Following the removal of fuel subsidy and the subsequent floating of Naira by president Tinubu administration, the World Bank has disclosed that about 75.5 per cent of rural Nigerians are now living below the poverty line, reflecting deepening hardship in the country’s hinterlands. The World Bank made the disclosure in its April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief for Nigeria that paints a grim picture of worsening economic hardship, widening inequality, and persistent underdevelopment across much of the nation.

Troops from the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have delivered a major setback to terrorist elements, marking a significant success in ongoing military operations across Zamfara State. According to Captain Suleiman Omale, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 1 Brigade, the operations concentrated on Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas, dismantling terrorist strongholds and restoring security to affected communities. In the early hours of May 1, 2025, troops from Combat Team 6, during a fighting patrol, confronted a large group of heavily armed terrorists who had attacked Mai Kwanugga village in Talata Mafara LGA. The terrorists, who had assaulted civilians and set homes ablaze, were decisively engaged in a fierce and well-coordinated battle. The clash led to the elimination of several insurgents, including five notorious bandit leaders identified as Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza. The troops also recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has taken responsibility for a deadly improvised explosive device (IED) attack near Rann, located in the Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State. According to local residents and security officials, the explosion occurred around 11 a.m. on Friday along the Furunduma axis, initially resulting in 17 deaths. Among the victims were four women, six children, and seven other passengers. By Monday, additional bodies were discovered in the surrounding bush, raising the confirmed death toll to 26. A security source, speaking anonymously, revealed that some of the victims had been burned beyond recognition.

The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) has applauded the Department of State Services (DSS) for intercepting 57 AK-47 rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and other weapons in Delta State. The group also commended the DSS for arresting a Delta State-born British Army Major and others allegedly involved in arms trafficking. According to the IYN, the action strengthens public confidence in the DSS and underscores its dedication to national security. In a statement issued on Tuesday by IYN Coordinator Frank Ebikabo and Secretary Federal Ebiaridor, the group praised the DSS for its operation near Asaba, Delta State, which resulted in the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in possession of weapons.

Fresh developments on Thursday indicated that both the federal and state governments are still undecided on the controversial issue of state police. During its recent meeting held at the Presidential Villa, the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, once again failed to deliberate on the matter. Although governors present at the meeting observed a minute of silence in honor of the victims of recent deadly attacks in Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states, which claimed nearly 200 lives, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri confirmed that the topic of state policing was not included on the meeting’s agenda.

Following the unabated violence and killing in Benue, plateau and other part of the country, President Bola Tinubu has issued marching order to security agencies to deal with insecurity within the country with immediate effect. Tinubu, while ordering a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy, declared that “enough is enough.”