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APC Directs Tinubu’s Appointees To Campaign Or Step Down

By
Favour Enyosa
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has directed political appointees serving under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to actively participate in grassroots mobilisation for the party ahead of the 2027 general election or resign from their positions.

The directive was issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, while receiving members of the Progressive Local Government Chairmen’s Forum, led by the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, Dr. Mustafa Jibrin.

The delegation met with the party leadership to present its mobilisation plans in preparation for the 2027 elections.

Yilwatda said political appointments come with a responsibility to contribute to the party’s electoral success and should not be viewed as purely administrative roles.

“You cannot hide behind the claim of being a technocrat to avoid your political responsibilities. If you accept a political appointment, you must also play your role as a politician,” he said.

He added that individuals who are unwilling to participate in partisan political activities should refrain from accepting political appointments.

The APC chairman also instructed local government chairmen to monitor the political activities of appointees within their wards and report those who fail to support the party’s grassroots structure.

According to him, political relevance at the grassroots is just as important as effective performance in government.

“You know who is delivering politically at the grassroots. An appointee may be performing well in the office, but if they have no political presence in their ward, that is a problem. Anyone who accepts a political appointment must also accept the responsibilities that come with politics,” Yilwatda stated.

He emphasised that the APC’s success in the 2027 elections would depend largely on sustained grassroots mobilisation rather than government performance alone.

Yilwatda urged council chairmen to identify areas where the party needs improvement and highlight political appointees who are not contributing effectively to the APC’s mobilisation efforts.

He also assured the forum of the party’s support for the inauguration of its state coordinators and announced plans to organise a mass endorsement rally in Abuja in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

“We will give you our full support in your mobilisation efforts. The party will also support the inauguration of your state coordinators and work with you to organise a mass endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in Abuja,” he said.

Nigeria’s Debt Securities Hit ₦175.46tn As Government Borrowing Rises

By
Favour Enyosa
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Nigeria’s outstanding debt securities increased by 14.47 per cent to ₦175.46 trillion in 2025 as the Federal Government expanded borrowing to finance budget deficits, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The apex bank disclosed this in its 2025 Annual Report, revealing that the country’s debt securities grew by ₦22.13 trillion, up from ₦153.28 trillion recorded in 2024.

According to the report, the increase was driven by higher government borrowing requirements and investors’ growing preference for debt instruments over conventional lending due to attractive market yields.

Despite the overall rise in debt securities, the CBN’s claims on the Federal Government through debt instruments declined by ₦348.58 billion, representing a 1.3 per cent decrease, to ₦26.40 trillion from ₦26.74 trillion in 2024.

The bank attributed the reduction mainly to lower domestic claims on the Federal Government following a decline in Ways and Means advances.

The CBN also reported a drop in its holdings of foreign debt securities, which fell by ₦303.62 billion, or 1.85 per cent, to ₦16.08 trillion, citing weaker foreign investment inflows and portfolio adjustments.

Debt securities issued by Other Depository Corporations (ODCs) declined sharply by 42.2 per cent to ₦10.56 billion, as investors shifted towards treasury bills and Federal Government bonds amid high interest rates.

However, ODCs increased their investments in Federal Government debt instruments by ₦2.24 trillion, representing a 12.5 per cent increase, bringing their total holdings to ₦20.15 trillion during the review period.

The report further showed that Nigeria’s total public debt stood at ₦153.29 trillion as of September 2025, equivalent to 35.55 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to the CBN, this remains well below Nigeria’s 60 per cent debt ceiling and the 70 per cent benchmark recommended for market access economies.

On the fiscal side, the CBN reported a significant improvement in government revenue, with federally collected revenueincreasing by 33.67 per cent to ₦36.08 trillion in 2025.

The growth was attributed to stronger collections from both oil and non-oil sources, particularly Value Added Tax (VAT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and oil royalties, supported by improved tax administration and stronger compliance.

Non-oil revenue accounted for ₦23.35 trillion, representing 64.71 per cent of total revenue, while oil revenue almost doubled to ₦12.73 trillion, driven by higher remittances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and improved petroleum tax collections.

