₦airaland Forum

“Radical Islam has shown that their desire is not simply to occupy one part of the world and be happy with their own little caliphate, they want to expand. It’s revolutionary in its nature. It seeks to expand and control more territories and more people …

That’s a clear and imminent threat to the world and to the broader West, but especially the United States who they identify as the chief source of evil on the planet.” — @SecRubio

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is currently trapped in Guinea Bissau where the military announced take-over earlier in the day.

The Nigerian leader alongside hundreds of foreign observers are unable to leave the country where elections took place and results were about to be officially declared.

Daily Trust understands that hundreds of foreign observers who raced to the airport in a bid to leave the country after the coup was announced are currently stranded.

A group of military officers claimed “total control” of the country, a day after two leading candidates – President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Fernando Dias – each declared victory.

Calling themselves the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order”, the officers ordered the immediate suspension of the electoral process “until further notice”.

They also ordered the closure of all land, air and sea borders and an overnight curfew.

“I have been deposed,” Embalo told French broadcaster France24 in a phone call, adding that he was “currently at the general staff headquarters”.

The head of the main opposition PAIGC party, Domingos Simoes Pereira, has also been arrested, Haque said. “As well, we’ve just heard that the military is trying to cut off the Internet. There’s a curfew in place.”

He added that the army officer leading the coup, Denis N’Canha, served as the head of the presidential guard.

“The man supposed to protect the president himself has put the president under arrest,” Haque said.

Upon his arrival in the country, Jonathan, who is head of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) observer group, posted on social media, “We arrived in Bissau this evening as members of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission ahead of Guinea Bissau’s presidential and parliamentary polls scheduled for November 23, 2025. We wish the people of Guinea Bissau a peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections.”

Two days later, he posted another update: OUT ON ELECTION DAY IN BISSAU.

“Members of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission today conducted visits to some polling stations in Bissau as voting commenced in Guinea-Bissau’s 2025 presidential and parliamentary elections. WAEF extends warm regards to the people and authorities of Guinea-Bissau and wishes for a smooth voting process and a peaceful, stable post-election period that strengthens unity and democratic governance,” he wrote.

Jonathan’s last update on Bissau was yesterday when he wrote that he went on a condolence visit to the family of late Guinea Bissau President, Manuel Sefiro Nhamado, “to condole with them on the recent passing of their matriarch and former First Lady, Mrs. Isolina Da Fonseca Nhamajo.”

He had posted five pictures he snapped with the family.

Trapped but safe
Attempts to confirm the whereabouts and safety of Jonathan from Ikechukwu Eze, his spokesman, did not yield result as his telephone line was out of reach.

However, Ima Niboro, a former spokesman of the ex-President, confirmed to Daily Trust that the Nigerian leader, who recently marked his 68th birthday was still in Guniea Bissau when the coupists struck.

However, he said Jonathan confirmed that he was safe.

Niboro told Daily Trust that he spoke with Jonathan who assured him that he was safe.

In a statement, Jonathan alongside other African leaders in the country condemned the coup.

“We express deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’etat by the armed forces, while the nation was waiting for the announcement of the results. It’s regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people.”

“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far. We request the African Union and the ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order.

“We express concern of the arrests of top officials including those that are in charge of the electoral process. In this regard, we urge the armed forces to immediately release the detained officials to allow the country’s electoral process to proceed to its conclusion.

“We call on the people of Guinea Bissau to remain calm, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Country on its democratic path, and in this respect, we underscore the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people during this sensitive period.,” the statement read.

Today, I designated the Muslim Brotherhood and Council on American-Islamic Relations as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations.

This bans them from buying or acquiring land in Texas and authorizes the Attorney General to sue to shut them down.

Guess who just went on @piersmorgan to talk about the Nigerian Genocide of Christians?

The Nigerian Foreign Minister wasn't able to counter any of the points I made, so instead he just insulted me.

I guess he got upset when I called out his lies.

How embarrassing for you.

You couldn't even answer @piersmorgan's questions and he caught you in several lies.

Maybe in Nigeria you can get away with your nonsense, but this doesn't work in international media.

You are a liar and a genocide denier.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has failed to deliver its judgment earlier scheduled for November 13 in the suit filed by former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido.

Lamido is by the suit, seeking among others, to stop the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) planned for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice Peter Lifu had on November 11, after taking final arguments from lawyers to parties in the suit, adjourned till November 13 for judgment.

When parties got to court on Thursday, an official of court announced that the judgment was not ready, but that parties would be notified when it is ready.

