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Niger’s Junta in Urgent Bid to Sell Uranium Amid Cash Crisis

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Niger’s Junta in Urgent Bid to Sell Uranium Amid Cash Crisis

By: Our Reporter

The ruling junta in Niger Republic is reportedly scrambling to offload a significant stockpile of uranium in a desperate attempt to shore up state finances, as the country grapples with a severe cash crunch, growing poverty, and a deteriorating security situation.

Recent reports indicate that Niger’s military leaders, struggling under mounting internal and external debt, have turned to China and Russia in a bid to secure a deal for dozens of tons of uranium stored in Arlit. However, Western powers, particularly the United States, have strongly warned against any sale of Nigerien uranium to Iran, setting a clear red line that could have serious geopolitical consequences.

The junta’s financial difficulties have become increasingly apparent in recent weeks. Niger’s Minister of Justice reportedly held discussions with magistrates, urging them to negotiate bail payments from certain detainees in exchange for their freedom. At the same time, tax officials have been aggressively shutting down businesses across Niamey to boost government revenue. Meanwhile, some security forces have faced delays in receiving their salaries, further highlighting the government’s fiscal struggles.

It is within this fragile economic landscape that the junta has intensified efforts to sell uranium, one of Niger’s most valuable natural resources.

Initially, Niger approached Chinese buyers, who expressed interest in purchasing 200 tons of uranium. However, at the last minute, the deal collapsed, leaving the junta scrambling for alternative buyers.

Desperate to push through the sale, Niger’s military rulers reportedly turned to an underground Russian company. According to intelligence sources, a clandestine plan is being put in place to fly the uranium out of Agadez, with a Russian linked company facilitating the transaction. The aircraft would reportedly land in Niger with the transaction value in U.S. dollars, load the uranium, and depart.

To cover their tracks, the junta is said to be forging documents to facilitate the sale through specialized state services. However, concerns have emerged that this Russian middleman may be acting on behalf of Iran, a move that could trigger serious diplomatic and economic repercussions.

U.S. Warning: “A Red Line Not to Be Crossed”

The reported connection between Niger’s uranium and Iran has drawn the attention of the United States, which has taken a firm stance against any such transaction.

A high-ranking U.S. delegation, including Molly Phee, former Deputy Secretary of State for African Affairs, Celeste Wallander, Deputy Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and General Michael Langley, head of AFRICOM, visited Niamey on March 12, 2024, to directly warn the junta against selling uranium to Iran.

During a tense meeting with Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine and Colonel Ibro Bacharou (alias “Souley Mai Konco”), the U.S. officials reportedly made it clear that selling uranium to Iran would cross a serious geopolitical red line.

Sources say that the head of the Nigerien junta distanced himself from the uranium sale, claiming that Ibrahim Moussa Gro, a special adviser on mines, had independently engaged in talks with Iran. However, observers believe this was merely an attempt to deflect blame and ease U.S. pressure.

Strengthening Niger-Iran Ties

Concerns over Niger’s uranium dealings with Iran intensified after Prime Minister Lamine Zeine visited Tehran in January 2024, a trip that resulted in closer economic cooperation between the two countries. Shortly after, a high-level Iranian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs, Dr. Mehdi Safari, traveled to Niamey on February 21, 2024, for further discussions.

Western intelligence sources suspect these engagements laid the groundwork for uranium sales to Iran, prompting the U.S. diplomatic intervention.

Meanwhile, Niger’s uranium industry is also entangled in legal disputes with foreign investors. French nuclear giant Orano has filed a second international arbitration case against Niger at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington. This follows an earlier case brought before the OHADA court in Abidjan. Orano accuses Niger of blocking its uranium exports, jeopardizing 900 jobs, and halting the redevelopment of the COMINAK mine, a project originally budgeted at 124 billion CFA francs ($206 million) over 20 years.

Canadian mining company GoviEx has also taken Niger to international arbitration over a contractual dispute. However, reports indicate that the junta has been forced to seek a settlement, realizing that the legal battle could further complicate Niger’s uranium sales on global markets.

