US House of Representatives launches Probe into Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to scrutinise President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.

The session, slated for 11 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and streamed live online, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a long-time advocate on global religious liberty issues.

According to an invitation issued to members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the hearing will convene two panels. The first panel will feature senior officials from the US Department of State, including Jonathan Pratt, the Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

A second panel will include prominent voices from religious and policy organisations, among them the Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Ms. Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese; and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The review will assess the scale of religious persecution in Nigeria and explore possible US responses, ranging from targeted sanctions to humanitarian assistance and increased cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

Trump’s Hardline Position
President Trump reignited debate on October 31, 2025, when he returned Nigeria to the CPC list, a designation that paves the way for sweeping punitive measures against foreign officials implicated in religious repression. In a strongly worded statement the following day, he alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing an “existential threat,” claiming thousands had been killed by Islamist extremists.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria,” Trump warned. “We may very well go into that country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the terrorists committing these atrocities.”

He also directed the US “Department of War” to prepare for possible intervention, saying any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

ASUU Threatens Strike November 21 Over Unmet Demands.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Owerri Zone, has issued a stern warning that it will resume its suspended strike from November 21, 2025, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address the union’s long-standing demands.

The declaration was made by Prof. Dennis Aribodor, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Owerri, during a press briefing at the ASUU Secretariat in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Thursday.

ASUU Owerri Zone represents academics from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State University, Owerri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Prof. Aribodor, joined by other union officials, stressed that the eight-day window before the proposed strike must be used by the Federal Government for meaningful negotiations.

Nigeria Strikes Major Security Pact With Mali as Both Nations Unite Against Rising Regional Threats.

Nigeria and Mali have renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and tackling escalating security challenges across West Africa.

This followed a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, to Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, on the sidelines of the maiden International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX 2025) in Bamako.

Badaru, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level event, described Mali’s reception as warm and exemplary. He delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill message and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Mali in pursuit of regional peace and stability.

“Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Mali to confront threats that endanger peace in our region,” Badaru said.

He noted that Mali remains a strategic partner, with both nations sharing common security concerns and a mutual desire to strengthen defence collaboration.

Responding, Prime Minister Maiga praised Nigeria’s continuous support and participation at BAMEX 2025, calling it proof of the “enduring friendship and mutual respect” between both countries.

“Our unity is essential as we confront the security issues facing our nations. Nigeria’s partnership remains invaluable,” Maiga said.

He also highlighted BAMEX 2025 as a critical platform for exchanging defence ideas and innovations, essential for building stronger security structures across Africa.

As the exhibition concluded, both nations signalled a renewed determination to pool resources, intelligence, and expertise to secure West Africa and address emerging threats.

Top military officials from both countries attended the meeting, including the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency, senior defence officers, and Nigerian Embassy officials in Mali underscoring the importance of the strategic engagement.

UK Doctors Begin Five-Day Strike Over Pay and Training Posts.

Thousands of doctors in England began a five-day strike on Friday, marking the 13th walkout by medics since March 2023. 

The action started at 0700 GMT and involves resident doctors—those below consultant level—who make up half of the hospital medical workforce.

The Labour government’s health minister, Wes Streeting, criticised the strike, accusing the British Medical Association (BMA) of “choosing confrontation over care.” 

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said, “This strike isn’t about fairness any more. It’s about political posturing.” He insisted the government would not shift on pay, noting “a 28.9 per cent pay rise over the last three years and the highest pay award across the entire public sector in the last two.”

But the BMA maintains that doctors still need a 26 percent pay increase to restore earnings to their real value from two decades ago. 

The union is also calling for more training posts, warning that demand wildly exceeds supply. In some cases, more than 30,000 doctors are competing for only 10,000 training places required to progress toward consultant roles.

The shortage is leaving many doctors without permanent positions despite years of training. 

The strike comes as the UK continues to face a prolonged cost-of-living crisis that has triggered widespread industrial action. Over the past three and a half years, teachers, nurses, ambulance workers, lawyers, train workers, and border staff have all staged walkouts.

