INTERVIEW: Nigeria's Security Situation - Actors and Players
INTERVIEW: Nigeria's Security Situation - Actors and Players. “Inside Sources” host, Laolu Akande discusses Nigeria’s security situation with four global analysts.
By Africa-Related, New York
Stock Photo: Filip Andrejevic @fandrejevic
Video Courtesy of Channels News
“Inside Sources” host, Laolu Akande discusses Nigeria’s security situation with four global analysts - Mallam Baba Yusuf (Strategy Analyst), Ismail Omibinoh (Deputy Editor Sun Newspaper), Emmanuel Ogebe (Human Rights Lawyer)
Key Highlights
Impunity: Chad has executed Boko Haram terrorists but Nigeria has not.
America doesn’t need Nigeria’s resources. With $460 billion networth, Elon Musk alone can buy Nigeria with $200 Billion GDP and still be the world’s richest man.
Tinubu appointed fugitive with case file in America for attacking congressional witnesses as ambassador who will be blocked
America has conducted multiple covert ops to rescue its citizens in Nigeria because the state failed to rescue them
“It is not correct to say that only particular tribes are terrorists. Let us identify these people as criminals without profiling them.”
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Nigeria Killings: U.S Congressional Hearing on Alleged Genocide of Christians
U.S. Congress shed light on alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria
By Africa-Related, New York
Stock Photo: Louis Velazquez @angelvela
U.S Congressional Hearing on Alleged Genocide of Christians
“We are tired of counting our dead. We are tired of mass graves and burned sanctuaries. We are tired of condolence statements that cost nothing and change nothing.”
Video Courtesy of TVC News
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Nigerian American Clergy visit the U.S. Congress
Gain insights from experts on persecution in Nigeria and the response of Nigerian Christians/Clergy in America to the CPC designation. A global coalition of religious freedom stakeholders propose pathway to National Assembly post-CPC designation as Nigerian American Clergy visit the U.S. Congress
By Africa-Related, New York
Photo: Dawn McDonald @dpreacherdawn
MEDIA ADVISORY
Please find below:
1. A letter by a global coalition of religious freedom stakeholders to the National Assembly providing a pathway post-CPC designation of Nigeria by the U.S.
2. A Capitol hill briefing by Nigerian American clergy on the recent developments.
A Capitol hill briefing by Nigerian American clergy on the recent developments:
Hill Briefing on Genocide against Christians in Nigeria
Theme: Nigerian American Pastors speak on CPC Designation of Nigeria and House Res 860
Date: November 20, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM (EST)
House Cannon Bldg.
Room 454
US Congress
Capitol Hill
Panelists:
Dr James Fadel, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigerian Americans (CANAN USA) who worked on the 2013 Boko Haram FTO designation
Emmanuel Ogebe, ESQ, Award-winning International human rights Advocate and Lead Campaigner for the 2013 FTO designation
Ex Mayor Mike Arnold - CEO of Arise Africa, filmmaker and humanitarian who’s documented the genocide
Key note speaker: Pastor Charles Ikutiminu CrossPassion Ministries International presenting findings of his recent trip to Nigeria
Dr William Devlin - Volunteer CEO of Widows and Orphans working in 21 conflict countries including Nigeria
Event partners
- Widows and Orphans
- CANAN USA
- Save Nigeria Group
- Justice for Jos Project
Gain insights from experts on persecution in Nigeria and the response of Nigerian Christians/Clergy in America to the CPC designation.
The briefing follows immediately after a congressional public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) Chairman Africa Subcommittee
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Should a state of emergency be declared in Nigeria?
At this point, it hardly feels like a question. Calamities are mounting week after week in Nigeria. The West African giant is experiencing one of its darkest periods of insecurity in recent history.
By melody-Esther soyemi - Africa-Related, Nigeria
A man carrying the Nigerian flag. Photo: Emmanuel Ikwuegbu @emmages
At this point, it hardly feels like a question. Calamities are mounting week after week in Nigeria. The West African giant is experiencing one of its darkest periods of insecurity in recent history.