Niger’s ruling junta finds itself in a precarious position, facing severe financial hardship, international scrutiny, and legal battles over its uranium industry. While the government seeks to liquidate its uranium reserves to fund state operations, the involvement of Russian intermediaries and possible links to Iran could jeopardize relations with key global powers and invite further diplomatic isolation.

With Western powers closely monitoring Niger’s actions, any unauthorized uranium sale could trigger sanctions, economic penalties, and increased geopolitical tensions. For the junta, the challenge lies in balancing economic survival with the risk of international backlash a gamble that could determine Niger’s future on the world stage.

Niger’s Junta in Urgent Bid to Sell Uranium Amid Cash Crisis

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FFS Warns of Employment Racketeers, Threatens to Prosecute those with Fake Employment Letters

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FFS Warns of Employment Racketeers, Threatens to Prosecute those with Fake Employment Letters

By: Michael Mike

The leadership of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has issued a stern warning to desperate job seekers, stating that should be wary of employment racketeers who are out to defraud many with fake employment letters of the organisation.

The FFS boss, Engr Abdulganiyu Jaji, also warned the employment racketeers and those patronizing them to desist from the fraudulent activities of dragging the name of the Service through the mud, as there is an ongoing manhunt for them.

Abdulganiyu, in a statement on Monday, expressed deep concern over the rising cases of job racketeering involving unscrupulous agents who deceive desperate job seekers with fake appointment and invitation letters.

The CG emphasised that it never and will never authorise any third parties to conduct recruitment on its behalf and reiterated that all official processes are handled transparently through recognised government platforms.

Furthermore, the FFS boss made it clear that anyone caught presenting forged documents in a bid to secure employment will face immediate arrest and prosecution. The service lamented the damage such actions inflict on its credibility and the emotional and financial toll they take on victims.

He said: “Let me shock you, the Federal Fire Service, through its vigilant oversight, uncovered five names of desperate job seekers who managed to insert themselves into the IPPIS list without having any original invitation or appointment letters.

“On behalf of the Board, I challenge anyone in possession of a genuine appointment letter who claims to have been unjustly denied the opportunity to come forward with it.”

“The truth is, we were extremely thorough with the entire recruitment process. In fact, we went as far as inviting those individuals who illicitly made it onto the IPPIS platform, and they openly confessed to engaging in underground dealings. Every possible loophole was sealed—we meticulously cross-checked the original master list against both the final documented list and the IPPIS entries.

“Interestingly, when we uncovered and seized several of these fake letters, we made the strategic decision to quietly suspend the documentation process without any public announcement. To our surprise, the fraudsters—completely unaware of our move—went ahead and printed even more fake letters. We could only watch and laugh, knowing they had already exposed themselves.”

Jaji, who reaffirmed the service commitment to integrity, called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He further assured that genuine opportunities within the agency will always be publicly announced through proper, verifiable channels

He said: “Each time we are made aware of the alarming rise in fake recruitment activities being carried out by fraudsters, we take it upon ourselves to promptly alert Nigerians—particularly desperate job seekers—that these fraudulent recruitment claims into the Service are not from us. We strongly warn the public to be cautious and avoid engaging with these scammers who falsely present themselves as representatives of the Federal Fire Service.

“Referring to the recently concluded recruitment exercise, it’s worth recalling that the immediate past Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ja’afaru Ahmed, issued an official statement urging candidates to check their status on the Board’s portal, cdcfib.career, on the designated date in December 2024. The Board had specifically advised applicants for the Federal Fire Service (FFS) recruitment to visit the portal to confirm their final selection and download their invitation letters directly.”

“Having made this clear, anyone claiming to have been invited for documentation but whose name does not appear on the official master list has, without a doubt, fallen victim to scammers.”

“It is disheartening that, despite repeated warnings, some job seekers continue to willingly fall into the hands of fraudsters who go as far as creating fake websites, selling bogus recruitment forms, and extorting large sums of money under the guise of processing employment.

