Trump Escalates Tensions, Declares Venezuela’s Airspace “Closed”

US President Donald Trump has intensified his threats against Venezuela, issuing a stark warning that the country’s airspace should now be regarded as “closed.” The statement has fueled growing concerns about possible military action in the region.

In response, the Venezuelan foreign ministry condemned Trump’s remarks, describing them as “a new extravagant, illegal, and unjustified aggression against the people of Venezuela.” The tension marks yet another escalation in the strained relations between Washington and Caracas.

#Trump #VenezuelaCrisis #USPolitics #GlobalNews

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.

Trump Hosts Syrian President and ex-Jihadist, Al-Sharaa, in First-Ever White House Visit.

US President Donald Trump on Monday held a closed-door meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, marking the first time a Syrian leader has ever visited the presidential residence.

The meeting, which took place without reporters or photo coverage, comes amid ongoing shifts in Syria’s political landscape. 

Al-Sharaa, 43, is a former leader of al-Qaeda and was once listed by the US as a wanted t+rrorist, with a $10 million bounty on his head until late 2024. He previously spent time in Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison.

His recent appearance on the global stage has drawn widespread attention. Just weeks ago, he attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York — a move analysts say underscores his evolution from a militant figure to a recognized political leader.

Ahead of his visit, the US government lifted longstanding sanctions on al-Sharaa and removed his global terrorist designation, as well as that of Syria’s interior minister, Anas Khattab.

Trump has previously praised al-Sharaa, referring to him as a “young, attractive guy” with a “very strong past” after the two briefly met during the US president’s Middle East tour earlier this year. 

Shortly afterward, Washington began easing some of the economic restrictions imposed on Syria.

Al-Sharaa rose to power in January as part of a transitional arrangement after armed opposition groups launched a major offensive that forced former President Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia.

Trump’s threat: America couldn’t do anything without our knowledge under my watch – Obasanjo.

In a veiled remark on the ongoing controversy over President Donald Trump’s military invasion threat on Nigeria, the former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday disclosed that under his watch as the Nigeria’s Head of State, late United States President Jimmy Carter would not do anything in Africa without his knowledge.

It would be recalled Trump, in a series of posts on X between October 31 and November 1, condemned continued killings in Nigeria, declaring America’s readiness to send its military to Nigeria if the Federal Government failed to stop the killings by jihadist groups, the remarks which has sparked divergent reactions from both the Federal Government and prominent Nigerian leaders and religious organizations in past weeks.

The federal government particularly rejected Trump’s allegations, insisting that the country’s insecurity affects all religious groups.

Speaking on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat (6.0) organised by the Youth Development Centre, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Obasanjo did not make a direct remark to the ongoing controversy, but he tactfully recalled how the US under Carter held Nigeria in high esteem.

Obasanjo and Cater, who died recently in December 2024, were regarded as best of friends.

In January this year, Obasanjo held a memorial service in Abeokuta in honour of Carter, where he paid glowing tributes to the late US President who died at age 100.

According to Obasanjo, right from independence, the world and indeed America saw Nigeria as Africa’s leader, saying the country lost the confidence at some point before the Muritala-Obasanjo military regime “brought it back. “

Going down memory lane, Obasanjo said Cater as the US President would not do anything on African soil without informing the Nigerian government when he was Head of State.

Islamic Affairs Council rejects claims of Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has rejected claims of a Christian Genocide in Nigeria, describing them as false, politically motivated, and dangerous. At a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, Secretary-General Prof. Is-haq Oloyede said the narrative promoted by some Western media and political figures aims to destabilize the country.

Oloyede stressed that the violence in Nigeria is driven by poverty, criminality, and climate-related migration, rather than religious persecution. He stated, “There is no Christian terrorism. There is no Muslim terrorism. There is no religious intolerance in Nigeria. The tragedy we face stems from poverty, climate change, poor governance, and armed criminals exploiting divisions, while parts of the world use the situation for geopolitical gain.”

His remarks come after US President Donald Trump condemned alleged mass killings of Christians in Nigeria and warned of possible military action if the government fails to act.

Oloyede accused certain separatist groups, foreign lobbyists, and US politicians of manipulating insecurity in Nigeria to push fabricated statistics and doctored videos, seeking punitive measures against the country.

The NSCIA urged both the Nigerian government and the international community to dismiss the “false and destabilizing” claims. Oloyede called on President Trump to provide intelligence and logistical support instead of engaging in smear campaigns. He emphasized unity among Nigerians, stating, “There is no Muslim terrorism or Christian terrorism in Nigeria—only criminals exploiting our divisions.”

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.

