Fellow Press

Category: Latest News

Real-time updates and the most recent stories as they happen, including breaking news and fast-moving developments.

  • Zelensky Plans Election and Peace Referendum Amid War Pressure

    Zelensky Plans Election and Peace Referendum Amid War Pressure

    Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky is preparing to announce a presidential election within days, as officials weigh plans for a national vote and a referendum on a possible peace deal with Russia.

    The announcement is expected on 24 February, marking four years since Russia’s invasion. Ukraine has not held elections during the war because martial law bans them. Reports say Kyiv is considering a May vote, though election authorities estimate organising one under current conditions could take up to six months.

    The plan comes as Ukraine faces outside pressure to set a timeline for both votes. According to sources, Washington wants progress by mid-May as part of broader discussions about security guarantees. Zelensky has insisted Ukraine will not compromise its position, saying the country “will stand where we stand”.

    Polling suggests the result could be close. An Ipsos survey found Zelensky trailing former army chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, now ambassador to the UK, by three points.

    Holding a vote during wartime poses major hurdles. Millions of Ukrainians are displaced, many abroad, and about a fifth of the country remains under Russian control. Any election would require legal changes to suspend martial law restrictions.

    Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko warned political rivalry during war could weaken national unity and play into Moscow’s strategy. Analysts also fear security risks. Democracy monitor Olha Aivazovska said drone attacks could threaten polling stations, while officials worry Russia might break any ceasefire meant to protect the campaign period.

    Zelensky said allies want a clear schedule to end the war within months, noting some partners are eager for quick results. Still, Ukrainian officials stress that security, logistics and legal reforms must be resolved before any national vote can proceed.

  • Live Result Uploads Risk Failure in 301 LGAs, PeacePro Tells Lawmakers

    Live Result Uploads Risk Failure in 301 LGAs, PeacePro Tells Lawmakers

    The Foundation for Peace Professionals, PeacePro, has cautioned lawmakers against adopting a rigid law mandating live electronic transmission of election results across Nigeria, warning that such a move ignores deep gaps in digital infrastructure.

    In a statement on the national debate over electoral reforms, the group said technology can improve transparency but must reflect conditions on the ground. PeacePro noted that uneven access to banking and internet services could undermine any law that demands instant result uploads from all polling units.

    Citing data from the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria, PeacePro said about 300 of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas have no commercial bank branch. It added that government planning figures show roughly 301 LGAs still lack reliable internet access, a key requirement for live electronic transmission.

    The group said the digital divide remains stark, with only 23 per cent of rural communities having internet access compared with 57 per cent in urban areas. National internet usage stood at about 36 per cent in 2024, according to official estimates.

    PeacePro argued that these realities do not rule out electronic transmission but demand a flexible legal design. It warned that a law requiring immediate uploads from every polling unit, without allowances for poor connectivity, could trigger delays, legal disputes and manipulation.

    Instead, the organisation proposed a system that allows offline capture of results, followed by upload within a defined time window once connectivity becomes available. It recommended secure storage on devices, automatic syncing, satellite support at collation centres and staged transmission from polling units to higher levels.

    PeacePro also called for the mandatory upload of scanned result sheets and figures, similar to existing BVAS and IReV processes, to strengthen verification. It urged the inclusion of criminal penalties for refusal to upload results, device tampering or deliberate sabotage.

    Looking at global practice, the group said no country operates instant live transmission from every polling unit without exceptions. It cited disputes in Kenya linked to network failures and noted that even highly digitised systems in Brazil and Estonia do not rely on live streaming from all polling stations.

    PeacePro said credible elections depend on laws that are workable, evidence-based and suited to Nigeria’s infrastructure, not idealistic mandates that ignore existing gaps.

  • Bandits Attack Koro Community, One Confirmed Dead

    Bandits Attack Koro Community, One Confirmed Dead

    At least one person has been confirmed dead following an attack on Koro community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, amid reports of renewed bandit violence in the area.