Justice Life had on November Justice Lifu adjourned till November 13 for judgment after lawyers to parties including Jeph Njikonye, SAN,(for Lamido); Omokayode Dada,SAN, (for the PDP) Joseph Daudu, SAN (for parties joined) made their final submissions.

Earlier before hearing the substantive suit, the judge gave a ruling on a motion filed by Lamido for interim injunctions against defendants in the suit.

In the ruling, Justice Lifu restrained the PDP from proceeding with its planned national convention.

He also restrained the Independent National Electrical Commission (INEC) from monitoring, supervising or recognising the outcome of the convention, pending the hearing and determination of the suit before him.

The judge said the orders shall subsist pending the hearing and determination of Lamido’s substantive suit.

Justice Lifu said he was aware of a judgment delivered on October 31 by Justice James Omotosho (also if the Federal High Court, Abuja), stopping PDP from holding the convention.

He held that it would be in the interest of justice to grant Lamido’s request, noting that should the PDP be allowed to proceed with its convention, Lamido would suffer more, thereby making it appropriate for the court to issue preservative orders.

The judge held that evidence produced by the plaintiff revealed that the PDP’s timetable for the convention was not published for the attention of its members as required by law.

He noted that Lamido has undertaken to pay damages to the PDP in the event that his suit was found to be frivolous.

The judge noted that in a constitutional democracy, due process of law must be strictly adhered to by those in charge, adding that to do otherwise, would endanger democracy itself.

He said in line with Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, court of law must not abdicate its responsibility of dispensing justice without fear or favour.

Lamido had, in his motion, argued among others, that if the PDP was not restrained by the court, the party would be violating its constitution, and by implication deny him the opportunity to contest for the position of the national chairman of the party, which he claimed to be eminently qualified to contest.

The United States military has developed a range of contingency plans for potential military action in Nigeria following a directive from President Donald Trump.

The U.S. President had accused the Nigerian government of permitting “mass slaughter” of Christians — a claim widely denounced as false by Nigerian officials.

According to a New York Times report published on Wednesday, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted a set of operational options to the Department of War at the request of Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The plans, insiders familiar with the development told New York Times, outline three possible levels of engagement, heavy, medium, and light, each designed to allow for a controlled escalation of US military involvement.

Possible military options and US concerns
The New York Times reported that the military officials disclosed that the “heavy option” presented by the command is the most forceful military response the US could take against Nigeria.

It involves sending an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf of Guinea, off the Nigerian coast, and using fighter jets or long-range bombers to strike targets deep inside northern Nigeria.

For the medium option, the command suggested using drone strikes against militant camps, bases, convoys and vehicles in northern Nigeria.

US Predator and Reaper drones have the capacity to loiter for hours before striking; meanwhile, other US intelligence assets would build up targets’ patterns of life to enable precise, timely strikes, the New York Times reports.

Military officials told The New York Times that the light option would centre on partner-enabled operations, with the US military and State Department supporting Nigerian government forces to target Boko Haram and other Islamist insurgents responsible for attacks, kidnappings and killings of civilians.

The official said the primary goal of the plan is to strike Islamist militants in northern Nigeria, protect Christians from armed violence and end the decades-long insurgency in the country.

However, there are some concerns about these plans.

“But that option comes with its own issues, not least being that the U.S. military in August vacated its two nearest drone bases, in Agadez and Niamey, both in neighboring Niger. Russian forces now occupy those bases,” the report stated.

Backstory
Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Nigeria and accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of allowing the mass slaughter of Christians.

Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and suspended arms sales and technical support for the country.

This announcement followed months of campaigns and demands by right-wing US lawmakers for the country to sanction Nigeria for allowing the “persecution of Christians.”

Although the Nigerian government has denied the claims, Trump insisted that US military action against Nigeria would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

“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,” he said.

While the US Department of War is contemplating the options presented by the Africa Command, concerns are being raised about the issues associated with implementing any of these options.

What you should know
While Nigeria’s government rejects claims of targeted Christian persecution, it continues to face rising insecurity driven by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.

The U.S. House Appropriations leaders praised the President’s action, describing Nigeria as “the most dangerous nation on Earth to follow Christ” and emphasizing that religious persecution will not be tolerated.