Nigeria strengthened their bid for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday as striker Victor Osimhen scored twice to inspire the Super Eagles to a 4-1 victory over Gabon in extra time, securing their place in the play-off final.

UK suspends some intel sharing with US over boat strike concerns as France says US military operations in Caribbean violate international law
The decision by London marks a significant break from its closest ally and intelligence sharing partner in Washington and highlights the question of US strikes against the suspected drug traffickers in Latin America.

JUST IN: NAF ELIMINATES many terrorists in precision airstrikes across Northern Nigeria - Official

“A Threat to National Security” — Buratai Slams Wike Over Clash with Naval Officer in Abuja

In a bold statement that has stirred national debate, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), has warned that the recent altercation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a Nigerian Navy officer poses a “clear and present danger to national security.”

Buratai, writing on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, condemned Wike’s public confrontation with the officer, describing it as “a reckless act that undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and the integrity of the Armed Forces.”

The confrontation reportedly took place at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, over a disputed parcel of land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

According to reports, Wike—accompanied by officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)—had arrived at the site to halt what he called an illegal construction. A viral video from the scene shows the minister angrily confronting the officer, declaring that “no one, not even the Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law.”

The unnamed officer, however, maintained that the land belonged to a former service chief and was under legitimate military protection.

Reacting to the viral footage, Buratai warned that Wike’s actions went beyond political theatrics.

“A minister’s verbal assault on a uniformed officer is an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the foundation of our national security,” he said.

Buratai urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to view the situation as a serious national security concern, insisting that Wike must publicly apologize to the Commander-in-Chief, the Armed Forces, and the affected officer.

“Our nation’s security must come first. It is time for decisive action, not politics of military bashing,” Buratai added.

The incident continues to spark heated reactions across Nigeria, with military veterans and citizens debating the boundaries of ministerial authority and military respect under a democratic government.

Nnamdi Kanu Seeks Total Nullification of Terr+rism Trial, Citing Repealed Laws, Extraordinary Rendition, and Rights Violation.

Detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the terrorism charges against him and permanently halt his ongoing prosecution.

In a written address supporting a preliminary objection, Kanu argued that his trial is unconstitutional because it is based on a repealed law and an allegedly invalid proscription order. He maintained that the case violates the Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and binding appellate court decisions.

Through his legal team, Kanu is seeking seven major declarations, including a ruling that his prosecution under the defunct Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2013 and an ex parte order proscribing IPOB in 2017 is unlawful, null, and void.

The IPOB leader also accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of violating his right to a fair hearing by allegedly monitoring his meetings with lawyers, seizing legal documents, and denying him confidential communication with counsel.

Kanu stressed that with the enactment of the Terr+rism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which repealed the 2011 and 2013 laws, all terrorism charges brought under the old statutes became legally unenforceable. He referenced Section 98(3) of the 2022 Act and Section 122(2)(a) of the Evidence Act, which compel courts to take judicial notice of repealed laws.

He added that another count brought under the Customs and Excise Management Act is invalid, as the Act was replaced by the Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023.

Describing the ongoing prosecution as a violation of the rule of law, Kanu urged the court to strike out or permanently stay all charges against him. Permitting the trial under repealed legislation, he warned, would render legislative repeal meaningless and undermine constitutional supremacy.

NAF Crushes ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Bandit Camps Across Borno, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its nationwide counterterrorism and anti-banditry campaign, carrying out a series of precision airstrikes that eliminated ISWAP fighters and dismantled multiple criminal hideouts across the northern region.

According to a statement released by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the coordinated strikes targeted ISWAP strongholds in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram in Borno State, as well as bandit enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, and Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. Additional operations were also conducted in parts of Zamfara and Kaduna States.

Ejodame noted that the missions mark a significant phase in ongoing joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, designed to degrade terrorist and criminal networks operating across Nigeria’s northern corridors.

He added that the success of these precision-led offensives reflects the renewed operational tempo of the Air Force, in line with directives issued by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

Each strike, he said, reinforces NAF’s commitment to deploying intelligence-driven, smarter airpower to deliver decisive blows against insurgents and bandits, while safeguarding citizens and strengthening national security.

