NIGERIA NEWS
Explosions hit Kwara community after US strikes in Sokoto
There was panic in Offa, Kwara state following explosions in the town on Thursday night.
These explosions destroyed several properties and caused chaos.
It came hours after the US launched airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria.
The incident in Offa happened at two separate locations around midnight.
The first one affected several buildings around the Eid praying ground area, while the second occurred near Solid Worth Hotel, located about a five-minute walk from the initial site.
However, the exact source and nature of the explosions, has not yet been confirmed.
Confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government, Abiola Azeez Babatunde, said in a statement, “The Offa Local Government has taken note of reports circulating regarding a suspected ordnance-related incident that occurred in the precinct of Offa Yidi Praying Ground on December 25, 2025.
“The affected areas have been cordoned off by security agencies to allow for thorough investigation.”
Human rights lawyer and social critic, Dele Farotimi, has criticised reported United States US military airstrikes on ISIS-linked targets in Nigeria, calling them a breach of national sovereignty.
He said the alleged action reflects deeper leadership failures and the inability of Nigerian authorities to independently protect the country’s territorial integrity.
Farotimi reacts to reported US involvement
Farotimi made the remarks in a post on his X handle while reacting to reports of US involvement in counter-terrorism operations in north-west Nigeria.
He argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty has been repeatedly weakened by political leaders who lack the resolve to defend the nation without foreign intervention.
The lawyer said foreign military actions within Nigeria’s borders highlight long-standing governance problems and weak assertion of independence in security matters.
Claims of past foreign influence
Drawing from regional events, Farotimi recalled an incident involving France and neighbouring Benin Republic.
“Macron sent a now-disgraced Nigeria to bomb coupists in sovereign Benin,” Farotimi wrote.
He alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted without legislative approval and placed Nigeria’s sovereignty under foreign influence.
Farotimi further claimed that the reported US airstrikes under President Donald Trump followed a similar pattern of external disregard.
“(Trump) peeing over Nigeria’s sovereignty,” he said, accusing Nigeria’s political elite of enabling such actions through silence and complicity.
He added that foreign powers act boldly because Nigeria’s leadership has failed to demand accountability or firmly assert national independence in security affairs.
Chinua Soludo, son of Govenor Chukwuma Soludo, paid an unscheduled visit to three hospitals in Anambra state on Christmas Day, where he cleared the medical bills of several patients.
The visits, which took him to hospitals in Adazi-Nnukwu, Nnobi, and Ekwulobia, were carried out in the spirit of the Christmas season.
Beneficiaries and their relatives received the gesture with prayers for divine blessings and protection, with many moved to tears.
At St. Joseph Hospital in Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha local government area, Chinua cleared outstanding hospital bills for more than five patients and provided transport fares to enable them return home to celebrate Christmas with their families.
One of the patients at the hospital, who owed ₦933,500 and had been detained after discharge, had her bill fully settled and was also assisted with transport fare.
At Nnobi General Hospital, Chinua cleared a bill of over ₦120,000 for a patient who had been treated for acute malaria.
The patient was thereafter discharged to reunite with family members for the Christmas celebration.
In Ekwulobia, Chinua visited Ekwulobia General Hospital, where he paid the hospital bills of nearly 10 women and also provided transport assistance.
Around the same period last year, Chinua carried out a similar hospital outreach at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka, where he cleared the medical bills of dozens of patients.
The Federal Government has secured about $1.2 billion in financing from the United Arab Emirates to advance construction of a key segment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.
The Presidency made this announcement in a statement on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
The funding will be applied to a 56-kilometre section of the coastal freeway, one of the Federal Government’s flagship infrastructure projects.
When completed, the highway is expected to span 700 kilometres along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, linking major economic and commercial centres.
What FG is saying
President Bola Tinubu said the deal ensures uninterrupted progress on the project as the government intensifies efforts to close Nigeria’s infrastructure gap.
“This is a major achievement, and closing this transaction means the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will continue unimpeded,” President Bola Tinubu said in the statement.
He added that the government would continue to pursue creative financing options to support large-scale infrastructure development across the country.
Context and backstory
In July, Nigeria secured an additional $747 million in financing for another section of the same highway, demonstrating the project’s scale and phased funding structure.
- The deal was led by Deutsche Bank, acting as the Global Coordinator and Lead Arranger, alongside a consortium of international and regional lenders.
