth coronavirus test.

"Did my fourth Covid-19 test yesterday at the first sign of a throat irritation and unfortunately this time it came back positive," he tweeted.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Did my fourth Covid-19 test yesterday at the first sign of a throat irritation and unfortunately this time it came back positive. That is life! Win some lose some. Heading for isolation in a health facility and praying for the best. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHomeSaveLives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHomeSaveLives</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTFCOVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTFCOVID19</a>
— Geoffrey Onyeama (@GeoffreyOnyeama) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffreyOnyeama/status/1284829894980116481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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President Muhammadu Buhari has been conducting his cabinet sessions virtually due to the fear of spread of the novel coronavirus.

Almost 36,000 people have been affected by the virus and 778 people have lost their lives to the pandemic in Nigeria.

Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's Finance Minister, has announced that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Onyeama, the 64 year old minister, is the first member of the cabinet to test positive.

Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's Finance Minister, has announced that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Onyeama, the 64 year old minister, is the first member of the cabinet to test positive. He announced the news through a Twitter post. He also added that this was his fourth coronavirus test. "Did my fourth Covid-19 test yesterday at the first sign of a throat irritation and unfortunately this time it came back positive," he tweeted. Did my fourth Covid-19 test yesterday at the first sign of a throat irritation and unfortunately this time it came back positive. That is life! Win some lose some. Heading for isolation in a health facility and praying for the best. #StayHomeSaveLives #COVID19 #PTFCOVID19 — Geoffrey Onyeama (@GeoffreyOnyeama) July 19, 2020 × President Muhammadu Buhari has been conducting his cabinet sessions virtually due to the fear of spread of the novel coronavirus. Almost 36,000 people have been affected by the virus and 778 people have lost their lives to the pandemic in Nigeria.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama tests positive for COVID-19

The Leap of Dance Academy, founded by Daniel Ajala, is a ballet school in Lagos that provides quality ballet education to indigenous young dancers in Nigeria.

Nigeria: Leap of dance academy makes ballet accessible to poor

A Dance Academy, a ballet school in a poor district of sprawling megacity Lagos that aims to bring classical dance to underprivileged children in Africa's most populous nation. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: A leap of faith through ballet, Nigeria's poor find joy in ballet

A growing number of African countries have made it compulsory to wear masks in public to prevent the spread of the highly infectious respiratory disease. Fashion lovers in the continent's biggest cities are combining style and safety by donning colourful masks, sometimes coordinating the fabric with their outfits.

Style-conscious Africans turn compulsory masks into fashion accessories

A man in Nigeria was sentenced to death via the video conferencing app Zoom this week, sparking criticism from human rights groups.

The court held the session via Zoom to comply with the state's social distancing guidelines to curb coronavirus.

Olalekan Hameed was found guilty of murdering his mother's employer in 2018, and was sentenced to death by hanging at a virtual court hearing on Monday. He had, however, denied the charges.

Hameed appeared remotely from prison via Zoom, along with his lawyer and prosecutors who also joined the hearing remotely.

To this end, Amnesty International Nigeria Director Osai Ojigho slammed the country's use of the death penalty and questioned why Monday's hearing couldn't be delayed.

Amnesty International is now calling for the the death penalty to be abolished in Nigeria, where there are nearly 3,000 people on death row.

A man in Nigeria was sentenced to death via the video conferencing app Zoom this week, sparking criticism from human rights groups. The court held the session via Zoom to comply with the state's social distancing guidelines to curb coronavirus.

A man in Nigeria was sentenced to death via the video conferencing app Zoom this week, sparking criticism from human rights groups. The court held the session via Zoom to comply with the state's social distancing guidelines to curb coronavirus. Olalekan Hameed was found guilty of murdering his mother's employer in 2018, and was sentenced to death by hanging at a virtual court hearing on Monday. He had, however, denied the charges. Hameed appeared remotely from prison via Zoom, along with his lawyer and prosecutors who also joined the hearing remotely. To this end, Amnesty International Nigeria Director Osai Ojigho slammed the country's use of the death penalty and questioned why Monday's hearing couldn't be delayed. Amnesty International is now calling for the the death penalty to be abolished in Nigeria, where there are nearly 3,000 people on death row.

A man was sentenced to death in Nigeria via Zoom app, inviting backlash

A senator in Nigeria has introduced a motion - accusing China of institutional discrimination against Nigerians in China. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how African nations are calling out China.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus | African nations unite against China

Nigeria&nbsp;on Tuesday condemned as "extremely distressing" and "unacceptable" accounts that Nigerian citizens in China had been maltreated because of the coronavirus pandemic

"There were videos circulating on social media of very disturbing scenes and incidents involving Nigerians in the city of Guangzhou," Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama said during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhou Pingjian in his office in Abuja.

