Abuja in the headlines as Nigeria faces coup plot trials and terrorism convictions; capital city houses the Federal Government and key institutions. Population: ~3.6 million in 2023.
The US has issued travel warnings and ordered non-essential staff to leave Nigeria due to escalating violence, terrorism, and kidnapping. Nigeria's government criticizes the advisories as unbalanced, citing ongoing security efforts and progress. The situation remains volatile across many states, with US warnings covering over half of Nigeria's regions.
Nigeria has prosecuted over 500 Boko Haram and ISWAP suspects, securing 386 convictions in a series of fast-tracked trials. Sentences range from five years to life imprisonment, with rehabilitation mandated. The trials, monitored by international observers, address a decade-long insurgency that has caused thousands of deaths and displacements.
Nigeria has filed 13 charges against six suspects linked to an alleged coup plot to overthrow President Tinubu. The defendants include a retired major-general and a serving police inspector; a seventh figure, former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva, remains at large. Proceedings begin in Abuja as the case highlights ongoing security concerns in West Africa.
A former French national and an accomplice in Madagascar have been charged over an alleged plot to destabilise the country, including plans to sabotage power lines and incite unrest. The group reportedly planned actions for 18 April and used a WhatsApp group to coordinate. Madagascar’s political instability and past protests provide the backdrop for the case.
Nigeria has extended the screening for evacuees from South Africa to Wednesday after authorities approve five evacuation flights. More than 500 Nigerians have been cleared, with the first batch of about 270 passengers expected to depart Johannesburg once permits are secured.