More than four hundred women and children abducted earlier this year by Boko Haram militants in northeastern Nigeria have been freed, according to local leaders and government officials. The captives were taken from communities around Ngoshe in Borno State, a region that has experienced repeated attacks during the long-running Islamist insurgency. A local youth leader said his group had secured the release of all those who were abducted, whereas the military said an intelligence-led operation helped secure the freedom of 360 people who had been held in difficult conditions. Tragically, two infants reportedly died from exhaustion during captivity. The circumstances surrounding the release remain unclear; Boko Haram had reportedly demanded large ransom payments. The release brings relief to many affected families, yet highlights the continuing insecurity in northeastern Nigeria, where years of violence have claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.

Pray: giving thanks for this welcome news. Pray for healing, protection and lasting freedom for vulnerable communities. (Psalm 91:14)
More: www.africanews.com/2026/06/09/hundreds-of-kidnap-victims-freed-from-nigerian-jihadists/

Three Christians were killed and 15 others abducted when armed attackers stormed a church prayer vigil in Kwara State, western Nigeria, on 23 May. The assault took place during an overnight gathering at a remote prayer site near Ekerin village, where gunmen opened fire before taking worshippers to an unknown location. Police launched a major rescue operation involving tactical units, intelligence teams and drone support, while authorities pledged to bring those responsible to justice. In response to growing insecurity, local officials have urged churches in isolated areas to suspend all-night services. Human rights groups condemned the attack and warned that parts of Kwara State are experiencing increasing levels of terrorism, kidnappings and violent crime. They highlighted similar attacks on churches in recent months and called for stronger action to protect vulnerable communities. Nigeria continues to experience severe persecution and violence against Christians, with more believers reportedly killed there than in any other country during the past year.

Pray: for comfort, protection and freedom for abducted and grieving families. (Psalm 34:18)
More: www.christianpost.com/news/3-christians-killed-at-prayer-vigil-gunmen-abduct-15-others.html

Communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta are pursuing legal action against Shell over extensive environmental damage linked to repeated oil spills from the Nembe Creek Trunk Line pipeline. Internal company documents disclosed during court proceedings suggest that as early as 2008 there was disagreement between senior executives over the risks of continuing operations, and there were repeated breaches of the company’s own technical standards. Residents of affected communities say decades of pollution have devastated fishing grounds, damaged livelihoods and raised concerns about long-term health impacts. Shell maintains that much of the pollution resulted from large-scale oil theft, sabotage and illegal refining activities, arguing that it invested heavily in spill prevention and clean-up efforts. The case centres on more than a hundred leaks between 2011 and 2013, with communities seeking compensation and environmental restoration. The dispute highlights the lasting consequences of pollution in one of the world’s most important oil-producing regions.

Pray: that justice will be done. Pray for restoration and healing to come to affected communities. (Isaiah 58:12)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdrp8v7407ro

Nigerian forces working with US troops say they have killed 175 IS fighters in a series of joint operations in northeastern Nigeria targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The strikes destroyed weapons caches, checkpoints, logistics centres and financial networks used by the militant group. The authorities also announced the deaths of several senior commanders, including Abu Bilal al-Minuki, described as a leading IS figure in West Africa and the Sahel region. The US troops were sent to Nigeria in February, in what was deemed a mostly advisory and training role, but the joint operations reported recently appear to signal a more active US involvement in the country. IS activity has expanded significantly across Africa in recent years, contributing to instability, violence and displacement in several countries. While the strikes are seen as a major setback for the group, concerns remain about ongoing insecurity and the wider humanitarian impact of prolonged conflict across the region.

