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Tag: Niger

Information Minister Suspends Aide Over Unauthorized 2027 Niger Governorship Publication

Wale busari02 mins

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has suspended his aide, Sa’idu Enagi, following the circulation of an unauthorised political article related to the 2027 Niger State governorship election. The Ministry confirmed that the write-up, titled ‘Malagi 2027’, was published without the minister’s approval and does not represent his views. The article reportedly speculated on political developments ahead of the 2027 governorship race. In a statement on Wednesday, Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to Malagi, urged the public to disregard the publication. “Please disregard the write-up as the Honourable Minister neither directed nor approved the publication,” Ibrahim said. He added that an immediate investigation had been launched and that the aide responsible had been suspended. The ministry also addressed speculations about Malagi’s relationship with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, noting that both maintain a cordial and cooperative relationship for the benefit of the state. “It is noteworthy that the Honourable Minister and his home state governor enjoy a positive, mutual relationship for the greater good of Niger State, and therefore, speculations about the 2027 elections will appear inimical to these noble objectives,” the statement said. Malagi, who was nominated and confirmed as minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023, previously contested the 2023 APC primary for Niger State governorship but lost to Umar Bago, who went on to win the election. The minister remains focused on his federal duties at the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

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Bandit Attack On Niger Market Kills Over 30, Many Others Kidnapped

Wale busari02 mins

At least 30 people, including women, were killed when bandits raided Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday. The attackers reportedly looted foodstuffs and other valuables worth millions of naira before setting the market ablaze. According to reports, the raid began around 4 pm and continued into the early hours of Sunday. Residents said several people were also abducted during the attack. One local, speaking to Daily Trust by phone, claimed that more than 50 people were tied up and killed as the bandits moved through the area unopposed. Eyewitnesses said the attackers emerged from the National Park in Borgu LGA and carried out the raid in broad daylight. Confirming the incident, Niger State Police Command spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said over 30 people died and several others were kidnapped. He stated: “On 03/01/2026 at about 9 pm, information received revealed that at about 4:30 pm of the same date, suspected bandits from the National Park forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan-Daji, located at Demo Village via Kabe, and burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items. On 04/01/2026 at about 8 am, a report indicated that a joint security team visited the scene, and over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack. Some persons were also kidnapped. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims. Further developments will be communicated.”

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Police Arrest Two Banditry and Kidnapping Kingpins Linked to Crimes Across Four States

Wale busari03 mins

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force have recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of two suspected bandits and kidnapping leaders linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States. The arrests were disclosed in a statement released on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. He said the operation was carried out on December 19, 2025, by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team, working in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command. The suspects were apprehended during a covert operation along the Komen–Masallaci axis of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State. They were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi’m, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, also known as Gide’m, aged 30. Both were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village. Police revealed that Abubakar Usman had recently been identified as the individual seen in a viral video circulating on social media, where he was allegedly displaying firearms and large sums of money. Items recovered from the suspects include a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, which investigators said was bought with ransom proceeds, ₦500,000 in cash believed to be unspent ransom money, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping syndicate responsible for attacks across several states. Further findings also suggest that the group supplies arms and ammunition to other armed criminal gangs. The police said both suspects are cooperating with investigators to help track down other members of the network and recover additional weapons. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the operatives involved for their professionalism and dedication, and reassured Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and strengthening national security. He also urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing police operations.

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Niger Imposes Indefinite Entry Ban On US Citizens Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Wale busari02 mins

Niger has imposed an indefinite ban on United States citizens, suspending all visa issuance and barring entry for Americans with immediate effect. The restrictions cover all forms of travel, including diplomatic, business, humanitarian, and tourist visits, heightening diplomatic tensions between Niamey and Washington. Authorities in Niger cited reciprocity and national sovereignty as the reasons for the move, pointing to what they described as recent hostile and punitive actions by the United States. No timeframe has been provided for a potential review or lifting of the ban. The decision comes amid strained relations between Niger and several Western countries following political upheavals in the Sahel nation. These tensions have already resulted in sanctions, aid suspensions, and changes to security and diplomatic partnerships. In recent months, Niger has sought to pivot its foreign policy away from traditional Western allies, strengthening ties with non-Western nations. Experts warn the ban could significantly affect humanitarian organisations, development agencies, and international bodies that rely on US personnel, while also complicating security and diplomatic cooperation in a region facing insurgency and political instability. The United States has not yet issued an official response, though officials are expected to raise concerns through diplomatic channels. Niger, however, insists the ban will remain in effect indefinitely, signalling a more assertive stance in its international relations.

