Thailand Launches Airstrikes on Cambodia as Border Clashes Escalate, Thousands Evacuated

Thailand has launched airstrikes on Cambodian military positions following renewed border clashes, marking the most serious escalation since last year’s U.S.-brokered ceasefire. One Thai soldier was killed and eight wounded as fighting intensified before dawn, prompting Bangkok to deploy air power after accusing Cambodia of moving heavy weapons forward. Cambodia denied firing back and accused Thailand of coordinated attacks. The conflict has triggered massive evacuations on both sides, with over 385,000 people moved in Thailand and more than 1,100 families displaced in Cambodia. ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim has warned that the violence threatens to unravel months of diplomatic progress aimed at stabilising the long-disputed 817km border.

IPOB Lawyer Ejiofor Urges Senate to Reject Reno Omokri’s Ambassadorial Nomination Over ‘Ethnic Bigotry’

IPOB lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called on the Nigerian Senate to reject the appointment of Reno Omokri as Ambassador-Designate, describing the nomination as a “profoundly unwise decision” and a threat to Nigeria’s diplomatic image. In a strongly worded statement, Ejiofor accused Omokri of ethnic bigotry, reckless social media conduct, and years of attacks against the Igbo people. He argued that Omokri’s controversial commentaries, past insults against national leaders, and divisive online behaviour make him unfit for diplomatic service. Ejiofor urged senators—especially of Igbo origin—to oppose the confirmation, warning that approving Omokri would be a “national embarrassment.”

VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Abidjan

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term in office as President of that country.

In a Statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha said Shettima is expected to join other leaders across Africa and beyond to witness activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to hold on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.

Quatara was re-elected for a fourth term in office on October 25, 2025 as President of Côte d'Ivoire, a West African country that shares cordial diplomatic ties with Nigeria.

Both nations collaborate significantly within ECOWAS and the African Union on security, trade, and development, formalised by a Bi-National Commission and numerous agreements covering areas like anti-trafficking, agriculture, and digital economy, with strong informal trade and significant Nigerian diaspora in Côte d'Ivoire, fostering deep bilateral economic and social connections.

The Vice President is accompanied by HE Omar Aliyu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission; Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and Hon. Usman Zannah, member representing Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The Vice President is expected back in Abuja at the end of the inauguration ceremony.

US Reviews Ties With Tanzania Over Repression, Election Violence and Threats to American Citizens

The United States has announced a comprehensive review of its relationship with Tanzania, citing escalating repression of religious freedom and free speech, election-related violence, and threats to the safety of American citizens. In a statement, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott warned that recent actions by Tanzania’s government jeopardize decades of partnership, regional stability, and U.S. interests. Washington says ongoing human-rights abuses and barriers to U.S. investment have forced a reassessment of diplomatic, development, and security cooperation with Dodoma. Tanzania has yet to issue a response.

NIGERIA-US RELATIONS INTACT DESPITE VISA DECISION ON INDIVIDUALS- IDRIS

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says visas are the prerogative of every country.

He made the comment responding to questions on the U.S. visa restrictions announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio targeting individuals linked to alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.

Idris said Nigeria and the United States continue to maintain normal diplomatic relations and are working closely to resolve any challenges. He added that the matter was not discussed at today’s Federal Executive Council

Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for 65 New Ambassadorial Nominees, Raises Total to 68.
President Bola Tinubu has submitted another list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate — made up of 34 career diplomats and 31 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners — pushing the total number of his ambassadorial nominations to 68.

The latest list includes former Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ete Ibas and expands Tinubu’s ongoing reshaping of Nigeria’s diplomatic representation globally.

#Tinubu #NigeriaPolitics #Diplomacy #Ambassadors

FG commends Saudi authorities for releasing 3 Nigerians detained over fraudulent luggage

Three Nigerians who were arrested in August 2025 at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah have been released from detention by Saudi Authorities over luggage linked to criminal syndicates. The Nigerians were: Abdulhamid Sadieq, Maryam Abdullahi, and Bahijah Abdullahi.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar in a statement, explained that prohibited substances were fraudulently attached to their air tickets by criminal syndicates at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), without the knowledge of the passengers.

