Military Warns of New Terrorist Group ‘Lakurawa’ Recruiting in Northern Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters has issued a warning about the recruitment efforts of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group targeting youths in northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states. According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Media Operations, Lakurawa entered Nigeria from the Niger Republic and Mali regions, ramping up concerns in northern communities.

Last Friday, the group launched a violent attack in Mera town, Kebbi State, killing 15 people and seizing around 100 cows. The military has condemned local communities for not reporting suspicious activities, with some allegedly assisting the terrorists.

Lakurawa is reportedly attracting recruits through a combination of social media outreach, sermons, and welfare incentives. Security forces, including the military and local governments, are working to counteract these efforts.

A former DSS Director, Mike Ejiofor, clarified that Lakurawa has existed since 2018 but was relatively inactive until recently. He emphasized the need for stronger intelligence efforts and community cooperation to prevent the group from gaining ground in the region. Security expert Timothy Avele pointed out the economic hardships that make recruitment attractive and called for targeting the group’s financial and leadership structures to weaken it.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Exchange Rate for November 13, 2024

Today’s Exchange Rates

  • Buying Rate: N1730 per USD
  • Selling Rate: N1740 per USD

As of November 12, 2024, the dollar-to-naira rate in the Lagos black market stands at N1730 for buying and N1740 for selling. These rates are sourced from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators.

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the parallel market. For foreign exchange needs, the CBN advises individuals to use commercial banks.

Rising Costs in Building Materials Show 100% Increase

A new report indicates that building material prices in Nigeria have surged over the past year, with costs for essentials like cement, blocks, and paint more than doubling. The increase has been driven by supply chain issues, labor costs, and higher wholesale prices.

  • Cement: Up from ₦4,000 to ₦8,800 per bag
  • Blocks: Now between ₦550 and ₦600 per piece, from ₦250
  • Iron Rods (10mm-16mm): From ₦800,000 to over ₦1,600,000 per ton
  • Paint: Large containers rose from ₦23,000–₦25,000 to ₦46,000–₦50,000

These hikes pose challenges for the construction industry, impacting both large-scale developers and individual homeowners.

Top Nigerian News Highlights for Wednesday, November 13, 2024

1. Tinubu Directs State Funeral for Late Army Chief Lagbaja
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a state burial for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. The announcement was made during a condolence visit by Major General Kamal Yusuf, who shared details of the upcoming ceremony at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

2. Saudi Crown Prince Commends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia praised President Tinubu’s economic initiatives during a meeting at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh. The two leaders discussed strengthening ties in sectors like oil, gas, agriculture, and infrastructure, with plans for a $5 billion bilateral trade facility.

3. EFCC Chair Blames Corruption for Power Instability in Nigeria
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede revealed that corruption in project contracts, particularly the use of substandard materials, is a major cause of Nigeria’s power supply issues. He stated that Nigerians would be shocked by the findings of recent investigations.

4. Oil Marketers Urge Dangote Refinery to Lower Fuel Prices
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on Dangote Refinery to reduce petrol prices, claiming production costs are now less than ₦600. They argue the refinery should adjust prices due to government concessions.

5. Okpebholo and Idahosa Sworn In as Edo Governor and Deputy
Senator Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa have been inaugurated as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State. The ceremony took place in Benin City, two months after Okpebholo’s election win.

6. FG Bars Flight Crew from Multiple Airline Jobs, Citing Safety
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has restricted licensed flight crew members from working with multiple airlines, citing safety concerns and adherence to specific airline SOPs.

7. Plateau Governor Dismisses Rumors of Jos Bomb Explosion
Governor Caleb Mutfwang clarified that no explosion occurred at the old Jos University Teaching Hospital. He urged responsible use of social media to avoid spreading false information.

8. Edo Governor Orders Investigation into Obaseki’s Administration
Governor Okpebholo announced a probe into the previous Edo administration under Godwin Obaseki, focusing on legislative delays and the handling of judge appointments.

9. IPMAN Confirms Plans to Lift Fuel from Dangote Refinery
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN) stated they are prepared to lift petrol from Dangote Refinery, with pricing expected to be announced soon.

10. Sowore Accuses Oshiomhole of Fuel Price Hikes
Activist Omoyele Sowore alleged that former Edo governor Adams Oshiomhole collaborated with past leaders to increase fuel prices, claiming his actions contradict genuine activism principles.

For more updates, follow Nigeria Times News.

Many 2024 WAEC, NECO Candidates at Risk of Missing Admission Due to Core Subject Failures

Many candidates who sat for the 2024 National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams may face challenges gaining admission into tertiary institutions due to low pass rates in key subjects. Dr. Iyela Ajayi, the Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), announced that a significant number of students failed to secure the required credits in Mathematics and English, critical for admission.

Dr. Ajayi explained that 40% of NECO candidates and 28% of WAEC candidates failed to earn credits in both English and Mathematics, lowering their chances of further education. Speaking in Calabar at a workshop aimed at enhancing teaching skills, he stressed the importance of supporting teachers as the “backbone” of the education system, highlighting ongoing efforts to train teachers in these core subjects to improve student performance.

Dr. Ajayi noted, “Neglecting teacher training undermines education, which can be counterproductive to our goals.” This five-day workshop will focus on enhancing assessment techniques, collaborative skills, and pedagogical knowledge to strengthen education in Nigeria.

Bandits Destroy Over 200 Bags of Maize in Kaduna, Leaving Farmers Devastated

Farmers in Kaduna’s Birnin Gwari Local Government Area are reeling after suspected bandits invaded multiple farms, setting ablaze over 200 bags of harvested maize. The attack, which took place on Sunday night in Kwaga village and Unguwar Zako, destroyed the anticipated yields of numerous farmers.