    Residents said armed attackers stormed the community on Sunday, triggering panic and forcing people to flee. As of the time of filing this report, the full scale of casualties remains unclear and details of the assault are still emerging.

    Security authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

    Koro is located close to Egbe in Yagba West Local Government Area of neighbouring Kogi State, raising fears of possible spillover attacks into nearby communities. Residents in the area have been advised to remain indoors and avoid movement while the situation unfolds.

    Local sources described the atmosphere as tense, with families seeking safety and community leaders calling for urgent security intervention. Communications from the area have been limited, making it difficult to verify the extent of damage or displacement.

    The attack comes weeks after deadly assaults in other parts of Kwara State, deepening concerns about the spread of armed groups in the region.

    Between February 3 and 4, 2026, gunmen attacked Woro and Nuku villages in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing at least 162 people, injuring dozens and abducting several others. Homes and public buildings were set ablaze, leaving entire communities destroyed.

    The attackers were believed to be linked to extremist factions operating across state borders. Survivors of the Kaiama attacks reported mass shootings, arson and forced abductions, with many residents displaced.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the attacks and ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kwara State to restore order and protect civilians.

    Despite the deployment, residents in border communities continue to express fear, citing the ease with which armed groups move between Kwara and neighbouring states.

    Authorities are expected to provide updates on the Koro attack as security assessments continue.

  • 2Face Rejects Wizkid–Fela Comparison as Disrespectful

    2Face Rejects Wizkid–Fela Comparison as Disrespectful

    Veteran Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, known as 2Face, has dismissed comparisons between Wizkid and the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the debate as misplaced and unfair.

    The singer spoke on a forthcoming episode of the Mic On podcast, reacting to recent comments by Wizkid that triggered backlash on social media. Wizkid had said he was “bigger” than Fela while responding to criticism from Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, over repeated comparisons between the two artists.

    2Face said placing the two musicians side by side ignored the context in which each built his career. He argued that the comparison failed to respect Fela’s historic role in shaping Afrobeat and Nigerian cultural activism, while also putting unnecessary pressure on Wizkid’s achievements.

    “Comparing Fela with Wizkid is ridiculous,” he said. “It is disrespectful to Fela and unfair to Wizkid at the same time.”

    He explained that both artists belonged to different eras and worked under different social and political conditions. According to him, Fela’s influence went beyond music, while Wizkid’s success reflected a global pop industry that did not exist during Fela’s lifetime.

    The debate has continued online since Wizkid’s remarks, with fans divided over whether modern Nigerian stars should be measured against cultural figures from earlier generations.

    2Face urged fans and critics to recognise each artist on his own terms, saying Nigerian music could celebrate both legacies without forcing comparisons.

  • INEC flags dead voters on register, plans nationwide verification

    INEC flags dead voters on register, plans nationwide verification

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that names of deceased Nigerians remain on the voters’ register, prompting plans for a nationwide verification exercise to clean up the database.

    INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with civil society organisations. He said the decision followed a review of data from the Anambra State off-cycle governorship election held in November.

    According to Prof Amupitan, Anambra recorded more than 2.9 million registered voters, yet only about 600,000 ballots were cast, representing roughly 20 per cent turnout. A closer review of the register, he said, revealed deeper problems.

    “When we examined the voters’ register for Anambra, we discovered that some prominent Nigerians who have died were still listed,” he said. “That affects the integrity of the register. We do not expect the dead to come from the grave to vote.”

    INEC said the findings raised concerns about the reliability of the register currently used for elections across the country. The commission noted that the presence of ineligible names weakens public trust and casts doubt on the credibility of election outcomes.

    Prof Amupitan stressed that credible elections depend on an accurate and current voters’ register. He said errors such as duplicated entries, outdated records and the inclusion of deceased persons undermine confidence in the democratic process.

    The planned verification exercise will focus on removing names of dead voters, correcting data errors and validating records in collaboration with relevant government agencies. INEC said the process is aimed at sanitising the database and restoring confidence among voters ahead of future polls.

