Jihadists aligned to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-forces-enter-former-islamic-state-stronghold-in-syria-after-us-pullback-267204">Islamic State</a> group have released a video claiming to show the execution of 11 Christians in restive northeast Nigeria.&nbsp;

The footage posted online late Thursday by IS-linked propaganda arm Amaq showed 11 blindfolded men being shot and stabbed by jihadists from the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) at an undisclosed location.

"This is a message to Christians all over the world," said a masked man in the one-minute video.&nbsp;

He claimed the killings were in reprisal for the death of IS chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-planned-operation-to-kill-islamic-state-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-258512">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a> and his spokesman.

IS leader Baghdadi committed suicide in October to avoid capture during a US special forces raid on his hideout in the province of Idlib in northwest Syria.&nbsp;

In recent months, ISWAP has intensified its attacks on Christians, security personnel and aid staff, setting up roadblocks on highways and conducting searches. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The United Nations on Tuesday condemned the "increasing practice by armed groups to set up checkpoints targeting civilians" in the northeast of Nigeria.

On Sunday, the jihadists killed six people and abducted five others including two aid workers when they intercepted vehicles on a highway on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

In a similar attack on December 5, ISWAP fighters disguised as Nigerian soldiers stopped and searched&nbsp;vehicles at a checkpoint near Maiduguri.&nbsp;

The group claimed in a statement&nbsp;that six soldiers and eight civilians, including two Red Cross workers, were among those abducted in that attack.&nbsp;

Last week the group released a video showing 11 alleged hostages.&nbsp;

One of the detainees in the video who identified himself as a school teacher said all the 11 hostages were Christians and appealed to the Nigerian government to secure their release.&nbsp;

ISWAP pledged allegiance to Baghdadi in 2016 and split from insurgent group <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-boko-haram-has-evolved-over-the-past-ten-years-262723">Boko Haram</a>.

It stepped up attacks on&nbsp;military outposts and&nbsp;troops in mid-2018, but has increasingly begun targeting civilians. &nbsp;

The decade-long jihadist insurgency in northeast Nigeria has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million, according to the United Nations.

The violence had spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the militants.

Jihadists aligned to the Islamic State group have released a video claiming to show the execution of 11 Christians in restive northeast Nigeria. The footage posted online late Thursday by IS-linked propaganda arm Amaq showed 11 blindfolded men being shot and stabbed by jihadists from the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) at an undisclosed location.

Jihadists aligned to the Islamic State group have released a video claiming to show the execution of 11 Christians in restive northeast Nigeria. The footage posted online late Thursday by IS-linked propaganda arm Amaq showed 11 blindfolded men being shot and stabbed by jihadists from the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) at an undisclosed location. "This is a message to Christians all over the world," said a masked man in the one-minute video. He claimed the killings were in reprisal for the death of IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his spokesman. IS leader Baghdadi committed suicide in October to avoid capture during a US special forces raid on his hideout in the province of Idlib in northwest Syria. In recent months, ISWAP has intensified its attacks on Christians, security personnel and aid staff, setting up roadblocks on highways and conducting searches. The United Nations on Tuesday condemned the "increasing practice by armed groups to set up checkpoints targeting civilians" in the northeast of Nigeria. On Sunday, the jihadists killed six people and abducted five others including two aid workers when they intercepted vehicles on a highway on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. In a similar attack on December 5, ISWAP fighters disguised as Nigerian soldiers stopped and searched vehicles at a checkpoint near Maiduguri. The group claimed in a statement that six soldiers and eight civilians, including two Red Cross workers, were among those abducted in that attack. Last week the group released a video showing 11 alleged hostages. One of the detainees in the video who identified himself as a school teacher said all the 11 hostages were Christians and appealed to the Nigerian government to secure their release. ISWAP pledged allegiance to Baghdadi in 2016 and split from insurgent group Boko Haram. It stepped up attacks on military outposts and troops in mid-2018, but has increasingly begun targeting civilians. The decade-long jihadist insurgency in northeast Nigeria has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million, according to the United Nations. The violence had spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the militants.

Islamic State claims execution of 11 Christians in Nigeria

Nigeria's&nbsp;attorney&nbsp;general&nbsp;on Tuesday ordered the&nbsp;release&nbsp;on bail of an ex-presidential candidate and a former national security adviser, in recognition of&nbsp;court&nbsp;orders&nbsp;that they be&nbsp;released.

The move followed growing internal and international pressure on the&nbsp;Nigerian government to abide by&nbsp;court&nbsp;orders.

State security had ignored several&nbsp;court&nbsp;orders&nbsp;that former adviser Sambo&nbsp;Dasuki, who has been held since 2015, be&nbsp;released. It also sparked protests earlier this month when it re-arrested activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele&nbsp;Sowore&nbsp;hours&nbsp;after&nbsp;his&nbsp;release&nbsp;on bail.

"The two defendants are enjoined to observe the terms of their bail and refrain from engaging in any act that is inimical to public peace and national security as well as their ongoing trial which will run its course in accordance with the laws of the land,"&nbsp;Attorney&nbsp;General&nbsp;and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami said in a statement.

The government has accused&nbsp;Dasuki, who served under former President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-boko-haram-has-evolved-over-the-past-ten-years-262723">Goodluck Jonathan</a>, of fraud involving $68 million of defence spending. He has pleaded not guilty.

Dasuki&nbsp;has been granted bail several times, but the government had refused to&nbsp;release&nbsp;him. In 2016, a judge at the&nbsp;court&nbsp;of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ordered his&nbsp;release, saying his detention was unlawful and arbitrary.

Sowore, who also founded news website Sahara Reporters, was first arrested in August. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of treason, money laundering and harassing the president.

Video of&nbsp;Sowore&nbsp;screaming and shouting as he was wrestled to the ground by security officials in&nbsp;court, only hours&nbsp;after&nbsp;his initial&nbsp;release&nbsp;on bail, circulated widely on social media in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-shares-concerns-with-nigeria-over-kidnapping-of-20-indians-aboard-commercial-vessel-268596">Nigeria</a>&nbsp;and internationally.

"While I am grateful for reports on Yele's long overdue&nbsp;release&nbsp;on bail, my number one concern is for his safety,"&nbsp;Sowore's wife, Opeyemi&nbsp;Sowore, said in an emailed statement. "We remain resolute on Yele being cleared of all baseless charges."

On Monday, the government's own National Human Rights Commission called on the administration to respect&nbsp;court&nbsp;rulings.

Six US members of Congress, including Senate minority leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-schumer-outlines-documents-he-wants-for-impeachment-trial-269912">Chuck Schumer</a>, also wrote to Malami on December&nbsp;20 that they were "deeply concerned that established legal procedure and the rule of law" were not being followed in&nbsp;Sowore's case.

Nigerian advocacy group SERAP also hailed the move, but called on the government to&nbsp;release&nbsp;others it described as unfairly detained, including journalist Agba Jalingo.

"The government cannot continue to pick and choose which&nbsp;court&nbsp;orders&nbsp;to obey," it said.

Nigeria's attorney general on Tuesday ordered the release on bail of an ex-presidential candidate and a former national security adviser, in recognition of court orders that they be released.

Nigeria's attorney general on Tuesday ordered the release on bail of an ex-presidential candidate and a former national security adviser, in recognition of court orders that they be released. The move followed growing internal and international pressure on the Nigerian government to abide by court orders. State security had ignored several court orders that former adviser Sambo Dasuki, who has been held since 2015, be released. It also sparked protests earlier this month when it re-arrested activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore hours after his release on bail. "The two defendants are enjoined to observe the terms of their bail and refrain from engaging in any act that is inimical to public peace and national security as well as their ongoing trial which will run its course in accordance with the laws of the land," Attorney General and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami said in a statement. The government has accused Dasuki, who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan, of fraud involving $68 million of defence spending. He has pleaded not guilty. Dasuki has been granted bail several times, but the government had refused to release him. In 2016, a judge at the court of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ordered his release, saying his detention was unlawful and arbitrary. Sowore, who also founded news website Sahara Reporters, was first arrested in August. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of treason, money laundering and harassing the president. Video of Sowore screaming and shouting as he was wrestled to the ground by security officials in court, only hours after his initial release on bail, circulated widely on social media in Nigeria and internationally. "While I am grateful for reports on Yele's long overdue release on bail, my number one concern is for his safety," Sowore's wife, Opeyemi Sowore, said in an emailed statement. "We remain resolute on Yele being cleared of all baseless charges." On Monday, the government's own National Human Rights Commission called on the administration to respect court rulings. Six US members of Congress, including Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, also wrote to Malami on December 20 that they were "deeply concerned that established legal procedure and the rule of law" were not being followed in Sowore's case. Nigerian advocacy group SERAP also hailed the move, but called on the government to release others it described as unfairly detained, including journalist Agba Jalingo. "The government cannot continue to pick and choose which court orders to obey," it said.

Nigeria orders release of Sowore and Dasuki after court orders: Attorney General

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the kidnapping of 20 Indians crew members aboard a commercial vessel in the western coast of Africa a day before.

"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 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, 18 Indians were on board a Hong Kong-flagged vessel that was hijacked by pirates while it was transiting through Nigeria according to a global agency tracking maritime developments in the region earlier this month.

According to ARX Maritime, the vessel was attacked by pirates on December 2 at 19:20 (UTC).

The pirates managed to board the vessel and kidnap 19 crew members before escaping.

The 19 seafarers comprised 18 Indian nationals and one Turkish national.

The vessel is now said to be safe and under the escort of the Nigerian Navy.