Pray: that violence and extremism in Nigeria will be overcome. Pray that this military cooperation will yield further positive results. (2 Chronicles 15:7)
More: www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/20/nigeria-says-joint-us-strikes-kill-175-isil-fighters-in-countrys-northeast

Seven children from the Du Merci orphanages are still in state custody in Kano despite a meeting on 15 April which was meant to finalise their return. A document stating that the children had been returned to their adoptive parents (Professor Richard Tarfa and his wife Mercy, who founded the orphanages ) was signed, yet the children were taken away and not released. While in state care, they have faced mistreatment, neglect, pressure to convert, and misinformation to scare them out of wanting to return to the only parents most have ever known. 27 children had been taken away in 2019, when Professor Tarfa was arrested and imprisoned on false charges: only twenty have been returned. In January, the death of 13-year-old David Tarfa while in custody, with no medical treatment although the authorities knew of his illness, has intensified calls for accountability: his body has still not been released to his family. CSW has continued to advocate for the Tarfa family and for justice to be done.

Pray: that the detained children will be safely and speedily returned to Professor and Mrs Tarfa. (Psalm 68:5)
More: https://www.csw.org.uk/dumerci-case.htm?

Confusion and concern have followed a deadly Easter attack on a church in Kaduna state, as local residents dispute the army’s claim that 31 abducted civilians were rescued. The military reported that troops engaged attackers in a fierce firefight, forcing them to flee and leaving hostages behind. However, community leaders insist that those taken remain missing, with no evidence of any rescue. The attack, which took place during Easter celebrations, left at least five people dead according to official figures, though local sources say the toll may be higher. Church leaders and community representatives have called on the army to clarify the situation and account for those reportedly freed. Northern Nigeria continues to face frequent violence from armed groups and bandits, with churches and Christian communities often affected. Despite military efforts and international support, insecurity remains widespread, with ongoing kidnappings and attacks deepening fear among residents. The incident highlights the urgent need for protection, transparency, and lasting peace in vulnerable regions.

Pray: for protection over believers, truth in reporting, and God’s peace overcoming violence and fear in Nigeria. (Psalm 27:1)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgld111d9jpo

On 16 March, coordinated bomb attacks by suspected suicide bombers struck the Nigerian city of Maiduguri, killing at least 23 people and injuring over a hundred. The explosions hit a crowded market, a hospital entrance and a nearby area just after people broke their Ramadan fast, and caused panic as survivors fled. The military have blamed the jehadist Boko Haram group, which originated in the town in 2009, and warned of increased threats during the final days of the holy month. The attacks shattered a period of relative calm in the city, long associated with insurgency but recently more stable than surrounding rural areas. Violence across northeastern Nigeria has persisted, with extremist groups continuing assaults which have killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Officials have increased security presence and pledged stronger action, though concerns remain about ongoing vulnerability. The resurgence of attacks highlights the fragile security situation and the continued challenges facing efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

Pray: for comfort, healing, and protection for those affected by violence. (Psalm 72:14)
More: www.africanews.com/2026/03/18/security-analyst-on-maiduguri-attacks-the-city-has-always-been-vulnerable/

More than 300 people, including many women and children, have been abducted after militant fighters attacked the town of Ngoshe in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state. Local officials say the assault likely came in retaliation for the recent killing of three Boko Haram commanders by Nigerian forces. The attack forms part of a wider wave of violence across the region, with additional assaults reported in several nearby communities. Although the military says troops repelled some attacks, soldiers were also killed during the fighting. Mass kidnappings have become increasingly common in Nigeria, particularly in remote areas where security is limited. Armed groups often arrive on motorbikes, raid villages quickly, and disappear into remote bushland before troops can respond. Among the militant groups operating in the region are Boko Haram, IS, and other armed gangs which engage in kidnapping and illegal mining. Analysts warn that cross-border militant cooperation and new technologies such as drones are strengthening these groups, while many communities remain vulnerable to ongoing violence.

