1. Maiduguri Floods: The Unfortunate Series Of Events That Led To The Breakdown Of Alau Dam
In September, we reported the floods ravaging towns and villages in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, via text and multimedia. The aftermath of the flood resulted in the displacement of thousands of people as homes and farmlands were affected. The breakdown of the Alau dam was identified as the main factor responsible for the disaster. However, our investigation determined that the funds previously disbursed for the rehabilitation of the dam were mismanaged by stakeholders, leading to the unfortunate collapse of the dam. Through satellite analysis and research via public portals, we were able to track the funds disbursed for the rehabilitation of the dam between 2018 and 2024.
2. Hazards, Maltreatment, And Human Rights Violations At Dangote Refinery
The investigation showed cases of gross abuse of rights allegedly perpetrated by security personnel and contractors during the construction of the Dangote refinery and the fertiliser plant in Lagos State. HumAngle’s report revealed how some workers of both projects were harassed and maltreated while some had to work in a hazardous environment without protection. This abuse led to serious injuries and deaths. The report also showed how these violations go against the stipulations of the International Labour Organisation.
3. The Young Nigerians Caught in the Gold Rush Financing Terrorism in the Sahel
In this report, we showed how young men like Bashir from North West Nigeria are leaving the country due to hardship for greener pastures in parts of the central Sahel, mainly controlled by rebel groups and jihadists. We shed light on how more young men from Zamfara are leaving home to work in the mining sites that terrorists control and how these men remain steadfast in Mali’s gold mining industry despite the harsh treatment and hazardous work environment. Through storytelling, we highlighted the emotional toll on families back home, like Aliyu’s mother, Rihannatu, who mourns her son lost in a mining accident, while others, like Amina Yusuf, continue to hope for the return of their loved ones.
4. A Tragic Femicide Case in Northeastern Nigeria Smells Like Honour Killing
Femicide has gained prominence over time, with many reports of women and girls being killed by their intimate partners and family members across the world. In rural communities, femicide cases are barely brought to the limelight. Still, in this investigation, HumAngle presents the case of Falmata, a 17-year-old victim from Bama, a community in Borno state, northeastern Nigeria, who her uncle murdered in April after years of physical and verbal abuse. Based on the way security forces are tackling Falmata’s case, we showed the lack of accountability in how femicide cases are handled in Africa.
5. What Happens To The Abducted And Forgotten?
On June 17, 2021, terrorists invaded Federal Government College (FGC), Birnin Yauri, in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria, and abducted over 100 people, including students and teachers. Although most of the captives either escaped or were released after ransoms were paid, 11 of the girls who were abducted remained in captivity for about two years, forgotten. Earlier this year, HumAngle spoke to some of these girls after their release. One of them took us on a journey down memory lane, recalling the night of the abduction and the traumatic experience with the terrorists. Now fully back home with babies birthed out of the sexual abuse, we reported how Dogo, the terrorist leader, has been calling the families for the babies.
6. Inside The Propaganda World Of Nigerian Terrorists On Tiktok
The analysis showed how the famous TikTok platform has become a means of engagement for terrorists who are seen joining trends and directly engaging with people on the app. Through data collection, we showed how violent non-state actors use the TikTok platform to make updates on their daily lives, spread propaganda and inciting violence in northwestern Nigeria. HumAngle monitored 25 accounts operated by these non-state actors and observed the reach of their posts for about three months on TikTok. We provided images of the terrorists showing wads of cash they had collected as ransom while exaggerating their successes and downplaying the losses. Although some accounts monitored by HumAngle have been taken down for violating TikTok policies, many others have remained untouched, indicating the app’s limitations.
7. The Internet Fundraising Marathons Behind IPOB’s Armed Struggle in Nigeria
The violent separatist group known as the Independent Republic of Biafra (IPOB) has been trying to break free from the country over time despite its failed moves in the past.
In this in-depth piece, we reported how dozens of people worldwide are having weekly virtual meetings to raise thousands of dollars to fund a war back home in Nigeria. We showed that the group, led by Simon Ekpa, used some tactics to raise funds, including a weekly Zoom fundraising campaign live-streamed on several social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X/Twitter. By listening to one of these fundraising events that took place in June, cumulatively running into roughly 19 and a half hours, HumAngle’s analysis showed how the faction, known as the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) raised about $109,000 (₦182 million) from donations pledged by members across about 43 countries.
8. How Traffickers Lure Nigerians Into Modern Slavery In Egypt
In this report, we showed how Nigerians who were trafficked to Egypt for forced labour are finding it difficult to go back home because their sponsors refused to release their travel passports and also threatened to implicate them. Some victims told HumAngle how their monthly stipend is not commensurate with the services they render and the cost of living in Egypt. This year, we have published several accounts of people who fell victim to trafficking rings. HumAngle also obtained a video of a Nigerian molested, stripped naked and threatened with police arrest by her boss in Egypt.
9. The Facebook Network Using Prophecies And Disinformation To Swindle Nigerians
Through in-depth analysis, we showed how a popular network on Facebook is defrauding Nigerians through the use of prophecies and disinformation. In this report, we showed how Nigerians spend hundreds of dollars to secure betting tickets that will generate more money from a fraudulent network that has earned their trust under the anonymous band. By gathering information through social media, we also shared accounts of people who were defrauded by the platform. With over 200 pages and about 3 million followers altogether, we also reported how Facebook pages are exploiting the anonymous brand for fraud.
10. ‘On Colos’: A Reporter’s Encounter With Lagos Drug Addicts
We released a documentary this year on the lives of drug addicts. Amidst fears of harassment and physical abuse, our reporter explored Agege and Oshodi areas to converse with different gangs of drug addicts in the notorious part of Lagos, South Western Nigeria. In this diary, our reporter sheds light on each unique character he encountered. From the ones who were victims of broken homes to the ones who started abusing drugs out of depression, this discovery ushered him into their lives and how their dependency journey on all kinds of hard drugs.
The investigation into the Maiduguri floods revealed that the mismanagement of funds intended for Alau Dam rehabilitation led to its collapse, causing widespread displacement.
The Dangote refinery faced allegations of human rights violations, with workers experiencing harassment, unsafe conditions, and abuse. Young Nigerians seeking opportunities in the Sahel's gold mines inadvertently finance terrorism while facing treacherous work environments.
A case in Borno State highlighted the issue of femicide and inadequate justice for victims. The report on the Federal Government College abductions showcased the aftermath of captivity, revealing ongoing trauma and family struggles. Nigerian terrorists utilize TikTok for propaganda, with some accounts circumventing the platform’s removal policies.
IPOB uses online fundraising to support its separatist efforts, raising substantial amounts globally. Trafficked Nigerians in Egypt remain trapped due to withheld passports and threats from sponsors. A Facebook network exploits prophecies to defraud individuals, while an exploration of Lagos drug addicts unveils the impact of social and psychological factors on substance abuse.
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