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Hunger and food insecurity are serious problems in many African countries. These challenges are caused by conflict, climate change, economic instability, and weak farming systems.
The March 2024 Cadre Harmonisé food security report by the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) showed that nearly 55 million people in West and Central Africa were expected to face severe food shortages during the June to August 2024 lean season.
This is four million more than the November 2023 forecast and four times higher than five years ago. Data from the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) by Statista also shows that several African countries continue to face severe hunger and malnutrition. The following countries are the most affected:
5. Niger
Hunger Index Score: 34.1
Niger is severely affected by hunger because of its fast-growing population, political instability, and climate problems.
The rapid population growth in Niger increases the demand for food, but resources are limited. Erratic rainfall and desertification have reduced food production. Armed insurgencies along its borders have displaced communities and disrupted farming activities. Over 4.3 million people in Niger were at risk of hunger in 2024.
4. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Hunger Index Score: 34.9 (Alarming)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing one of the world’s largest hunger crises. Conflict, poverty, and weak farming systems are the main causes.
Violence in the eastern regions of the DRC has displaced millions of people, disrupting farming and food distribution. Economic instability, including high inflation and unemployment, makes food unaffordable for many. The DRC has fertile land, but farming remains underdeveloped due to a lack of investment. About 26.4 million people in the DRC face hunger.
3. Madagascar
Hunger Index Score: 36.3
Madagascar faces severe food insecurity caused by climate change. Droughts and cyclones have damaged farms, especially in the southern regions.
The southern part of Madagascar is facing its worst drought in decades, known as a “climate famine.” Poverty makes it hard for people to recover from crop losses or buy food. Chronic malnutrition affects almost half of the children in Madagascar, stunting their growth and development. Over 1.5 million people were hungry in Madagascar in 2024.
2. Chad:
Hunger Index Score: 36.4
Chad is the second most affected country. Its weak farming system, political instability, and harsh climate make food access very difficult.
Unpredictable rainfall and desertification have reduced crop production in Chad. Conflicts in neighbouring countries have forced many refugees into Chad, which puts extra pressure on the country’s resources. Poor infrastructure, such as bad roads, makes it hard to deliver food and aid to those in need. About 4.7 million people in Chad face hunger.
1. Somalia
Hunger Index Score: 44.1
Somalia is the most affected country in Africa. It suffers from long-term conflict, harsh weather such as droughts and floods, and weak government support.
The ongoing conflict in Somalia disrupts farming and food distribution. Armed groups prevent people from accessing resources. Frequent droughts destroy crops and kill livestock, leaving millions struggling to survive. Nearly half of Somalia’s population relies on food aid to meet basic needs.
The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has sentenced Chima Hyginus Nkwocha, popularly known as “Young Billionaire,” to prison for cheating by impersonation and money laundering.
Nkwocha was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Emeka Nwite on a two-count charge.
The charges included impersonating several individuals to defraud an American, Linda Wheeler, of $345,000, and laundering the funds through a Nigerian bank account.
One of the charges against Nkwocha detailed how he impersonated multiple aliases, including Frank Nils, Frank Cobert, Frank Brown, and Chiress Riffatt, using Gmail and Google Voice accounts.
The charge read: “That you, Chima Hyginus Nkwocha (AKA Frank Nils, Frank Cobert, Frank Brown & Chettot), sometime in 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did fraudulently impersonate… with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtaining a cumulative sum of $345,000 from Linda Wheeler, an American.”
Nkwocha pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
Evidence and Recovery
The EFCC’s counsel, Lanre Adeola Olarewaju, reviewed the case and detailed the items recovered during Nkwocha’s arrest in August 2024 in Abuja’s Lugbe area.
Recovered items included:
A black Mercedes Benz ML 350 (registration no. B-2);
Two gold necklaces with pendants, a gold bracelet, and $2,200 in cash;
₦90,280,934.00 in a Zenith Bank account belonging to Ginux Global Nigeria Limited, where Nkwocha was the sole signatory.
Additionally, the EFCC seized:
A three-bedroom terrace duplex at Cookies Court 2, Ocean Palm Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos;
A three-bedroom bungalow and two self-contained apartments at Standard Estate, Galadima, Abuja;
A plot of land measuring 300 square meters at Eko Beach City, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Justice Emeka Nwite, after reviewing the evidence and Nkwocha’s guilty plea, convicted him on both counts.
Nigeria has called on the United Nations to investigate the funding and training of the Boko Haram terrorists.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, made the call in a recent interview he had with Al-Jazeera.
Musa said there was international flow of funding for the terrorists, stressing the need for the UN to come in to trace and track it.
The defence chief, who questioned how the insurgents had sustained themselves for 15 years, also fingered international conspiracy in providing the terrorists with funds, training and equipment.
Daily Trust reports that the CDS’ call on the international community for investigation came at the wake of a new trick by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists who are now deploying drones for surveillance ahead of launching attacks on security operatives.
Responding to a question on why Boko Haram has kept regrouping despite the claims by the federal government that the sect has been degraded, the CDS said: “The problem is that I think we have talked to the international community. Let’s find out the funding. As we speak, over 120,000 Boko Haram members have surrendered, and most of them came with hard currency. How did they get it? How are they funded? How did they get the training? How did they get the equipment?
“The UN needs to come in because we need to trace the funding. It is international flow, and we don’t have control over that,” he said.
Asked what his suspicion was, the defence chief said: “Well, maybe an international conspiracy… How are they being able to sustain themselves for 15 years? That is one question I think everybody should ask themselves.”
The defence chief, however, said he did not know whose interest it is to see Nigeria destabilized.
He noted that Nigeria is not the only country dealing with the asymmetric warfare.
