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Terrorists eyeing Nigeria, W’African coastline – US Warns
The Commander of United States Africa Command, Gen Michael Langley, has raised the alarm over growing efforts by extremist groups and terrorists in the Sahel to gain access to West Africa’s coastline.
Describing recent attacks in Nigeria, the wider Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin as deeply troubling, Langley warned that terrorist access to the coast would significantly boost their capacity for smuggling and arms trafficking.
The Sahel countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger is widely regarded as the epicentre of terrorist activity, with insurgent networks linked to ISIS and Al-Qaeda particularly entrenched in Burkina Faso.
According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Sahel accounted for 19 per cent of all terrorist attacks worldwide and 51 per cent of global terrorism-related deaths in 2024, up from 48 per cent in 2023.
Five of the 10 countries most affected by terrorism are in the Sahel.
Langley, who spoke during a press conference at the weekend, said the US was increasingly concerned that a coastal incursion would not only endanger African nations but also raise the threat level to American interests.
“Attacks are resurging in the Lake Chad region as well, and extremist groups are growing more aggressive. The recent attacks in Nigeria and across the Sahel are deeply concerning.
“The scale and brutality of some of these incidents are troubling. So we’re monitoring this closely.
“One of the terrorists’ new objectives is gaining access to West African coasts. If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading.
“This puts not just African nations at risk, but also increases the chance of threats reaching the US shores,” Langley stated.
He stated this while addressing journalists at the African Chiefs of Defence Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 28 to 29, 2025.
The event brought together senior military leaders from 37 African nations alongside US defence officials.
Langley urged frontline coastal states such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin to hold firm along their northern borders to prevent terrorist infiltration.
He noted that the US stood in support of its coastal partners, saying, “That’s why our coastal partners – Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin – are fighting fiercely along their northern borders to prevent terrorist expansion, and US AFRICOM is standing with them.”
Langley acknowledged that the partial withdrawal of US forces from parts of Africa had constrained America’s ability to monitor and respond to terrorist activity as closely as before.
He, however, emphasised US’ continued commitment to counterterrorism partnerships, while respecting national sovereignty.
“We respect nation sovereignty and only go where we’re asked as long as it aligns with U.S. national security objectives,” he said.
Langley recalled his visit to Nigeria in November 2024, noting that it provided a firsthand view of how the US supported Nigerian defence efforts.
“During my visit, I sat with Nigerian defence leaders to understand how we can help. The US acts with its partners—and in Nigeria’s case, we work together to combat Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa in pursuit of regional security,” he said.
“We are committed to supporting one of the most capable militaries in the region—Nigeria’s. Although our withdrawal has reduced our ability to monitor some developments directly, we maintain strong liaison and provide support where possible,” he added.
Langley also spoke on US efforts to foster dialogue with Burkina Faso, despite strained ties.
“The US seeks opportunities to collaborate with Burkina Faso on counterterrorism challenges. I invited Burkina Faso’s chief of defence to the African Chiefs of Defence Conference because I believe in maintaining that dialogue. So it’s still open,” he said.
On East Africa, he noted that AFRICOM had stepped up operations in Somalia.
“At the request of the Somali government, we’ve conducted over 25 airstrikes this year alone—twice as many as last year—targeting jihadist groups,” Langley revealed.
Despite the challenges, Langley expressed satisfaction that African militaries were confronting their security issues without waiting for external intervention.
“African militaries are not waiting to be saved. African militaries are taking on security challenges head-on, and leverage opportunities for their nations to achieve stability and prosperity.
“So right now, as I speak to you, they continue to step up and take control of their futures,” he said.
He stressed that AFRICOM’s focus is on long-term partnership, not dependence.
“Our goal is to deepen partnerships that empower African nations to solve African problems—not with handouts, but through trusted collaboration,” Langley said.
“A safe, stable, and prosperous Africa is not a charitable goal. It’s a strategic necessity for the United States and our African partners,” he added.
Langley said that across the continent, joint military exercises were now geared toward building independence, interoperability, and crisis response capacity among African forces.
He said AFRICOM remained committed to helping African militaries with advanced training and intelligence sharing while urging stronger engagement with local communities.
“We are not just helping build military capacity; we’re helping create the stability that underpins African and American prosperity alike.
“AFRICOM is increasingly focused on helping our partners address the root causes of terrorism—instability at the local level—through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and institutional strengthening,” he said.
He summed up AFRICOM’s mission in three words: peace through strength.
“AFRICOM aims to support African nations in building the self-reliance needed to confront terrorism and insurgency by assisting in building strong, capable military and security forces.
