Nigeria

Hunger crisis worsens in Nigeria amid Boko Haram conflict

Africa /

Humanitarian workers and locals are raising alarms over worsening hunger and malnutrition among internally displaced people in northeastern Nigeria, where the Boko Haram conflict has persisted since 2009. Although organizations like the World Food Program are providing food and essential supplies, many individuals remain inaccessible to aid, primarily located in conflict hotspots and hard-to-reach areas. Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown jihadist group, initiated its insurgency in 2009 with the aim of establishing Islamic Sharia law in the country. The violence has resulted in at least 35,000 deaths and displaced 2.1 million people, according to U.N. reports. During her visit to Nigeria, Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Program, traveled to Damasak, a community near the frontlines, to meet with humanitarian workers and locals receiving aid. “How do I take food from the hungry and give it to the starving? Because that’s the choices I have to make now,” McCain remarked. She also engaged with government leaders in Borno, assuring them of the U.N. food agency’s ongoing support.

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African health body says mpox still major health issue as cases rise

Africa /

Mpox is still a major public health issue in Africa, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said Thursday amid surging new cases. A total of 3,186 new cases were reported in the past week, with 489 confirmed and 53 deaths, Jean Kaseya said at a news conference. “We don’t see a decrease in terms of death, but we see an increase when we compared with previous weeks,” he said, adding there is a need to accelerate several interventions, including vaccination, to stop the spread. In 2024, more than 38,300 cases have been recorded in 16 countries on the continent to go along with 979 deaths, according to the latest data from Africa CDC. Ghana and Zambia are the latest countries to report an outbreak of mpox on the continent. The World Health Organization declared mpox a global public health emergency in August for the second time in two years, following the spread of a new variant of the viral infection from the Congo to neighboring countries. Kaseya said a vaccination campaign launched last weekend in Congo, the most affected country in the region, is on track with more than 1,600 people vaccinated, mainly in the east. Nigeria, which has received an allotment of 10,000 doses of a vaccine from the US, is to start vaccination in the coming days, according to Africa CDC. Africa expects to receive 10 million doses from partners. Mpox exhibits flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions.

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165 terrorists and gang members neutralized in Nigeria in one week

Africa /

In operations against the terrorist groups Boko Haram and ISWAP (the West African branch of ISIS) in Nigeria, 165 terrorists and armed gang members were neutralized in one week. Edward Buba, Director of Media Operations for the Nigerian Defense Ministry, stated that the military conducted operations nationwide targeting terrorism and armed gangs. He noted that 165 terrorists and gang members were killed, and 238 terrorists were arrested. Buba also reported the rescue of 188 individuals taken hostage by armed gang members and terrorists, along with the seizure of 153 weapons, numerous motorcycles, and significant ammunition. Nigeria has long faced attacks from armed gangs, Boko Haram, and ISWAP across various regions. Despite the death penalty for kidnapping, incidents of abduction for ransom are common, with armed individuals typically targeting villages, schools, and travelers in the northern parts of the country.

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Nigeria receives 600,000 doses of cholera vaccine

Africa /

Nigeria received 600,000 additional doses of cholera vaccine Tuesday to contain an outbreak of the infectious disease in northeastern Borno State caused by devasting floods. UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria Rownak Khan said the vaccine and other medical items were part of a global response to halt the spread of cholera, a waterborne disease which hit the state weeks after massive flooding damaged sanitary facilities and water supply. “This oral cholera vaccine was a joint effort between the government and the partners. UNICEF is one of the partners. We also have other partners who also put a lot of effort to bring the cholera vaccine to Nigeria,” Khan told Anadolu in the state capital Maiduguri after handing over the items to the government. The donation also included acute water diarrhea kits and hospital beds worth $69,000, she added. Last month, UNICEF delivered the first 300,000 doses of cholera vaccine to the state, starting massive vaccination in the area. Abubakar Hassan, special adviser to the Borno State governor on Health, said the state is yet to record any cholera-related deaths days after the outbreak of the disease was reported. Authorities said 451 suspected cases of cholera were recorded in Borno on Oct. 4, with 128 cases testing positive after a rapid diagnostic process.

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21 feared dead after boat collision in Nigeria

Africa /

At least 21 people drowned after two unregistered passenger boats capsized after colliding in Nigeria’s Lagos state, police confirmed Tuesday. The incident occurred in the town of Imore in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. The boats, each carrying 16 passengers, capsized in the middle of a lagoon. Lagos state police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the incident occurred on Monday. He said 11 passengers with injuries were rushed to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija. Police teams, local divers and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to the scene. Hundeyin confirmed that efforts are underway to recover the bodies of those who drowned, adding an investigation into the incident is being conducted. Last week, 48 people died and around 150 others went missing when a boat capsized in Kebbi state. The boat was carrying around 300 passengers.

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Nigeria: 15 illegal oil refining sites have been destroyed

Africa /

In Nigeria, a country rich in oil and natural gas, 15 illegal refineries processing stolen crude oil have been destroyed. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, announced in a written statement that the military conducted aerial operations against oil smugglers in the Niger Delta, the nation’s oil-producing region. He reported the destruction of 15 illegal refining sites and the seizure of 11 tankers carrying oil, along with several boats. Additionally, 115,000 liters of stolen crude oil were recovered. Oil theft in Nigeria is negatively impacting the country’s economy. Nigerian Senator Ned Nwoko has stated that due to increasing oil theft and attacks on pipelines, the country has suffered losses exceeding $3 billion in 2023. Nigeria’s proven oil reserves are approximately 37 billion barrels, accounting for 3.1% of global reserves. Ranked among the top 15 countries in crude oil production, Nigeria is the 8th in the world for oil reserves and 6th in oil exports. In the Delta region, where oil fields are located, armed groups are involved in sabotage, conflicts, and kidnappings related to oil operations.

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Nigeria has started selling crude oil in its local currency.

Business /

Nigeria, a country rich in oil and natural gas, has begun selling crude oil in its local currency, the naira. Mohammed Manga, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, stated that this initiative follows a directive from the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Manga highlighted that this strategic move is anticipated to have a significant and lasting effect on Nigeria’s economy by promoting growth, stability, and self-sufficiency. He also pointed out that Nigeria is navigating the complexities of global markets, positioning itself for future success with this approach. Nigeria’s proven oil reserves stand at approximately 37 billion barrels, representing 3.1% of the world’s total reserves. As one of the top 15 crude oil producers globally, Nigeria ranks 8th in oil reserves and is the 6th largest exporter of oil.

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