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Insecurity Claims 1,420 Lives, 537 Kidnapped Across Nigeria in Q1 2025

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Nigeria's Presidential Jet Fiasco: A Brazen Act Of Intimidation By China And France - A Wake-Up Call For Africa
Nigeria's President Jets out of Country. Nigerians continue to endure Killings

Insecurity Claims 1,420 Lives, 537 Kidnapped Across Nigeria in Q1 2025

 

Nigeria continues to face a deepening security crisis, with 1,420 people killed and 537 others kidnapped in various incidents across the country in the first quarter of 2025 alone. This is according to data from *HumAngle’s* March 2025 Conflict Tracker, cited by *WikkiTimes*.

 

The report documented 475 insecurity incidents nationwide between January and March, spanning all six geopolitical zones. However, the brunt of the violence was borne by the northern part of the country, particularly the Northwest and North-Central regions. These two zones accounted for nearly half of all recorded incidents and over 50% of the total fatalities.

 

### Northern Nigeria Remains Epicenter of Violence

 

The data paints a grim picture of the security situation in northern Nigeria. In March alone, the region recorded 243 out of 363 reported deaths. The Northwest zone reported the highest casualties, with 130 deaths, followed by the North-Central with 94 and the Northeast with 19. This accounts for nearly 67% of all fatalities nationwide for the month.

 

The high levels of violence in the North have been attributed to a range of factors including banditry, terrorism, communal clashes, and attacks by armed groups. States like Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and Borno continue to be hotspots for deadly attacks and mass abductions, with rural communities particularly vulnerable.

 

In addition to killings and kidnappings, the report noted a rise in displacement and destruction of property, further compounding the humanitarian crisis in affected areas.

 

### Southern Nigeria Also Affected

 

While the North remains the worst hit, insecurity is far from being a regional issue. The South also recorded significant casualties, albeit at a lower scale. In March, the South-West zone reported 52 deaths, the South-South recorded 50, and the South-East 18—bringing the total southern death toll for the month to 120.

 

In the southern regions, insecurity often takes the form of cult clashes, armed robbery, political violence, and occasional communal disputes. In the South-East, the activities of separatist groups and their confrontations with security agencies have continued to claim lives and destabilize communities.

 

### A National Crisis Without Adequate Response

 

Security analysts and civil society groups have repeatedly raised concerns over the federal government’s perceived lack of decisive and coordinated response to the growing insecurity. Despite increased military operations and repeated assurances from security agencies, the crisis has shown little sign of abating.

 

The HumAngle report underscores what many Nigerians already feel—an ongoing cycle of violence with limited accountability and inconsistent protection for civilians. It also calls into question the effectiveness of existing security strategies and the need for a more inclusive, community-driven approach to peacebuilding.

 

### The Human Cost

 

Beyond the numbers, the human cost of Nigeria’s insecurity crisis is staggering. Families are torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and entire communities displaced. Many victims of kidnappings remain unaccounted for, with families often forced to pay ransoms amid silence from authorities.

 

As the country approaches the mid-year mark, the figures from the first quarter serve as a sobering reminder of the urgency with which Nigeria’s security architecture needs reform, and the importance of placing citizens’ safety at the heart of national policy.

 

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Diaspora

Diaspora Watch – Vol. 90

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Diaspora Watch - Vol. 90

HOOORAY! IT’S 90TH EDITION OF DIASPORA WATCH NEWSPAPER

Diaspora Watch Newspaper announces the release of its landmark 90th edition, delivering a compelling mix of global politics, diaspora engagement, energy transition, innovation, and culture, carefully curated to inform and engage its diverse international readership.

Diaspora Watch FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-90/

On Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3316371?__r=1069759

SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE LINK BELOW!!!
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Leading this edition is the thought-provoking headline, “Is Trump’s Security Being Tested?”, which takes a critical look at evolving security concerns surrounding the United States President, Donald Trump, raising questions about political stability and institutional preparedness in a charged electoral climate.

In a major diaspora spotlight, the edition features “US-based Retired Veterans Honor Obi of Onitsha With U.S. County Key,” capturing a symbolic moment of cross-continental recognition and cultural diplomacy, as distinguished Nigerian traditional leadership receives accolades abroad.

Global climate diplomacy takes center stage in “60 Nations Meet in Colombia to Push Fossil Fuel Exit Amid COP Deadlock,” highlighting renewed international efforts to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels despite ongoing negotiations under the COP framework.

Africa’s industrial ambitions are further explored in “Dangote Plans 650,000bpd Refinery in East Africa, Seeks Regional Backing,” detailing strategic expansion moves poised to reshape the continent’s energy landscape and strengthen regional economic integration.

On the innovation front, “Japan Unveils First Commercial Hydrogen-Blended Gas Engine for Power Generation” underscores technological advancements aimed at reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable energy solutions globally.

The edition also examines developments within the United States defence establishment in “US Navy Secretary Phelan Sacked Amid Pentagon Rift,” shedding light on internal policy disagreements and their implications for military leadership.

Diplomatic and cultural discourse is captured in “Ruto’s ‘Nigerian English’ Remark Sparks Diplomatic-Style Social Media Backlash,” reflecting how language, identity, and public commentary intersect in today’s digital diplomacy landscape.

Health innovation across the Caribbean is explored in “AI, Genomics Offer Path to Transform Caribbean Health – CARICOM SG,” presenting emerging opportunities for data-driven healthcare transformation within the region.