“West Africa, the Sahelian area, and in fact, if actions are not taken, it is going to engulf the entire world.
“We are just good guys just trying to make sure that our country is secured, and then, some individuals seem not to be happy about it, and doing everything possible to throw us under the bus for whatever reasons…I have been in service for almost 33 years. Anytime we seem to be succeeding, somebody throws something at us, and the question is: why? Is it because we are succeeding or you don’t want the country to move forward? What is the aim? What’s the intent? That is the question we are asking.”
He also stated that the difficulty in getting equipment was one of the reasons the insurgency had not been wiped out.
“We have a procurement procedure which is being followed. And to also state that even with our monies at times, we find it difficult getting equipment. And the question is: why? One of the reasons why this insurgency has been for this long is because we have been denied access to equipment. Even when we have our monies to get it, it is difficult,” he said.
On why the military had been denied access to equipment, he said: “Well, I really don’t understand. It is a question that we keep on asking, why are we being denied?
“Our government is doing the best it can. But as an international system, like I said, we don’t produce (equipment), we need to buy. So, going to buy is sometimes a bit difficult, getting these items.”
Asked whether Nigeria has any foreign bases on its soil, the CDS exclaimed: “Not at all! We do not encourage any foreign bases. We have the capacity to secure our country, to secure the sub-region and to assist Africa. We have that capacity.
“All we need is to continue to do joint training, which we do, get equipment that we need to help us project these wars,” he said.
FG should send probe request to global community – Expert
In an interview with Daily Trust yesterday, a security sector reform expert, Chukwuma Ume, urged the federal government to consider a formal application to the UN for an investigation into the terrorists’ funding.
He said the government must show the willingness to invited the international community for such an investigation.
“Nothing is wrong with the CDS said in seeking the support of the UN…World over, when any country has issues with man-made issues or natural disaster, you seek support, capacity, intervention and even intelligence from other members of the international communities.
“Yes, it is something in the right direction, but it shouldn’t just stop at that action, and I’m sure the CDS is more than capable, and very knowledgeable of how to go about this. Most senior officers in the Nigerian military have international exposure.
“They must have gone on a peacekeeping mission to one or two other international assignments. I believe they are very vast and knowledgeable on how to table something like this. It is a request that should be matched with actions.
“The international community would also want to see your actions, they would also want to be encouraged by your human rights compliance records vis-a-vis your ability or intention to put in place good governance.
“In other words, if the government is making this request, they (UN) would want the government to show demonstrable efforts in terms of good governance, in terms of human rights compliance, in terms of all rules of engagements, how much are they complying with rules of engagements?
Military confirms 6 soldiers, 34 terrorists killed in Borno attack
The military high command yesterday broke its silence on the Saturday’s attack on it Forward Operating Base, Sabon Gari Area in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
It confirmed that six soldiers lost their lives during the encounter; while 34 terrorists, who had attempted to surprise the troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops, were also killed.
Responding to Daily Trust’s enquiry Wednesday morning, Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, said most of the bodies being recovered were those of the terrorists who were wasted by the gallant troops.
He said the terrorists were neutralised by the air component of Operation HADIN KAI when it conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists.
He said the Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were killed and their weapons recovered.
He said though the vigilante commander got injured when he stepped on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the timely arrival of reinforcement overpowered the terrorists.
He said: “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari Village of Damboa LGA of Borno State in a fire fight.
“The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops. The terrorists were taken unaware, when troops fighting patrol returning to the Base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.
“Additionally, troops reinforcement team comprised of elements of Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilante as well as hybrid forces timely arrived the scene to overpower the terrorists.
“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.
“On the whole, 34 terrorist were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunitions. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.”
He appealed to the media and Nigerians to respect non-disclosure of the names of killed-in-action personnel to allow administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin.
He said on the whole, the Armed Forces of Nigeria was profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation, adding that troops remained committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.
[DailyTrust]
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has said he is not worried about being re-elected in 2027.
Yusuf said he would serve a second term as governor if it’s the will of Allah.
He spoke in Kano, where he warned against making inciting statements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Yusuf: “What I am worried about is not re-election. I am more concerned about delivering the dividends of democracy on the mandate given to me in this first tenure.
“I want the good people of Kano to judge me by my performance at the end of this tenure.
“We know those people, who were massively rejected in both 2019 and 2023. We won against them at a time when we had no political office— not even a councillorship seat. But Allah made it possible for us to win with a landslide victory.
“I am destined to be a Governor. It is my total belief and submission to the will of Allah that if He so wills, I will serve a second term. If not, I won’t. So why should I bother myself.”
However, Yusuf vowed to resist pressure on his mandate, stressing that his work speak for him.
“My performance will speak for me, not political pressure,” he said.
[DailyPost]
Six months have passed since the Nigerian government vowed to tackle the country's soaring food prices. However, citizens are yet to see any tangible results from the promised intervention.
Despite assurances from officials, the cost of staple foods remains prohibitively high, leaving many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
The government's pledge to address the issue was welcomed with optimism, but as the weeks turned into months, hopes began to dwindle.
With no significant decrease in food prices, many are left wondering what became of the government's plan to ameliorate the situation.
As the wait continues, Nigerians are growing increasingly frustrated, calling on the government to take concrete action to address the crisis and provide relief to those struggling to afford basic necessities.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the plans then on his verified X handle in July last year.
Kyari had stated that the measures would be implemented over the next 180 days with the expectation to reduce soaring prices of food items.
The Minister explained that the initiatives included a 150-day Duty-Free import window for food commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on imports of specific food commodities, including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpea, through land and sea borders.
“Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days.
“They include; 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpea,” the Minister said.