US foreign aid disbursement to 20 Sub-Saharan African countries (Sept 2025)

1. Ethiopia 🇪🇹: $617.35m
2. Congo 🇨🇬: $571.35m
3. Nigeria 🇳🇬: $516.69m
4. Sudan 🇸🇩: $514.55m
5. Kenya 🇰🇪: $402.84m
6. Somalia 🇸🇴: $402.57m
7. Mozambique 🇲🇿: $325.41m
8. Uganda 🇺🇬: $324.17m
9. South Sudan 🇸🇸: $308.43m
10. Tanzania 🇹🇿: $288.80m
11. Zambia 🇿🇲: $214.42m
12. Senegal 🇸🇳: $205.74m
13. Burkina Faso 🇧🇫: $202.22m
14. Mali 🇲🇱: $183.07m
15. Malawi 🇲🇼: $181.98m
16. Zimbabwe 🇿🇼: $173.48m
17. South Africa 🇿🇦: $166.08m
18. Niger 🇳🇪: $162.08m
19. Côte d'Ivoire 🇨🇮: $129.59m
20. Ghana 🇬🇭: $114.56m

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

Thank you to President Trump for his leadership in imposing the designation, and more broadly, for fighting to stop the murder of Christians in Nigeria.

Now we should take the next step and hold Nigerian officials accountable. I intend to be very explicit about who they are in the coming days and weeks.

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

Thank you to President Trump for his leadership in imposing the designation, and more broadly, for fighting to stop the murder of Christians in Nigeria.

Now… pic.twitter.com/p0DN54qnCk

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) November 4, 2025

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. -PO

DOUBLING DOWN: President Trump again condemns the killing of Christians in Nigeria, telling reporters, "we’re not going to allow that to happen.”

President Trump is reported to have delegated his vice, JD Vance, to meet with President Tinubu on Tuesday in DC. How should we interpret this? Is the president of Nigeria being snubbed by Mr Trump?

Press Release

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), Vice Chair and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), and Legislative Branch Subcommittee Vice Chair Riley Moore (R-WV) – who has routinely advocated to end religious persecution – released a statement commending President Trump’s action to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to the alarming and ongoing persecution of Christians across the country:

“Nigeria is the most dangerous nation on Earth to follow Christ. For simply practicing their faith, Christians are actively being kidnapped, attacked, and slaughtered. With President Trump announcing he will be redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, the United States is making clear in one resolute voice: religious persecution will not be tolerated. The scourge of anti-Christian violence and oppression of other religious minorities by radical Islamic terrorists is an affront to religious freedom. This is a critical step in mobilizing leadership and attention to confront evil extremism.

"The House Appropriations Committee will continue standing with the Trump Administration by advancing policies that protect the freedom to live according to one’s faith without fear of violence and retribution. Defending religious liberty worldwide is both a moral duty and a vital American interest. We pray other world leaders will follow and join the global effort to stop extremist violence before more innocent lives are lost.

"This is also another significant reminder of why reopening the government and passing full-year appropriations bills is so critically important. Mr. President, we are prepared to act on instituting the America First agenda through our FY26 bill. As soon as the Democrat shutdown ends, we will continue moving full-year appropriations across the finish line to uphold your priorities. We know you’ll be ready at your desk with a pen in hand.”

Issue Background:

The House Appropriations Committee stands firmly with the President by advancing policies that promote accountability, condition assistance on cooperation, and expand funding to defend those persecuted for their faith. The Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations bill reported by the Committee increases support for international religious freedom programs and strengthens oversight to ensure the United States leads by example. After the Biden Administration failed to act four years in a row to address this crisis in Nigeria through a CPC designation, the bill requires the Department of State to justify any failure to implement recommendations from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom and directs continued funding for programs supporting communities in Nigeria targeted by extremist violence. President Trump’s decisive action ahead of congressional enactment underscores the urgency of this human rights crisis and reinforces bipartisan support for defending religious freedom worldwide.

Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump have shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity. President Trump has assisted Nigeria a lot by authorizing the sale of arms to Nigeria and President Tinubu has adequately utilized the opportunity in the fight against terrorism for which we have massive results to show for it. As for the differences as to whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or in fact all faiths and no faiths, the differences if they exist would be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either in State House or White House.
@CNN @FoxNews @BBCWorld @SkyNews @ARISEtv @channelstv

Nigeria also basically kidnapped Tigran Gambaryan, an ex-Binance employee and an ex-US federal agent, for 8 months without cause a year ago. 🤷‍♂️

Nigeria is currently run by a lawless regime that relies on criminals and thugs more interested in enriching themselves than in taking care of their citizens. Cowboy up.

Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God.

No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion. We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other.

Numerous countries all around the world are being affected by this horror & it’s dangerous to pretend we don’t notice.

