Updated: April 10, 2026 A police officer was reportedly shot on Thursday in Porterville, California, prompting a large-scale law enforcement response across Tulare County. Initial reports, including scanner radio updates, indicate that the suspect is armed and remains at large. Authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the circumstances of the shooting or providing a description of the suspect. Videos circulating on social media show a heavy presence of police and emergency vehicles at the scene, suggesting an ongoing and active operation. There have also been unverified reports claiming that several schools in the area were placed on lockdown as a precaution. However, officials have not confirmed any direct connection between the shooting and local schools, nor have they reported any active threats within school premises. At this time, details regarding the motive behind the incident remain unclear. This is a developing story, and more information is expected as authorities provide updates.

The United States Department of State has authorised the departure of non-emergency government employees and their family members from its embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions in Nigeria. The directive, issued on Wednesday through an updated travel advisory, follows a surge in violent attacks across several parts of the country. As part of the update, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states were added to the US “Do Not Travel” list due to heightened risks of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. This decision comes in the wake of recent deadly incidents. On March 29, gunmen attacked the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, killing over 20 residents and injuring many others during the Christian celebration of Palm Sunday. Similar attacks were reported in Niger and Kebbi states, where dozens of people were also killed. The advisory now includes several high-risk states such as Borno, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers, among others. The move aligns with previous warnings from the United Kingdom, which last November cautioned its citizens against non-essential travel to multiple states in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s security challenges are further highlighted in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), where the country ranks as the fourth most affected by terrorism globally. The report notes a 43 percent increase in terrorism-related fatalities compared to 2024, with groups such as ISWAP and Boko Haram responsible for the majority of deaths. In response to the growing insecurity, some religious leaders have called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency to address the crisis.

The Federal Government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors across West Africa to leverage innovative financing strategies to strengthen agroecology practices. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the call during the Regional Forum on Agroecology and Organic Agriculture held in Abuja on Monday. Speaking through the Director of Planning and Policy Coordination at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Ibrahim Tanimu, Kyari described the forum as timely and critical for the region, particularly Nigeria. The forum, themed “Financing the Transformation of Sustainable Food and Nutrition Systems for Food Sovereignty in West Africa through Organic Agriculture and Agroecology: Considering What Policies, Mechanisms and Instruments?”, was organised by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with the Forum on Agroecology and Organic Agriculture in West Africa and other partners. Kyari identified inadequate financing as a major constraint to food system development and achieving food sufficiency in the region. He urged participants to identify bottlenecks in accessing funding, particularly those related to economic and fiscal policies. “I urge you to think critically about your role in promoting and leveraging financing strategies for agroecology and organic agriculture in West Africa. These should support local consumption as well as regional and global trade, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of knowledge sharing on sustainable practices, including soil management, pest and disease control, biodiversity protection, and environmental conservation. Kyari noted that agroecology and organic agriculture present viable solutions as the region works towards building a food-secure future. He acknowledged the contributions of multilateral agencies and donors in supporting such initiatives but stressed that funding remains insufficient. According to him, Nigeria’s budgetary allocation to agriculture is still below the 10 per cent target set under the Malabo Declaration, despite a 59 per cent increase in the 2024 budget. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration and creating an enabling policy environment to drive sustainable food system transformation. Participants at the forum included representatives from ministries of agriculture, environment, finance, and economy across ECOWAS member states, as well as officials from the ECOWAS Commission and the European Union delegation. Other attendees were drawn from the Agroecology Programme in West Africa, the French Development Agency, the FAO West Africa Regional Office, the West African Development Bank (BOAD), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), the West Africa Alliance for Agroecology (3AO), and the West African Organic Network WAFRONET.

