Photo : BBC/Local government
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : BBC/Local government
NIGERIA
IS claims responsibility for attack that killed 29
On 28 April, BBC reported that gunmen linked to the Islamic State (IS) killed at least 29 people in a village attack in Adamawa state, northeastern Nigeria. Local officials said militants opened fire on civilians gathered at a football pitch in Guyaku before burning homes, places of worship and motorcycles. State governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri condemned the assault as an “affront to our humanity” and vowed to intensify security operations. Authorities said the hours-long attack has left communities gripped by fear, with families fleeing amid concerns of further violence. The incident highlights persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s northeast, where insurgency by groups such as Boko Haram and IS-affiliated factions has killed thousands and displaced millions since 2009. (“IS claims responsibility for Nigeria attack that killed 29 people,” BBC, 28 April 2026)
Eight children still missing as gunmen attack orphanage in Kogi state
On 27 April, BBC reported that eight children remain missing after gunmen attacked an unregistered orphanage in Kogi state, north-central Nigeria, abducting 23 people. Authorities said 15 children were rescued following a “prompt and coordinated response” by security forces, while the orphanage owner was also kidnapped. Information Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo said the facility was operating illegally and urged stricter compliance with regulations. No group has claimed responsibility, though officials cited the presence of a Boko Haram cell in the area. The incident underscores Nigeria’s worsening kidnap crisis, where mass abductions, particularly in schools, have become frequent despite a ban on ransom payments, fuelling ongoing insecurity across the region. (“Gunmen raid Nigerian orphanage and kidnap children,” BBC, 27 April 2026)
MALI
Russian forces exit Kidal after coordinated attacks by armed groups
On 27 April, BBC reported that Russia’s Africa Corps withdrew from the northern Malian city of Kidal following coordinated attacks by separatists and jihadist groups across Mali. The Azawad Liberation Front claimed control of the city, declaring it “free”, though authorities have not confirmed this. The withdrawal came after a wave of violence that included the killing of Defence Minister Sadio Camara in a suicide bombing near Bamako and attacks in multiple regions by groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. While Russian forces said operations would continue elsewhere, the developments highlight worsening instability in Mali, where insurgencies and foreign military involvement continue to reshape control over key territories. (“Russian fighters confirm withdrawal from northern Mali city after separatist attacks,” BBC, 27 April 2026)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
DRC launches mining security force
On 27 April, Africa News reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo announced the creation of a paramilitary guard to secure its mining sector, backed by funding from the United States and United Arab Emirates. The unit, led by the General Inspectorate of Mines, will begin with 2,500-3,000 personnel and expand to over 20,000 by 2028, tasked with protecting mine sites, escorting mineral shipments and strengthening oversight. Officials said the initiative aims to curb illegal mining and improve transparency in a sector that produces around 70 per cent of the world’s cobalt and holds major reserves of copper, lithium and coltan. The move comes amid ongoing conflict in eastern Congo and growing global competition over critical mineral supply chains. (“DRC creates paramilitary mining security unit backed by US and UAE funding,” Africa News, 27 April 2026)