Thank you to The President & his team for taking this seriously.
God bless every persecuted Christian.
Let’s remember to lift them up in prayer.

The Presidency has yet to respond to the decision by the US President Donald Trump to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over what he described as persistent “Christian genocide” in parts of the country.

Trump, who announced the decision in a post on his Truth Social account on Friday, said the move was in response to what he called “the existential threat faced by Christians in Nigeria” and the alleged inaction of the authorities to halt the killings.

He wrote that thousands of Christians had been “slaughtered by radical Islamists” and that the U.S. “cannot remain silent while innocent people are targeted for their faith.”

The redesignation, made under America’s International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), places Nigeria among a list of countries accused of severe violations of religious freedom and could pave the way for U.S. sanctions or restrictions.

The move marks a reversal of position since 2021 when Nigeria was removed from the list by President Joe Biden’s administration, which argued that the country had made progress in promoting religious tolerance.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the presidency has maintained silence on the latest development.

Efforts by our correspondent to obtain comments from presidential spokesmen proved abortive. Messages sent to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, were not replied to. Similarly, messages to the special adviser media and communications, Sunday Dare, and the special adviser to the President on policy communication, Daniel Bwala, were unanswered.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has for years struggled with religiously tinged violence in its Middle Belt and northern regions, where extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have targeted both Christian and Muslim communities.

As of press time, the Presidency had not issued any official statement addressing the U.S. decision or clarifying Nigeria’s position on the allegations of religious persecution.

Efforts made to get the reaction of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) were unsuccessful as calls made to the telephone number of its Secretary-General, Professor Ishaq Oloyede were not connected.

Alsoo, calls made to the telephone number of the Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Salisu Shehu were not answered.

Recall That the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) recently issued an urgent call to the federal government, demanding transparent and equitable action to halt the violent attacks targeting Christian communities and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The demand was contained in a statement signed by the National President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in response to the escalating insecurity and national conversations on faith-based violence.

Okoh stated that the association has followed the recent discourse with “deep concern,” emphasising the need to “speak clearly, truthfully, and with compassion” at such a critical time.

“CAN affirms, without hesitation, that many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship,” Okoh stated.

The CAN president detailed the association’s sustained, multi-year efforts to draw international attention to the persecution, including establishing mechanisms to document religiously-motivated killings, engaging with global partners, and writing to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Can also recently accused the federal government of distorting facts after its meeting with the presidency recently.

CAN accused the Presidency of twisting facts and misrepresenting its position on the ongoing killings of Christians across the country, insisting that what is happening in several parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt amounts to a ‘Christian genocide’.

In a statement signed by Archbishop Okoh, CAN said that it did not, at any point, dismiss or describe the widespread killings as a ‘so-called Christian genocide’, as claimed in a press release reportedly issued by Barr. Daniel Bwala, special adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication.

However, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, refuted allegations of an ongoing genocide against Christians in the North.

The monarch also described such claims as unfounded and aimed at dividing the nation.

Also, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, who spoke in Abuja on Monday at the National Unveiling of the World Public Relations Forum, said the claim was part of a foreign-sponsored campaign to sow division and weaken Nigeria’s unity.

Speaking at the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, the Sultan said Christians and Muslims have lived together peacefully in the region for generations, and any reports suggesting otherwise were designed to create mistrust and disunity.

‘‘From time immemorial, Christians and Muslims have lived as brothers in the North. These allegations are false and are merely aimed at sowing discord among the inseparable faithful,” he stated.

A PASSIONATE CALL TO ALL NIGERIANS TO STAND WITH NARD

Fellow Nigerians!

Warm greetings from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

We wish to address you at this critical time as we embark on a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike, a decision that did not come lightly, nor was it ever our desire. We are fully aware of the pains and inconveniences that accompany any disruption in healthcare services, and we deeply regret the situation.

However, this action has become inevitable, following the repeated failure of the Federal Government of Nigeria to honor its promises and implement the agreements reached with us after several rounds of dialogue, appeals, and ultimata.

Our demands are not selfish, neither are they politically motivated. They are genuine, germane, and patriotic, centered on the survival of the Nigerian health system and the well-being of every citizen who depends on it.

We fight not for personal gain, but for the creation of a system that allows doctors to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care to patients in an environment that supports their mental and physical well-being. A resident doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and mentally exhausted cannot offer optimal care to the patient who needs them most.

Our demands include issues of excessive workload, fair remuneration, payment of arrears, improvement of working conditions, adequate staffing, and the provision of essential medical infrastructure, all of which directly impact the quality of healthcare delivered to Nigerians.

