Kaduna Abductions: US Urges Nigeria To Strengthen Protection For Christians

The United States has called on the Nigerian government to step up efforts to protect Christian communities amid continued abductions and attacks, particularly in parts of Kaduna State.

Reacting to the concerns, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the Federal Government has taken deliberate and decisive actions to tackle insecurity. According to him, security agencies are carrying out intensified joint operations across affected areas to restore safety and prevent further attacks.

The call by the US comes as pressure mounts on authorities to ensure the safety of vulnerable communities and bring perpetrators to justice.

#Kaduna #InsecurityInNigeria #USNigeriaRelations #NationalSecurity

Tinubu Dey Wash Image for Oyibo While Insecurity Dey Kill Us: Yoruba Group Slam $9m US Lobby Deal

Wahala don burst as pan-Yoruba group Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá accuse President Bola Tinubu of wrong priority after report say Federal Government commit $9 million to hire US lobbyists while insecurity dey scatter Nigeria.

For statement wey Olusola Badero sign, the group say the money wey government allegedly pay foreign lobbyists fit use fight banditry, kidnapping and killings wey don claim thousands of lives across the country. Dem accuse Tinubu of caring more about foreign image laundering and 2027 politics than the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

According to dem, APC government dey waste taxpayers’ money to paint Nigeria fine for abroad, while people dey die every day for villages, highways and even Abuja. Dem say terrorists full almost all states, yet government dey pretend say everywhere safe and even dey give amnesty to criminals.

The group react to report say NSA Nuhu Ribadu arrange deal with US firm DCI Group, with initial $4.5m paid and another $4.5m to follow, making am $750k per month. Dem question why Tinubu go dey “appease Trump” instead of fixing security, economy and governance.

Dem demand accountability, urge Nigerians to hold government responsible, and insist say $9m fit rebuild communities, support victims and strengthen security—not to polish Nigeria image for abroad while citizens dey suffer.

Nigeria Approves $9m US Lobbying Deal To Ease Tensions With Trump Administration Over Christian Killings, Insecurity, and Travel Restrictions

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has approved a controversial $9 million lobbying contract with Washington-based DCI Group to persuade the Trump administration and key U.S. lawmakers that Nigeria is taking concrete action against insecurity, including the killings of Christians in northern Nigeria. U.S. Justice Department filings show an initial $4.5 million payment was made in December 2025, with another $4.5 million due by July 2026. The deal follows Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” a partial U.S. travel ban, and a U.S. military airstrike in Sokoto targeting insurgent hideouts. The lobbying effort, facilitated by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu through Aster Legal, aims to maintain U.S. support against jihadist groups and improve strained diplomatic relations. Additional outreach included a letter from Senate President Godswill Akpabio inviting U.S. lawmakers to visit Abuja. Analysts say the contract signals urgency by Tinubu’s government to reset ties with Washington.

US Resumes Surveillance Flights Over North-East Nigeria After Sokoto Airstrikes

The United States has resumed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations over Nigeria’s north-east, focusing on militant activity in the Sambisa Forest, days after airstrikes on ISIS fighters in Sokoto State.

The development was disclosed on Saturday by Sahel-focused t+rrorism tracker Brant Philip, who shared flight-tracking data showing a US aircraft operating over Borno State. According to the data, the aircraft was a Gulfstream V — a long-range jet often modified for ISR missions.

“The United States resumed ISR operations today on ISWAP in the Sambisa forest, Borno State in northeast Nigeria, after a pause of one day following the strikes in Sokoto State,” Philip wrote on X. He explained that Saturday’s operation targeted the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the ISIS affiliate active mainly in Nigeria’s north-east and the Lake Chad basin.

Flight-tracking records reviewed by open-source analysts show that the US began its current ISR missions over Nigeria on November 24, with aircraft taking off from Ghana, a key logistics hub for the American military in West Africa.

The same aircraft, linked to Tenax Aerospace, a US special mission aircraft provider, has reportedly flown over Nigeria almost daily since then. Sources familiar with the operation said the flights are aimed at monitoring militant groups and tracking an American pilot k+dnapped in neighbouring Niger Republic.

The renewed US activity comes weeks after Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington amid tensions over President Donald Trump’s threats of military intervention.

Following the meeting, Hegseth said the US would work “aggressively” with Nigeria to end what he described as the “persecution of Christians by jihadist t+rrorists.”

Thursday night’s airstrikes in North-West Nigeria, reportedly targeting ISIS-linked militants, were described by Trump as the “first fulfillment” of that pledge. “More str+kes would follow,” the US President warned.

