The recent INTERPOL-led operation, called Operation Serengeti 2.0, was conducted against cybercriminals between June and August 2025, involving investigators from 18 African countries along with the United Kingdom. The operation resulted in the arrest of 1,209 suspected cybercriminals targeting nearly 88,000 victims across Africa. A total of $97.4 million was recovered, and 11,432 pieces of malicious online infrastructure were dismantled. Key operational highlights Key highlights of the operation include the dismantling of 25 cryptocurrency mining centers in Angola, where 60 Chinese nationals were illegally validating blockchain transactions. Authorities confiscated 45 illegal power stations along with mining and IT equipment valued…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Nigeria has advised smallholder farmers in Abia State to make judicious and effective use of agricultural grants provided under its Smallholder Farmers Initiative. The National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, gave the charge during the official flag-off ceremony in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. Represented by Mrs. Fati Abubakar, Head of Programme Development and Implementation, Abdullahi stressed that the agricultural grants must be utilized with prudence, efficiency, and in line with the intended purpose. He noted that the initiative reflects a significant investment in…
The Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has reaffirmed its commitment to good governance and sustaining the university’s leadership role in science and technology education. Speaking at a three-day Council retreat in Ikogosi, Ekiti State, Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Senator Nora Daduut, said the session offered an opportunity to review achievements, strengthen collaboration, and chart a new course for FUTA. “The purpose of the retreat is not merely to look back but to move forward with intention. It is a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and strategic planning,” Daduut said, stressing transparency, accountability, and excellence…
In 2025, the United States continues to lead global military spending by a significant margin, allocating a staggering $900 billion to defense spending. This places the U.S. far ahead of other countries in terms of military investment. China holds the second position with $320 billion, more than tripling the budget of the next highest spending country, India, which stands at $85 billion. Russia follows closely with $82 billion, indicating a strong focus on defense despite economic challenges. The United Kingdom ranks fifth with $70 billion, just ahead of Saudi Arabia’s $68 billion. Germany and France also remain key players in…
Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has raised concerns that justice in Nigeria is increasingly becoming a “purchasable commodity,” where the poor are victimised while the rich often evade accountability. The monarch made the remarks on Sunday at the opening of the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. He warned that corruption and inequality were undermining the integrity of the judicial system. “Today, justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity, and the poor are becoming victims of this kind of justice, while the rich commit all manner of crime and…
In a recent study published in New Phytologist, researchers at Michigan State University have uncovered how Amazon rainforest canopy trees manage the intense sunlight they absorb — revealing resilience to hot and dry conditions in the forest canopy while also offering a way to greatly improve the monitoring of canopy health under increasing extreme conditions. The study was made possible by funding from the National Science Foundation and NASA. Highlights of the study Scientists use satellite images of light given off by plants — called solar-induced fluorescence, or SIF — to check how healthy the Amazon forest is. SIF is…
South African opposition leader, Julius Malema, has warned that loans obtained from international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) can mortgage the future of African nations if not properly regulated. Malema, who spoke at the opening of the Nigeria Bar Association’s Annual General Conference in Enugu, described the loans as “debt traps” that may appear to provide temporary relief but ultimately weaken African economies and enslave future generations. According to him, African leaders often secure these loans without considering the long-term consequences, leaving citizens and unborn generations to shoulder the burden of repayment.…
The recent devastating flood that ravaged Mokwa, claiming over a thousand lives and displacing countless families, marked a tragic chapter in Niger State’s history. The calamity, which officially unfolded on May 29th, has left scars not only on the land but also on the psyche of survivors desperately awaiting relief. While the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and well-meaning Nigerians rallied to provide donations estimated at over N5 billion, serious questions remain about transparency, accountability, and the sincerity of leadership from the state government under Governor Bago. Governor Bago has publicly praised the Federal Government and…
India has temporarily suspended most postal deliveries to the United States starting Monday, August 25, 2025, citing confusion over new U.S. customs tariff rules. Why India suspended postal deliveries The Ministry of Communications said the decision follows new regulations introduced by Washington that require transport carriers or other “qualified parties” to collect and remit duties on inbound parcels. However, the procedures remain unclear, and major airlines have informed Indian authorities that they are not ready to handle consignments under the new system. What items are affected From the effective date, parcels, merchandise, and most non-document shipments to the U.S. will…
Kaduna State’s drive towards universal vaccine coverage has received a major boost with a fresh $3 million investment from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to be implemented over the next two years. The fund is aimed at strengthening routine immunisation and revitalising primary health care services across the state. During a high-level visit to Kaduna, Jessica Crawford, Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, commended the state’s leadership and achievements in improving immunisation. She said the new funding would help: Improve vaccine delivery systems Reach hard-to-reach communities Reduce the number of “zero-dose” children — those who have never received any vaccine. Welcoming…