    The commission added that the clean-up forms part of broader reforms to strengthen electoral integrity and ensure that only eligible Nigerians are captured on the voters’ register.

    INEC did not give a timeline for the verification exercise but said details would be communicated in due course.

  • Trump’s ICE Arrests Nigerians in USA (PHOTOS)

    Trump’s ICE Arrests Nigerians in USA (PHOTOS)

    The Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) website lists these are The Worst of the Worst.

    What started in the state of Minnesota as President Donald Trump crackdown on illigal immigrants deploying ICE to “clean up” the United States as landed many of them in jail, even as two citizens have lost their lives.

    The death of Renee Good and Alex Pretti has also sparked series of protest by residents and by extension the greatest general strike in the state. Other states like New York has also joined in the protest demanding ICE to leave their state.

    Here are few pictures out of many recently arrested by ICE. More photos of those arrested can be viewed on the linked ICE website:

  • Epstein files expose late contacts with political and business elites

    Epstein files expose late contacts with political and business elites

    A vast new release of files on disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has shed fresh light on his communications with senior political figures and billionaires in the months and years before his death.

    The US Justice Department on Friday disclosed more than three million pages of records, alongside thousands of photos and videos, under a law passed by Congress. By Friday evening, more than 600,000 documents were published online, with millions more still under review. Democrats criticised the pace and scale of the release.

    Early examination of the material by journalists shows Epstein maintained contact with powerful figures long after his criminal past was widely known.

    The records include hundreds of friendly text messages between Epstein and Steve Bannon, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, exchanged months before Epstein died in custody in 2019. Their discussions ranged from politics and travel to a proposed documentary that Epstein believed could restore his public image.

    In one March 2019 message, Bannon asked about using Epstein’s plane to travel from Rome. In another exchange, Epstein joked about Trump’s reaction to their friendship. The context of several messages remains unclear due to heavy redactions.

    Epstein also corresponded with Kathy Ruemmler, a former Obama White House lawyer, warning Democrats against portraying Trump as a Mafia-style figure, while criticising the president’s behaviour. Ruemmler later said she regretted any professional association with Epstein.

    The files further show Epstein reached out to business leaders about visits to his private island. Emails from 2012 and 2013 detail exchanges with Elon Musk about a possible trip. It is unclear whether the visit occurred. Musk has previously said he refused Epstein’s invitations.

    Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was also invited to the island in 2012, with records suggesting family plans were discussed. Lutnick has said he cut ties with Epstein years ago.

    Beyond personal contacts, the documents add new detail to Epstein’s final days. Emails between investigators questioned the nature of his last communication, though multiple inquiries have ruled his death a suicide. The records also describe how jail staff misled reporters during the removal of his body.

    As more files are reviewed, scrutiny is expected to intensify over Epstein’s access to influence and the handling of his case.

  • Onitsha market closure: Sit-at-home is economic sabotage, says Ubah

    Onitsha market closure: Sit-at-home is economic sabotage, says Ubah

    Economic saboteurs are encouraging traders to shut their shops on Mondays despite the end of sit-at-home orders, Evarist Ubah of Special Adviser to the Governor of Anambra State on Markets and Trade has said, warning that the practice threatens livelihoods and public order.

    Speaking during an interview on Voices of Ndi Anambra, on the closure of the Onitsha Main Market, Ubah said the issue was no longer about sit-at-home protests but a deliberate refusal to work on Mondays. He described the trend as harmful to the economy and unfair to law-abiding traders.

    “People are being pushed to stop working on Mondays,” he said. “It is no longer sit-at-home. It is now ‘don’t work on Monday’. That is the real problem.”

    Ubah said the Anambra State Government had shown restraint by reducing the length of the market closure. He noted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had initially considered a two-week shutdown but later rescinded the decision to avoid further hardship for traders.