- In addition to Deutsche Bank, the loan syndicate includes prominent institutions such as First Abu Dhabi Bank, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Nexent Bank N.V. (formerly Credit Europe Bank N.V.), and Nigeria’s own Zenith Bank.
- The loan was fully underwritten by First Abu Dhabi Bank, with risk mitigation provided by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, reflecting growing Gulf participation in Nigeria’s infrastructure financing.
- Hitech Construction’s Managing Director, Dany Abboud, confirmed that over 70% of the section is completed.
He emphasised that the use of CRCP technology would ensure unmatched durability and cost efficiency, setting a new standard for road construction in Nigeria.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway has been positioned as a transformative transport corridor aimed at improving logistics, trade, tourism and regional integration.
What this means
The latest UAE-backed facility strengthens funding certainty for one of Nigeria’s largest road projects and signals sustained international confidence in the country’s infrastructure programme.
If delivered as planned, the coastal highway could significantly reduce travel time, stimulate coastal economic activity, and enhance connectivity between southern states—key objectives of the Tinubu administration’s growth and development agenda.
Wale Igbintade
Four suspected oil thieves have been arrested in Delta State following the interception of a vessel, MT Thor, allegedly involved in the illegal handling of crude oil, authorities have confirmed.
The suspects were handed over alongside the seized vessel at Koko Port by Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), a Federal Government contractor for pipeline surveillance, to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft.
Speaking during the handover, Tantita’s Executive Director of Operations, Captain Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended aboard MT Thor with petroleum products believed to have been illegally sourced.
A situation report issued by the Head of Investigation of the Task Force’s Special Prosecution Team, CSP Omar Sini, disclosed that the vessel was intercepted on 15 December 2025 along the Kokpo–Excravos axis of Delta State following intelligence provided by Tantita.
According to investigators, MT Thor was allegedly escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja—an assertion now under investigation.
Preliminary findings linked the vessel to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited. Authorities said relevant documents, including court orders submitted by the jetty’s owner, identified as Mr. Ebenezer, are currently being reviewed.
CSP Sini said a joint investigation team comprising officers of the Task Force, Tantita, and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) conducted inspections and obtained product samples at the jetty between 16 and 17 December 2025 for laboratory analysis.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft syndicates in the Niger Delta, noting that sustained enforcement had contributed to an increase in Nigeria’s crude oil output from about 1.4 million to 1.8 million barrels per day.
However, he expressed concern that weak judicial sanctions in some oil theft cases undermine deterrence, despite statutory provisions allowing for life imprisonment.
Former Bayelsa Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, says the fight against terrorism should be a shared international responsibility.
This was as he commended the collaborative effort between the United States and Nigeria in the recent airstrikes against ISIS targets
The public commentator said this via his verified X handle on Friday, stressing that ISIS remains a grave threat to global peace and security.
According to the former lawmaker, confronting such a menace should never be Nigeria’s burden alone, especially given its limited resources.
He further stated that it is far more effective, and responsible, when the international community acts collectively.
“I therefore believe the decision by the United States to act, with Nigeria collaborating and providing critical intelligence, was the right one.
I commend President Donald Trump and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their leadership, and I fully support the strikes. They were necessary, justified, and ultimately the right course of action,” he said.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured Nigerians of improved security, stating that President Bola Tinubu has put up robust strategies in collaboration with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.
Naija News reports that the Chief Press Secretary to Okpehbolo, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that the governor gave the assurance while delivering a speech at an interdenominational prayer service held at his residence in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
Describing insecurity, kidnappings, cultism and cult-related activities as ‘Egyptians’, Okpebholo assured that Nigerians, “shall see them no more.”
According to him, Nigerians should continue to pray for President Tinubu and his administration, noting that sustained prayers are crucial to the successful delivery of the government’s electioneering promises.
Okpehbolo emphasised that consistent prayers and effective collaboration with security agencies have continued to improve security in Edo State, noting a sharp decline in kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities.
He said, “I want to assure you that our administration and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and property of Nigerians and to make Edo State safer. The Egyptians we see today in Edo State and Nigeria, we shall see them no more. The kidnappings we saw yesterday, we shall see them no more.
