By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Democratic Party has recorded sweeping victories in the first major elections of President Donald Trump’s second term, as 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani emerged winner of the New York City mayoral race.

The results from Tuesday’s polls gave Democrats a strong boost heading into next year’s midterm elections, with major wins across Virginia, New Jersey, and California.

In New York, Mamdani, a democratic socialist and long-time advocate for Palestinian rights, defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to become the first Muslim and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as mayor of America’s largest city.

In his victory speech, Mamdani told supporters, “We will build a city hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers, and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism.”

He also pledged a bold reform agenda, saying, “This will be an age where New Yorkers expect from their leaders a bold vision of what we will achieve, rather than a list of excuses for what we are too timid to attempt. Central to that vision will be the most ambitious agenda to tackle the cost of living crisis that this city has seen since the days of fear of LaGuardia.”

Mamdani promised rent freezes for over two million tenants, free bus services, universal childcare, and new community safety programs to address homelessness and mental health challenges.

He also addressed President Trump directly, declaring, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you. Turn the volume up.”

The newly elected mayor said his administration would defend marginalized groups, adding, “Whether you are an immigrant, a member of the trans community, one of the many Black women that Donald Trump has fired from a federal job, a single mom still waiting for the cost of groceries to go down, or anyone else with their back against the wall, your struggle is ours too.”

Mamdani’s rise has not been without controversy. Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, described his victory as “a disgraceful example of how antisemitism triumphed over common sense.”

By Anwar Usman

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has adjust its recruitment process by announcing new updates to its ongoing recruitment exercise, saying shortlisted candidates will now sit for their tests online.

This was revealed in a statement signed by Secretary to the Board, AM Jibril (Maj Gen Rtd) and posted on Tuesday.According to the statement, the recruitment portal will officially close on Friday, November 7 2025.

“The Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) wishes to inform all shortlisted applicants that the recruitment portal will officially close on Friday 7th November, 2025,” the statement read.

Applicants are now directed to visit the portal, recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, to confirm their status.The board said the online test will run for one week.

The statement revealed that “All shortlisted applicants will take part in an online test, which will commence from Wednesday 12th November 2025 and conclude on Wednesday 19th November, 2025.”

It also clarified that no physical CBT centres will be used.“Applicants are to note that the test will be conducted exclusively online.“Accordingly, all previously allocated CBT centres are distcontinued,” the board said.

Candidates who selected physical CBT locations earlier have been advised to return to the portal to schedule a date and time for their online test.

“Applicants are to ensure they have a stable internet connection, necessary devices to take the online test, as well as carefully follow the instructions on the examination slip to avoid disqualification,” the Board advised.

Jibril assured all that the recruitment process remains transparent.

“The Board wishes to inform the general public that it remains committed to a smooth and transparent recruitment process,” he stated.

By Uzair Adam

The Republic of China has declared firm support for the Nigerian government as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in Beijing, Spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, said that “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs or threatening them with sanctions and force.”

Ning made the remarks while responding to a question on US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

She also reacted to reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking military equipment from China, Russia, and Iran to prepare for possible US attacks.

“China has a clear-cut stance on the US cracking down on so-called ‘drug cartels’ by force in the Caribbean Sea,” Mao said, stressing that China supports combating cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation, not through threats or use of force.

She stated that, “We stand against moves that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean region, and oppose unilateral and excessive enforcement operations against other countries’ vessels.”

“We hope the US will engage in normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks,” she added.

On Saturday, Trump ordered the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria, warning the Nigerian government to act swiftly to end what he described as the “killing of Christians.”

He labelled Nigeria a “disgraced country,” threatening to halt US aid and possibly take military action to “wipe out the Islamic terrorists” allegedly responsible for the violence.

Responding, President Bola Tinubu dismissed the claims, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality. Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.”

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.