NAF Bombs Several ISWAP Terrorists, Bandits To Death In Multiple Airstrikes.

Air strikes carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have resulted in the killing of several terrorists and bandits across the country and the destruction of their hideouts.

According to a statement on Monday by the NAF Spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, scores of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State, as well as bandits’ enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, as well as Zango Hill in Kankara local government area of Katsina State, were affected by the strikes.

He added that the coordinated missions were carried out on November 9, 2025, based on credible intelligence on the movement and activities of the criminals.

Ejodame said the missions represent a decisive phase in ongoing joint operations under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fansan Yamma, aimed at degrading terrorists and criminal networks across Nigeria’s northern theatres.

News reports that the NAF airstrikes dealt a heavy blow to ISWAP terrorists entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns of Borno State.

According to the NAF spokesman, the Air Component guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds conducted precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram before shifting to Mallam Fatori, where ISWAP elements were observed mobilising with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin.

According to him, the strikes destroyed the insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities, eliminating several terrorists and crippling their mobility capabilities.

“Post-strike assessments confirmed multiple neutralizations and a significant degradation of ISWAP’s operational networks in the area,” he said.

Similarly, NAF aircraft carried out precision air interdiction missions over Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, striking bandits,’ camps with devastating accuracy based on credible intelligence.

He said the attacks caused panic in the enemy camp and inflicted heavy losses among the criminals.

In a related operation, air assets under Operation Fansan Yamma struck Zango Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina State, the hideout of a terrorist kingpin and his fighters.

Ejodame said the aircraft guided by actionable intelligence and ISR surveillance, executed multiple attack passes, destroying key logistics hubs and neutralizing several terrorists in one of the most decisive strikes in the region.

Furthermore, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma (Sector 1) conducted an Armed Reconnaissance mission across the northwest corridor, covering key settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello.

Ejodame said the locations served as known routes and hideouts for armed groups along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis.

“During the mission, coordination with Forward Operating Bases at Dankolo and Kotonkoro revealed suspicious movement near Wam Hill, where terrorists on motorcycles were spotted attempting to flee. The aircrew swiftly engaged and neutralized the targets, with no further hostile activity observed,” he said.

ASUU blames FG’s neglect for deepening education crisis.

The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Chris Piwuna, has accused the Federal Government of neglecting the education sector, warning that such indifference is at the root of Nigeria’s prolonged academic and development crisis.

Speaking during The Toyin Falola Interviews on Sunday, in a virtual session titled “A Conversation with the ASUU President,” Piwuna said federal officials do not view the challenges facing the education system as national problems requiring collective responsibility. Instead, he said, ministers and government executives often dismiss education-related matters as “the Education Minister’s problem.”

“Members of the government, the ministers, and chief executives do not see the problem of education as a problem that affects them.
When ASUU declares a strike, the Minister of Finance sees it as the Minister of Education’s problem; the Minister of Science and Technology sees it the same way,” Piwuna said.

“But if the Minister of Finance understood that the country’s economic growth depends on a knowledgeable workforce, he would take the Minister of Education’s problem as his own.”

Piwuna argued that the Federal Government’s inconsistent policy direction, corruption, and capitalist ideology continue to weaken public education. He lamented that while ASUU views education as a public good, many government officials treat it as a profit-driven enterprise.

“We in ASUU see education as a public good, but those in government treat it as a capitalist venture. Many of them now suggest that TETFund should begin funding private universities… Self-interest and contract inflation have replaced public service. That is why TETFund has become a marketplace,” he added.

The ASUU leader further revealed that discussions between the union and the government are ongoing at the National Executive Council meeting in Taraba State, but warned that the salary offers currently on the table remain “unacceptable.”

“The terms of the agreement are shaping up, and in the next week or two, we’ll make a definite statement. But what the government is offering us as salaries is unacceptable, and we are ready to go to any length to fight it,” he said.

Trump is a Symptom of Nigeria’s Diseases – Bishop Kukah.

Mathew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, has described U.S. President Donald Trump as “a symptom of disease in Nigeria,” stressing that recent international attention on the country should serve as a wake-up call for local leaders.

Kukah made the remarks on Friday in Lagos during the 60th birthday celebration of journalist Reuben Abati, which also featured the public launch of Abati’s three new books.

The comments come after Trump, on October 31, redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing allegations of a Christian genocide.

In his statement, Trump warned the Nigerian government to take immediate action to stop the killings of Christians, threatening potential air strikes or ground operations against terrorists if the violence persisted

US Military Draws Up Plans For Airstrikes In Nigeria Following Trump’s Order On Terrorists.

According to the report, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted several options to the Department of War, responding to a request from Secretary Pete Hegseth for operational plans in line with Trump’s directive.

The United States military has drafted contingency plans for possible military action in Nigeria following an order from President Donald Trump, who directed the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” to protect Christians from attacks by Islamic militants, The New York Times reports.

According to the report, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted several options to the Department of War, responding to a request from Secretary Pete Hegseth for operational plans in line with Trump’s directive.

Military officials said that the proposals, labelled “heavy,” “medium,” and “light”, outline different levels of potential engagement in Nigeria.

The “heavy option,” the officials said, would represent the most aggressive U.S. action: deploying an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea and launching fighter jets or long-range bombers to hit militant targets deep inside northern Nigeria.

Air Chief Orders Intensified Strikes on Terrorists Nationwide.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has directed air component commanders across all ongoing military operations in the country to intensify air strikes against terrorists and criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s security.

Aneke gave the order during a high-level strategic meeting with commanders from all operational theatres at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement by the NAF, the meeting, held under the directive of the new leadership, focused on enhancing precision air operations and delivering smarter, harder, and more decisive strikes in support of joint military efforts nationwide.

“We must fly smarter and strike harder; every mission must reflect professionalism, purpose, and patriotism,” Aneke told the commanders, emphasising the importance of agility, precision, and intelligence-driven warfare.

He underscored the need for closer coordination of intelligence-led air, land, and maritime operations to ensure mission success, adding that the Air Force would continue to work closely with sister services and security agencies.

While reaffirming his commitment to personnel welfare, innovation, and continuous training, Aneke pledged to provide NAF personnel with the tools and skills necessary to achieve mission success.

He also reiterated the force’s dedication to supporting the government’s vision of peace and security while maintaining international standards of discipline and accountability.

The CAS’s directive comes amid international attention following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on insecurity in Nigeria. Trump had accused the Nigerian government of failing to stop the “mass slaughter” of Christians and threatened military intervention if the violence continued.

The Federal Government, however, dismissed Trump’s remarks and urged Washington to approach Nigeria’s security situation with understanding.

U.S. Drafts Military Options for Possible Action in Northern Nigeria as Trump Issues Intervention statement.

The United States military has drafted a range of contingency plans for possible action in Nigeria after President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” over alleged attacks on Christians claims Nigerian officials insist are false.

According to The New York Times, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted three tiers of operational proposals to the Department of War at the request of Secretary Pete Hegseth. The plans are categorized as heavy, medium, and light options.

Under the heavy option, an aircraft carrier strike group would be deployed to the Gulf of Guinea, with fighter jets or long-range bombers striking targets in northern Nigeria.
The medium option involves drone strikes using MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator aircraft against militant camps, convoys, and vehicles.

The light option focuses on intelligence sharing, logistics, and joint missions with Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other Islamist groups.

Military officials warn that none of the limited options would end Nigeria’s long-running insurgency without a massive, Iraq-style campaign something Washington is not prepared to pursue.

Trump has maintained his threat, saying the U.S. is “ready, willing, and able” to act if the alleged persecution of Christians continues.

China has meanwhile declared firm support for Nigeria, warning against countries using religion or human rights as excuses to interfere in other nations’ internal affairs.

Nigeria has also pushed back strongly. Daniel Bwala, an aide to President Bola Tinubu, said there is no evidence of state-backed religious genocide and urged Washington to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. He stressed that Nigeria needs equipment and intelligence not foreign troops on its soil.

We’re number one nuclear power in the world – Trump boasts amid tension in Nigeria.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday boasted that the United States has the best military equipment in the world.

