Stories from Abuja · Nigeria

Nigeria is experiencing a surge in risky herbal cures, fueled by an 'algorithmic apothecary' online. One individual, Oke Bola, sought a fertility supplement online hoping to conceive but experienced adverse effects.

Boards of Canada has released their new album titled 'Inferno' after a thirteen-year hiatus. The music on the album is described as being influenced by the spirit of 'My Life in the Bush of Ghosts'.

The World Bank confirmed it will continue its metering support for Nigeria's $500 million power loan program. This support will proceed despite a cut to the loan.

The Federal Government (FG) will establish a Cybersecurity Council to combat cyber threats. This initiative aims to combat the increasing number of cyber threats faced by the nation.

China's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Cyber Security Agency (CAC) are pushing for cybersecurity upgrades for digital assets. China has a new plan for cybersecurity, with strategies outlined through 2029. The initiative aims to energize the nation's cybersecurity industry. ESET has also opened applications for its Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship 2026. The strategy was announced in Abuja.

The United States has linked terror funding in Nigeria and Africa to drug cartels, following a meth network bust by the NDLEA. This bust involved approximately 480 billion Nigerian Naira worth of methamphetamine.

NITDA and CAC are collaborating to enhance cybersecurity measures for digital assets. This initiative comes amid a challenging period for cybersecurity stocks, with many professionals considering job changes. Kraken has reported issuing 56 million tax forms, with nearly a third related to transactions under $1. The cryptocurrency exchange is advocating for a reform of digital asset taxes, suggesting they should align with the logic of taxing stocks and securities. Proposed legislation seeks to resolve jurisdictional ambiguity by establishing a taxonomy for digital assets. The aim is to distinguish between digital commodities, investment contract assets, and payment stablecoins.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) are pushing for cybersecurity upgrades for digital assets. Irish firms are also noted for achieving worldwide cybersecurity success.

Nigeria is experiencing ongoing instability in its northeast region, with hot spots and border areas around the country being exploited. Political instability has been a long-standing issue in the region.

A U.S.-led operation has killed the second-in-command of ISIS. The United States has confirmed the death of an ISIS commander in Nigeria. US and Nigerian forces killed Almanukhi, described as the most active terrorist in the world and second in command of ISIS. President Trump stated Almanukhi believed he could hide from authorities. The mission to kill Almanukhi was described as meticulously planned and very complex. The operation aimed to prevent the platform from encouraging dangerous behaviors. President Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he directed the operation which killed the second highest-ranking ISIS member. The president announced that Abu Bilal al-Maluki, the second-in-command of ISIS, was killed in a joint operation with Nigeria's military. The president described al-Maluki as a terrorist.