Pray: for protection over vulnerable communities in Nigeria and for freedom, rescue, and peace for captives. (Psalm 82:4)
More: news.sky.com/story/more-than-300-people-abducted-by-islamic-militants-in-northeastern-nigeria-officials-say-13516231

Leaders of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) are meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, to consider appointing an alternative senior leader to the Archbishop of Canterbury, shortly before the installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally. GAFCON, formed in 2008, represents a coalition of mainly conservative Anglicans who say they seek to defend biblical teaching and preserve orthodox doctrine within the global Anglican Communion. The group has been critical of developments within parts of the CofE, particularly discussions around same-sex blessings and questions of church leadership. At the gathering, delegates are expected to elect a primate who would act as a leading bishop and symbolic figure for churches aligned with the movement. Some Anglican leaders have expressed concern that such a move could deepen divisions within the worldwide Communion, and churches have been urged to pursue unity through established structures and ongoing theological dialogue. The meeting highlights continuing tensions over authority, doctrine, and the future shape of the global Anglican family. See

Pray: for humility, truth, and unity across the Anglican Communion as leaders seek faithfulness to Scripture. (Ephesians 4:3)
More: premierchristian.news/en/news/article/anglican-breakaway-group-elects-alternative-sarah-mullally

Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has called for stronger action by state governments as the country faces a worsening outbreak of Lassa fever. The viral disease, endemic in parts of West Africa, typically peaks during the dry season from November to May, and at least 18 Nigerian states have reported cases, notably Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Edo. By mid-February, 326 infections and 75 deaths (including three healthcare workers) had been confirmed. Officials say weak infection-prevention practices and limited access to personal protective equipment have contributed to transmission in hospitals, including maternity and outpatient wards. The virus spreads through contact with food or household items contaminated by rat urine or droppings, or through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Gaps in contact tracing, along with stigma and misconceptions which delay treatment, have also increased risks. There is currently no licensed vaccine for Lassa fever.

Pray: that affected communities will receive adequate protection and access to suitable treatment. (Jeremiah 30:17a)
More: www.africanews.com/2026/03/04/nigerian-health-agency-urges-stronger-state-action-on-lassa-fever-outbreak/

An investigation has alleged that the Nigerian government paid a substantial ransom to secure the release of up to 230 children and staff abducted from a Catholic boarding school in November. The pupils were taken from St Mary’s in Niger state during a mass kidnapping by Boko Haram. Intelligence sources told AFP that millions of dollars were delivered by helicopter to militants in northeastern Borno state after negotiations reportedly led by national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Two Boko Haram commanders were also said to have been freed. Officials publicly denied paying any ransom, insisting that government agents do not negotiate with kidnappers. The Islamist insurgent group, active since 2009, has carried out widespread violence and abductions across northern Nigeria. Reports suggest the children were released in stages after confirmation that the payment had been received.

Pray: for the safety of all schoolchildren in Nigeria, and for the authorities to have greater success in combating Boko Haram. (Psalm 34:19)
More: www.africanews.com/2026/02/23/nigeria-paid-boko-haram-ransom-for-kidnapped-pupils-afp-investigation/

A brutal massacre in Nigeria’s Kwara state left more than two hundred dead after gunmen attacked two Muslim-majority villages for rejecting extremist teaching. Witnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles, entered a mosque and shot worshippers, then moved house to house killing, kidnapping and burning residents. Many victims were tied before execution, and entire families were wiped out. Survivors fled, leaving only a few men to bury bodies among destroyed homes. Authorities blamed Boko Haram-linked militants, and the army deployed troops while local groups struggled to respond. The violence reflects Nigeria’s wider insurgency, where armed factions target both Muslims and Christians, spreading fear across communities. International partners are now providing intelligence support, yet the tragedy shows the urgent need for protection, reconciliation and healing for traumatised survivors who have lost loved ones and livelihoods. In related news, the USA is to send two hundred soldiers to Nigeria to train local forces: see Nigeria’s military recently claimed to have killed a senior Boko Haram commander and ten other militants in Borno.

Pray: for comfort, protection and healing for grieving and displaced survivors. (Psalm 34:18)
More: www.christianpost.com/news/at-least-162-massacred-for-refusing-radical-islam.html