BBNaija Season 9 winner Kellyrae has shared his journey through personal struggles and his bond with his wife, Kassia, in a heartfelt interview with Chude.
Kellyrae disclosed that before entering the reality show, he had lost all his money to betting, which plunged him into depression and overwhelming guilt.
During his darkest moments, he credited Kassia for standing by him and offering unwavering support that helped him regain hope and strength.
Kellyrae’s story highlights the resilience and the power of a supportive partnership.
He said: “I had some money, but because I wanted more, the money was not enough; I started gambling with it and then lost it all. I was depressed. Every night, I was awake, thinking. Then she was the one who came to my rescue.”
However, he also considered breaking up with her due to his inability to provide adequately for her.
“I was thinking one day; I called her and said, let’s just break up. I feel I don’t have what it takes to really care for you because I feel guilty most of the time that there are things I’m supposed to be doing,” he said.
The reality TV star also discussed his time in the BBNaija house, admitting that he kept his marriage a secret but remained true to himself throughout the show.
“Even if you lie on your bed for the rest of your life, trouble will still come. I think I prefer the trouble that comes with N60 million. The only thing I had to fake was that I was in the house with my wife; every other thing, I was just being myself,” he added.
[TheNation]
Despite the Federal Government’s multi-billion-naira border surveillance systems launched in 2019, illegal migrants, some of whom have been identified as bandits, terrorists and kidnappers, continue to cross into Nigeria from the Republics of Benin, Chad, Niger, Mali and Cameroon.
This is as the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said e-border surveillance is now being mounted across the nation’s borders with its neighbouring countries.
“As we speak, more than half of our borders have been automated. There are visuals, and a lot of processes going on now. So, effectively, there is e-border surveillance now in our borders.
“By October (2024), we will be done with the first phase of the e-border surveillance project, including our marine borders. Now, we have the command and control for air and land. You cannot secure your borders effectively without technology,” Tunji-Ojo said in a live national television programme in May 2024.
At the launch of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex in early December 2024, the minister said about 250 trained Immigration Service personnel run 24-hour shifts at the e-border control centre.
However, some foreigners still crossed to Nigeria from the Republic of Benin through the Baruten/Kaiama border posts despite the closure of the border by the FG.
Checks by The PUNCH from residents of border communities in the Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara state revealed that illegal immigrants still crossed the border into the country daily.
The immediate past chairman of Baruten Local Government Council, Abdulrasheed Abdullahi, who spoke with one of our correspondents, said that citizens of the Benin Republic are still migrating into the country through several illegal routes.
Abdullahi said, “Although the border posts have been closed since 2020 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to beef up security, the border closure has not stopped citizens of Benin Republic who are our neighbours from coming into the country.”
“The e-border control system installed to stop the illegal immigrants from coming to the country had not stopped their citizens from entering Nigeria,” Abdullahi, who ended his tenure as the council chairman in September 2024, added.
The Federal Executive Council approved N52bn for the e-border surveillance system in 2019 to monitor and provide real-time information from major border posts nationwide.
However, the project faced delays due to funding challenges and did not commence until 2022. Nigeria’s extensive borders, covering approximately 5,330 kilometres, have numerous illegal entry points and present ongoing security challenges.
The Nigeria Immigration Service says it has since deployed advanced e-border solutions to over 80 crossing points nationwide, marking the project’s first phase. It says the e-border system offers real-time, 24/7 monitoring and intelligence, enabling better tracking and management of border activities.
Speaking in a telephone with The PUNCH on Monday, the Emir of Yashikira, a border community in Baruten LGA, Umoru Usman, said foreigners cross into the locality daily.
Usman explained, “Despite the border closure and the e-border control system installed by the Federal Government to stop illegal immigration into the country, which are all moves by the government to ensure security, the people from the Benin Republic who are our neighbours still crossed the border. Though we cannot give the figure, people are still crossing the borders on a daily basis.”
When reached for the comments, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kenneth Udo, did not respond to calls to his mobile line. Also, text messages sent to his mobile and WhatsApp number were not answered as of this report.
Meanwhile, the Eselu of Iselu, Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, on Monday, said that the purported N9bn e-border control system project initiated under the Buhari government has failed to check the influx of illegal migrants into the country.
The royal father said there has been a steady increase in the number of illegal migrants moving into the country from the Benin Republic due to the absence of tangible barricades or landmarks demarcating the borders of both countries.
He attributed the influx of illegal migrants for the surge in crime.
Oba Akinyemi said, “The N9bn e-border control system project is a white elephant project just like the botched Nigeria Airways” under the same government of President Buhari.
He expressed doubts about the existence of any e-border control system along the land border with neighbouring Benin Republic.
He noted, “This issue of N9bn e-border control system project is a white elephant project under Buhari’s administration just like the Nigeria Airways which newspaper reports said that some people went to borrow an aircraft somewhere, branded it and call it Nigeria Airways.
“Maybe the e-border control system is at the airport, I don’t know. But for the land border area, nothing like that exists here. In fact, there is a greater influx of Beninois into the country.
“If you come to our area, there nothing so visible demarcating the two countries, just as Nigerians are going into their country, the same way we are having them, the Beninois also coming in droves, it is like we are sharing the same country.”
“They are even laying claims to some of our lands. Maybe the border control system is somewhere in the North, but I have not seen anything like that here. I am one of the advocates for the border commission; where are they? What are they doing?” he queried.
The Eselu also decried the huge infrastructural deficit at border communities, saying that things are beginning to change with the interventions from the state government and the Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, fondly called Yayi.
He explained, “I have said it countless times: all we see is the budget; we don’t know where the money goes. Maybe in the history of our area, they sank a borehole after PUNCH wrote about the plight of a community without water and all that.
