Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola.

Shettima returned to Abuja on Monday after concluding his engagements at the high-level summit, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha.

Shettima Delivers Nigeria’s Position

During the summit, Shettima represented Nigeria in discussions focused on peace, security and conflict resolution across Africa.

According to Nkwocha, Nigeria called for stronger African-led mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution, as well as urgent continental action against recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Africans and other nationals in South Africa.

The Vice President’s participation was part of Nigeria’s continued involvement in efforts to strengthen peace and security mechanisms across the continent.

Nigeria Backs Luanda Action Plan

Nigeria also backed the Luanda Action Plan during the summit.

The country called for sustainable financing of Africa’s peace and security architecture and urged stronger collective responsibility among AU member states.

Nigeria further advocated greater African ownership of solutions to conflicts affecting the continent rather than relying excessively on external intervention.

Shettima Returns to Abuja

Shettima travelled to Luanda on Saturday to represent President Tinubu at the summit.

He was accompanied by senior government, defence and security officials, who participated in various engagements during the visit.

The Nigerian delegation also interacted with members of the Nigerian community in Angola, where officials discussed concerns affecting Nigerians living in the country.

Following the conclusion of his official engagements, Shettima returned to Abuja, marking the end of Nigeria’s participation in the summit.

The Vice President’s return comes as Nigeria continues to push for stronger African cooperation in addressing insecurity, preventing conflicts and strengthening the continent’s capacity to manage its own peace and security challenges.

Nigeria’s external reserves have risen to $53.11 billion, reaching their highest level in more than 17 years, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The reserves increased by about $3.15 billion between June 3 and August 24, 2026, rising from $49.96 billion to $53.112 billion.

The latest figure brings Nigeria close to the reserve levels recorded in 2009, when the country last approached its current position.

Reserves Near 2009 Record

At $53.11 billion, Nigeria’s current reserve position is only about $142 million below the $53.25 billion recorded on January 12, 2009.

The steady accumulation gathered momentum during July and August.

CBN data showed that reserves rose from $51.53 billion on July 3 to about $52 billion on July 27. The figure subsequently increased to $52.86 billion on August 21, before crossing the $53 billion threshold.

Oil Earnings Boost Dollar Inflows

The rise in reserves has been linked by experts to stronger foreign-exchange inflows, including earnings from crude oil exports.

Oil remains one of Nigeria’s major sources of foreign exchange, meaning higher crude prices and improved oil production can strengthen the country’s dollar earnings.

However, analysts have cautioned that maintaining the reserve buildup will depend on the continued inflow of foreign exchange into the economy.

Naira Records Relative Stability

The increase in external reserves has also coincided with relative stability in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.

According to CBN data cited in the report, the naira closed at N1,343.59 to the US dollar on August 26, while foreign-exchange market turnover stood at approximately $235.99 million, with 213 deals recorded.

A stronger reserve position provides the country with a larger external buffer and can improve confidence in the foreign-exchange market.

Reserves Surpass 2026 Projection

The latest reserve figure is also above the CBN’s projected reserve level of approximately $51.04 billion for the full year.

The increase represents a significant improvement from the beginning of 2026. Earlier data showed that reserves had risen by about $7.09 billion since the start of the year.

The higher reserves could strengthen Nigeria’s ability to meet external obligations and respond to periods of increased demand for foreign currency.

Sustainability Remains Key

Despite the positive development, maintaining the reserve buildup will remain important.

Analysts have pointed to the need for Nigeria to diversify its sources of foreign exchange through stronger oil production, increased non-oil exports, foreign investment, remittances and improved FX liquidity.

A sustained increase in reserves could provide additional support for macroeconomic stability and strengthen confidence in the naira.

For now, Nigeria’s crossing of the $53 billion reserve mark represents one of the strongest external-position improvements the country has recorded in more than a decade.

Unidentified gunmen have killed Ishaq Yunusa, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident occurred along the Itobe–Ochadamu Expressway, in Ofu Local Government Area of the state, throwing residents and motorists along the route into fear.

The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, confirmed the incident and said the command had launched an investigation into the attack.

Gunmen Attack Motorists

According to the police, the incident happened at about 5:00 p.m. on Thursday around Ojuwo Olijo, when armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bush and opened fire indiscriminately at motorists.

Following the attack, a blue Toyota Corolla was found abandoned along the highway.

The driver, identified as Ishaq Yunusa, was found dead inside the vehicle.

Another Occupant Abducted

The police said another occupant of the vehicle was taken into the surrounding bush by the attackers.

Security operatives have since launched a search operation in the area in an effort to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The police said operatives were combing the surrounding forest as part of efforts to track down the assailants.

Body Taken for Autopsy

The body of Yunusa has been evacuated to Grimard Hospital in Anyigba, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted.

The development has further raised concerns over security along the highway, particularly for motorists travelling through the area.

Police Intensify Security Operations

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Naziru Kankarofi, has ordered sustained security operations along the affected corridor.

The police commissioner also directed security operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend the attackers and bring them to justice.

The command urged motorists and residents living along the route to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

The police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing and the abduction are ongoing.