The whereabouts and details of crew members are yet to be ascertained.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the kidnapping of 20 Indians crew members aboard a commercial vessel in the western coast of Africa a day before.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the kidnapping of 20 Indians crew members aboard a commercial vessel in the western coast of Africa a day before. "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 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, 18 Indians were on board a Hong Kong-flagged vessel that was hijacked by pirates while it was transiting through Nigeria according to a global agency tracking maritime developments in the region earlier this month. According to ARX Maritime, the vessel was attacked by pirates on December 2 at 19:20 (UTC). The pirates managed to board the vessel and kidnap 19 crew members before escaping. The 19 seafarers comprised 18 Indian nationals and one Turkish national. The vessel is now said to be safe and under the escort of the Nigerian Navy. The whereabouts and details of crew members are yet to be ascertained.

India shares 'concerns' with Nigeria over kidnapping of 20 Indians aboard commercial vessel

Eighteen Indian nationals have been kidnapped in onboard a very large crude carrier while it was transiting through Nigeria.

The attack on the Hong Kong-flagged vessel took place 66 nautical miles south of Nigeria's Bonny Offshore Terminal at around 19:20 UTC.

The pirates managed to board the vessel and kidnap 19 crew members before escaping. The 19 seafarers are comprised of 18 Indian nationals and one Turkish national.

The vessel is now said to be safe and under the escort of the Nigerian Navy. The whereabouts and details of crew members are yet to be ascertained.

No group has said it carried out the kidnapping.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Eighteen Indian nationals have been kidnapped in onboard a very large crude carrier while it was transiting through Nigeria. The attack on the Hong Kong-flagged vessel took place 66 nautical miles south of Nigeria's Bonny Offshore Terminal at around 19:20 UTC.

Eighteen Indian nationals have been kidnapped in onboard a very large crude carrier while it was transiting through Nigeria. The attack on the Hong Kong-flagged vessel took place 66 nautical miles south of Nigeria's Bonny Offshore Terminal at around 19:20 UTC. The pirates managed to board the vessel and kidnap 19 crew members before escaping. The 19 seafarers are comprised of 18 Indian nationals and one Turkish national. The vessel is now said to be safe and under the escort of the Nigerian Navy. The whereabouts and details of crew members are yet to be ascertained. No group has said it carried out the kidnapping. (With inputs from ANI)

Eighteen Indian crewmen kidnapped by pirates near Nigeria

18 Indian sailors kidnapped from the coast of Nigeria, Indians were aboard on a Hong Kong-flagged vessel

Vessel hijacked off the coast of Nigeria, including 18 Indian sailors

The founder and CEO of one of Nigeria's largest airlines, Air Peace, has been indicted by the US Department of Justice on charges of bank fraud and money laundering for the alleged illegal movement of more than $20 million, the department said.

Allen Onyema was accused of transferring the money from Nigeria through US&nbsp;bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes, the justice department said in a statement dated Nov. 22.

The airline's chief of administration and finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, has also been charged with bank fraud and identity theft in connection with the alleged scheme, the statement said.

Both Onyema and Eghagha denied any wrongdoing in statements issued by their lawyers, adding that they would defend themselves against the allegations.

"Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud," US Attorney Byung J. Pak was quoted as saying by the Department of Justice.

Legal firm A.O. Alegeh &amp; Co. said "the allegations are unfounded and strange," in statements on behalf of each of the accused. It added they both looked forward to "an opportunity to rebut these allegations in court".

Air Peace, founded by Onyema in 2010, flies to destinations across Nigeria as well as international routes to other West African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal.

Onyema, 56, of Lagos, and Eghagha, 37, also of Lagos, were indicted on Nov. 19 on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud, the department.

Onyema was also charged with 27 counts of money laundering, and Eghagha was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.

The founder and CEO of one of Nigeria's largest airlines, Air Peace, has been indicted by the US Department of Justice on charges of bank fraud and money laundering for the alleged illegal movement of more than $20 million, the department said.

The founder and CEO of one of Nigeria's largest airlines, Air Peace, has been indicted by the US Department of Justice on charges of bank fraud and money laundering for the alleged illegal movement of more than $20 million, the department said. Allen Onyema was accused of transferring the money from Nigeria through US bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes, the justice department said in a statement dated Nov. 22. The airline's chief of administration and finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, has also been charged with bank fraud and identity theft in connection with the alleged scheme, the statement said. Both Onyema and Eghagha denied any wrongdoing in statements issued by their lawyers, adding that they would defend themselves against the allegations. "Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud," US Attorney Byung J. Pak was quoted as saying by the Department of Justice. Legal firm A.O. Alegeh & Co. said "the allegations are unfounded and strange," in statements on behalf of each of the accused. It added they both looked forward to "an opportunity to rebut these allegations in court". Air Peace, founded by Onyema in 2010, flies to destinations across Nigeria as well as international routes to other West African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal. Onyema, 56, of Lagos, and Eghagha, 37, also of Lagos, were indicted on Nov. 19 on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud, the department. Onyema was also charged with 27 counts of money laundering, and Eghagha was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.

US indicts Nigerian airline CEO on bank fraud and money laundering charges

A massive fire has engulfed Central Market in Lagos, Nigeria. Cause of the fire not ascertained yet.

Massive fire in Central Market in Lagos

Police in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-free-nearly-150-from-school-in-northern-nigeria-257051">Nigeria</a> said they rescued 15 people chained up in a church in Lagos during the latest raid in a nationwide crackdown on religious institutions accused of abuse.

Detectives "stormed a prayer house used as a detention camp" on Wednesday evening and discovered 15 men and women aged between 19 and 50 chained by the legs, Lagos police spokesman Bala Elkana said.

The pastor of the church, "prophet" Sunday Joseph Ojo, and 10 others were&nbsp;arrested, Elkana said late Thursday.

The victims "were brought by their families to seek spiritual help from mental illness and other diseases," he added.

"The prophet said he has been in the healing ministry since 1986, (and) that he chained them in order to prevent escape."

Some of the victims had spent five years in the church, he said, adding that further investigations were taking place.

Non-government organisations first alerted police to Ojo's "Blessing of Goodness Healing Church" in the Ijegun area of Nigeria's most populous city, according to local reports.

The raid was the first on a church during a wider police crackdown on religious institutions,&nbsp;the majority of which have been Islamic schools,&nbsp;where inmates have been tortured, chained and sexually abused.

Hundreds of victims, mostly children, have been rescued in a series of raids over the past month, mainly across northern Nigeria.

Last week police rescued 108 "unfed and sick" inmates from a so-called reform centre in Kwara State, central Nigeria.&nbsp;

Religious institutions offering to "reform" victims of mental illness and drug abuse are common in Africa's most populous country in the absence of state support.

Police in Nigeria said they rescued 15 people chained up in a church in Lagos during the latest raid in a nationwide crackdown on religious institutions accused of abuse.

Police in Nigeria said they rescued 15 people chained up in a church in Lagos during the latest raid in a nationwide crackdown on religious institutions accused of abuse. Detectives "stormed a prayer house used as a detention camp" on Wednesday evening and discovered 15 men and women aged between 19 and 50 chained by the legs, Lagos police spokesman Bala Elkana said. The pastor of the church, "prophet" Sunday Joseph Ojo, and 10 others were arrested, Elkana said late Thursday. The victims "were brought by their families to seek spiritual help from mental illness and other diseases," he added. "The prophet said he has been in the healing ministry since 1986, (and) that he chained them in order to prevent escape." Some of the victims had spent five years in the church, he said, adding that further investigations were taking place. Non-government organisations first alerted police to Ojo's "Blessing of Goodness Healing Church" in the Ijegun area of Nigeria's most populous city, according to local reports. The raid was the first on a church during a wider police crackdown on religious institutions, the majority of which have been Islamic schools, where inmates have been tortured, chained and sexually abused. Hundreds of victims, mostly children, have been rescued in a series of raids over the past month, mainly across northern Nigeria. Last week police rescued 108 "unfed and sick" inmates from a so-called reform centre in Kwara State, central Nigeria. Religious institutions offering to "reform" victims of mental illness and drug abuse are common in Africa's most populous country in the absence of state support.

Nigerian police rescue 15 people chained up in Lagos church

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow intends to continue to assist African partners in tackling the contemporary challenges and problems, and will continue to support the desire of African states to conduct independent policies. Here are the key takeaways from the summit.&nbsp;

Trade

Putin called for doubling the Russia-Africa trade within the next 4-5 years and also announced plans to expand Russia's presence on the continent.

Investment in Africa

Russia is a "strong partner" who is welcomed to invest in Africa and help cover the continent’s needs totalling $2.1 trillion, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) President Benedict Oramah told Sputnik.

Trade financing

The Russian Export Center, VEB.RF state development corporation, Sberbank and GemCorpCapital LLP investment company have signed a $5 billion worth framework agreement for creating a mechanism of Russian-African trade financing, according to the document seen by Sputnik.

Nuclear energy

Russia and Ethiopia have signed an intergovernmental agreement in Sochi for cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said.

Defence ties

Russia plans to deliver $4 billion worth of weapons to Africa in 2019, Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev told Sputnik.

Russia and Nigeria have signed a contract for deliveries of 12 Russian Mi-35 attack helicopters, Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Deputy Director Anatoly Punchuk told Sputnik on Wednesday at the Russia-Africa forum.

"The contract has been signed, [for] 12 helicopters, the contract is being implemented," Punchuk said.

Nigerian Ambassador to Russia Steve Davies Ugbah earlier said in an interview with Sputnik that Russia had already delivered six Mi-35M attack helicopters to Nigeria under the contract, while the ways of securing the delivery of the remaining six were being discussed.

Tackling challenges

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia intends to continue to assist African partners in tackling the contemporary challenges and problems, and will continue to support the desire of African states to conduct independent policies.

"We intend to continue to fully assist the efforts of our African partners aimed at resolving local crises, countering terrorism and extremism, cross-border crime and drug trafficking, as well as other challenges and security threats," Putin said at a reception in honour of the participants of the Russia-Africa summit.

The Russia-Africa summit and business forum, co-chaired by the presidents of Russia and Egypt, kicked off on Wednesday in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi. Over 40 African nations are represented by heads of state or government at the summit, while 11 others sent their vice presidents, foreign ministers or ambassadors. 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow intends to continue to assist African partners in tackling the contemporary challenges and problems, and will continue to support the desire of African states to conduct independent policies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow intends to continue to assist African partners in tackling the contemporary challenges and problems, and will continue to support the desire of African states to conduct independent policies. Here are the key takeaways from the summit. Trade Putin called for doubling the Russia-Africa trade within the next 4-5 years and also announced plans to expand Russia's presence on the continent. Investment in Africa Russia is a "strong partner" who is welcomed to invest in Africa and help cover the continent’s needs totalling $2.1 trillion, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) President Benedict Oramah told Sputnik. Trade financing The Russian Export Center, VEB.RF state development corporation, Sberbank and GemCorpCapital LLP investment company have signed a $5 billion worth framework agreement for creating a mechanism of Russian-African trade financing, according to the document seen by Sputnik. Nuclear energy Russia and Ethiopia have signed an intergovernmental agreement in Sochi for cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said. Defence ties Russia plans to deliver $4 billion worth of weapons to Africa in 2019, Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev told Sputnik. Russia and Nigeria have signed a contract for deliveries of 12 Russian Mi-35 attack helicopters, Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Deputy Director Anatoly Punchuk told Sputnik on Wednesday at the Russia-Africa forum. "The contract has been signed, [for] 12 helicopters, the contract is being implemented," Punchuk said. Nigerian Ambassador to Russia Steve Davies Ugbah earlier said in an interview with Sputnik that Russia had already delivered six Mi-35M attack helicopters to Nigeria under the contract, while the ways of securing the delivery of the remaining six were being discussed. Tackling challenges Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia intends to continue to assist African partners in tackling the contemporary challenges and problems, and will continue to support the desire of African states to conduct independent policies. "We intend to continue to fully assist the efforts of our African partners aimed at resolving local crises, countering terrorism and extremism, cross-border crime and drug trafficking, as well as other challenges and security threats," Putin said at a reception in honour of the participants of the Russia-Africa summit. The Russia-Africa summit and business forum, co-chaired by the presidents of Russia and Egypt, kicked off on Wednesday in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi. Over 40 African nations are represented by heads of state or government at the summit, while 11 others sent their vice presidents, foreign ministers or ambassadors.

From trade, defence to nuclear energy: Key takeaways from Russia-Africa Forum

British-born Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje was taken into foster care by a white family near London as a baby in the 1960s. As a youth, the unthinkable happened: the black boy joined a gang of violent white supremacists. 
 
Now an award-winning actor, he has brought his story to cinemas in his country of origin - Nigeria. He hopes his directorial debut will be part of a healing&nbsp;process for people who sought foster care to give their children a better life. 
 
'Farming', the film's title, takes its name from a term used to describe the practice of Nigerian immigrants fostering their children to white families in Britain so they could work, study and save money. It refers to the idea that the children were farmed&nbsp;out. 
 
The aim of the practice, mainly prevalent from the 1960s to the 1980s, was for the immigrants to eventually return to Nigeria. 
 
"Perhaps this can provide healing in some sense but ultimately a re-evaluation of our child-rearing processes," Akinnuoye-Agbaje told Reuters at the film's Nigerian premiere on Saturday in the country's commercial capital, Lagos, after first being screened in London last month. 
 
"I'm hoping that it will create a dialogue and a collective therapy for those that are still suffering, and healing because many of the Nigerian farmers don't actually go back for the children that were fostered," he said. 
 
As a six-week-old baby in 1967, Akinnuoye-Agbaje was left in the care of a white family in Tilbury, a southeast England town around 20 miles east of central London. And, as a youth, he joined a gang of skinheads - a far-right subculture often associated with racist violence in Britain. 
 
Membership in a gang that previously tormented him ended when his biological father, who had relocated to Nigeria where he worked as a barrister, paid for him to attend a private school in the affluent English county of Surrey. 
 
That step was taken after he was contacted by Akinnuoye-Agbaje's foster mother. "It is an important part of British history as well as Nigerian culture, so to be able to bring a story that I have harboured for so long home to the Nigerian audience is... a wonderful sense of accomplishment," said Akinnuoye-Agbaje. 
 
The film which costs $3.89 million to make and stars British actor Kate Beckinsale as the foster mother was greeted with cheers and applause in a packed cinema hall in the upmarket Lagos district of Lekki. 
 
Thousands of Nigerians leave the west African country each year in search of a better life abroad often in Europe and the United States. Some of those who attended the screening said it was interesting to see a depiction of life overseas that differed from their expectations. 
 
"When it comes to racism... we normally focus on America but it was nice to see what actually happened in the UK (United Kingdom)," said broadcaster Simi Drey. 
 
Similarly, a cinematographer who goes by the name T-Cent said he was surprised by the portrayal of people typically seen as having benefited from living in a nation richer than Nigeria, where most people live on less than $2 a day. 
 
"We look at these people and we say they are very, very privileged, but then everyone has their internal struggles," he said.

British-born Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje was taken into foster care by a white family near London as a baby in the 1960s. As a youth, the unthinkable happened: the black boy joined a gang of violent white supremacists.

British-born Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje was taken into foster care by a white family near London as a baby in the 1960s. As a youth, the unthinkable happened: the black boy joined a gang of violent white supremacists. Now an award-winning actor, he has brought his story to cinemas in his country of origin - Nigeria. He hopes his directorial debut will be part of a healing process for people who sought foster care to give their children a better life. 'Farming', the film's title, takes its name from a term used to describe the practice of Nigerian immigrants fostering their children to white families in Britain so they could work, study and save money. It refers to the idea that the children were farmed out. The aim of the practice, mainly prevalent from the 1960s to the 1980s, was for the immigrants to eventually return to Nigeria. "Perhaps this can provide healing in some sense but ultimately a re-evaluation of our child-rearing processes," Akinnuoye-Agbaje told Reuters at the film's Nigerian premiere on Saturday in the country's commercial capital, Lagos, after first being screened in London last month. "I'm hoping that it will create a dialogue and a collective therapy for those that are still suffering, and healing because many of the Nigerian farmers don't actually go back for the children that were fostered," he said. As a six-week-old baby in 1967, Akinnuoye-Agbaje was left in the care of a white family in Tilbury, a southeast England town around 20 miles east of central London. And, as a youth, he joined a gang of skinheads - a far-right subculture often associated with racist violence in Britain. Membership in a gang that previously tormented him ended when his biological father, who had relocated to Nigeria where he worked as a barrister, paid for him to attend a private school in the affluent English county of Surrey. That step was taken after he was contacted by Akinnuoye-Agbaje's foster mother. "It is an important part of British history as well as Nigerian culture, so to be able to bring a story that I have harboured for so long home to the Nigerian audience is... a wonderful sense of accomplishment," said Akinnuoye-Agbaje. The film which costs $3.89 million to make and stars British actor Kate Beckinsale as the foster mother was greeted with cheers and applause in a packed cinema hall in the upmarket Lagos district of Lekki. Thousands of Nigerians leave the west African country each year in search of a better life abroad often in Europe and the United States. Some of those who attended the screening said it was interesting to see a depiction of life overseas that differed from their expectations. "When it comes to racism... we normally focus on America but it was nice to see what actually happened in the UK (United Kingdom)," said broadcaster Simi Drey. Similarly, a cinematographer who goes by the name T-Cent said he was surprised by the portrayal of people typically seen as having benefited from living in a nation richer than Nigeria, where most people live on less than $2 a day. "We look at these people and we say they are very, very privileged, but then everyone has their internal struggles," he said.

British-born Nigerian actor hopes black skinhead film will heal pain

At least four Nigerian soldiers and a militia fighter were killed in clashes with IS-aligned jihadists in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, security sources told AFP Sunday.

Fighting erupted late Saturday when troops ambushed a convoy of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near Jakana village, 42 kilometres (26 miles) from the state capital Maiduguri.

"We lost four soldiers and a member of the vigilante group in the fighting," a military officer said in reference to an anti-jihadist militia in the region.

"The terrorists came in large numbers and our troops fought gallantly but they were overwhelmed," added the officer who asked not to be identified for fear of sanction.

Several troops were also injured and four trucks were lost to the militants, he said.

The jihadists were riding in pick-up trucks fitted with machine guns according to an anti-jihadist militiaman who confirmed the death toll.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Nigerian military said seven jihadists were killed and eight injured when their vehicle hit a landmine during a clash near Jakana on Friday.

The improvised explosive device had been planted by the jihadists, army spokesman Colonel Aminu Iliyasu was quoted as saying. He called the blast a "tactical boomerang".

Jakana lies on a 120-kilometre highway that links Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state.

Jihadists have raided military bases and attacked troops and motorists along the highway in the past.

In July, six soldiers died during a gunfight outside Jakana.

The decade-long conflict which spilt into Nigerian neighbours, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, has killed at least 35,000 people and forced some two million to flee their homes in Nigeria alone.

At least four Nigerian soldiers and a militia fighter were killed in clashes with IS-aligned jihadists in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, security sources told AFP Sunday.

At least four Nigerian soldiers and a militia fighter were killed in clashes with IS-aligned jihadists in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, security sources told AFP Sunday. Fighting erupted late Saturday when troops ambushed a convoy of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near Jakana village, 42 kilometres (26 miles) from the state capital Maiduguri. "We lost four soldiers and a member of the vigilante group in the fighting," a military officer said in reference to an anti-jihadist militia in the region. "The terrorists came in large numbers and our troops fought gallantly but they were overwhelmed," added the officer who asked not to be identified for fear of sanction. Several troops were also injured and four trucks were lost to the militants, he said. The jihadists were riding in pick-up trucks fitted with machine guns according to an anti-jihadist militiaman who confirmed the death toll. In a statement issued Sunday, the Nigerian military said seven jihadists were killed and eight injured when their vehicle hit a landmine during a clash near Jakana on Friday. The improvised explosive device had been planted by the jihadists, army spokesman Colonel Aminu Iliyasu was quoted as saying. He called the blast a "tactical boomerang". Jakana lies on a 120-kilometre highway that links Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state. Jihadists have raided military bases and attacked troops and motorists along the highway in the past. In July, six soldiers died during a gunfight outside Jakana. The decade-long conflict which spilt into Nigerian neighbours, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, has killed at least 35,000 people and forced some two million to flee their homes in Nigeria alone.

Nigerian troops killed in clashes with jihadists

Police said on Saturday&nbsp;they had freed nearly 150 students from a purported school in northern Nigeria that claimed it was teaching the Koran but had instead subjected them to abuse.

It was the fourth such operation in a month and brings the total released from religious schools in northern Nigeria to more than 1,000.

The raid will put more pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to take action on loosely regulated Islamic schools called Almajiris, which experts say teach millions of children across the mainly Muslim north of the country.

Kaduna state governor Nasir El Rufai ordered the raid on the Islamic reform school in Rigasa, officials said. The captives were gathered later at a camp nearby, standing in lines in maroon uniforms as state officials tended to them.

Unlike the other schools, at least 22 of the 147 released captives were female, Hafsat Baba, Kaduna's commissioner for human services told Reuters.

The condition of those released was not immediately clear.

An official told Reuters the school was owned by the same man who owned one of the schools raided in neighbouring Katsina state earlier this week and had already been arrested by police.

Those freed from other schools over the past month - including two this week - were chained to walls, beaten and sexually molested.

At the other raided facilities, some parents thought their children would be educated and even paid tuition. Other families sent misbehaving or difficult family members and wards to them for discipline.

Buhari, whose home state is Katsina, said in June that he planned to ban Almajiris eventually but would not do so right away.

Buhari's office, in a statement issued on Saturday, said: "no responsible democratic government would tolerate the existence of the torture chambers and physical abuses of inmates in the name of rehabilitation of the victims."

Police said on Saturday they had freed nearly 150 students from a purported school in northern Nigeria that claimed it was teaching the Koran but had instead subjected them to abuse.

Police said on Saturday they had freed nearly 150 students from a purported school in northern Nigeria that claimed it was teaching the Koran but had instead subjected them to abuse. It was the fourth such operation in a month and brings the total released from religious schools in northern Nigeria to more than 1,000. The raid will put more pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to take action on loosely regulated Islamic schools called Almajiris, which experts say teach millions of children across the mainly Muslim north of the country. Kaduna state governor Nasir El Rufai ordered the raid on the Islamic reform school in Rigasa, officials said. The captives were gathered later at a camp nearby, standing in lines in maroon uniforms as state officials tended to them. Unlike the other schools, at least 22 of the 147 released captives were female, Hafsat Baba, Kaduna's commissioner for human services told Reuters. The condition of those released was not immediately clear. An official told Reuters the school was owned by the same man who owned one of the schools raided in neighbouring Katsina state earlier this week and had already been arrested by police. Those freed from other schools over the past month - including two this week - were chained to walls, beaten and sexually molested. At the other raided facilities, some parents thought their children would be educated and even paid tuition. Other families sent misbehaving or difficult family members and wards to them for discipline. Buhari, whose home state is Katsina, said in June that he planned to ban Almajiris eventually but would not do so right away. Buhari's office, in a statement issued on Saturday, said: "no responsible democratic government would tolerate the existence of the torture chambers and physical abuses of inmates in the name of rehabilitation of the victims."

Police free nearly 150 from school in northern Nigeria

At least 16 people, including 11 soldiers, have been killed in jihadist attacks in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, military and militia sources said Saturday.

Rival factions of Boko Haram launched the attacks on military and civilian targets between Thursday and Saturday, they said.

On Thursday, fighters from the IS-aligned Islamic State West Africa Province ambushed a military convoy near Mauro village in Benisheikh district, a military source told AFP.

"Our men on patrol fell into a terrorist ambush... which claimed 11 soldiers and wounded 16 others. Two other soldiers are still missing," &nbsp;said the officer, who asked not to be identified.

He said the troops were travelling in three vehicles.

"The terrorists made away with 11 AK-47 rifles and anti-aircraft gun mounted on the gun truck," he said.

In another attack the same day, Boko Haram gunmen opened fire on a vehicle at Frigi village, killing one person and injuring another,&nbsp;militia sources said.

Jihadist fighters also killed two militiamen in Gubio, 80 kilometres&nbsp;from the state capital Maiduguri.

On Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-police-say-over-300-abused-students-freed-from-islamic-school-252433">Boko Haram</a> militants stormed a camp for those displaced by the conflict in the town of Banki near the border with Cameroon, killing two residents and injuring three vigilantes guarding the area, two militia sources said.

The decade-long Boko Haram campaign 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.

At least 16 people, including 11 soldiers, have been killed in jihadist attacks in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, military and militia sources said Saturday.

At least 16 people, including 11 soldiers, have been killed in jihadist attacks in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, military and militia sources said Saturday. Rival factions of Boko Haram launched the attacks on military and civilian targets between Thursday and Saturday, they said. On Thursday, fighters from the IS-aligned Islamic State West Africa Province ambushed a military convoy near Mauro village in Benisheikh district, a military source told AFP. "Our men on patrol fell into a terrorist ambush... which claimed 11 soldiers and wounded 16 others. Two other soldiers are still missing," said the officer, who asked not to be identified. He said the troops were travelling in three vehicles. "The terrorists made away with 11 AK-47 rifles and anti-aircraft gun mounted on the gun truck," he said. In another attack the same day, Boko Haram gunmen opened fire on a vehicle at Frigi village, killing one person and injuring another, militia sources said. Jihadist fighters also killed two militiamen in Gubio, 80 kilometres from the state capital Maiduguri. On Saturday, Boko Haram militants stormed a camp for those displaced by the conflict in the town of Banki near the border with Cameroon, killing two residents and injuring three vigilantes guarding the area, two militia sources said. The decade-long Boko Haram campaign 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.

16 killed in jihadist attacks in Nigeria: Sources

Police in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna has rescued more than 300 male students from an Islamic boarding school where many had been tortured and sexually abused, a police spokesman said Friday.

Police raided a building in the Rigasa area city on Thursday where the victims including adults and minors were kept in "the most debasing and inhumane conditions in the name of teaching them the Koran and reforming them", Kaduna state police spokesman Yakubu Sabo said.

"We found around 100 students including children as young as nine, in chains stuffed in a small room all in the name of reforming them and making them responsible persons," Sabo said.

The school which has been operating for a decade, enrolled students brought by their families to learn the Koran and be rehabilitated from drug abuse and other illnesses, police said.

The proprietor of the school and six staff were arrested during the raid.

Many of the rescued students bore scars on their backs and serious injuries, police said.

"The victims were abused. Some of them said they were sodomized by their teachers," Sabo stated.

Police had been tipped off by complaints from local residents who became suspicious of what was happening inside the school.

During the raid on the school, police said they found a "torture chamber" where students were chained, hung and beaten.

Sabo said the victims were of different nationalities and that "two of them said during interrogation they were brought by their parents from Burkina Faso".

The identities of the rescued victims were being documented to determine where they came from and to contact their families.

Parents of some of the victims from within the city, contacted by police were "shocked and horrified" when they saw the condition of their children, as they had no idea what was happening inside the school.

Parents were allowed to visit their children every three months, but only in select areas of the premises. &nbsp;

"They were not allowed into the house to see what was happening the children are only brought to them outside to meet them," Sabo said.

"All they thought was their children are being taught the Koran and good manners as they looked subdued," he added.

Private Islamic schools are common in mainly Muslim northern Nigeria, where government services are often lacking.

Police in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna has rescued more than 300 male students from an Islamic boarding school where many had been tortured and sexually abused, a police spokesman said Friday.

Police in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna has rescued more than 300 male students from an Islamic boarding school where many had been tortured and sexually abused, a police spokesman said Friday. Police raided a building in the Rigasa area city on Thursday where the victims including adults and minors were kept in "the most debasing and inhumane conditions in the name of teaching them the Koran and reforming them", Kaduna state police spokesman Yakubu Sabo said. "We found around 100 students including children as young as nine, in chains stuffed in a small room all in the name of reforming them and making them responsible persons," Sabo said. The school which has been operating for a decade, enrolled students brought by their families to learn the Koran and be rehabilitated from drug abuse and other illnesses, police said. The proprietor of the school and six staff were arrested during the raid. Many of the rescued students bore scars on their backs and serious injuries, police said. "The victims were abused. Some of them said they were sodomized by their teachers," Sabo stated. Police had been tipped off by complaints from local residents who became suspicious of what was happening inside the school. During the raid on the school, police said they found a "torture chamber" where students were chained, hung and beaten. Sabo said the victims were of different nationalities and that "two of them said during interrogation they were brought by their parents from Burkina Faso". The identities of the rescued victims were being documented to determine where they came from and to contact their families. Parents of some of the victims from within the city, contacted by police were "shocked and horrified" when they saw the condition of their children, as they had no idea what was happening inside the school. Parents were allowed to visit their children every three months, but only in select areas of the premises. "They were not allowed into the house to see what was happening the children are only brought to them outside to meet them," Sabo said. "All they thought was their children are being taught the Koran and good manners as they looked subdued," he added. Private Islamic schools are common in mainly Muslim northern Nigeria, where government services are often lacking.

