Uber to exit Nigeria after 12 years of operations

Ride-hailing company Uber Technologies will cease operations in Nigeria ​on September 2, ending its 12-year presence in Africa's ‌most populous country, the company said in a notice to customers on Wednesday.

Uber decided to wind down its Nigerian business after a review ​of operations, it said without disclosing further details on ​the reasons for the move.

Competition in Nigeria's ride-hailing market ⁠has intensified in recent years, with operators facing challenges including ​rising fuel costs, inflation and currency volatility that have increased ​operating expenses and put pressure on drivers and platforms.

"After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down ​our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026," the company ​said in a message to users.

The San Francisco-based company's entry into West Africa's ‌largest ⁠economy began with its Lagos launch in 2014 before expanding to other cities in the country to meet growing demand for app-based transportation.

Uber said its help centre would remain available until ​September 23 to ​assist users ⁠with outstanding account-related issues.

Uber did not say how many drivers or riders would be affected by ​the closure or whether any assets would be ​sold.

An ⁠Uber spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Thursday that the company had also stopped operations in Uganda.

Users attempting to book ⁠rides on ​the app in Uganda on Thursday ​received a message alerting them of none available.

Reuters

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2 Baby Gorillas & 4 Chimpanzees Among 48 Wild Animals Rescued In Wildlife Trafficking Bust In Nigeria

 

Two baby gorillas and four chimpanzees are among 48 wild animals and birds recovered in Nigeria after authorities uncovered a suspected wildlife trafficking operation that led to the arrest of three individuals.

Officers with the Nigeria Customs Service Kano/Jigawa Area Command located the animals along the Kano–Daura Road at approximately 8:30 p.m. on August 25, 2026, after receiving intelligence about the suspected trafficking activity.

Nigeria Customs reported that the three men allegedly made several attempts to bribe the officers involved in the operation. The officers rejected the alleged bribes and continued with the operation, which resulted in the arrests and recovery of the wildlife.

The suspected trafficking operation involved a wide range of species, including threatened and endangered wildlife. Among those rescued were two baby gorillas, four chimpanzees, four caracals, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, also known as bush babies, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet, and 19 greater bustards.

The animals and the three suspects were later transferred to the Special Wildlife Office at Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters as the investigation continued.

Nigeria Customs cited Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, in connection with the operation, along with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Gorillas and chimpanzees are protected under CITES Appendix I, which includes species threatened with extinction and provides the Convention’s highest level of protection.

The illegal wildlife trade continues to exploit wild animals for profit, putting vulnerable species at risk and taking animals away from the lives they deserve in the wild.

World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals applaud the officers involved in this operation for taking action to protect these precious animals from further exploitation. These baby gorillas, chimpanzees, and all wild animals deserve to live protected from harm — wild and free.

WAN

Nigeria confirms planned withdrawal of US troops sent to help tackle insecurity crisis

Nigeria on Tuesday confirmed the planned withdrawal of around 200 U.S. troops sent to help the West African country tackle its complex security crisis.

The deployment was made in February following an escalation in tensions between Nigeria and the U.S. following accusations of Christian genocide.

According to the Nigerian government, the U.S. troops assisted in training and intelligence gathering and took part in a joint operation in which a top Islamic State leader was killed.

“The relationship between Nigeria and the United States remains strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial. The deployment of United States personnel was tied to specific operational and counterterrorism objectives,” Nigerian military spokesperson Samaila Uba said.

He said the withdrawal is a part of the engagement and some parts of the security partnership will continue.

Nigeria is facing a serious security crisis. Jihadist groups and other criminal groups carry out several attacks across the country. Since President Bola Tinubu came to power, the crisis has worsened, spreading southward.

Analysts say that despite the deployment of troops and U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims on the security crisis, little has changed on the ground. Last week, scores of people were abducted in the central region of the country.

AP

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