The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has named foreign lobbyists, particularly in the United States, as being responsible for spreading the “Christian genocide” narrative about Nigeria.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that these lobbyists are influencing how the international community perceives Nigeria’s internal security issues. Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, November 5, Idris revealed that government investigations uncovered a deliberate effort to misrepresent the country’s security situation.

“We have seen a connection between some of the lobbyists in the U.S. and certain groups here who amplify false narratives. These individuals have been pushing the genocide story for personal or political gain,” Idris said.

He clarified that terrorist groups in Nigeria do not operate based on religion, emphasizing that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from insecurity. Idris described the U.S. position on a “Christian genocide” as a result of misrepresentation and misinformation, adding that there is no evidence suggesting that any religious group is specifically targeted.

“Nigeria faces long-standing security challenges affecting all citizens equally. Any suggestion that the government condones religious persecution is based on faulty data,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reaffirmed America’s willingness to collaborate with Nigeria in addressing religious and security concerns. Chairperson Vicky Hartzler stated that the U.S. is open to working with President Tinubu’s administration on the matter.

This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened possible military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, a claim that Nigerian officials and religious leaders have since dismissed as misleading.

The post Tinubu’s Government Identifies Alleged Sources Behind Christian Genocide Narrative appeared first on TheNigerian.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to launch military action against Nigeria over alleged targeted killings of Christians has sparked mixed reactions across the country — with some civil society groups and religious advocates expressing support for his stance, while government officials condemned it as “misleading and imperialistic.”

Trump had accused the Nigerian government of allowing mass killings of Christians and warned that the United States could halt all aid to Nigeria and “go in guns-a-blazing” to eliminate Islamic terrorists.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing,” Trump posted on social media.

While the Nigerian presidency swiftly dismissed the statement as “based on false and outdated reports,” some advocacy groups and Christian leaders described Trump’s position as “a wake-up call” to the government.

A coalition of faith-based organizations under the banner of the Christian Solidarity Forum (CSF) said Trump’s warning, though harsh, “reflects the frustration of millions of Christians who have suffered attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions.”

“The Nigerian government must see Trump’s words as a call for accountability and decisive action against religiously motivated killings,” the CSF said in a statement.

Similarly, the Northern Christian Elders Assembly (NCEA) noted that Trump’s comments “drew global attention” to what they described as years of neglect by successive administrations in addressing religiously driven violence.

However, government representatives maintained that Trump’s remarks were unnecessary and could damage diplomatic relations between both nations. Presidential aide Daniel Bwala said Trump’s comments were “misinformed” and “do not reflect the current realities of Nigeria’s security situation.”

“No country can unilaterally launch a military operation on Nigerian soil. Such comments disregard our sovereignty and ongoing efforts to protect all citizens, regardless of faith,” Bwala stated.

International law expert Professor Akin Oyebode also criticized Trump’s tone, calling it “imperialistic,” though he acknowledged that Nigeria must intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities.

The development has stirred public debate across Nigeria, with some viewing Trump’s comments as interference, while others say his tough message could pressure authorities to take stronger action against religious violence.

The post Mixed Reactions As Some Nigerians Support Trump’s Warning On Christian Killings appeared first on TheNigerian.

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza has killed 19 members of a single family, including women and children, amid an ongoing wave of deadly bombardments that have devastated communities across the Strip. According to health officials, the strike occurred Monday evening in the Tel al-Hawa district of Gaza City and is one of the deadliest single incidents reported in recent weeks.

In total, over 90 Palestinians were killed in a 24-hour period, bringing further devastation as efforts to reach a ceasefire continue to stall. Another strike in the northern al-Shati refugee camp killed a Hamas lawmaker, Mohammed Faraj al-Ghoul, alongside a man, a woman, and their six children sheltering in the same building.

Hospitals across Gaza, including Al-Shifa Hospital, are overwhelmed with casualties. Medical authorities confirmed 278 people were wounded in the latest attacks. As families mourn outside hospital walls, scenes of grief continue to reflect the deepening humanitarian catastrophe.