Nigeria police say over 300 'abused' students freed from Islamic school

Almost 200 Nigerian migrants were repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday following a wave of xenophobic violence that swept through the country and sparked sharp exchanges between the two countries.

A flight carrying 189 Nigerians landed in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos, with some of those onboard punching the air and singing their national anthem while waving pictures of burnt shops.

"I ran for my life, they would have killed me," said Samson Aliyu, a clothes seller who lived in South Africa for two years.

"They burnt my shop, everything," he added.

More than 600 Nigerians are expected to return from South Africa this week, the Nigerian government has said.

"We were expecting 317 but from the information we have 189 are on board," said Nigeria's minister for diaspora affairs Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

"There was about a five hour delay courtesy of the South African authorities who actually frustrated this return of Nigerians," she said, blaming authorities in Johannesburg for failing to help Nigerians without travel documents.

Watch: Foreigners accuse south Africa of Xenophobia

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"There was a lot of frustration in getting them back home but we're glad that they will be here," she added.

Leading the returnees in singing the national anthem, Dabiri-Erewa promised the government would provide financial support.

Johannesburg and surrounding areas were rocked by a series of deadly attacks on foreigners last week, including many directed against Nigerian-owned businesses and properties.

At least 10 people were killed in the violence and hundreds of shops destroyed while more than 420 people were arrested.

No Nigerians were killed but the violence led to condemnation across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, fuelling diplomatic tensions between the continent's two leading nations.

The violence also prompted reprisal attacks against South African firms in Nigeria and the temporary closing of South Africa's diplomatic missions in Lagos and Abuja.

Almost 200 Nigerian migrants were repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday following a wave of xenophobic violence that swept through the country and sparked sharp exchanges between the two countries.

Almost 200 Nigerian migrants were repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday following a wave of xenophobic violence that swept through the country and sparked sharp exchanges between the two countries. A flight carrying 189 Nigerians landed in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos, with some of those onboard punching the air and singing their national anthem while waving pictures of burnt shops. "I ran for my life, they would have killed me," said Samson Aliyu, a clothes seller who lived in South Africa for two years. "They burnt my shop, everything," he added. More than 600 Nigerians are expected to return from South Africa this week, the Nigerian government has said. "We were expecting 317 but from the information we have 189 are on board," said Nigeria's minister for diaspora affairs Abike Dabiri-Erewa. "There was about a five hour delay courtesy of the South African authorities who actually frustrated this return of Nigerians," she said, blaming authorities in Johannesburg for failing to help Nigerians without travel documents. Watch: Foreigners accuse south Africa of Xenophobia × "There was a lot of frustration in getting them back home but we're glad that they will be here," she added. Leading the returnees in singing the national anthem, Dabiri-Erewa promised the government would provide financial support. Johannesburg and surrounding areas were rocked by a series of deadly attacks on foreigners last week, including many directed against Nigerian-owned businesses and properties. At least 10 people were killed in the violence and hundreds of shops destroyed while more than 420 people were arrested. No Nigerians were killed but the violence led to condemnation across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, fuelling diplomatic tensions between the continent's two leading nations. The violence also prompted reprisal attacks against South African firms in Nigeria and the temporary closing of South Africa's diplomatic missions in Lagos and Abuja.

Almost 200 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa

Seventeen people were killed when a passenger bus collided with an oncoming truck in central Nigeria, a road safety official said Friday.

The accident involving an 18-passenger Toyota bus and a truck transporting a container happened in Kwara state on Thursday, said Udeme Eshiet of the Federal Road Safety Corps.&nbsp;

"Due to excess speeding in which the two drivers were involved... they could not negotiate the sharp bend properly, and when they eventually met, it resulted in head-on collision," he said.&nbsp;

Seventeen people on the bus died while the two occupants of the truck sustained serious injuries, he added.

Accidents are common on Nigeria's poorly-maintained roads, caused by reckless driving, speeding and disregard for traffic rules.&nbsp;

Nineteen people were killed last month when four vehicles collided on a busy road in northern Nigeria's Kano state.

Seventeen people were killed when a passenger bus collided with an oncoming truck in central Nigeria, a road safety official said Friday. The accident involving an 18-passenger Toyota bus and a truck transporting a container happened in Kwara state on Thursday, said Udeme Eshiet of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Seventeen people were killed when a passenger bus collided with an oncoming truck in central Nigeria, a road safety official said Friday. The accident involving an 18-passenger Toyota bus and a truck transporting a container happened in Kwara state on Thursday, said Udeme Eshiet of the Federal Road Safety Corps. "Due to excess speeding in which the two drivers were involved... they could not negotiate the sharp bend properly, and when they eventually met, it resulted in head-on collision," he said. Seventeen people on the bus died while the two occupants of the truck sustained serious injuries, he added. Accidents are common on Nigeria's poorly-maintained roads, caused by reckless driving, speeding and disregard for traffic rules. Nineteen people were killed last month when four vehicles collided on a busy road in northern Nigeria's Kano state.

At least 17 die in road crash in central Nigeria: Official

Islamic State said via its Amaq news agency that it killed or wounded more than 40 soldiers in the northeast Nigerian state of Borno in two separate attacks on Tuesday.

The group said militants attacked a military post in Baga and killed at least 15 soldiers before carrying out a second attack on an army barracks in the town of Benisheik, where they killed around 25 more.

Locals and military sources told Reuters there were clashes between insurgents and soldiers in the state on Monday and Tuesday. Reuters was unable to immediately verify the number of people killed or injured in those clashes.

An army spokesman did not immediately respond to phone calls requesting comment.

More than 30,000 people have been killed in northeast Nigeria since 2009 in an Islamist insurgency.

At the weekend at least 65 people were killed in Borno, the birthplace of the insurgency, when militants targeted civilians travelling from a funeral.

Islamic State said via its Amaq news agency that it killed or wounded more than 40 soldiers in the northeast Nigerian state of Borno in two separate attacks on Tuesday.

Islamic State said via its Amaq news agency that it killed or wounded more than 40 soldiers in the northeast Nigerian state of Borno in two separate attacks on Tuesday. The group said militants attacked a military post in Baga and killed at least 15 soldiers before carrying out a second attack on an army barracks in the town of Benisheik, where they killed around 25 more. Locals and military sources told Reuters there were clashes between insurgents and soldiers in the state on Monday and Tuesday. Reuters was unable to immediately verify the number of people killed or injured in those clashes. An army spokesman did not immediately respond to phone calls requesting comment. More than 30,000 people have been killed in northeast Nigeria since 2009 in an Islamist insurgency. At the weekend at least 65 people were killed in Borno, the birthplace of the insurgency, when militants targeted civilians travelling from a funeral.

Islamic State says killed or wounded more than 40 Nigerian soldiers: Report

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 30th, 2019

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An attack this weekend by Boko Haram fighters on a funeral in northeast Nigeria has left 65 people dead, almost triple the initial toll, a local official said Sunday.

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Multiple casualties in California shooting, 'shooter still active', say police An "active shooter" was reported at a food festival in Gilroy, California on Sunday, police said, adding that were casualties. Police said multiple casualties were reported in the shooting. Some radical protesters acted violently: Hong Kong police Riot police in Hong Kong launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators. US intelligence chief Dan Coats to resign from Trump administration US intelligence chief Dan Coats will leave office on August 15, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, the latest high-profile departure from his turnover-plagued administration. Millions of tonnes of US soy shipped to China: State media on trade consensus The United States has shipped several million tonnes of soybeans to China since the two countries' leaders met in June, Chinese state media said on Sunday, an apparent sign of goodwill before trade talks in Shanghai this week. Death toll in Nigeria Boko Haram funeral attack rises to 65 An attack this weekend by Boko Haram fighters on a funeral in northeast Nigeria has left 65 people dead, almost triple the initial toll, a local official said Sunday. Dozens more bodies were discovered following the assault Saturday by gunmen on a village close to the regional capital Maiduguri.

News brief: Big stories of the day

An attack this weekend by Boko Haram fighters on a funeral in northeast Nigeria has left 65 people dead, almost triple the initial toll, a local official said Sunday.

Dozens more bodies were discovered following the assault Saturday by gunmen on a village close to the regional capital Maiduguri.

"It is 65 people dead and 10 injured," local government chairman Muhammed Bulama said.&nbsp;

Bulama said more than 20 people died in the initial attack on a funeral gathering. Dozens more were killed as they tried to chase after the jihadists.

The leader of a local anti-Boko Haram militia confirmed the death toll, while giving a slightly different account of the attack.

Bunu Bukar Mustapha told AFP 23 people were killed as they returned from the funeral and "the remaining 42 were killed when they pursued the terrorists".

AFP journalists at the scene saw houses burnt in the attack. Relatives collected the bodies of those slain for burial.&nbsp;

Bulama said he thought the latest attack was in retaliation for the killing two weeks ago of 11 Boko Haram fighters by local residents when the jihadists approached their village. The residents also captured 10 automatic rifles.&nbsp;

Boko Haram fighters have repeatedly attacked the surrounding Nganzai district.

In September last year, the group killed eight people and stole livestock in two villages in the area after residents tried to stop them from taking their animals.

Boko Haram has waged a decade-long campaign of violence in northeast Nigeria that has killed around 27,000 people and displaced more than two million.

There are persistent attacks despite repeated claims from the Nigerian government that it has broken the insurgency.&nbsp;

The jihadists have splintered between the Boko Haram faction loyal to historic leader Abubakar Shekau and an affiliate of the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Shekau's group tends to hit softer targets including civilians, while the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has since last year ratcheted up its campaign against the Nigerian military.

In June, 30 people were killed by a triple suicide bombing targeting football fans in Konduga, 38 kilometres (24 miles) from Maiduguri. The attack had the hallmarks of Shekau's faction.&nbsp;

Late Thursday, the group attacked a camp for displaced people outside the state capital, killing two residents and looting food supplies after burning a nearby military base.