FG GRADUATES OVER 7,000 FOREST GUARDS, SET FOR IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has announced the graduation of over 7,000 newly recruited Forest Guards drawn from seven frontline states, following the successful completion of an intensive three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in May 2025.

The initiative represents a coordinated Federal–State security intervention aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from criminal exploitation.

The graduation ceremonies were held on 27 December 2025 across Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States. The programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture by denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups sanctuary within forested and hard-to-reach terrains.

The training programme was deliberately intensive, structured, and demanding, designed to transform loyal and committed Nigerians into agile, disciplined, and capable field operatives. The curriculum integrated environmental conservation principles with advanced security competencies, ensuring a balanced, professional, and mission-ready force.

Trainees underwent extensive physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle-crossing drills, and long-range patrol simulations to prepare them for sustained forest operations.

They were also trained in tactical fieldcraft, including movement techniques, enemy-contact drills, ambush response, rescue operations, and coordinated offensive actions—equipping them to deny criminal elements any form of sanctuary within Nigeria’s forest spaces.

Equally central to the programme was a strong emphasis on ethics, legality, and professionalism. The curriculum placed significant focus on human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), gender rights, and the protection of civilians.

Arms handling and use-of-force protocols were strictly regulated in line with an Arms Management Manual jointly agreed upon by all participating agencies.

Speaking at the ceremonies, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the initiative as a decisive step toward restoring state authority and protecting vulnerable communities.

“These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel. They are first responders, community protectors, and a critical layer of Nigeria’s security architecture. They will hold ground, gather intelligence, and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements.”

The NSA confirmed that deployment will commence immediately, with no gap between graduation and operational duty.

“There will be no delay between graduation and deployment. Salaries and allowances will commence immediately, and every certified guard will proceed directly to assigned duty posts,” he stated.

The training programme recorded a 98.2 percent completion rate. A total of 81 trainees were disqualified on disciplinary grounds, while two trainees passed away due to pre-existing medical conditions. All successful participants have been fully certified and cleared for operational service.

The graduating Forest Guards are indigenous to their respective local government areas, enabling them to leverage terrain familiarity and community trust in countering banditry, kidnapping, and the illegal exploitation of forest resources.

The Nigerian Forest Guard is an inter-agency national security initiative established under the leadership and strategic guidance of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, and operationally coordinated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Park Service.

The programme draws doctrine, operational alignment, and strategic input from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—ensuring unity of command, clarity of purpose, and operational effectiveness.

Governors and Deputy Governors from the seven participating states attended the ceremonies, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, with other states represented by their Deputy Governors.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, the NSA concluded: “By protecting our forests, we are securing our territory. And by securing our territory, we are protecting our people. The Federal Government will not relent. This initiative will expand nationwide as part of our sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria.”

Loud Explosions From U.S. Aerial Bombardment Throw Sokoto Town Into Panic on Christmas Night

Location: Jabo town, Tambuwal Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria

On Christmas night, residents of Jabo town were thrown into panic after loud explosions from aerial bombardments shook the community. Key points include:

1. Incident Details:

An object, suspected to be a bomb, fell in the town, causing chaos.

No fatalities were reported, though debris scattered among people.

Residents recounted the frightening experience, spending the night in fear.



2. U.S. Airstrike Operation:

The strikes were reportedly part of U.S. operations under President Donald Trump targeting ISIS-linked terrorist elements in Northwest Nigeria.

Coordination occurred through Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, working with U.S. AFRICOM.

The number of targets struck and full extent of the operation remain unclear.



3. Context:

The strikes follow broader U.S. counterterrorism measures in the region.

Local authorities and intelligence units facilitated targeting of terrorist elements described as high-threat actors.

U.S. Coordinated With Nigeria’s NSA, AFRICOM To Strike ISIS-Linked Terrorist Targets In Sokoto

Fresh details have emerged on the United States airstrikes carried out against ISIS-linked terrorist elements in northwest Nigeria, revealing that the operation was closely coordinated with Nigeria’s national security architecture. A senior Nigerian government source disclosed that the strikes authorised by U.S. President Donald Trump were largely planned and executed through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the source, intelligence units within the NSA’s office worked in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) to identify, locate, and target terrorist enclaves operating in parts of northern Nigeria. The objective of the operation, the source said, was the “elimination” of ISIS-affiliated fighters accused of fueling deadly attacks and insecurity across the region. However, the exact number of targets hit and the scale of damage inflicted remain unclear.

Reports confirmed that at least one explosion occurred on the outskirts of Jibo village in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, suggesting that the area was among those struck during the operation. As of the time of reporting, there was no independent confirmation of casualties, and Nigerian authorities have not released details regarding possible civilian impact.

