Tinubu tops headlines as Nigeria presses on with leadership moves under the 16th president, ex-Lagos governor born 1952. focused, bold.
President Bola Tinubu's two-day state visit to the UK, the first in 37 years, focused on deepening diplomatic, economic, and security relations. Discussions included trade, regional stability, and cultural ties, with agreements on trade summits and security cooperation. The visit highlights Nigeria's progress and strategic partnership with the UK.
The US has deployed MQ-9 drones and approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to support local forces against Islamist militants. The deployment focuses on intelligence gathering and training, following recent attacks and US strikes. This marks the first time US soldiers are involved in combat support in Nigeria since 2024.
Multiple attacks by Boko Haram and Ansaru have targeted military bases in Nigeria, resulting in casualties. Recent assaults in Borno and Kwara states have killed soldiers and injured others, with insurgents increasing pressure on overstretched Nigerian forces amid ongoing military operations.
UNICEF has issued its first Child Alert in 20 years for Darfur, saying children have been pushed into extreme hunger, disease, displacement and violence as fighting between Sudan's army and the RSF has intensified. The agency has warned that needs are larger than in 2005 and that international funding and access are dangerously low.
Armed gangs in Nigeria have abducted students and travelers, with ongoing rescue efforts. Recent incidents include the kidnapping of 14 passengers on the Otukpo-Makurdi highway, prompting government and security responses. The insecurity continues to disrupt education and travel in Nigeria's northern region as of April 24, 2026.
A French family has issued a formal apology for their ancestors' role in transatlantic slavery, coinciding with ongoing debates about reparations worldwide. The UN has recently recognized slavery as the 'gravest crime against humanity' and called for reparations, while discussions continue in France, the UK, and the US about addressing historical injustices.
Nigeria's National Broadcasting Commission has issued a directive to broadcasters to enforce stricter rules on political content, citing breaches of the broadcasting code. Critics argue the move aims to suppress dissent and limit press freedom during the upcoming elections. Amnesty International and SERAP condemn the measures as unlawful and dangerous for democracy. The government maintains it is safeguarding electoral integrity.
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.
Pope Leo XIV has addressed a Mass for roughly 100,000 attendees in Mongomo and is visiting a Bata prison, urging Equatorial Guinea to pursue justice and bridge the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged amid long-standing human rights concerns and economic inequality.
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.
Armed attackers have abducted dozens of students from a primary school in Mussa, Borno State, and at least 40 more from a Baptist school in Oyo State. Authorities are assessing numbers while rights groups warn that abductions are driving families to pull children from school.
A joint Nigerian-US operation in the Lake Chad Basin has killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISWAP figure tied to ISIS. Nigeria and AFRICOM confirm no US or Nigerian forces were harmed; campaign follows rising militant activity in West Africa.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has announced that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander Abubakar Mainok has been killed in a joint air-land operation with U.S. Africa Command in the Lake Chad region. The operation targeted senior ISWAP figures and logistics hubs, with authorities reporting multiple fatalities among militants.