Gbiniyiri, Upper West Region, Ghana – At least 31 people have been killed and more than 48,000 displaced following a violent communal clash that erupted in Gbiniyiri and spread across 12 neighboring communities in the Upper West Region of Ghana.   Local authorities confirmed the fatalities on Sunday, noting that homes were torched and properties destroyed as rival groups engaged in days of violent confrontations. Thousands of residents, including women and children, have fled their homes, seeking refuge in nearby towns and temporary shelters.   Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) said emergency response teams have been deployed to provide relief materials, while security agencies work to restore calm and prevent further escalation.   Community leaders have called for dialogue and reconciliation to end the violence, while humanitarian groups warn of worsening conditions if urgent aid is not provided.

Upper West Region, Ghana — The death toll from violent clashes in Gbiniyiri has risen to 31, with reports confirming that the conflict has now spread to at least 12 neighboring communities.   Local authorities and security agencies have intensified patrols in the affected areas, but residents say fear and tension remain high. The clashes, believed to be fueled by longstanding communal disputes, have displaced dozens of families, with humanitarian groups calling for urgent intervention.   The Ghana Police Service and regional security council are expected to hold an emergency meeting to map out measures to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.

Burkina Faso’s ruling junta has officially criminalized homosexuality, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s legal and social landscape. On Monday, the transitional parliament — made up of 71 unelected members appointed after two coups in 2022 — unanimously approved the new law as part of a sweeping reform of family and citizenship codes. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, speaking on state broadcaster RTB, announced that same-sex relations would now carry prison sentences ranging from two to five years, alongside heavy fines. Foreign nationals convicted under the law will face deportation. Until now, Burkina Faso was one of the few West African countries where same-sex relationships were not explicitly outlawed. But the junta’s move places the nation among at least 32 African countries where homosexuality is illegal, reflecting a wider regional trend of hardline policies. Similar crackdowns have swept across Africa in recent years — with Uganda, Ghana, and Mali introducing harsher penalties. Burkina Faso’s law signals that the tide of intolerance is spreading further across the continent. Human rights organizations have already condemned the decision, warning that it could fuel discrimination, violence, and further marginalization of LGBTQ communities in the country. For the junta, however, the law is framed as a moral and cultural safeguard — one that they argue defends “family values” in Burkina Faso.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of several tons of cannabis sativa in Kwara State.   The operation, carried out during a raid on a major hideout, is part of the agency’s intensified crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse across Nigeria.   NDLEA officials confirmed that the suspects are in custody and investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider supply network. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illicit drugs, describing the seizure as a significant step in safeguarding communities from the dangers of narcotics.

Kano, Nigeria – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 29-year-old man for being in possession of 7,000 capsules of tramadol in Kano State.   The suspect, whose identity is being withheld for ongoing investigations, was apprehended during a stop-and-search operation by NDLEA operatives. According to the agency, the arrest was part of its intensified clampdown on the trafficking of illicit and controlled substances in the state.   An NDLEA spokesperson confirmed that the suspect will be charged to court once investigations are completed. He further stressed that tramadol abuse continues to pose a serious public health threat in Nigeria, particularly among youths.   The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to curbing drug trafficking and abuse, urging citizens to provide useful information that could help track down offenders and dismantle drug networks across the country.

Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a security guard for allegedly stealing generators and other valuable items from a residential building.   The suspect, who was entrusted with safeguarding the property, was said to have betrayed the trust of his employer by carting away multiple household items, including generators.   Police confirmed the arrest in a statement, adding that investigations are ongoing to recover the stolen items and establish if the suspect has accomplices. The command reiterated its commitment to tackling theft and other criminal activities in the state, assuring residents of improved safety measures.

Maiduguri, Nigeria – Nigerian troops have eliminated two Boko Haram commanders and seven of their fighters during a major operation in Borno State.   The operation, carried out by the Nigerian Army and allied security forces, targeted insurgent hideouts in the state’s troubled axis, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.   According to military sources, the neutralised commanders were key figures responsible for several attacks on communities and security formations in the northeast. Arms and ammunition were also recovered during the raid.   The latest offensive is part of intensified efforts by the military to dismantle the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP cells in the Lake Chad region. Security experts believe the breakthrough will further weaken the group’s operational capacity in the area.

  Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has deported 99 foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese and 39 Filipinos, after they were convicted for their roles in cryptocurrency-linked romance scams.   According to immigration authorities, the convicts were part of organized syndicates that lured victims online with fake romantic relationships before defrauding them through cryptocurrency schemes.   Officials disclosed that the foreigners had already served various jail terms in Nigeria before their deportation. Security agencies say the move underscores Nigeria’s resolve to combat cross-border cyber fraud and maintain the integrity of its financial system.   The government reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation against cybercrime, warning that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for foreign syndicates engaging in online fraud.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has successfully repatriated 51 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrime-related offenses.   According to the EFCC, the convicts, who were found guilty of various internet fraud schemes, were deported to their respective countries after serving their sentences in Nigeria. The joint operation underscores the government’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and ensuring that foreign offenders are held accountable.   The Immigration Service noted that the move is part of broader efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s cyberspace, while the EFCC reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen international partnerships in the fight against cross-border crimes.

Dakar, Senegal – Senegal has introduced a bold social initiative known as “Schools for Husbands”, designed to challenge entrenched gender roles and promote equality within households. The program, supported by community leaders and development partners, brings men together to learn about shared responsibilities in marriage, women’s rights, and the importance of supporting their wives in education, health, and economic activities. Organizers say the initiative is already changing attitudes, helping to reduce gender-based violence and strengthening family relationships. Community testimonies show that more men are now actively involved in childcare, decision-making, and ensuring equal opportunities for their spouses. Observers believe the success of the program could serve as a model for other African nations in advancing gender equality and social development      

ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 25 women from a suspected human trafficking syndicate operating in Abuja . According to the agency, the victims, mostly young women, were being prepared for illegal transportation out of the country when operatives swooped in on the traffickers’ hideout. Several suspects have already been arrested and are currently under investigation.   NAPTIP’s Director-General reiterated the agency’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks and ensuring justice for victims. She urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that may involve human trafficking. The rescued women are receiving medical care, counseling, and rehabilitation support as part of NAPTIP’s reintegration program.

KATSINA, Nigeria – Tragedy struck in Katsina State as armed bandits stormed a mosque during prayers, killing at least 13 worshipers. The attack, which occurred late Friday, has left the community in deep mourning. Eyewitnesses said the assailants opened fire indiscriminately on worshipers before fleeing into nearby forests.   Authorities confirmed the death toll and stated that security forces have since been deployed to the area to track down the attackers. Katsina, one of the states hardest hit by banditry in northern Nigeria, has witnessed repeated assaults on villages, worship centers, and highways.   Local leaders have condemned the attack, describing it as an affront to religious freedom and communal peace. They called on the government to intensify efforts to secure rural communities from bandit violence. The victims have since been buried in line with Islamic rites.