US Lawmaker Riley Moore Calls Nigeria Visit “Very Productive” Amid Security And Counter-Terrorism Talks

US House of Representatives member Riley Moore has described his recent visit to Nigeria as “very productive,” highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the country’s “Country of Particular Concern” designation by former US President Donald Trump. Posting on X on Sunday, Moore wrote, “I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people. Just ending a very productive visit to Nigeria and rounds of meetings. More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!” While he did not provide immediate specifics about the purpose of his trip or the Nigerian officials he met, Moore promised to share further insights in the coming days. Earlier, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu confirmed that he hosted the US Congressional delegation as part of ongoing security consultations between Nigeria and the United States. Ribadu explained that the visit followed prior discussions in Washington, D.C., centered on mutual security interests. “This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, DC, on shared security priorities,” Ribadu said on his official X account. He added that US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, attended the meeting, emphasizing that it underscored the importance both nations attach to security cooperation. Discussions reportedly focused on counter-terrorism, regional stability, and ways to strengthen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States. “I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” Ribadu added. According to previous reports, Moore met with a senior Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu to discuss concerns over rising attacks on Christians and the growing threat of terrorism in the country. The lawmaker had first confirmed the high-level meeting in Washington, D.C., via a statement on his X page.

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Buratai Rejects Terrorism Financing Claims, Demands Retraction and Apology

Former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt.-General Tukur Buratai (rtd), has rejected claims linking him to terrorism financing, describing the allegations as entirely false and malicious. In a statement released on Saturday and signed by his former Army spokesperson, Brig.-General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Buratai said the insinuation is inconsistent with facts and contradicts his lifelong commitment to defending Nigeria against terrorism. The statement followed an online report connecting him and other prominent figures to terrorism financiers. The statement stressed that at no time in his career was Buratai ever investigated, questioned, or associated with terrorism financing by any official body, including security agencies, intelligence services, judicial panels, or oversight institutions. It also criticized Sahara Reporters for relying solely on the unverified claims of Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd), calling the publication a “misrepresentation borne out of malice” with no factual or legal basis. Buratai’s statement highlighted his four decades of service, noting his leadership in significantly weakening Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaiming territories, restoring civil administration, and facilitating the return of displaced Nigerians. “It defies logic to suggest that the same person who led decisive actions against terrorism could be connected to the very elements he spent his career fighting,” the statement said. The statement concluded by demanding that Sahara Reporters and Major General Ali-Keffi retract the publication and issue a public apology, warning that failure to comply would force Buratai to pursue legal action to protect his reputation.

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Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Claims Foreign Powers Are Backing Terrorist Groups In Nigeria

Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has claimed that foreign powers are backing terrorist groups responsible for the rising insecurity in Nigeria. In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Gumi said recent attack patterns across the country suggest external support for armed groups, noting that the situation contradicts earlier signs of improvement in national security. He cited the Abuja–Kaduna highway, once considered highly dangerous for commuters, which had become safer in recent months before the latest surge in violence. He also highlighted farmers in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, who had returned to their farmlands after previously abandoning them due to persistent threats, indicating a temporary improvement in security. Gumi urged the Nigerian government to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen diplomatic efforts, and investigate all foreign links that may be contributing to the country’s insecurity.

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Senate Steps In To End ASUU Strike, Sets Meeting With Education Minister And NUC

Senate Passes Bill To Classify Kidnapping And Hostage-Taking As Terrorism With Death Penalty

