Month: November 2025

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney passed away last night at the age of 84, his family announced in a statement this morning. The cause of death was complications arising from pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease.

Cheney, who served as vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics. Known for his staunch defence of U.S. national security policies following the September 11 attacks, Cheney played a central role in shaping the Bush administration’s foreign and defence strategies, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1941, Cheney held numerous key government positions throughout his career, including White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford and Secretary of Defence under President George H.W. Bush.

In recent years, Cheney had battled various health challenges, including multiple heart-related issues. His family said funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.

“Dick Cheney was a patriot who devoted his life to serving his country,” the family’s statement said. “He will be remembered for his leadership, his resolve, and his unwavering commitment to the United States.”

By Malam Ibrahym El-Caleel

Foreign invaders such as the US, NATO and Russia strike capital cities first, basically to break command and control. This creates a leadership crisis in the country, and this is how armed militia from different parts of the country begin to get stronger. The country’s borders become porous, everything passes through. This effectively means you’d have a full scale war and an insurgency going on. Even after the war when the foreign invader leaves, your insurgency will be there staring into your eyes. Go and take learnings from Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Well, after attacking the nation’s capital, the next thing foreign invaders do is to begin working on their supposed objectives of invading. God forbid they invade Nigeria, but after Abuja, they will be heading to the purported sites of “Christian genocide” to begin the work of “saving Christians”. It is not Kano, or Jigawa or Gombe. It is North-Central, especially states like Plateau and Benue, then perhaps Southern Kaduna. These are the areas constantly flashed in the media, with a claim of Muslims in Nigeria killing Christians, when everyone knows what’s happening there!

Now, the attackers in these locations do not have designated addresses. They are bandits, killer herdsmen, kidnappers and whatnot. They are criminals who live in the bushes and always moving from one area to another. If the US will be able to clinically target them and annihilate them, then this is a very good one. Nigeria will be extremely grateful for this act of charity done from the American taxpayers’ money. Both Nigerian Muslims and Christians will be happy and grateful that the US came and annihilated these bloodthirsty beasts with clinical precision.

However, based on clear antecedents, foreign invaders don’t do this type of job free and with clinical precision. It costs a nation so much to launch an invasion, therefore nobody goes to war “free”. Secondly, interventions like this always come with collateral damage. The undisclosed costs and the collateral damage is what every Nigerian with a functional brain thinks about and shivers. Once you have a functional brain, this uncertainty is what makes you not want US presence on Nigerian soil, whether you are Muslim or Christian.

Now, back to the North-Central. The first collateral damage in Benue and Plateau States is most likely going to have more Christian victims themselves, than Muslim victims. The simple reason is because we all know that Christian population in these states is more than the Muslim population, and this is why both the governor and deputy governor in each of these states are Christian. As a Christian who is cheering Savior Trump, if you are sure that the US will be able to isolate Christian populations from the collateral damage in a densely Christian populated state, then you are good to go with your celebration.

On the flip side, the cost of the war is what I don’t understand. The US is known for fetching available mineral resources after striking nations. I do not know how they plan to tap into Nigeria’s resources because the most liquid resources are located in the South-South (Niger-Delta) region, which is far away from the sites of the so-called “Christian genocide”.

Already, a US politician and advisor of Donald Trump, named Dr Walid Phares posted earlier today that he is advising Donald Trump to establish an emergency base in Port Harcourt, in order to “deter Boko Haram and other jihadist” (his words). He posted this through his handle @WalidPhares on X (formerly, Twitter), see screenshot below.

I am not interested in the conspiracy theories since there must be a background story to the choice of Port Harcourt as a military base. Port Harcourt is considered to be the commercial center of the Nigerian oil industry. It has vast reserves of oil and natural gas, and produces more than 50% of the Nigerian crude oil and gas. It is the chosen location for establishing the US base, and from there will Trump be launching attacks on Boko Haram and other jihadists that are killing Christians.

Trump shouldn’t have much business to do with the South West, except for access to the sea. For South East, may be with Gov Soludo’s recent remarks that Christians are killing Christians in Anambra, Trump might want to go and help out there too. Otherwise, the South East should be okay too. But I looked across the core Muslim North, and I am afraid it might not really be attractive to Trump. There’s really nothing there to take back to Washington, except swathes of farmlands which Bello Turji and his brothers in terror haven’t allowed innocent Muslim farmers access to cultivate.