Onyeama said it appeared that Nigerians were being discriminated against at hotels and restaurants and being stigmatised as supposed carriers of COVID-19.&nbsp;

"We saw images of Nigerians in the streets with their possessions and this was of course extremely distressing for us at home," he said.

He said the situation&nbsp;was "unacceptable" to&nbsp;Nigeria's government and people, and needed "immediate action" from the Chinese authorities.

The ambassador said Beijing was taking the issues the minister raised "very seriously" and said China would continue to foster cordial ties with&nbsp;Nigeria.

The conversation came after accusations of discrimination in the southern city of Guangzhou linked to the coronavirus pandemic.

Africans there say they have become targets of suspicion and subjected to forced evictions, arbitrary quarantines and mass coronavirus testing, particularly as Beijing steps up its fight against imported infections.

The US fast-food chain McDonald's has apologised over a sign in one of its restaurants in Guangzhou telling black people they were banned from entering.

The African Union on Saturday expressed its "extreme concern" about the situation in Guanghzou and called on Beijing to take immediate corrective measures.&nbsp;

On Sunday, as international pressure mounted, the foreign ministry in Beijing issued a statement saying the country attached "great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals" and rejected all "racist and discriminatory" remarks

The coronavirus which broke out in China last December has infected 343 and claimed 10 lives in&nbsp;Nigeria.

&nbsp;

Nigeria on Tuesday condemned as "extremely distressing" and "unacceptable" accounts that Nigerian citizens in China had been maltreated because of the coronavirus pandemic "There were videos circulating on social media of very disturbing scenes and incidents involving Nigerians in the city of Guangzhou," Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama said during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhou Pingjian in his office in Abuja.

Nigeria on Tuesday condemned as "extremely distressing" and "unacceptable" accounts that Nigerian citizens in China had been maltreated because of the coronavirus pandemic "There were videos circulating on social media of very disturbing scenes and incidents involving Nigerians in the city of Guangzhou," Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama said during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhou Pingjian in his office in Abuja. Onyeama said it appeared that Nigerians were being discriminated against at hotels and restaurants and being stigmatised as supposed carriers of COVID-19. "We saw images of Nigerians in the streets with their possessions and this was of course extremely distressing for us at home," he said. He said the situation was "unacceptable" to Nigeria's government and people, and needed "immediate action" from the Chinese authorities. The ambassador said Beijing was taking the issues the minister raised "very seriously" and said China would continue to foster cordial ties with Nigeria. The conversation came after accusations of discrimination in the southern city of Guangzhou linked to the coronavirus pandemic. Africans there say they have become targets of suspicion and subjected to forced evictions, arbitrary quarantines and mass coronavirus testing, particularly as Beijing steps up its fight against imported infections. The US fast-food chain McDonald's has apologised over a sign in one of its restaurants in Guangzhou telling black people they were banned from entering. The African Union on Saturday expressed its "extreme concern" about the situation in Guanghzou and called on Beijing to take immediate corrective measures. On Sunday, as international pressure mounted, the foreign ministry in Beijing issued a statement saying the country attached "great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals" and rejected all "racist and discriminatory" remarks The coronavirus which broke out in China last December has infected 343 and claimed 10 lives in Nigeria.

Nigeria says treatment of nationals in China 'unacceptable'

What else is making news in the world? Watch this video for a quick check.

Coronavirus fears in Nigeria camps, Brazil prepares more graves

An explosion at a gas processing plant on Sunday killed at least 15 people and destroyed about 50 buildings after a fire broke out in a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, emergency services said.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the explosion was triggered after a truck hit some gas cylinders stacked in a gas processing plant near the corporation's pipeline in Abule Ado area of Lagos state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadists-kill-10-in-northeast-nigerian-village-283583">Jihadists kill 10 in northeast Nigerian village</a>

The impact of the explosion led to the collapse of nearby houses, damaged NNPC's pipeline and caused the corporation to halt pumping operations on the Atlas Cove-Mosimi pipeline, the state-owned oil company said in a statement.

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Several people were injured and taken to hospital, according to Ibrahim Farinloye, zonal coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadists-kill-30-people-and-abduct-dozens-in-northeast-nigeria-279878">Jihadists kill 30 people and abduct dozens in northeast Nigeria</a>

Plumes of smoke billowed into the air as people watched, while firefighters tried to quench the flames, a source witness said.

Farinloye told the sources&nbsp;that "the explosion destroyed over 50 residential houses."

Watch:&nbsp;

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Pipeline fires in Nigeria, Africa's biggest crude oil producer, are common and they are mostly caused by theft and sabotage. The methods used to steal oil often result in accidents that cause fires.

"The fire started with smoke," one eyewitness said. "The smoke was coming up and later we heard a sound ... and some houses collapsed even the roofs."

