Ceuta, one of two Spanish enclaves that form the EU's only land border with Africa, is at the centre of a renewed row over returns to Morocco.
Sixteen rejected asylum seekers from five countries were handed to Morocco — a step rights groups call forced, and Madrid calls safeguarded, with the vote three weeks away.
Spain has returned more than a dozen sub-Saharan African and Asian migrants to Morocco after they reached the Spanish enclave of Ceuta and had asylum claims refused — the first deportation of its kind from the enclave since the mass border crossing in July.
The Interior Ministry said Morocco agreed to receive the group and that they remain on Moroccan territory, declining to give numbers or nationalities. Charities working in Ceuta said 16 people from Senegal, Nigeria, Yemen, Cameroon and Bangladesh were sent back.
The legal argument turns on classification. A ministry spokesperson told Reuters that Morocco is considered by the EU to be a safe country, and that returns are carried out “with all the necessary safeguards.”
Amnesty International says Spain is failing to meet human rights guarantees for people who cross at Ceuta and Melilla.
Rights groups dispute the premise. “Spain, despite its (progressive) speeches in Europe, is not ensuring that human rights guarantees are met for people who cross its borders in Ceuta and Melilla,” said Amnesty International researcher Virginia Alvarez. “Morocco does not respect many human rights.” Neither Rabat’s Interior Ministry nor the International Organization for Migration responded to Reuters.
The returns sit inside a wider emergency. Roughly 80,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta over 48 hours in July — Ceuta and Melilla being Europe’s only land borders with Africa.
Rights charities in Ceuta say 16 people from Senegal, Nigeria, Yemen, Cameroon and Bangladesh were deported to Morocco.
Most went back within days, but thousands stayed; Spain is housing 8,000 migrants in reception centres and processing asylum claims lodged by the majority of those remaining. The government says more than 13,000 people have returned to Morocco voluntarily since mid-August, a figure several NGOs, including Amnesty, have challenged with the Spanish ombudsman, alleging some were forced to leave, non-Moroccans among them.
Pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is coming from Brussels, an exhausted local population, and from the elections on 29 November.
Mourners gather after the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church's Holy Synod confirmed that 60 of its members were killed in two attacks in Oromiya region's Arsi Zone this month. (Photo: File)
At least 60 people were killed in two separate attacks in Ethiopia’s conflict-hit Oromiya region in the past week, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church said on Monday 26 October 2026. The Holy Synod said all the victims were Christians. The Oromiya regional government and a rebel alliance fighting federal forces in Tigray have blamed each other, without evidence.
Ethiopia’s Orthodox Holy Synod said in a statement issued on Monday 26 October 2026 that 14 believers were killed in Merti Woreda on 20 October and 46 more in Sherka Woreda on 24 October, both districts in the Arsi Zone of Oromiya region, according to Ethiopian outlets that reported the statement.
More than 20 homes were burned and more than 20 people were hospitalised with severe injuries. The church said the dead were all Christians but gave no account of how they died or who carried out the killings.
Reuters reported that the Oromiya regional government and a source linked to a rebel alliance fighting government forces in the northern Tigray region traded blame within hours of each other. The regional government said the alliance carried out the attacks to provoke religious conflict, without providing evidence.
The source linked to the alliance attributed the killings to the Oromiya regional government, citing conversations with two residents — testimony that cannot be independently verified.
The Oromo Liberation Army, which the regional government has accused of earlier attacks on Orthodox Christians, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The OLA is one of seven armed groups that announced last month they had formed an alliance dedicated to overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed faces a rebellion on several fronts after seven armed groups, including the Oromo Liberation Army and Amhara Fano, allied last month to remove his government.
Ethiopian and international reporting has named the coalition as the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, announced on 20 September, and has listed members including Amhara Fano, the OLA and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front — formerly warring factions now united against Addis Ababa.
Three things are worth holding in view. First, the casualty figures come from a church body, not from a forensic or police investigation, and no independent confirmation has been published.
Second, the framing of the attacks as sectarian is itself contested: the government’s account is that the alliance engineered the killings to ignite religious tension, which, if accepted, reframes the victims as instrumental rather than the motive.
Third, the recurrence matters. Arsi Zone has featured repeatedly in church reports of attacks on Orthodox communities, and the pattern is now running alongside an open military confrontation on several fronts.