Calamities are mounting week after week, mass kidnappings, church attacks, the assassination of senior military officers, yet the national response has been slow, quiet, and disturbingly understated. Nigerians are left wondering: what is the President saying? What are state governors and security operatives doing? Where is the leadership, the urgency, and the decisive action that the moment demands?
On Monday, November 17, 2025, armed ‘bandits’ stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State a state in in North Eastern Nigeria. About 25 schoolgirls were abducted and the vice-principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was shot dead while trying to protect his students.
Security forces say a joint rescue operation involving the military, police, and local vigilantes is underway, combing forests and escape routes. But the horror remains: this is yet another Chibok-style tragedy. Another group of young girls torn from their classrooms, families plunged into fear, and a violent reminder that schools, the very places where the future of a nation is trained and shaped, are no longer safe. This is not just another abduction, it is a reminder of Chibok,. How many more “Chiboks” will Nigeria suffer before something truly shifts? The world is watchingg how very little has changed in Nigeria.
“Nigerians are not just grieving; they are tired of mourning without seeing change.”
A day after this incident, worshippers at a Christ Apostolic Church in the Eruku community of Kwara State - Central Nigeria - experienced a nightmare in real time on Tuesday evening, . Gunmen opened fire during a service that was being live-streamed online. Viewers across Nigeria watched in horror as shots rang out, people tried to hide behind the altar, attackers rounded up bodies, valuables. Several worshippers were shot, at least three people died, while others, including the pastor, were abducted.
One particular scene that was the most heartbreaking was when an old woman who could barely walk tried to hide behind the altar, it sparked an outrage and outcry that someone’s mother, grandmother or even a great grandmother was struggling for safety in the Church. How is one to process this thought? It raises the question of where can Nigerians actually feel secure, if even a house of worship - a space for peace, prayer, and refuge is now threatened.
The insecurity is not limited to civilians. Nigeria’s military forces have also suffered a devastating blow with the killing of Brigadier-General M. Uba at the hands of ISWAP militants. Reports suggest that his location may have been compromised shortly after a joint air and ground operation. His capture and execution by terrorists show that even high-ranking officers are not shielded from the worsening security breakdown. It’s also shows that a breached military has severe implications for national stability.
Weeks prior to these incidents U.S. President Donald Trump issued strong and controversial statements, claiming that Christianity in Nigeria is facing an “existential threat.” He accused “radical Islamists” of killing Christians and said he had instructed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare for possible action should Nigeria fail to protect its citizens. He went as far as threatening military intervention and the suspension of U.S. aid, declaring on Truth Social that the U.S. may have to go into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the situation continues.
Investigative journalist Jude Bela explains the complex factors behind Nigeria’s security challenges
The Nigerian government pushed back, insisting that Nigeria is not a nation divided by religion and that the portrayal of genocidal targeting of Christians does not reflect the country’s complex reality. Many analysts have echoed this, arguing that while Christians have undoubtedly suffered violence as have Muslims, the core drivers of instability in this case include terrorism, banditry, poverty, corruption, weak intelligence, and community conflicts, environmental changes; not a single religious agenda. Still, the very fact that a foreign leader is threatening intervention over Nigeria’s internal security crisis shows how badly the situation has deteriorated and how visible the failures of state response have become on the global stage.
Even American rapper Nicki Minaj raised global attention to the Christian persecution in Nigeria, calling for urgent international action during a U.S Mission to the United Nations event hosted by United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mike Waltz, on Tuesday, she stated that In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed. Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart and entire communities live in fear constantly simply because of how they pray, stressing that the crisis demands urgent action.She insisted her position was not political or divisive. “I want to be clear, protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity.”
So where does this leave Nigerians? Schools are no longer secure. Places of worship are coming under fire. Senior military officers are being hunted. Families are burying their loved ones while whole communities remain paralyzed by fear. Farmers have abandoned their farmlands. Yet policies remain slow, government statements vague, full of sympathy with concrete action limited. Nigerians are not just grieving; they are tired of mourning without seeing change.
This is why asking whether a state of emergency should be declared is not enough. One could argue that it should already have been declared. The country is facing a coordinated and escalating threat that demands more than routine security deployments or press statements. A nationwide emergency would only matter, however, if it comes with real reforms: stronger intelligence systems, better coordination, genuine investment in community security, and full transparency and accountability in how power and resources are used.