“We have consistently emphasized—through the CDCFIB—that the entire recruitment process into the four paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior is completely free, with no payments required at any stage.”

“As a matter of fact, several fake invitation letters, SMS messages, and emails were intercepted. Shockingly, even after the new Secretary of the Board assumed office, some individuals still showed up with forged letters falsely bearing the name of the former Secretary.

“It is truly disheartening that job seekers who willingly engage with individuals who call, send suspicious links via text messages, and even request payments through provided account details, later turn around to petition the Service when things go wrong.

“The Federal Fire Service, under my watch, is built on a foundation of hard-earned integrity, and we will do everything necessary to safeguard that reputation. On this note, I appeal to those with genuine complaints to support our efforts by submitting the account details, names, and phone numbers of those involved for immediate and decisive action.

“No credible government agency would issue letters of invitation to successful candidates only to turn around and cancel them. That is completely unrealistic—and let me be clear—the Federal Fire Service has never been, and will never be, involved in such misconduct.

“We have now resolved to begin arresting and publicly parading individuals who present fake invitation letters during documentation and screening exercises. Alarmingly, some even go as far as submitting forged appointment letters.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to job seekers, especially our hardworking youths, to remain patient. The government is actively working to create meaningful opportunities to engage them.”

“The Honourable Minister of Interior, himself a young man, is committed to ensuring that the years our youths have invested in education do not go to waste. Instead of turning to fake websites—often with suspicious phone numbers and email contacts—applicants should wait for official advertisements from the CDCFIB in national newspapers and apply only through the government-designated portal, where no payment is required at any stage.

“Finally, let me categorically state that no Federal Fire Service personnel should be patronised under any circumstance. Any candidate who chooses to do so will bear the consequences alone.”
End

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JAMB Registrar, ASE VC task students to make good use of time

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JAMB Registrar, ASE VC task students to make good use of time
..As ASE matriculates pioneer set

By: Michael Mike

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Emeritus Is-haq Oloyede, has encouraged students to make a good use of their time, noting that the most important things in life are often limited in supply.

Oloyede gave this advice while making his remarks at the maiden matriculation of the African School of Economics (The Pan-African University of Excellence) in Abuja.

The JAMB Registrar noted that regardless of the students’ courses and departments, one important lesson that being students of the university should remind them of is the need to put value on what is limited because economics is about maximizing the utilisation of the limited and everyone must locate themselves within that philosophy.

Oloyede, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, further encouraged the students to make a judicious use of the opportunities available to them saying that the size of the university would allow them to be able to benefit maximally as the extremely large classes could not be applicable to them. He wished the university all the best and expressed hope that the students would justify the investments made in them.

In his Lecture, “Education: The Pathway to Success in Life”, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, African School of Economics, Prof. Michael Maduagwu, emphasized the importance of education and underscored the significance of reading widely. He noted that the advent of Information and Communication Technology has made reading and learning much accessible with unlimited learning resources available to the students.

He also charged them on ethics and character noting that stories bordering on examination malpractice, bribery, cultism and sexual harassment have often been told in some Nigerian universities but they should not apply to ASE. He advised the students and the staff to set the highest standard for the university and appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his charismatic leadership.

Earlier in his address, “Three Principles, Six Stories”, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, introduced the university as one with a difference, saying that the institution was conceived to address the critical challenges Africa. He said the university leverages partnership, technology and personnel to achieve functional education that transforms individuals and societies based on the core values of the university, which he identified as IDEAS meaning Integrity, Discipline, Excellence, Accountability and Service.

Adedimeji encouraged the students to embrace curiosity, cultivate resilience and maintain focus as three principles that would guarantee their success. He also spoke on the need for them to embrace faith, have trust, keep hope, demonstrate confidence, show love and maintain positive attitude at all times.

“Ultimately, always remember that you are part of something greater than yourself. You are part of a legacy of excellence, a tradition of innovation, and a commitment to making the world a better place,” he said.