“Our partnership is summed up in three words: peace through strength. Strong partnerships are the best representation of that thought because we’re always stronger when we stand together,” Langley said.
…Lament Absence Of Ngige, Moghalu Others
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Foundation members of the All Progressives Congress APC in Anambra state have protested what they call the hijack of the party by members of the People’s Democratic Party PDP at just concluded State Congress.
They further lamented the absence of former governor and Minister Sen Chris Ngige, former National Auditor of the party Chief George Moghalu, former National Youth leader of the party Chief Uzoma Igbonwa and others during the Congress.
According to the spokesman of the foundation members Mr Uchenna Adika from Onitsha North local government area ; members such as Chief Ike Ekwensi and Chief Kene Nzekwe were both disqualified and denied access to purchase forms for the post of Deputy Chairman and Chairman, most original members of the party.
“What you saw that took place there at the party Secretarate is a hijack of the party by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and not the real APC stalwarts”
“Some of us went to buy forms for the post of state Chairman they refused to sell to us and there are some of us who actually purchased forms for the post of Deputy Chairman but they were disqualified by them and you call it internal democracy in the party ”
The group questioned that ; “,At what point did all these people join the APC ? ”
“There should be a demarcation between the Renewed Hope Ambassadors campaign organization of Mr President and the leadership of the APC in Anambra state” he said.
But Sen Uche Ekwunife during the Congress contended that what the party did was I line with the provisions of the APC constitution adding that the party at this point do not need Photoshop executive members who do not have capacity or anything to offer for the growth and progress of the party .
“Our outgoing Chairman Chief Basil Ejidike is not going because he did not do well or that he is incompetent but he has been there for seven years and there is the need to regig the party ”
“It is not about becoming an executive member of the party for Photoshop or just to be there ”
“We did basketing and consensus in line with the provisions of our party Constitution and we are looking at people that had capacity to work and deliver and not rubber stamp executive ” she said.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The second edition of the Enugu Tech Festival (ETF 2.0) has concluded with a record-breaking 53,000 physical participants, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing ambition to emerge as a continental hub for digital innovation.
Held from 24 to 27 February 2026 at the Enugu International Conference Centre, the four-day festival exceeded its projected target of 50,000 attendees, drawing innovators, founders, investors, policymakers and students from across Nigeria and beyond.
Convener of the festival and Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, described the turnout as “a resounding validation of Enugu’s vision to become a technology trailblazer in Africa.” He noted that the festival also attracted hundreds of online participants globally.
The event was broadcast live on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and reportedly ranked among the top five trending global events on social media during its run—an unprecedented level of digital engagement for an African technology convergence.
“We set out to inspire 50,000 innovators, thinkers, founders, investors and digital talents. To see nearly 60,000 people here—not registrations but real engagement—shows that the African tech narrative is shifting from perception to measurable impact,” Dr Ezeh said.
Attendance Breakdown and Daily Focus
Organisers disclosed that Day One recorded 20,000 participants, Day Two 15,000, Day Three 13,000, and Day Four 5,000 attendees. Each day was structured around a central theme, featuring contributions from government, global tech firms, startups and academia.
The theme for ETF 2.0 was “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form.”
Policy, Investment and Innovation
Day One focused on policy and governance and was officially declared open by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who emphasised technology and innovation as central pillars of his administration’s development agenda.
“We are witnessing an economic renaissance powered by technology… The global economy is now driven by ideas, code, data and innovation,” Mbah said, adding that Enugu has chosen to be “a producer, not a spectator” in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Dignitaries including Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, toured exhibition halls showcasing startups, coding boot camps, robotics demonstrations and AI-powered agricultural tools.
Observers from Britain and other European markets noted a shift in Nigeria’s tech discourse—from aspirational rhetoric to implementation-driven frameworks with measurable outcomes.
Day Two spotlighted entrepreneurship and investment. A curated “Deal Room” facilitated engagements between startups and venture capitalists, while masterclasses addressed scaling, product-market fit and cross-border expansion. Investors from Lagos, Nairobi, London and Dubai attended, reflecting rising global interest in African digital enterprises.
Dr Ezeh described the festival as “a bridge between talent and capital,” positioning Enugu as an emerging investment gateway to South-East Nigeria’s technology corridor.
Day Three explored artificial intelligence, blockchain and Web3 technologies, featuring a live hackathon with teams developing solutions in fintech, healthcare diagnostics and climate-smart agriculture. Panels also examined responsible AI governance and decentralised finance regulation.