A nation’s health system can only be as strong as the hands that sustain it. If the doctors are broken, under-motivated, or forced to seek survival abroad, the patients suffer most. This is why we have taken this painful stand to secure the future of Nigerian healthcare for every man, woman, and child who deserves quality care here at home.

We therefore call on all Nigerians; our patients, civil society groups, labour unions, religious and traditional leaders, and every citizen of conscience, to stand with us. Add your voices to ours in appealing to the Federal Government to do the right thing.

This is not a fight between resident doctors and government; it is a struggle for a functional, just, and humane healthcare system, one where your doctor can attend to you with a clear mind, a motivated spirit, and access to the tools needed to save lives.

Together, we can rebuild a system that values both the caregiver and the cared-for. We appeal to you to weigh in and urge the Government to address our demands urgently, so that hospitals can reopen, doctors can return to their duty posts, and Nigerians can once again access the care they deserve.

We always stand with you, and now we ask you to stand with us in solidarity and service to humanity.

Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman
President, Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)
1st November, 2025.

Mali has suspended schools and universities nationwide due to a severe fuel scarcity caused by a blockade on fuel imports imposed by Islamist insurgents.

Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane announced on state television that all education institutions would remain shut until 9 November, saying the movement of staff and students had been affected by the blockade.

He said the authorities were "doing everything possible" to end the crisis so that classes could resume on 10 November.

For weeks, Mali has been hit by a fuel shortage, especially in the capital Bamako, after militants from an al-Qaeda affiliate imposed a blockade by attacking tankers on major highways.

Mali is landlocked, so all fuel supplies are brought in by road from neighbouring states such as Senegal and Ivory Coast.

Long queues have been snaking around petrol stations in Bamako in recent weeks, and the city's usually crowded streets have now reportedly fallen quiet.

The military government had earlier this month assured residents that it was only a temporary issue, but the crisis has persisted.

Last week, the US Embassy in Bamako announced that non-essential diplomatic staff and their families would leave Mali amid the worsening fuel shortage and growing security concerns.

It said the fuel disruptions had affected the supply of electricity and had the "potential to disrupt the overall security situation in unpredictable ways".

Mali is currently ruled by a military junta led by Gen Assimi Goïta, who seized power in a coup in 2021.

The junta had popular support when it took power, promising to deal with the long-running security crisis prompted by a separatist rebellion in the north by ethnic Tuaregs, which was then hijacked by Islamist militants.

The UN peacekeeping mission and French forces had been deployed in 2013 to deal with the escalating insurgency.

Both have left since the junta took over, and the military government has hired Russian mercenaries to tackle the insecurity.

However, the jihadist insurgency has continued and large parts of the north and east of the country remain outside government control.

For more than a decade, the world has turned a blind eye to the slaughter and suffering of Christians in Nigeria.

In 2014, more than 250 Chibok schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram, ripped from their classrooms, forced into conversion, slavery, and unspeakable violence. Many were never seen again.

Eleven years later, too many remain missing. Too many families still wait.

The world’s silence is unacceptable. It’s time to bring them home and stand up against the genocide in Nigeria.

Former Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina, who was ousted in a coup last week, has been stripped of his citizenship by the new regime.

The order, signed by new Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, cited local laws stipulating that people who acquired foreign citizenship should lose their Malagasy nationality.

Rajoelina, 51, obtained French citizenship a decade ago, prompting calls for his disqualification from the 2023 presidential election. But he defied those calls and went on to win.

He fled the African island nation after weeks of protests over persistent power and water shortages, culminating in a military takeover led by Col Michael Randrianirina.

Rajoelina has said he has gone into hiding for his own safety, and his whereabouts remain unclear.

When he disclosed his French nationality months before Madagascar's last presidential election, he argued he had only secretly acquired it to make things easier for his children studying in France.

In recent weeks, he had faced demonstrations initially organised by youth movement Gen Z Mada and inspired by similar anti-government protests in Nepal, which were only exacerbated when his government responded with violence.

Rajoelina sacked his energy minister and then his government - but this did little to quell the calls for him to step down.

Protesters had hoped that Rajoelina would resign to pave the way for a smooth, democratic transition.

Instead, he clung to power, eventually leading to Madagascar's elite military unit, of which Randrianirina was chief, to seize power.

He has now been sworn in and has formed a new government, pledging to hold elections within two years.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside family members and friends, gathered in Abeokuta to commemorate the 20th memorial service of the late former First Lady, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo.