The risk is that Oromiya becomes the hinge of a wider war. A rebellion that can no longer be geographically contained, a government already stretched in Tigray and Amhara, and attacks that invite communal retaliation is a combination that has fragmented other conflicts in the region.
The church’s demand is modest by comparison: federal protection and legal accountability for those responsible. On the record available, neither the government nor the alliance has produced anything that would satisfy it.
Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot face off in Israel’s closely contested 2026 election.
Israelis are voting in a closely contested election that could reshape the country’s political leadership, with incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing a strong challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
The election has become a major test of public confidence in Netanyahu’s leadership, with national security, democratic institutions and the future direction of Israeli politics dominating the campaign.
Polling published on Friday suggests Netanyahu and Eisenkot are running almost neck-and-neck. However, projections indicate that neither political bloc is on course to secure the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority, raising the possibility of prolonged negotiations over the formation of a new government.
Turnout has reportedly reached its highest level since 1981, reflecting the significance of an election widely viewed as one of the most consequential in Israel’s recent political history.
Israeli far-right politicians Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, key figures in Netanyahu’s governing coalition.
Netanyahu’s Leadership Under Pressure
Netanyahu, one of Israel’s longest-serving political leaders, is seeking another term after a campaign marked by criticism of his government’s handling of security and growing concerns about democratic institutions.
Opposition parties have repeatedly questioned the government’s response to the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel, according to the figures cited in the report. Another 251 people were taken hostage to Gaza.
The opposition has called for an independent commission of inquiry into the security failures surrounding the attacks. Netanyahu has resisted the proposal, arguing that such an investigation would be biased against him.
He has, however, built his campaign around national security, pointing to Israel’s military operations across the Middle East and his relationship with United States President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu also faces an ongoing corruption trial, with charges he denies, alongside renewed controversy over proposed judicial reforms that previously triggered mass protests.
Eisenkot Leads the Opposition’s Push for Change
Eisenkot, leader of the newly formed Yashar Party, is emerging as the central figure in the coalition of parties seeking to remove Netanyahu from office.
The so-called change bloc brings together politicians with differing ideological positions, united largely by their opposition to another Netanyahu-led government.
The group includes former prime minister Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman and left-leaning former general Yair Golan.
Despite their differences, the bloc faces the challenge of converting its electoral support into a workable governing coalition.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, is relying on support from right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties that formed his current governing alliance.
The election outcome will therefore depend not only on the number of seats won by individual parties but also on their willingness to negotiate and cooperate after the results are announced.
Military Conscription Adds to Political Tensions
Another major issue is military conscription, particularly the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men engaged in full-time religious study.
Netanyahu’s government has faced criticism for failing to enforce a Supreme Court ruling requiring ultra-Orthodox men to be conscripted, an issue that has become increasingly divisive as Israeli soldiers and reservists have been called up for military operations.
The dispute places Netanyahu’s coalition under pressure, as ultra-Orthodox parties remain important political allies while opposition to exemptions continues to fuel public debate over fairness and national responsibility.
Gaza and the Palestinian Question
The future of Gaza and Israel’s approach to the Palestinians also remain significant, although the leading candidates share some hardline positions on security.
Eisenkot has pledged to end Hamas rule in Gaza within 18 months, either through a US-led peace initiative or military action if necessary.
Israeli military strikes have continued despite a ceasefire agreement, with Israel saying it targets Hamas operatives. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has reported more than 74,000 deaths since the war began. The figures are considered reliable by the United Nations, although they are reported by the health authority in Gaza.
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish demonstrators gather during protests over military conscription in Israel.
Israel has also faced growing international criticism over its conduct of the war, contributing to strained relations with several international partners.
On the occupied West Bank, Eisenkot broadly supports Israeli settlements but has called for action against extremist settlers responsible for attacks on Palestinians. He has also discussed arrangements for Palestinian autonomy under continued Israeli security control.
The prospect of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel — the longstanding two-state solution — has become increasingly marginal in mainstream Israeli political debate.
Could Arab Parties Determine the Outcome?
Arab political parties could play a decisive role if neither major bloc secures enough seats to form a government.