The U.S. Africa Command later confirmed via social media that it carried out attacks on terrorist camps in northwest Nigeria, although its initial statement misspelled Sokoto State as “Soboto,” an error that was subsequently corrected. Despite the confirmation, both Nigerian and U.S. officials have remained tight-lipped about the full scope of coordination, Nigeria’s operational role, and safeguards taken to prevent civilian harm.

The revelation of U.S.–Nigeria intelligence-backed military action has intensified public debate over foreign involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, national sovereignty, and transparency in security operations. It also underscores the growing security cooperation between Abuja and Washington amid escalating terrorist violence in Nigeria’s northwest.

NSA Ribadu Leads Federal Delegation with Ministers of Works and Environment to Inspect Projects, Oil Spill Sites in Rivers State

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, alongside the Ministers of Works and Environment, visited Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as part of a high-level federal inspection of critical infrastructure and oil spill locations in Ogoniland. The delegation, which also included the Director-General of NOSDRA, engaged stakeholders to address environmental remediation, development, and security concerns in affected communities. Key sites visited include the East-West Road, Yorla Oilfield spill site, University of Environmental Technology, and K-Dere Hospital. The visit underscores renewed federal attention on Niger Delta oil-producing communities and peacebuilding initiatives.

Yoruba Union Questions Tinubu, NSA Ribadu Over Alleged Arming of Miyetti Allah Amid Rising Insecurity in Kwara and Kogi

The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá has criticized President Bola Tinubu, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, and Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for allegedly supplying rifles and ammunition to Miyetti Allah members in Yoruba-speaking areas of Kwara and Kogi States. The group expressed concern that local vigilantes, hunters, and community security groups were sidelined and disarmed, despite their familiarity with local terrains and history of defending communities. The Union warned that arming a non-indigenous group could exacerbate insecurity, fuel mistrust, and set a dangerous precedent, urging the federal and state governments to clarify the purpose, legality, and scope of such engagements.

US Lawmakers Blame Radical Islam for Mass Killing of Christians in Nigeria

US lawmakers, including Mary Miller and Riley Moore, have attributed the mass killings of Christians in Nigeria to radical Islamic extremists. Moore visited Benue State, meeting internally displaced Christians who recounted horrific violence, including the murder of family members and attacks on women and children. The United States House Committee on Appropriations emphasized its commitment to religious freedom and atrocity response, directing efforts to inform policy recommendations under the NSRP bill. Lawmakers also engaged Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, discussing measures to combat terrorism, enhance security, and protect vulnerable populations in the North-East and Middle Belt regions.

Kwara Government Confirms Arrested Armed Men Are Miyetti Allah Members Linked to NSA Ribadu-Led Federal Security Operation

The Kwara State Government has confirmed that armed men recently arrested by Nigerian soldiers were members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association participating in a federal security operation coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The clarification followed public outrage after the suspects, found with AK-47 rifles, claimed they were sponsored by the Ilorin government. State officials explained that the men were incorporated into a Joint Task Force-style security arrangement after deadly attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area, involving security agencies, vigilantes, and Miyetti Allah members. Authorities said the suspects later absconded with a patrol vehicle and were arrested outside Kwara State. The development has reignited debate over the controversial use of armed non-state actors in combating insecurity, amid growing fears among residents and calls for calm from the state government.

U.S. Pledges Action on Religious Freedom in Nigeria After Lawmakers Visit Benue IDP Camps

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to defending religious freedom in Nigeria following a visit by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State. During the visit, Moore met with Christian victims who recounted horrific attacks that left families murdered and communities displaced. The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responded by pledging that America “will not look away,” noting that the visit forms part of a fact-finding mission ordered by President Donald Trump to address Christian persecution and guide future policy. Moore later met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, discussing concrete steps to tackle terrorism and violence in the North-East and Middle Belt. While acknowledging some progress, the U.S. stressed that Nigeria’s security crisis remains severe and requires urgent action.

US Rep Riley Moore Hails US-Nigeria Joint Task Force, Warns Insecurity Still Worsening

US Congressman Riley Moore has praised the newly established US-Nigeria joint task force as a major step toward ending terrorism and mass killings in Nigeria, following a meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. In a statement on X, Moore said the US delegation discussed concrete security actions that could disrupt terrorist networks in the North-East and stop attacks on Christians in the Middle Belt — an issue he said concerns both him and President Donald Trump.
He commended President Tinubu for the rescue of 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren in Niger State but warned that Nigeria’s insecurity remains far from resolved. Moore urged the Nigerian government to turn its openness to US cooperation into real action, stressing that more work is needed to stabilise the country.