After statutory deductions of ₦15.78 trillion, the Federation recorded ₦21.94 trillion in distributable revenue, supported by exchange gains, excess non-oil revenue and excess oil revenue.

From the distributable revenue, the Federal Government received ₦7.57 trillion, while state governments shared ₦7.38 trillion and local governments received ₦5.40 trillion. Oil-producing states also received ₦1.59 trillion as 13 per cent derivation revenue.

Among the states, Lagos received the highest federation allocation at ₦720.50 billion, followed by Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa, while Nasarawa recorded the lowest allocation. Ekiti, Ebonyi, Gombe and Taraba were also among the states with the smallest allocations.

The CBN added that tax revenue remained the primary source of government earnings, contributing ₦32.06 trillion, or 88.87 per cent of total federally collected revenue, while non-tax revenue declined significantly during the year.

Akwa Ibom NMA Warns Of Doctor Shortage, Seeks Seven Medical Schools

By
Favour Enyosa
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The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has expressed concern over the shortage of medical professionals in the state, urging the government to establish more medical training institutions to address the growing workforce deficit.

Speaking during a press briefing in Uyo ahead of the association’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, the NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to establish at least seven medical training institutions to strengthen the healthcare sector.

Prof. Peter lamented that the state has consistently struggled to fill approved positions for healthcare workers, despite efforts to recruit more personnel.

“If there are vacancies for 100,000 teachers in the state, I’m sure you will find them immediately, but recently the State governor, Umo Eno, approved employment for 400 doctors and we couldn’t get them. It means that there’s something wrong somewhere.

“We were looking for 700 nurses for the first time, and we couldn’t get them until we relaxed some of the criteria before we were able to get the number. So it’s time as a people to begin to refocus, and that’s why our AGM is all about: Refocusing our attention for the future of health care for Akwa Ibom,” Peter said.

He stressed that the government must begin to view medical education as a long-term investment that will improve healthcare delivery across the state.

Commending Governor Umo Eno for approving the establishment of a medical school at Akwa Ibom State University, Peter described the move as a positive step but said more needed to be done to meet the state’s healthcare demands.

“We appreciate the governor for the approval granted to the Akwa Ibom State University to start doing medicine and other medical courses. But for Akwa Ibom State, that is one over four; it’s still a failure, just 25%. So we thank the governor for opening the first medical school in the state; other states like Delta already had four,” he said.

He further argued that expanding medical education would not only address the shortage of doctors but also create opportunities for students interested in other healthcare professions.

“Medicine is no more a course; it’s an empowerment, and any state or country that doesn’t recognize this will not get it right. If Akwa Ibom wants to be one of the states to be reckoned with, we must see medical education as an empowerment; we must have at least seven medical schools in this state.

“So that any of our children that wants to read medicine or surgery can have admission and the number that want to be nurses, physiotherapists will not be a problem, and by God’s grace we can do it,” he added.

Peter also noted that several existing healthcare facilities across the state could be upgraded into medical training institutions.

“We have our general hospital at Ikot Ekpene that can be a focus of a university; we have our general hospital at Eket that can be another focus of another university. We can even train them in different medical centres; we have the Ibom Specialist Hospital that can stand alone as a university,” he said.

Ugandan Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye Hospitalised After Court Collapse

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Veteran Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye has been rushed into intensive care in Kampala after collapsing during his treason trial, according to his wife, Winnie Byanyima, who leads the UN’s HIV/AIDS agency.

The 70-year-old, who has been in detention since November 2024, lost consciousness while objecting to the appointment of state lawyers to represent him in court. Byanyima described him on X as unconscious and unresponsive, unable to speak or react even to pain.

Besigye was seized in a dramatic 2024 abduction from Kenya and returned to Uganda, where he and his aide Obeid Lutale now face treason charges — allegations both men deny. Prosecutors claim the pair conspired to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government. Treason carries the death penalty in Uganda.

