Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 895 confirmed cases and 166 deaths in 2025 – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released its latest Situation Report, covering Week 37 (September 8–14, 2025), confirming a total of 895 Lassa fever cases and 166 deaths across the country so far in 2025.

The latest weekly update reported 11 new confirmed cases in Ondo, Bauchi, Kogi, and Anambra States, representing a slight decline from the 13 cases recorded in the previous week.

The cumulative figures translate to a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.5 percent, which is higher than the 16.9 percent CFR reported during the corresponding period in 2024.

Lassa fever has now been confirmed in 21 states across 106 Local Government Areas (LGAs). However, approximately 90 percent of all infections are concentrated in just five states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, highlighting the sustained severe burden of the disease in these regions.

The NCDC report also indicated that the 21–30 age group remains the most affected. Encouragingly, no new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the reporting week, and both the suspected and confirmed cases show a downward trend compared to the same period last year.

While reaffirming its commitment to outbreak control, the NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain vigilance and adopt crucial preventive measures, including avoiding contact with rodents, ensuring proper food storage, and seeking early medical attention for any suspected symptoms.

FCT begins probe into de@th of Arise TV anchor, Sommie Maduagwu

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer with Arise News Channel, who tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.

Describing the incident as a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society. The Commissioner of Police assured that the Command remains fully committed to ensuring that justice is served.

In a statement released, the command's spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the FCT police boss has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

She mentioned that the police commissioner has further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.

While assuring residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to public safety and the prevention of similar occurrences, the CP called on members of the public to support ongoing investigations by providing timely and useful information to the Police. He charged all FCT residents to always ensure they raise prompt alarm in every suspicious situation with a view to denying criminal elements in our society, opportunity to carry out their evil plans.

Adeh mentioned that residents of the FCT can reach the Command through the following emergency lines O8032003913, 08028940883 and its complaint Response Unit (CRU): 08107314192

She concluded by saying every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Repentant bandit shot d3ad in Benue market

Panic broke out in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State when unknown gunmen shot and k!lled a repentant bandit, identified as Kyoga Joka.

 

Joka was shot d3ad in the town’s main market on Monday, September 29, 2025.

 

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the busy market and opened fire on Joka, who was a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ukum.

 

He d!ed on the spot, causing traders and shoppers to flee in confusion.

 

The k!lling of Joka has heightened fear and suspicion across the community, with residents pressing security operatives to act swiftly by inviting several individuals for questioning. 

 

Many believe the tragedy may be tied to earlier threats and local rivalries that had been openly discussed before the assassination.

 

According to credible reports, the suspects were seen meeting shortly before Joka’s d3ath. 

 

 

Journalist, Rufai Oseni shares throwback tweet of President Tinubu questioning ex-President Jonathan's competence over the spate of insecurity

As residents of Kwara state battle insecurity in some of its communities, Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni, has shared a throwback tweet of President Tinubu questioning ex-President Goodluck Jonathan's competence over the spate of insecurity while he was in office. 

See the post below…

Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Move To Expose Nigerian Politicians Accused Of Aiding Bandits

 

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have said they are preparing to expose the names of prominent Nigerian politicians aiding bandits in the north-western region of the country. 

The three neighboring nations said they are working on confirming the identities of political figures accused of links with criminal groups in the region, DW Hausa reports.

Authorities further explained that information has already been gathered on certain political actors said to be involved in supplying weapons to the bandits.

The authorities said they already have the names of some top Nigerian politicians and have arrested some individuals involved in supplying weapons to the bandits, adding that investigations are already underway. 

The announcement comes against the backdrop of years of killings, abductions, and displacement carried out by armed bandits across Nigeria’s north-west. 

In Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, villages have been repeatedly attacked, homes destroyed, and farmers forced from their lands. 

The violence has also included mass school kidnappings that drew global attention. 

It was also reported that also in Kwara State, the police command confirmed the killing of 12 vigilante members, including the Baale of Ogbayo by bandits, following an attack in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025, when armed men invaded the Ogbayo area of Oke-Ode at about 7am, shooting sporadically.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, a combined team of police operatives and members of the National Forest Security Service (NFSS) swiftly responded to the distress call. 

Ejire-Adeyemi explained that on arrival, the police discovered the lifeless bodies of 12 vigilante members, including the community head.

The statement added that four persons who sustained gunshot injuries were rushed to hospital for treatment, while the corpses of the deceased were evacuated from the scene. 

Culled from Sahara Reporters.

Nanny kidnaps employer’s baby to cover up a fake pregnancy scam

Police in South Africa have arrested a 35-year-old nanny accused of kidnapping her employer’s baby after allegedly faking a pregnancy to extort money from her boyfriend.

The ordeal began on Saturday afternoon when the infant’s mother returned home to find the house disturbingly quiet, her child and the nanny were both missing. Alarmed, she immediately tried to contact the caregiver. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Magwaza, the mother confronted the woman over the phone.

“The mother contacted the nanny asking her where she was as she had not consented to the child being taken from the house,” Magwaza said. But the nanny’s responses only deepened the panic. She first claimed to be in Empangeni, yet offered no credible explanation for taking the child without permission.

Magwaza explained further: “Communication between the mother and the nanny suggested that the mother needed to go alone to Empangeni to fetch her child.” Sensing something was terribly wrong, the mother refused to comply and instead reported the case at Durban Central Police Station.

Investigators quickly mobilized, and what they uncovered painted a startling picture. The nanny, police allege, had been deceiving her boyfriend into believing she had given birth to his child. She reportedly used the infant to support this falsehood, collecting R2,500 a month from the man under the pretense that it was for the baby’s care.