The Israeli military did not comment on the most recent airstrikes. Israel maintains that its operations are aimed at militants and blames Hamas for operating within civilian areas. However, the scale of civilian casualties has drawn global concern.

UN Flags Rising Deaths Near Humanitarian Sites

The United Nations reports that at least 875 Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution points and humanitarian convoys in Gaza in the past six weeks alone. Most of the fatalities were near hubs operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israeli-backed group. The GHF has denied any incidents at its sites and accused the UN of misinformation — a claim the UN firmly rejects.

“The data comes from reliable humanitarian and medical sources,” said Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN human rights office.

West Bank Violence Escalates

Meanwhile, the UN has documented rising violence in the occupied West Bank. Over 30,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced since Israel launched its “Iron Wall” military operation. Israeli settlers and security forces have intensified attacks, with 964 Palestinians killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 2023. The UN warns these actions may amount to a violation of international law.

Ceasefire Elusive Amid Mounting Crisis

Efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, including recent talks involving U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have failed to produce a breakthrough. Trump has publicly urged an end to the war but has faced criticism for not doing enough to pressure both sides into compromise.

As Gaza reels under relentless airstrikes and aid convoys struggle to reach civilians, humanitarian agencies continue to sound the alarm over worsening conditions — with fears of famine and the collapse of essential services looming large.

The post Gaza Airstrike Claims 19 Members of One Family as Civilian Toll Mounts appeared first on TheNigerian.

President Donald Trump has strongly criticized former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev for suggesting that Russia and its allies could supply Iran with nuclear warheads following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Medvedev, who led Russia between 2008 and 2012 and served as prime minister until 2020, condemned the U.S. military action targeting Iran’s Fordow, Esfahan, and Natanz nuclear sites. In a statement, he warned that certain countries were prepared to “directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads” in response to what he described as American aggression.

President Trump, posting on his Truth Social account, expressed alarm at the remark:

“Did I hear Former President Medvedev, from Russia, casually throwing around the ‘N word’ (Nuclear!), and saying that he and other Countries would supply Nuclear Warheads to Iran? Did he really say that or, is it just a figment of my imagination? If he did say that, and, if confirmed, please let me know, IMMEDIATELY.”

He further criticized the casual reference to nuclear weapons, adding:

“I guess that’s why Putin’s ‘THE BOSS.’”

Trump highlighted the strength of America’s military capabilities, praising the U.S. nuclear-powered submarine fleet as among the most advanced in the world. He indicated that the fleet had played a significant role in the strikes:

“They are the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built, and just launched the 30 Tomahawks — all 30 hit their mark perfectly.”

The recent U.S. strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear infrastructure reportedly caused significant damage. Satellite images showed craters and blocked tunnel entrances at key sites, although not all claims of destruction have been independently verified.

Iran has since vowed to retaliate. On Monday, the country launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. airbase in Qatar, further raising regional tensions.

The post Trump Condemns Medvedev’s Nuclear Threat as Tensions Rise Over Iran Strikes appeared first on TheNigerian.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced urgent plans to evacuate Nigerian citizens stranded in Israel and Iran as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate. The conflict, now in its seventh day, has raised global concerns over regional stability and the safety of foreign nationals.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, revealed this on Thursday through a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa. Tuggar emphasized that the government is prioritizing the safety and welfare of Nigerians caught in the crossfire of the hostilities.

According to the minister, Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Tel Aviv and Tehran are actively reaching out to citizens, offering support and guidance. Nigerians in both countries have been urged to comply with local security protocols and register with the nearest Nigerian embassy for evacuation assistance.

“We are committed to the safety and welfare of all our citizens, both at home and abroad,” Tuggar stated. He commended the efforts of Nigerian missions in Israel and Iran, describing their response as proactive and commendable during this challenging period.

The evacuation plans are being coordinated with both international and local partners to ensure a safe and timely relocation of Nigerians from affected areas. Tuggar also used the opportunity to renew Nigeria’s call for an immediate ceasefire, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilian lives.