    According to him, the government acted within the law, stressing that the Onitsha Main Market is owned by the state. He said traders operate there under government approval and must comply with regulations.

    “The market belongs to the state government,” Ubah said. “If you apply to trade there and refuse to operate, the government has the right to withdraw that shop and allocate it to someone else.”

    He rejected claims that fear was keeping traders away, arguing that insecurity could no longer justify the Monday shutdowns. He said people still attend social events, sports and other activities without hesitation.

    “There is fear, yes, but it does not stop people from going to parties or sporting events,” he said. “So why should it stop them from doing their business?”

    Ubah said the government’s duty was to maintain law and order and could not ignore actions that undermine economic activity. He added that security agencies had reclaimed forests previously used by criminal groups and were working daily to keep the state safe.

    He warned that continued closures would deepen losses for traders and the wider economy, urging market participants to return to work and support efforts to restore normal commercial life in Onitsha.

  • US Signals Tough Stance on Venezuela as US Secretary Warns Acting President

    US Signals Tough Stance on Venezuela as US Secretary Warns Acting President

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to warn Venezuela’s acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, that she could share the fate of her ousted predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, if she does not align with Washington’s demands, according to prepared testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

    Rubio, appearing before lawmakers on Wednesday, says the Trump administration believes Rodríguez’s “self-interest aligns with advancing our key objectives” and has stressed that the United States is ready to “use force to ensure maximum cooperation if other methods fail.”

    The planned warning follows a dramatic US military raid in Caracas on 3 January that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were flown to New York to face charges including drug trafficking, which they deny.

    Rubio’s remarks come amid criticisms from Democratic lawmakers, who accuse the Trump administration of exceeding its authority and misleading Congress on its actions in Venezuela. In his testimony, Rubio defends the Caracas operation as a “judicial operation” that did not amount to war and did not require prior congressional approval.

    The US is pushing for Venezuela to open its energy sector to American companies, use oil revenues to buy US goods and end support for allied powers such as Iran and Cuba. Rodríguez has asserted Venezuela’s sovereignty and insisted it will not accept orders from external actors.

    Rubio is also scheduled to meet Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado after his congressional appearance. Machado, who recently won the Nobel Peace Prize, has received support from US officials as part of broader efforts to shape Venezuela’s future.

    The situation underscores complex US-Venezuelan relations as Washington balances pressure with tentative moves toward diplomatic engagement with Rodríguez’s government.

  • Security Alert Issued as Isin LGA Warns Against Harbouring Strangers

    Security Alert Issued as Isin LGA Warns Against Harbouring Strangers

    The Isin Local Government Authority in Kwara State has issued a public security warning and urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious visitors amid ongoing military operations in neighbouring areas.

    In a statement dated 26 January 2026, the Executive Chairman of Isin LGA, Hon. Benjamin Lanre Jolayemi, said recent security operations by the Nigerian Armed Forces and local forest guards had displaced criminal elements from nearby communities.

    He warned that some of those individuals could attempt to enter Isin communities disguised as visitors or patients seeking medical care.

    The council directed that no household or community should accommodate or conceal any unknown person whose identity and purpose cannot be clearly verified. Residents were also asked to report anyone found with serious or suspicious injuries, especially those attempting to receive treatment under unclear circumstances.

    According to the statement, such cases should be reported promptly to the local government authority, recognised security agencies, or community leadership structures. Failure to do so, it warned, could be seen as aiding efforts to evade lawful security operations.

    Traditional rulers, community heads, ward leaders and youth leaders were called upon to strengthen local vigilance, monitoring and public awareness across all towns and villages in the local government area.

    The chairman stressed that the advisory was not intended to create panic or prevent lawful humanitarian assistance. Instead, it aims to ensure proper reporting and shared responsibility at a time of heightened security risk.

    “Security is a shared responsibility,” the statement said, adding that negligence or silence could place entire communities in danger.

    The local government urged residents to stay alert, law-abiding and cooperative to protect lives and sustain peace in Isin Local Government Area.

