Four NSCDC officers confirmed d3ad in Boko Haram ambush

Four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) have been confirmed d3ad after a Boko Haram ambush in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.

The attack occurred near the Niger-Kaduna state boundary during an inspection tour of national grid installations on November 18, 2024.

NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, November 28.

Afolabi revealed that of the seven officers initially reported missing, four bodies had been recovered, one officer remains unaccounted for, and two returned to base unharmed.

“Recall that seven personnel of the Corps’ Special Squad drawn from the National headquarters, FCT and Kaduna State Command respectively were declared missing in action when they were ambushed in boundaries between Niger and Kaduna states by the Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of the National Grid Installation,” Afolabi stated. 

“As of today, out of the seven missing officers, four dead bodies had been recovered; two men returned back to base unhurt while one personnel is still missing in action.”

The ambush targeted a convoy of NSCDC personnel escorting expatriates who had been stranded in the Dagwachi Village area after returning from a mining site.

The attack reportedly involved over 200 heavily armed insurgents, who opened fire from an elevated position.

Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC officers reportedly repelled the assault, neutralising over 50 insurgents during the exchange

The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, condemned the attack, describing it as a tragic loss.

Audi extended condolences to the families of the deceased and praised the bravery of the officers involved.

As investigations continue into the ambush, Audi urged members of the Corps to remain vigilant and undeterred by the loss.

He urged the public to support the Corps and other security agencies in combating insecurity and protecting Nigerians’ lives and property.

“The personnel demonstrated an unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their fatherland; hence, they deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to,” he said.

Okonjo-Iweala reappointed for second term as DG of World Trade Organization

 

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its director-general for a second term. 

In a post on X on Friday, WTO said the reappointment will take effect on September 1, 2025.

The former Minister of Finance assumed office as the seventh Director-General of the World Trade Organization on March 1 2021. She made history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.

Congratulations to her! 

 

President Tinubu and first lady to depart Nigeria for France for a state visit

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday, November 27, to begin a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.

A statement released by presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, says the Nigerian leader's three-day visit, will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.

Onanuga said President Tinubu and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l'Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.

‘’During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.  

Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development. 

Brigitte and Nigeria's First Lady will discuss the latter's passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

President Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.''

 Onanuga mentioned that top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.  

You’ll pay huge price for allowing illegal migrants into US’ — Trump vows to punish Canada, Mexico on Day 1 of inauguration

US President-elect Donald Trump vowed that he would impose a 25% tariff on all products coming into the United States from Mexico and Canada on his first day in office .

“As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump said that on January 20, in one of his first executive orders, he would sign all the necessary paperwork to levy a 25% tariff on all products arriving from the U.S.’s North American neighbours.

“This Tariff will remain in effect until Drugs, in particular, Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” he wrote. “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long-simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”

Trump said in another Truth Social post that he also would levy an additional 10% tariff on top of existing tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States.

“I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail,” he wrote. “Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through.”

Trump said the additional tariff on Chinese goods would remain in place until it stops allowing illegal drugs to pour into the U.S.

Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to declare a national emergency and use military assets to deport a record number of immigrants who are in the United States illegally.

Some Economists warn that slapping tariffs on products shipped into the United States could drive up inflation and interest rates and result in higher consumer prices. 

Soldiers clash with unknown gunmen in Abia community

A fierce gunfight between personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and unidentified gunmen broke out early Monday morning in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.

Reports suggest the clash began around 6 a.m. when over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived in the area. The military operation reportedly targeted suspected gunmen believed to be camped near a river marking the boundary between Abia State and the Mbaise axis of Imo State.

Soldiers have since secured key junctions leading to and from the village, while others continue to engage the gunmen in nearby bushes. Gunfire has been ongoing as of the time of reporting, creating tension in the area.

No official statement has been released by the Nigerian Army or the Abia State government regarding the operation. The confrontation follows Governor Alex Otti’s recent promise to improve security in the state after a meeting with top security officials.

"Black Sunday" 30 k!lled in fresh attacks in Benue

At least 30 people have allegedly been k!lled after alleged herdsmen invaded several communities across two Local Government Areas of Benue State. 

Rural communities in Kastina-Ala and Logo LGAs were attacked on Sunday, Nov. 24, and in the early hours of Monday, Nov. 25. 

According to locals, 10 corpses have been recovered in the Kastina-Ala while 20 bodies were recovered in Logo area, bringing the total number of d£@ths to 30. 

Commenting on the incident, a community leader in Logo, Chief Joseph Anawah, said, “There was attack on Azege settlement and environ of Tombo Council Ward yesterday, Sunday 24th November 2024 about 7am. Armed men numbering over 300, suspected to be militia from outside Nigeria, struck. 

“This invasion was carried out in the morning hours and the invaders were clearly seen by the locals. The security operatives on ground were unable to repel them because of their number and the sophisticated weapons they were carrying. It was not until the arrival of a military jet before they were able to subdue them to retreat. Over 20 corpses were discovered while the search for more missing persons is on going.” 

Council Chairman of Kastina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, also told journalists in Makurdi that many people were k!lled in his area and valuable property destroyed. 

“Yes, another incident of attack by herder marauders was reported to have taken place this morning (Monday) the 25th day of November, 2024 at about 2am. The Information is that many of them heavily armed stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward of Shitile in Katsina -Ala LGA. 

“From reports, they have killed many people, number yet unknown, destroyed valuable properties and looted a lot of household items and left uninterruptedly. Note that Benue State is under serve security threat by herder armed bandits. The level of destruction and scores killed would be forwarded to you in due course, please,” Shaku said. 

His Logo LGA counterpart, Clement Kav, alleged that the attackers claimed ownership of his domain, saying that the Tombo land belongs to them. 

“They attacked the Tombo council ward and killed 17 person and injured 37. The Governor has already mobilised more security to the area and peace has been restored. No case of missing persons for now,” he said. 

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, saying, however, that five bodies were recovered.

Some locals have gone on Facebook to address the attack.

 

See below.