National News
Jihadist Expansion Reshapes Border Areas of Niger, Nigeria and Benin – Report
Jihadist Expansion Reshapes Border Areas of Niger, Nigeria and Benin – Report
By: Zagazola Makama
Violent campaigns by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are reshaping security dynamics across the border areas of Niger, Nigeria, and Benin, according to a new security analysis.
The report indicates that the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP) have significantly expanded their operations southward from traditional Sahel strongholds, transforming border regions such as Dosso in Niger, Alibori in Benin, and parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states in Nigeria into active conflict zones.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) confirms a sharp rise in politically motivated violence in the affected regions, with reported incidents and fatalities more than doubling since 2023.
The report underscores that both JNIM and ISSP are leveraging porous borders to consolidate their presence, establish proto-state structures, and complicate military containment efforts, all while exploiting local economies and illicit trade routes to fund their operations.
Emergence of a New Frontline
JNIM, formed in 2017 through the merger of four Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups, has adopted a strategy of building local alliances and embedding within communities. Its expansion into Benin, Ghana and Togo began from strongholds in eastern Burkina Faso and southwest Niger.
In contrast, ISSP, with roots in Mali’s Ménaka region and Niger’s Tahoua and Tillabéri regions, has intensified its activities in central Dosso, targeting infrastructure such as the Benin-Niger oil pipeline. The group also employs economic warfare tactics, including the collection of zakat (Islamic tax), control of supply corridors, and attacks on critical installations.
The report dismissed media claims about a new group called “Lakurawa” operating in the Niger-Nigeria border region, noting that fighters under this label are part of ISSP networks long established in Dosso, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
Tensions and Territorial Rivalries
JNIM and ISSP operations now overlap in Dosso, particularly in Gaya and Dioundiou communes, leading to competition and possible future confrontations. While both groups have so far coexisted in some areas, experts warn that their history of violent rivalry, especially in Mali’s Liptako-Gourma region, may soon spark conflict.
Recent incidents, such as the February 22 attack on villages near Koutoumbou in Dioundiou, attributed to ISSP, mark a shift toward mass atrocities against civilians, signaling a dangerous escalation.
The expansion of militant control is reshaping social structures and local economies. Both groups are embedding within communities, using religious outreach, propaganda, and coercion to recruit fighters, preach in mosques, and impose strict interpretations of Sharia law.
In parts of northern Benin and Niger, local economies are being co-opted to serve militant logistics, with communities coerced into supporting illicit fuel and goods trade.
This militant entrenchment is also driving the rise of local self-defense groups such as the Yansakai in Nigeria’s northwest and the Zankai in Niger’s Tillabéri region. While these groups aim to protect their communities, they also risk fuelling ethnic tensions and communal violence.
Regional Security Efforts
In response to the deteriorating security environment, the governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced plans to form a joint force of 5,000 troops. The force is part of broader efforts by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to counter jihadist threats after their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
However, the report notes that lingering diplomatic tensions—particularly between Niger and Benin, and Niger and Nigeria—have hindered coordinated action along the tri-border region, enabling jihadist expansion.
It called for a renewed emphasis on regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, and inclusive counterinsurgency strategies that address the socio-economic roots of extremism.
The findings add urgency to discussions about strengthening security collaboration among West African states, especially as jihadist movements continue to evolve and adapt to the region’s complex political and geographical landscape.
Jihadist Expansion Reshapes Border Areas of Niger, Nigeria and Benin – Report
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue
By: Michael Mike
Senior Government officials of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have today met in Abuja to assess the vibrant economic partnership between the two parties and chart a way forward.
The inaugural Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Trade and investment Dialogue (TID) was anchored by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, and Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), Ms Dora Correia,
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot,, welcomed the launch of the Dialogue, which they said underscored the growing importance attached to trade and investment in the EU-Nigeria partnership.
This Senior Officials’ meeting marks an important step in strengthening the trade and investment partnership between the EU and Nigeria, and provided opportunity for the officials to exchange views on areas of mutual interest; address potential challenges and explore opportunities for further collaboration.
Discussions focused on a range of issues, including trade and investment policy, cooperation on market access barriers and requirements, preferential trade and investment arrangements, investment, collaboration within the World Trade Organization (WTO), regulatory measures that could impact trade and investment, and the identification of trade and investment-related development cooperation areas.
Both sides expressed their interest to continue the Dialogue, with the second TID billed to take place in Brussels, Belgium, in 2026, on a date to be jointly decided.
Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue
FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st of October as a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on this historic occasion.
Tunji-Ojo, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.
He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.
The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.
He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.
FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary
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