Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Not Nigeria’s Top Borrower Since 1999, New Report Shows
ThinkBusiness Africa finds Buhari-era external debt rose by $32.6bn, dwarfing Tinubu’s $9.4bn increase since 2023
ThinkBusiness Africa finds Buhari-era external debt rose by $32.6bn, dwarfing Tinubu’s $9.4bn increase since 2023
A new report has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is not Nigeria’s largest borrower since the return to democratic rule in 1999, countering claims that his administration has accumulated the highest debt. The report, released on Wednesday in Lagos by research firm ThinkBusiness Africa Ltd, analysed federal government borrowing from May 2023 to December 2025 and compared it with previous administrations.
According to the findings, Nigeria’s external debt increased by about $9.4 billion under Tinubu, from $42.5 billion when he assumed office in May 2023 to approximately $51.9 billion by December 2025. In contrast, former President Muhammadu Buhari (APC) oversaw a much larger rise during his eight-year tenure, with Nigeria’s external debt jumping from roughly $10.3 billion in 2015 to $42.9 billion in 2023—a total increase of $32.6 billion.
The report stated, “The evidence therefore indicates that the largest increase in Nigeria’s external debt stock in the democratic era occurred between 2015 and 2023.” It further noted that public perception around Tinubu’s borrowing may be influenced by heightened scrutiny of economic policies and ongoing concerns about Nigeria’s debt sustainability.
Economic analysts highlighted that the current administration inherited a challenging fiscal environment marked by high inflation and fluctuating naira exchange rates. “Much of the criticism directed at government stems from broader anxiety over rising cost of living and persistent unemployment,” said a Lagos-based economist who reviewed the data.
With these findings, stakeholders are calling for improved transparency in public finance and closer monitoring of future borrowing plans. The report recommends that government should prioritise revenue generation and prudent spending to avoid unsustainable debt levels as the country approaches another budget cycle.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/tinubu-not-nigerias-biggest-borrower-since-1999-says-report/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Boko Haram Strikes Chibok’s Kautikari Community, Burns Down Two Schools in Borno State
Fresh assault forces residents to flee as destruction of schools renews fears over children’s safety in North-East
Fresh assault forces residents to flee as destruction of schools renews fears over children’s safety in North-East
Suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents attacked Kautikari community in Chibok Local Government Area, Borno State, on Friday evening, setting both the primary and secondary school buildings ablaze. The assault left hundreds of residents fleeing into nearby bushes and neighbouring communities to escape the violence, with the attackers targeting public infrastructure before withdrawing from the area.
Local sources reported that the gunmen stormed Kautikari after nightfall, focusing their attack on educational facilities. While no fatalities were immediately confirmed, the destruction of both schools has disrupted learning for children already affected by years of insecurity in the North-East. Residents described scenes of panic as families abandoned homes and livelihoods, adding that this incident marks another round of violence in a community repeatedly targeted by insurgent groups.
The attack comes just over a decade after the infamous abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok by Boko Haram in 2014, which drew international attention to Nigeria’s security challenges. Despite ongoing military operations and government assurances, communities across Borno continue to face threats to education and safety. Reports indicate that Kautikari has suffered multiple attacks in recent months, forcing some families to relocate permanently out of fear.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement regarding Friday’s incident. However, parents and local leaders have called on both state and federal authorities to strengthen protection for schools across Borno State. “The repeated targeting of our schools is endangering the future of our children,” one community elder said during a telephone interview. Education stakeholders warn that continued attacks could undermine efforts to rebuild trust in public institutions and keep displaced pupils out of classrooms for even longer.
As assessment teams begin evaluating the extent of damage in Kautikari, humanitarian agencies say urgent intervention is needed to provide temporary learning spaces and psychosocial support for affected children. The latest assault underscores the persistent challenge posed by armed groups in the North-East despite military gains claimed by government forces. Authorities have pledged to intensify patrols around vulnerable communities while promising swift reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Boko Haram Insurgents Attack Borno School, Kill One and Burn Classrooms in Chibok LGA
Police confirm security operatives repelled further violence as incident renews fears in community linked to 2014 abductions
Police confirm security operatives repelled further violence as incident renews fears in community linked to 2014 abductions
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched an attack on Kautikari village in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday evening, killing one person and setting fire to part of a secondary school. The incident was confirmed by local authorities and the Borno State Police Command on Sunday.
According to Malah Kyari, Education Secretary for Chibok LGA, the attackers specifically targeted the junior secondary section of Government Day Secondary School. “I can confirm that the insurgents attacked the Kautikari community yesterday, killed one person, and set ablaze one block containing five classrooms and an office at Kautikari JSS,” Kyari stated.
Kautikari is a community that previously gained international attention during the mass abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in 2014. The latest attack has revived concerns about the safety of educational institutions and residents in the area, which remains vulnerable despite years of counter-insurgency efforts by government forces.
Police Public Relations Officer for Borno State Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident and said security personnel responded promptly to limit further damage. “They attacked Kautikari village, where they burnt two classrooms at Government Day Secondary School and killed one person, a man,” Daso said. He added that security operatives faced resistance from the assailants but were able to repel them before more harm could be done.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing while patrols have been intensified in Chibok LGA to prevent further attacks. The state government has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Meanwhile, education officials are assessing damages with a view to restoring learning facilities for affected students.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/boko-haram-attacks-borno-school-kills-one-burns-classrooms/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Anambra Government Arrests Pastor Over Alleged Conversion of 75 Women as Wives in Onitsha
State hands Harrison Charles to police after viral video sparked probe into alleged wife-swapping, vows crackdown on fraudulent ministries
State hands Harrison Charles to police after viral video sparked probe into alleged wife-swapping, vows crackdown on fraudulent ministries
The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of Pastor Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, following allegations that he converted 75 women—including married congregants—into his wives and encouraged wife-swapping among church members. The arrest was effected by operatives of the state’s security outfit, Agunechemba, after a viral video surfaced online detailing accusations against the cleric.
According to Dr Ejimofor Opara, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Charles was apprehended on Thursday and has been handed over to the police for further investigation. The state government said the move is part of a wider campaign against individuals accused of running fraudulent religious organisations within Anambra State.
The allegations against Pastor Charles have generated significant public concern in Onitsha and beyond, particularly given recent debates around unregulated religious practices in Nigeria’s South-East. Many of the alleged victims are said to be members of his church, with claims that they were pressured into unconventional marital arrangements under spiritual pretexts.
“Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him,” Dr Opara stated in a press briefing. “He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”
Authorities have urged residents to report similar cases involving religious institutions or leaders engaging in practices deemed harmful or illegal. As at Friday morning, police investigations are ongoing and no formal charges have been filed yet. The state government has reiterated its commitment to regulating religious activities and protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
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