Arab citizens account for roughly one-fifth of Israel’s population, and their political representatives could potentially influence coalition negotiations or support a minority government.
However, cooperation remains uncertain. Most leading Jewish parties have ruled out formal partnerships with Arab parties, while Lieberman has rejected the prospect of supporting an Eisenkot-led minority government.
These political red lines could complicate efforts to reach the parliamentary threshold of 61 seats.
Coalition Talks Could Prolong the Uncertainty
Under Israel’s proportional representation system, governments are formed through coalitions, making negotiations between parties essential to securing power.
Even after votes are counted, the outcome may remain uncertain as party leaders negotiate over cabinet positions, policy concessions and possible alliances.
The counting of soldiers’ and reservists’ ballots could also affect the final distribution of seats, with some votes not expected to be counted until after election night.
If neither bloc can form a viable government and no minority administration emerges, Israel could face another election.
The country experienced repeated political deadlock between 2019 and 2022, when five elections were held as parties struggled to establish stable governing coalitions.
As Israelis cast their ballots, the immediate question is who can secure the numbers to govern. The longer-term question is whether the next government can address the country’s security challenges, domestic divisions and growing debate over its democratic institutions.
Harry Kane was crowned the Ballon d’Or winner after a prolific season for Bayern Munich and England in which he established himself as one of the game’s greatest goalscorers.
Kane is the first Englishman to win the prestigious award in 25 years, after Michael Owen won it in 2001.
The England captain scored 73 goals in 65 games for club and country last season, propelling the German giants to a league and cup double and England to the World Cup semifinals.
On the women’s side, Alexia Putellas picked up her third Ballon d’Or, crowning a spectacular return to the top of women’s football after a serious injury. Putellas previously picked up the prize for the best player in the world in 2021 and 2022 as the creative heartbeat of an all-conquering Barcelona side.
The 70th edition of the award, established by the magazine France Football, was hosted in England for the first time in recognition of the first winner, Stanley Matthews.
England’s First Ballon d’Or In 25 years Ronaldo presents the award to…HARRY KANE.
London erupts. The crowd chant Kane’s name.
A visibly emotional Kane said: “Wow, wow, wow. I’m almost speechless. Being here in London makes it extra special. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year. Some world-class players.
“Without my teammates it wouldn’t be possible. I am wishing Vincent Kompany very well, I hope this has given you a bit of energy.
“Since I have been with Bayern I have improved as player and as a person. It’s an honour to play for Bayern. To represent you is a real privilege. Glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich.
“To my England teamates. We had a special year, it wasn’t perfect, but we had a lot of great moments. It was truly an honour to captain you, this is for all of us.
“Thank you to Tottenham Hotspur. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tottenham. I was there from 11 years old. All those ups and downs have led me to this moment.”
Women’s Ballon d’Or winner is Alexia Putellas
Another trophy for Spain, and Barcelona too, really, although she now plays for London City Lionesses in the WSL.
It’s a hat-trick of Ballon d’Ors for Putellas, who also claimed the crown in 2021 and 2022 and she raises the trophy in front of pyrotechnics on the stage.
She said, partially via an interpreter: “It’s a pleasure to be here again. I don’t know what to say. Too many things. Congrats to all the nominees and winners.
“I want to say thank you teammates. So many Barca players were nominated and that shows the season we had. Any of them could be here giving this speech. We overcame some difficulties, but it was a great source of pride for me to be captain.
“Thanks to the coach, the staff, the medical teams and our fans. Thanks for all the respect and love you have shown me for 14 years. Thank you for all these moments and all these years. This prize is for Barcelona.”
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas poses after receiving the Ballon d’Or Feminin award for the best female footballer [AFP]
Men’s Club Of The Year Is PSG
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodo/Glimt, Flamengo and Paris Saint-Germain were nominated for the award.
After another pesky commercial break, former Arsenal players Sol Campbell and Patrick Vieira remain on stage to present the award to…
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN. For the second straight season after retaining the Champions League.
The first major award to head outside Spain tonight. Will it be the last?
Ousmane Dembele collects the award, having missed tonight’s 2-0 Ligue Un win over Lyon through injury.
He said through an interpreter: “We have created quite an incredible club and we always fight together side by side.
“It’s incredible to be able to win two Champions Leagues in a row.”