Witnesses at Wednesday’s High Court hearing said Besigye repeatedly called out “stop” over his legal representation before collapsing. His wife said he cried out that he was being hurt just before losing consciousness, and that his sister — a doctor who was present in court — was initially barred from helping him.

He was taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital but has refused treatment from government medical staff, insisting instead on care from his personal physician at a private clinic. Armed security officers are guarding the ICU wing where he’s being held, though reports indicate his sister has since been permitted to see him.

Besigye’s legal team has faced its own troubles: lead lawyer Erias Lukwago remains jailed after being detained by the army last month, while Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua was blocked from entering Uganda when she tried to represent him.

Pressure is mounting from Besigye’s family, opposition figures, and human rights groups for his release on medical grounds. His son, Adam Ampa, published an open letter appealing directly to Museveni and army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for compassion, saying no son should watch his father reach such a state while facing the justice system he once served.

This isn’t Besigye’s first hospitalization in custody he was treated at a private clinic in February 2025 after a hunger strike over his detention, and was briefly hospitalized again earlier this year. Exiled opposition politician Bobi Wine called his condition in court a serious breach of his basic rights.

Besigye, who once served as Museveni’s personal physician before becoming his political rival in 1999, has run for president four times but sat out the 2021 election and has kept a lower political profile in recent years.

Why STEM Graduates Are Dominating The World’s Most Competitive Jobs

By
Favour Enyosa
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0

Two former Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) students have joined an elite group of mathematicians after receiving the prestigious 2026 Fields Medal, one of the highest honours in mathematics. Their achievement is not only a celebration of academic excellence but also a reminder of why graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) continue to be among the most sought-after professionals globally.

Yu Deng and Hong Wang, both MIT alumni, were announced as recipients of the award during the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) alongside mathematicians John Pardon and Jacob Tsimerman.

The Fields Medal is presented once every four years to mathematicians under the age of 40 whose work has made exceptional contributions to the field. It is often regarded as mathematics’ equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Why STEM Graduates Continue To Be Among The World’s Most In-Demand Professionals

The success of Deng and Wang reflects a broader global trend. STEM graduates consistently enjoy some of the highest employment rates, fastest career growth and strongest salaries across industries.

Several factors explain why employers increasingly prioritise candidates with STEM backgrounds.

STEM Develops High-Value Problem Solvers

Mathematics, engineering, computer science and the natural sciences train students to solve complex problems using logic, evidence and analytical thinking.

These abilities are valuable far beyond laboratories and classrooms. They are essential in sectors such as:

Artificial intelligence
Cybersecurity
Finance
Data science
Healthcare
Energy
Manufacturing
Government policy
Defence
Climate technology

As businesses rely more heavily on technology and data, professionals who can think critically and solve difficult problems remain indispensable.

The Global Economy Is Becoming More Technology-Driven

According to reports from organisations including the World Economic Forum, OECD, UNESCO and the International Labour Organization, demand for STEM talent continues to rise because economies are becoming increasingly digital.

Artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, renewable energy, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing are creating entirely new industries while transforming existing ones.

This means employers are competing for professionals who possess strong quantitative and technical skills.

STEM Skills Transfer Across Multiple Industries

One advantage of STEM education is flexibility.

A mathematics graduate, for example, may eventually work as:

A quantitative analyst
An AI researcher
A software engineer
A cybersecurity expert
A financial modeller
A university researcher
A policy adviser
A startup founder

Unlike many specialised careers, STEM qualifications often provide opportunities across numerous sectors.

Many of the technologies shaping modern society originated from mathematical or scientific research that initially appeared highly theoretical.

Breakthroughs in:

Internet security
Medical imaging
GPS navigation
Artificial intelligence
Climate modelling
Space exploration

all rely heavily on advanced mathematics.

The work recognised by the Fields Medal may seem abstract today, but history repeatedly shows that foundational mathematical discoveries often become tomorrow’s technological innovations.

Meet The Two MIT Alumni Who Won The 2026 Fields Medal

Yu Deng

Yu Deng graduated from MIT with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 2011.