The minister reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to promoting peace through diplomacy and dialogue, stressing that military solutions would only deepen the humanitarian crisis. The Federal Government assured families back home that every effort is being made to secure the safe return of their loved ones.

This move reflects Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad and contributing to global peace efforts.

The post FG Confirms Plans to Evacuate Nigerians from Israel, Iran Amid Escalating Tensions appeared first on TheNigerian.

The post 2027 Election Heat: Atiku Plots Coalition to Stop Tinubu, APC Fires Back, Political Shocker! appeared first on TheNigerian.

A Nigerian nurse, Nnena Miriam, has been found dead in her apartment in Leeds, UK, following her hospital shift. Miriam, whose untimely death has left many in shock, was discovered after she failed to report to work for her next shift.

Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, but sources indicate that Nnena Miriam was a dedicated healthcare professional working at a hospital in the Leeds area. She had completed her shift on the day of her passing before returning to her apartment, where she was later found dead.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of death, though no foul play is suspected at this time. The police have urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward as part of their ongoing inquiries.

Miriam’s colleagues and friends have expressed deep sorrow over her death, with many describing her as a hardworking and compassionate individual. Her passing has sent ripples through the Nigerian community in the UK, especially within the healthcare sector, where she was highly respected.

Further updates on the investigation and funeral arrangements will be provided as more information becomes available.

The Nigerian community in the UK has expressed its condolences to the family of Nnena Miriam, and many have shared tributes to honour her memory as a dedicated professional who touched many lives.

The post Breaking News: Nigerian Nurse Found Dead in UK Apartment After Hospital Shift appeared first on TheNigerian.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have confirmed that their searches for investigative records relating to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are still ongoing.

In a joint statement issued yesterday, the agencies disclosed that the document search and review process is complex and remains underway. They further revealed that they anticipate completing the process within the next 90 days and expect to submit a consolidated report on or before July 31, 2025.

The development follows a series of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests filed by various parties seeking clarity and access to past investigative records involving President Tinubu during his time in the United States.

Although the agencies have not disclosed the specific nature of the documents or the scope of the ongoing searches, the announcement has sparked significant attention in both Nigerian and international political circles.

Legal experts and political analysts are closely monitoring the situation as it may have potential implications on President Tinubu’s image and his administration’s international engagements.

The Nigerian government has not yet officially responded to the latest update from the FBI and DEA. However, sources within the presidency suggest that the administration remains confident and views the process as part of standard international procedures.

This is a developing story, and TheNigerian will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

The post BREAKING: FBI, DEA Confirm Ongoing Search for Investigative Records on President Tinubu, Joint Report Expected by July 31 appeared first on TheNigerian.

The United States has deported hundreds of illegal immigrants after President Donald Trump ordered a crackdown on illegal immigration.

On his first day in office, Trump signed a number of executive orders that addressed illegal immigration.

In addition, he designated criminal cartels as terrorist organizations and declared a national emergency over the situation at the border between the United States and Mexico. Undocumented immigrants’ children born in the US were automatically granted citizenship, but the US president ended this practice.

Additionally, Trump issued an order that halted the US refugee resettlement program for four months.

This week, an enforcement action was launched.

The first round of operations resulted in the arrest of 538 illegal immigrants, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

On Thursday, she posted on her X handle, saying, “The Trump administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals, including several people convicted of sex crimes against minors, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and a suspected terrorist.”

On Friday, CBS News reported that two deportation planes had landed in Guatemala during the night.

The arrivals were confirmed by a Guatemalan migration official, who stated that a flight from El Paso brought in 80 people, another from Tucson brought in another 80, and a third from El Paso brought in about 105.

The operation was extensive, according to Leavitt, who said, “The Trump Administration has also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft.” The biggest, most extensive deportation operation in history is currently in progress.

This signaled the start of a more vigorous campaign to stop illegal immigration as part of Trump’s larger immigration agenda.

The post Mass Deportations Underway: Trump Admin Targets Illegal Immigration appeared first on TheNigerian.

