Nigeria has secured the release of the remaining 130 students and staff abducted from St Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papiri, Niger state, bringing an end to one of the country’s worst mass kidnappings. The release follows the earlier freedom of over 100 children and 50 who escaped during the 21 November attack, totaling 230 people freed. The federal government described the final release as a moment of relief, confirming that no pupil remains in captivity, although details of the release and whether a ransom was paid were not disclosed.

In other news, a mass shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, South Africa, has left nine people dead and 10 injured. The attack, which appeared unprovoked, has renewed concerns about gun violence in the country. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the unidentified gunmen, who arrived in two vehicles and opened fire indiscriminately on patrons.

Meanwhile, in Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized the city of El-Fasher, plunging it into isolation and famine. Over 106,000 people have fled, while up to 100,000 civilians are trapped, facing severe shortages of food, water, and medicine. Humanitarian agencies and rights groups have described the conditions as catastrophic, with reports of mass killings, executions, and sexual violence.

In Kenya, tribal clashes in Angata Barikkoi have displaced over 1,800 people and destroyed more than 250 households. The government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the affected areas, and security agencies are working to restore calm. One person has been confirmed dead, and vulnerable groups, including children, women, and persons with disabilities, are most affected.

In international news, the United States government has temporarily halted the processing of green card and citizenship applications for Nigerians and nationals of other countries newly added to the US travel ban. The suspension, ordered by the Trump administration, affects many people already lawfully living in the country and has been extended to cover newly listed countries as authorities conduct enhanced security reviews.

These developments highlight the ongoing security challenges and humanitarian crises facing various countries in Africa, with concerns about safety, displacement, and access to basic necessities persisting. As authorities work to address these issues, the international community continues to monitor the situations, with a focus on providing support and promoting stability in the region.