Dembele accepts the award on behalf of PSG [AFP]
The Socrates Award Goes To Bukayo Saka
The Socrates Award, honouring those who impact their community beyond football, is next.
Musician and football lover Burna Boy is on hand to present the award to…
BUKAYO SAKA of Arsenal and England.
Saka shares a story from a 12-year-old from a village in Rwanda, who was supported by the Big Shoe charity to help him deal with sight loss.
Saka added: “It’s an honour to receive this award. On behalf of all the children we have been able to help, thank you.”
Saka receives the Socrates Award, recognising social action and humanitarian work, from singer Burna Boy
Best Goalkeepers Of The Year Are Cata Coll And Unai Simon
Berger, Coll, Hampton, Lorena, Yamashita are the women’s nominees.
Courtois, Martinez, Raya, Safanov and Simon are the men’s nominees.
Former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is on hand to present the awards to…
CATA COLL and UNAI SIMON.
It’s Spain’s night alright. Another two to the tally. Six out of six.
Barcelona keeper Cata Coll said via an interpreter: “There’s no greater honour. It may be an individual prize but this is as much [my team’s] prize as mine. This trophy may bear my name but I didn’t achieve it alone.”
Athletic Bilbao keeper Unai Simon said via an interpreter: “It’s a real honour which wouldn’t be possible without the help of a lot of people. Thanks to everyone I have worked with.”
Men’s Coach of the Year is Luis de la FuenteMikel Arteta, Luis de la Fuente, Unai Emery, Vincent Kompany and Martinez Luis Enrique are the nominees.
Thierry Henry sends the well wishes of the theatre to Kompany who is recovering after being taken ill after Bayern Munich training and is unable to attend.
After a rather frustrating commercial break Rafa Benitez remains on stage to present the award to…LUIS DE LA FUENTE.Four out of four for Spain.
Men’s Coach of the Year is Luis de la Fuente
Women’s Coach of the Year is Pere RomeuGiraldez, Jeglertz, Mielsen, Romeu and Sadiku are the nominees.
Rafa Benitez, who led Liverpool to the 2005 UEFA Champions League presents the award to…PERE ROMEU.Another win for Barcelona and Spain. Three out of three so far.
He said: “It’s a pleasure to be here and to receive this award. I feel this is a collective prize for the team. We have some excellent players and we have won many titles.“I am very grateful for all the players who have been part of this season. I am who I am today due to the whole experience I have had at Barcelona.
Barcelona Femeni head coach Pere Romeu speaks after winning the Trophy for the Women’s Coach of the Year [AFP
Women’s Coach of the Year is Pere Romeu on social media
Spain and Barcelona forward Vicky Lopez speaks after winning the Trophy for the Women’s Young Talent of the Year [AFP]
Young Talent Of The Year Is Lamine Yamal
Pau Cubarsi, Yan Diomande, Lennart Karl, Lamine Yamal and Warren Zaire-Emery are the nominees for the men’s young player award…
2004 Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko takes to the stage and hands over the award to…
LAMINE YAMAL, who claims the honour for the third time at the age of 19.
He said, via a translator: “It’s an honour to be here to receive this prize. I think this prize should have been for [teammate] Pau Cubarsi. He’s been playing at a high level and I think he deserves it.”
Yamal makes a speech after winning the Young Talent of the Year trophy
Former President describes late Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome as a devoted mother who lived a life of impact, discipline and service to God and humanity.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has extended his condolences to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the Oyakhilome family and the Believers’ LoveWorld family over the death of Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome, mother of the renowned cleric.
Jonathan, in a condolence message expressed sympathy with the family over the loss, describing the deceased as a devoted mother whose life was characterised by service to God and humanity, discipline and exemplary conduct. The condolence message was signed by Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, GCON, former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I condole with you, the Oyakhilome family, and the Believers’ LoveWorld family on the transition to glory of your mother, Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome,” the former president stated.
He described the late matriarch as a woman of virtue and wisdom whose life reflected dedication to her family and commitment to making a positive impact on society.
“Mama was a devoted mother who lived a life of impact and service to God and humanity. As a mother, her life was one of discipline and exemplary character, embodying virtue and wisdom,” Jonathan said.
