Nigeria has filed 57 terrorism-related charges against nine men accused of planning and executing a June 2025 attack in Benue state that killed about 150 people.
Prosecutors told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the group held planning meetings, raised funds, procured weapons, and mobilised fighters across multiple states before striking Yelwata in Benue’s Guma district on 13 June.
Officials describe it as one of the deadliest rural assaults in years, with homes torched and heavy casualties reported.
The filing names Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono as the ringleader, alleging he and his associates gathered in neighbouring Nasarawa state to raise cash, issue orders, and recruit fighters.
Several defendants are accused of supplying AK-47 rifles or offering locations for planning sessions.
The case unfolds as Nigeria struggles to contain violence in the Middle Belt, where disputes over land, religion, and ethnicity persist.
The security backdrop has grown more complex since U.S. President Donald Trump criticised Abuja for failing to protect Christians, a charge that increased scrutiny on Nigeria’s response mechanisms.
On 25 December, U.S. forces struck what they called terrorist targets. Nigerian authorities say they are working with Washington to strengthen intelligence sharing and restore stability across affected regions.
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The United States is set to deploy an additional 200 troops to Nigeria as part of expanded counterterrorism cooperation, according to a senior Nigerian military source.
Security services say they have now rescued all 166 worshippers who were kidnapped by gunmen during attacks on two churches in northern Nigeria last month, a Christian group said on Thursday (5 February).
Nearly 200 people were killed when armed men launched coordinated attacks on remote villages in western and northern Nigeria, authorities and residents said on Wednesday (4 February). Officials described the assaults as among the deadliest this year, amid the country’s worsening security crisis.
Nigeria’s army says troops have rescued 11 kidnap victims during a late-night operation on the Kaduna–Abuja highway after tracking militants moving captives through forested terrain.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahead of the ceremony set for 15 March. The event, which honours the film industry’s top achievements over the past year, will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.
A sandstorm swept across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, worsening conditions for displaced civilians already living in fragile shelters amid the ongoing conflict, according to local reports.
A number of flights have resumed to and from Dubai International Airport, after a drone strike early on Monday resulted in the temporary suspension of operations at the world's busiest air hub. It comes as the Middle East conflict enters its 16th day.
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Canada and the five Nordic countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in military procurement and other areas, in the latest push by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to build new global alliances.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping Middle Eastern nations that have sought its expertise as they defend against Iranian kamikaze drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, after Kyiv sent specialists to the region.
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a test of the strength of the far-right and the resilience of mainstream parties ahead of next year's presidential vote.
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