Military air strikes kill dozens of people in northeast Nigeria

Dozens of people died in air strikes in Nigeria's northeastern Yobe state as military aircraft hunted jihadists, local residents and Amnesty International said Sunday.

Africa's most populous country has been fighting a jihadist insurgency for 17 years, since Boko Haram's 2009 uprising, which has seen the emergence of powerful splinter groups including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In recent years, civilians have been caught in the crossfire and killed in military air strikes targeting the militants, though the authorities sometimes dispute hitting civilians.

The latest air strikes on the village of Jilli occurred on Saturday, the death tolls differing according to the sources.

Amnesty International said on X there were "more than 100 dead" and 35 people seriously wounded.

“We have their pictures and they include children,” Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International's Nigeria director, told the Associated Press, referring to the casualties.

“We are in touch with people that are there, we spoke with the hospital,” he said. “We spoke with the person in charge of casualties, and we spoke with the victims.”

Local chief Lawan Zanna Nur however said "the total casualties, dead and injured, is around 200".

Many were taken to hospitals in nearby Geidam and Maiduguri, he added, where at least eight more of the wounded had died Sunday.

"We are talking of dozens dead but it is difficult to give a specific toll," he said.

Nigeria's military said in a statement it had struck a location in Jilli, "long identified as a major terrorist movement corridor and convergence point for Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists and their collaborators".

Calling it "a carefully, well coordinated planned and intelligence-driven operation", the military said in a statement that it "successfully conducted a precision air strike on a known terrorist enclave and logistics hub located near the abandoned village of Jilli".

It said "scores of terrorists" were killed in the strike, but did not mention any civilian casualties.

The Nigerian Air Force later responded to reports of civilian casualties with a statement saying it had activated ‌its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell "to immediately proceed to the location on a fact-finding ⁠mission on the allegation".

A market committee member Bulama Mulima Abbas told AFP "36 bodies have been counted" after the airstrike "on the traders".

An intelligence source told AFP that Jilli market "is wholly controlled by Boko Haram who provides security and collect tax from traders".

Jihadist violence had slowed from its peak in around 2015 but Boko Haram and ISWAP have recently stepped up attacks in northeastern Nigeria in their campaign to establish a caliphate.

The insurgency which started in 2009 has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million more, according to the United Nations.

Early this year the United States began deploying 200 troops to Nigeria to provide technical and training support to soldiers in fighting jihadist groups.

Nigeria's Attorney General and Minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi on Friday said nearly 400 people had been convicted for terrorism and terrorism financing in the latest series of mass trials.

"In total, we brought about 508 cases. Of this 508, we were able to secure 386 convictions, 8 discharges, 2 acquittals and 112 adjourned to the next phase," he told reporters.

France 24

Related story: Nigerian politician arrested for allegedly providing false intelligence to embassies

Australian miner announces lithium-rich mineral discovery in Nigeria after securing six licences

Australian miner Chariot Resources Limited has announced a lithium-rich mineral discovery in Nigeria following the approval of six mining licences by the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), marking a significant step in its entry into the country’s critical minerals sector.

In a statement, the company said the MCO approved the transfer of a total of six licences—comprising four exploration licences and two small-scale mining licences—from Continental Lithium Limited to C&C Minerals Limited, its Nigerian joint venture entity.

The licences cover both exploration permits at the Fonlo and Gbugbu projects, as well as small-scale mining interests at the Saki project, effectively consolidating Chariot’s control over key assets in the region.

Shanthar Pathmanathan, Executive Chairman & Managing Director of Chariot, said:“These approvals are monumental for the Company and indeed the global lithium sector as they signify the first entry of an ASX-listed lithium company into the high-potential lithium sector in Nigeria, which hosts lithium pegmatites that are already producing spodumene for the Chinese market but remain almost entirely undrilled."

The approvals represent substantial progress toward completing Chariot’s acquisition of a 66.667 percent stake in C&C Minerals, with Continental Lithium retaining the remaining 33.333 percent.

The company described the development as a key regulatory milestone that materially de-risks its Nigerian lithium portfolio acquisition.

Chariot also confirmed that four additional licences—three at Saki and one at Iganna—are still awaiting final approval from the MCO.

Spodumene discovery strengthens Nigeria lithium ambitions

Independent laboratory analysis conducted by the University of British Columbia confirmed the presence of high-value spodumene across all six sampled sites from the Fonlo and Iganna projects.

According to The West Australian, the mineral accounted for between 28.4 percent and 75.3 percent of crystalline content, a result the company says significantly strengthens its development outlook.

Spodumene is considered one of the most commercially viable lithium-bearing minerals due to its relatively straightforward processing compared to more complex alternatives such as lepidolite, which was not detected in any of the samples.