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NNPC said that the temporary shutdown of the petroleum products pipeline would not affect the normal supply of products to the Lagos and surrounding towns.&nbsp;

An explosion at a gas processing plant on Sunday killed at least 15 people and destroyed about 50 buildings after a fire broke out in a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, emergency services said.

An explosion at a gas processing plant on Sunday killed at least 15 people and destroyed about 50 buildings after a fire broke out in a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, emergency services said. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the explosion was triggered after a truck hit some gas cylinders stacked in a gas processing plant near the corporation's pipeline in Abule Ado area of Lagos state. Also read: Jihadists kill 10 in northeast Nigerian village The impact of the explosion led to the collapse of nearby houses, damaged NNPC's pipeline and caused the corporation to halt pumping operations on the Atlas Cove-Mosimi pipeline, the state-owned oil company said in a statement. Several people were injured and taken to hospital, according to Ibrahim Farinloye, zonal coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Also see: Jihadists kill 30 people and abduct dozens in northeast Nigeria Plumes of smoke billowed into the air as people watched, while firefighters tried to quench the flames, a source witness said. Farinloye told the sources that "the explosion destroyed over 50 residential houses." Watch: × Pipeline fires in Nigeria, Africa's biggest crude oil producer, are common and they are mostly caused by theft and sabotage. The methods used to steal oil often result in accidents that cause fires. "The fire started with smoke," one eyewitness said. "The smoke was coming up and later we heard a sound ... and some houses collapsed even the roofs." NNPC said that the temporary shutdown of the petroleum products pipeline would not affect the normal supply of products to the Lagos and surrounding towns.

Lagos gas blast kills 15, destroys several buildings: Nigerian officials

Singer Bianca Okorocha, aka Clay, brings something unusual to the world of Nigerian music.

Musician 'Clay' brings rock to Nigerian music scene

Jihadists have killed 10 people in a raid on a village in northeast Nigeria's restive Borno State, burning homes and looting food supplies, civilian militia sources said Sunday.

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents in trucks fitted with machine guns stormed into Rumirgo village in the Askira Uba district at 1740 GMT on Saturday, shooting indiscriminately and sending residents fleeing into the surrounding countryside.

"They killed 10 people in the indiscriminate shooting which made residents run into the bush" civilian militia member Adamu Galadima said.

The militants burnt a dozen homes, carted away food supplies and two "trailers loaded with foodstuffs," another militiaman, Peter Malgwui said.

Askira Uba lies close to the Sambisa Forest where Boko Haram enclaves dwell and has suffered repeated attacks.

Yet in recent months an Islamic State group-aligned faction of Boko Haram has been waging attacks.

Last month three Nigerian soldiers were killed in clashes with fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction in Askira Uba town.

A decade of Boko Haram violence has killed 36,000 people in the northeast and displaced around two million from their homes, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

The conflict has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military response to combat the jihadist groups.

Jihadists have killed 10 people in a raid on a village in northeast Nigeria's restive Borno State, burning homes and looting food supplies, civilian militia sources said Sunday.

Jihadists have killed 10 people in a raid on a village in northeast Nigeria's restive Borno State, burning homes and looting food supplies, civilian militia sources said Sunday. Suspected Boko Haram insurgents in trucks fitted with machine guns stormed into Rumirgo village in the Askira Uba district at 1740 GMT on Saturday, shooting indiscriminately and sending residents fleeing into the surrounding countryside. "They killed 10 people in the indiscriminate shooting which made residents run into the bush" civilian militia member Adamu Galadima said. The militants burnt a dozen homes, carted away food supplies and two "trailers loaded with foodstuffs," another militiaman, Peter Malgwui said. Askira Uba lies close to the Sambisa Forest where Boko Haram enclaves dwell and has suffered repeated attacks. Yet in recent months an Islamic State group-aligned faction of Boko Haram has been waging attacks. Last month three Nigerian soldiers were killed in clashes with fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction in Askira Uba town. A decade of Boko Haram violence has killed 36,000 people in the northeast and displaced around two million from their homes, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military response to combat the jihadist groups.

Jihadists kill 10 in northeast Nigerian village

An Italian man who arrived in Nigeria three days ago has become the African country's first case of <a href="Coronavirus could 'get out of control' if affected countries don't move swiftly, warns WHO">coronavirus</a>, the health minister said on Friday, as infections spread rapidly worldwide.

The Health Ministry said on Twitter that the case was in the state of Lagos, home to the southwestern commercial capital of the same name. Lagos is the biggest city in Africa's most populous country, with a population of about 20 million.

"The case...is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in <a href="Coronavirus could 'get out of control' if affected countries don't move swiftly, warns WHO">China </a>in January," the health ministry said in its post, adding that the infection was confirmed on Thursday.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-could-get-out-of-control-if-affected-countries-dont-move-swiftly-warns-who-283185">Coronavirus could 'get out of control' if affected countries don't move swiftly, warns WHO</a>

The health minister Osagie Ehanire, in a statement, said the case was an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos February&nbsp;25.

His infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

"The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms," said the minister, adding that he was being treated at a hospital in the Lagos district of Yaba.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-severity-shrinks-in-china-as-global-tally-continues-to-rise-282983">Coronavirus: Severity shrinks in China as global tally continues to rise</a>

"We have already started working to identify all the contacts of the patient since he entered Nigeria," said Ehanire.

The minister said authorities have been strengthening measures to ensure an outbreak in Nigeria is controlled and contained quickly.

There is no cure for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-severity-shrinks-in-china-as-global-tally-continues-to-rise-282983">coronavirus</a>, which can lead to pneumonia, and a vaccine may take up to 18 months to develop.

Radical quarantining measures have helped slow the rate of transmission in China of the virus, which can cause pneumonia, but it is picking up pace outside China.

Ehanire said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has activated its National Emergency Operations Centre and will work closely with Lagos State Health authorities to respond to this case and implement firm control measures.

A presidency spokesman did not immediately respond to phone calls and text messages seeking comment.

Hopes that the virus would be contained to China vanished on Friday as infections spread, with countries beginning to stockpile medical equipment and investors taking flight in expectation of a global recession.

The virus has so far caused nearly 80,000 infections and almost 2,800 deaths, according to official Chinese figures. It has spread to another 46 countries, where about 3,700 cases and 57 deaths have been reported, according to the WHO.

An Italian man who arrived in Nigeria three days ago has become the African country's first case of coronavirus, the health minister said on Friday, as infections spread rapidly worldwide.

An Italian man who arrived in Nigeria three days ago has become the African country's first case of coronavirus, the health minister said on Friday, as infections spread rapidly worldwide. The Health Ministry said on Twitter that the case was in the state of Lagos, home to the southwestern commercial capital of the same name. Lagos is the biggest city in Africa's most populous country, with a population of about 20 million. "The case...is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January," the health ministry said in its post, adding that the infection was confirmed on Thursday. Also read: Coronavirus could 'get out of control' if affected countries don't move swiftly, warns WHO The health minister Osagie Ehanire, in a statement, said the case was an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos February 25. His infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. "The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms," said the minister, adding that he was being treated at a hospital in the Lagos district of Yaba. Also read: Coronavirus: Severity shrinks in China as global tally continues to rise "We have already started working to identify all the contacts of the patient since he entered Nigeria," said Ehanire. The minister said authorities have been strengthening measures to ensure an outbreak in Nigeria is controlled and contained quickly. There is no cure for the coronavirus, which can lead to pneumonia, and a vaccine may take up to 18 months to develop. Radical quarantining measures have helped slow the rate of transmission in China of the virus, which can cause pneumonia, but it is picking up pace outside China. Ehanire said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has activated its National Emergency Operations Centre and will work closely with Lagos State Health authorities to respond to this case and implement firm control measures. A presidency spokesman did not immediately respond to phone calls and text messages seeking comment. Hopes that the virus would be contained to China vanished on Friday as infections spread, with countries beginning to stockpile medical equipment and investors taking flight in expectation of a global recession. The virus has so far caused nearly 80,000 infections and almost 2,800 deaths, according to official Chinese figures. It has spread to another 46 countries, where about 3,700 cases and 57 deaths have been reported, according to the WHO.

Italian man becomes Nigeria's first case of coronavirus: Health minister

Coronavirus continued to spread to new countries with New Zealand, Belarus and Nigeria confirming their first case as the World Health Organization warns that coronavirus has a pandemic potential

WHO: Coronavirus has a Pandemic Potential

Jihadists killed at least 30 people and abducted women and children in a raid in northeast Nigeria's restive Borno state, a regional government spokesman said on Monday.&nbsp;

The attack Sunday evening targeted the village of Auno on a key highway linking to regional capital Maiduguri.

The jihadists stormed in on trucks mounted with heavy weapons,&nbsp;killing, burning and looting before kidnapping women and children, state government spokesman&nbsp;Ahmad Abdurrahman Bundi said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-nigerian-troops-killed-in-jihadist-attack-275943">Seven Nigerian troops killed after attack</a>

They aimed at travellers who had stopped for the night and torched vehicles.