Youth Empowerment and Lasting Impact
The closing day blended innovation showcases with awards and cultural performances. Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, reaffirmed federal support for youth-led innovation and research commercialisation.
Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, described ETF 2.0 as “a landmark achievement” that has elevated Enugu’s global profile.
One of the festival’s most tangible outcomes was its youth empowerment initiative. Hundreds of young participants received laptops and tablets, while selected startup founders and innovation teams were awarded ₦10 million grants each to accelerate product development and market entry. Additional groups received smaller grants to support training, prototyping and community tech hubs.
“Inspiration without tools is incomplete,” Dr Ezeh said. “We are placing real resources in the hands of those who will shape the ecosystem.”
A Growing Continental Signal
Beyond speeches and exhibitions, ETF 2.0 functioned as a marketplace of ideas, ambition and opportunity. Cultural performances and digital art installations underscored the festival’s message that technology and cultural identity can coexist.
For international observers, the festival reflects a broader continental shift: Africa’s youthful, tech-savvy population is increasingly entrepreneurial and globally connected.
Against persistent challenges such as infrastructure gaps and regulatory uncertainty, Enugu’s successful convening of over 53,000 innovators sends a clear signal—subnational governments are stepping forward as active ecosystem builders.
As the curtains fell on ETF 2.0, Dr Ezeh reflected on what he termed “Africa’s defining decade.”
“This festival is not an endpoint,” he said. “It is the foundation. We are building from Enugu to the world.”
If ETF 2.0 is any indication, that ambition is already gaining momentum.
While the Nigerian Police Force said 75 persons were confirmed killed in the assault on Woro and Nuku communities, local sources and international observers put the death toll significantly higher.
In a statement on X on Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria described the attack as “horrific,” saying more than 160 people were feared dead, with many still unaccounted for.
“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara state in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for.
“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” the statement read.
It welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to deploy security forces to protect affected communities.
The reaction adds to international condemnation of the attack, which had earlier drawn rebukes from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye.
Tinubu had ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the creation of a new military command to lead the operation, following the assault on Woro and Nuku communities.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to Kaiama and surrounding communities to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the deployment of troops under Operation Savannah Shield would help deter further violence, adding that security forces were already on the ground.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The alleged sit-at-home order reportedly issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for Monday, February 2, 2026, in Anambra State has suffered a major setback, following a firm denial by the group that it authorised such a directive.
IPOB dismissed the order as false and further disowned the use of the pseudonym Emma Powerful as the signatory to any of its press statements, warning that any statement issued under that name did not originate from the organisation.
In a statement attributed to the Head of the Directorate of State (DOS), Mazi Chukwukadibia Edoziem, the group said it never approved any sit-at-home or lockdown across Biafraland on the said date.
“Furthermore, the Directorate of State categorically states that it did not authorise any individual or group whatsoever to issue a lockdown or sit-at-home order across Biafraland on Monday, February 2, 2026,” the statement read.
IPOB also announced new guidelines for its official communications, resolving that all press statements representing its position must henceforth be issued exclusively on the organisation’s official letterhead.
The group explained that due to the abuse and compromise of the pseudonym Emma Powerful, it would no longer use the name for issuing statements.
“For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of clarity, any press statement released under the pseudonym ‘Emma Powerful’ going forward does not emanate from IPOB leadership and does not represent the position of the IPOB Directorate of State,” the statement added.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cancelled the posting of an ambassadorial nominee to Turkey, clarifying that no ambassador has been appointed to Ankara despite an earlier announcement suggesting otherwise.
The clarification came on Friday, hours after the Presidency initially announced the posting of former Kebbi State Governor, Usman Dakingari, as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Turkey.
Earlier in the week, President Tinubu had approved the posting of four ambassador-designates from a pool of more than 60 nominees confirmed by the Senate last December. However, the Presidency has now confirmed only three appointments, effectively leaving the Turkish diplomatic mission without a nominee.
In a statement issued late Thursday night, the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had announced that President Tinubu approved the posting of four ambassador-designates.
The initial list named Kayode Are, former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), as ambassador-designate to the United States; Ayodele Oke, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), as ambassador-designate to France; Amin Dalhatu, former Nigerian ambassador to South Korea, as High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom; and Usman Dakingari, former Governor of Kebbi State, as ambassador-designate to Turkey.
Following the revision, the Presidency directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally notify the governments of France, the United States and the United Kingdom of the confirmed ambassador-designates, in accordance with diplomatic procedures.
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