“The infrastructural deficit at the border area is very high, and the children do not have access to basic education. Kudos to the state government for doing this anyway. The state took it upon itself to bring in some schools and build some infrastructure, but it is not enough.
“We also appreciate Senator Solomon Adeola for what he’s doing to enhance the development of the border communities. The reason we are also seeing crime going up is due to the influx of foreigners who come into the country without being checked; they could carry some weapons, they will come into the country, do whatever they like and move back to their country, that’s the problem.”
A resident of Ilara in Imeko-Afon Local Government, Mr Ade Raheem, also argued that there has been no change in the inflow and outflow of people between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Taiwo said, “Our case is even peculiar because about 35 per cent of Ilara town is in the Republic of Benin while the remaining 65 per cent is in Nigeria. There is nothing so visible demarcating Nigeria and the Republic of Benin other than a crossbar, so people come into Nigeria without any hindrance. Likewise, Nigerians too, go into the Benin without any problem.
“I am not aware of any e-border control system; maybe that could be in the barrack of the immigration which is at the outskirts of the town, but people have continued to move freely into the country from the Benin Republic like it was from time immemorial.”
In a similar development, residents of Maigatari, a border community in Jigawa State, claimed that the system was ineffective.
Jigawa, a northern border state, has a unique dynamic with its neighbouring country, Niger Republic. Its proximity to Niger Republic has nurtured a long-standing relationship between residents of both countries.
In exclusive interviews with The PUNCH, some residents of Maigatari confirmed having family ties, business relationships and even own farms across the border.
According to them, this has created a sense of community and cooperation between the two nations.
A resident of Maigatari, Abdullahi Maiwada, stated, “Illegal immigrants from Niger Republic still find their way into Nigeria. We’ve lived with our Nigerien counterparts for generations.”
Maiwada added, “We have family ties, business relationships, and even own farms across the border. It’s impossible to separate us.”
Another town resident, Sani Dabo, pointed out that the weekly markets, where people from both countries gather to buy and sell goods, are still thriving.
“These markets have been in existence for decades,” said Sani Dabo, a trader in the Maigatari market. “Nigeriens provide a vital source of income for many of us, and we can’t just shut them down,” he stated.
Dabo also highlighted that “the issue of illegal immigration in Jigawa State is complex, with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between residents of Nigeria and Niger Republic.”
When contacted on the issue, the District Head of Maigatari, ‘Sarkin Dawakin Gumel’ Alhaji Muhammad Alhassan, noted that the historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Niger Republic cannot be ignored.
“We’ve always had a cordial relationship with our neighbours from Niger. While we appreciate the government’s efforts to secure our borders, we must also consider the historical and cultural ties that bind us,” the district head said.
The monarch revealed, “We’re not just neighbours; we’re family. Therefore, his sentiment underscores the need for a nuanced approach towards addressing the issue of illegal immigration not only in this area but across all states that share a border with another country.”
According to the district head, the relationship between the people of Nigeria and Niger Republic in the border community of Maigatari has always been peaceful. ‘’We’ve lived together for generations, and our people have always coexisted peacefully,” he said.
“We have a strong tradition of hospitality and mutual respect, and we’ve never had any major conflicts,” he emphasised.
Alhassan also noted that the government authorities responsible for securing the border are doing their best to ensure that anyone crossing the border does so in accordance with the law.
“The immigration officials, customs officials, and other security personnel are all doing their jobs to ensure that the border is secure and that anyone crossing into Nigeria does so with the proper documentation and clearance,” he said, adding that “We’re grateful for their efforts, and we’re confident that they will continue to do their best to keep our borders secure.”
For his part, the Chairman of Maigatari Local Government Area, Usman Na’Allah, in a telephone call said that the e-border control system has helped reduce the influx of illegal immigrants, but more needed to be done.
“We need to strengthen our border security and provide economic opportunities for our people to reduce the temptation to cross the border illegally and this is a call to action for the government,” he stressed.
A member of the vigilante team in Maigatari, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that despite the presence of security personnel, illegal immigrants still find ways into the country.
He noted, “We do our best to patrol the borders, but it’s a vast area, and we can’t be everywhere at once and this highlights the challenges faced by security personnel.”
Meanwhile, concerns continue to grow in Taraba’s border communities over illegal immigrants. Residents and stakeholders in Taraba State’s border communities who spoke to one of our correspondents said the illegal immigrants from Cameroon have continued to cross into the country, raising concerns about security and competition over resources.
Residents of the border towns in the state, including Abong in Kurmi Local Government, Kashimbilla in Takum and Hainare in Sardauna LGAs, said porous borders and inadequate security measures enable the influx of undocumented immigrants.
A local chief in one of the border towns in Kurmi, Danjuma Luka, expressed frustration over the persistent challenge.
“We are still seeing foreigners coming into our communities without any form of documentation. Many of them claim to be refugees, but some have been linked to criminal activities, which is alarming,” he said.
Another resident of Kurmi, who declined to identify himself for security reasons, confirmed the influx of undocumented migrants, attributing it to the challenging terrain of the border areas.
“Taraba State shares borders with Cameroon, and our rugged landscape makes it easy for people to cross undetected. We need more Federal Government support to monitor these areas effectively,” he said.
Leader of the vigilante group in Hinare, Umar Saidu, who said they are often the first line of defence in the communities, told one of our correspondents in a phone interview that they have intercepted undocumented immigrants on several occasions.
A vigilante leader in Ussa, Tanimu Hassan, said, “We work day and night to secure our communities, but the lack of resources and advanced technology hampers our efforts. We hand over illegal immigrants to immigration officers, but it’s a recurring problem.”