The Kogi State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of a young graduate in Lokoja. According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Afusat Saliu, the suspects were apprehended on March 25 at Otokiti Estate. Two of them, who allegedly posed as construction workers, lured the victim to a secluded location where they killed him with a shovel before stealing his tricycle. The victim had earlier been declared missing by his family on March 18 after leaving home with his tricycle. His lifeless body was discovered the following day near CBN Zone 8 in Lokoja. Police investigations led to the arrest of the two primary suspects, who reportedly confessed to the crime and disclosed that they sold the stolen tricycle to a third suspect. Saliu added that the police recovered the tricycle along with four other stolen motorcycles from the third suspect in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area. Further findings revealed that the suspects are ex-convicts previously linked to multiple cases of murder and armed robbery. They have since been charged in court. The police assured residents of their continued efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety in the state.

Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are beginning to deliver positive results, according to the World Bank. However, the institution has cautioned the federal government against using increased oil revenues to fund subsidies or excessive spending. Economic Growth Holding Steady In its latest Nigeria Development Update, the World Bank revealed that the country’s economy remains on a steady growth path. Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 4.0% in 2025, slightly below the 4.1% recorded in 2024, with strong contributions from the services sector—particularly ICT, financial services, and real estate. Early indicators for 2026 also point to continued expansion across multiple sectors, despite some global economic tensions. Inflation Eases but Still a Concern One of the most notable improvements is inflation. The report shows that inflation dropped significantly to 15.1% in February 2026, compared to 26.3% a year earlier. Food inflation also declined to 12.1%, offering some relief to households. Despite this progress, inflation remains high, and new pressures are emerging due to rising global energy prices and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Fuel costs are already reflecting this strain: Petrol prices surged by 45% between February and March Diesel prices nearly doubled to about ₦1,800 per litre These increases could push inflation upward again and worsen the cost of living. External Position Remains Strong Nigeria’s external finances showed resilience in 2025: Current account surplus reached 4.8% of GDP Net reserves rose to $34.8 billion Gross reserves hit $45.5 billion, covering 8.7 months of imports This stability was supported by improved exchange rate competitiveness, steady remittances, and continued foreign investment inflows. Fiscal Pressures Persist Despite stronger non-oil revenues, Nigeria’s fiscal deficit widened slightly to 3.1% of GDP in 2025, up from 2.8% in 2024. This was largely driven by increased government spending—both at federal and state levels. Growth Outlook: Modest but Positive Looking ahead, the World Bank projects Nigeria’s economy will grow at around 4.2% annually between 2026 and 2028. However, the report warns that poverty reduction will remain slow, as job creation struggles to keep pace with population growth and inflation continues to impact household incomes. Warning: Don’t Waste Oil Windfall With global oil prices rising above projections, the World Bank issued a strong warning: treat the extra revenue as temporary. Instead of increasing spending or reintroducing subsidies, the bank recommends: Rebuilding financial buffers Maintaining fiscal discipline Avoiding election-driven spending increases Focus on the Vulnerable If inflation worsens, the World Bank suggests using part of the additional revenue to support vulnerable Nigerians—but only through targeted, time-bound cash transfers, not broad subsidies or price controls. The Bottom Line Nigeria is making progress, but the gains are still fragile. Sustaining growth will depend on: Continued economic reforms Strong fiscal and monetary discipline Investments in infrastructure and human capital The message is clear: stay the course, spend wisely, and protect the most vulnerable.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered the redeployment of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Kaduna State following a recent attack in Ariko Village near Gurara Dam. According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the move is aimed at preventing further attacks and strengthening coordinated security efforts in the area. The statement revealed that on April 5, 2026, armed bandits attacked ECWA and Catholic churches in the community, firing indiscriminately. The attack claimed five lives, while about fourteen others were abducted. In response, the IGP directed immediate operational intervention, deploying DIG Nadada to assess the situation on ground and lead efforts to restore order, as well as secure the release of the kidnapped victims. During the operation, a joint team led by DIG Nadada, alongside the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS), successfully rescued seven of the abducted victims. The rescued individuals were taken to Katari Hospital, where they are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition, awaiting reunion with their families. The IGP assured that ongoing operations will continue until all remaining victims are rescued and those responsible for the attack are brought to justice. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to support security efforts.