Communities have increasingly turned to self-defence groups to protect themselves against the jihadist attacks.&nbsp;

Vigilantes and local hunters have taken up arms to safeguard local residents amid widespread complaints that the military does not do enough to defend them.&nbsp;

An attack this weekend by Boko Haram fighters on a funeral in northeast Nigeria has left 65 people dead, almost triple the initial toll, a local official said Sunday.

An attack this weekend by Boko Haram fighters on a funeral in northeast Nigeria has left 65 people dead, almost triple the initial toll, a local official said Sunday. Dozens more bodies were discovered following the assault Saturday by gunmen on a village close to the regional capital Maiduguri. "It is 65 people dead and 10 injured," local government chairman Muhammed Bulama said. Bulama said more than 20 people died in the initial attack on a funeral gathering. Dozens more were killed as they tried to chase after the jihadists. The leader of a local anti-Boko Haram militia confirmed the death toll, while giving a slightly different account of the attack. Bunu Bukar Mustapha told AFP 23 people were killed as they returned from the funeral and "the remaining 42 were killed when they pursued the terrorists". AFP journalists at the scene saw houses burnt in the attack. Relatives collected the bodies of those slain for burial. Bulama said he thought the latest attack was in retaliation for the killing two weeks ago of 11 Boko Haram fighters by local residents when the jihadists approached their village. The residents also captured 10 automatic rifles. Boko Haram fighters have repeatedly attacked the surrounding Nganzai district. In September last year, the group killed eight people and stole livestock in two villages in the area after residents tried to stop them from taking their animals. Boko Haram has waged a decade-long campaign of violence in northeast Nigeria that has killed around 27,000 people and displaced more than two million. There are persistent attacks despite repeated claims from the Nigerian government that it has broken the insurgency. The jihadists have splintered between the Boko Haram faction loyal to historic leader Abubakar Shekau and an affiliate of the Islamic State group. Shekau's group tends to hit softer targets including civilians, while the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has since last year ratcheted up its campaign against the Nigerian military. In June, 30 people were killed by a triple suicide bombing targeting football fans in Konduga, 38 kilometres (24 miles) from Maiduguri. The attack had the hallmarks of Shekau's faction. Late Thursday, the group attacked a camp for displaced people outside the state capital, killing two residents and looting food supplies after burning a nearby military base. Communities have increasingly turned to self-defence groups to protect themselves against the jihadist attacks. Vigilantes and local hunters have taken up arms to safeguard local residents amid widespread complaints that the military does not do enough to defend them.

Death toll in Nigeria Boko Haram funeral attack rises to 65

Nigeria attack: Suspected Boko Haram left At least 65 killed, 10 injured. Watch video to know more.

Nigeria attack: Suspected Boko Haram left At least 65 killed, 10 injured

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 29th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hopes-to-eradicate-polio-by-2020-189297">Pakistan's polio eradication campaign</a> has hit serious problems with an alarming spike in reported cases that have raised doubts over the quality of vaccination reporting and prompted officials to review their approach to stopping the crippling disease.

The country is one of only three in the world where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/monstrous-rumours-stoke-hostility-to-pakistans-anti-polio-drive-215546">polio is endemic</a>, along with neighbouring Afghanistan and Nigeria, but vaccination campaigns have cut the disease sharply, with only a dozen cases last year compared with 306 in 2014 and more than 350,000 in 1988, according to Pakistani health officials.

However, there has been a worrying jump this year, with 41 cases recorded, 33 of them in the northwestern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where many people resent what they see as intrusive and coercive vaccination campaigns often involving repeated rounds of visits, officials say.

Just as alarming for health services, environmental sampling has shown the presence of the virus in areas across the country, a clear sign of gaps in vaccination, which must cover the entire population to be effective.

Hopes that transmission of the disease could be ended this year have been abandoned.

"We need to take the bull by the horns and accept there are problems," said Babar Atta, Prime Minister Imran Khan's point person on polio eradication.

As well as the difficulty in reaching very remote areas and keeping track of people moving through big cities like Karachi, there have been problems in collecting reliable data, exacerbated by resistance to efforts to force vaccination.

Efforts to eradicate the disease have for years been undermined by opposition from some Islamists, who say immunization is a foreign plot to sterilize Muslim children or a cover for Western spies.

Local officials say parents suspicious of mass immunization campaigns have been getting hold of special markers, used by health workers to put a coloured spot on the little fingers of children who have been vaccinated.

"They would mark the fingers of their children, in case of an official visit to countercheck the vaccinated children," one official associated with an international organisation told Reuters in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

Officials estimate that so-called fake finger marking, sometimes in collusion with health workers, is hiding the true scale of refusal rates - and thus gaps in vaccination.

In some areas, as many as 8 per cent of families may be refusing or avoiding vaccination, a level which would mean the disease is not eradicated.

A senior official of the Health Department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said the exact data had been deliberately hidden by local health authorities nervous of being blamed for failing to ensure full coverage. "And the result of hiding figures had led us to face an epidemic-like situation today," he said.

Resistance

Polio, a disease transmitted through sewage which can cause crippling paralysis particularly in young children, is incurable and remains a threat to human health as long as it has not been eradicated. Immunization campaigns have succeeded in most countries and have come close to Pakistan, but persistent problems remain.

International observers have been watching the situation with alarm for some time. In October, the Independent Monitoring Board, which oversees the global polio eradication effort, wrote in its annual report that there was "something seriously wrong with the programme in Pakistan".

In April, fuelled by rumors on social media that children were being poisoned by the vaccinations, mobs rioted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and at least three polio workers were killed.

Even without violence, many people consider polio a "US disease". Facing more immediate threats such as a lack of clean water, many do not see why their families should be disturbed by what they consider intrusive foreign-sponsored campaigns.

Health workers, whose closeness to the communities they work in is vital in building trust, face difficult choices in remote areas where kinship and local power structures can often place them under severe pressure not to report cases of non-compliance.

According to many officials, the stubborn hostility to the campaigns and the high levels of avoidance underline the problems with heavy-handed repeat visits by health workers and police going after families that refuse vaccination.

"Why are the marker pens in the shops? Because parents want to buy them. They are sick and tired of repeated vaccinations," said Babar Atta.

Officials are now looking at more targeted approaches to areas where there are problems overcoming resistance to vaccination involving more persuasion and education.

Oliver Rosenbauer, a spokesman for the World Health Organization, said resistance to vaccination was hampering the eradication effort although other factors, including the movement of people in Pakistan and across the border with Afghanistan were potentially more important.

He said officials were analysing the series of problems confronting the programme to build a new approach.

"What is very clear to everyone is that if things keep going the way they're going, we're not going to eradicate polio in Pakistan," he said.

"We can keep a lid on it but that's not the aim. The aim is to eradicate it."

Pakistan's polio eradication campaign has hit serious problems with an alarming spike in reported cases that have raised doubts over the quality of vaccination reporting and prompted officials to review their approach to stopping the crippling disease.

Pakistan's polio eradication campaign has hit serious problems with an alarming spike in reported cases that have raised doubts over the quality of vaccination reporting and prompted officials to review their approach to stopping the crippling disease. The country is one of only three in the world where polio is endemic, along with neighbouring Afghanistan and Nigeria, but vaccination campaigns have cut the disease sharply, with only a dozen cases last year compared with 306 in 2014 and more than 350,000 in 1988, according to Pakistani health officials. However, there has been a worrying jump this year, with 41 cases recorded, 33 of them in the northwestern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where many people resent what they see as intrusive and coercive vaccination campaigns often involving repeated rounds of visits, officials say. Just as alarming for health services, environmental sampling has shown the presence of the virus in areas across the country, a clear sign of gaps in vaccination, which must cover the entire population to be effective. Hopes that transmission of the disease could be ended this year have been abandoned. "We need to take the bull by the horns and accept there are problems," said Babar Atta, Prime Minister Imran Khan's point person on polio eradication. As well as the difficulty in reaching very remote areas and keeping track of people moving through big cities like Karachi, there have been problems in collecting reliable data, exacerbated by resistance to efforts to force vaccination. Efforts to eradicate the disease have for years been undermined by opposition from some Islamists, who say immunization is a foreign plot to sterilize Muslim children or a cover for Western spies. Local officials say parents suspicious of mass immunization campaigns have been getting hold of special markers, used by health workers to put a coloured spot on the little fingers of children who have been vaccinated. "They would mark the fingers of their children, in case of an official visit to countercheck the vaccinated children," one official associated with an international organisation told Reuters in the northwestern city of Peshawar. Officials estimate that so-called fake finger marking, sometimes in collusion with health workers, is hiding the true scale of refusal rates - and thus gaps in vaccination. In some areas, as many as 8 per cent of families may be refusing or avoiding vaccination, a level which would mean the disease is not eradicated. A senior official of the Health Department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said the exact data had been deliberately hidden by local health authorities nervous of being blamed for failing to ensure full coverage. "And the result of hiding figures had led us to face an epidemic-like situation today," he said. Resistance Polio, a disease transmitted through sewage which can cause crippling paralysis particularly in young children, is incurable and remains a threat to human health as long as it has not been eradicated. Immunization campaigns have succeeded in most countries and have come close to Pakistan, but persistent problems remain. International observers have been watching the situation with alarm for some time. In October, the Independent Monitoring Board, which oversees the global polio eradication effort, wrote in its annual report that there was "something seriously wrong with the programme in Pakistan". In April, fuelled by rumors on social media that children were being poisoned by the vaccinations, mobs rioted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and at least three polio workers were killed. Even without violence, many people consider polio a "US disease". Facing more immediate threats such as a lack of clean water, many do not see why their families should be disturbed by what they consider intrusive foreign-sponsored campaigns. Health workers, whose closeness to the communities they work in is vital in building trust, face difficult choices in remote areas where kinship and local power structures can often place them under severe pressure not to report cases of non-compliance. According to many officials, the stubborn hostility to the campaigns and the high levels of avoidance underline the problems with heavy-handed repeat visits by health workers and police going after families that refuse vaccination. "Why are the marker pens in the shops? Because parents want to buy them. They are sick and tired of repeated vaccinations," said Babar Atta. Officials are now looking at more targeted approaches to areas where there are problems overcoming resistance to vaccination involving more persuasion and education. Oliver Rosenbauer, a spokesman for the World Health Organization, said resistance to vaccination was hampering the eradication effort although other factors, including the movement of people in Pakistan and across the border with Afghanistan were potentially more important. He said officials were analysing the series of problems confronting the programme to build a new approach. "What is very clear to everyone is that if things keep going the way they're going, we're not going to eradicate polio in Pakistan," he said. "We can keep a lid on it but that's not the aim. The aim is to eradicate it."

