UN ‘not needed to defeat Boko Haram’
Nigeria does not need the help of UN or African Union troops to take on Boko Haram, the country’s national security adviser tells the BBC. BBC News – Africa
Craig Taylor
ECB set to launch huge QE programme
The European Central Bank is expected to announce it will inject up to a trillion euros over the next two years into the ailing eurozone economy in a bond-buying programme. BBC News – Business
Anti-IS coalition to meet in London
Senior officials from 21 countries gather in London to discuss global efforts to tackle the militant group Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. BBC News – Middle East
Cigarette package law brought forward
The government is to press ahead with the introduction of plain cigarette packaging in England, asking MPs to back the move before May’s election. BBC News – UK
Ukraine bus stop shelling kills nine
At least nine people are killed by shelling at bus stop in the city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, local authorities say. BBC News – Europe
Landmark US-Cuba talks under way
The highest-ranking US delegation to visit Cuba in 35 years is holding talks with Cuban officials about migration and bilateral ties. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean