26 Militias Reportedly Killed in ISGS Attack in Niger’s Tillabéri Region as the country faces unprecedented security collapse

By: Zagazola Makama

No fewer than 26 members of a local militia were reportedly killed on Feb. 26 during a large-scale attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) in Niger’s volatile Tillabéri Region.

Local sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred in the Anzourou area, where armed assailants targeted militia positions across four villages to Doukou Makani, Doukou Djindé, Doukou Koira-Tegui and Doukou Saraou.

According to preliminary reports, the gunmen carried out coordinated assaults on the communities, resulting in significant casualties among members of the self-defence groups operating in the area.

Residents said the militias had been formed by local communities to protect themselves against recurring attacks by extremist groups operating in the region.

Tillabéri, located in western Niger near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, has been a hotspot of militant violence in recent years, with armed groups frequently targeting both security forces and civilian populations.

Niger is confronting an unprecedented security crisis, with northern regions increasingly falling under the control of armed groups, foreign rebels, and jihadist factions. The state’s territorial integrity is under severe threat, with grave implications for neighbouring countries, including Nigeria.

Since the July 2023 coup, Niger has witnessed a dramatic deterioration in security. Once largely confined to the tri-border area with Mali and Libya, insurgency and criminal networks now operate across vast stretches of the country, establishing quasi-permanent bases, checkpoints, and logistical corridors.

Recent clashes between Libyan rebel factions, including Katibat 604 and the Southern Revolutionaries, deep inside Niger’s territory highlight the scale of the challenge. Reports indicate these operations extend up to 200 kilometres from the border, conducted with helicopters, drones, and ground troops, capturing rebels and consolidating strategic corridors such as the La Salvador Pass a key conduit for arms, illicit goods, and militant movements.

It gathered that the Libyan operations, reportedly claimed by the 604 Brigade, are carried out independently of Nigerien forces. The Nigerien National Army or local security units were absent during these incursions, reflecting the limitations of the Nigerien army in securing its borders. The operation reportedly left five rebels dead and ten detained, including Moussa Worodougou, the younger brother of rebel leader Mahamat Worodougou.

Northern Niger has effectively become a “no man’s land,” with jihadist groups such as ISWAP, EIGS, and JNIM consolidating positions and exploiting weak state presence. Villages and towns, including Dosso, Tillabéri, Tahoua, and parts of the tri-border zone, are increasingly isolated, turning rural areas into hunting grounds for armed actors. Civilians, security personnel, and infrastructure are targeted with IEDs, ambushes, and raids, while law enforcement and army patrols remain sporadic and reactive.

The crisis is compounded by the presence of foreign-backed rebel movements like FACT and CCMSR, operating openly in Niger’s north with tacit protection or coordination with the Niamey junta. Analysts warn that these developments create a permissive environment where armed factions can reorganize, move freely, and threaten regional stability. The situation poses direct implications for Nigeria, particularly in its northern border states, as these corridors facilitate cross-border infiltration, arms smuggling, and militant movement.

Zagazola argue that the Nigerien army faces critical challenges in asserting authority, maintaining supply lines, and controlling territory in the north. Without robust coordination, intelligence-led operations, and international, the continued fragmentation of authority may allow armed groups to entrench themselves further, undermining both national and regional security.

Zagazola stress that the crisis is no longer merely a security issue. It reflects a wider institutional weakness, exposing governance failures, fragile command structures, and the limits of military capacity.

For Nigeria, the porous borders and neighboring instability has been enabling the insurgent groups with sanctuary which complicate the country’s counterterrorism operations, and amplify the risk of cross-border attacks like what we have been witnessing in Kebbi, Sokoto, Kwara and Niger state.

The Nigerien army, despite constrained resources, continues limited patrols and counter-insurgency efforts, but the scale of armed groups’ presence and the sophistication of cross-border networks demand sustained regional and international collaboration.

Zagazola emphasize that failure to address these strategic vulnerabilities risks turning Niger into a permanent sanctuary for militants, with destabilizing consequences across the Sahel and for Nigeria’s northeastern and Northwestern frontier.

26 Militias Reportedly Killed in ISGS Attack in Niger’s Tillabéri Region as the country faces unprecedented security collapse

FG Endorses, Pledges Support for Nigeria Press Council’s National Economic and Toursim Conpendium

VP Shettima: President Tinubu, Friend Of The Media, Remains Firm Believer Of Press Freedom

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has pledged the Federal Government’s support for the Nigeria Press Council’s national compendium on economic and tourism potentials across Nigeria.

This is as the Vice President described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a friend of the media who is a firm believer of independence of the press.

This, he said, explains why the Tinubu administration has, in the past three years, continued to promote an environment that is conducive for journalists to carry out their duties without harassment.