If not, a state of emergency risks becoming another symbolic gesture with no lasting impact. But without decisive action soon, Nigeria risks more kidnappings, more church and mosque massacres, more military losses and possibly even the loss of control over its own security narrative; as foreign actors begin shaping the global response.
The question, therefore, is no longer “should” a state of emergency be declared but why it has not been declared already.
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Press Conference by Nigerian-American Community Organizations on the U.S. Designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern
A coalition of leading Nigerian American organizations will hold a joint virtual press conference to address the recent U.S. government designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by President Donald J. Trump.
By Africa-Related, New York
The Nigerian Center, Washington D.C
Written By Nigerian Center
*MEDIA ADVISORY*
JOINT VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE BY NIGERIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS ON THE U.S. DESIGNATION OF NIGERIA AS A COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN
WHO:
The Nigerian Center, the Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC), the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, Americas (NIDOA), and the Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group (NPAG).
WHAT:
A coalition of leading Nigerian American organizations will hold a joint virtual press conference to address the recent U.S. government designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by President Donald J. Trump.
The leaders will discuss the implications of this designation, its potential impact on Nigeria and the Nigerian American community, and present a united call for dialogue and collaboration. Together, they will advocate for a constructive approach that reinforces the historic friendship and strategic partnership between the United States and Nigeria. Speakers will offer a live question and answer session with journalists.
SPEAKERS:
Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director, Nigerian Center
Susan Edionwe MD, FACS, DipABLM, President, Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group (NPAG)
Bukola Olaoye, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, Americas (NIDOA)
Prince Maduka Nkuku, President, Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC)
Dr. Malcolm Fabiyi, President,Governance Advancement Initiative for Nigeria (GAIN)
WHEN: Friday, November 14, 2025 | 11:00 AM EST
WHERE: Virtual (Zoom Login)
WHY: Following their joint statement, the organizations will outline recommendations for strengthening collaboration between U.S. and Nigerian policymakers, diaspora leaders, and civil society groups to ensure that the designation fosters a more secure, just, and prosperous Nigeria.
Please RSVP to Liz Voyles at liz@brassrc.com. This event is open to credentialed journalists only, and all remarks are on the record. An emailed RSVP is required for admission.
***
About Coalition:
Nigerian Center
The Nigerian Center is a Washington, DC–based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing immigrant justice, financial empowerment, and cultural visibility. Through legal services, advocacy, and education, the Center amplifies Nigerian and African immigrant voices and fosters systemic inclusion in American society.
Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee USA (NAPAC USA)
The Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC USA) is a national nonpartisan organization that promotes civic engagement, public policy advocacy,voter registration/education, and leadership development within the Nigerian American community.
Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, Americas (NIDOA)
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, Americas (NIDOA) is the umbrella body for Nigerians living in North and South America. NIDOA mobilizes the Nigerian diaspora to contribute to national development, promote unity and collaboration among Nigerians abroad, and strengthen partnerships that advance Nigeria’s progress and global image.
Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group (NPAG)
The Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group (NPAG) is a 501(c)(4) affiliate of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, created to advance good governance in Nigeria, the United States, and beyond. NPAG is a coalition of Nigerian-American medical professionals committed to advancing health equity, public policy, and community well-being, promoting collaboration between U.S. and Nigerian health institutions to improve access, quality, and outcomes.
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Ominira
The title Ominira —meaning "Independence" in the Yoruba language—evokes a profound message in Bruce Onobrakpeya’s artwork. This powerful piece reflects the belief that Nigeria possesses the human resources, moral fortitude, and abundant natural wealth to thrive as a modern and prosperous nation.
Ominira
Medium: Plastograph
Dimensions: 45cm x 60cm
Artist: Bruce Onobrakpeya
The title Ominira —meaning "Independence" in the Yoruba language—evokes a profound message in Bruce Onobrakpeya’s artwork. This powerful piece reflects the belief that Nigeria possesses the human resources, moral fortitude, and abundant natural wealth to thrive as a modern and prosperous nation.
As we reflect on this artwork , we join Papa Bruce Onobrakpeya—a witness to Nigeria’s transformative journey since gaining independence in 1960—in prayer.