The former president also acknowledged the influence of Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome on her children, noting that her dedication to raising them was evident in their achievements and leadership within the Christian community.
According to him, the late matriarch’s commitment to her family contributed to shaping her children into Christian leaders whose influence extends beyond Nigeria to other parts of Africa and the world.
“Her dedication to her family is reflected in the lives of you and your siblings, who have become Christian leaders with enormous influence in Nigeria, Africa and across the world,” he stated.
Jonathan acknowledged the profound grief that accompanies the loss of a mother, noting that the pain of such a loss can be difficult to measure. However, he urged Pastor Oyakhilome and his family to draw comfort from the enduring legacy of faith and service left behind by the deceased.
“The passing of a mother is a painful experience, one that is difficult to quantify. However, I hope you take solace in the rich legacy of faith and impact that Mama left behind,” he said.
Offering further words of spiritual encouragement, the former president urged the bereaved family to find comfort in the assurances of the Christian faith and the hope of eternal life.
“Please be comforted by the assurance of the Scripture, knowing that ‘to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord’, and that Mama is in a better place,” Jonathan stated.
He also prayed for divine comfort and strength for Pastor Oyakhilome and the entire family as they navigate the difficult period.
“May God console you and continue to sustain you with hope and love during this moment,” he said.
Jonathan concluded his condolence message with a prayer for the eternal repose of the deceased.
“May her soul rest in God’s eternal peace,” he added.
Senate President describes the late Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome as a valuable asset to Loveworld, saying her devotion to God should continue to inspire generations of Christians.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has extended his condolences to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President of Loveworld and founder of Christ Embassy, over the death of his beloved mother, Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome.
In a condolence message addressed to Pastor Oyakhilome, Akpabio expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the deceased as a valuable asset whose life of devotion to God and service to the Christian faith left an enduring legacy.
“I received with deep sorrow the news of the bereavement of your beloved mother, Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome. The demise of such a valuable asset who raised and moulded you into a global icon is not only harrowing, it is a loss to Loveworld, the origin of Christ Embassy where she served as a Deaconess until her demise,” he stated.
The Senate President, who conveyed his condolences on behalf of his family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot-Ekpene) Senatorial District and the 10th Senate, expressed solidarity with Pastor Oyakhilome and his family during the difficult period.
“On behalf of my family, the good people of Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot-Ekpene) Senatorial District and the 10th Senate, I condole you over this sad loss and stand in solidarity as you navigate this painful moment,” Akpabio said.
He noted that the late Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome earned widespread respect not merely because she was the mother of the Loveworld president and founder, but also because of her personal commitment to the Christian faith and unwavering devotion to the service of God.
“Your late mother was widely acclaimed as highly esteemed not because she was the mother of the President and founder of Loveworld that you are, but more on account of her devoutness and total devotion to the service of God. The piety earned her the sobriquet of Deaconess,” he stated.
Akpabio urged Pastor Oyakhilome to draw inspiration from his mother’s spiritual legacy, stressing that her devotion should encourage present and future generations to embrace the Christian faith.
“Let her devotion to the service of God continue to inspire you and generations to embrace God in spirit and in truth so that His name will be gloried,” he said.
Offering words of comfort to the bereaved family, the Senate President encouraged Pastor Oyakhilome to take solace in the assurance of eternal life, noting that his late mother had lived as a faithful Christian.
“I urge you to take consolation in the fact that she was a faithful Christian and so has the assurance of eternal life,” Akpabio added.
He also prayed for the comfort of the Holy Spirit for Pastor Oyakhilome, his siblings and the entire Oyakhilome family, while asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
“While I solicit for the comfort of the Holy Spirit for you, your siblings and the entire family, may God grant the soul of the departed eternal repose,” he stated.
Akpabio concluded his message by reiterating his heartfelt condolences to Pastor Oyakhilome and his family over the passing on their beloved matriarch.
“Once again, please accept my heartfelt gratitude,” he wrote.
Healthcare workers involved in Ebola response efforts in DR Congo face security threats as attacks disrupt disease containment operations.
Nurse Killed in DR Congo Ebola Response Attack
A nurse has been killed and another healthcare worker seriously injured during an attack on an Ebola response team in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the attack occurred on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Bafwasende, Tshopo province.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of healthcare personnel working to contain the country’s severe Ebola outbreak.
