Aeesha's Blog

Category: Breaking News

  • Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Urges FG to Revoke MTN, DStv Licences

    Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has called on the Federal Government to revoke the operating licences of MTN Nigeria and MultiChoice over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

    Oshiomhole made the call during plenary at the Senate on Tuesday, stressing the need for decisive economic and diplomatic measures to safeguard Nigerians living abroad. He said Nigeria must move beyond condemnation and adopt firm retaliatory steps to address recurring attacks.

    According to him, the continued targeting of Nigerians in South Africa demands a strong response, including economic sanctions against businesses linked to the country. He argued that such actions would send a clear signal and deter further hostilities.

    The lawmaker criticised what he described as Nigeria’s historically soft stance on xenophobic incidents, noting that stronger policies were required to protect citizens and uphold national dignity.

    Oshiomhole specifically proposed the nationalisation of MTN and the withdrawal of its operating licence, alleging that the company repatriates significant profits while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa. He also urged similar regulatory action against DStv, operated by MultiChoice.

    He added that enforcing such measures could create opportunities for indigenous firms while strengthening Nigeria’s negotiating position in addressing the crisis.

    Also contributing, Victor Umeh described the situation as alarming, stating that many Nigerians in South Africa now live in fear due to persistent attacks. He called on the African Union to intervene and consider appropriate sanctions.

    Umeh recalled Nigeria’s historical role in the anti-apartheid struggle, expressing concern that Nigerians were now being targeted despite the country’s contributions to South Africa’s liberation.

    The Senate’s position aligns with growing concerns among stakeholders over the safety of Nigerians abroad, particularly in South Africa, where periodic xenophobic violence has been reported.

    Stakeholders have continued to urge the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement while exploring economic and legal options to ensure the protection of its citizens.

  • Renewed Xenophobic Violence in South Africa Draws Global Attention

    Fresh outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa have drawn widespread international attention, with governments and organisations expressing concern over the safety of foreign nationals.

    The latest incidents, reported in parts of Johannesburg and Durban, involved attacks on businesses and residences owned by migrants, particularly from other African countries.

    Eyewitnesses said shops were looted and vandalised, while some victims sustained injuries during clashes between local residents and foreign nationals.

    Xenophobia—hostility toward foreigners—has remained a recurring issue in South Africa, often linked to socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

    Data from Statistics South Africa indicate persistently high unemployment rates, especially among young people, a factor analysts say contributes to frustration and scapegoating of migrants.

    Reacting to the development, stakeholders across the continent have called for urgent measures to curb the violence and promote peaceful coexistence.

    The African Union reiterated the need for member states to uphold the principles of unity, integration, and protection of human rights.

    “The safety and dignity of all Africans, regardless of where they reside on the continent, must be guaranteed,” a policy analyst said.

    Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), condemned the attacks and urged South African authorities to take decisive steps to protect lives and property.

    In response, South African officials have denounced the violence, assuring that security agencies are working to restore order and prevent further escalation.

    Community leaders in affected areas have also appealed for calm, emphasising the need for dialogue and mutual understanding among residents.

    Observers note that while security interventions are necessary, long-term solutions must address underlying economic and social issues fueling resentment.

    They advocate inclusive economic policies, job creation, and public awareness campaigns to tackle stereotypes and misinformation about migrants.

    As the situation continues to unfold, calls for stronger regional cooperation and sustained engagement remain central to efforts aimed at preventing future outbreaks.

  • Galadima Reveals Obi, Kwankwaso’s Imminent Exit from ADC

    A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Alhaji Buba Galadima, has disclosed that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are set to exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the coming days.

    Galadima made the disclosure on Saturday in Abuja, noting that the planned exit is part of ongoing political consultations and coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He said both leaders had been involved in high-level engagements with key stakeholders across the country, aimed at forging a united opposition platform capable of mounting a credible challenge in the next electoral cycle.

    According to him, arrangements had been concluded for their defection, with an official announcement expected shortly, although he did not disclose the political platform they intend to join.

    Sources close to the development indicated that Obi and Kwankwaso, alongside their loyalists, had finalised documentation and were aligning with a broader coalition movement currently taking shape.

    The development comes amid reported internal disagreements within the ADC, particularly over zoning arrangements, leadership structure and the party’s strategy for the 2027 elections.

    Political analysts say the anticipated exit of the two prominent figures could trigger fresh realignments within the opposition, as political actors intensify efforts to build a formidable alliance.

    They added that the move, if confirmed, may significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and influence the configuration of alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Suspected Boko Haram Militants Kill 11 in Borno Community

    Suspected Boko Haram militants have killed at least 11 persons in an attack on a community in Borno State, residents and security sources confirmed on Friday.

    The incident, which occurred late Thursday night, reportedly targeted a գյուղ in a remote area of the state, where insurgents stormed the settlement, shooting sporadically and setting several houses ablaze.

    Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, overpowering local vigilantes before unleashing violence on residents.