“The cultism and cult-related activities we saw yesterday, we shall see them no more. I request prayers for Mr President Tinubu. This is a time he truly needs our prayers because he is doing so much for Nigeria, despite several criticisms against his government”
“The President is implementing far-reaching policies and economic reforms that will develop the nation.
“As we are working to develop Edo State, some people are trying to divert our attention and set the state on the path of retrogression. I appeal for your prayers, asking God to frustrate the enemies of the state.
“We need prayers for our land because without prayers, development will be difficult. Businesses will not thrive, and economic activities will suffer.”
Also speaking at the prayer service, Reverend Francis Okhale, in his sermon titled “Crossing Over with Gratitude,” urged the congregation always to give thanks to God, stressing that gratitude opens the door to the fulfilment of expectations.
He encouraged the people to continue praying for Governor Okpebholo, who he said had gathered the congregation to give thanks to God for the achievements recorded by his administration in the past year.
He said, “We are here to honour God Almighty for what He is using Senator Monday Okpebholo to do for the Edo people. We can see the impact of his administration, especially in infrastructural development such as flyovers, schools, hospitals, and other critical projects.”
Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called for calm and law-abiding conduct following reports of an airstrike carried out as part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States.
In a statement on Thursday, Tambuwal said he had taken note of the reports surrounding the operation and urged communities to remain peaceful as relevant authorities work to clarify the circumstances of the strike.
The former governor assured residents of Sokoto South that he is actively engaging with security authorities to obtain full details of the operation and to ensure that all necessary safeguards are observed.
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He stressed that the protection of civilian lives remains paramount in all legitimate security efforts.
Tambuwal emphasised that counterterrorism operations are directed at criminal and terrorist elements who threaten national security, not at innocent civilians who are themselves victims of insecurity.
According to him, safeguarding the lives and wellbeing of citizens must remain central to any security intervention.
He commended the courage and professionalism of Nigerian military and security personnel, noting that they continue to work under extremely challenging conditions to confront terrorism and banditry, often in collaboration with international partners.
Tambuwal said their sacrifices and commitment to restoring peace and stability deserve the support and cooperation of all Nigerians.
The senator also called on community leaders, traditional institutions and residents to work closely with security agencies by sharing credible intelligence and resisting misinformation that could fuel fear or tension within communities.
He expressed confidence that through unity, vigilance and support for lawful security operations, Nigeria would overcome terrorism and achieve lasting peace, particularly in Sokoto State and the wider country.
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Communities in Tangaza and Tambuwal Local Government Areas of Sokoto State have confirmed separate drone attacks on their communities, which they claim were carried out by the United States military.
Findings by our correspondent indicate that one of the attacks occurred in Jabo District of Tambuwal Local Government Area, a community previously not affected by insecurity.
Locals confirmed that the incident caused widespread panic among residents. One resident recounted that they were seated when they noticed an object resembling a small aircraft approaching the community.
They claimed the attack created a very large hole, and fire was still burning, they said the object did not fall on their houses and nobody was injured.
Residents clai d to have recovered some metal fragments and plan to hand them over to the local authorities for investigation.
In Tangaza Local Government Area, residents also confirmed attacks on locations believed to be hideouts of the Lakurawa group.
A local government official, who requested anonymity, said the strikes occurred between 10 p.m. and midnight at Warriya and Alkasim villages.
He said they are yet to ascertain the full impact of the attack, including whether there were civilian casualties. Saying Security operatives are expected to visit the affected areas in the morning to verify what happened,” the official said.
However, multiple sources, including local authorities, said no airstrikes were recorded in the eastern part of Sokoto State, which has experienced banditry for over a decade.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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NIGERIA NEWS
Ogun: Eight ‘agitators’ nabbed for allegedly breaching public peace, assault of officers
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested eight suspects for allegedly breaching public peace, setting bonfires and disrupting the free flow of traffic, in Sango-Ota, axis of the state.
The suspects, four male adults and four females were reportedly agitating under the aegis of “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba” on Thursday.
They include 52-year-0ld Olurotimi Ademola, Adewale Sosanya, aged 48; Adewale Adebomojo, Toyin Gabriel, aged 40, Yusuf Tanimowo, 40, Opeyemi Oladotun, 31, Zara Gabriel, aged 22 and 19-year old Ajoke Gabriel.
Confirming the arrest to DAILY POST on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the suspects also attacked the police officers deployed to the scene to maintain law and order.
