Nigeria News Digest: September 3, 2025

Nigeria’s National Counter‑Terrorism Centre reported 775 convictions from eight trial phases, following an African Counter‑Terrorism Summit that produced the Abuja Declaration and recognised the centre as a regional excellence hub. The summit highlighted youth participation, civil society, and media integration in counter‑terrorism efforts.

Mercy Oluwagbenga, a rescued Nigerian who fled Libya at 20 to seek better prospects, warned that illegal migration is a form of self‑destruction. She urged youths to use safe, legal travel routes and works with the National Immigration Department to raise awareness against irregular migration.

Kebbi State Police rescued a newborn who had been buried alive in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area, and arrested the 20‑year‑old mother, Maryam Atiku, for the crime. The child was alive when uncovered, and authorities praised community support that led to the rescue.

Bandits in Zamfara’s Shinkafi forest abducted 39 women and girls, with 11 escaping and the rest still held. Security forces, supported by vigilantes, launched a search‑and‑rescue operation to free the victims amid allegations of sexual assault.

A mob in Abuja set three suspected touts ablaze, alleging they caused the deaths of a family. The incident highlights ongoing violence and calls for government intervention to address harassment by touts.