Additionally, I don’t see any serious Nigerian economy structure that would interest Trump. If he’s coming to the core Muslim North, then it’d be the usual false flag operation as the US did in Iraq. It’d be a cover up to the war crimes it’d commit and the oil benefits it’d get through its Port Harcourt military base. For the gold mines in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and co, the villagers in those locations have already flew away since the bandits intensified their attacks on those villages. When Trump’s army arrives there, it’d be an engagement with the bandits, and that’s really a good one. The bandits should have a taste of their medicine.

Whenever I see a Nigerian cheering Trump’s arrival, I have to wonder if they’ve really thought it through. Muslims and Christians live side by side across our major cities; both faiths are present virtually everywhere. If a foreign intervention comes, nobody is guaranteed safety. The collateral damage will be real, and I fail to see what’s worth celebrating. And please rest assured, the political elite in Abuja would know in advance and would pack up and leave the country with their families. They would abandon you and the rest of us here with Trump. Maybe after 20 years of foreign involvement, as happened in Iraq and Afghanistan, some of us will finally get a little bit of sense.

By Uzair Adam

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, have successfully repelled a bandits’ attack, safeguarding vulnerable communities in the area.

The operation, conducted by personnel of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, followed a credible tip-off on the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono at about 5 p.m. on November 1.

According to a statement issued by Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, the troops, supported by other security agencies, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee.

“It was confirmed that the bandits, who arrived on motorcycles, sustained several casualties during the encounter,” Zubairu stated.

He added that troops stationed at Tsaure community made contact with the attackers, leading to an exchange of fire that resulted in the recovery of several motorcycles and two mobile phones.

Zubairu disclosed that 19 bandits were neutralised in the operation, while two soldiers and a local vigilante lost their lives.

He said further operations were ongoing in the area to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent future attacks often linked to cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

“The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies,” Zubairu added.

Meanwhile, the Commander of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur, reassured residents of the Army’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security across Kano State in collaboration with other security agencies.

By Anas Abbas

A Nigerian academic, Dr Muhsin Ibrahim, who teaches Hausa language and culture at the University of Cologne, Germany, has written a touching tribute to the late Kannywood actor, Alhaji Mato Yakubu, popularly known as Malam Nata’ala (Mai Sittin Goma).

In the tribute shared on social media, Dr Muhsin described the deceased as a talented comedian whose unique performances left lasting memories among Hausa film audiences.

Alhaji Mato Yakubu featured in several Kannywood films, particularly in the Chamama comedy genre, alongside the late Rabilu Musa (Dan Ibro), before the establishment of the Arewa24 channel.

His fame, however, soared through the station’s popular drama series “Dadin Kowa,” where he earned the name Malam Nata’ala for his role as a “loud” but lovable traditional Qur’anic scholar (Alaramma) and a family man constantly mediating between his two quarrelling wives.

Recalling his struggles, Dr Muhsin wrote that the actor’s prolonged illness had earlier drawn public attention, prompting financial assistance from the Yobe State Government and the Government of the Republic of Niger.

The actor later appeared in a video expressing gratitude and looking healthier.

“Many thought his illness was caused by poverty. Some even laughed at the whole issue. Unknown to all, he would pass away a few weeks later,” Dr Muhsin wrote.

He concluded the tribute with prayers: “May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, ours and those of our loved ones, amin.”

The late Alhaji Mato Yakubu was widely celebrated for his humour and natural acting style, which endeared him to fans across Northern Nigeria.

By Saidu Ahmad Dukawa 

Introduction

At last, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has made the decision he had long planned against Nigeria, following complaints by some Nigerian Christians who alleged that they were victims of religious persecution in the country.

Trump had once placed a similar sanction on Nigeria during his first term, but after he lost the election to Joe Biden, Biden reversed that “rash and unfair” decision.

This new ruling, however, requires Nigeria to take certain actions in line with America’s interests — or face a series of sanctions. For example, these “American interests” could include the following:

1. Any Nigerian state practising Sharia Law must abolish it.

2. Any law that prohibits blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) must be repealed.

3. Any location where Christians wish to build a church must grant them permission to do so.

4. Anything that Christians claim makes them “uncomfortable” in the country — such as businesses involving halal trade — must be stopped.

5. All businesses that Christians desire, such as the alcohol trade, must be freely allowed across the nation.

These are just examples of the complaints made by some Christian groups to the United States, which may also include political and economic demands.

This action by Trump mirrors what America once did to Iraq under Saddam Hussein — accusing the country of possessing weapons of mass destruction, just to justify an invasion.

If true justice were the goal, then both sides — the accusers and the Nigerian authorities — should have been listened to, including Muslim organisations that provided counter-evidence.

Even among Christians, many reasonable voices have spoken against these exaggerated claims, yet their words are ignored. Clearly, a plan against Nigeria had already been set in motion.

So, what is left for the Nigerian government and its citizens to do? Here is my opinion:

WHAT THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO

1. Use diplomatic channels to inform the Trump administration that the situation is being misrepresented. Even if America remains adamant, the rest of the sensible world will know that any step America takes against Nigeria on this basis is pure injustice, and that knowledge itself will have benefits.

2. Reduce dependence on the United States in key areas such as trade, education, and healthcare. Nigeria should instead strengthen its ties with other countries, such as Russia, China, and Turkey.

3. Unite Nigerians — both Muslims and Christians who do not share this divisive mindset — to resist and expose any malicious plots against the nation.

WHAT THE NIGERIAN PEOPLE SHOULD DO

1. All Nigerians — Muslims and Christians alike — should begin to reduce their personal and travel ties with the United States, especially visa applications, as it may no longer be easy to obtain them.

2. Those who hold large amounts of US dollars should consider converting their funds into other global currencies.

3. Muslims with good relationships with Christians should not let this tension destroy their friendships — and vice versa. Let unity prevail.

4. Muslims must not lose hope or courage. They should realise that they have no powerful ally. Non-Muslims are the ones with global backing. The Jews can commit atrocities against Muslims, and America will support them. In India, Muslims are being killed — America is silent. In China, Muslims face persecution — America is silent.

In Nigeria, there is no single town where Muslims have chased out Christians, but in Tafawa Balewa, Christians expelled Muslims and took over the town. Terrorists who kill indiscriminately in Nigeria have taken more Muslim lives than Christian ones — yet Trump publicly declared that only Christian lives matter.

Still, Muslims can take comfort in one fact: Islam is spreading fast in both America and Europe. Perhaps, one day, when Islam gains ground there, justice and fairness will finally return to the world — because today’s problem is rooted in the injustice that Western powers built the world upon.

5. Nigerian Christians themselves need to wake up to the truth — that the Western world does not honestly care about Christianity, only about controlling resources and power.

If they really cared about Christian lives, they wouldn’t have ignored what’s happening in Congo — a country with one of the largest Christian populations — where Christians kill one another. The same goes for Haiti, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Rwanda.

There are numerous examples of Christian nations facing crises. And when Nigerian Christians think of running to the US for refuge, they will realise that America will not take them in. Therefore, it’s wiser to live peacefully with their Muslim brothers and sisters here in Nigeria.

6. Finally, it is the duty of all believers to constantly pray for Nigeria — that God protects it from every form of harm and evil.

Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

Dr Saidu Ahmad Dukawa wrote from Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered a ransom of N3.8 million in Kogi State.

The rescue mission was launched on November 2, 2025, following credible intelligence about kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule road.

Reports indicated that relatives of the victims were attempting to deliver a ransom for their release.

Acting swiftly, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Oguma patrolled towards Achigili Forest to intercept the criminals.

En route, the soldiers were ambushed and came under fire from the bandits.A fierce gun battle ensued, during which the troops overpowered the kidnappers with superior firepower.

The bandits were forced to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds, abandoning their two captives and the ransom money.

The rescued victims were immediately taken to a secure military location for debriefing.

In a significant move, the recovered sum of Three Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (₦3,800,000) was returned to them.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property in the state.

The public was also urged to continue providing timely information to support security agencies in the fight against crime.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that the rampant violence and killings in Southeastern Nigeria are not religiously motivated, but a conflict between Christians.

