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Tag: Nigeria

BREAKING: US Confirms Airstrikes On ISIS Camps In Sokoto, Nigeria

Wale busari05 mins

U.S. forces have carried out airstrikes on Islamic State targets in northwest Nigeria following weeks of intelligence operations and at the request of Nigerian authorities, according to the U.S. military’s Africa Command. The strikes, conducted in Sokoto State, killed multiple ISIS militants operating from known camps. The operation followed intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria that began in late November, Reuters reported. Footage released by the Pentagon showed at least one projectile launched from a U.S. warship, while a U.S. defense official said several militants were struck during coordinated attacks. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes were part of ongoing security cooperation with Washington, involving intelligence sharing and strategic coordination. “This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” the ministry said in a post on X. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also acknowledged the collaboration, thanking Nigeria for its support and adding: “More to come…” .@POTUS “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and… pic.twitter.com/ct7rUW128t — Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) December 26, 2025 Donald Trump announced the strikes on Christmas Day from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, saying on Truth Social: “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries! “I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.” Trump has repeatedly accused Islamist militants in Nigeria of targeting Christians and previously warned of possible U.S. military intervention if the violence continued. However, Nigeria’s government has rejected framing the country’s insecurity as religious persecution, insisting that armed groups attack both Muslims and Christians and that the crisis is driven by broader security challenges. Nigeria, which is nearly evenly split between Muslims and Christians, has faced years of insurgency, banditry, and communal violence across several regions. Analysts say the conflict is complex, fueled by criminal activity, territorial disputes, and longstanding economic pressures, alongside extremist violence. The airstrikes came amid renewed attacks elsewhere in the country. Police said a suspected suicide bomber killed at least five people and injured 35 others in Nigeria’s northeast, another area plagued by Islamist insurgents. Earlier on Christmas Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appealed for unity and peace in a message posted on X, calling for harmony “especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs.” He added: “I stand committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence.” The Nigeria operation follows recent U.S. strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria after a suspected ISIS attack on American personnel there. Despite campaigning as a leader opposed to “endless wars,” Trump’s return to office has been marked by a series of overseas military actions targeting extremist groups.

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U.S Trump confirms Multiple Airstrikes in North-West Nigeria Targeting Terror Cells

Fola Badmus02 mins

The United States has confirmed carrying out a military airstrike against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Nigeria, following an order by U.S. President Donald Trump. In a statement released on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump said U.S. forces conducted what he described as “powerful and deadly” strikes on ISIS elements operating in northwest Nigeria. According to him, the operation was aimed at degrading the group’s capacity after repeated attacks on civilians in the region. Trump stated that the strike was carried out on Christmas Day and authorised directly by him as Commander-in-Chief. He accused ISIS militants of targeting innocent civilians, particularly Christians, and warned that further violence would attract stronger responses. While confirming the operation, U.S. officials have not released detailed information on the specific locations targeted or casualty figures. The U.S. military also said the action was part of broader efforts to counter terrorist threats and prevent extremist groups from gaining ground in West Africa. Reports indicate that the strike was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities, marking a notable escalation in U.S. military involvement against extremist groups operating within Nigeria. Nigerian authorities are yet to issue an official statement detailing the impact of the strike, as investigations and assessments continue.

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SWAN Celebrates With Christians On Christmas Day, Prays For Super Eagles At AFCON

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has rolled out drums to celebrate with Christians, particularly the sporting media on the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, known as Christmas. SWAN in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Thursday December 25, 2025, noted the celebration gives Christians opportunity not just to merry but to reflect on the personality of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The SWAN President then urged Nigerians to cheer-up at this time and always, bearing in mind that the challenges facing mankind are only momentary. He said, “It’s with great joy that we rejoice on a day like this. Christmas remind us of the essence of Jesus Christ. It’s a day to reflect and take stock with a view to find solace going forward. “Despite economic and other challenges facing mankind, the living joy posits that there is always hope for better times ahead.” The number one sports writer in Nigeria also enjoined Christians to share and rejoice with all as Jesus Christ exemplified while he lived on earth and through his teachings. “Christmas is also a time of sharing with one another no matter how small. We should endeavour to reach out to our neighbours, friends, loved ones, colleagues and all strata of persons around us, irrespective of tribe and religion as is in Jesus Christ nature and teachings. “Let us use this period as an opportunity to sacrifice, tough times notwithstanding, just as we promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society,” he said. President Benjamin also prayed for the successful participation of the Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, urging them to remain focused on the goal of the competition. “Teeming Nigerian football lovers expect nothing short of victory till the final of AFCON, and it’s reclaiming the title that will serve as soothing relief for recent World Cup qualifier performance,” he said. While commending the federal government for fulfilling its 2023 AFCON promises to the country’s senior men team and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its dogged impact in Nigeria’s sports development within a short while, the SWAN President urged sustained approach with the Super Eagles reciprocating accordingly.

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US Embassy, Lagos Consulate To Shut For Three Days Over Christmas Holidays

Wale busari02 mins

The United States has confirmed that its diplomatic offices in Nigeria will temporarily shut down to mark the Christmas holidays, with services paused at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, that both locations will be closed for three days, starting from Wednesday, December 24, to Friday, December 26, 2025. Operations at the two missions are scheduled to resume on Monday, December 29, 2025, when normal consular and administrative activities will restart. “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, December 26, 2025. We will resume normal work operations on Monday, December 29, 2025,” the mission stated. During the closure, routine services such as visa appointments and other non-emergency consular matters will be unavailable. Emergency support for U.S. citizens will, however, continue in line with standard procedures observed during public holidays. The holiday shutdown is consistent with practices across U.S. diplomatic missions globally, which typically suspend operations during major national and religious celebrations. Members of the public have been encouraged to make necessary arrangements and await the reopening of the offices next week.