The service, held on Saturday at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, was attended by dignitaries including former Governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun.

Obasanjo, speaking briefly with journalists after the service, said, “We are celebrating a life of service.”

In his tribute during the church service, John Abebe, younger brother to the late former First Lady, described her as someone who hardly got angry and always wore a smile.

“Sister Stella was somebody you just couldn’t get angry with because she would always smile through everything, every difficulty.

“I remember when my oldest brother passed on; as soon as my sister came from Abeokuta to stay with my parents, everything changed in the house.

“With her smile and the huge encouragement she gave my parents, the grief was reduced.

“So, when I saw this announcement a few days ago, that was what occupied my heart throughout, and I knew that whatever I was going to say today would be based on her smile.

“Olumuyiwa, her son, now in his late 40s, has a 17-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son, and they are doing very well.

“We miss Stella a lot, because if she had been around, she would have been the mother who would have taken over from my parents,” he said.

Speaking also, Olumuyiwa Obasanjo, her only child, said his mother would be remembered for her infectious laughter, kindness, and the advice and life lessons she shared.

“She was caring and protective—as an only child, most people understand that—but she was also strict and would not tolerate any deviation from you.

“So I have kept that in mind, and I have continued to try to live my life that way,” he said.

In his remarks, former Governor Gbenga Daniel expressed gratitude to God for the life of the late former First Lady.

“We thank God for her life. Twenty years down the line, the legacy she left behind—her son and grandchildren—will continue to miss her motherly support.

“In particular, during my time as Governor of the state, we named a motherless home after her,” he said.

In his sermon, Rev. Yusufu Obaje, the pioneer Chaplain of the State House, Abuja, described Stella Obasanjo as a woman who lived a life of submission to the will of God, noting that she lived an exemplary life.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80, family sources have told the BBC.

Odinga died on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India.

In recent weeks, there has been speculation about his health, although family members and political allies had dismissed reports suggesting he was critically ill.

A political mobiliser and towering figure in Kenyan politics, Odinga ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times. He rejected the results on each occasion, often saying that victory had been stolen from him.

This is to inform the General Public that the following products are approved for withdrawal, suspension and cancellation by NAFDAC. They are therefore no longer permitted for manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use within Nigeria. Please note that:

1. The Certificate of Registration of a product is said to be withdrawn when the use of the Certificate of Registration of that product is discontinued upon request of the Market Authorization Holder.

2. The Certificate of Registration of a product may be suspended when the conditions upon which the NAFDAC Registration license was issued are no longer met and the Agency is to make a determination.

3. The Certificate of Registration of a product is said to be cancelled when the NAFDAC Certificate of Registration license of that product is revoked by NAFDAC.

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st of October, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government.

The minister, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, congratulated all Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, on this historic occasion.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.

He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.

The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.

He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.

The man who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a Florida golf course last year tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen shortly after being found guilty of all counts on Tuesday.

Officers quickly swarmed him and dragged him out of the courthouse.

The jury of five men and seven women found Ryan Routh guilty on all counts that he was facing after 2 hours of deliberation.

After the jurors were on their way out of the courtroom, Routh tried to stab himself in the neck. He grabbed a pen and started trying to stab himself in the neck. Marshals swarmed him and picked him up and dragged him out of the courthouse.

His daughter Sara Routh was screaming, “Dad I love you don’t do anything. I’ll get you out. He didn’t hurt anybody.”

She continued screaming inside the courtroom as her father was dragged out. She said the case against him was rigged. The daughter went outside the courthouse and was waiting by the guard gate for her father to be driven out and transported to prison.

Routh had been charged with attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and defended himself in court.

Prosecutors said Routh spent weeks plotting to kill Trump before aiming a rifle through shrubbery as the Republican played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club.

Routh told jurors in his closing argument that he didn’t intend to kill anyone that day.

“It’s hard for me to believe that a crime occurred if the trigger was never pulled,” Routh said. He pointed out that he could see Trump as he was on the path toward the sixth-hole green at the golf course and noted that he also could have shot a Secret Service agent who confronted him if he had intended to harm anyone.

Routh, 59, exercised his constitutional right not to testify in his own defense. He rested his case Monday morning after questioning just three witnesses — a firearms expert and two characters witnesses — for a total of about three hours. In contrast, prosecutors spent seven days questioning 38 witnesses.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X that the guilty verdict “illustrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to punishing those who engage in political violence.”