He said, “On 25th December 2025, Christmas Day, at Temidire Junction and Under-Bridge, Sango-Ota, a group agitating under the aegis of “Democratic Republic of the Yoruba” unlawfully barricaded roads, set bonfires, disrupted the free flow of traffic, and attacked police officers deployed to maintain law and order.
“Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilized to the affected locations, successfully dispersed the group, and arrested the following suspects: Adewale Sosanya, ‘M’ aged 48; Opeyemi Oladotun, ‘M’ aged 31; Zara Gabriel, ‘F’ aged 22; Ajoke Gabriel, ‘F’ aged 19; Adewale Adebomojo, ‘F’ aged 48; Yusuf Tanimowo, ‘M’ aged 40; Olurotimi Ademola, ‘M’ aged 52; and Toyin Gabriel, ‘F’ aged 40.”
According to the Babaseyi, items recovered include a Toyota Dyna vehicle used to convey the suspects, two broadcast speakers, a carton containing flags, shirts bearing inscriptions of their agitation, and banners displaying their messages and manifesto.
The PPRO added that investigation is ongoing and on completion the suspects will be charged to court.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, warning that it will not tolerate any act capable of breaching public peace.
Ogunlowo added that any assault on police officers will be met with decisive action, urging members of the public to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the command’s emergency lines.
NIGERIA NEWS
Journalist Urges Trump to Expand War on ISIS Beyond Sokoto, Names 5 Locations: “Attack Them”
- A Nigerian journalist has drawn the attention of the US president to some other places where ISIS terrorists might be hiding
- He told the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, to take immediate steps if he wants to end terrorism
- He mentioned about five places in his viral post and urged Trump to act to totally end all activities of terrorism
Hours after the president of United States, Donald Trump confirmed an attack on ISIS terrorists in Nigeria, a journalist las drawn the attention of the US president to 5 places ISIS terrorists might be hiding.
The journalist listed the 5 places while telling the US president that if he is declaring a total war on ISIS, he needs to take the war to their other bases.
Journalist urges Trump to target more ISIS bases. Photo Source: Facebook/Yakubu musa, Twitter/BrantPhilip_, Wikipedia
Source: Facebook
Journalist asks Trump to expand war
The individual identified as Yakubu musa also stated that he would be happy if a wanted terrorist, Bello Turji is eliminated.
Read also
US soldier speaks on number of times ISIS terrorists were bombed: “Happy Bombing Day”
In his statement, he wrote:
“If Trump is declaring war on ISIS, he must do it comprehensively. They are everywhere in the Sahel.”
Journalist lists five places ISIS may be hiding. Photo Source: Facebook/Yakubu musa, Twitter/BrantPhilip_, Wikipedia
Source: Facebook
Speaking about the other places Trump needs to send his missiles just like he had done to a part of sokoto, he added:
“He must expand beyond shelling Jabo and attack them in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Cameroon. Where is the Bermuda Triangle? I mean, Timbuktu Triangle? The reconnaissance flights must have mapped it well. We all thought that the den of the ISIS governor in the region was located there. Has he moved to Sokoto?”
He called for the elimination of a terrorists as he add that it would make him happy.
“Right now, I am holding my breath. I will have my excitement aroused when I hear that Bello Turji was hit in the “Merry Christmas” bombing of Jabo.”
Read also
US soldier’s chilling message at 12am hours before Trump bombed ISIS terrorists in Sokoto goes viral
Reactions as man advices US president
Samuel said:
“Oga are you teaching the US Army their job? Your post cautioning should be directed to the Nigerian Army who are known for compromise. As far as the US is concerned your post is inconsequential.”
Yola noted:
“Exactly! We will jubilate if they succeeded in neutralizing the terrorists, but his claim of ISIS target is a blatant lie. and there is no such christian targeted attacks in Sokoto.”
Aliyu wrote:
“Abinda ake gudu da tsoro ya riga ya zo; only God knows when this so called fighting for Christians will stop and the next thing you’ll hear another horrific headline, that’s how they invaded Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Palestine etccccc., even though our own scenario differs but the way they’re hijacking our forces to fight against coup de tar in neighborhood or even dictating the leader to attack the sovereign state, we know they’ve hidden agenda which only time will tells.”
Read also
ISIS terrorists: US Soldier who predicted Trump’s military action in Nigeria makes fresh prediction
Abubakar said:
“Daddy Yakubu Musa When foreign intervention occurs, the notion of “innocent civilians” becomes moot. The Nigerian government’s failure to protect its citizens has been stark; with the U.S. now involved, Nigerians can no longer claim moral high ground. Discussions regarding civilian casualties, the accuracy of strikes against terrorists, or alleged violations of sovereignty are no longer pertinent. A nation forfeits its sovereignty when it neglects its duty to ensure domestic security.”
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In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a US soldier became popular online after sharing a video reacting to Donald Trump’s warning to the Nigerian government.
US Army Nigerian advises Nigerians on Trump
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian man in the US Army urged Nigerians to accept President Donald Trump’s plan to send American soldiers to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram.
He explained that many Nigerians are scared because they fear the US may take control of Nigeria, worsen the conflict, or cause harm.
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
“First time in history” – Man drags Tinubu administration over alleged US airstrikes on terrorists
A wave of controversy has erupted across social media after a viral post by an X (formerly Twitter) user, Atikun Sokoto, strongly criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The netizen alleged that, for the first time in Nigeria’s history, foreign airstrikes are being carried out on Nigerian soil, describing the situation as evidence of a “failing administration.”
According to him, the development exposes what he termed gross incompetence in the handling of national security.
In his words, he wrote:
“First time in our history that airstrikes are happening on Nigerian soil because of a failing administration. This Tinubu government has exposed its incompetence, unable to protect citizens and now relying on foreign forces to fight terrorists.”
According to him, foreign military intervention within Nigeria’s undermines the country’s sovereignty and highlights what the critic sees as the government’s inability to independently manage internal security challenges.
While some social media users agreed with Sokoto’s frustration, expressing concern over the state of national security, others argued that international cooperation is sometimes necessary in the global fight against terrorism.
The viral post reflects growing public impatience with Nigeria’s current security framework and an increasing demand for effective, locally driven solutions to the country’s long-standing insurgency challenges.
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the state government of imposing restrictions on the use of billboards by the opposition ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The party, in a statement by the chairman, Tajudeen Lawal on Friday, alleged that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke had created an uneven playing field for political activities by directing the state’s signage regulatory agency to halt approval for APC campaign billboards in parts of the capital, Osogbo.
Lawal said the directive was targeted at the party and its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
According to the statement, “the state government allegedly instructed O’ Signage Agency not to approve the erection or pasting of APC billboards within Osogbo, particularly along the Akoda axis to the Osogbo City Stadium corridor, for a specified period leading to the election.”
The Osun APC chairman, while claiming that the decision amounted to a misuse of incumbency power, added that it was intended to restrict the campaign visibility of the APC candidate.
“The directive is oppressive, unlawful and aimed at stifling opposition activities,” he said.
The APC alleged that the state government had ordered the signage agency to identify owners of existing billboards across Osogbo and compensate them for up to three years per billboard, a move the party described as unusual and politically motivated.
Describing the development as undemocratic, the APC chairman said the party would resist the directive through lawful means.
He stated that the party believed the action was inconsistent with democratic principles and the right of political parties to campaign freely.
Referencing the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, formerly known as APCON, the APC noted that the alleged directive was not in line with national advertising regulations governing political communication.
“We want to put all statutory security agencies on notice, including the Police, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to be aware of this development,” Lawal said in the statement.
The APC leadership called on the Adeleke administration to reconsider the alleged policy, urging the government to allow all political parties to operate on equal terms ahead of the election.
The party maintained that its governorship candidate would continue preparations for the poll, insisting that no administrative action would prevent participation in lawful campaign activities across the state.
Efforts to get the spokesperson of the Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, to react to the allegation proved abortive as he was not responding to calls made to his phone number.
Senator representing Sokoto south senatorial district, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged community leaders and residents to resist misinformation capable of fuelling tension following reports of a counterterrorism airstrike involving cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
In a statement issued on Friday, the former governor of Sokoto state said he had taken note of the reports and was engaging relevant security authorities to obtain full details surrounding the operation.
“I wish to assure the people of Sokoto South that I am in active talks with relevant security authorities to obtain full details and ensure that all necessary safeguards are upheld,” he said.
Tambuwal urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that counterterrorism operations are targeted strictly at criminal and terrorist elements who pose a threat to public safety.
