Africa Live this week: 15-21 April 2024

For the latest updates, go to bbc.com/africalive

AFPCopyright: AFP

The Nigerian army has vowed revenge for the killing of six soldiers who were ambushed while on a peace mission in the central state of Niger last week.

The troops were on a "fighting patrol" in Karaga village in the Shiroro area last Friday when they were attacked by what the army called "terrorists".

An army statement said a number of the attackers had been killed, and others were still being pursued.

It vowed that the "unfortunate setback would be avenged by the troops”.

The slain soldiers included two senior officers and four other personnel, according to the army.

Two officers were injured during the attack.

The army has not confirmed local reports that one officer was abducted.

It is not clear who was behind the ambush but armed gangs, known locally as bandits, have been blamed for targeting security forces in recent attacks.

It comes as Nigeria hosts a two-day high-level African counter-terrorism summit in the capital, Abuja.

The ambush also comes a few weeks after 16 other soldiers were killed while responding to clashes between rival communities in the oil-rich southern Delta state.

Nigeria has suffered a wave of kidnappings for ransom, as well as battling various jihadist groups.

EWNCopyright: EWN

Three men accused of defrauding a bursary scheme for university students in South Africa have been granted bail.

The trio were arrested less than a month ago on allegations of funnelling more than 16m rand ($863,000, £693,000) from the finance company KPMG to private bank accounts.

The Palm Ridge Magistrate’s court in Johannesburg set bail at 50,000 rand each.

Fidelis Moema, Lebogang Sigubundu and Trevor Machimana are alleged to have worked together between October 2019 and 2022.

All three are reported to be intending to plead not guilty though they have yet to enter a formal plea.

A brief look at Mr Moema’s professional history shows the 32-year-old worked in human resources at Ford Motors and as a brand ambassador for several businesses including the retail chain Woolworths.

Mr Moema was reported to police following disciplinary proceedings at KPMG.

The case is due to continue on 24 May when state prosecutors say more witnesses may be presented.

Evidence so far about the suspected fraud has come from Mr Moema’s ex-girlfriends, according to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.

"The number of people we are looking at might increase. We prefer to wait for the right moment. When we are at the stage to disclose our docket, we will be able to tell how many people have been added to the case."

That's all from the BBC Africa Live team for now. To keep up with news from the continent, visit the BBC Africa webpage.

And if audio is your thing, have a listen to the BBC's Focus on Africa and Africa Daily podcasts.

A reminder of Thursday's wise words:

Quote Message: The papaya tree which bears sweet fruit always has a stick under it" from An Akan proverb sent by Kwabens Kankam Boakye in Kumasi, Ghana

The papaya tree which bears sweet fruit always has a stick under it"

Click here to send us your African proverbs.

And we leave you with this photo of a fisherman preparing to cast off in Oranjeville, South Africa:

AFPCopyright: AFP