The discovery added urgency to the case. In the early hours of Sunday morning, police executed an operation in Empangeni, where they located the suspect and safely recovered the baby.

“The child was found unharmed and has been taken for precautionary medical examination,” Magwaza confirmed. The woman was taken into custody and is expected to appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The case has sparked widespread concern over the vulnerabilities of families employing domestic caregivers, while also highlighting how deception and financial desperation can fuel disturbing crimes.

PENGASSAN declares nationwide strike over ‘mass sack’ of 800 workers at Dangote refinery

 

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has directed all its members to embark on a nationwide strike starting from on Monday, September 29 following the sack of over 800 workers by Dangote refinery.

PENGASSAN, described the recent mass sack of Nigerian workers at Dangote Refinery as a violation of labour rights and a dangerous precedent. In a strongly worded statement, the union alleges that Nigerians were dismissed for joining PENGASSAN and replaced with over 2,000 foreign nationals, describing the move as an “enslavement of Nigerian workers.

The National Executive Council of PENGASSAN directed all members across oil companies, institutions, and agencies to withdraw services beginning from 12am on Monday, September 29, 2025. The action includes shutting down control room operations, panel operations, and ramping down crude and gas supply to the Dangote Refinery. PENGASSAN leaders also called on its members to embark on a night vigil as soon as the strike kicks off.

”All PENGASSAN members across all offices, companies, institutions, and agencies should withdraw all services effective 00:01 on Monday, 29th of September, 2025.

All IOC branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.

The prayer point should include a call to God Almighty to give courage to those in authority to rein in Dangote and his co-travelers on the need to obey the laws of our country. No man is bigger than our country, An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement said

Ballon d’Or: Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie ranked fourth-best Goalkeeper in the world

Super Falcons star Chiamaka Nnadozie has earned global recognition after being ranked the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris.

The Nigerian international, who plays her club football with Paris FC in France, was named among the top five in the prestigious ranking for the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy — an award dedicated to the best female goalkeepers in the world.

England and Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton made history by becoming the first-ever winner of the award, after an outstanding year that saw her inspire the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory and lead Chelsea to a domestic treble. Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger claimed second place, while Spain’s Cata Coll finished third.
 

For Nnadozie, the recognition is another milestone in a rapidly rising career. She first gained worldwide attention at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she produced a Player of the Match performance in Nigeria’s shock victory over co-hosts Australia. Since then, she has established herself as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers and a key figure for both club and country.

Hampton’s landmark award capped a remarkable season in which she kept 13 clean sheets in the Women’s Super League, shared the Golden Glove, and played a decisive role in England’s European success.

Taliban release detained elderly British couple

An elderly British couple detained in Afghanistan for nearly eight months were freed on Friday, September 19, after international pressure mounted over concerns for their health. Taliban officials confirmed the release of Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbara, 76, but offered no explanation for their arrest in February.

Standing beside her husband at Kabul airport, Barbara said, “We’ve been treated very well. We’re looking forward to seeing our children. We are looking forward to returning to Afghanistan if we can. We are Afghan citizens.”

The couple, who married in Kabul in 1970, have lived in Afghanistan for almost two decades, running educational programmes for women and children. Despite advice from the British government to leave when the Taliban regained power in 2021, they chose to remain and later became Afghan citizens.

Their release followed negotiations brokered by Qatar. A statement from Taliban spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said, “Two British nationals named Peter and Barbara Reynolds, who had violated the laws of Afghanistan, were released from custody today following the judicial process.” He confirmed they were handed over to Richard Lindsay, the UK’s special envoy to Afghanistan.

Images broadcast on Sky News showed the couple preparing to depart Kabul for Doha alongside Lindsay, who said, “They are very relieved to be going home.”

The pair were initially held in a maximum-security facility and later kept in underground cells before being transferred to Kabul’s intelligence services, according to UN experts. In July, UN human rights officials warned their health was deteriorating rapidly, stating they risked “irreparable harm or even death” if not freed. Their family also made repeated appeals for their release.

Hamish Falconer, the UK’s minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, said he was “relieved… their ordeal has come to an end.” He also warned that it remains against government advice for British nationals to travel to Afghanistan, where consular support is “extremely limited.”

A Qatari official confirmed that the release followed months of mediation efforts conducted in coordination with the British government. The development comes shortly after a visit to Kabul by Washington’s special envoy on hostages, Adam Boehler, who discussed possible prisoner exchanges. At least one US citizen is currently in Taliban custody.

Dozens of foreign nationals have been detained since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Russia remains the only country to have officially recognised the Taliban government, while most embassies remain closed in Kabul.

I’m Tinubu’s agent – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described himself as a proud agent of President Bola Tinubu, saying he is part of the team working to address the challenges Nigerians face due to past governance failures.

Wike made the remarks during the official flag-off of the construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III in Abuja. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the president, highlighting Tinubu’s commitment to improving the country’s welfare.

“Give support to who needs to do well. Tinubu is doing well and is committed to improving the welfare of this country. He is committed to see that this country gets to the level where it’s supposed to be,” Wike said.

He acknowledged that Nigerians have been facing difficult times and urged patience as reforms take effect. “Yes, when you are coming from a bad period, you have been patient and patient and then now you require a miracle. You didn’t know that things were terribly bad. You knew that those were terribly bad but someone else has come to fix it. I know that you are impatient,” he added.

Wike reiterated the role of his team in supporting the president’s agenda, stating, “I want to appeal to you to continue to be patient, you see how things will turn around. Mr. President is working towards it through his agents like us. We are agents of Mr. President and we are very proud agents, very proud indeed.”