Senator Shettima stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Press Council (NPC) led by its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Dili Ezughah, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

Noting that President Tinubu has remained a friend of the media, the Vice President recalled how the President had used his personal resources to assist media organizations.

According to him, people have been making libelous and provocative utterances, with incisive vituperations, against the administration and are allowed to get away with them because the President is very tolerant.

“The President is a friend of the media. He used to assist them from his personal resources, with newsprints and other support mechanisms. He is also a publisher. So, he knows the ecosystem very well, and he believes in the independence of the press.

“For the past three years, have you heard of any harassment of journalists? His tolerance threshold is so high that people who are making incendiary remarks are allowed to have their day for peace to reign in the country,” he stated.

Pledging presidential support for the Council’s bid to get official national endorsement of the publication it is currently working on, VP Shettima also promised to appeal to governors of the 36 states of the federation to key into the project.

“The subnationals own the land, own the people. Their role is very pivotal in really pushing this country forward,” he stated, emphasizing why a buy-in from the governors is pivotal to the book project.

The VP further noted that the national compendium titled, “Nigeria: Documenting the Economic and Tourism Profiles of the 36 States and the FCT,” is a welcome development, expressing hope that the publication would sell Nigeria to the world.

“If you go to other countries, you will see similar books at the airport stands. In terms of the quality of the job, the writings are so top-notch that we can embrace it as our national treasure, and see to it that it is massively printed and circulated to our embassies,” the VP observed.

Earlier, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, thanked the Vice President for his continued leadership and support for initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s economic and cultural positioning.

According to her, the publication is particularly significant for the tourism and creative economy sectors, as Nigeria’s tourism assets, cultural heritage, and creative industries represent major drivers of economic diversification.

She, however, explained that for these sectors to attract investment and gain global recognition, they must be documented and presented in a structured and credible format such as the compendium, thereby bringing visibility to Nigeria’s cultural sites, tourism destinations, creative hubs, and heritage assets across all thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Also, Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, on behalf of the state Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the country’s leadership, noting that if the document is approved, every state is likely to benefit based on its respective tourism potential.

For his part, the Executive Secretary of the NPC, Dr. Ezughah, expressed gratitude to the Vice President for granting an audience to the NPC Planning Committee while acknowledging his consistent support for sub-national economic development and national coordination.

He explained that the national compendium being developed spotlights Nigeria’s economic and tourism profiles and requires the Vice President’s strategic direction on the document.

FG Endorses, Pledges Support for Nigeria Press Council’s National Economic and Toursim Conpendium

NRM Presidential Aspirant Faduri Declares 2027 Ambition, Vows To Rescue Nigeria From ‘Political Elites’

By: Our Reporter

Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, popularly known as Fadojoe, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), promising what he described as “people-first leadership” to pull Nigeria back from economic decline and insecurity.

In a speech announcing his ambitionnon Wednesday, the sociologist and US-based healthcare executive said Nigeria was “bleeding” and required urgent rescue from years of corruption, mismanagement and what he called recycled political leadership.

Faduri, who hails from Ipetu-Ijesha in Osun State, recounted his early life struggles, revealing that he lost his father at the age of four and his mother at fourteen.

A graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Faduri also stated that he is a licensed nurse in New York, United States, and currently serves as CEO of F Planet Group USA, with interests spanning healthcare, consulting, foundation work and film production.

Referencing Nigeria’s founding leaders—Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Obafemi Awolowo—the presidential hopeful said the country had drifted far from the ideals of a true republic envisioned at independence.

According to him, Nigeria has degenerated into a nation where poverty, youth unemployment, insecurity and currency depreciation have replaced the prosperity and unity of earlier decades.

Faduri blamed Nigeria’s challenges on systemic corruption and leadership failure, arguing that personal interests have consistently been placed above national interest.

He questioned the continued dysfunction of state assets such as refineries and the Ajaokuta Steel project, asking why thousands of workers are still paid in non-functional institutions while the country depends heavily on private interests and foreign services.

The NRM aspirant disclosed that he previously joined the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 elections and contributed to building the platform that produced Mr. Peter Obi as presidential candidate, but stepped down in the interest of unity.

Quoting American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., he said leadership must be measured by courage in times of crisis, insisting that Nigeria now needs decisive and people-driven governance.

Faduri said he would contest under the National Rescue Movement, symbolised by the honeybee, adding that it was time to return Nigeria “to her honey days.”

If elected, he promised to prioritise economic stability, strengthen the naira, revive local refining capacity, and address energy costs. He also pledged to make primary and secondary education compulsory, strengthen vocational training, and ensure lecturers’ salaries are paid promptly.

He further promised to rebuild public hospitals to world-class standards and vowed that no government official, including himself, would seek medical treatment abroad at public expense.