Highlights of the occasion included the administration of the matriculation oath on the students by the Vice-Chancellor and remarks by the founder, Prof. Leonard Wantchecon, who shared his vision for the university and welcomed the students to the campus.

The students were also guided by the Director-General of Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Dr Soji Eniade; and the Registrar of the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Dr Mustapha Sheikh, represented by his Deputy Registrar, Mr Dennis Onwukwe as well as the wife of the Chairman, Dr Kate Maduagwu.

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Unreported Attacks Fueling Violence in Plateau—Stakeholders Urge Decisive Action

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Unreported Attacks Fueling Violence in Plateau—Stakeholders Urge Decisive Action

By: Zagazola Makama

Beneath the surface of Plateau State’s persistent security challenges lies a disturbing trend: the rising tide of unreported and isolated attacks, amid a silence of conspiracy, quietly fueling cycles of violence across rural communities.

The recent recovery of 58 rustled cows by Nigerian security forces in Hiktup Village, Kombun District, Mangu Local Government Area points to a much larger, largely hidden crisis that security experts say demands urgent government intervention.

According to police sources, the cows were recovered during a routine patrol on Friday evening and are currently in police custody as efforts continue to trace their rightful owners.

Zagazola Makama has previously reported how the cattle were rustled from herders in Murish village, Mangu Local Government Area after one harder was killed by a group of about 30 youths from the area. One other herder, 21-year-old Abdullahi Suleiman, remains missing. Of the rustled livestock, 11 were initially recovered.

However, response agencies remained silent, with no arrests made despite the fact that the perpetrators are known and Abdullahi Suleiman is still missing.

While this recovery represents a success for law enforcement, many similar incidents across Plateau’s vast rural landscape go unreported, either due to fear, communal distrust, or lack of access to justice. In many cases, even if perpetrators are captured, local government chairmen and traditional rulers ensure that the cases do not see the light of day.

These isolated attacks on some cattle settlements, in the name of fighting bandits, have become flashpoints for deadly reprisal attacks between farming and herding communities in Plateau State. Those who dare to speak out against it are often labeled as bandits’ apologists or terrorist sympathizers. The narrative suggests that Fulani herders are invading lands and displacing local communities.

On Monday, gunmen reportedly killed a herder named Hamza Sulaiman in the Shen community, Jos South LGA of Plateau State. The attack occurred around 12:30 p.m. while six herders were grazing. Three cattle and several sheep were also killed.

In a separate incident, 26 cattle were allegedly poisoned near the INEC office in Mangu LGA. Musa Muhammad, Secretary of MACBAN in Mangu, stated that the cattle were grazing when the poisoning occurred around 1:30 p.m. Local security personnel, including the DSS and police, visited the scene and confirmed the deaths, discovering poisoned mangoes and contaminated water.

Earlier, on April 16, about 36 cattle, reportedly belonging to one Samaila Nuhu, were poisoned at Tafi Gana Junction in Zanwar Ward of Bassa Local Government Area. The government has stated it is investigating the matter through the Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries.

Security analysts are concerned that unless urgent steps are taken to address the root causes of these crimes, the state risks an escalation of violence. Each individual killed, each stolen cow, each poisoned animal represents more than just an economic loss; it triggers a cycle of revenge, widening the fault lines between communities.

The inability to swiftly prosecute culprits and ensure sincere mediation of these disputes has emboldened criminal elements, with some groups exploiting the situation to advance ethnic and religious divisions.

Stakeholders are therefore calling on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to take decisive actions against individuals and groups found to be fueling the crisis, whether through direct attacks or by inciting retaliatory violence.

They also advocate for the strengthening of community policing initiatives, the deployment of more surveillance teams in vulnerable areas, and the establishment of a comprehensive livestock identification and tracking system to against cattle rustling. Please end the Crises Now.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region

Unreported Attacks Fueling Violence in Plateau—Stakeholders Urge Decisive Action

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