Here is a summary of the latest news from Nigeria as of Friday, April 18, 2025:
Security and Conflict:
◾ Attack on Senator’s Home: Gunmen attacked the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Kogi State. The Senator has urged the police to enhance security in the area. She has also reported Senate President Akpabio and Kogi state political figures to the police following the incident. (Punch, Channels TV, Daily Post)
◾ Boko Haram Attack: Senator Ali Ndume condemned a recent Boko Haram attack in Gwoza, Borno State, which resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and several civilians. (Vanguard)
◾ Benue Attacks: Suspected herdsmen attacked three communities in Benue State, resulting in casualties. Authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with the killings. (Vanguard, Channels TV)
◾ Lagos Security: Police have debunked rumors of mass arrests of Boko Haram suspects in Lagos but confirmed they are investigating tips and have increased security presence, particularly for the Easter period. (Punch, PM News, Daily Post)
◾ Plateau State Attack: At least 40 people were killed in an attack by gunmen, believed to be herders, on the Christian farming community of Zike in Plateau State. President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and ordered a full investigation. This incident highlights the ongoing violence and conflict over resources in Nigeria’s north-central region. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has urged Plateau leaders to foster unity among residents. (AP News, Channels TV, Vanguard)
Politics:
◾ President Tinubu’s Location: President Tinubu is reportedly working remotely from Europe (London) and is expected back after the Easter holiday. The Presidency insists he remains fully engaged in governing the country. His absence during periods of domestic insecurity has drawn criticism from political opponents like Atiku Abubakar. (Punch, Channels TV, ThisDay Live, Tribune)
◾ 2027 Election Dynamics: Discussions and positioning for the 2027 presidential election are ongoing. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has warned the PDP about potential losses due to disunity and questioned Atiku Abubakar’s reliability. There are also reports about the internal cohesion of the CPC bloc within the ruling APC. (Vanguard, Channels TV, Daily Post)
◾ Rivers State Crisis: Political tensions persist in Rivers State, with ongoing protests and accusations directed at the state’s administrator, Ibas. (Vanguard, Channels TV, ThisDay Live)
Economy and Business:
◾ Fuel Price Reduction: The Dangote Refinery has reportedly reduced the price of petrol to N835 per litre. (Tribune, PM News)
◾ CBEX Investment Platform: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) confirmed that the investment platform CBEX, which faced complaints from users about lost funds, is not a registered entity. The SEC and EFCC are investigating and working to bring those responsible to justice. (Punch, Vanguard, Channels TV)
◾ CBN Directives: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instructed banks and Bureau De Change operators to strengthen their compliance frameworks against money laundering and terrorism financing. (Vanguard, The Punch, Daily Post)
◾ Power Sector: The government reported a significant revenue increase in the power sector in 2024 and plans to add 1,900MW of solar power to the grid. (Tribune, Punch, Channels TV)
◾ NNPC Investment Goals: The new leadership at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) aims to attract substantial foreign investment ($30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030). (ThisDay Live, The Nation)
Other News:
◾ Entertainment: Popular Nigerian musician Davido released his fifth studio album titled ‘5ive’. Chess master Tunde Onakoya has embarked on a 70-hour chess marathon attempt. (Punch, Vanguard, The Nation, Daily Post)
◾ Ataga Murder Trial: Chidinma Ojukwu testified in court regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Super TV CEO Usifo Ataga. (Punch, Channels TV, Daily Post)
◾ Ondo Accident Clarification: Police stated that a fatal accident involving a young girl in Ondo was caused by a hit-and-run driver, dismissing reports linking it to the First Lady’s convoy. (Punch, Vanguard, PM News)
More News:
◾ Court fast-tracks trial of 15 held over Patience Jonathan’s missing jewelry: A Bayelsa court has intervened in a long-standing legal impasse, ordering a swift trial for 15 domestic workers held since 2019 over missing jewellery allegedly owned by Mrs. Patience Jonathan…
◾ Ex-NHIS boss accuses former AGF of illegal N10bn withdrawal, reveals EFCC recoveries: He stated that the withdrawals were made despite his efforts to recover over N100 billion in NHIS funds trapped in 13 commercial banks.
◾ Nigerians slam ‘Remote President’ Tinubu for running the country from Europe…: Some mocked Mr Tinubu, calling him a ‘remote worker’, ‘remote president,’ and ‘diaspora president’, practising ‘virtual governance…
◾ Miyetti Allah cattle breeders seek Tinubu’s intervention over pastoralists’ security: “We call on the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission, and the International Community to intervene.”
◾ Tinubu saved Fubara with state of emergency , I wanted his outright removal– Wike reveals: “Every morning, they should go to the president and ask, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’” Wike stated, emphasizing Tinubu’s role in de-escalating the crisis.