ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates

By: Zagazola Makama

No fewer than 10 fighters of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) were killed on Jan. 8 during a night attack by the rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Dabar Ledda, within the Doron Naira axis of Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that ISWAP fighters launched a surprise assault on a JAS checkpoint, locally referred to as an Irasa, in the Dabar Ledda area, overwhelming the position after a brief but intense clash.

Sources familiar with developments in the area told Zagazola Makama that the attack ended decisively in ISWAP’s favour, with about 10 JAS fighters killed. Following the operation, ISWAP elements were said to have withdrawn swiftly to their major stronghold located between Kangarwa and Dogon Chuku, also within Kukawa LGA.

Both group has, in recent years, focused on degrading each other’s capabilities in an attempt to consolidate control over key corridors around Lake Chad as well as Sambisa Forest.

However, the latest clash is expected to trigger a violent response. Intelligence reports suggest that JAS leadership, acting on directives allegedly issued by Abu Umaima, has ordered mobilisation of fighters across the northern and central parts of the Lake Chad region of Borno (LCRBA) in preparation for retaliatory attacks.

The planned counter-offensive could lead to an upsurge in large-scale attacks in the days and weeks ahead, particularly around the Kangarwa–Dogon Chuku corridor, an area that has witnessed repeated factional battles due to its strategic value for logistics, recruitment and access routes.

While the infighting has historically weakened Boko Haram/ISWAP overall cohesion, Zagazola caution that intensified clashes often come at a heavy cost to civilians, as armed groups raid communities for supplies, conscripts and intelligence. Kukawa LGA, already battered by years of insurgency, remains highly vulnerable whenever such rivalries escalate.

ISWAP kills 10 JAS fighters in Kukawa as rivalry clashes escalates

Nigeria Woos Spanish Investors, Positions Economy as Gateway for Europe–Africa Trade

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has stepped up efforts to attract Spanish investment, presenting its economy as a strategic hub for expanding commercial ties between Europe and Africa.

This position was articulated during a high-level engagement with the Confederation of Spanish Business Organisations (CEOE), Spain’s leading private sector body, led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. The meeting underscored Nigeria’s intention to deepen bilateral economic relations with Spain and encourage long-term private sector partnerships.

Addressing Spanish business leaders, Ambassador Tuggar described Spain as a strategic partner with strong capacity to serve as a bridge between African and European markets. He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, improving macroeconomic coordination and accelerating growth through diversification.

According to the minister, Nigeria’s growth trajectory is increasingly being driven by non-oil sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, services, technology and global business services. He noted that the country’s large population—estimated at over 200 million, with more than 70 per cent under the age of 35—offers a vast market and a dynamic workforce capable of supporting large-scale investment.

Nigeria also emphasised its strategic relevance to Spanish companies as Africa’s largest economy and a natural gateway to West and Central Africa. Through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), investors operating from Nigeria can access a market of over 1.3 billion people across the continent. The government stressed its preference for productive, long-term investments that promote technology transfer, value-chain development and sustainable industrial growth.

Several priority sectors were highlighted as areas of opportunity for Spanish firms. In the energy and gas sector, Nigeria pointed to its extensive reserves and opportunities in liquefied natural gas, power generation, petrochemicals, fertiliser production and energy transition projects, including major regional gas pipeline initiatives. Agriculture and agro-processing were also identified as key areas, with opportunities in mechanisation, food processing, cold-chain logistics and export-oriented agribusiness.

Infrastructure development featured prominently in the discussions, particularly public–private partnerships in transport, logistics and industrial zones. Nigeria further presented itself as an emerging hub for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), citing its young, English-speaking and digitally skilled workforce as a competitive advantage for European companies seeking cost-effective service delivery. Technology, fintech, digital infrastructure, creative industries and professional services were also listed as fast-growing sectors.

On migration, Nigeria reiterated its commitment to structured and legal labour mobility, stressing that it does not support irregular migration. The country commended Spain’s circular migration framework, noting that properly managed labour mobility can support business needs, reduce irregular migration and strengthen bilateral trust.

Nigerian officials also outlined ongoing policy reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, strengthening regulatory transparency and protecting investors. They assured potential investors of incentives, sector-specific support and expanding infrastructure, while emphasising the role of diaspora- and skills-based investment in linking global expertise with domestic opportunities.

Nigeria invited CEOE to play a catalytic role by encouraging Spanish companies to establish production and service operations in the country, support joint ventures and small and medium-sized enterprise partnerships, and help reshape Europe–Africa economic relations around mutual benefit.

The engagement concluded with Nigeria reaffirming its openness to deeper economic cooperation with Spain, inviting Spanish businesses to invest, build and grow in the country as a platform for sustainable growth, job creation and long-term value across both regions.

Nigeria Woos Spanish Investors, Positions Economy as Gateway for Europe–Africa Trade

Gombe Govt. commits to disability-inclusive WASH services

The Gombe State government has reiterated its commitment to promoting disability-inclusive access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services across the state.

Mr Mohammed Fawu, Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, gave the assurance during a roundtable on disability inclusion in the WASH sector on Thursday in Gombe.

Fawu said gaps in WASH facilities must be addressed to ensure they were fully accessible, user-friendly, and inclusive for persons with disabilities across the state.

He added that the state would adopt a disability-friendly approach in WASH project implementation, emphasising that inclusion was essential to achieving programme goals.

“Open defecation can only be eliminated and access to WASH services improved if everyone is carried along,” Fawu stated, stressing the need for inclusive planning and execution.

Dr Umar Musa, Sanitation and Hygiene Officer of the State Programme Implementation Unit, SURWASH Gombe, said the engagement aimed to assess progress, identify gaps, and propose inclusive solutions within the SURWASH framework.

He noted that strengthening disability inclusion in WASH facility design, implementation, and usage would improve public health and reduce costs related to illnesses from poor hygiene and sanitation.

Mr Mohammed Abubakar, board member of the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disability, hailed the initiative, saying it would ease challenges faced by PWDs in accessing public infrastructure.

Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations (GONET), emphasised that inclusion was key to programme success and urged stakeholders to consult and involve PWDs at all planning stages.

The roundtable brought together disability groups, WASH stakeholders, government agencies, and community representatives to share experiences, identify gaps, and develop strategies for integrating the needs of persons with disabilities into WASH services.

Gombe Govt. commits to disability-inclusive WASH services