Nigerian General Christopher Musa returns to government as the country's Minister of Defence

In Nigeria, approximately 50,000 volunteer vigilantes have emerged to protect rural communities amid a significant absence of security forces. These local brigades, exemplified by individuals like Makailu in Niger State, actively patrol and defend villages against increasing bandit attacks and ongoing security challenges.

Nigeria has granted asylum to Fernando Dias, a presidential candidate from Guinea-Bissau, sheltering him in its embassy in Bissau due to an imminent threat to his life following a military coup that ousted the sitting president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló.

Robin Smith, the former England cricketer born in South Africa, has passed away at the age of 62. Smith was known for his impressive batting skills, having scored over 4,000 Test runs during his career in the late 1980s and 90s.

Anicet Ekane, a prominent opposition figure in Cameroon, has died in detention, with his family alleging that he was denied adequate medical care. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of political prisoners in the country.

Nigeria is experiencing a significant rise in kidnappings, with armed groups targeting schools across the northern region. Recently, over 300 schoolchildren were abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State, marking one of the largest mass abductions in the country's history. This alarming trend has drawn comparisons to the infamous Chibok abductions by Boko Haram in 2014, raising concerns about the safety of children in educational institutions.

Armed men kidnapped 13 women, including a bride and her bridesmaids, during a night raid in Sokoto State, Nigeria. This incident is part of a troubling trend of abductions that have plagued the region, raising concerns about security and safety for residents.