Through diplomatic channels, Nigeria’s Consulate in Jeddah provided legal support and worked closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (#NDLEA) in the investigation and the mission maintained regular contact with Saudi authorities as well as conducted prison visits. After thorough investigations, the Saudi authorities cleared the Nigerians of all wrongdoing and released them on September 14 and 15, 2025.

Yusuf Tuggar says, a travel ban was imposed and currently, the travel ban on Abdulhamid Sadieq has been lifted on December 2, 2025, and arrangements for his return are ongoing, while recalling that Maryam Abdullahi and Bahijah Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025.

The minister commends the professionalism of Saudi authorities and notes that the release reflects Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, as enshrined in the 4D Doctrine of President Bola Tinubu.

The approval rating of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government has risen following the diplomatic row with China, now reaching a record 75%.

Adoyi Omale warns political patronage in ambassadorial appointments risks undermining Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility.

Tinubu Sends 32-Person Ambassadorial List to Senate — Omokri, Fani-Kayode, Ugwuanyi, Mahmood Yakubu Included

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the names of 32 diplomatic nominees to the Senate of Nigeria for confirmation, significantly expanding the country’s next batch of envoys. 

The list features a mix of high-profile former public servants and career diplomats. Among the most notable are:
• Reno Omokri — ex-presidential aide; 
• Femi Fani-Kayode — former aviation minister; 
• Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi — former Governor of Enugu State; 
• Mahmood Yakubu — immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); 

Others on the list include former governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Lagos State deputy-governor Femi Pedro, former first ladies and former lawmakers, along with a substantial number of career-diplomat nominees. 

In his letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu urged that the 15 career-ambassador and 17 non-career-ambassador nominees be “considered and confirmed expeditiously.” 

Once confirmed and posted, many of these ambassadors are expected to serve in strategically important countries — including China, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and various multilateral missions such as the United Nations and African Union. 
#Tinubu #NigeriaDiplomacy #AmbassadorNominees #Omokri #FaniKayode #MahmoodYakubu #Ugwuanyi

Nigeria Secures IMO Council Seat for 2026–2027 as Tinubu Hails Rising Maritime Influence


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term, marking the nation’s return after 14 years. He described the victory as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s growing maritime leadership, commitment to safety, security, and environmental standards. Tinubu praised the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, and the diplomatic team for their strategic efforts. The renewed mandate aligns with his administration’s plan to expand the blue economy, boost maritime infrastructure, enhance anti-piracy efforts, and strengthen Nigeria’s global shipping role. He affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to support safer seas, cleaner oceans, and fair maritime governance.

#hashtags:
#NigeriaMaritime #IMOCouncil #BlueEconomy

The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened diplomatic talks with the United States following President Donald Trump’s threat of possible military action over alleged killings of Christians. Information Minister Mohammed Idris said communication channels with Washington are active and that the situation is being clarified. He dismissed claims of religious persecution, insisting Nigeria remains a multi-faith nation and that the conflict is not religiously driven. Idris also accused US-based lobby groups linked to a proscribed separatist organisation of spreading misinformation. Trump had ordered the Pentagon to draft an attack plan after warning that Christianity was “facing an existential threat” in Nigeria.

Unacceptable’ – Deputy Senate President Asks Trump To Withdraw Statement And Apologise.

The Deputy Senate President of the Nigerian Upper Legislative Chambers, Senator Jibrin Barau, has slammed United States President Donald Trump over his recent statement on alleged Christian killings in Nigeria.

Speaking in reaction to Trump’s remarks in a viral video released on Friday, Barau urged Trump to immediately withdraw his recent threat against Nigeria and issue a public apology for describing the country as “disgraced.”

According to the lawmaker, Trump’s comments were “unacceptable, un-American, and a violation of international law.”

He said Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, would not tolerate any form of intimidation or interference.

“For the president of the United States to come out and say, ‘Nigeria is a disgraced country, and we are going to attack you,’ is quite unacceptable,” Barau said.

“He should understand, retract that statement, and apologise to Nigeria.”

Barau maintained that Trump’s utterances breached diplomatic norms and international law, saying “It’s against international law. Whatever you feel about our country, follow the legal route. Go to the United Nations, get a resolution, and act in line with that. To bypass that process is quite un-American.”

The lawmaker insisted, “We are not scared to speak the truth. If Trump were here, I would tell him directly that he has gone against international law and that his approach is wrong.”

Ecowas Rejects Claims of Religious Genocide in West Africa.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed claims that any religious group is being systematically targeted in West Africa.

ECOWAS expressed serious concern over growing terrorist attacks across the region, including Nigeria, and warned against misinformation that could inflame divisions among communities. This follows US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Christians in Nigeria face systematic persecution and his subsequent declaration of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern,” along with threats of cutting aid and possible military intervention.

President Bola Tinubu rejected these claims, affirming that Nigeria remains a democracy committed to constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and belief.

In a formal statement ahead of the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism through diplomatic engagement and national unity, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at building a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient nation.

In its communiqué dated November 4, 2025, ECOWAS urged the United Nations and international partners to increase support for member states combating terrorist groups whose activities have caused widespread devastation and loss of life. The bloc stressed that extremist violence targets civilians of all faiths, ethnicity, gender, and age, and strongly rejected claims suggesting a genocide against any particular religious group, warning that such narratives could undermine social cohesion and worsen insecurity.

ECOWAS called on the international community to stand in solidarity with West African nations in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing that coordinated regional and global efforts are crucial to protecting all communities and ensuring lasting peace.

Trump’s threat: Whoever wrote your October 1 speech doesn’t like you, Pastor Adeboye tells Tinubu.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has criticised a section of President Bola Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day speech on security, saying whoever wrote the speech for the president “does not like him.”

Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City Campground, Adeboye said, “I almost spoke last month when I heard the speech of my in-law (Tinubu), particularly that section that spoke about security. I heard him saying all is well now, that displaced people have returned to their villages. I almost said the one who wrote that speech does not like him. Somebody wrote it, but it was the President who read it. There are several people around Tinubu who are not telling him the truth. The following day, we read that a traditional ruler was killed in Kwara or Kogi.”

Adeboye noted that while the President inherited Nigeria’s security challenges, the focus should now be on taking decisive action to resolve them.

“Our President inherited this problem. I am an applied mathematician; I am only interested in getting the problem solved.”

He also urged the Federal Government to move wisely, diplomatically, and decisively in addressing insecurity and the alleged killings of Christians in some parts of the country.

“If I am asked to make suggestions, I will say quietly to the governments to move wisely, diplomatically. I have cousins. There were times in Nigeria when Christians and Muslims were living together. I have families that are Muslims till date. When I was little, I ate sari with them, and I still eat my breakfast, but the issue of religion started when politics came into religion.”

The cleric said he had privately advised past presidents on the security crisis but noted that his role was limited to offering counsel.

“All the presidents who were around when this trouble started, whatever I discussed is top privacy. I have done my best behind the scenes, but as I have always told you, you can only advise a Commander-in-Chief; you cannot command him. But I have tried. God is my witness.”

Don’t expect Russia or China to save Nigeria if the U.S. invades; they’ll just condemn America in strong terms and do nothing, says Pastor Adeboye.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s service chiefs to act swiftly against the rising wave of killings across the country.

Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption Camp, Adeboye said terrorists and their sponsors must be eliminated “no matter how influential they may be,” and called on the President to seek diplomatic support from the United States.

On current action, he said:
“When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be.”

Warning against reliance on foreign powers, Adeboye added:
“If America should attack us, China is not coming to defend us. Russia will not come to defend us… Britain is not going to come and help us.”

He stressed the urgency of the situation:
“This is not the time for joking. This is not the time for drama… The point is, people are dying. Innocent people are dying.”

Critiquing a recent presidential statement, he said:
“I almost spoke last month when I heard the speech of my in-law, the President… where I heard him say, ‘All is well now, displaced people have returned to their villages.’ I almost said, ‘The one who wrote that speech for my President, my in-law, does not like him.’”

Adeboye concluded:
“Do you think I asked you to fast for 100 days for fun? Didn’t I share with you, my children, that God said this would be a remarkable year? Didn’t I share with you that God said the wind that started blowing last year would be more violent this year?”

FG Should Take Trump Seriously’ – Ex-DSS Director.

A former director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has advised the Federal Government to take United States President, Donald Trump’s Christian genocide claims and threat of military action seriously.

