US Adds Nigeria To Partial Travel Restriction List As Trump Expands Entry Controls

President Donald Trump has approved a new Proclamation expanding US travel restrictions, with citizens of 15 additional countries now subject to partial entry limitations as part of stricter security measures. The decision, taken on Tuesday, is aimed at reinforcing travel screening and national security standards. The countries newly placed under partial restrictions are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Proclamation retains full travel restrictions on 12 countries earlier identified as high risk. These are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. In addition, five more countries have been moved into the full restriction category following updated security assessments. They are Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, along with individuals travelling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial limits, have also been upgraded to full restrictions, while partial measures remain in effect for Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela. The order removes non-immigrant visa restrictions on Turkmenistan, with US authorities citing improved cooperation with Washington, although immigrant visa limits for its citizens remain unchanged. Exemptions under the Proclamation apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories including diplomats and athletes, and individuals whose entry is considered to be in the national interest of the United States.

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Riley Moore to Brief President Trump After U.S. Visit to Nigeria Over Alleged Christian Genocide

U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has revealed that he will brief President Donald Trump following a fact-finding mission to Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide. Moore led a five-member congressional delegation that arrived in Nigeria on Sunday. During the visit, they met with survivors of terrorist attacks, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Christian communities, leaders, and traditional rulers, particularly in Benue State. The delegation also held discussions with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Speaking on Fox News with Harris Faulkner, Moore described the accounts they heard as some of the most shocking of his career. He recounted the story of a woman who lost five children in front of her while pregnant, later giving birth in an IDP camp. He also shared another case of a woman who lost her husband, two daughters, and unborn child in an attack, highlighting a pattern of violence against Christians. Due to security risks, the delegation traveled in armored vehicles, meeting with Catholic and Protestant leaders, bishops, and community heads to gather what Moore called “ground truth.” “This is a fact-finding mission. Benue is one of the most dangerous states in Nigeria. This is where many Christians are being killed for their faith,” he said. Moore also noted that IDP camps were attacked, challenging claims that the violence is solely driven by climate or land disputes. President Trump has tasked Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to compile a full report on their findings and provide recommendations, which they are expected to deliver by the end of the month. In October, Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide, a classification the Nigerian government has disputed, insisting the country’s security crisis is not religiously motivated.

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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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US To Impose Visa Restrictions On Individuals Persecuting Christians In Nigeria

The United States has announced visa restrictions targeting individuals involved in the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed the measures on X on Wednesday, saying they will apply to anyone who directs, authorizes, funds, or supports violations of religious freedom. “United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” Rubio said. “The @StateDept will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.” The decision follows President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing what he described as “genocide against Christians” in the country. Trump announced the designation on October 30 via Truth Social and later highlighted it during a national address.

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Badaru Abubakar Denies Resignation Rumours Claiming He Opposed US And Tinubu’s Military Actions

Former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has refuted online reports suggesting he resigned from office because he “could not stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.” In a statement on Wednesday, Badaru described the publication as false, malicious, and misleading. He stressed that neither he nor any authorised representative made such remarks. “The report aims to damage my reputation, create friction between me and President Bola Tinubu, and generate unnecessary controversy,” he said. Badaru clarified that the reasons for his resignation were formally communicated to the President and had already been made public through official channels. He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s peace and stability and expressed continued support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former minister urged the public to disregard the viral claims, calling them the work of mischief makers.

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US Congress To Hold Briefing On Attacks Against Christians In Nigeria Tuesday

The United States House Appropriations Committee will hold a joint congressional briefing on Tuesday to examine the reported persecution of Christians in Nigeria, officials confirmed. US Congressman Riley Moore shared on X that the session will be led by House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and National Security Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, with participation from members of the Appropriations, Foreign Affairs, and Financial Services Committees. Representatives from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, along with other experts, are expected to provide testimony. The briefing is intended to highlight what officials describe as “escalating violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria.” According to the announcement, the session will gather evidence for a comprehensive report “directed by President Trump on the massacre of Nigerian Christians and the steps Congress can take to support the White House’s efforts to protect vulnerable faith communities worldwide.” Committee officials said the briefing will provide lawmakers with key information on the challenges facing religious minorities. The briefing coincides with strengthened US–Nigeria security cooperation. President Bola Tinubu recently approved Nigeria’s delegation to the new US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, established to implement security agreements from high-level talks in Washington led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The working group, composed of senior ministers and security officials, aims to enhance counterterrorism operations, intelligence sharing, border security, and coordination on humanitarian and civilian protection issues. The initiative comes amid rising concerns over terrorism, banditry, and attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria, prompting heightened scrutiny and warnings from US authorities about the protection of vulnerable faith communities.

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Russia-Ukraine War Live: US Envoy Steve Witkoff Heads to Moscow as Trump Pushes for Rapid Peace Deal

At least 19 civilians have been wounded following a series of overnight Russian drone strikes on Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, authorities said, as heavy fighting continues along the front lines. The attacks came amid intensifying diplomatic activity, with the United States confirming that special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of Washington’s push to secure a ceasefire agreement. Ukraine signals openness to US plan The Ukrainian government said it supports the “essence” of a new US-backed proposal aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that “progress” is being made, even as negotiations drag on in Geneva and other European capitals. Witkoff’s visit is the most direct engagement yet between Washington and Moscow under the Trump administration’s peace initiative. Russia accuses Europe of undermining peace efforts Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed that European politicians and media outlets are attempting to undermine US-led efforts to broker a settlement, accusing Western governments of trying to prolong the conflict to weaken Moscow. The EU, UK and other Western partners have publicly expressed concerns about parts of the US plan, warning that any agreement must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russian air defences repel multiple drone attacks Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence units intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones across the Belgorod, Voronezh, Lipetsk, and Bryansk regions on Tuesday night. No casualties were reported. As diplomatic efforts resume and battlefield intensity escalates, the coming days are expected to be pivotal in determining whether the warring parties move closer to a negotiated settlement or brace for another winter of fighting.

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US Revokes Thousands of Visas Over Crimes, Security and Immigration Violations

The U.S. government has revoked visas for thousands of foreign nationals as part of efforts to enhance public safety. In a statement on Thursday, the U.S. Department of State said the action reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to keeping promises and prioritizing the safety and interests of American citizens. The revocations targeted individuals involved in criminal activities, including assault, theft, and driving under the influence. In 2025, 16,000 people had their visas canceled for DUI offenses, 12,000 for assault, and 8,000 for theft. Other reasons for visa revocation included terrorism, support for terrorist activities, threats to public safety, and overstaying visas. The Department emphasized that these measures are aimed at protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.

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