Pakistan: Fake polio markers highlight risks to vaccination drive

At least 45 people were killed and more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-30-people-killed-over-40-injured-as-three-suicide-bombers-target-football-fans-228090">100 injured</a> in central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-10-killed-in-nigeria-fuel-tanker-blast-232336">Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed</a> and then exploded as people gathered fuel, emergency services said Tuesday.&nbsp;

The truck overturned near shops while travelling through the village of Ahumbe in Benue state on Monday.

Local residents rushed to the scene and collected leaking gasoline for over an hour before the fuel caught fire, causing a blast that tore through the surrounding area.&nbsp;

"We have recovered 45 corpses of the dead while 101 others sustained serious fire burns," Benue state Federal Road Safety Commission Sector Commander Aliyu Baba told AFP.&nbsp;

"From the look of things and considering their condition, many of them might not survive."&nbsp;

Baba said a pregnant woman and at least two children were among the dead and two firefighters sustained serious burns.

He said the blaze was sparked when a bus laden with passengers drove past the scene and its exhaust pipe scraped along the ground, causing sparks to fly.&nbsp;

"Sixteen of the passengers in the vehicle, including the two children and the pregnant woman, were instantly burnt to death," Baba said.

Police and emergency services crews were working to clear the tanker's charred hulk from the road, an AFP reporter at the scene witnessed.&nbsp;

At least one building was gutted in the explosion. Locals spoke of their shock.

&nbsp;'Fought for our lives'&nbsp;

"I lost a brother and two others are seriously burnt and in the hospital. They were trapped in the fire when the truck exploded for a second time," resident Ade Derfer told AFP.&nbsp;

At the Bishop Murray hospital in the state capital Makurdi, patients with serious burns were recovering.&nbsp;

Survivor Ochuole Image said she had been on the ill-fated bus.&nbsp;

"We warned our driver to park but he went ahead and in a bid to pass the spilling fuel an explosion occurred and we were trapped in the fire and fought for our lives," she told AFP.

"I managed to escape but many others died. I cannot tell how I got here to the hospital."

Earlier, a spokesman for the local council said over 64 people were killed in the incident. The police have not given an official toll.&nbsp;

Petrol tanker and pipeline blasts are common in Nigeria, where despite the country's multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry, most people live in poverty.

Fires and explosions often occur as people try to siphon fuel from pipelines or following accidents involving fuel tankers on badly-maintained roads.

In January, at least eight people were killed in Odukpani, in the southeastern state of Cross River, in a similar incident.

In July 2012, more than 100 people were killed and some 50 others injured in the southern state of Rivers.

At least 45 people were killed and more than 100 injured in central Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed and then exploded as people gathered fuel, emergency services said Tuesday.

At least 45 people were killed and more than 100 injured in central Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed and then exploded as people gathered fuel, emergency services said Tuesday. The truck overturned near shops while travelling through the village of Ahumbe in Benue state on Monday. Local residents rushed to the scene and collected leaking gasoline for over an hour before the fuel caught fire, causing a blast that tore through the surrounding area. "We have recovered 45 corpses of the dead while 101 others sustained serious fire burns," Benue state Federal Road Safety Commission Sector Commander Aliyu Baba told AFP. "From the look of things and considering their condition, many of them might not survive." Baba said a pregnant woman and at least two children were among the dead and two firefighters sustained serious burns. He said the blaze was sparked when a bus laden with passengers drove past the scene and its exhaust pipe scraped along the ground, causing sparks to fly. "Sixteen of the passengers in the vehicle, including the two children and the pregnant woman, were instantly burnt to death," Baba said. Police and emergency services crews were working to clear the tanker's charred hulk from the road, an AFP reporter at the scene witnessed. At least one building was gutted in the explosion. Locals spoke of their shock. 'Fought for our lives' "I lost a brother and two others are seriously burnt and in the hospital. They were trapped in the fire when the truck exploded for a second time," resident Ade Derfer told AFP. At the Bishop Murray hospital in the state capital Makurdi, patients with serious burns were recovering. Survivor Ochuole Image said she had been on the ill-fated bus. "We warned our driver to park but he went ahead and in a bid to pass the spilling fuel an explosion occurred and we were trapped in the fire and fought for our lives," she told AFP. "I managed to escape but many others died. I cannot tell how I got here to the hospital." Earlier, a spokesman for the local council said over 64 people were killed in the incident. The police have not given an official toll. Petrol tanker and pipeline blasts are common in Nigeria, where despite the country's multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry, most people live in poverty. Fires and explosions often occur as people try to siphon fuel from pipelines or following accidents involving fuel tankers on badly-maintained roads. In January, at least eight people were killed in Odukpani, in the southeastern state of Cross River, in a similar incident. In July 2012, more than 100 people were killed and some 50 others injured in the southern state of Rivers.

At least 45 killed in Nigeria fuel tanker blast

At least 10 people were killed and more than 50 injured in central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-30-people-killed-over-40-injured-as-three-suicide-bombers-target-football-fans-228090">Nigeria</a> when a petrol tanker crashed off the road and exploded as people gathered fuel, the emergency services said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The truck overturned close to shops as it was travelling through the village of Ahumbe in Benue state on Monday.

Local residents rushed to collect the leaking gasoline but the fuel exploded, causing a blast that tore through the surrounding area.&nbsp;

"We have removed at least 10 dead bodies from the scene of the incident while over 50 people were affected," Benue state Federal Road Safety Commission Sector Commander Aliyu Baba told AFP.&nbsp;

"Owing to the nature of the inferno, I am afraid more discoveries might be made today as rescue efforts continue."&nbsp;

A local council spokesman put the number of dead much higher at 64, but police refused to confirm any toll.&nbsp;

Witness Paul Otukpa said a 14-seater bus was engulfed by the blast, leaving only one survivor.

Petrol tanker and pipeline blasts are common in Nigeria, where despite the country's multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry, most people live in poverty.

Fires and explosions often occur as people try to siphon fuel from pipelines and also following accidents involving fuel tankers on badly maintained roads.

In January, at least eight people were killed in Odukpani, in the southeastern state of Cross River, in an accident of this kind.

In July 2012, at least 104 people were killed and some 50 others injured in the southern state of Rivers.

At least 10 people were killed and more than 50 injured in central Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed off the road and exploded as people gathered fuel, the emergency services said on Tuesday.

At least 10 people were killed and more than 50 injured in central Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed off the road and exploded as people gathered fuel, the emergency services said on Tuesday. The truck overturned close to shops as it was travelling through the village of Ahumbe in Benue state on Monday. Local residents rushed to collect the leaking gasoline but the fuel exploded, causing a blast that tore through the surrounding area. "We have removed at least 10 dead bodies from the scene of the incident while over 50 people were affected," Benue state Federal Road Safety Commission Sector Commander Aliyu Baba told AFP. "Owing to the nature of the inferno, I am afraid more discoveries might be made today as rescue efforts continue." A local council spokesman put the number of dead much higher at 64, but police refused to confirm any toll. Witness Paul Otukpa said a 14-seater bus was engulfed by the blast, leaving only one survivor. Petrol tanker and pipeline blasts are common in Nigeria, where despite the country's multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry, most people live in poverty. Fires and explosions often occur as people try to siphon fuel from pipelines and also following accidents involving fuel tankers on badly maintained roads. In January, at least eight people were killed in Odukpani, in the southeastern state of Cross River, in an accident of this kind. In July 2012, at least 104 people were killed and some 50 others injured in the southern state of Rivers.

At least 10 killed in Nigeria fuel tanker blast

Mohammed Abubakar Bambado is an entrepreneur, employing 1,500 dockworkers in various ports across Nigeria. But he is also the King of the Fulani people in Lagos, and often spends his weekends settling conflicts between his Fula-Hausa people in northern Nigeria. Mohamed Abubakar Bambado is an entrepreneur, employing 1,500 dockworkers in various ports across Nigeria. But he is also the King of the Fulani people in Lagos, and often spends his weekends settling conflicts between his Fula-Hausa people in northern Nigeria.

Mohammed Abubakar Bambado: King of the Fulani people in Lagos

Boko Haram jihadists have carried out multiple attacks on military bases in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, overrunning three of them and stealing weapons, security sources said Monday.

Fighters believed to be from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the IS-linked faction of Boko Haram, stormed four bases from Friday through Sunday in the latest spate of attacks targeting the army, sources from the military and militia said.

There were no immediate details on casualties.

In the latest incident, on Sunday, the insurgents made a failed attempt to seize a base in the town of Dikwa following a predawn attack.

"The terrorists attacked troops in Dikwa around 4:00 am but the attack was repelled without casualty on our side," a military officer, who did not want to be identified, told AFP.

The fighters came in 13 trucks fitted with heavy machine guns, said a second officer, who gave a similar account.

Dikwa which lies 90 kilometres from the state capital Maiduguri, is home to more than 70,000 displaced people who live in several camps where they rely on food and humanitarian assistance from aid agencies.