Trump, barely a day after declaring Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), threatened military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.

In the explosive post on his Truth Social Platform, Trump said, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.”

However, Ejiofor, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, urged the Nigerian government to explore diplomatic means to resolve the issue.

While the Federal Government has dismissed the allegations and restated its commitment to religious freedom, the former DSS director said Trump’s comment should not be dismissed as mere play.

He said, “I think the Federal Government should take Donald Trump seriously. I’m calling on the Nigerian government to explore all diplomatic channels.

“You see, it is a very serious matter when you talk of Donald Trump. I take a very serious exception to the statement credited to Donald Trump because he says what he wants to do, and he will go ahead to do it,” Ejiofor said. “So, it is not a play that we can gloss over. It is a threat.”

U.S. Rep Hits Back At China Over Criticism Of Trump’s Warning To Nigerian Govt.

U.S. Representative Riley M. Moore has hit back at China’s criticism of America’s position on alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, insisting that China cannot dictate American foreign policy.

Moore accused China of marginalizing ethnic minorities in their country and clamping down on religious freedom. According to him, such actions strips them of the moral rights to lecture the United States on the issue.

In a post on X, Moore said, “President (Donald) Trump is absolutely right to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering horrific persecution, and even martyrdom, for their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

“China will not dictate our foreign policy to us, and we will not be lectured to by a Communist autocracy that recently arrested 30 Christian pastors for their faith and throws ethnic minorities in concentration camps,” he added.

His comments came after China accused the United States of using religion and human rights as pretexts to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China “firmly supports the Tinubu administration as it leads its people on a development path suited to its national conditions.”

“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force,” Mao added.

The diplomatic exchange follows President Trump’s warning of possible military action against Nigeria over what he described as the government’s failure to curb the killing of Christians.

Tinubu Set to Appoint New Ambassadors Amid Rising Diplomatic Tension with the U.S.

President Bola Tinubu is putting finishing touches to the appointment of new ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions after months of vacancies and growing diplomatic concerns, especially following recent tensions with the United States.

Presidency sources confirmed that the President has ordered a “final cleanup” of the ambassadorial list to replace nominees who have died, retired, or withdrawn from consideration. The updated list is expected to be released soon after final verification.

This comes two years after Tinubu recalled all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions in what was described as a comprehensive diplomatic review. Since then, most embassies have been headed by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers with limited powers to represent Nigeria in high-level engagements.

Officials believe the new appointments will help restore Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility and strengthen communication with international partners, particularly amid the recent friction with the U.S. triggered by former President Donald Trump’s remarks. Trump had threatened possible U.S. military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians, comments that stirred widespread concern in Abuja.

According to sources, the absence of ambassadors has slowed Nigeria’s ability to respond promptly to sensitive international matters. “Having ambassadors in place will help Nigeria engage more effectively, especially in times of tension,” one official said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar is expected to meet President Tinubu at the State House to finalise the list. An official announcement of the new ambassadorial appointments is anticipated in the coming days.

Nigerian NSA, service chiefs hold emergency meeting over trump’s military action warning

The national security adviser, nuhu ribadu, on monday held an emergency meeting with service chiefs and security heads in abuja following u.s. president donald trump’s warning of possible military intervention in nigeria.

Security sources said the meeting focused on assessing the security and diplomatic implications of trump’s remarks and preparing a unified national response. according to reports, the nsa urged all agencies to strengthen intelligence coordination and reinforce nigeria’s sovereignty.

Presidential aide daniel bwala maintained that the united states cannot conduct any military operation in nigeria without president bola tinubu’s approval.

Reacting to the controversy, president tinubu dismissed trump’s comments as a misrepresentation of nigeria’s religious situation.

He reiterated that nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship and equality for all faiths, adding that his administration continues to work with christian and muslim leaders to promote peace.

Tinubu emphasized that nigeria opposes any form of religious persecution and remains committed to interfaith harmony. he also pledged to engage diplomatically with the u.s. and international partners to build understanding and cooperation.

Despite this, trump insisted that u.s. military action “remains on the table,” saying america will not stand by while christians are attacked.

The office of the national security adviser is expected to issue a formal statement outlining nigeria’s official position and next steps after the high-level meeting.