A bill seeking to classify all kidnapping and hostage-taking offences as acts of terrorism has passed its second reading at the Senate, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The proposed legislation prescribes the death penalty for all kidnapping-related crimes, with no option for fines or alternative sentences. Lawmakers said the bill is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s terrorism laws. Akpabio emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that issues raised in plenary must first be discussed in public hearings before being formally prohibited to reflect current realities. “It’s something we fast-track to go for public hearing and thereafter concordance. Everything you are saying here, you must say at a public hearing and then prohibit it to suit today’s situation,” he said. The Senate President invited senators to voice their support, giving proponents and opponents an opportunity to respond. He instructed, “Those who support this bill say hi, and those against say nay the hi of it.” The bill aims to amend the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act to designate kidnapping and related offences as acts of terrorism and prescribe the death penalty. Akpabio read the bill’s main proposal and formal title to clarify its contents. After the second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judicial, Human Rights, and Legal Matters as the lead committee, with support from the Committees on National Security and Interior, and a two-week deadline to report back. The bill had its first reading on 27 November 2025, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and passed after a voice vote. Currently, Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Act applies the death penalty only when a kidnapping results in the victim’s death. Other kidnapping offences carry varying penalties, including life imprisonment, while ransom payments attract a minimum of 15 years. Recent cases highlighting the threat include the rescue of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 church worshippers in Kwara State, though no arrests have been reported in either incident.

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FG Denies Claim Of Nationwide Unity School Shutdown

The Federal Ministry of Education has debunked viral claims that all schools nationwide were instructed to shut down on November 24, 2025, describing the message circulating on social media as entirely unfounded. In a statement released on Saturday, ministry spokesperson Folasade Boriowo stressed that no closure directive was issued by the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education, or any recognised security agency. She urged the public to rely strictly on verified information. According to the ministry, “Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared.” It advised Nigerians to confirm the authenticity of any message before circulating it to help curb the spread of misinformation. The clarification follows the Federal Government’s decision a day earlier to temporarily shut down 41 federal secondary schools located in high-risk areas after recent abductions in Niger and Kebbi states. Several state governments — including Kwara, Plateau, Katsina and Niger — have also closed some schools due to rising security concerns. In Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas ordered all public and private schools to immediately deboard their students as a precautionary safety measure.

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Terrorism: Rema Says Nigeria Cannot Be Great Until Its Youth Are Protected

Rema has weighed in on the escalating wave of terrorist attacks across Nigeria, warning that the nation cannot achieve true progress while its young people remain exposed and undervalued. Taking to his X page, he wrote: “Until they protect the youths and allow them to grow into their full potential, Nigeria will never be truly great. 💔🇳🇬” His remark comes at a tense moment for the country following recent terror strikes in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger that have triggered heightened security alerts nationwide. The attacks — ranging from assaults on communities to targeted strikes on schools — have deepened public anxiety and renewed calls for urgent action.

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Delhi Red Fort Blast: Terrorism Law Invoked After 13 Killed, 20 Injured

At least 13 people have been killed and 20 others injured in a powerful car explosion that occurred on Monday night near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, India. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blast, but police in the Indian capital have invoked the country’s anti-terrorism law as investigations continue. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the explosion happened just before 7 p.m. (13:30 GMT) and is believed to have originated from a Hyundai i20 car that was halted at a traffic signal. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos following the explosion, with mangled vehicles and bodies scattered across the area. Police and forensic teams quickly cordoned off the site, restricting public access as investigators gathered evidence. The Red Fort area, a major historical landmark and popular tourist attraction, has been placed under tight security as authorities search for possible suspects and motives behind the attack.

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Tinubu Vows To Defeat Terrorism, Boost Nigeria’s Global Partnerships

President Bola Tinubu has vowed to tackle criminal activities threatening Nigeria while strengthening the nation’s diplomatic relations worldwide. Addressing the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday before it entered a closed-door session, Tinubu said, “We are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism.” The meeting at Aso Rock Villa’s Council Chamber was the first FEC session since July, DAILY POST reports. His remarks come days after U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” a designation the Federal Government described as a misrepresentation of the country’s security situation. Tinubu emphasized that his administration is actively working with international partners to promote security, stability, and economic growth. “Despite political headwinds and fears, we will continue to engage with our partners. The success of the $2.3 billion Eurobond, which was oversubscribed, demonstrates confidence in our economy. The task ahead is immense, but we remain committed to progress with unity and purpose,” he said. He reassured Nigerians that the country is united and determined to pursue peace and prosperity.

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