When reached for comments, the Jalingo Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service did not respond. Also, the chairmen of the affected local government councils in the border communities declined to comment on the issue.
However, sources in the command admitted that limited manpower and insufficient logistics continue to undermine effective border patrols.
“We are aware of the situation and are working to address it, but the challenges are enormous,” one of the sources in the agency said.
In the South-South state of Cross River, monarchs and youth leaders have pledged to support the fight against illegal migration.
Traditional rulers from Ekpri Ikang and Ikang Town of Bakassi Local Government Area unanimously pledged their unwavering dedication and commitment to fighting illegal immigration in the area.
The monarchs made the remarks in an interview with one of our correspondents, affirming their resolve to promote peace, security and development in the region.
The village head of Ikang Town community, Chief Antigha Cobham, commended the Federal Government for ensuring a strong security system in the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
Cobham noted that the security personnel deployed to the community are dedicated and committed to peacekeeping and surveillance.
He said, “Before now, we used to have cases and clashes of illegal immigration. This community has its border with Cameroon. We owe it a duty to do our best to protect our people by encouraging them to report all suspicions of illegal immigration to security. That is why all the cases of illegal immigration we used to hear are now things of the past.”
“Let me especially thank the Federal Government for the efforts in fighting these illegal immigrants. As traditional rulers, we are doing our very best to support the government and we shall report all forms of illegal immigration to the security agencies,” he disclosed.
He said that the royal fathers would continue collaborating with the security agencies to identify and report all illegal migration cases to the appropriate authorities.
Another member of the Ikang Traditional Rulers Council, Bassey Effiom, called for unity of purpose among all citizens and residents of the state to tackle illegal immigration.
He said, “We must all come together no matter our political leanings or religious inclinations because this issue of illegal migration does not know political party or religious orientation. It is only through collective and focused efforts that we can win the war to guarantee the safety of our people.”
He lauded the state governor, Bassey Otu, and President Bola Tinubu for their proactive leadership and support to the people in the border community, and advised the citizens to abide by the guidelines issued by the government on illegal migration.
A youth leader, Felix Egbe, said the Bakassi Border is closed and well-guarded by the security agencies, including the Nigerian Customs Service.
Egbe revealed, “Some of them who used to cross over here are not coming again because the border is closed. Today is a very big market day; unlike before, they used to cross over here to buy things.
“Some of them will mask themselves and cross the water just to come and buy stuff here. But for now, security has taken over all the places and there are no reports of such acts again.
“Some of them who used to cross to our community will come and buy Nigerian-made drinks like beer and alcoholic brands. But, we have not seen them for some time now because the security system is very tight.”
[Punch]
Nigeria’s Armed Forces has dropped to 39th in the 2024 Global Firepower (GFP) rankings globally. This marks the third consecutive decline after being ranked 36th in 2023 and 35th in 2022.
145 countries were considered in the annual Global Firepower review.
On the African continent, the country also slipped from third to fourth place behind South Africa, Algeria and Egypt.
The poor ranking comes despite Nigeria’s recent acquisition of advanced fighter jets and military assets, as well as reported progress in combating terrorism within its borders.
The Global FirePower ranking utilizes 60 individual factors to determine a given nation’s power index score with categories ranging from quality of military units and financial standing to logistical capabilities and geography.
Nigeria’s Power Index (PwrIndx) score for 2024 was 0.5619, with a score of 0.0000 representing the pinnacle of military strength.
Meanwhile, Egypt retained its position as Africa’s strongest military, followed by Algeria and South Africa.
US military retains top spot for 18 consecutive year
Globally, the United States maintained its dominance, ranking first for the 18th consecutive years. Other global powers such as Russia, China, India, and South Korea rounded out the top five.
Notable African nations, such as Ethiopia, Angola, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, also appeared in the rankings, reflecting the countries’ diverse military landscape.
Some of the categories considered shows that Nigeria is at the bottom of the radar in terms of helicopter carrier fleet strength by country, tanker fleet strength by country, destroyer fleet strength by country, naval corvette fleet strength by country, submarine fleet strength, and reserve military strength, ranking 145 out of all the countries reviewed. It also ranked poorly in terms of crude oil consumption by country and natural gas consumption by country.
It, however, scored excellent in total available manpower, population fit-for-service, and paramilittary strength among others.
The drop in rankings raises questions about Nigeria’s defence capabilities and resource allocation amidst its ongoing security challenges.
[Vanguard]
Chloe Bailey, the American singer, has opened up about her relationship with Burna Boy, the Afrofusion star.
During the festive period last year, Bailey, 26, and Burna Boy were spotted together at Obi’s House, a nightlife club in Lagos.
Their outing sparked rumours that the two singers were dating.
But in a recent interview on the Breakfast Club podcast, the host asked Bailey if she was bringing a date to the 2025 NAACP Awards.
The singer replied that she would be attending with her godmother and manager.
When asked about Burna Boy, Bailey chose not to confirm or deny the dating rumours. She, however, said she is focused on her positive experiences in Nigeria.
“Nigeria was so beautiful. I had the best time. I ate some good food. I ate pepper soup. I ate some spicy chicken. It was really good. At the nightlife? It was so good. There were so many lights,” she said.
“I am a grown woman. I had a great time in Nigeria. He is a grown man just like I am a grown woman”.
“It is my life. It is what I signed up for. I can only expect it. It is just about how I handle it and myself. I do not think it should ever be pissing towards people asking me.”
Chloe Bailey speaks on rumored relationship with Burna Boy pic.twitter.com/TlqIdoEuQr
—CableLifestyle (@CableLifestyle) January 8, 2025
Burna Boy’s dating history has been the subject of much speculation and attention. His preference for dating foreign black women has been well-documented.
