Detained NAF aircraft, 11 soldiers not released yet – Foreign Minister

• Diplomatic talks drag

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft and 11 soldiers detained in a foreign country are yet to be released, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements by the Federal Government.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday that discussions with the authorities of the country involved are still in progress, but have not yielded the release of the aircraft and the military personnel.

Speaking on the development, the ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the Federal Government remains actively engaged in diplomatic talks aimed at resolving the situation.

“We are engaging them, but they are yet to be released,” Ebienfa said.

He explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken over the negotiations to ensure the safe return of both the detained aircraft and the Nigerian soldiers, following initial efforts by relevant security agencies.

While official details surrounding the circumstances of the detention remain undisclosed due to the sensitive nature of the talks, the incident has drawn attention because of the strategic importance of the C-130 aircraft, which is commonly used for military logistics, peace support operations, and humanitarian missions.

Sources within diplomatic circles said the government is pursuing a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the matter, even as concerns grow over the prolonged detention of the aircraft and personnel.

The ministry assured that efforts are ongoing and that Nigeria is committed to securing the release of its military assets and personnel through diplomatic channels, with further updates expected as negotiations continue.

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