Christian Killings: US Prepares Security Strategy to Tackle Terrorism in Nigeria

The United States Government is close to establishing a strategic security framework with Nigeria to address the country’s escalating security challenges, including the activities of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the alleged killings of Christians in parts of the country.

This was disclosed on Saturday by Riley Moore, head of the United States congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, during an interview on Fox News. The delegation was in the country to examine allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Moore described his visit as deeply distressing, recounting emotional encounters with victims of violence. He said he met a woman who watched all five of her children murdered, while another lost her husband, two daughters and her unborn child during attacks.

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According to Moore, discussions held with the Nigerian government were encouraging, noting that both sides are nearing agreement on a security cooperation framework to confront the ISIS and Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria, as well as violent attacks in the Middle Belt.

He said the framework is expected to outline actionable steps for collaboration between Washington and Abuja in tackling terrorism, improving intelligence sharing and strengthening security operations.

Moore added that the findings of the delegation would be compiled in a report to be submitted to President Donald Trump, detailing proposed measures to work with Nigeria in ending what he described as the continued killing of Christians in Nigeria.

The development signals renewed US–Nigeria security cooperation amid growing international concern over insecurity, terrorism and sectarian violence across the country.

Christian Killings: US Prepares Security Strategy to Tackle Terrorism in Nigeria

Senate Clears Air on Alleged IPOB, FCT Petitions Against Omokri

The Nigerian Senate has dismissed claims that it received petitions from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Abuja indigenes, or any other group opposing the screening of ambassadorial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu, including Reno Omokri.

The denial followed reports suggesting coordinated opposition against some nominees, notably Omokri, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, and former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, ahead of their confirmation.

Reacting to the claims, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, spokesperson of the Senate, said the upper legislative chamber had not received any formal petition from any individual or organisation.

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“What is IPOB? That group is outlawed and proscribed. It is not recognised by our laws and Constitution. We did not receive any petition from anybody — not individuals, not organisations, and certainly not outlawed groups,” Adaramodu said.

He stressed that the Senate only considers petitions from identifiable individuals, corporate bodies or registered political parties, dismissing reports of opposition from unrecognised or faceless entities.

The clarification came as the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs continued the screening of ambassadorial nominees, entering the second day of the exercise on Thursday.

Earlier, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a human rights lawyer and counsel to IPOB, had publicly urged the Senate to reject Omokri’s nomination, describing it as a “national embarrassment” and questioning his suitability for diplomatic service.

However, the Senate maintained that no such petition was formally presented, insisting that the ambassadorial screening process is proceeding without official objections from any recognised body.

Senate Clears Air on Alleged IPOB, FCT Petitions Against Omokri

FG Opens 47km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section to Ease Yuletide Traffic

The Federal Government has temporarily opened a 47-kilometre section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, allowing vehicles to ply the route from Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island to Eleko Junction, in a move aimed at easing traffic congestion during the Yuletide season.

The partial opening was officially flagged off on Friday at a brief ceremony attended by the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal; Senate Committee on Works Chairman, Barinada Mpigi; Hitech Construction Managing Director, Dany Abboud; Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi; and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Works.

Speaking at the event, Olufemi Dare, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, said the decision to open the road was taken to reduce gridlock and improve traffic flow ahead of the festive period.

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Dare disclosed that the 47km Lagos–Calabar coastal highway segment was awarded to Hitech Construction at a cost of ₦1.067 trillion, covering the construction of a rigid pavement dual-carriage highway, complete with drainages, culverts, median barriers, street lighting, and the relocation of public utilities such as electricity, gas, and water pipelines.

He added that the entire Lagos section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway spans 103km, noting that 30km of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) has already been completed, while sand filling has been concluded on the remaining 17.474km, making the full 47.474km stretch motorable.

According to Dare, Section One of the coastal highway project is expected to be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2026.

In his remarks, Umahi dismissed claims that the Federal Government is concentrating solely on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, stressing that several other major road infrastructure projects are ongoing across the country. He said the government remains open to constructive criticism and feedback to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

FG Opens 47km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section to Ease Yuletide Traffic