The six samples also returned lithium oxide grades ranging from 2.66 percent to 5.96 percent, reinforcing expectations of high-grade mineralisation.

Additionally, elevated caesium values were recorded, with pollucite reaching up to 9.5 percent in one Iganna sample, indicating strong lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite potential.

Chariot said the findings support its plan to advance drill-ready targets and accelerate exploration across its Nigerian portfolio.

The company added that the mineralogical results substantially de-risk its development pathway and will guide upcoming exploration, fieldwork, and potential small-scale mining assessments as it moves toward phased project development in Nigeria.

By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa

Related stories: Nigeria says it has pulled in $2.6 billion into mining as it seeks US backing to make Africa a global critical minerals hub

Poverty forces Nigerian families into backyard mining

Nigerian artisans preserve handwoven fabric amid rising global demand

In Iseyin, a sleepy town in southwestern Nigeria, shaded spaces under trees, makeshift sheds, and narrow alleys serve as production hubs for aso-oke, a handwoven fabric indigenous to the Yoruba people.

Demand for this fabric has surged both domestically and internationally, fuelled by the Nigerian diaspora and the growing global recognition of the country’s fashion and music culture. Despite this popularity, artisans steadfastly resist mechanisation, maintaining that handweaving is essential to the fabric’s unique character.

Located roughly 200km (108 miles) from Lagos, Nigeria’s cultural and fashion epicentre, Iseyin stands as the acknowledged home of aso-oke. Under the intense heat of a muggy morning, yards of yarn and freshly woven fabrics stretch across dusty spaces surrounded by weathered sheds where weavers diligently work behind wooden looms. The craft has become an economic lifeline, attracting young people, including university graduates, who flock to Iseyin to learn the tradition.

Bare-chested with tattooed biceps glistening, Waliu Fransisco works at his wooden loom, the rhythmic click-clack filling the air as he weaves a cream-and-blue fabric. Ten years ago, Fransisco abandoned his career as a Lagos nightclub singer to master aso-oke weaving. Though he initially found the physical demands challenging, he has no regrets about his decision.

“Now I earn a decent living from weaving aso-oke and I’m satisfied,” the 34-year-old told AFP.

Aso-oke, which roughly translates to “the cloth from up country”, is a thick, often vibrantly multicoloured fabric that has become a staple in Nigeria, Africa’s fashion capital. It appears in traditional ceremonial attire, statement fashion pieces, and casual wear. Strips are sewn onto other fabrics, adding distinctive color and elegance, as seen when Meghan Markle wore an aso-oke wrapper and shoulder shawl during her visit to Nigeria with Britain’s Prince Harry two years ago.

In Iseyin, the steady rhythm of ancient wooden looms provides the soundtrack to a tradition passed through generations. Aso-oke remains both a cultural emblem and a marker of identity. Historically, production involved preparing threads from cotton or silk—cleaning, spinning, and dyeing fibers using traditional methods before setting them on looms, with limited colour options.

Today’s weavers increasingly use loom-ready threads in diverse colours “mostly imported from China”, according to 42-year-old weaver Abdulhammed Ajasa. Artisans spend hours arranging threads on looms to create narrow, tightly patterned strips that are later sewn together into wider cloths for garments and accessories.

“This is what Iseyin is known for,” says Kareem Adeola, 35, from behind his loom. “We inherited it from our forefathers.”

AFP

Nigerian politician arrested for allegedly providing false intelligence to embassies

Aliyu Gebi, a Nigerian politician and security consultant was arrested last week and subsequently granted bail over allegations that he supplied what security sources described as false intelligence to foreign embassies in Nigeria, PREMIUM TIMES can report.

Mr Gebi, a lawmaker in the 7th House of Representatives, was arrested by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) on Friday, 03 April, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

The politician who has now become a prominent figure in Nigeria’s security architecture, allegedly provided “false intelligence” to embassies in Nigeria.

A security source who was not authorised to speak to the press about the matter, said Mr Gebi’s report ignited tension, forcing some airlines to cancel flights to Nigeria.

“Lufthansa cancelled flights scheduled to take off to Nigeria,” the source said, adding British Airways nearly did the same.

Another source said the same intelligence was relied upon by the United States to issue an advisory to its citizens in Nigeria. Citing “deteriorating security situation”, the US Department of State, in a tweet on Wednesday, asked its non-essential workers in Nigeria to leave the country due to worsening security conditions. The Nigerian government has refuted this claim, urging Nigeria’s partners to ensure balanced and up-to-date reporting that reflects the “progress being made” to secure Nigeria.

Describing the West African country as unsafe, the US advised Americans to reconsider travelling to Nigeria. In its updated travel advisory, the US Department of State listed armed robbery, kidnapping, assault, and roadside banditry as violent crimes that are common across the country.