Quite incredible!  In a twinkle of an eye, four persons kissed death during and in the aftermath of the invasion/desecration of Capitol Hill by pro-Trump extremist supporters. Capitol Hill, America’s most powerful symbol of democracy and civil authority, transmuted into an artefact of sorrows, wails, death and blood.

It is an understatement to say, the world is stunned to its marrow! Trump protestors defiled every moral sanctity and the gods of American democracy. They audaciously despoiled the serenity and sacredness of Washington DC, America’s federal capital with reckless impunity.

Enraged American rioters violently broke police barricades to access the Capitol Hill building, smashed window windowpanes, doors, attacked and sparred with security agents so brazenly. The sinister motive was to fart on America’s democracy by disrupting the ceremonial Congress confirmation of President-elect, Joe Biden. The demonstrators schemed to snatch the ballot boxes of the joint Congress session before the gavel descends in the authentication of Joe Biden. They crudely sought to re-enact the Nigerian scenario of inconclusive elections.

But American Police were impatient. They tolerated the remonstrators only for a while. Their gentlemanliness in the face of provocation in line of duty soon dissipated and hobnailed anger. It led to unimaginable security breaches and pandemonium, regarded as the first and worse in American democratic history in over 200 years.

Read also: ASUU Strike: Human rights activist, Agbese writes PMB, volunteers to lead negotiation with union

A woman in the crowd of protestors had a bullet pierced through her luckless body. She was fatally shot point-blank, in the chest, in broad daylight and killed right inside the Capitol Hill building by the police. The trigger-puller cop never gave her a chance to confess her sins. Or probably, seek forgiveness from God Almighty, her Creator, before the journey to eternity. She died instantly.  Rest in peace, “Madame.” You are one of the unfortunate victims and martyrs of American democracy.

Three others, another woman and two men, also gave up the ghost from the fracas after fruitless battles with life in concomitant protests medical emergencies. What? So, America, the global landlords of democracy and respecter of “law and order,” could have security agents spill blood this carelessly?  This is unbelievable! Oooh, American pride nosedived into the odious ditch of partisan extremism akin to familiar African experiences.

The blood of Republican President Donald Trump, America’s outgoing President must have a tinge of African descent. He planned an electoral coup in 2020; but as master of manipulations, he held unto the daisy dais until January 2021, before the coup failed. He must have been a brave man in negativity. He exudes the democratic credentials of most African civilian despots.

Read also: ASUU Strike: Human rights activist, Agbese writes PMB, volunteers to lead negotiation with union

Shockingly, though, before the mob violently broke into the Capitol Hill building with the intent of snatching congress ballot boxes, President Trump had urged his acolytes at a rally held in Ellipse park days earlier, never to concede defeat.

A furious Trump yelled; “We will never give up. We will never concede. It doesn’t happen. You don’t concede when there’s theft involved.”  And his supporters chanted; “Trump won the election.” That’s the spirit of African modern democrats, in every exactitude. But finally, America and her peoples triumphed against President Trump.  The will of the majority of Americans prevailed and it did not matter as Trump puts it, whether the presidential election had been “rigged” by “radical democrats” and the “fake news media.”

Nonetheless, four Americans paid the supreme price, in partisan-induced protests, which morphed into violence. The deaths came because the rioters resorted to violence, overwhelmed and overpowered the police with barbaric or undemocratic force.

President Trump supporters were ravenous. They pulled down the American flag at the Capitol Hill and replaced it with Trump’s flag. It was an audacious and very determined assault on American democratic heritage.  The cops on duty could not stomach it anymore and everyone had to contend with his unwarranted or senseless bellyache. Security agents did the needful; they resorted to aggressive force to restore public law and order; much as the dignity of nationhood.

America, like Nigeria, are all democratic nations. The haters of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration campaigned vigorously about the imaginary violation of human rights of Nigerians in the #EndSARS protests.  This was even after the demonstrators turned violent, in killings and arsons. The pro-#EndSARS exponents or promoters condemned and faulted every action of Mr. President in containing the violent protests, but were blind to the contraventions of the violent demonstrators.