May the Divine bless Nigeria with enduring unity, wisdom, and peace. As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we ask for strength to uphold justice, fairness, and equity for all citizens.
On this special day of commemoration , let us remember that even in times of struggle and uncertainty, we are not without guidance. The courage of our ancestors, the rich heritage of our land, and the unyielding spirit of our people inspire us to move forward. Through the challenges we endure, we carry the hope and promise of a brighter future—one founded on resilience, unity, and collective progress.
Let this Independence Day remind us that , just as our nation's founders envisioned a prosperous Nigeria, we too must continue this journey to realize that dream for future generations. As we walk this path, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to the values of peace, love, and harmony that unite us as one nation under God.
Bruce Onobrakpeya, a UNESCO Living Human Treasure , celebrated his 92nd birthday this past August. For over five decades, he has resided in Mushin, Papa-Ajao, Lagos , continuing to be a beacon of Nigeria’s artistic and cultural legacy.
BOBI WINE Meets Omoyele SOWORE
Two political activists and Presidential candidates, Bobi Wine of Uganda and Nigeria's Omoyele Sowore met online recently during an interview with Africa-Related Report.
Africa-Related, New York
MEETING
Two political activists and Presidential candidates, Bobi Wine of Uganda and Nigeria's Omoyele Sowore met online recently during an interview with Africa-Related Report.
BOBI WINE - The People's President
Full Film
Official Trailer
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GOGE AFRICA Highlights WEAVING In EBIRALAND
Words: Rosemary O. Onubaiye & Oyiza Adaba
Photo/Video: Goge Africa
Okene - Kogi State, Nigeria
Nneka & Metche Isaac-Moses
Cultural Ambassadors & Hosts of
GOGE AFRICA
“The Itinochi hand woven cloth of the Ebira people is perhaps Nigeria's most authentic traditional fashion masterpieces. It is the most durable and wearable artistic heritage of our people. Let us celebrate the uncommon beauty of an economy-driven traditional practice, sustained by women through the ages”.
- Nneka & Metche Isaac-Moses
Gogeafricatv at Ohueje Ohinoyi Cultural Festival March 2022
The long-running multi-award winning travel TV series Goge Africa, gave extensive coverage to the 2022 edition of Ohueje Ohinoyi - the yearly Cultural Festival of the Ebira people held every March in Okene, Kogi State, central Nigeria. In line with the theme 'The 100 Loom Match', the three-day event gave focus to one of the more visible qualities of the Ebira people - Weaving. Ohueje Ohinoyi is in its sixth edition and is supported by Africa-Related and Ita'i Our Cloth.
Full Report: Ohueje Ohinoyi Cultural Festival 2022
THEME: 100 LOOM MARCH - Repositioning Ebira Heritage for Economic Prosperity
Features
Weaving Competition
Symposium
Dancing Competition
Exhibitions
Food-fair
The 2022 edition of Ohueje Ohinoyi themed 100 LOOM MARCH - Repositioning Ebira Heritage for Economic Prosperity - took place on March 3-5 2022 at Ado Ibrahim Civic Centre, Okene, Kogi State. The 3-day event was all about empowering women through the ancient art of weaving. The festival is supported by Anebira Heritage Foundation and in partnership with Ita'i Our Cloth and Africa-Related.
3rd March 2022
Day 1: Opened with a display of current and historical images of Ebira sons and daughters, exhibition stands for display by Art & Culture Abuja, Ita’i Our Cloth, a symposium with participating schools and many more activities.
Symposium Topic: Traditional Cloth Weaving in Ebiraland. Presented by ALH. Okehi Abdulaziz Yusuf
The symposium called on the relevant educational bodies to include weaving in the school curriculum.
The weavers were already set up to start the weaving competition, as seen in their different colours, skills and patterns other activities were going on side by side
School children and visiting guests were shown the weaving process by weavers from various parts of the region, who congregated at the venue with their loom, yarns and weaving material. They provided several demos for the crowd.