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BREAKING: All Abducted St Mary’s Catholic School Pupils In Niger State Released

Wale busari02 mins

The ordeal of families linked to St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community, Niger State, has come to an end after all the abducted pupils were finally released. The last batch of 130 schoolchildren regained their freedom on Sunday, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 230. The Office of the National Security Adviser confirmed the development to ARISE News Channel. The mass release marks a major relief for parents and guardians who had endured days of anxiety, while also representing a significant achievement for the security agencies that led the rescue operation. The children were kidnapped after gunmen invaded the boarding school, an attack that drew widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the vulnerability of educational institutions across Nigeria. Security officials said the successful outcome was achieved through sustained pressure on the kidnappers and coordinated efforts among relevant agencies, as public calls continue to mount for improved school security and stronger measures to prevent similar incidents.

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Governor Bago Sacks 30 Special Advisers To Restructure Niger State Administration

Wale busari02 mins

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has relieved 30 special advisers of their appointments as part of efforts to restructure and streamline governance in the state. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, who explained that the decision is intended to enhance efficiency and effectiveness under the governor’s New Niger agenda. Although details on new appointments or reassignments were not disclosed, the move is part of a broader plan to reorganize key portfolios for better service delivery. Governor Bago reportedly made the announcement during his first Council meeting with newly sworn-in commissioners at the council chamber in Government House, Minna. Bologi noted, “The termination of their appointments was to allow the governor to rejig and reposition their portfolios with a view to making them more effective and efficient in line with his New Niger agenda.” He added that the governor thanked the advisers for their contributions to the administration’s progress and wished them success in their future endeavors.

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Niger Orders Mandatory Inspection of All Nigerian Goods Amid Heightened Security Tensions

Wale busari02 mins

The military authorities in the Republic of Niger have introduced new restrictions on goods entering the country from Nigeria, citing rising security threats in the region. The directive, signed by Colonel Mohamed Yacouba Siddo of the Customs Formalities Corporation, was circulated after being posted on X by security analyst Brant Grant. It mandates that all goods originating from Nigeria — especially those labelled as “miscellaneous goods” — must be offloaded and fully inspected at Niger’s entry points before any onward movement. “For security requirements, all goods originating from Nigeria, particularly so-called miscellaneous goods, must be unloaded and inspected at the entry offices before any transit formalities,” the circular stated. It also noted that only goods with valid documentation from recognised ports of discharge would be permitted to proceed to their final destinations. Colonel Siddo directed officers to enforce the rule strictly and report any difficulties encountered during implementation. The development follows rising regional tensions, including Sunday’s failed coup attempt in the Republic of Benin. It also aligns with claims by the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) that eleven Nigerian military personnel were detained in Burkina Faso for allegedly violating its airspace — an allegation the Nigerian Air Force has denied, explaining the aircraft made an emergency landing due to technical issues.

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Tinubu Orders Intensified Efforts To Free Remaining 115 Kidnapped Students In Niger State

Wale busari02 mins

President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers abducted from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State, emphasizing that “all victims must be accounted for.” The directive came on Monday as the President welcomed the safe return of 100 of the kidnapped students, who were rescued through what he described as the “tireless” and “steadfast” work of security operatives. “I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21,” Tinubu said. He assured parents of the remaining abducted children that the Federal Government, working alongside the Niger State Government, is leaving no stone unturned to secure the freedom of every student still in captivity. “My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims,” the President added.

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