Read also: Philip Agbese: Philanthropist promises Lobi Stars N250,000 per goal

The godfathers of #EndSARS protesters foraged everywhere to find conjured evidence to smear and taint the Buhari Presidency over the protests but found none. Unrelenting, the #EndSARS agitators feebly held unto the Lekki Toll Gate alleged shootings by soldiers of the Nigerian Army. They spun a serial web of fake news and tales, claiming various casualty figures from shootings which irritatingly resisted conformity.

The target was to rub mud on President Buhari’s face for alleged abuse of the basic tenets of democracy and also, nail the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. TY Buratai over counterfeit claims that soldiers shoot and killed unarmed and defenceless protesters at Lekki. But their surfeit of crafted tales got them more confused than the personalities they desperately sought to malign or defame and it faded with time.

History is a silent bookkeeper and humanity’s reminder of events. Today, the same Nigerians who falsely whined over fictitious tales of Lekki shootings, copiously citing America’s perfectness, have been nicely shamed by the episode of Capitol Hill’s violent invasion by protestors in America.  But the innocent are always vindicated, if not by man, certainly, by God Almighty.

Read also: Final Return of Peace to North East Nigeria and Matters Arising By Philip Agbese

Gen. Buratai does not joke with unprofessional conduct by soldiers. He has a special and unfading passion for Nigerians. He perceives every Nigerian as a member of his larger family and treats everyone in the course of his duties like his blood brother or sister. That’s why the COAS is very impatient with any confirmed trace of human rights abuses of Nigerians allegedly perpetrated by soldiers on special assignments anywhere in the country.

It explained his instant establishment of the novel Human Rights Desk in all Army Divisions in the country. Under his leadership, soldiers accept the civil summons and appear in conventional courts to defend themselves over charges of alleged human rights violations. Nigerian soldiers are very conscious of the strictness of the Army Chief on human rights violations and dare not provoke his sensibilities in this direction.

Soldiers assigned to restore public law and order at the Lekki Toll Gate also performed the assignment professionally and creditably. They imposed peace without firing a shot at any protester. What propels the passion of Nigerian soldiers today is shared humanity with all Nigerians. It is conspicuous and it is verifiable. Soldiers performed this difficult assignment professionally and commendably.

Therefore, the shadow of innocence which hovers on their heads is the divine reason for their exculpation from the malicious and vindictive persecutions by troubleshooters in Nigeria, as exemplified by the latest Lekki incident. Those who assemble in dark chambers to concoct all manner of lies and instigate public hatred on soldiers have never succeeded, but rather end up disgracing themselves.

Nigerians should count themselves lucky to have been gifted with a brilliant, humane and compassionate soldier like Gen. Buratai as leader of the Nigerian Army at this point in history. Those who intentionally oppose or seek to disparage him may be understandably blind to the substance of his leadership. But events and time would continue to exonerate and upraise him.

Read also: No PDP, No Senate! Buhari’s Armed Forces Not Failing 

The outside world also appreciates Gen. Buratai’s modest contributions to the Nigerian Army; like millions of other impartial and unbiased Nigerians. This is why Gen.  Buratai’s initiative to have a Human Rights Desk for the Nigerian Army in every Army Division has paid off. It is beneficial to both Nigerians and the country, visible in improved foreign relations. Nigeria has become a beacon of hope to other nations on how the military should best handle violent protests.

If an enraged cop in a violent protest milieu could shoot point-blank at the chest of a woman in America; what would have been expected of soldiers in Nigeria under the same scenario? But Gen. Buratai has tamed them; they are no longer the brutish and cruel personnel of the days of yore, but a decent and patriotic Army of global acclaim.

May the malicious campaigns of the #EndSARS promoters and acolytes against the COAS and soldiers keep chorusing requiem songs for the antagonists. A big salute to the Nigerian Military, especially, the Nigerian Army.

Agbese is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom.

Read also: Covid-19: Foundation provides succour to Agila land in Benue, donates foodstuffs, cash.

The post Capitol Hill and a salute to Nigerian Military appeared first on TheNigerian.