AFREECANIMAGE

  By AfreecanImage News Desk The Nigerian military has announced another major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency, confirming the elimination of Abu Salim al-Barnawi , a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative who served as the group's chief photographer and propaganda coordinator. According to a statement issued by Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) , Abu Salim was killed during the failed terrorist attack on a military position at Cross Kauwa in Borno State on July 12, 2026 . He was reportedly eliminated alongside other members of ISWAP's mobile media unit, including Abu Umar Khattab and Abu Khalid Usman . Terrorist Propaganda Unit Dismantled Military authorities revealed that Abu Salim was formerly a commander who led several cross-border attacks into Cameroon before being reassigned to oversee ISWAP's media and propaganda operations. His responsibilities included: Recording and photographing terrorist attacks. Producing propaganda video...

By AFREECANIMAGE News Desk ABUJA, Nigeria  United States President Donald Trump has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as decisive leadership in Nigeria's fight against terrorism, while reaffirming Washington's commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Africa's most populous nation. The commendation was contained in a letter dated July 6, 2026 , the contents of which were released by the Presidency through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga . Trump Applauds Tinubu's Leadership In the letter, President Trump acknowledged Tinubu's efforts to confront terrorism and violent extremism, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities in parts of Nigeria. According to the letter released by the Presidency, Trump expressed appreciation for Tinubu's leadership and pledged continued U.S. support in combating terrorism. "I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nig...

  By AFREECANIMAGE News Desk Maiduguri, Borno State – Troops of Operation HADIN KAI , in collaboration with Hybrid Forces, have arrested five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers during a security operation in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State , dealing another blow to terrorist support networks operating in Nigeria's North-East. According to a statement issued by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the operation was carried out at about 1:30 p.m. on July 20, 2026 , as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the movement of supplies suspected to be linked to terrorist activities. Large Consignment of Medical and Commercial Items Seized During the operation, troops intercepted the suspects while transporting a large quantity of veterinary drugs and medical supplies without the required waybills or supporting documentation. Recovered items include: 491 cartons of Albe Stark 2.5% dewormer 100 cartons of multivitamin injections for ani...

  By AFREECAN IMAGE News Desk Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has debunked reports alleging that the Federal Government Girls' College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State , was attacked, describing the claims as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among parents, guardians and the public. In a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on July 20, 2026 , the Ministry assured Nigerians that the school remains safe and fully operational, with all students and staff secure. School Safe, Academic Activities Continue According to the Ministry, there was no attack on FGGC, Monguno, contrary to reports circulating on some media and social media platforms. The Ministry confirmed that: All students and staff are safe and accounted for. Boarding facilities remain secure. Teaching and learning activities are continuing without disruption. The school is operating in a peaceful and secure environment.     Minister Reassures Par...

By AFREECANIMAGE News Desk Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has intensified efforts to boost Nigeria's healthcare manufacturing sector by accelerating the local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, a move aimed at improving access to affordable medical diagnostics, reducing dependence on imported healthcare products, and strengthening the country's health security. The initiative forms part of the Federal Government's broader healthcare reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises local manufacturing, healthcare innovation, and sustainable industrial development. Government Reviews Progress on Local Manufacturing Project At a high-level strategic review meeting held in Abuja, the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate , chaired discussions involving key stakeholders responsible for implementing the project. The meeting brought together representatives from: F...

The latest figures presented by PenCom indicate one of the most comprehensive pension reform efforts since the introduction of Nigeria's Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004. While stakeholders continue to monitor long-term sustainability, the clearance of historic pension debts, expansion of pension assets beyond ₦31 trillion, improved monthly benefits and increased enrolment signal significant progress toward strengthening retirement security for millions of Nigerian workers. Speaking to the State House Press Corps, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran , presented what she described as "24 months of evidence" demonstrating the progress made since assuming office. Nigeria's pension industry has recorded one of its strongest periods of growth in recent years, with the National Pension Commission (PenCom) announcing sweeping reforms that have significantly improved retirement benefits, expanded pension coverage, and s...

The Federal Government has reportedly approved an enhanced production-linked tax incentive for Shell Plc aimed at accelerating investment in the Bonga Southwest Aparo deepwater oil project , valued at approximately $20 billion . Under the arrangement, Shell and its partners will receive a tax credit of $11.50 for every barrel of crude oil produced , more than double the standard production incentive currently available to operators. The incentive is designed to encourage a Final Investment Decision (FID) on one of Nigeria's largest undeveloped offshore projects. Government sources indicate that similar incentives may be extended to other international oil companies as Nigeria seeks to attract fresh investment into its upstream petroleum sector. The Bonga Southwest Aparo project is expected to increase Nigeria's offshore production capacity, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate local content participation and generate substantial government revenue over its...

Nigeria has recorded its highest crude oil production in more than six years, producing an average of 1.56 million barrels of crude oil per day in June 2026 , exceeding its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day by about 4 percent. According to data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), total oil production, including condensates, averaged 1.735 million barrels per day , marking the country's fourth consecutive month of production growth. The increase was attributed to improved pipeline security, stable production across oil assets and fewer disruptions caused by pipeline vandalism and oil theft. Industry analysts say the improved output strengthens Nigeria's position within OPEC and could significantly boost government revenue if sustained. Crude oil production reached 1.56 million barrels per day . Nigeria exceeded its OPEC quota for the fourth consecutive month. Total...

The Federal Government has suspended its proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination following widespread criticism from parents, students, education stakeholders and civil society groups. The Ministry of Education confirmed that it has withdrawn its June 18, 2026 circular proposing the new fee structure to allow for broader consultations before any final decision is made. The government stressed that no increase will take effect until discussions with stakeholders are concluded. Officials explained that the proposed review was prompted by rising operational costs, including examination logistics, security, printing, technology deployment and quality assurance. However, following public concerns over the affordability of education amid Nigeria's economic challenges, the government opted to suspend the policy. Proposed 2027 WAE...

ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a high-profile, closed-door strategy meeting with Nigeria's defense heads at the Presidential Villa to evaluate and realign active security operations across the nation. The strategic session was led by the Minister of Defense, Abubakar Badaru, alongside the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other prominent service chiefs. Over the course of the one hour and forty minute briefing, heads of various defense and intelligence units presented localized reports detailing tactical measures currently deployed to neutralize criminal elements and insurgents nationwide. According to State House sources, the security leadership reported measurable progress across several conflict corridors. The delegation affirmed a renewed commitment to leverage advanced intelligence networks as the primary driver of future military engagements. Furthermore, the security chiefs resolved to tighten regional border security through direct military...

                Abuja, Nigeria – The controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) took a fresh turn on the eve of the scheduled court arraignment of its embattled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi , who insists he is not evading law enforcement authorities but has withdrawn from public view because of alleged threats to his life. Adeyemi, who faces an eight-count criminal charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja, maintained that he remains willing to appear before the court but fears for his personal safety. He also renewed his call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the controversial agency, its alleged budget allocation and his appointment.                          Adeyemi Denies Going into Hiding Speaking during a televised interview and...