Nigeria not Iraq, our mosquitoes waiting for your soldiers – Ex-security expert tells Trump.

An ex-security expert, Comrade Mohammed Ali, has warned the US President Donald Trump against invading Nigeria with his military.

Mohammed, in a viral video, could be heard saying that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria as claimed by the US President and some of his lawmakers.

Recall that Trump recently designated Nigeria as Country of Particular Concerns over alleged killing of unsuspecting Christians.

Trump also said that the US department of war has been informed to prepare for possible action in Nigeria if the federal government fails to address the highly disputed claim.

But in the viral video, the ex-Security expert said Nigerians have been living together in peace despite their religious differences.

He warned that mosquitoes in Nigeria will infect the US soldiers and kill them instantly if they try invading Nigeria.

He said, “Trump should be aware that we are not suffering from regionalism, tribalism, we are not persecuting Christians, we are all living together as with the Christians and other religions. We are only suffering from humanitarianism.

“Mr Donald Trump, be aware that Nigeria is not Afghanistan, Nigeria is not Iraq. if you try to enter Nigeria with your armed forces, our mosquitos are waiting for your soldiers to bite and infect them with malaria fever and they will die instantly”.

Concerned Nigerians petition Trump over Zamfara killings.

A coalition under the banner of Concerned Nigerians for Human Security has petitioned United States President Donald Trump, calling for international attention and decisive action over the worsening security situation in Zamfara State and other parts of northern Nigeria.

In a petition addressed to the US President, the group described the killings and mass displacement in Zamfara as “a humanitarian tragedy that demands urgent global response”.

According to the coalition, thousands of Nigerians, including men, women, and children, have been killed, abducted, or forced to flee their homes as a result of ongoing attacks by armed groups.

“We write not just as citizens mourning the thousands whose lives have been brutally cut short across parts of northern Nigeria, but as people who recognize your important role as a global leader always ready to confront moral wrongs,” the letter read in part.

The group alleged that while billions of naira are allocated for security across states, the crisis in Zamfara continues to worsen, leading to the deaths of innocent citizens and the destruction of entire communities.

It claimed that the situation reflects what it called “a total breakdown of leadership and accountability in the management of security resources”.

The coalition urged President Trump and the US government to impose visa restrictions on certain political figures, including Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, to “apply international accountability pressure on political actors who trade human lives for political and financial gain”.

“Leadership is a moral duty, not a personal luxury,” the group said, adding that sanctions would “disrupt the comfort derived from foreign refuge and compel responsibility at home”.

APC was in White House in 2024 seeking help over Christian genocide – Adamu Garba backs Trump.

Former presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adamu Garba, has admitted that there is an ongoing genocide in the country.

The APC chieftain spoke in an interview on Trust TV, while reacting to the recent move by the US President, Donald Trump, who designated Nigeria as Country of Particular Concerns over persecution of Christians.

Countering those antagonizing President Trump’s decision to take out the perpetrators of the alleged massacre, Adamu recalled that the APC as an opposition party in 2024, sought help from the US military over the same killing of Christians.

He argued that the United Nations had empowered the US to help in fighting terrorism worldwide.

He said, “When you look at the damage, the total number of the people that have been killed over time in Nigeria, they are killed defenseless in villages and even in their homes, what can you call it? it? It’s nothing, but pure genocide.

“In 2014, the opposition party then, the APC were in the White House seeking for the same help on the same Christian genocide at the fall out of the Chibok girls.

“It was a United Nations convention on counter-terrorism that empowered the United States to become the global vocal point in fighting against terrorism, so wherever a word terrorism is defined, the US has the right to protect. They call it responsibility to protect. They call it Responsibility to Protect, R to P”.

Trump takes fresh aim at Nigeria as US Africa command proposes options for attack.

US President Donald Trump took fresh aim at two of Africa’s biggest economies, renewing his threat of an attack on Islamist militants in Nigeria and questioning South Africa’s role in the Group of 20 days before it hosts a global summit.

Trump in particular berated the Nigerian government for failing to contain the islamic militancy in the north of the country that has killed thousands and said his forces will be made to.do the work but there will be peice like he’ll to be paid.

In a video posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated his claim that the Nigerian government is failing to prevent the killing of Christians and said he’s asked the Pentagon to prepare for “possible action” unless the West African nation acts.

“The Nigerian government better move fast before its too late,” Trump said. “If they don’t there is going be hell to pay.”
The fresh threat against Nigeria came after a New York Times report that the US Africa command had proposed three options for attacking Nigeria.