He stressed that innocent civilians, who are often the primary victims of insecurity, must be protected and that the preservation of civilian lives remains paramount in all legitimate security efforts.
The senator commended the courage and professionalism of Nigeria’s military and security forces, saying they continue to work tirelessly, often with international partners, under extremely challenging conditions to combat terrorism and banditry.
“Their sacrifice and commitment to restoring peace and stability deserve our full support and cooperation,” he said.
Tambuwal appealed to community leaders, traditional institutions, and residents to work closely with security agencies by sharing credible information and avoiding rumours capable of heightening fear within communities.
He said unity, vigilance, and support for lawful security operations are essential to overcoming terrorism and securing lasting peace in Sokoto state and across the country.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to keeping constituents informed as more details emerge.
Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has faulted the Federal Government over what it described as a failure in communication following reports of a United States military strike on terrorists’ assets linked to Nigeria.
This is according to a press statement signed by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, and dated December 26, 2025.
The party expressed concern that Nigerians first learned of the operation through verified social media accounts of U.S. President Donald Trump and other American officials, before Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued what it called a vague and delayed response.
The PDP said the development raises serious questions about transparency, sovereignty, and the coordination framework governing Nigeria’s security cooperation with foreign partners.
What they are saying
According to the PDP, the Federal Government only offered a passive confirmation of its awareness and cooperation in the reported U.S. operation several hours after the information had already gone viral globally.
The party argued that this “inverted communication approach,” where foreign governments announce security operations on Nigerian soil before Nigerian authorities do, does not serve the interest of the country or its citizens.
“The Federal Government should have been the first to report the news in order to properly sensitize the Nigerian populace, instead of waiting to confirm news already in public circulation, unless they were taken unawares like the rest of the citizens,” the Party stated.
The PDP added that the situation creates the impression that the government may have been caught unawares, alongside the general public.
Concerns over sovereignty and past operations
The opposition party also referenced previous reports that the U.S. military had entered and conducted operations in Nigeria without the knowledge or approval of Nigerian authorities.
According to the PDP, this historical context makes the recent communication lapse even more troubling.
The party warned that such patterns could undermine public confidence in the government’s control over national security operations and weaken perceptions of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
- The PDP urged the Federal Government to review and strengthen its defence agreements with the United States to prioritise joint operations.
- According to the statement, such collaboration would promote intelligence sharing, capacity building, and experiential learning for Nigeria’s security forces.
- The party cautioned against reliance on what it described as fully externally led “precision attacks,” arguing that sustainable solutions to insecurity require deeper local involvement and institutional learning.
Backstory
The Federal Government of Nigeria had on Friday confirmed that it engaged and cooperated with the United States following its military airstrikes against terrorist targets in the country’s North West region.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, titled “Nigeria–United States Security Cooperation and Intelligence Collaboration Hits at Terrorist Targets in Nigeria.”
This confirmation, however, came hours after President Donald Trump had announced he authorized a “powerful and deadly strike” against an ISIS terrorist base in Northwest Nigeria.
The announcement was made via his Truth Social account, where he stated that the U.S. Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” targeting the extremists.
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United States Congressman Riley Moore has said President Donald Trump is determined to bring an end to the killing of Christians in Nigeria, warning that further action could follow if the violence continues.
Moore made the statement on Friday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, following recent developments in U.S.–Nigeria counterterrorism efforts.
Congressman Riley Moore.
US Nigeria airstrikes
It would be recalled that the United States government had carried out an airstrike in Nigeria on terrorists in Northwest Nigeria.
The reports have stirred mixed views from individuals who have continued to react to it.
Congressman Riley Moore speaks
According to the lawmaker, the recent strike represents an initial step in addressing what he described as the ongoing slaughter of Christians, as well as the wider security crisis affecting Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines.
He cautioned that the resolve of the Trump administration on the issue should not be underestimated, stressing that the operation signals a tougher stance by the United States in support of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Riley Moore warns of further actions
Moore added that additional measures may be taken if the security situation fails to improve.
He said …
“President Trump has been clear that the killing of Christians in Nigeria must end.
As I stated at the outset: Do not test President Trump‘s resolved in this matter. Tonight’s strike in coordination with the Nigerian government is just the first step to ending the slaughter of Christians and the security crisis affecting all Nigerians.”
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