Late on Saturday, the jihadists blasted into a base in the town of Marte, 40 kilometres away, pushing troops out after a prolonged gunfight, the two military sources said.

The militants ransacked the base, carting away weapons abandoned by fleeing soldiers and setting fire to it. The soldiers withdrew to Dikwa.

As they retreated towards Lake Chad, the Islamist fighters sacked another base in Kirenowa village, 30 kilometres from Marte.&nbsp;

Soldiers evacuated

"The soldiers in Kirenowa have been evacuated to Dikwa after the attack by the terrorists", the first officer said.

The jihadists were believed to have launched the attacks from their Lake Chad enclave where the Nigerian military has intensified aerial attacks on ISWAP camps.

Troops in a base in Dalwa village, 16 kilometres outside Maiduguri, were dislodged after a six-hour battle with ISWAP fighters which continued into Sunday, said the military sources and an anti-jihadist militia.

The fighting forced Marte residents to flee into Maiduguri, arriving in trucks on Sunday, according to residents of the city.

However, troops returned to the town late Sunday with reinforcement from Maiduguri, the sources said.

ISWAP has since July last year targeted dozens of military bases in attacks that have left scores of soldiers dead.

Boko Haram's decade-long insurgency has killed 27,000 people and displaced about two million in Nigeria.

The violence has spilled over into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to defeat the Islamist group.

Boko Haram jihadists have carried out multiple attacks on military bases in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, overrunning three of them and stealing weapons, security sources said Monday.

Boko Haram jihadists have carried out multiple attacks on military bases in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, overrunning three of them and stealing weapons, security sources said Monday. Fighters believed to be from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the IS-linked faction of Boko Haram, stormed four bases from Friday through Sunday in the latest spate of attacks targeting the army, sources from the military and militia said. There were no immediate details on casualties. In the latest incident, on Sunday, the insurgents made a failed attempt to seize a base in the town of Dikwa following a predawn attack. "The terrorists attacked troops in Dikwa around 4:00 am but the attack was repelled without casualty on our side," a military officer, who did not want to be identified, told AFP. The fighters came in 13 trucks fitted with heavy machine guns, said a second officer, who gave a similar account. Dikwa which lies 90 kilometres from the state capital Maiduguri, is home to more than 70,000 displaced people who live in several camps where they rely on food and humanitarian assistance from aid agencies. Late on Saturday, the jihadists blasted into a base in the town of Marte, 40 kilometres away, pushing troops out after a prolonged gunfight, the two military sources said. The militants ransacked the base, carting away weapons abandoned by fleeing soldiers and setting fire to it. The soldiers withdrew to Dikwa. As they retreated towards Lake Chad, the Islamist fighters sacked another base in Kirenowa village, 30 kilometres from Marte. Soldiers evacuated "The soldiers in Kirenowa have been evacuated to Dikwa after the attack by the terrorists", the first officer said. The jihadists were believed to have launched the attacks from their Lake Chad enclave where the Nigerian military has intensified aerial attacks on ISWAP camps. Troops in a base in Dalwa village, 16 kilometres outside Maiduguri, were dislodged after a six-hour battle with ISWAP fighters which continued into Sunday, said the military sources and an anti-jihadist militia. The fighting forced Marte residents to flee into Maiduguri, arriving in trucks on Sunday, according to residents of the city. However, troops returned to the town late Sunday with reinforcement from Maiduguri, the sources said. ISWAP has since July last year targeted dozens of military bases in attacks that have left scores of soldiers dead. Boko Haram's decade-long insurgency has killed 27,000 people and displaced about two million in Nigeria. The violence has spilled over into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to defeat the Islamist group.

Boko Haram attacks military bases in Nigeria, steal arms: Sources

Nigerian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muhammadu-buhari-re-elected-as-nigerias-president-199922">Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in for the second term</a> on Wednesday.

"I do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria," Buhari said, dressed in simple white robes and traditional embroidered cap. "I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution."

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was also sworn into office.

Buhari has vowed to continue his crackdown against corrupt officials. He was re-elected in February.

A few days back, Buhari signed an ambitious budget into law. He approved the spending plan worth 8.92 trillion naira -- about $29 billion based on the official fixed exchange rate of 305 naira to the dollar.

Analysts have criticised budgets under Buhari as "unrealistic", saying they were based on an over-estimation of available income amid volatile global crude prices.

(With inputs from AFP)

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in for the second term on Wednesday. "I do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria," Buhari said, dressed in simple white robes and traditional embroidered cap.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in for the second term on Wednesday. "I do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria," Buhari said, dressed in simple white robes and traditional embroidered cap. "I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution." Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was also sworn into office. Buhari has vowed to continue his crackdown against corrupt officials. He was re-elected in February. A few days back, Buhari signed an ambitious budget into law. He approved the spending plan worth 8.92 trillion naira -- about $29 billion based on the official fixed exchange rate of 305 naira to the dollar. Analysts have criticised budgets under Buhari as "unrealistic", saying they were based on an over-estimation of available income amid volatile global crude prices. (With inputs from AFP)

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari sworn in for second term

Fifty-five people died in Niger's capital Niamey overnight when an overturned tanker truck exploded as crowds tried to collect spilt fuel, authorities and witnesses said Monday.

The blast on the RN1 route near Niamey's international airport left the burnt truck's wreckage, motorbikes and debris scattered over the road. Nearby houses were also damaged by fire.

The toll from the explosion was 55 dead and 36 injured, an interior ministry spokesman said.

"Motorbike riders and people were all around the truck when it exploded all of a sudden," a local trader said. "I saw at least 40 dead."

Witnesses said people were trying to collect petrol leaking from the truck, which had overturned on railway tracks, when the explosion happened.

"It just before midnight when I went out and I saw the truck overturned. People came from everywhere to take gas, then I saw fire on its side and everything burst into flames," a college student told AFP.

Niger, a poor West African country, has been trying to stamp out fuel smuggling from neighbouring Nigeria.

Nigeria, a major oil producer, has seen similar deadly accidents and explosions in the past when people try to steal fuel from oil pipelines.&nbsp;

Fifty-five people died in Niger's capital Niamey overnight when an overturned tanker truck exploded as crowds tried to collect spilt fuel, authorities and witnesses said Monday.

Fifty-five people died in Niger's capital Niamey overnight when an overturned tanker truck exploded as crowds tried to collect spilt fuel, authorities and witnesses said Monday. The blast on the RN1 route near Niamey's international airport left the burnt truck's wreckage, motorbikes and debris scattered over the road. Nearby houses were also damaged by fire. The toll from the explosion was 55 dead and 36 injured, an interior ministry spokesman said. "Motorbike riders and people were all around the truck when it exploded all of a sudden," a local trader said. "I saw at least 40 dead." Witnesses said people were trying to collect petrol leaking from the truck, which had overturned on railway tracks, when the explosion happened. "It just before midnight when I went out and I saw the truck overturned. People came from everywhere to take gas, then I saw fire on its side and everything burst into flames," a college student told AFP. Niger, a poor West African country, has been trying to stamp out fuel smuggling from neighbouring Nigeria. Nigeria, a major oil producer, has seen similar deadly accidents and explosions in the past when people try to steal fuel from oil pipelines.

At least 55 dead after tanker truck exploded in Niger's capital Niamey

Islamic State (IS) killed 10 Nigerian soldiers in an attack on the northeastern town of Magumeri, the group claimed through its news agency AMAQ on Saturday.

The jihadist organisation said the attack on the soldiers took place in the town in northeastern Borno state on Friday. It published pictures of burned barracks and dead bodies it claimed belonged to the soldiers. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Several sources in Nigeria, including one military source, confirmed the claim. They said the fighters stormed the town at roughly 1745 local time (1645 GMT), overran military personnel and raided local shops.

The fighters fled after the military called in air force support and reinforcements from a battalion in Gubio, a neighbouring town.

Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has carried out a string of attacks in Nigeria in recent months.

The group split in 2016 from Nigeria-based Boko Haram, which has waged a decade-long insurgency in northeast Nigeria that has killed some 30,000 people and displaced a further 2 million.

Islamic State (IS) killed 10 Nigerian soldiers in an attack on the northeastern town of Magumeri, the group claimed through its news agency AMAQ on Saturday. The jihadist organisation said the attack on the soldiers took place in the town in northeastern Borno state on Friday.

Islamic State (IS) killed 10 Nigerian soldiers in an attack on the northeastern town of Magumeri, the group claimed through its news agency AMAQ on Saturday. The jihadist organisation said the attack on the soldiers took place in the town in northeastern Borno state on Friday. It published pictures of burned barracks and dead bodies it claimed belonged to the soldiers. Several sources in Nigeria, including one military source, confirmed the claim. They said the fighters stormed the town at roughly 1745 local time (1645 GMT), overran military personnel and raided local shops. The fighters fled after the military called in air force support and reinforcements from a battalion in Gubio, a neighbouring town. Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has carried out a string of attacks in Nigeria in recent months. The group split in 2016 from Nigeria-based Boko Haram, which has waged a decade-long insurgency in northeast Nigeria that has killed some 30,000 people and displaced a further 2 million.

Islamic State claims it killed 10 soldiers in northeastern Nigeria

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said.

He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The administration has started an investigation into the incident to know about the causes behind the murder.

Pakistan is one of the three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where polio is still endemic.

Militant groups have killed nearly 100 polio workers and their guards since 2012 on the pretext that they could be Western spies.&nbsp;

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan. The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said.

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan. The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said. He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The administration has started an investigation into the incident to know about the causes behind the murder. Pakistan is one of the three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where polio is still endemic. Militant groups have killed nearly 100 polio workers and their guards since 2012 on the pretext that they could be Western spies.

Polio officer killed by gunmen in northwest Pakistan

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