Three defense officials said the plans from the command had three options — light, medium and heavy — and were intended to be escalatory. The light option, the officials said, included what the military called partner-enabled operations. Under that option, the U.S. military and the State Department would support government forces in Nigeria to target Boko Haram and other Islamic insurgents who have attacked, kidnapped and murdered civilians, mostly in northern Nigeria, where sectarian and ethnic violence has raged for almost 20 years.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim whose wife is a Christian pastor, said on Sunday he was committed to working with the US and international community to protect all faiths. But “the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” he said.

The nation of 230 million — roughly split between Christians and Muslims — has suffered from years of ethnic violence, with more than 20,000 killed since 2020, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data nonprofit, which tracks such incidents around the world. Of the almost 12,000 attacks in that period, the vast bulk were not religiously motivated.
While Trump’s initial comments over the weekend led to some selling of Nigerian bonds earlier this week, the country was still able to sell $2.35 billion of new debt to global investors on Wednesday. Demand was big, with orders topping $12 billion.

The US president also said South Africa — the continent’s biggest economy — shouldn’t form part of the G20. Pretoria is preparing to host a summit of the group’s leaders on Nov. 22-23, though Trump reiterated that he won’t be attending, with Vice President JD Vance travelling to the forum in his stead.

“South Africa shouldn’t even be in the Gs anymore, because what’s happened there is bad,” he said at an America Business Forum event in Miami.

Trump has previously made the false claim that there’s a genocide against White Afrikaner farmers in South Africa, which led him to offer them refugee status in the US.

Christianity facing existential threat in Nigeria Trump issues another warning.

United States President Donald Donald has issued another warning over what he described as an existential threat against Christianity in Nigeria.

Trump said the US can’t stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, making it a third time the US President made such a threat.

The White House in a post on X on Wednesday shared a video of Trump saying that thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria.

The video contained much of his earlier remark about alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria.

However, in an accompanying text with the video, Trump said the US stand ready, willing, and able to save “our Great Christian Population around the World!”

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening there, and in numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian Population around the World!,” the White House wrote on X, quoting Trump.

Trump had earlier designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern, further threatening military action against Nigeria.

The US President cited what he described as ongoing violence against Christians and the failure of the government to protect religious minorities.

However, the Nigerian government strongly denied persecution of any religious group in Nigeria.

President Trump holds Press Conference, doubles down on Threat to Nigeria.

US President, Donald Trump has doubled down on his threat to invade Nigeria over alleged Christian Genocide.

Trump in a Press Conference on Wednesday stated that his Government will not sit back and watch what he described as the continuous killing of Christians in Nigeria and the World.

In his Words; “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening there, and in numerous other Countries.”

“We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian Population around the World!”.

I’ll soon name Nigerian officials responsible for murdering Christians Senator Ted Cruz.

United States Senator, Ted Cruz has vowed to publicly identify Nigerian government officials allegedly responsible for the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

The Republican lawmaker made the statement on Tuesday via his official X handle, stressing his commitment to holding accountable those he claims have enabled or participated in religious persecution.

Cruz, a former US presidential candidate and a known advocate for religious freedom, said he had been pushing legislation to redesignate Nigeria as a, Country of Particular Concern, CPC, a classification for nations accused of severe violations of religious liberty.

US President Donald Trump had earlier designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern.

The US President cited what he described as ongoing violence against Christians and failure of the government to protect religious minorities.

However, the Nigerian government strongly denied persecution of any religious groups in Nigeria.

Cruz commended Trump for designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, CPC, and for his efforts to stop the murder of Christians in Nigeria.

He said: “I’ve been pushing legislation to designate Nigeria a CPC and to impose sanctions on the Nigerian officials responsible.

European Union pledges support for Nigeria amid possible U.S. military action reports; signals readiness to enhance security cooperation.

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria, emphasizing respect for the country’s sovereignty and a focus on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the EU’s stance is independent and based on a long-standing partnership and shared values with Nigeria.

He assured that the EU and its member states would continue to uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty while supporting victims of violence, authorities protecting citizens, and efforts to promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious communities.

Mignot highlighted the EU’s readiness to boost support in security and defence, working with civil society, traditional leaders, and religious organizations. He cited ongoing programs on deradicalization, demobilisation, and reintegration of former members of non-state armed groups in the North-East.

The ambassador stressed protection for minorities and religious freedom, noting that while challenges remain, Nigeria’s legal framework supports human rights. He said EU assistance is non-discriminatory, covering all victims of violence, and reinforced interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence initiatives.

He added that EU-Nigeria cooperation is based on mutual interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic country, with plans for a security and defence dialogue to deepen strategic collaboration.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump threatened military action over alleged anti-Christian violence, labeling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and warning that aid could be cut if attacks on Christians continue.