Places like Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kogi, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina were listed as states with higher risk. Other states listed include Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers.

While the content of Mr Gebi’s report could not be obtained by this newspaper, many sources said it created diplomatic tension.

“Many embassies received the report and wanted to act on it, but the Nigerian government dialogued with them and they shelved their plans,” another source told PREMIUM TIMES.

“But the United States went ahead to issue that advisory,” he added.

The diplomatic relationship between Abuja and Washington worsened last year when the latter redesignated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern following false claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, a claim which was propagated by President Donald Trump and some Republican lawmakers.

While the Nigerian government admitted that the country is facing threats, it argued that Nigerians of all faiths are victims of terror attacks. The United States maintained its position and launched missiles on Nigerian territory, claiming that it targeted Islamic State fighters in Sokoto, North-west. The Nigerian government later said it was briefed before the attack and provided the intelligence used by the US.

Mr Trump would later accept that Muslims are also victims of violence in Nigeria. This was followed by the deployment of US troops to the North-east where the Boko Haram insurgency has lingered for more than a decade. The Nigerian military said the US troops will not be involved in combat operations but will provide training and technical support.

Investigation continues

While Mr Gebi had been granted bail, sources said he’s being investigated and will be charged in court afterwards.

The former politician, this newspaper gathered, has been reporting to the SSS headquarters since the incident.

“He has been going to the SSS office since he was granted bail,” one source said. “He is being investigated and will be charged in court.”

PREMIUM TIMES could not reach Mr Gebi for comments. His line was switched off and messages sent to him on WhatsApp and via SMS had neither been acknowledged nor responded to. Our reporter observed that he has not been active on WhatsApp, raising suspicion that his phone might have been confiscated by the secret police.


Who is Gebi?

Mr Gebi, was born on 17 January 1975 in Bauchi State.

He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 where he chaired the committee on internal security.

He subsequently became a special adviser at the ministry of interior between 2015 and 2023.

Mr Gebi was later appointed as special adviser on non-kinetic security strategies at the Defence Headquarters where he focused on peace frameworks, early warning systems and coordinated responses to insurgency and cross-border terrorism.

By Yakubu Mohammed, Premium Times

Related story: US expands Nigeria travel warning, lets embassy staff leave Abuja

Nigeria’s poverty crisis deepens as 140 million struggle despite easing inflation

Poverty in Nigeria deepened sharply to 63 per cent in 2025, affecting an estimated 140 million people, even as inflation began to slow, highlighting a widening gap between macroeconomic gains and the lived realities of households, according to the World Bank.

The alarming figure was disclosed in the Bank’s latest Nigeria Development Update (April 2026), titled “Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development”, unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday. The report paints a sobering picture of worsening living conditions, despite signs of stability in key economic indicators.

According to the report, poverty levels have steadily climbed over the past three years, rising from 56 per cent in 2023 to 61 per cent in 2024, before peaking at 63 per cent in 2025. This upward trajectory underscores the persistent vulnerability of millions of Nigerians, particularly in the face of structural economic challenges, weak income growth, and uneven distribution of economic gains.

The World Bank noted that while inflationary pressures began to ease during the period under review, the decline did not translate into improved purchasing power or higher real incomes for most citizens. Instead, households continued to grapple with high living costs, stagnant wages, and limited access to economic opportunities.

“This trend reflects a disconnect between macroeconomic stabilisation and improvements in household welfare,” the report stated, warning that the benefits of policy reforms and fiscal adjustments have yet to reach the majority of Nigerians.

Analysts say the findings highlight deeper structural issues within the economy, including low productivity, high unemployment, and inadequate social safety nets. Despite recent policy efforts aimed at stabilising the naira, boosting government revenues, and curbing inflation, the impact has largely remained at the macro level, with minimal trickle-down effect on ordinary citizens.

The report further emphasised that children are among the most affected by the rising poverty levels, with long-term implications for human capital development. It called for urgent investment in early childhood development, nutrition, healthcare, and education as a pathway to breaking the cycle of poverty.

“Without targeted interventions, the current trajectory risks entrenching intergenerational poverty,” the Bank warned, stressing that early investment in children yields some of the highest economic and social returns.

The World Bank also urged the Nigerian government to strengthen social protection systems, expand cash transfer programmes, and prioritise inclusive growth policies that directly impact low-income households. It noted that while macroeconomic reforms are necessary, they must be complemented by measures that address inequality and improve livelihoods.

The report comes at a time when Nigeria is implementing sweeping economic reforms, including subsidy removals and exchange rate unification policies that have drawn mixed reactions due to their short-term impact on living standards.

As policymakers push for economic recovery and stability, the World Bank’s findings serve as a clear signal that growth without inclusion may deepen hardship rather than alleviate it.

By Kenneth Athekame, Business Day