    A local source, who preferred anonymity for security reasons, told the Source that the assailants operated for hours without immediate resistance.

    “They came in the night and started shooting. People ran into the bush, but some were not lucky. We counted at least 11 bodies after they left,” the source said.

    Security operatives were said to have been deployed to the area following distress calls, but the attackers had fled before their arrival.

    The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report. However, military sources disclosed that troops have intensified patrols and launched a manhunt to track down the perpetrators.

    Borno State has remained the epicentre of the insurgency by Boko Haram and its splinter groups, with recurring attacks on civilians, military formations, and humanitarian workers.

    Efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to restore peace in the North-East have recorded significant gains in recent years, though sporadic attacks continue to pose security challenges.

    The latest incident underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of rural communities and the need for sustained military and humanitarian interventions in the region.

  • Troops Advance as Airstrikes Target Insurgent Strongholds

    Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have sustained their advance against insurgent positions in the North-East, as intensified airstrikes continue to degrade terrorist strongholds across the theatre of operations.

    Military sources confirmed that the coordinated offensive involves close collaboration between ground forces and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), with fighter jets carrying out precision strikes on identified targets ahead of troop movements.

    The targets, located in remote and densely forested areas, are believed to be occupied by fighters affiliated with Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, who have long used such المناطق as operational bases.

    A senior military official said the air component had successfully weakened insurgent defences, enabling ground troops to advance with reduced resistance while conducting clearance operations.

    “The synergy between air and land forces has significantly enhanced operational effectiveness. Troops are advancing steadily, clearing remnants of terrorist elements and securing previously contested locations,” the official stated.

    He noted that the offensive was driven by actionable intelligence, with surveillance missions identifying key insurgent camps, weapons storage facilities, and movement corridors prior to engagement.

    Preliminary reports indicate that several terrorist hideouts have been destroyed, while fleeing fighters are being tracked and engaged by advancing troops. Security forces have also recovered arms and ammunition during mop-up operations.

    Residents in nearby communities have reported increased military activity, including aerial patrols and ground deployments, signalling a renewed push to stabilise the region.

    Security analysts say the sustained offensive reflects a deliberate strategy to deny insurgents the ability to regroup, particularly in critical areas such as the Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad basin.

    The North-East has remained the epicentre of insurgency in Nigeria for over a decade, with recurring efforts by security forces aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring civil authority.

    Military authorities reiterated their resolve to maintain operational momentum until all identified threats are neutralised, while urging citizens to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

    They emphasised that community cooperation remains vital to achieving lasting peace and preventing a resurgence of insurgent activities.

  • JUST IN: ISWAP Admits Role in Fresh North-East Attacks

    The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has admitted responsibility for a fresh wave of attacks across Nigeria’s North-East, targeting military formations and raising renewed security concerns in the region.

    Security sources said the attacks, which occurred in parts of Borno State, involved coordinated assaults on troops and strategic locations, leading to casualties among security personnel.

    According to reports, the insurgent group carried out ambushes on military convoys and launched direct attacks on bases, deploying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and heavy gunfire.

    Residents in affected communities reported hearing prolonged gunshots and explosions, forcing many to flee their homes amid fears of further violence.

    A local source said, “The attacks came suddenly. There was heavy shooting, and people ran for safety. The situation created panic across the area.”

    ISWAP, through its propaganda channels, claimed responsibility for the incidents, describing them as part of its ongoing campaign against Nigerian security forces.

    Sources reports that the North-East has witnessed renewed insurgent activities in recent months, particularly in Borno, where groups continue to exploit remote communities and border regions.

    Security analysts attribute the resurgence to the ability of insurgents to regroup and adapt their tactics, including the use of IEDs and surprise attacks on military targets.

    Military authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the latest claims but have maintained that operations are ongoing to neutralise insurgents and secure affected areas.

    Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

  • Insurgency: Fresh Attack Reported in Monguno, Borno

    Suspected insurgents have reportedly launched a fresh attack in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State, escalating security concerns in Nigeria’s North-East.

    Local sources said the attack occurred in the early hours, with gunmen targeting security positions and nearby communities, causing panic among residents.

    Witnesses disclosed that heavy gunfire and explosions were heard across parts of Monguno, forcing many residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

    A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers stormed the area in large numbers, engaging troops in a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours.

    “We heard continuous gunshots and explosions. People ran in different directions, and many are still displaced,” the source said.

    Security sources confirmed that troops repelled parts of the attack, although details on casualties and damages were still being assessed as at the time of filing this report.

    Monguno, located near the Lake Chad region, has remained a strategic hotspot in the fight against insurgency due to its proximity to known militant hideouts.

    Military authorities have since intensified surveillance and launched clearance operations in surrounding areas to prevent further incursions.

    The latest incident underscores ongoing challenges in the counter-insurgency campaign, despite sustained efforts by the Nigerian Armed Forces to restore peace in the region.

    Residents have been urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements.