China declare support for Nigeria, oppose US President Trump threat

China warns against interference in Nigeria’s affairs after US threat of military action.

China says it firmly supports the Nigerian government as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions”.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, said “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”.

Ning was answering a question on US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

Update : US President Donald Trump has threatened military action in Nigeria, claiming the government is failing to protect Christians from Islamist militants. He said the US could deploy troops or launch airstrikes if the alleged killings continue, and warned that US aid could be cut.

However, groups monitoring violence say there is no evidence that Christians are being targeted more than Muslims, with both communities suffering from attacks by jihadist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as farmer–herder clashes in central Nigeria.

Nigeria’s government rejected Trump’s portrayal of the situation, insisting the security crisis affects people of all religions. A presidential adviser said Nigeria would welcome cooperation against insurgents but emphasized the nation’s sovereignty.

Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” claiming without evidence that thousands of Christians are being killed. His comments sparked alarm in Nigeria, though officials downplayed the threat and expressed willingness to work with the US on security.

Despite Trump’s claims, analysts report that most victims of jihadist violence in Nigeria have been Muslims, and human rights groups say there is no indication of a Christian genocide.

Insecurity Did Not Start With Tinubu’s Govt – Peter Obi Breaks Silence On U.S. Designation.

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has expressed grave concern over the recent designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) by the United States.

US President Donald Trump had recently designated Nigeria a CPC, warning that he could send the military to Nigeria if the alleged killing of Christians doesn’t end.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, Peter Obi admitted that this insecurity did not start with Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

However, he blamed the present administration for lacking competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism and passion.

His statement reads: “The recent pronouncement by the US government declaring Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) and indicating possible military action should give every well-meaning Nigerian serious concern.

“There is no doubt that Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented level of insecurity with attendant carnage and the most shocking loss of lives and property. According to Amnesty International, over 10,000 people have been killed in Nigeria since May 2023 and as I have repeatedly lamented, the unwarranted and unprovoked killing of Nigerians is most condemnable, and all efforts must be made to bring it to a stop. It is equally important to state that the terrible situation is significantly avoidable with competent leadership and governance.

“While the insecurity did not start with the present government, what is most unfortunate is the lack and absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism and passion on the part of APC APC-led government/leaders to effectively govern, galvanise and lead Nigeria where no one is unwarrantedly oppressed and killed, a Nation where peace, truth and justice reign!

“As democracies, Nigeria and the US have long been strategic partners committed to regional peace and security. That relationship should not falter. The present situation calls for constructive diplomatic and any other plausible engagement by both nations aimed at addressing the prevailing and disturbing security concerns. Both countries must work in concert and expeditiously towards that purpose

Alleged genocide: ‘Incorrect, Nigeria can’t afford internal division’ – Oba of Lagos.

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has lashed out at US President Donald Trump over his claim that Christians are being killed in Nigeria.

Speaking on Sunday at his palace after marking his 82nd birthday, Akiolu described the comment as incorrect and capable of creating unnecessary tension, insisting such remarks misrepresent Nigeria’s reality and unfairly portray the nation.

The monarch said that Nigerians of different faiths had coexisted peacefully for decades, noting that both Christians and Muslims share common communities, celebrations, and challenges, reinforcing unity despite occasional security issues.

The traditional ruler stated that criminal activities and terrorism in parts of the country are not directed at any religion but are acts of misguided individuals and groups, appealing to international leaders to verify information before issuing official statements, stressing that careless comments can damage Nigeria’s global image.

Akiolu, who added that national unity remains essential, warned that Nigeria cannot afford internal division at a critical period of economic and security reforms, calling on Nigerians to maintain peaceful coexistence and avoid allowing religion, ethnicity, or politics to create unnecessary conflict.

“This comment by the US President is not only incorrect but can create unnecessary tension in Nigeria, something we cannot afford now.

“I also want to use this opportunity to call for Lagos to be granted special recognition because of its huge population and central role in Nigeria’s economy.

“The city had served as an economic powerhouse since the colonial era and continues to shoulder national responsibilities that demand federal support,” he said.

Kwankwaso sends message to Trump after US invasion threat.

The leader of Kwankwasiyya and former Presidential candidate, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has expressed concern over recent comments by US President, Donald Trump about Nigeria.

President Donald Trump had described the country as a country of particular concern.

Kwankwaso who took to his Facebook page on Sunday wrote: “I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern.’”

He stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation facing security challenges caused by outlaws, not by religion or ethnicity.

“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.

Kwankwaso urged the United States to support Nigeria with modern technology to fight insecurity instead of issuing threats.

“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he added.

He also called on the Nigerian government to engage with the US diplomatically.