#USNigeriaSecurity

#RileyMoore

#InsecurityInNigeria

NSA Nuhu Ribadu Meets U.S. Congressional Delegation in Abuja

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Sunday received a delegation from the United States Congress at his office in Abuja.

The visit follows recent high-level security talks held in Washington. The delegation included Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, Juan Ciscomani, and Riley Moore, who are in Nigeria on a fact-finding mission.

Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional stability. Ribadu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to security sector reforms, while the U.S. lawmakers pledged continued support and collaboration. Both sides agreed to sustain dialogue to advance shared security priorities.

Nigeria Is Only Functioning Democracy in Sahel, Must Be Protected — NSA Nuhu Ribadu Warns

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has warned that Nigeria will confront anyone attempting to destabilise the country, stressing that the nation remains the only functioning democracy in the entire Sahel region. Speaking at a forum in Abuja, Ribadu highlighted rising security threats, community-level conflicts, and recent coup attempts, calling for stronger collaboration among traditional leaders, communities, and state authorities to prevent violence. His remarks follow heightened tension after an alleged coup plot and increased insecurity that has drawn international concern.

Nigeria Gains Strong International Support in Counterterrorism Efforts, Says Nuhu Ribadu



National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu says Nigeria is receiving increased international backing—particularly from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—as the country intensifies its fight against insurgency and terrorism. Speaking during a sympathy visit to Niger State following the abduction of schoolchildren, Ribadu assured families that President Tinubu is deeply concerned and committed to securing their safe return. He emphasized that global partners are uniting to help Nigeria overcome two decades of violent extremism.
The report also includes updates from the Defence Headquarters clarifying a cross-border misunderstanding with Nigerien troops, activist Aisha Yesufu’s scathing open letter accusing the National Assembly of failing citizens amid worsening insecurity, and fresh kidnappings in Kano State just days after an earlier rescue operation.



#Nigeria #NuhuRibadu #Counterterrorism #NationalSecurity #USSupport #France #UK #Insecurity #Tinubu #NigerState #Kidnappings #DHQ #AishaYesufu #KanoState #TerrorismFight #NigeriaNews

FACT CHECK

Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa is a direct threat to corrupt politicians who are protecting Bandits terrorists. Appointing him as Minister of Defense is going to give President Tinubu’s administration some Integrity on the fight against Terrorist
Nuhu Ribadu Atiku says

President Bola Tinubu has approved the Nigerian team for the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, aimed at strengthening cooperation on security challenges. The group was agreed upon during a recent visit to Washington, D.C., led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, who will head the Nigerian side.
The multi-agency team includes the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Interior, and Humanitarian Affairs; the Chief of Defence Staff; the DG of the National Intelligence Agency; and the Inspector General of Police. Two officials — Idayat Hassan (ONSA) and Paul Alabi (Nigerian Embassy, US) — will serve as the secretariat.
Tinubu urged the group to work closely with US counterparts to fully implement all joint agreements.
The move comes amid heightened global attention on Nigeria’s insecurity, intensified by former US President Donald Trump’s claims of Christian killings and threats of military intervention — claims Nigeria rejects. Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to citizens’ safety and religious freedom.
Meanwhile, the US House Subcommittee on Africa recently reviewed Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), with witnesses presenting conflicting views on the security situation.

The United States has affirmed its commitment to partnering with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, after a high-level security meeting at the Pentagon on November 20.

The meeting, hosted by Pete Hegseth, US secretary of war, was attended by a delegation of security leaders from Nigeria led by Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA).

U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore met in Washington, D.C., with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other top security and government officials to discuss terrorist killings and the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The Nigerian delegation included the NSA, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief of Defence Staff, and senior intelligence officials.

The meeting focused on rising violence, terrorist threats, and attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed groups in the Northeast and Middle Belt. Nigerian officials outlined the country’s security challenges and the need for stronger counterterrorism support.

Congressman Moore said the United States is ready to deepen cooperation but stressed that Nigeria must take “tangible steps” to protect Christian communities. He echoed former President Donald Trump’s warning that the U.S. will not tolerate continued religious persecution, stating that “President Trump does not make idle threats.”

The discussion comes as the U.S. House Appropriations Committee prepares to submit a report to the White House describing the situation as “genocide against Christians in Nigeria.” Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and hinted at possible U.S. military action if the killings continue.

Moore also criticised the Nigerian government for failing to justify the significant U.S. military support it has received, saying global silence on the killings is unacceptable.