Other priorities listed include decentralising electricity supply, reforming and strengthening the military and police, and promoting local manufacturing, including the use of locally produced vehicles for official purposes.

Framing the 2027 election as “the people versus the political class,” Faduri called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to join what he termed a “rescue mission” to rebuild the country.

The statement reads in part; “When the founding fathers of this nation came together in the struggle for independence—great leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Obafemi Awolowo—they fought for a Republic. A true Republic—if we can keep it.

“A Republic where government would be kind to its people. A Republic where life would be dignified, where food would be affordable, where citizens would love one another, and where love of country would supersede love of self. A Republic where leaders would create an enabling environment for prosperity through the proper use of our vast human and natural resources.

“A Republic where citizens would collaborate with government to build a society we can all be proud of. A Republic where morality, decency, and the fear of God would guide leadership. Above all, a Republic where people would feel safe in their own land. Today, my fellow Nigerians, we must admit that what we have falls far short of that vision.

“We now live in a nation that resembles a jungle—where survival of the fittest has replaced shared prosperity. A nation plunged into poverty by leaders who once enjoyed the best of Nigeria in their youth but have failed to preserve it for future generations.

“While the rest of the world is discussing artificial intelligence and technological breakthroughs, we are still campaigning with rice, noodles, onions, and ₦42,000 handouts on election day. What a tragedy.

“There was a time when the Nigerian passport was among the most respected in the world. Our naira was strong. Education was free and qualitative. Jobs awaited graduates even before graduation. Housing schemes met population growth. Hospitals functioned. Rural health centres served communities. You could travel safely from Lagos to Sokoto or from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri without fear.

“We lived as brothers and sisters—hopeful, united, and prosperous. But what do we have today? One of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. Rising insecurity. A struggling economy. A free-falling currency. A passport that no longer commands respect. A nation once united now divided by suspicion and fear. A country once flowing with opportunity now burdened by poverty, hunger, kidnapping, and corruption.

“My fellow Nigerians, how did we get here? How did we descend to this level where our citizens flee daily as though escaping a war zone? We got here through years of systemic corruption, mismanagement, and policies that moved our country from boom to doom. We got here because leaders placed personal interest above national interest.

“Even those in the diaspora, who struggle daily abroad, still carry the burden of families back home. Many of our health workers abroad—once undervalued here—now treat Nigerian leaders overseas for ailments that should be handled in our own hospitals. Enough is enough.

“It is time to fight for the soul of our nation. I am not here merely to recount our problems. I am here to declare that Nigeria is fixable. It is not rocket science. What we have lacked is sincere, courageous, and people-centred leadership. What happened to our refineries? What happened to Ajaokuta Steel? Why do we continue to pay thousands of workers in non-functional institutions? Why must we depend on private individuals for what government should provide?

“Corruption has become normalized. Public funds meant for national development are diverted. Absurd excuses are given for missing money, yet there are no consequences. Poverty has no tribe. Hunger has no ethnicity. Insecurity affects us all. If we fail to rescue Nigeria now, we risk becoming slaves in our own land—not chained by colonial masters, but controlled by political elites who care only for themselves. This is why I offer myself for service.

In 2022, ahead of the 2023 presidential election, I joined the Labour Party and contributed to building the LP that produced Mr. Peter Obi. I stepped down in the interest of unity. However, leadership must be measured by resilience and responsibility, especially in times of crisis. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

“Nigeria needs resolute, decisive, and people-driven leadership—not desperation or recycled political coalitions. The 2027 election will be the people versus the political class. And the people’s coalition shall prevail. I will be contesting under the National Rescue Movement (NRM), symbolized by the honeybee. It is time to return Nigeria to her honey days. If given the mandate, our government will be People First. Nation First.

“We will prioritize: Restoring economic stability and strengthening the naira; Revitalizing local refining capacity and addressing energy costs; Investing massively in education—making primary and secondary education compulsory and strengthening technical and vocational training; Ensuring lecturers’ salaries are never delayed.

“Rebuilding and equipping our hospitals to world-class standards. No government official—including myself—will seek medical treatment abroad at public expense. Decentralizing and stabilizing electricity supply. Reforming and strengthening the military and police to restore law and order.

“Encouraging local manufacturing, including the use of locally produced vehicles for official purposes. We will build a nation of law and order—a nation of reward and accountability. This is a generational call—a call for a shift from recycled leadership to visionary leadership. It is not a time for convenience. It is time to rebuild Nigeria.

“Our slogan says it clearly: “A Nation That Has Everything, Yet Lacks Everything.” Together, we will change that narrative. Join me in this rescue mission. Let us combine the best of Nigerians at home and abroad to build a new Republic—one we can keep,” the statement added.

NRM Presidential Aspirant Faduri Declares 2027 Ambition, Vows To Rescue Nigeria From ‘Political Elites’