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You don’t have to because OkayAfrica scours the internet for today’s major news stories. Reports from January 21 include how the Nigerian military rescues dozens of hostages as police confirm a mass church kidnapping in Kaduna, and how chef Hilda Bachi earns her third Guinness World Record for serving the most jollof rice.
Every day at HealthyAfrica, we share a roundup of news that we’re focused on but haven’t published in full coverage. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent, including culture, politics and more. For more stories like this, be sure to check out our news pages for local stories.
Police confirm Kaduna church abduction; Nigerian military rescues 62 hostages
Nigeria’s military has rescued 62 hostages and killed two militants in separate operations in Kebbi and Zamfara states, the military said, as security forces intensified efforts against militant groups in the country’s northwest. The military said troops raided a bandit hideout in Zamfara and freed all prisoners, while another ambush targeted insurgents in Rakulawa near the Kebbi-Sokoto border. The operation comes amid a surge in mass kidnappings across the region, with armed groups operating from forest camps attacking villages, schools and places of worship.
The development follows developments in Kaduna State after the police initially denied the incident, before the police confirmed that believers had been abducted from three churches in Kurumin Warri village on Sunday, January 18. Police say an earlier statement was misinterpreted and subsequent investigation confirmed a kidnapping, but no official number has been released. Residents claim more than 160 people were taken, some later fleeing, a claim backed up by a list seen by the BBC but not independently verified. Amnesty International criticized authorities for what it called “desperate denial” of the attack as Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity fueled by kidnappings for ransom, armed violence and weak police forces.
Hilda Bacchi sets third Guinness World Record for eating the most amount of rice
nigerian chef hilda bee The jollof rice recipe she made in September 2025 was also recognized by Guinness as the world’s largest amount of rice, earning her her third Guinness World Records title. The record was set on Victoria Island, Lagos, where Baci and food brand Gino prepared 8,780 kilograms of rice. This attempt was initially certified as the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, but Guinness later confirmed that it met the criteria for both records.
Baci shared an update yesterday, Tuesday, January 20, saying the confirmation was unexpected and emotional. Guinness World Records credited Mr. Baci and Mr. Gino for this feat, acknowledging that the same serving qualified them for the entire rice category. This recognition adds to Baci’s previous records, including longest solo cooking marathon in 2023, bringing her total to three Guinness World Records.
Senegal’s AFCON champions receive cash and land bonus amid debt crunch
president of senegal Basil Diomaie Faye After defeating Morocco in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, each member of the national soccer team was given a bonus of 75 million CFA francs (approximately $135,000) and 1,500 square meters of coastal land. The announcement was made at a gala ceremony in Dakar, where thousands of fans welcomed Teranga’s Lions home after a 1-0 extra-time win on Sunday, January 18. Senegal clinched the title after a dramatic final that included a late walk-off protest against a VAR penalty, but Morocco had previously failed. Pape Gue They scored the winner early in overtime.
The incentives will not be limited to just the players: officials from the football federation, the Senegalese delegation to Morocco and officials from the sports ministry will also receive cash bonuses and land. The pledge comes as Senegal faces increasing fiscal pressure, with the IMF saying public debt will reach 132% of GDP at the end of 2024, prompting the suspension of a $1.8 billion loan program. Despite the tensions, Fay praised his team for uniting the country as Senegal won their second AFCON title after their first in 2021, when the players received fewer bonuses and land allocations.
Dozens of Amhara pro-government fighters killed in Ethiopian drone attack
On January 15, an Ethiopian military drone strike accidentally killed more than 40 pro-government fighters in the rebel-hit Amhara region, nurses and local officials told news agencies. AFP. The strike hit a camp in Wagemira, home to members of the Fano militia, which has supported the government against rebels since fighting broke out in April 2023, after authorities moved to disarm local groups. Local officials said the military later admitted the attack was a mistake, even though a drone was hovering over the scene before firing. A military spokesman said he had not received any information about the incident. The death toll from drone warfare has risen further in Ethiopia, with conflict monitoring group ACLED saying at least 669 people have been killed in more than 70 drone strikes in Amhara since 2023.
Sudanese military considers new ceasefire plan after drone attack on city center
Sudan’s military is considering a new humanitarian truce and cease-fire proposed by U.S. and Saudi mediators as a nearly three-year war with rapid support forces continues to ravage the country. Officials report that the Security and Defense Council was meeting today, Wednesday, January 21, to consider the plan amid renewed diplomatic pressure under the US president. donald trumpadministration.
Previous negotiations led by the US, Egypt, UAE and Saudi Arabia have failed and stalled following the resignation of the army chief. Abdel Fattah Al Burhan Sudan has accused it of supporting the RSF, a claim that Abu Dhabi denies. RSF has not publicly responded, but the United Nations says more than 150,000 people have been killed and at least 11 million displaced in the conflict. The review comes as drone attacks intensify in and around the capital, al-Obeid, controlled by the North Kordofan Army, with residents reporting heavy civilian casualties and satellite images showing new burial sites and damage to key infrastructure. The United Nations says more than 100 civilians were killed across Kordofan in December alone, underscoring the scale of Sudan’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
Republic of Congo sets presidential election on March 15th
The Republic of Congo will hold its next presidential election on March 15, a government spokesperson announced. thierry mungara The announcement was made in accordance with the constitutional schedule ahead of the end of the current term in April. The ruling Congolese Labor Party has already nominated the incumbent president. Dennis Sassou NguessoIt has been in power for most of the period since 1979, returning to power in 1997 after the civil war. Election officials have not yet started submitting candidates, but other potential candidates include former rebel leaders Frederick Binsamouis known as Pastor Ntumiand dave mahoula. Sassou-N’Guesso’s long-term government included a 2015 constitutional amendment that removed term limits, and his close aides are also said to be involved in France’s long-running investigation into alleged laundering of public funds in so-called “illicit enrichment” cases.