Local reports, including a video by Daily Trust, depict the charred remains of the farms, where owners offered each other comfort in the face of overwhelming loss. Among the affected farmers is Kabiru Halilu Kwaga, who had harvested over 160 bags of maize last year and expected an even larger yield this season. Others, like Surajo Kwaga and Malam Dan Gido, also suffered total losses, with Gido’s anticipated 65-bag yield ruined by the flames.

The community has attributed this attack to bandits led by the notorious kingpin Yellow Jamboros, who has instilled fear across local villages. Ishaq Usman Kasai, Chairman of the Birnin Gwari-Niger Inter-boundaries Communities Association, confirmed the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the destruction inflicted on these farmers.

The Kaduna State government has yet to release an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, the affected farmers are seeking solace through prayer as they cope with the destruction of their hard-earned harvests.

UK Announces 45,000 Seasonal Worker Visas for 2025 to Address Labour Shortages

The UK government has introduced 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas for 2025 to alleviate labour shortages in the agricultural and poultry sectors, essential for food production during peak seasons. This program includes 43,000 visas for horticultural roles such as fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and flower cultivation, and 2,000 visas for poultry processing jobs available from October to December.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, meet health and safety criteria, show sufficient funds for their stay, and possess health insurance. Visa holders are required to return home after their employment period and cannot switch to other visa types.

The Seasonal Worker visa scheme will help fill critical roles: horticultural workers focus on planting, pruning, harvesting, and packing, while poultry workers handle bird care, egg collection, and processing. Candidates must secure sponsorship before applying through the UK’s online immigration portal. Applications for poultry processing roles close by November 15, while horticulture applications remain open year-round.

To complement the scheme, the UK government will invest £50 million in agricultural automation, such as robotic harvesting, to enhance productivity and reduce dependence on seasonal labour. The visa scheme, renewed in 2024, will run until 2029, offering businesses time to adopt sustainable, technology-driven workforce solutions.

Fire Destroys FCT Minister of State’s Residence in Asokoro

A devastating fire engulfed the private residence of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, on Sunday afternoon in Asokoro, Abuja. The blaze, which took place at No. 9, Justice Roseline Ukeji Close, left the property entirely destroyed, with no items salvageable from the ruins.

Confirming the incident, Austine Elemue, media aide to the minister, expressed disappointment over the delayed response by firefighters. “The house was completely razed, and nothing could be recovered,” Elemue stated.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and authorities are expected to investigate further.

In a separate incident, a fire in Ilorin, Kwara State, destroyed a building containing approximately 25 shops. The blaze, which erupted early Saturday morning at Adeta roundabout, was swiftly managed by Kwara State fire officers, though three shops suffered significant damage due to a reported power surge.

These incidents highlight ongoing concerns over fire safety and response time in residential and commercial areas.

Dangote Refinery Plans Direct Fuel Supply Partnership with PETROAN

The Dangote Refinery is preparing for a strategic meeting with the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) to discuss a direct fuel supply partnership. This move aims to eliminate intermediaries, following a recent agreement between Dangote Refinery and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

According to Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s Publicity Secretary, the refinery’s Head of Commercial reached out to PETROAN President Dr. Billy Harry to arrange the meeting, which will include a seven-member delegation led by Dr. Harry.

“PETROAN’s objective is to secure affordable, high-quality fuel for consumers while meeting regulatory standards,” Obele emphasized.

PETROAN commended Dangote Refinery’s recent decision to supply Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) directly to IPMAN, bypassing entities like the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). This collaboration could reduce landing costs, potentially benefiting Nigerian fuel consumers as global market dynamics and improved supply chains take effect.

Highlighting the importance of industry cooperation, PETROAN stated, “Open communication is key for stability in the oil and gas sector, and we believe the main beneficiaries will be the Nigerian public.”

Court of Appeal Forms Special Panel for Rivers Political Disputes

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has established a special three-member panel to address the increasing number of political disputes emerging from Rivers State. This action follows a political rift between the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The feud has led to a surge in legal battles, further exacerbating divisions within the state’s political landscape.

The special panel, appointed by Court of Appeal President Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, is chaired by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, with Justices Misitura Bokaji-Yusuf and James Abundaga. The panel will handle all appeals related to the political crisis in Rivers State.

Key cases include an appeal from Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with matters involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly the controversial defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike from PDP to APC.

In a court session on November 11, three Rivers-related appeals were adjourned to be heard by the new panel. Among these is an appeal filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly. Chief Paul Erokoro (SAN), counsel for one of the appellants, requested an adjournment as some respondents had not received all necessary documents. The adjournment was agreed upon, with hearings scheduled for November 14.

This development marks a significant effort to expedite the resolution of political disputes in Rivers State, aiming to restore order amidst the ongoing conflict.

Edo Deputy Governor Shaibu Speaks on Alleged Fleeing of Governor Obaseki

Philip Shaibu, the outgoing Deputy Governor of Edo State, has addressed rumors regarding the alleged fleeing of Governor Godwin Obaseki ahead of the governor’s transition to a new administration. Obaseki’s tenure officially ended on November 11, 2024, and he was set to hand over power to Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the winner of the 2024 Edo State governorship election.

There have been circulating claims that Governor Obaseki has gone into hiding to avoid possible arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a rumor which has been denied by his team. Speaking to Channels Television on November 12, Shaibu, however, confirmed that he has not seen Obaseki for the past four days.

Shaibu expressed that he and the outgoing governor are no longer on speaking terms, noting that it had been several days since he last had any communication with Obaseki or saw him at the Government House in Edo.

“I’ve not seen him for the past four days, I’ve not heard from him as he doesn’t communicate with me and we don’t talk to each other,” Shaibu remarked, addressing the ongoing speculation surrounding Obaseki’s absence.

Further updates are awaited on the situation.