  • Coup Plot: Army Probe Finds Officers Answerable

    Coup Plot: Army Probe Finds Officers Answerable

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says an internal investigation has found that some military officers arrested last year have cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.

    In a statement on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the probe into the conduct of 16 officers had been completed and its findings forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with military regulations.

    The officers, whose ranks range from Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested in October 2025 over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service rules. At the time, reports claimed they were held by the Defence Intelligence Agency over alleged secret meetings aimed at toppling the government.

    The reports also linked the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade to the alleged plot.

    The military rejected those claims, insisting the matter was an internal disciplinary issue. The then Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the reports were intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians, adding that an investigative panel had been set up to handle the case.

    Providing an update, Uba said the investigation followed established military procedures and examined all circumstances surrounding the officers’ conduct.

    “The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement said.

    Uba said officers found to have cases to answer would be arraigned before relevant military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act and other service regulations.

    He stressed that the process would ensure accountability while respecting fairness and due process. The measures, he added, were strictly disciplinary and part of internal mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

    “The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” the statement said.

  • Jeremy Hunt: Europe Seen as Weak by Trump

    Jeremy Hunt: Europe Seen as Weak by Trump

    Former UK foreign secretary and chancellor Jeremy Hunt has said Donald Trump treats European leaders with contempt because he views them as weak, arguing that only stronger defence capabilities will change that perception.

    Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Hunt said the US president’s approach to Europe reflects a belief that the continent cannot adequately defend itself. He warned that without a serious investment in defence, European leaders would continue to be sidelined.

    “The reason that Trump treats European leaders like this is because he thinks they’re weak,” Hunt said. “If we want that to stop happening, there’s only one thing we need to do, which is to build up our own defences.”

    Hunt said respect in international politics often follows strength, not diplomacy alone. He argued that Trump is unlikely to take seriously leaders or countries that lack credible military power.

    He pointed to what he described as a stark contrast in Trump’s behaviour towards global figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, compared with his treatment of European leaders.

    “That is the thing that really sticks in many people’s throats,” Hunt said. “The contrast in the way Donald Trump treats Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, and actually Netanyahu in Israel, with respect.”

    When asked whether Trump’s approach was influenced by the perception of these leaders as “strong men”, Hunt agreed, saying Europe suffers because it does not project the same level of strength.

    “He treats European leaders with contempt,” Hunt added. “And that is because we are weak.”

    Hunt’s comments come amid renewed debate across Europe about defence spending and security cooperation, especially as uncertainty grows over future US foreign policy and NATO commitments.

  • Katsina Leaders and Victims Reject Amnesty for Bandits

    Katsina Leaders and Victims Reject Amnesty for Bandits

    Religious and community leaders in Katsina State have voiced strong opposition to the proposed release of 70 suspected bandits, warning it could trigger reprisals and deepen fear.

    Malam Umar Usman, a religious leader in Katsina metropolis, said those responsible for killings and destruction should face justice, not amnesty. “We are not in support,” he said.

    Community leaders fear that freed bandits may target those who cooperated with security agencies.

    Aminu Jafaru, a ward head in Modoji, warned that village heads and informants could face attacks if the release goes ahead.

    Youth leaders in affected areas say residents feel betrayed.

    A youth leader in Kankara said communities were considering legal action, arguing that the suspects were responsible for killings, rape and ransom kidnappings.

    Some voices offered cautious support, such imstance was an Islamic cleric, who gave his name as Mallam Umar, said peace talks could reduce violence but warned there was no way to know if the bandits had truly changed.

    READ ALSO: Outrage as Katsina Plans Release of 70 Suspected Bandits

    Public anger remains high in a state battered by years of kidnappings and attacks.

    Many residents say peace efforts that ignore justice for victims risk losing public trust and could fail to deliver lasting security.

  • Obi, Kwankwaso set up committee for 2027 joint ticket

    Obi, Kwankwaso set up committee for 2027 joint ticket

    Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have set up a joint committee to work towards a possible alliance for the 2027 presidential election under the ADC.