Speaking on the security crisis, Soludo emphasized that the perpetrators, who operate from remote camps, bear distinctly Christian names.

“In this part of the world, Eastern Nigeria, it is not religious,” Soludo said. “People are killing themselves, Christians killing Christians. The people in the bushes are Emmanuel, Peter, John, all Christian names, and they have maimed and killed thousands of our youths.”

The Governor’s comments come amidst broader discussions on national security and international partnerships.

He acknowledged the right of countries like the United States to have their views but stressed that any foreign assistance must be at the request of the Nigerian government and within the bounds of international law.

“Certainly, if Nigeria requests any assistance for the military, technology and hardware to deal with insurgency, then it is within Nigeria’s call,” he stated.

While calling for a deeper national conversation and introspection, Soludo expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s efforts, asserting that Nigeria is a large country and the government is “doing a whole lot to safeguard the country.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Government has approved ₦9,854,326,460.92 for various road construction, renovation, and flood control projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and easing transportation across the state.

The approvals were part of the resolutions reached during the 33rd Kano State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the projects will be executed under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

Key allocations include ₦2.63 billion for the construction of Dambatta–Gwarabjawa Road in Dambatta Local Government and ₦2.47 billion for the supply and installation of 4-way intersection traffic lights across major roads in Kano State.

Other major projects approved are ₦388.5 million for flood control works at Baban Gwari Roundabout along Katsina Road, ₦810.8 million for the installation of road studs within Kano metropolis, and ₦277.4 million for renovation and construction works at Audu Bako Secretariat (Phase II).

Additionally, ₦339.6 million was approved for the installation of solar-powered streetlights at Kwankwasiyya City, while ₦135.3 million will fund the installation of all-in-one solar streetlights at Ado Bayero Square, New Road, Sabon Gari, and surrounding areas.

The Commissioner said the projects underscore the Yusuf administration’s resolve to modernize Kano’s infrastructure and ensure sustainable urban development.

“These approvals are part of the government’s broad commitment to improving road networks, promoting safety, and mitigating flood risks across the State,” Waiya added.

By Maryam Ahmad

The Maldives has become the first country in the world to implement a generational ban on tobacco use, marking a historic step in global public health policy.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, anyone born after January 2007 will be permanently prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the country. The measure aims to create a tobacco-free generation and reduce the long-term health and environmental impacts of smoking.

Health officials described the policy as part of the government’s broader strategy to curb non-communicable diseases and promote healthier lifestyles among young people in the Maldives.

The Maldives joins a small but growing list of nations considering similar “smoke-free generation” initiatives, with New Zealand having previously proposed a comparable plan before it was repealed.

Authorities say enforcement guidelines and public education campaigns will accompany the new law to ensure effective implementation and community support.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu is expected to travel to the United States on Tuesday for diplomatic discussions with top American officials amid escalating tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy military force in Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.

Presidential sources told newsmen that Tinubu’s trip would focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing recent concerns raised by the U.S. government.

The source added that Trump has “delegated his Vice, James David Vance, to meet with Tinubu during the visit,” unless there are last-minute changes.

The planned meeting comes days after Trump claimed that Christians in Nigeria were facing “genocide” and warned that the U.S. might intervene militarily if the killings did not stop.

Trump stated, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” he added.

In response, President Tinubu denied the allegations of religious persecution, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to protecting the rights of all faiths.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said in a statement released on Saturday.

He added that since assuming office in 2023, his administration “has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.”

The President dismissed claims of religious intolerance as false and misleading.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he declared.

He reiterated that “religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”

Meanwhile, presidential aide Daniel Bwala said the forthcoming visit aims to strengthen cooperation between both nations on counterterrorism and regional stability.

“Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump have shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala said.

He noted that the Trump administration had “assisted Nigeria a lot by authorising the sale of arms,” adding that Tinubu’s government has “adequately utilised the opportunity in the fight against terrorism for which we have massive results to show for it.”

Bwala also disclosed that any differences in perception regarding the nature of terrorist activities in Nigeria “would be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either in State House or White House.”

Tinubu further emphasized that his administration remains committed to working with the U.S. and other international partners “to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.”

“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths,” he said.

“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” Tinubu added.