“This attempted assassination was not only an attack on our President, but an affront to our very nation,” Bondi said.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon signed off on Routh’s request to represent himself following two hearings in July. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that criminal defendants have a right to represent themselves in court proceedings, as long as they can show a judge they are competent to waive their right to be defended by an attorney. Routh’s former defense attorneys have served as standby counsel since he took over his own defense and have been present during trial the past two weeks.

Recounting what happened at the golf course, a Secret Service agent testified earlier in the trial that he spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot, the agent said.

Law enforcement obtained help from a witness who testified that he saw a person fleeing the area after hearing gunshots. The witness was then flown in a police helicopter to a nearby interstate where Routh was arrested, and the witness said he confirmed it was the person he had seen.

Just nine weeks earlier, Trump had survived an attempt on his life while campaigning in Butler, Pennsylvania. That gunman had fired eight shots, with one bullet grazing Trump’s ear. The gunman was then fatally shot by a Secret Service counter sniper.

Routh was a North Carolina construction worker who in recent years had moved to Hawaii. A self-styled mercenary leader, Routh spoke out to anyone who would listen about his dangerous and sometimes violent plans to insert himself into conflicts around the world, witnesses have told The Associated Press.

In the early days of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Routh tried to recruit soldiers from Afghanistan, Moldova and Taiwan to fight the Russians. In his native Greensboro, North Carolina, he was arrested in 2002 for eluding a traffic stop and barricading himself from officers with a fully automatic machine gun and a “weapon of mass destruction,” which turned out to be an explosive with a 10-inch (25-centimeter) fuse, police said.

In 2010, police searched a warehouse Routh owned and found more than 100 stolen items, from power tools and building supplies to kayaks and spa tubs. In both felony cases, judges gave Routh either probation or a suspended sentence.

Besides the federal charges, Routh also has pleaded not guilty to state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.

If U.S. President Donald Trump really wants to win the Nobel peace prize, he needs to stop the war in Gaza, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday.

Speaking to France's BFM TV from New York, Macron said only Trump had the power to put pressure on Israel to end the war.

"There is one person who can do something about it, and that is the U.S. president," Macron said.

"And the reason he can do more than us, is because we do not supply weapons that allow the war in Gaza to be waged. We do not supply equipment that allows war to be waged in Gaza. The United States of America does."

Trump gave a combative, wide-ranging speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that rejected moves by Western allies to endorse a Palestinian state, saying that would be a reward for Hamas militants.

"We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately. We have to immediately negotiate peace," Trump said.

Discussing Trump's speech, Macron said: "I see an American president who is involved, who reiterated this morning from the podium: 'I want peace. I have resolved seven conflicts', who wants the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Peace Prize is only possible if you stop this conflict," Macron said.

Countries such as Cambodia, Israel and Pakistan are among those that have nominated Trump for the annual prize for brokering peace pacts or ceasefires.

Trump has said he deserves the Norwegian-bestowed accolade given to four of his White House predecessors.

"President Trump has done more for peace than everyone present at the United Nations combined," said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly.

"Only this president could have accomplished so much for global stability because he has effectively Made America Strong Again."

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says Wasiu Ayinde, the popular Fuji musician known as Kwam 1, will be blacklisted for six months for his conduct at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, announced during a press briefing on Thursday.

“What I must assure the general public is that everybody involved in this will be brought to book,” Achimugu said.

[b]“As we speak, the passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months flying in Nigeria.

“Aviation rules are made for everybody, for the protection of everybody. These rules are global. There is nothing about the rules that is to antagonise any passenger.[/b]

“So, we will do everything we can to get to the root of it. Everybody who needs to be punished or sanctioned will receive justice.”

He also disclosed that the NCAA is currently writing to the attorney-general of the federation and the inspector-general of police to initiate legal proceedings against Ayinde.

When asked if Kwam 1 will not be prosecuted due to his closeness to President Bola Tinubu, the director said Tinubu, as well as Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, are committed to the rule of law, and no individual — regardless of status — is exempt from due process.

On August 5, the NCAA suspended two ValueJet pilots over a safety breach at the domestic terminal of the airport.

A fashion designer claimed a world record by creating a show-stopping robe with 50-metre sleeves.

That’s longer than the Statue of Liberty is high (46.5 m; 152.5 ft) and longer than an Olympic-size swimming pool (50 m; 164 ft).

Samuel, 27, who works as a fashion designer and tailor while studying at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, had to overcome a lot to make the garment.

And now, he wants it to be seen around the world.

He told us: “I wish to take it on a tour to display it in different countries and cities to show the world what it looks like.”