What Happened to the Ebola Response Team?
According to the WHO, the healthcare workers were responding to an Ebola alert when they came under attack.
One nurse died, while another worker sustained serious injuries.
A healthcare worker administers an injection during an Ebola vaccination campaign, highlighting the importance of protecting frontline medical personnel.
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.
Local authorities had not publicly identified the attackers in the initial reports.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, also warned against misinformation and fear contributing to violence against medical responders.
Health officials say attacks on frontline workers threaten the effectiveness of Ebola prevention and treatment programmes.
Ebola Outbreak Claims Thousands of Lives
DR Congo has been battling a major Ebola outbreak since May 2026.
According to the country’s latest Health Ministry figures cited by the Associated Press, more than 9,800 infections and 4,700 deaths have been recorded.
The scale of the outbreak has placed significant pressure on healthcare facilities and response teams.
Medical workers continue to face challenges involving access to affected communities, shortages of supplies and resistance to public health measures.
How Misinformation Complicates Ebola Response
Health authorities have reported resistance in some communities where residents question the existence or severity of Ebola.
This distrust has complicated contact tracing, medical treatment and safe burial procedures.
Previous incidents have included threats against response teams and attacks on healthcare facilities.
Public health experts warn that such disruptions can delay the identification of infections and increase the risk of transmission.
Calls for Greater Protection
The latest attack has reinforced demands for stronger protection of healthcare workers and improved community engagement.
Authorities face the challenge of rebuilding public trust while maintaining essential medical operations.
As the outbreak continues, protecting frontline personnel remains critical to preventing further infections and deaths.
Fourteen Chinese nationals and one Nigerian reportedly arrested by the EFCC during a raid on suspected illegal lithium processing facilities in Ogere, Ogun State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 15 suspects, including 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, over alleged illegal lithium processing activities in Ogun State.
The suspects were arrested at four processing plants in the Ogere area on Friday, October 23, 2026, following intelligence gathering and surveillance by operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2.
The EFCC disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday, October 26, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to tackle illegal activities in its solid minerals sector.
A container truck photographed at a facility reportedly investigated by the EFCC during its Ogun lithium operation.
How EFCC Uncovered Illegal Lithium Plants in Ogun
According to the commission, the operation followed intelligence reports about suspected unauthorised lithium processing activities in Ogere.
EFCC operatives subsequently raided four facilities and arrested the 15 suspects.
The agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that several items were recovered during the operation.
Bags of suspected mineral material photographed during the investigation into alleged illegal lithium processing activities.
These included bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.
However, the commission did not disclose the identities of the suspects, the quantity of lithium recovered or the ownership of the facilities.
It also did not specify which licences or regulatory approvals the plants allegedly lacked.
The anti-graft agency said investigations into the alleged illegal processing activities were ongoing.
The commission confirmed that the suspects would face prosecution after investigators conclude their inquiries.
Authorities have yet to disclose the specific charges that may be filed against the suspects.
The arrests highlight growing scrutiny of activities involving Nigeria’s mineral resources, particularly lithium.
Why Lithium Is Important to Nigeria’s Economy
Lithium is a strategic mineral used in manufacturing rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones and renewable energy storage systems.
Demand for the mineral has increased as countries invest in electric mobility and cleaner energy technologies.
Nigeria has significant lithium deposits and is seeking to develop its solid minerals industry as part of efforts to diversify the economy beyond crude oil.
However, unauthorised mining and processing activities raise concerns about regulatory compliance, environmental protection and government revenue.
Nigeria Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Mining
The latest arrests follow previous enforcement operations targeting suspected illegal mineral extraction across Nigeria.
In July 2026, federal authorities shut down an illegal gold mining location in Osun State and arrested two suspects.
Earlier operations also led to the prosecution of foreign nationals accused of illegal dealings in solid minerals.
The government has maintained that developing the mining sector requires stronger regulation and greater accountability.
What Happens Next?
The EFCC is expected to continue investigating the four processing facilities, including their ownership and alleged activities.
Further details may emerge when the commission concludes its investigation and files charges.
For now, the 15 individuals remain suspects, and the allegations against them have not been determined by a court.
The case highlights the challenge of protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources while encouraging legitimate investment in the growing lithium industry.