4th March 2022
Day 2: Food Fair with a variety of locally made food produce and meals on display. Dancing competition, amidst the weaving contest
5th March 2022
Day 3: Grand finale with every activity from day one, culminating in the finale with some additional features With the exhibition, festivities, masquerade, sales etc all happening simultaneously, there was a fashion display presented by SHIZANUEL Collections an Abuja based designer, dancing masquerades, GUODO products made from fabric from the Middlebelt region states of Plateau, Nassarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Niger and Southern part of Kaduna states.
Highlights of the festival include an address by Ebira Historian and Emeritus Professor of Art History Prof. John Picton who covered the region extensively from the 60s; and the award ceremony that presented winning weavers for BEST QUALITY, MOST CREATIVE and OVERALL Best with certificates of participation. The women could not hold back their joy knowing that they are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and expressed their thanks to the organizers.
Ohueje Ohinoyi - which means the king's courtyard - is an annual festival to celebrate Ebira indigenous culture and tradition.
Photo Coverage: Ohueje Ohinoyi 2022
Want to know more?
Follow Goge Africa @gogeafrica @nnekaisaacmoses @metcheisaacmoses
Follow Ita'i Our Cloth @itaiourcloth
Follow Ohueje Ohinoyi @ohueje_ohinoyi
Follow Anebira Heritage Foundation @anebiraheritage
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
Rosemary Onubaiye works with media, women & communities
HOUSTON - GLOBAL ENERGY CAPITAL Takes The Lead In Energy Transition By 2050
HOUSTON
GLOBAL ENERGY CAPITAL Takes The Lead In Energy Transition By 2050
Houston aerial view: Photo by Vlad BusuiocWords: Oyiza Adaba
Photo: Africa-Related/Vlad Busuioc
Houston, Texas
Mayor Sylvester Turner's office announced on Friday that the city of Houston will be leading a delegation to Paris from June 27-July 2, as part of its preliminary mission in combating the environmental impact of the global energy industry..
Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs City of Houston
Bob Harvey President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership
Speaking to the Foreign Press, the President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, Bob Harvey outlined the objectives and commitments of Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HEDI) which was launched last year. The coalition of 18 key global energy stakeholders will begin the steps toward this transition process, which is expected to lower the world's carbon footprint to net zero by 2050. Their strategy, which leverages on the oil and gas leadership to accelerate these global solutions, will focus on four working sectors - carbon capture, use & storage; clean energy & hydrogen development; industrial decarbonisation, and funding or capital formation.
Known as the energy capital of the world, Houson is strategic for many reasons. It is home to the renowned Texas Medical Center with MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Johnson Space Center, 25 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, the Port of Houston which is the largest port in the US, over 1,700 foreign-owned firms and a large foreign born population.
"Houston is the only city in the world frankly, with the technology expertise, the commercial skills, the manufacturing talent, the infrastructure, to lead the transition to a more sustainable, open future on a global scale"
-Bob Harvey
Mayor Sylvester Turner who also heads the U.S Climate Network acknowledged the benefits of this initiative to the city's institutions and residents, and said much of Houston's success is built on private public partnership. He was represented by Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs, who used the opportunity to commend the 'robust' African Diaspora residents in Houston and their contribution to politics, culture and the economy. He called on the Nigerian Government to establish a much-needed Consulate in the city for what he described as 'one of the largest Nigerian populations outside of Nigeria'.
HEDI to some may be an acknowledgement to decades of environmental degradation caused by the industry's practices like burning of fossil fuel. To others, it could be a start in the industry's effort to right some of its past wrongs, as seen in places like Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The burden of delivering environmental justice, clean energy and development to communities especially those most impacted, however shouldn't be on Houston alone. In Harvey's words,
"…There's simply no way we're going to move forward globally, with trillions of dollars of investment to support the energy transition, without it being inclusive, and being very mindful of both current and past inequities, and how this program is going to speak to them.
- Bob Harvey
HEDI estimates about 560,000 new jobs by 2050, if properly implemented. If HEDI were to make a dent of an impact, it would need partnerships and commitments from global Governments, corporations and communities to adopt their framework, in order to credibly achieve its objectives of clean energy production and environment.
"If we do nothing but follow the path of the traditional energy industry, Houston will likely shed half 1,500,000 jobs by 2050.
- Bob Harvey
Learn more about HEDI and the City of Houston
Oyiza Adaba is Nigerian journalist and producer @africarelated