He received the Fields Medal for groundbreaking work in partial differential equations, including:

The rigorous derivation of the Boltzmann equation from hard-sphere dynamics for rarefied gases
The derivation of wave kinetic equations from nonlinear dispersive systems
Probabilistic approaches to nonlinear Schrödinger dynamics

His first published research paper originated from undergraduate summer research conducted at MIT.

Today, Deng serves as a professor at the University of Chicago.

Hong Wang

Hong Wang earned her PhD from MIT in 2019 under the supervision of Larry Guth.

She was recognised for pioneering work in harmonic analysis and geometric measure theory, including major advances in:

The local smoothing conjecture for the planar wave equation
Multiscale and decoupling techniques
Solving the Kakeya problem in three dimensions

Wang is now a Silver Professor of Mathematics at New York University and also serves as a professor at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques in Paris.

Her award is historic because she becomes only the third woman ever to receive a Fields Medal.

MIT Says The Awards Reflect The Strength Of Research And Mentorship

Reacting to the announcement, MIT’s Department Head of Mathematics, Michel Goemans, praised both mathematicians.

“The achievements of Yu Deng and Hong Wang are truly monumental, and we are all elated that they were awarded Fields Medals.”

He added that their success demonstrates both the quality of students at MIT and the institution’s emphasis on mentorship and research opportunities.

“MIT is a unique and exciting place to learn mathematics, and I am sure we have more future Fields medalists among our students and junior members of the department.”

National Assembly Praises SEC For Revenue Growth, Urges Commission To Exceed 2026 Target

By
Favour Enyosa
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The National Assembly has commended the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for improving its fiscal sustainability through stronger revenue generation and prudent financial management.

The commendation was given by the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. Saeed Musa Abdullahi, during the 2026 Revenue Monitoring Exercise with the Commission in Abuja.

Speaking during the engagement, Abdullahi praised the leadership of the SEC for its performance over the years.

“DG, you have done significantly well. We have followed the progress of the SEC over the years and urge you to keep the flag flying. We will continue to celebrate you when you do well,” he said.

He stressed that the revenue monitoring exercise was not intended to target or intimidate any government agency but to encourage improved performance, particularly as Nigeria continues to grapple with fiscal challenges.

“This exercise is not to witch-hunt any agency. It is aimed at ensuring better performance, especially at a time when the country is facing serious fiscal challenges,” he added.

Abdullahi also challenged the Commission to outperform its revenue target for 2026.

“You have told us your revenue projection for 2026, but we believe you can do more. We urge you to surpass your projection by at least 20 per cent, or even more,” he said.

Responding, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, said the Commission operates as a financially independent regulator in line with the standards of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

“The SEC does not receive any funding from the government; rather, it pays money to the government. All the money used to run the Commission comes from the market,” he said.

Agama explained that statutory deductions are automatically made once the Commission’s revenue is paid into its account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“When these funds hit our account with the CBN, deductions are made directly by the government. We do not have access to the funds before the deductions are effected,” he explained.

The SEC boss further disclosed that the Commission obtained approval from the Minister of Finance to retain 20 per centof its internally generated income to support its operations.

“We are regulators and are not expected to ask the market for money. The 20 per cent waiver ensures our operations are not hindered,” he said.

Agama also revealed that the Commission had secured a grant from the African Development Bank to deploy a modern market surveillance system before the end of the year, a move aimed at strengthening oversight and enhancing transparency in Nigeria’s capital market.

Ghana Mourns ‘Generous And Popular Giant’ Who Was Country’s Tallest Man

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Ghana is mourning Sulemana Abdul Samed, the nation’s tallest man, whose death has triggered widespread grief, particularly in the north where his extraordinary height had made him a household name.

The 33-year-old, popularly known as Awuche, died Monday at a hospital in Tamale, roughly 160km south of his home village of Gambaga. He had been admitted after sores on his legs became infected.

A relative, Sulemana Abdul Kudus, told the BBC that well-wishers had continued visiting the family home to learn what happened, describing widespread recognition of his generosity and kindness.

Awuche was diagnosed with gigantism in his 20s and measured 7ft 4in (223cm) when the BBC recorded his height in late 2022 — though he had likely grown taller still by the time of his death. His condition stemmed from Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue that caused his unusually long limbs and, over time, an abnormal curvature of his spine.

Kudus said the leg sores that led to his hospitalization were not a direct result of Marfan syndrome but likely a related complication. His death came as a shock to doctors, who had reported he was responding well to treatment, and to residents of Gambaga, who had come to see him as a source of local pride.

Awuche had struggled for years to cover his medical costs. Relief came recently when Ibrahim Mahama — a prominent businessman and brother of Ghana’s President John Mahama — stepped in to fund his treatment at Tamale Teaching Hospital, having met Awuche in person earlier this year.

His transformation began at age 22, while working at a butcher’s shop in Accra. He recalled first noticing his tongue swelling to the point of affecting his breathing, followed within days by rapid growth throughout his body. The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome soon followed, forcing him to abandon his ambition of becoming a driver and return to Gambaga roughly nine years ago.

The condition also reshaped his social life. Once an athletic young man who played football, he said he eventually lost the ability to walk even short distances. Despite these limitations, he was known for maintaining a positive outlook and embracing the local celebrity his height brought him — telling people wherever he went that he hailed from Gambaga, a fact that gave the village a distinct identity.

His family has chosen to bury him in Tamale rather than Gambaga, citing concern that the volume of mourners would overwhelm the village.

Wike Approves Promotion Of 3,592 FCT Workers

By
Favour Enyosa
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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has approved the promotion of 3,592 civil servants following the successful completion of the 2025 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, in a statement released through the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

The statement read, “As part of the third year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved the promotion of 3,592 civil servants following the successful conclusion of the 2025 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission.

“Recall that from June 8 to July 17, 2026, the FCT had witnessed commissioning and flag-off of over 30 projects to commemorate the third year anniversary of the President.

“Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, who announced the development, described it as a demonstration of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to staff welfare in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“He said that the promotion examinations for senior officers were conducted between July 1 and 3, while junior staff sat for their examinations on July 10.”

Ezeh commended Wike for providing the necessary support that enabled the commission to successfully conduct the promotion exercise.

He also disclosed that the minister has directed the commission to begin preparations for the 2026 promotion exerciseimmediately to ensure eligible officers are promoted without unnecessary delays.

“Under this administration, it is a priority that FCT workers get promoted as and when due. This is to complement the tremendous work that the FCT Minister is doing in infrastructural development of the Territory. For us, the workers will not be left out in the celebrations marking the third anniversary of Mr President,” Ezeh said.

According to him, the directive reflects the administration’s determination to balance ongoing infrastructure development in the Federal Capital Territory with improved staff welfare and career advancement.

He noted that the decision is intended to ensure civil servants also benefit from the achievements being recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Ezeh further applauded FCT civil servants for maintaining peace, order and discipline throughout the 2025 promotion exercise and encouraged officers expected to participate in the 2026 exercise to uphold the same level of professionalism.

He also expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Joint Union Action Committee for its cooperation, describing its support as instrumental to the smooth conduct of the promotion exercise.

The commission chairman advised prospective candidates for the 2026 promotion exercise to begin preparations early, reminding them that promotion within the FCT Civil Service is based on merit, remains highly competitive and is subject to the availability of vacancies.

Thousands Return Home In Spain As Fresh Heatwave Sparks New Wildfire Fears

By
Favour Enyosa
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Thousands of residents evacuated because of devastating wildfires across Spain have been allowed to return to their homes after authorities eased emergency restrictions in parts of Toledo, Madrid, Ávila and Castellón.

In the Madrid region alone, around 24,000 residents have been cleared to return home, while movement restrictions affecting another 20,000 people have also been lifted.

However, officials have warned that the relief may be short-lived as Spain and neighbouring France prepare for the fourth heatwave of the summer, raising concerns that existing wildfires could intensify or new ones could erupt.

Several fires remain active, including a major blaze in Burgohondo, about 150 kilometres (93 miles) west of Madrid.

