By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Donald J. Trump has announced that the United States carried out targeted military strikes against ISIS–affiliated militants in north-west Nigeria, marking a sharp escalation in American counter-terrorism operations in West Africa.

In a late-night statement published on Truth Social, the U.S. President said the operation was conducted under his direct orders as Commander-in-Chief, describing it as “a powerful and deadly strike” aimed at extremist elements responsible for repeated attacks in the region.

According to Mr Trump, the militants had been involved in brutal assaults on local communities, particularly targeting Christian populations. He said he had previously warned the group of consequences if the violence continued.

“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… 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 statement read in part.

He added that the “Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes,” asserting that the U.S. would not allow extremist groups to flourish under his leadership.

While the President praised the American military, he also issued a stern warning to the militants, saying there would be further consequences if attacks on civilians persisted.

Confirming the development, the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that it provided the intelligence needed to the United States government concerning the airstrike.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” said the ministry.

It further stated that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

On the particular location of the strike in the northwestern part of the country, netizens, particularly from Sokoto State, have confirmed that a rocket landed in Jabo Ward, under Tambuwal LG of Sokoto State, Nigeria this same night.

Similarly, the United States Africa Command(AFRICOM), an organization responsible for the United States military operations in the continent, in a series of posts on X, said the airstrikes were launched based on requests of the Nigerian government.

“AFRICOM conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists. Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” the statement reads.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Presidency has dispelled the viral claim on social media that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

This was disclosed on Thursday in a press statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

It further stated that both personalities are maintaining their assigned duties and that no one has replaced them.

“The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff,” the statement reads.

The statement termed such fabrication as the mischievous work of those wanting to create disharmony in the government of President Tinubu.

It concluded by calling on media houses to verify information thoroughly before publishing as that will help in curbing fake news.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Ahead of the forthcoming presidential election in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress(APC)

The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The committee was inaugurated to address internal conflicts within the All Progressives Congress, APC, and strengthen mobilisation efforts across the country.

Members of the committee include serving governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, and other key stakeholders of the ruling party.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, was appointed Chairman of the committee, while former APC National Legal Adviser, Mr Muiz Banire, will serve as Member/Secretary.

Other members are Sen. Adamu Aliero; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.

Also in the committee are Governors Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.

Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers are also members, alongside Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello.

Speaking at the inauguration, Buni expressed appreciation to the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee.

“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive, and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time.

“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope.

“Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach,” Buni said.

He urged members not to allow personal interests to override the collective purpose of the assignment.

Tinubu had earlier stressed the need for unity within the party at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Dec. 19 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail.

“We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller. But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating.

“That’s the only way we can be resilient; we must be tolerant,” the president said.