The attackers "killed not less than 30 people who are mostly motorists and destroyed 18 vehicles," Bundi said in a statement after visiting the scene.&nbsp;

The attack, some 25 kilometres&nbsp;west of Maiduguri, occurred in an area where fighters from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadist-leader-of-islamic-state-killed-in-mali-by-airstrike-french-command-centre-161960">Islamic State West Africa Province</a> (ISWAP) have been active, mounting roadblocks to target security forces and civilians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadist-leader-of-islamic-state-killed-in-mali-by-airstrike-french-command-centre-161960">Jihadist leader of Islamic State killed in Mali by airstrike</a>

Witnesses said jihadists set alight 30 vehicles in the raid, including trucks that had stopped overnight on their way to Maiduguri.&nbsp;

"Many of the drivers and their assistants who were sleeping the vehicles were burnt alive," civilian militia fighter, Babakura Kolo said.

The jihadists combed through the village, looting and burning shops and property before withdrawing, he said.

Auno lies on the 120-kilometre highway linking Maiduguri to Damaturu, a major regional city in neighbouring Yobe state.

The highway has been increasingly targeted by ISWAP militants in recent months.

The surge has followed the creation of so-called "super camps" by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadist-leader-of-islamic-state-killed-in-mali-by-airstrike-french-command-centre-161960">Nigerian military</a> in the northeast, a strategy under which small army camps have withdrawn from several areas and combined into fewer, larger bases.

Last month four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-nigerian-troops-killed-in-jihadist-attack-275943">Nigerian soldiers</a> were killed and seven injured when the jihadists attacked troops positioned in Auno.

The decade-long Islamist insurgency has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in northeast Nigeria.&nbsp;

The violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the insurgents.

Jihadists killed at least 30 people and abducted women and children in a raid in northeast Nigeria's restive Borno state, a regional government spokesman said on Monday.

Jihadists killed at least 30 people and abducted women and children in a raid in northeast Nigeria's restive Borno state, a regional government spokesman said on Monday. The attack Sunday evening targeted the village of Auno on a key highway linking to regional capital Maiduguri. The jihadists stormed in on trucks mounted with heavy weapons, killing, burning and looting before kidnapping women and children, state government spokesman Ahmad Abdurrahman Bundi said. Also read: Seven Nigerian troops killed after attack They aimed at travellers who had stopped for the night and torched vehicles. The attackers "killed not less than 30 people who are mostly motorists and destroyed 18 vehicles," Bundi said in a statement after visiting the scene. The attack, some 25 kilometres west of Maiduguri, occurred in an area where fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been active, mounting roadblocks to target security forces and civilians. Also read: Jihadist leader of Islamic State killed in Mali by airstrike Witnesses said jihadists set alight 30 vehicles in the raid, including trucks that had stopped overnight on their way to Maiduguri. "Many of the drivers and their assistants who were sleeping the vehicles were burnt alive," civilian militia fighter, Babakura Kolo said. The jihadists combed through the village, looting and burning shops and property before withdrawing, he said. Auno lies on the 120-kilometre highway linking Maiduguri to Damaturu, a major regional city in neighbouring Yobe state. The highway has been increasingly targeted by ISWAP militants in recent months. The surge has followed the creation of so-called "super camps" by the Nigerian military in the northeast, a strategy under which small army camps have withdrawn from several areas and combined into fewer, larger bases. Last month four Nigerian soldiers were killed and seven injured when the jihadists attacked troops positioned in Auno. The decade-long Islamist insurgency has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in northeast Nigeria. The violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the insurgents.

Jihadists kill 30 people and abduct dozens in northeast Nigeria

US President Donald Trump on Friday released an expanded version of his travel ban that targets potential migrants from Nigeria and five other countries.

Trump's extended travel ban targets Nigeria, five other countries

US President Donald Trump issued an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-trump-set-to-add-couple-of-countries-on-travel-ban-list-275988">expanded version of his travel ban</a> on Friday that targets prospective immigrants from Nigeria and five other countries, a move that could affect thousands of people and reignite the debate on whether the policy is discriminatory.

Of the six countries added to the ban, four are African nations and three have Muslim-majority populations. Democrats and immigration advocates accuse the Trump administration of seeking to expand its original 2017 ban that targeted Muslim-majority countries and of disproportionately focusing on African countries.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said during a call with reporters that the six countries failed to meet US security and information-sharing standards, which necessitated the new restrictions. The problems Wolf cited ranged from sub-par passport technology to a failure to sufficiently exchange information on terrorism suspects and criminals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-donald-trumps-travel-ban-really-looks-like-almost-two-years-in-258671">Also read: What Donald Trump’s travel ban really looks like, almost two years in</a>

Belarus, which had been under consideration for inclusion, took steps to remedy deficiencies in recent months and will not face visa restrictions, Wolf said.

The United States will suspend the issuance of visas that can lead to permanent residency for nationals of Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Nigeria, a presidential proclamation said. Temporary visas for tourists, business people, students and workers from those nations will not be affected, it said.

The US government also will stop issuing "diversity visas" to nationals of Sudan and Tanzania, the proclamation said. The visas, which Trump has criticized, are available by lottery for applicants from countries with low rates of immigration.

"These countries, for the most part, want to be helpful," Wolf said, "but for a variety of different reasons simply failed to meet those minimum requirements that we laid out."

The original travel ban barred nearly all immigrants and travellers from seven countries with majority Muslim populations. The policy was revised amid court challenges, but the US Supreme Court ultimately upheld it in June 2018.

Trump has made cracking down on immigration a focus of his 2020 re-election campaign. His travel ban policy is popular with Republican supporters.

The existing version of the ban includes Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. North Korea and Venezuela also face visa bars, but those measures affect relatively few travellers. Those restrictions will remain in place.

The new travel ban will take effect on February 21, according to the proclamation.

Most visas from Nigeria

US Representative Joe Neguse, a Democrat from Colorado and son of Eritrean refugees, said the updated ban unfairly singled out allied African nations.

"It is un-American to discriminate against immigrants solely because of where they come from or how they pray," Neguse told reporters.

In 2015, when he was running for president, Trump called for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."

Three nations included in the updated ban - Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria and Sudan - have majority Muslim populations. Eritrea and Tanzania have sizable Muslim minorities.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the ban, calling it "discrimination disguised as policy." She said the Democrats would introduce legislation barring religious discrimination in the US immigration system within a few weeks.

Nigeria sends the most immigrants to the United States. The US State Department issued approximately 7,900 immigrant visas to Nigerians in fiscal year 2018, which began October 1, 2017.

Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's foreign affairs minister, said he was "disappointed" by the decision. The US State Department will host meetings in Washington on Monday and Tuesday with Onyeama, other officials and business leaders.

The administration said the new ban was narrowly tailored.

Investor visas, which lead to permanent residence, will also be barred. But the restrictions will not apply to skilled foreign workers entering the United States on H-1B visas, according to a DHS official who briefed reporters. Such visas are temporary but can lead to permanent residence.

Immigrants already in the United States, or who have approved visas will be exempt from the ban, the official said. People with pending visa requests, some of whom have waited years, will be barred.

All applicants will be able to apply for a waiver, a process already in place under Trump's existing ban. But a federal lawsuit challenging the administration says the waiver process is opaque and difficult to navigate.

The visa restrictions will not apply to refugees, according to the official. Trump's administration has separately capped the number of refugees allowed into the United States at 18,000 for the 2020 fiscal year, the lowest level in decades.

US President Donald Trump issued an expanded version of his travel ban on Friday that targets prospective immigrants from Nigeria and five other countries, a move that could affect thousands of people and reignite the debate on whether the policy is discriminatory.

US President Donald Trump issued an expanded version of his travel ban on Friday that targets prospective immigrants from Nigeria and five other countries, a move that could affect thousands of people and reignite the debate on whether the policy is discriminatory. Of the six countries added to the ban, four are African nations and three have Muslim-majority populations. Democrats and immigration advocates accuse the Trump administration of seeking to expand its original 2017 ban that targeted Muslim-majority countries and of disproportionately focusing on African countries. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said during a call with reporters that the six countries failed to meet US security and information-sharing standards, which necessitated the new restrictions. The problems Wolf cited ranged from sub-par passport technology to a failure to sufficiently exchange information on terrorism suspects and criminals. Also read: What Donald Trump’s travel ban really looks like, almost two years in Belarus, which had been under consideration for inclusion, took steps to remedy deficiencies in recent months and will not face visa restrictions, Wolf said. The United States will suspend the issuance of visas that can lead to permanent residency for nationals of Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Nigeria, a presidential proclamation said. Temporary visas for tourists, business people, students and workers from those nations will not be affected, it said. The US government also will stop issuing "diversity visas" to nationals of Sudan and Tanzania, the proclamation said. The visas, which Trump has criticized, are available by lottery for applicants from countries with low rates of immigration. "These countries, for the most part, want to be helpful," Wolf said, "but for a variety of different reasons simply failed to meet those minimum requirements that we laid out." The original travel ban barred nearly all immigrants and travellers from seven countries with majority Muslim populations. The policy was revised amid court challenges, but the US Supreme Court ultimately upheld it in June 2018. Trump has made cracking down on immigration a focus of his 2020 re-election campaign. His travel ban policy is popular with Republican supporters. The existing version of the ban includes Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. North Korea and Venezuela also face visa bars, but those measures affect relatively few travellers. Those restrictions will remain in place. The new travel ban will take effect on February 21, according to the proclamation. Most visas from Nigeria US Representative Joe Neguse, a Democrat from Colorado and son of Eritrean refugees, said the updated ban unfairly singled out allied African nations. "It is un-American to discriminate against immigrants solely because of where they come from or how they pray," Neguse told reporters. In 2015, when he was running for president, Trump called for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." Three nations included in the updated ban - Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria and Sudan - have majority Muslim populations. Eritrea and Tanzania have sizable Muslim minorities. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the ban, calling it "discrimination disguised as policy." She said the Democrats would introduce legislation barring religious discrimination in the US immigration system within a few weeks. Nigeria sends the most immigrants to the United States. The US State Department issued approximately 7,900 immigrant visas to Nigerians in fiscal year 2018, which began October 1, 2017. Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's foreign affairs minister, said he was "disappointed" by the decision. The US State Department will host meetings in Washington on Monday and Tuesday with Onyeama, other officials and business leaders. The administration said the new ban was narrowly tailored. Investor visas, which lead to permanent residence, will also be barred. But the restrictions will not apply to skilled foreign workers entering the United States on H-1B visas, according to a DHS official who briefed reporters. Such visas are temporary but can lead to permanent residence. Immigrants already in the United States, or who have approved visas will be exempt from the ban, the official said. People with pending visa requests, some of whom have waited years, will be barred. All applicants will be able to apply for a waiver, a process already in place under Trump's existing ban. But a federal lawsuit challenging the administration says the waiver process is opaque and difficult to navigate. The visa restrictions will not apply to refugees, according to the official. Trump's administration has separately capped the number of refugees allowed into the United States at 18,000 for the 2020 fiscal year, the lowest level in decades.

Trump's expanded travel ban targets Nigeria, five other countries

Seven soldiers were killed on Tuesday when Islamic State-affiliated militants&nbsp;attacked a military position in northeastern Nigeria, two military sources stated.

Fighters in several trucks fitted with machine guns attacked a military position in Mainok village, 56 kilometres (35 miles) from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, they said on Wednesday

"We lost seven men in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/today-tonight-nigerias-bandit-conflict-274334">attack by the terrorists</a>. Two soldiers went missing and five soldiers were injured," the first source said. The second source confirmed the toll, adding that the jihadists destroyed two military gun trucks and three anti-aircraft machine guns. Borno state police spokesman Edet Okon said in a statement that four gun trucks, including two seized from the army in the attack, had been recovered.

Also Read:&nbsp;D<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/deadliest-attack-on-nigerian-military-71-dead-268341">eadliest attack on Nigerian military, 71 dead</a>

<img alt="Nigeria Police" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6a7064e-8cb1-497f-a195-a75711a0403d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2862%29.jpg" /> 
[ Nigerian Police officer (Courtesy: AFP) ]

The assailants are suspected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/259-people-freed-from-abusive-islamic-rehabilitation-centre-by-nigerian-police-260348">members of the Islamic State</a> West Africa Province (ISWAP), a group that split from Boko Haram in 2016 and has stepped attacks against the military since mid-2018.

The group has increasingly been abducting motorists at bogus checkpoints in Borno state, targeting security personnel, anti-jihadist militia and Christians.

Mainok lies along the 120-km highway linking Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capital of neighbouring Yobe state. The village has suffered a rise in jihadist abductions, prompting increased military deployments. Last week Wednesday four soldiers were killed and seven injured when ISWAP militants attacked troops in Auno village along the same highway, days after 11 troops were killed in nearby Jakana village.

The decade-long conflict has killed 35,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in northeast Nigeria.&nbsp;The violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the insurgents.

Seven soldiers were killed on Tuesday when Islamic State-affiliated militants attacked a military position in northeastern Nigeria, two military sources stated. Fighters in several trucks fitted with machine guns attacked a military position in Mainok village, 56 kilometres (35 miles) from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, they said on Wednesday "We lost seven men in the attack by the terrorists.

Seven soldiers were killed on Tuesday when Islamic State-affiliated militants attacked a military position in northeastern Nigeria, two military sources stated. Fighters in several trucks fitted with machine guns attacked a military position in Mainok village, 56 kilometres (35 miles) from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, they said on Wednesday "We lost seven men in the attack by the terrorists. Two soldiers went missing and five soldiers were injured," the first source said. The second source confirmed the toll, adding that the jihadists destroyed two military gun trucks and three anti-aircraft machine guns. Borno state police spokesman Edet Okon said in a statement that four gun trucks, including two seized from the army in the attack, had been recovered. Also Read: Deadliest attack on Nigerian military, 71 dead [ Nigerian Police officer (Courtesy: AFP) ] The assailants are suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a group that split from Boko Haram in 2016 and has stepped attacks against the military since mid-2018. The group has increasingly been abducting motorists at bogus checkpoints in Borno state, targeting security personnel, anti-jihadist militia and Christians. Mainok lies along the 120-km highway linking Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capital of neighbouring Yobe state. The village has suffered a rise in jihadist abductions, prompting increased military deployments. Last week Wednesday four soldiers were killed and seven injured when ISWAP militants attacked troops in Auno village along the same highway, days after 11 troops were killed in nearby Jakana village. The decade-long conflict has killed 35,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in northeast Nigeria. The violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the insurgents.

Seven Nigerian troops killed after attack

A fire on a pipeline owned by Nigeria's state oil company in the commercial capital Lagos killed three people on January 19. A witness said that the blaze broke out in the Abule-Egba district of the southwestern megacity and it started shortly before 8 PM (1900 GMT). The fire has burned nearby houses and vehicles. Many fires on pipelines in Nigeria, Africa's biggest crude oil producer, are caused by theft and sabotage. The methods used to steal oil often result in accidents that cause fires.

Three reported dead in Nigeria pipeline explosion, Over 200 building gutted by fire

The Indian Mission in Nigeria on Sunday said that 20 seafarers who were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-shares-concerns-with-nigeria-over-kidnapping-of-20-indians-aboard-commercial-vessel-268596">kidnapped by pirates last month near the Nigerian coast </a>have been released but one of them lost his life due to adverse conditions in captivity.

"Indian Government and Mission gave the highest priority and worked with @NigeriaGov on the release of 20 Indian seafarers kidnapped on 15 Dec from MV Duke. 19 were released yesterday. One sadly died in captivity in adverse conditions. Our deepest condolences. Mission assisting in speedy return," Indian High Commission in Nigeria said on Twitter.

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Indian Govt &amp; Mission gave highest priority and worked with <a href="https://twitter.com/NigeriaGov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NigeriaGov</a> on release of 20 Indian seafarers kidnapped on 15 Dec from MV Duke. 19 were released yesterday. One sadly died in captivity in adverse conditions. Our deepest condolences.🙏Mission assiting in speedy return.
— India in Nigeria (@india_nigeria) <a href="https://twitter.com/india_nigeria/status/1218829081845882880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On December 16, the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday had said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the abduction case.

"We are concerned by the kidnapping of 20 Indian crew members (as reported by the Shipping agency) from the vessel MT Duke in the high seas off the western coast of Africa on 15th December 2019. Our Mission in Abuja has taken up the matter with the Nigerian authorities, as also with the authorities of the neighbouring countries," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said in a statement.

"The safety of hostages is paramount and we continue to engage with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders closely on the recent incidents," the spokesperson added.

The ministry has noted that this is the third such incident this year in the region, affecting Indian nationals.

In another incident, a Hong Kong-flagged vessel carrying 18 Indians on board was hijacked by pirates earlier in December while it was transiting through Nigeria.

The Indian Mission in Nigeria on Sunday said that 20 seafarers who were kidnapped by pirates last month near the Nigerian coast have been released but one of them lost his life due to adverse conditions in captivity.

The Indian Mission in Nigeria on Sunday said that 20 seafarers who were kidnapped by pirates last month near the Nigerian coast have been released but one of them lost his life due to adverse conditions in captivity. "Indian Government and Mission gave the highest priority and worked with @NigeriaGov on the release of 20 Indian seafarers kidnapped on 15 Dec from MV Duke. 19 were released yesterday. One sadly died in captivity in adverse conditions. Our deepest condolences. Mission assisting in speedy return," Indian High Commission in Nigeria said on Twitter. Indian Govt & Mission gave highest priority and worked with @NigeriaGov on release of 20 Indian seafarers kidnapped on 15 Dec from MV Duke. 19 were released yesterday. One sadly died in captivity in adverse conditions. Our deepest condolences.🙏Mission assiting in speedy return. — India in Nigeria (@india_nigeria) January 19, 2020 × On December 16, the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday had said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the abduction case. "We are concerned by the kidnapping of 20 Indian crew members (as reported by the Shipping agency) from the vessel MT Duke in the high seas off the western coast of Africa on 15th December 2019. Our Mission in Abuja has taken up the matter with the Nigerian authorities, as also with the authorities of the neighbouring countries," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said in a statement. "The safety of hostages is paramount and we continue to engage with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders closely on the recent incidents," the spokesperson added. The ministry has noted that this is the third such incident this year in the region, affecting Indian nationals. In another incident, a Hong Kong-flagged vessel carrying 18 Indians on board was hijacked by pirates earlier in December while it was transiting through Nigeria.

20 Indians kidnapped last month from Nigeria coast released, 1 dead in captivity

Nigeria's central government tried responding with force, launching a string of military operations that involved airstrikes on bandit hideouts.

Today Tonight: Nigeria's Bandit conflict

Oluwatoyin Onigbanjo is shopping for vegetables at a market in Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos. Oluwatoyin runs Augustsecrets, a company she started on 2016 that develops meals for children, using locally sourced ingredients. The trained nutritionist says she is intentional about the choice of vegetables and fruits she buys; the colors are crucial in making eye-catching meals that are also healthy and tasty for children.

Playful food: Nigerian entrepreneur gets kids to the table with fun recipes

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