In south-west France, authorities said the largest wildfires in the Gironde region remain “still stabilised” despite multiple flare-ups. Officials warned that dry winds and temperatures expected to reach 41°C (106°F) could worsen conditions.

The Mayor of Le Barp, near Bordeaux, Blandine Sarrazin, said the situation was becoming increasingly difficult after two new fires broke out the previous day.

She urged residents to remain “hyper-vigilant.”

French authorities have placed 16 departments under orange heatwave alerts, including the Landes region further south.

The Gironde fire service has also introduced special protective measures around several strategic defence and aerospace facilities. These “Seveso” sites manufacture hazardous materials used in missiles and rocket production.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the coming hours would be critical in containing the wildfire near the capital.

“Things are progressing favourably, with maximum caution,” he told reporters, warning that rising temperatures, falling humidity and stronger winds could rapidly change conditions.

One of the most serious fires remains out of control at Vall d’Uixó, north-west of Valencia.

Meanwhile, the wildfire in Burgohondo, in Ávila province, has already consumed more than 43,000 hectares (108,000 acres), making it the largest wildfire ever recorded in Spain.

Across the country, wildfires have destroyed more than 207,000 hectares of land this year.

The Burgohondo blaze has forced approximately 40,000 people from their homes.

A member of the emergency response leadership team, Francisco Bolaños, said firefighters had managed to prevent the blaze from spreading overnight.

“The fire has not moved a centimetre during the night,” he said.

However, he warned that soaring temperatures could cause the flames to reignite, with crews focused on securing a 180-kilometre (112-mile) perimeter.

Among those returning home were about 1,000 residents of Navas del Rey and Chapinería, west of Madrid, who had been temporarily accommodated in Leganés.

The Mayor of Chapinería, Lucía Moya, said the wildfire had left lasting damage.

“Many residents have lost their homes and jobs. Getting back on track is going to be an arduous task.”

Many of the approximately 2,000 evacuees from the nearby Tiétar Valley had been housed by volunteers in Talavera de la Reina, south of the fire zone.

Although many residents have returned home, around 300 evacuees remained in temporary accommodation on Wednesday morning.

Mayor José Julián Gregorio assured them they would continue receiving “the same level of care as on the first day.”

Firefighters continue to warn that the combination of extreme heat and dry winds could quickly reignite contained fires.

While no deaths have been recorded in the wildfires around Madrid or Castellón, authorities confirmed that a woman severely injured during the Los Gallardos wildfire in Almería earlier this month has died in hospital.

The Almería wildfires claimed 14 lives, including citizens from the United Kingdom, Belgium, the United States, France and Spain.

Wildfires are also burning in neighbouring Portugal, particularly in the north-eastern district of Vila Real.

Civil protection officials told broadcaster RTP that an active fire front stretching approximately one kilometre remains a threat, with emergency services closely monitoring a nearby water treatment plant and gas depot near Valpaços.

Elsewhere, firefighters are battling fresh wildfires in Greece, including on the island of Paros in the Aegean Sea and in Trifylia on the southern Greek mainland.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is contributing to rising global temperatures. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to more frequent and intense summer heatwaves, increased pressure on water supplies and a growing number of severe wildfires across the continent.

Five Kenyan Security Officers Killed In Suspected al Shabaab Attack Near Somali Border

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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0

Five Kenyan security officers were killed Tuesday in a clash with suspected al Shabaab militants in Mandera county, near the border with Somalia, police said.

The attack occurred around midday when a patrol team from SOG Alungu encountered militants near Wantey Dam, according to a police report. Al Shabaab has spent years fighting to topple Somalia’s central government and impose its own hardline interpretation of Islamic sharia law across the Horn of Africa nation.

Police said a reinforcement team dispatched to the scene was subsequently struck by an improvised explosive device, which destroyed an armoured vehicle, though no further casualties resulted from that blast. Security forces are continuing to pursue the militants involved.

The Mandera attack fits a broader pattern of al Shabaab violence in the border region, where both military personnel and civilians are frequently targeted. Police noted that in January, militants killed a local chief and a teacher in neighboring Garissa county.

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