  • Authorities Warn of High Flood Risk Between April and November

    Nigerian authorities have issued a strong warning over the likelihood of widespread flooding between April and November, urging citizens and state governments to take proactive measures to mitigate potential damage.

    The alert, released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), indicates that several parts of the country are expected to experience above-normal rainfall during the 2026 rainy season.

    The agency noted that the intensity and frequency of rainfall could trigger both urban and riverine flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas.

    In a related development, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) cautioned that communities situated along major waterways, including the Niger and Benue rivers, face an increased risk of overflow as water levels rise steadily over the coming months.

    Authorities attributed the projected flood risk to evolving weather patterns linked to Climate Change, which has continued to alter rainfall distribution and intensity across the region.

    To reduce vulnerability, the Federal Government has directed relevant agencies to activate emergency preparedness plans, pre-position relief materials, and enhance early warning systems.

    State governments have also been advised to clear blocked drainage systems, enforce environmental sanitation laws, and discourage construction on floodplains.

    Residents in high-risk areas are urged to remain vigilant, follow official updates, and relocate to safer grounds when necessary.

    Emergency response agencies further encouraged communities to report early signs of flooding to enable swift intervention.

    The warning underscores the need for coordinated efforts at all levels to safeguard lives and property as Nigeria enters a potentially challenging rainy season.

  • FG Moves to Integrate Local Governments into Power Market

    The Federal Government has disclosed plans to expand participation in Nigeria’s electricity market to include local government councils, in a move aimed at deepening decentralisation and improving power access nationwide.

    The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the board of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency.

    Adelabu said the initiative forms part of ongoing reforms under the administration of President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the electricity value chain and extend opportunities to grassroots levels.

    According to him, as reforms in the sector continue to evolve, local governments are expected to play active roles, particularly in rural electrification, mini-grid development, and last-mile power distribution.

    “Very soon, as we deepen decentralisation, local governments will begin to show interest in participating in the electricity market,” the minister said.

    He explained that the development follows the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers subnational governments to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their jurisdictions.

    The minister noted that no fewer than 17 states have already begun establishing regulatory frameworks and electricity markets to attract investment and improve supply, adding that extending participation to local councils would further close Nigeria’s electricity access gap.

    Adelabu said increased grassroots involvement would reduce pressure on the national grid while promoting a more inclusive and reliable power system.

    In addition, he announced plans by the government to procure no fewer than 10 million electricity meters over the next five years to address the country’s metering deficit, estimated at over seven million units.

    He stressed the importance of local manufacturing, urging stakeholders to reduce dependence on imported power equipment, which currently accounts for about 90 per cent of components used in the sector.

    “Local production of meters, batteries, and other components will not only create jobs but also reduce pressure on foreign exchange,” he said.

    The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s potential in renewable energy, particularly in leveraging its lithium resources for battery production and clean energy solutions.

    Speaking on infrastructure, Adelabu noted that much of Nigeria’s power facilities are over six decades old and require urgent rehabilitation across generation, transmission, and distribution networks.

    He charged the newly inaugurated NEMSA board to enforce strict compliance with technical standards and eliminate substandard electrical materials in the market, warning that poor enforcement contributes to system failures and safety risks.

    Responding, the board chairman pledged collaboration with stakeholders to ensure effective regulation and improved service delivery in the sector.

    The Source reports that the latest move underscores the government’s commitment to restructuring the power sector through decentralisation, private sector participation, and institutional strengthening.

    Analysts say that integrating local governments into the electricity market could accelerate rural electrification and enhance energy access if effectively implemented.

  • NAF Airstrike Rocks Border Market, Leaves Several Injured in Borno–Yobe Axis

    Several persons have sustained injuries following an airstrike reportedly carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on a market along the Borno–Yobe border.

    The incident occurred at Dilli Market in Yobe State, a commercial hub located near Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, where traders and residents had gathered for routine business activities.

    Eyewitnesses said the strike hit the crowded market, causing panic and leaving many injured, while the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe, Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the development, noting that security agencies were aware of the incident and had commenced preliminary investigations.

    “We are aware of the incident at Dilli Market and are currently gathering details. At the moment, we do not have confirmed casualty figures,” Abdulkarim said.

    He added that security operatives and emergency responders had been deployed to the scene to assess the damage and provide necessary assistance to victims.

    Sources indicated that the airstrike might have been part of ongoing military operations targeting suspected insurgent elements in the North-East region.

    The area, which lies along the volatile Borno–Yobe axis, has witnessed repeated insurgent activities linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), prompting sustained military offensives.

    Meanwhile, injured victims were reportedly evacuated to nearby health facilities in Geidam and Damaturu for treatment, as local authorities continue to coordinate response efforts.

    Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    Background:

    Nigeria’s North-East has faced over a decade of insurgency, resulting in widespread humanitarian challenges. While air operations remain a critical component of counter-insurgency efforts, concerns persist over the safety of civilians in conflict-prone areas.

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