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Super Eagles Open AFCON 2025 With 2-1 Win Over Tanzania

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Nigeria began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a 2–1 win over Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday. The Super Eagles took the lead in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest from an Alex Iwobi corner to head the ball into the net. Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute, finishing from another precise assist by Iwobi after Tanzania had equalised. The match started with Nigeria pressing early, with Akor Adams’ header hitting the crossbar and Lookman’s 26th-minute attempt deflected for a corner. Victor Osimhen also came close before halftime but was stopped by Tanzanian defender Bakari Mwamnyeto. Tanzania responded shortly after the second half began, with Novatus Miroshi setting up Charles M’Mombwa, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to make it 1–1. Despite missing further opportunities, including a disallowed goal for offside by Osimhen, Nigeria managed the closing stages well to secure the victory. The win puts the Super Eagles at the top of Group C, while Tanzania will aim to recover in their next match against Uganda.

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Super Eagles AFCON 2023 Squad Collect National Honours, Housing And Land Documents

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Members of Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad that finished as runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations have formally received their national honours certificates alongside official documents for the houses and land allocations approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The presentation was carried out on December 22, 2025, at the team’s hotel in Fez, Morocco, just ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening fixture in the new AFCON qualifying series. President Tinubu had announced the reward package in recognition of Nigeria’s second-place finish at the AFCON tournament staged in Côte d’Ivoire between January and February 2024. The handover ceremony was led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko. In attendance were the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi; Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu; Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale; President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mrs. Nathan-Mash; officials of the Nigerian High Commission; and Mallam Saleh Amadu. Dikko disclosed that most of the players were conferred with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). He added that Ahmed Musa and Victor Osimhen were awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) due to their prior receipt of the MON. Team captain William Troost-Ekong received the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) following his emergence as Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2023. According to Dikko, all presidential approvals covering national honours, housing allocations in Abuja or Lagos, and land grants in Abuja have been completed, with allocation letters already issued to the beneficiaries. He also revealed that similar reward packages approved for the Super Falcons and Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have been processed. While national honours certificates and house title documents are ready for collection, the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation are finalising arrangements to credit the cash rewards, valued at $100,000 per player, directly into recipients’ bank accounts. The development reflects a renewed commitment to structured athlete welfare and fulfillment of official promises as the Super Eagles turn their attention fully to the ongoing AFCON qualification campaign.

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Super Eagles Remain 38th In FIFA Men’s World Rankings

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria have held on to their 38th position in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings. Released on Monday, the new rankings show no change for Nigeria since November, when they recorded 1,502 points, as the team has not played any competitive matches in the intervening period. The team is currently in Morocco for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Among African teams, Morocco leads the continent at 11th in the world, followed by Senegal in 19th place. Algeria and Egypt are ranked 34th and 35th, respectively, placing Nigeria just behind them. Other African nations in the continent’s top 10 include Tunisia (41st), Côte d’Ivoire (42nd), Mali (53rd), DR Congo (56th), and Cameroon (57th). On the global stage, Spain remains at the top of the FIFA rankings after reclaiming first place from Argentina in September 2025. The rest of the top 10 includes England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia, with France securing third place.

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Nicki Minaj Explains Why She Spoke Out About Persecution Of Christians In Nigeria

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Nicki Minaj has explained why she chose to speak out about the reported persecution of Christians in Nigeria, citing her personal ties to the country and reports of violence against worshippers. The rapper addressed the issue during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest on Sunday, responding to a question from Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk. When asked what inspired her to speak up, Minaj pointed to her connection to Nigeria and concerns over attacks on religious communities. “Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian barbs. So hearing that people are being kidnapped while they’re in church, people are being killed, brutalised, all because of their religion — that should spark outrage,” she said. She added, “We’re not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world.” Minaj also reflected on the global importance of religious freedom, pointing out that many people take the right to worship for granted. “We take for granted that there, right now in this world, are people who cannot worship God as they please, where they please. Every time we pray in fellowship, we have to remember the people that are right now in this world hiding to pray in fellowship, and we have to pray for them,” she said. The rapper has previously expressed concern over the situation in Nigeria, including reacting to a post by former US President Donald Trump on October 31 in which he wrote that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.” Minaj responded on November 1, saying, “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 practising their religion.” PUNCH Online reports that Minaj also drew attention last month to the treatment of Christians in Nigeria during a collaboration with US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz. At AmericaFest, she praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance as leaders who understand the concerns of ordinary Americans. During the event, Minaj noted that Christians also face challenges in the United States, stressing that leadership plays a crucial role in protecting religious freedom. “Christians have been persecuted right here in our country in different ways. So when we talk about Nigeria and other countries, know that prior administrations saw nothing wrong with that, and that’s what was wrong with them,” she said. The Nigerian government, however, has repeatedly rejected claims of a coordinated or systematic persecution of Christians. Authorities maintain that insecurity affects Nigerians of all faiths and that the country’s security challenges are complex, not the result of a state-backed campaign against any particular religion.

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