Gabon restores access to social media platforms after an eight-month restriction on online services.
Gabon has restored access to major social media platforms after an eight-month suspension that triggered criticism from opposition groups and digital rights advocates.
The Central African country’s High Authority for Communication (HAC) announced the decision following discussions with international technology companies about online content regulation.
The restrictions, introduced on February 17, 2026, affected platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp.
Why Did Gabon Ban Social Media?
Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema faced criticism over restrictions on social media platforms before authorities restored access in October 2026.
Gabonese authorities initially restricted access to social media over concerns about misinformation, online abuse and content they said threatened national security.
The suspension came amid public dissatisfaction over living costs and political tensions.
Government officials argued that tighter regulation was necessary to prevent harmful online activity.
However, opposition figures and digital rights advocates criticised the restrictions, describing them as an infringement on freedom of expression.
What Changed After Eight Months?
The HAC announced that social media services could resume following consultations with major technology companies.
The regulator said the suspension had allowed authorities to review the country’s legal framework for online communication.
Officials also encouraged internet users to behave responsibly and avoid spreading harmful or misleading information.
New Rules for Social Media Users
Despite the restoration of access, Gabon has introduced stricter identification requirements for social media users.
The new regulatory framework requires users to provide verified personal information, including identification details.
The measures have raised questions about online privacy, anonymity and freedom of expression.
Authorities maintain that stronger oversight is necessary to improve accountability and content moderation.
How the Ban Affected Digital Communication
During the suspension, many residents reportedly turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to access restricted platforms.
The disruption also affected access to digital communication channels used for news, business and everyday interactions.
For businesses and content creators that rely on social media, the restoration of access offers an opportunity to resume normal online engagement.
Digital Freedom Debate Continues
Although the restrictions have been lifted, Gabon’s approach to regulating social media remains a subject of debate.
The government argues that stronger safeguards are needed to maintain public order.
Critics remain concerned about the potential impact of identification requirements on privacy and political expression.
The effectiveness of the new regulations will depend on how authorities implement and enforce them.
Uganda's Information Minister, Chris Baryomunsi, addresses the media as the government announces a 21-day quarantine measure for citizens returning from Congo.
Uganda has strengthened its Ebola prevention measures, requiring citizens returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to undergo 21 days of quarantine at their own expense.
Healthcare workers conduct medical screening as Uganda announces a 21-day quarantine requirement for returning citizens with travel history to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The directive follows growing concerns about the spread of Ebola across East and Central Africa.
Uganda’s Health Ministry announced the measure as regional health authorities investigate the movements of infected travellers and possible transmission routes.
Why Uganda Introduced the Ebola Quarantine
The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a severe Ebola outbreak that has prompted neighbouring countries to reinforce disease surveillance.
Uganda shares a border with DR Congo, making cross-border movement a major consideration in preventing the spread of infections.
Health authorities say the quarantine requirement is intended to reduce the risk of imported cases.
The 21-day monitoring period corresponds to the maximum recognised incubation period for Ebola.
Uganda Investigates Ebola Travel Links
Ugandan authorities are working with Nigeria and international health partners to investigate how a woman who travelled through Uganda before arriving in Nigeria contracted Ebola.
Officials are reviewing travel records, possible exposure and genomics evidence to establish the transmission route.
Authorities have cautioned that the exact source of the infection has not been established.
What Travellers Should Know
Under the reinforced measures, Ugandan citizens returning from DR Congo must complete a 21-day quarantine period at their own expense.
Uganda has also maintained screening and border controls for travellers entering from affected areas.
These precautions are intended to identify potential infections before they spread within communities.
Has Uganda Recorded New Ebola Cases?
Ugandan authorities say the country has not recorded a new confirmed Ebola case since its previous outbreak was declared over.
Officials also reported that 60 contacts linked to Kenya’s first Ebola patient completed their monitoring period without developing symptoms.
The government has deployed health experts to DR Congo to support regional outbreak-control efforts.
Regional Health Authorities Remain on Alert
Ebola can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated materials.
Early detection, contact tracing, isolation and infection prevention remain essential to controlling outbreaks.
As investigations continue, East African health authorities are expected to maintain heightened surveillance to prevent further cross-border transmission.
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