    Sources in both camps said the committee was formed about a month ago and includes representatives from the Obi camp and the Kwankwasiyya Movement. Its mandate is to build support within the ADC and finalise terms for a joint ticket.

    Magaji Ibrahim, SAN, a leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, confirmed the talks and said Kwankwaso was open to serving as either president or vice president. He said discussions had reached an advanced stage.

    “We are ready to work together either for the first or second position,” Ibrahim said. “The central point is to salvage the nation.”

    He added that talks were also ongoing about Kwankwaso formally joining the ADC, though he made it clear that anything short of the vice-presidential slot would be unacceptable.

    While the ADC leadership said it was open to welcoming Kwankwaso, party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said any talks between Obi and Kwankwaso were outside the party’s formal structure.

  • Tinubu Laying Groundwork for Long-Term Growth, Says Information Minister

    Tinubu Laying Groundwork for Long-Term Growth, Says Information Minister

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth and shared prosperity, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

    Speaking in Abuja while receiving members of the Grassroots Advocacy for Tinubu (GAT) 2027, Idris said the administration had taken tough but necessary steps to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and restore confidence.

    “These steps were taken to stabilise the economy and restore confidence,” the minister said. “What we are seeing today are the foundations of long-term growth and shared prosperity.”

    He said early signs of recovery were emerging across key sectors, adding that the progress must be protected through unity, responsible communication and broad support for government policies. Idris warned that negative or distorted narratives about Nigeria could harm investor confidence and slow development.

    “We must speak positively and truthfully about Nigeria,” he said. “When we project stability and unity, we attract investment and create opportunities for our people.”

    The minister commended GAT 2027 for its civic engagement and support for accurate public information. He welcomed the group’s proposal to partner with the ministry on public enlightenment, youth engagement and strategic communication.

    “Advocacy groups play an important role in helping government policies reach the grassroots,” Idris said, stressing that clear communication was vital to national stability and development.

    He also reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance, saying the administration was focused on making Nigeria work for all citizens, regardless of religion or background. National cohesion, he added, remained central to the government’s vision.

    Earlier, GAT 2027 National Coordinator, Professor Ochugudu Achoda Ipuele, said the group visited to brief the minister on its activities and to show support for his mandate.

    “We are here to solidarise with you on your responsibility to inform Nigerians and clarify government policies,” Ipuele said.

    He added that the group was committed to supporting Tinubu’s policies by countering misinformation, especially during election periods, and by engaging young people as the country moves towards 2027.

  • US creates African affairs office, eyes Russia’s military role

    US creates African affairs office, eyes Russia’s military role

    The United States has approved the creation of a new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs and a Bureau of African Affairs as part of its 2026 defence and foreign policy framework.

    The move is contained in the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for 2026 and is aimed at strengthening US oversight and coordination of policy towards sub-Saharan Africa. The new bureau will sit within the State Department and oversee foreign policy and assistance programmes across the region.

    The Act also mandates detailed assessments of Russia’s military strategy and force posture in Africa. This includes reviews of Moscow’s overseas bases, logistics networks and ability to project power on the continent, as well as the impact on US contingency plans under AFRICOM and other commands.

    Security analyst Kabir Adamu said the policy shift reflects rising geopolitical rivalry driven by economic interests rather than military confrontation. He noted that Africa, particularly West Africa and the Sahel, has become a strategic arena due to insecurity and access to critical resources.

    According to him, Russia and China have expanded their influence through military cooperation and economic engagement, forcing the US to adjust its approach. He added that Nigeria is a likely focal point, given its strategic position and regional influence.

    Another analyst, Chidi Omeje, said US–Nigeria security ties should be seen as a partnership, not dominance. He argued that Nigeria’s security threats are linked to global terrorist networks and require international cooperation.

    The Act signals deeper US engagement in Africa as competition with Russia and China intensifies.