Trump, who spoke at the American Business Forum, said he rebuilt the American military with the best missiles, rockets and other dangerous weapons.

According to Trump, the United States is the number one nuclear power followed by Russia and China.

He said, “I rebuilt the military, we have the best military in the world, we make the best equipment, the best missiles, rockets and the best everything.

“We’re the number one nuclear power, which I hate to admit because it’s so horrible. Russia is second. China is a distant third, but they will catch us within four or five years… And we’re maybe working on a plan to denuclearize the three of us.”

His remark is coming amid fear of possible US military action in Nigeria following alleged Christian genocide in the most populous black nation.

Trump, who designated Nigeria as Country of Particular Concerns on Friday, had also threatened that the US military may strike in Nigeria to take out the perpetrators of alleged Christian persecution if the Nigerian government fails to stop the terrorists.

Strike: ASUU disputes FG’s claim of N50bn payment.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities says it has not received the N50bn revitalisation fund the Federal Government recently claimed to have released, insisting that none of the union’s demands has been met ahead of its National Executive Council meeting slated for November 8 and 9, 2025.
ASUU stated this in a Wednesday statement signed by Prof. Jurbe Molwus, who recalled that the union suspended its two-week warning strike in good faith after assurances from senior government officials that concrete proposals would be brought to the table.

“As ASUU mobilises for its National Executive Council meeting scheduled to hold on the 8th and 9th November, 2025, we expect that some of the outstanding entitlements such as 3.5 months withheld salaries, 25/35% wage award arrears, promotion arrears, unpaid salaries of some members etc. would have been paid to university workers by now. But all we get is press releases by the Honourable Minister of Education. What we need is credit alerts and not misleading releases.”

He noted that the Federal Government’s recent announcement of a N50bn disbursement had not translated into payment to universities.

“It is sad to further note that even the N50bn revitalisation fund the FGN claimed to have released some weeks ago is yet to reach the universities. We do not know why the Minister of Education is still keeping it.”

Molwus also faulted comments by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, claiming that N2.3bn had been released to settle salary and promotion arrears.

“Again, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, was quoted to have said in a recent release that ‘The FG has released N2.3bn to clear salary and promotion arrears in all federal universities’.

“But, as we speak right now, the university workers have yet to receive any such alerts. So, the minister’s claim of clearing backlog may be in the fiction of his imagination. He also claimed to have strengthened academic staff welfare, and we ask how?”

Molwus argued that the funds cited by the minister were insufficient.

ASUU Warns Of Fresh Strike As Union Accuses Education Minister Of False Claims.

According to Punch, November 5, 2025, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Jos branch, has accused the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, of deliberately misleading Nigerians over the Federal Government’s alleged fulfilment of agreements reached with the union. The lecturers warned that failure to address lingering issues could force the union to resume its suspended nationwide strike.

In a statement released after its congress meeting, the branch chairman, Dr. Chris Piwuna, said the minister’s recent comments suggesting that the government had met all of ASUU’s demands were “false and deceptive.” He maintained that several critical aspects of the 2020 Memorandum of Action remain unresolved, including unpaid earned academic allowances, revitalization funds, and withheld salaries during the 2022 strike period.

Piwuna argued that the government’s continuous failure to implement agreed resolutions has deepened the crisis in the education sector. He accused the minister of attempting to create public resentment against the union rather than focusing on genuine reforms. “Our members are tired of repeated promises and propaganda. What we demand is action, not empty assurances,” he said.

The statement further disclosed that ASUU’s National Executive Council would soon meet to review the current situation and decide on the next line of action if the government fails to act promptly. The lecturers reiterated their commitment to defending public universities and ensuring adequate funding, fair wages, and academic autonomy.

Reacting to the allegation, a senior official in the Ministry of Education insisted that the government had made “considerable progress” in addressing ASUU’s concerns, adding that some delays were due to budgetary constraints. He appealed to the union to remain patient and prioritize dialogue over confrontation.

Education analysts, however, warned that another ASUU strike could paralyze the academic calendar across the country and disrupt the smooth running of universities, urging both parties to find a lasting solution through transparent negotiations.