On the back page, readers are treated to a cultural highlight with “Met Gala 2026: Beyoncé, Kidman, Others to Co-Host as Vogue Unveils Theme, Details,” offering insights into one of the world’s most anticipated fashion events and its global influence.

As Diaspora Watch Newspaper marks this significant milestone, the 90th edition reaffirms its commitment to delivering credible, insightful, and impactful journalism that bridges continents and amplifies diaspora voices.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve with the 90th edition of Diaspora Watch where we the complex dynamics shaping our world and provide insights into the stories that matter.

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Diaspora

POLITICS

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POLITICS

Fifteen foreign nationals deported from the United States, mostly believed to be South Americans, have arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under a temporary hosting arrangement that is already drawing international attention and debate over migration policy and diplomatic cooperation.

The deportees landed at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa in the early hours of Friday, according to airport sources who confirmed that the group was largely made up of Colombian and Peruvian nationals.

The arrangement marks the first known batch of deportees sent to the Central African nation under a broader US policy of relocating “third-country migrants”,  individuals returned to a country that is neither their origin nor initial destination.

A Congolese government source said the individuals were admitted under short-stay permits and in line with national immigration laws governing the entry and residence of foreigners.

However, authorities stressed that the arrangement is strictly temporary. “The individuals concerned are admitted to the national territory under short-stay permits, in accordance with national legislation concerning the entry and residence of foreigners,” the government stated, while offering no additional details about the identities or conditions of the deportees.

Kinshasa had earlier defended its decision to participate in the arrangement, describing it as consistent with its commitment to human dignity, migrant protection, and international solidarity.

Officials were quick to clarify, however, that the agreement should not be interpreted as a long-term relocation scheme or a form of outsourced migration control.

The United States, under its ongoing immigration enforcement policy, has expanded the practice of transferring deportees to third countries. Similar arrangements have reportedly been made with Ghana, South Sudan, and Eswatini, as Washington intensifies its crackdown on irregular migration.

Although the US State Department declined to comment on specific diplomatic communications with partner countries, it reaffirmed the administration’s hardline stance.

The department said the government remains “unwavering in its commitment to end illegal and mass immigration and bolster America’s border security.”

A minority report from the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee further suggested that the administration may have spent more than $40 million on third-country deportations up to January 2026, though officials concede that the full cost remains unclear.

The report also indicated that over $32 million had been directly disbursed to several partner countries, including Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini, and Palau.

Beyond immigration cooperation, the development comes at a time of deepening US engagement in the DRC over strategic mineral resources.

Washington is reportedly negotiating access to the country’s vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, tantalum, and copper,  minerals critical to global technology and energy industries.

The arrangement also coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing eastern Congo, where conflict involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group continues to threaten regional peace.

Following recent talks mediated by the United States and Qatar in Switzerland, both the Congolese government and rebel representatives agreed on measures including humanitarian access, civilian protection, and steps toward a monitored ceasefire.

Despite these diplomatic advances, tensions remain high.

Rwanda has repeatedly denied allegations of supporting the M23 rebels, insisting instead that its military posture is defensive in nature and aimed at countering security threats from armed groups operating within Congolese territory.

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Diaspora Diva

Diaspora Diva – Wawa Gatheru

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Diaspora Diva - Wawa Gatheru

In a world increasingly defined by climate urgency, Wawa Gatheru is emerging as one of the most compelling young voices shaping a more inclusive environmental future.

The Kenyan-American activist is redefining climate advocacy by centering empathy, accessibility, and representation, ensuring that the movement speaks to, and for, communities often left at its margins. With the poise of a scholar and the passion of a changemaker, Gatheru continues to carve a distinct path where activism meets purpose.

A Rhodes Scholar with an impressive academic pedigree, Gatheru’s journey is grounded in both intellect and action. She made history in 2019 as the first Black person to simultaneously receive the Rhodes, Truman, and Udall scholarships—an extraordinary feat that underscored her commitment to environmental scholarship and advocacy. Now, she is channeling her voice into literature, working on her debut book, Soul of Our Planet, slated for release in April 2028 under HarperCollins’ Amistad imprint.

At the heart of her impact is Black Girl Environmentalist (BGE), the organization she founded and leads as Executive Director. What began as a vision has evolved into a thriving national network of over 2,500 members, empowering Black girls, women, and gender-expansive individuals within the climate space. Recognized by Forbes as one of the largest Black youth-led organizations in the United States, BGE is actively reshaping the narrative around who belongs in environmental leadership.

Gatheru’s work seamlessly weaves together climate action, racial equity, and storytelling. Through BGE, she has built a robust ecosystem offering mentorship, career pathways in the green economy, and community support across multiple U.S. cities. Her influence also extends into policy spaces as an inaugural member of the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council—a historic initiative under the United States Environmental Protection Agency designed to amplify youth voices in environmental decision-making.

Beyond her organisational leadership, Gatheru’s presence resonates across global platforms. She serves on advisory boards for leading institutions including Greenpeace USA and Earthjustice, while her work has been spotlighted by major outlets such as The New York Times and NBC. From being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 to appearing on the digital cover of Vogue alongside Billie Eilish, Wawa Gatheru embodies a new generation of leaders—bold, visionary, and unapologetically inclusive.

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