The Grammy winner once dated Stefflon Don, the British rapper.
In 2020, the rapper spoke of his admiration for Burna Boy and how the Nigerian megastar told her he wished to make her his wife.
The ‘Ye’ singer also admitted that he intends to raise a child with the British singer, which ignited their relationship.
But the relationship hit the rocks along the way, with Burna Boy stating — in an interview — that he “has no wife” when he was asked about Don.
[TheCable]
From the off-season elections in Edo and Ondo states to the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy, 2024 was full of political events. Many of them are expected to have long-term effects, potentially shaping the politics of 2027.
In this piece, PREMIUM TIMES reviews some of the major political events of the past 12 months and their implications for Nigerian politics.
1. The endless PDP crisis
This marks the third consecutive year of crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The turmoil, which began as a fallout of the presidential primary election in May 2022, shows no signs of abating.
The main opposition party remains factionalised: the Atiku Abubakar faction, the G5 group led by Nyesom Wike, and the Bala Mohammed-led group. Throughout 2024, these factions engaged in turf wars often fought through proxies. Within the PDP Governors Forum, the infighting was intense. The National Assembly PDP caucus was similarly divided along these lines, while the National Working Committee (NWC) completed the triad of conflict.
In 2024, the factions vied for control of the NWC, led by Umar Damagum, who is believed to be loyal to Mr Wike.
A coalition of anti-Damagum forces made frantic efforts to unseat him, but the move ultimately failed. In October, the party witnessed a series of “suspension and counter suspension.” However, the impasse eventually led to a political compromise, leaving the crisis unresolved.
If current indications are anything to go by, the ongoing crisis in the PDP is likely to extend beyond 2025.
2. Change of National Anthem
No political pundit foresaw the change of the National Anthem. In May, the National Assembly, without adequate public consultation, replaced “Arise, O Compatriots” with the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”
The urgency of the change prompted questions about its intention and relevance to pressing national issues, such as the skyrocketing prices of food. However, it is widely believed that President Tinubu has a personal fondness for the old anthem and seized the opportunity to reinstate it.
Critics have resisted the change, with many refusing to sing it. It would not be surprising if a future administration reverts to the now-defunct anthem, adding yet another chapter to the “politics of the anthem.”
3. Labour Party Crisis and speculation over Atiku/Obi alliance
The Labour Party (LP) entered another phase of crisis in 2024, this time involving the Julius Abure-led NWC and a faction loyal to Peter Obi. Mr Obi’s 2022 defection to the party elevated it to national prominence, but internal strife has since become a daily occurrence.
In March, Mr Abure sought to consolidate his position by holding a convention in Anambra State. However, Mr Obi’s allies, including Governor Alex Otti, boycotted the event. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), a key stakeholder, also dismissed it as illegal.
In response, Mr Otti, backed by the NLC and Mr Obi, organised a counter convention, removing Mr Abure and appointing former finance minister Nenadi Usman as chair of a caretaker committee. However, a court later affirmed Mr Abure as the legitimate chairman.
Although Mr Abure appears to have won this round, he has since hinted that Mr Obi’s 2027 presidential ticket is not guaranteed. Without Mr Obi’s popularity, however, the party’s prospects remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, the LP performed poorly in off-cycle elections this year and continues to lose lawmakers to the ruling APC. Seven National Assembly members defected to the APC in 2024 alone.
A recent meeting between Messrs Obi and Atiku has fuelled speculation about a potential alliance, reminiscent of their ticket against Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
4. Off-Cycle Elections: APC gains Edo, retains Ondo
The Edo and Ondo elections provided INEC with another opportunity to fine-tune its processes ahead of the 2027 general elections. Both contests were marred by vote-buying and allegations of rigging.
However, observers praised INEC’s handling of the Ondo election, describing it as fairer compared to Edo. The incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC, won the Ondo election.
In Edo, internal wrangling within the PDP and LP undermined their chances. PDP’s incumbency factor offered little advantage due to divisions, while LP’s decision to bypass power rotation to Edo Central alienated key stakeholders.
APC capitalised on these weaknesses, with Monday Okpebholo emerging victorious. This win marked a significant gain for the APC in the South-south, where it now governs Cross River and Edo.
5. Governors Bello, Obaseki out, Ododo, Okpebholo in
The Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, and his Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, left office having completed their tenures.
Mr Bello handed over to Usman Ododo in January, about three months after the off-cycle governorship election was held in the state.
![Ahmed Usman Ododo, the newly elected governor of Kogi State with the outgoing Governor Yahaya Bello [PHOTO CREDIT: @OfficialOAU]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2023/11/F-4QU8UWQAAfV38.jpeg?resize=1079%2C720&ssl=1)
![Former governor Godwin Obaseki. [PHOTO CREDIT: @godwinobasekiofficial]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/04/168953507_4410085162353722_5073561825803938463_n.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
6. Rejigging Tinubu’s cabinet: bringing Daniel Bwala Onboard
In October, President Tinubu made major adjustments to his cabinet. Five ministers were dismissed, seven new ones were appointed, and 10 were reassigned.
Notable dismissals included Uju-Ken Ohanenye, who had a controversial tenure as minister of women’s affairs, and Tahir Mamman, who was removed as minister of education.
The merger of the ministry of sports with culture and tourism, alongside the creation of the ministry of livestock, was also praised.
A surprise appointment was Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, as well as Daniel Bwala, who left the APC in 2022 over its Muslim-Muslim ticket and later served as a spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign. Mr Bwaka was appointed to the presidential media team.
7. Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy/LG polls
A landmark Supreme Court judgement in 2024 guaranteed financial autonomy for local governments and abolished caretaker committees. Following initial protests, over 30 states hurriedly conducted local government elections to comply with the judgement.
Governors have since sought to dilute the ruling’s impact, with Anambra State enacting laws to claim a portion of local government funds.
8. Opposition to Tax Bills
President Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills have faced strong opposition, particularly from the North.
The Northern Governors’ Forum and traditional rulers expressed concerns over the bills’ implications, including changes to the VAT sharing formula. Despite the National Economic Council’s call for the bills’ withdrawal, the president remained resolute.
The bills remain stalled in both chambers of the National Assembly, but their fiscal provisions are expected to shape the 2025 budget.
As with many issues in 2024, the battle over tax reform is likely to spill into the new year.
9. Yahaya Bello: The hunted white lion
Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, became a governor under very extraordinary circumstances.
Mr Bello, a flamboyant politician and self-christened White Lion, was initially the symbol of youth inclusion in governance but his government’s non-payment of salaries and alleged use of violence during elections turned people against him.
He also faced accusations of financial mismanagement, leading to his recent ordeal with the anti-graft agencies.
For months, Mr Bello played cat and mouse with the EFCC in his N110 billion corruption trial and it is expected to extend to the new year. He eventually surrendered himself and was detained at the Kiuje prison until he perfected a bail granted him by the court.
10. INEC releases report on 2023 polls
INEC released a report on the 2023 General Elections, which highlighted some of the reforms the commission is undertaking.
Key items requiring legislative action include the unbundling of INEC through the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal and a separate agency to handle the registration and regulation of political parties.
Additionally, there is a need for legal clarity regarding the “manual transfer versus electronic transmission of results.”
Electronic transmission of results dominated the last electoral amendment.
Other proposed reforms include introducing early or special voting for officials on election duty and phasing out Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) as the sole means of accreditation for voting.
Projections for 2025
1. Mahmood Yakubu’s exit and appointment of a new INEC chairman
The Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, will complete his tenure in October 2025.
Mr Yakubu was initially appointed in 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed for a second term in 2020.
Whoever replaces Mr Yakubu is likely to generate political controversy, especially considering the current administration’s recent appointment of partisan political figures as resident electoral commissioners.
2. Tax bills conundrum may rage
The tax reform bills are expected to dominate political conversations in the new year. The discourse over the bills has become highly tense and emotional, particularly in the House of Representatives.
There is speculation that the bills may be passed alongside the 2025 budget in January. Whatever the case may be, these bills are highly political and are likely to dominate political activities.
3. Constitutional Review/Electoral Act amendment
Any major changes to the Constitution or Electoral Act must be concluded in 2025, as politicking for the general elections will begin in 2026. If past experiences are anything to go by, such changes become nearly impossible during the political season.
The National Assembly is expected to conclude its work on constitutional amendments in 2025, while the Committees on Electoral Matters in the House and the Senate have set a target of June 2025 for the passage of amendments to the Electoral Act.
4. Anambra governorship election
The off-cycle elections in November 2025 will also be a significant event, as Governor Charles Soludo will be seeking a second term in office.
What makes this election noteworthy is that Anambra State is the home of Mr Obi. This election will serve as a litmus test for Mr Obi and the Labour Party.
Many supporters of Mr Obi may see the November election as an opportunity to payback Mr Soludo, for his statement in 2022 where he described Mr Obi’s supporters as a “mob with no head.”
During the general elections, Mr Obi’s LP won the presidential election in the state and grabbed some National Assembly seats. However, the party performed poorly in the House of Assembly elections.
The governorship election in 2025 may be the real litmus test for the party, that is if the internal crisis in the party will allow them do do so.
5. Crisis in LP and PDP may not abate
There is currently no indication that the ongoing crises in the PDP and LP will end anytime soon.
The crises within these parties are expected to persist into the coming year.
The year 2025 is expected to be a defining moment for the PDP as the party prepares to conduct a National Convention to elect new officials who will lead it.
Throughout the third and fourth quarters of 2024, the party made several attempts to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which has now been scheduled for February.
With the tenure of the acting national chairman Umar Damagum set to end by late 2025, a national convention appears inevitable.
![PDP acting national chairman, Umar Damagum [PHOTO CREDIT @Ripples Nigeria]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/10/Amb.-Umar-Damagum.jpg?resize=1060%2C657&ssl=1)
6. INEC’S electoral process reforms
The year 2025 will be a pivotal one for INEC in terms of reforms and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Earlier in 2024, the commission’s chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, hinted that it is aiming for significant reforms, many of which will require legislative backing.
[PremiumTimes]
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A viral video shows a Nigerian father praying fervently after discovering that his daughter was about to win a ₦5 million bet on SportyBet.
In the clip, posted by Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the father is seen kneeling with his head bowed on a chair, praying earnestly. The video briefly shows the game in which the daughter was on the verge of securing the win.
The caption reads, “Nigerian Father turns into a prayer warrior after finding out his daughter was close to winning 5 million naira from betting.”
As the video circulated online, it sparked a wide range of reactions. Many users flooded the comment section, sharing their thoughts and opinions.
One user, Crypto Ambassador, tweeting anonymously as #LordCrypto_, said, “An excuse for a dad, when you should be discouraging and cautioning your kid. Poverty is a ravenous beast.”
BÎĠ ÅŁĖX, tweeting as #Alex_fabulous2, wrote, “Let them play, prayer won’t work for SportyBet; if the game is meant to land, it will land.”
“See how you’re using your dad to play! Nawa sef for the papa,” commented BlackAfghan, identifying as #ese_billie.
Izuchukwu Nwabueze, tweeting as #princepark5252, wrote, “Lol, this thing isn’t for the faint-hearted.”
Country Boy, tweeting anonymously as #Country16983102, said, “A game that will land will land well, and the one that won’t, will not. No matter how many prayers you say, it won’t change the outcome.”
watch the video
Media
Nigerians have voiced their outrage after a video emerged showing Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, for not writing as instructed.
While the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, confirmed the teacher’s arrest in a phone interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, Nigerians from all walks of life are calling for an investigation into the school.
PUNCH Metro also learnt from the Lagos State Ministry of Education on Wednesday, in an exclusive interview with spokesperson Kayode Sutton, that the matter had been escalated to the relevant departments for further investigation, with the disturbing incident having already been “forwarded to the appropriate quarters.”
A brief viral video seen by PUNCH Metro on Wednesday showed Nwadigo mistreating the young pupil during a writing lesson. In the footage, Nwadigo was heard instructing Abayomi on how to write the number six while repeatedly slapping him.
The footage ignited widespread outrage, with Nigerians condemning the act and demanding the teacher’s prosecution. Among the vocal critics was a well-known social commentator, VeryDarkMan, who threatened to lead a protest at the school if the teacher was not held accountable.
“To the owners of Christ-Mitots, you have just 24 hours to explain why the teacher treated that child in such a way. I’ve never been to Ikorodu, but I’ll fly to that school.
“I’ll bring a crowd with me and urge Nigerians to pay attention to this case so that incidents like this stop. Look at how she slapped that child. Imagine if he had fallen, and God forbid, they would likely invent a story about him falling while playing,” he said, suggesting that the teacher may have previously assaulted others before being caught on camera.
In an exclusive WhatsApp conversation with PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, the Chief Operating Officer at Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, Ebenezer Omejalile, confirmed that Michael had been hospitalised as a result of the physical assault.
He said, “The perpetrator has been arrested, while the pupil has been taken to the hospital. I’m here at the FSU with Supol Bola; the perpetrator is cooling off in the cell, and the case will be charged to court. This is the highest form of child cruelty by a supposed childminder by an animal in human skin. This sort of cruelty attracts so many consequences.
“The perpetrator has not only physically assaulted the child but has dehumanised the child in totality, going by several slaps on the right ear that may damage the child’s eardrum, which can lead to deafness unwarranted.”
Omejalile further emphasised the need for appropriate interventions, including a thorough medical examination, psychological treatment, and efforts to rebuild the child’s self-esteem.
“The perpetrator should face the wrath of the law so that she will serve as a deterrent to others. Lastly, I expect the Lagos State Ministry of Education, through the Quality Assurance Department, to move in as swiftly as possible. And a one-on-one interaction should be carried out on the pupils to know how many pupils the monster has subjected to this cruelty,” he added.
In response to the disturbing video and the outrage expressed by Nigerians across various social media platforms on Wednesday, Vivour-Adeniyi told our correspondent that an investigation into the incident had already begun.
“The teacher has been arrested and is currently in police custody. The police will commence an investigation, and we hope she will be charged in court after the outcome of their findings,” she told PUNCH Metro.
In a separate statement released on Wednesday via the agency’s verified X.com handle, which our correspondent obtained, the LSDSVA encouraged anyone with additional information to “contact us through our toll-free hotline or send a direct message on our social media platforms.”
“Indeed, institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children in their care.
“The state government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child by enforcing strict regulations, holding offenders accountable, and working with stakeholders to promote a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in any form,” the agency added.
Nigerian singer Teni Apata has emotionally remembered her late father, Brigadier-General Simeon Apata, on the 30th anniversary of his assassination.
The ex-army officer was reportedly killed on January 8, 1995, in the presence of his wife and children.
In an emotional Instagram post, Teni shared rare personal details of her father’s tragic death, revealing that a two-week-old baby was used as bait to lure him before his murder.
She described how her father was killed right in front of their home, leaving behind a grieving family who was not only shattered by his loss but also by the violent manner in which he was taken from them.
Teni also reflected on the absence of photographs with her father, something that deeply saddens her.
She revealed how her sister, fellow singer Niniola, offered comforting words when she shared her grief.
Niniola encouraged Teni to look into the mirror and remind herself that every time she sees herself, she will also see their late father.
Teni expressed how these words profoundly affected her, evoking deep emotions and a sense of connection with her father, despite his absence.
In her tribute, Teni described her father as a hero to many, particularly in his battle against armed robbers in the society.
She recalled that he had killed several robbers before his tragic death, earning a reputation as a protector of the people.
The singer also took time to acknowledge the three women who were her father’s wives, describing them as ‘sisters’ from different parts of Nigeria.
Gladys Ify (from Delta State), Margaret Olayinka (from Ekiti State), and Margaret Folajogun (from Ondo State) were each depicted in a photo shared by Teni, who noted that they had spoken about the deep void their husband’s death left in their lives during an interview with journalist Gregory Austin Nwakunor.
Teni also showcased one of her father’s lasting legacies—the Apata Memorial Nursery/Primary and Secondary School, which he had established for his family.
A video shared by Teni showed the school, which offers both day and boarding facilities.
See below;
The Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Abubakar Robert Ewa is dead.
Ewa passed on Wednesday evening at the Arubah Specialist Hospital in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
As at the time of filing this report, members of the Cross River State Executive Council and other aides of Governor Bassey Otu are gathered at the facility to mourn with the deceased family.
He was present at the state’s executive council meeting earlier on Wednesday which was presided Governor Otu.
Ewa served as Secretary and later, Chairman of the Boki Local Government Council. He also served as Special Adviser Community Relations and Secretary of the Anti-Deforestation Task Force.