And now, he wants it to be seen around the world.

He told us: “I wish to take it on a tour to display it in different countries and cities to show the world what it looks like.”

Samuel Chinecherem Ezeh (Nigeria) designed and sewed the longest sleeves on a garment, at an astonishing 51.20 metres (167.97 ft) long.

It took Samuel less than four hours to design and create his record-breaking robe, but it was far from easy.

On the day of his attempt in February 2024, Samuel’s sewing machine broke down.

The needle broke after hitting a hard part of material and he realized he didn’t have any spares.

He had to move over to his backup sewing machine, but the needle on that one broke too.

"At this point I felt like crying,” Samuel confessed.

“I called the attention of my supervisor and he sent someone to fetch a pack of needles, after some minutes I got a new pack, I installed it and continued.”

He was so tense that he did something incorrectly while trying to fix the machine.

After some more help from his supervisor, Samuel managed to install the needle correctly and get back to sewing.

Funding the project was also tough for Samuel, who struggled to find brands to sponsor him. He ended up funding 70% of the cost himself.

Samuel, who started learning how to sew after taking on an apprenticeship during secondary school, launched his own clothing brand, Eco Collection World of Beauty, in 2020.

Explaining what spurred him on to attempt a record, he said: “I'm the kind of person that does things in a big way, I have always wanted the world to know me, especially for what I do, for my fashion skill.

“I want to have a big clothing brand. And I'm still working towards that. I want to be a rich famous fashionista.”

To create the garment, Samuel used 62 yards of jampard material – two yards for the body and 60 for the sleeves.

On finding out he’d officially broken the record, he said: “I opened the mail and read it, I was smiling on the road and felt like dancing on the road, I turned and went back to the house. I screamed at my voice, I made it!”

Samuel hopes his record journey will inspire others to believe in themselves the way he did.

SAFETY BREACH: NCAA SUSPENDS VALUEJET PILOTS

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirms that it has received reports concerning a serious breach of aviation safety protocols by a ValueJet pilot at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (Domestic Terminal) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Preliminary information indicates that the pilot in question commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.

This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.

The NCAA views this incident with utmost seriousness.

Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co- pilot, First officer Ivan Oloba with immediate effect.

This suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.

The Authorty hereby reaffirms all stakeholders of its commitment to safety.

Signed:
Michael Achimugu
Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

SAFETY BREACH: NCAA SUSPENDS VALUEJET PILOTS

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirms that it has received reports concerning a serious breach of aviation safety protocols by a ValueJet pilot at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (Domestic Terminal) on… pic.twitter.com/XCIk4ynDc1

— NigeriaCAA (@NigeriaCAA) August 5, 2025

The Osun state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is invited to the wedding of David Adeleke (Davido) in the United States which Governor Ademola Adeleke is attending for a few days.

Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed extended the invitation to the opposition after its statement asking for the whereabouts of the state governor.

“Governor Adeleke left Nigeria for the United States via the family private jet a few days ago for the wedding of the global music icon , his beloved nephew, David Adeleke.

“His Excellency is extending an invitation to the opposition party to attend the event and share in the joy of the occasion with the Adeleke family. Those unable to attend may join virtually.

“Additionally, from the November 2022 date, the governor has not gone on official vacation. For this current trip, the Governor has again chosen to make it a short one to continually attend to crucial state functions.

“Meanwhile, the Governor is in constant communication with his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi who is supervising activities of the government, " the statement concluded.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

A zoo in Denmark is asking for unwanted pets to be donated - not for further care but as food for its predators.

Aalborg zoo in North Jutland published the unusual appeal on Facebook and its website.

The post says they can take smaller live animals such as chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, which are "an important part of the diet of our predators - especially the European lynx, which needs whole prey that resembles what it would naturally hunt in the wild."

It explains that if people have animals that need to be removed "for various reasons", they can bring a maximum of four small species at once.

The animals are euthanised by trained staff and then used as food.

"In zoos, we have a responsibility to imitate the animals' natural food chain - for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity," the post continues. "Nothing goes to waste - and we ensure natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators."

The zoo says it will also take horses which are less than 147cm tall and have a pet passport.

In a statement, Aalborg zoo said: "For many years at Aalborg Zoo, we have fed our carnivores with smaller livestock.

"When keeping carnivores, it is necessary to provide them with meat, preferably with fur, bones, etc., to give them as natural a diet as possible.

"Therefore, it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanised for various reasons to be of use in this way.

"In Denmark, this practice is common, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute."