The United States has praised the Nigerian government for securing 386 convictions in terrorism-related cases, describing the development as a major step toward strengthening justice and accountability in the country’s fight against insurgency.

The commendation was delivered by Massad Boulos, who highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to accelerate long-delayed terrorism trials and reinforce the rule of law.

According to the U.S. official, the convictions mark a significant milestone in addressing cases that had stalled within the judicial system, noting that swift and transparent legal processes remain critical in tackling extremism and restoring public trust.

The latest development follows disclosures by Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who confirmed that the Federal Government secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases handled at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

Fagbemi explained that aside from the convictions, eight suspects were discharged, two were acquitted, while 112 cases were adjourned to the next phase of the trials.

He noted that the proceedings, which ran from April 7 to April 10, involved over 500 suspects arraigned under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, with 10 judges presiding over the cases despite the Easter vacation period.

The minister added that the outcomes reflect the government’s commitment to due process, stressing that the inclusion of acquittals and discharges underscores adherence to judicial fairness.

The next phase of the trials has already been scheduled for mid-June, as authorities continue efforts to clear pending terrorism-related cases.

The U.S. government also emphasised that upholding the rule of law remains essential for ensuring long-term security and stability in Nigeria, particularly as the country continues to face threats from extremist groups.

The commendation comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security landscape, with global partners closely monitoring efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen institutional accountability.

In 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing concerns over violence linked to extremist activities.

However, the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rejected the classification, maintaining that the country’s security challenges are driven by broader criminality and insurgency rather than targeted religious persecution.

Analysts say the latest convictions could help improve Nigeria’s global image and demonstrate progress in addressing terrorism through legal and institutional frameworks.

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The United States military has confirmed the deployment of a small team of troops to Nigeria to support efforts against Boko Haram, banditry and other terrorist threats, marking the first official acknowledgement of US forces on Nigerian soil since recent American airstrikes.

The confirmation came from General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), who spoke to journalists during a briefing in Dakar. He said the deployment followed bilateral discussions in which both countries agreed that stronger action was needed to address rising insecurity in West Africa.

According to Anderson, the decision has led to increased cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, including the deployment of a limited US military team with specialised capabilities.

“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” he said, without disclosing the size or specific mandate of the force.

The deployment follows airstrikes ordered by former US President Donald Trump in December, which he said targeted Islamic State elements operating in Nigeria. Trump had also warned that further military action could follow.

Reuters had earlier reported that the US military had been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from neighbouring Ghana since at least late November, suggesting heightened monitoring of militant activity in the region.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.), confirmed that a US team was currently operating in the country but declined to give further operational details.

A former US official familiar with the situation said the American personnel were largely focused on intelligence gathering and providing support that enables Nigerian forces to carry out operations against terrorist-linked groups.

The development comes amid increasing pressure from Washington, following accusations by Trump that Nigeria had failed to adequately protect Christian communities from Islamist militants, particularly in the northwest. The Nigerian government has rejected claims of systematic persecution, maintaining that security forces are targeting armed groups that attack both Christians and Muslims.

Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have intensified attacks in recent months, targeting military convoys and civilian populations. While the northeast remains the historic base of the insurgency, the northwest has emerged as a major hotspot for terrorist violence and banditry.

AFRICOM also disclosed that a recent US-coordinated strike in Sokoto State, carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, killed several Islamic State fighters. The strike, the command said, was part of broader efforts to degrade the operational capacity of extremist groups threatening regional stability.

The US military presence highlights growing international concern over Nigeria’s security challenges, as militant violence continues to spread across parts of the country more than 17 years after the Boko Haram insurgency began.

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The Federal Government has blamed a fresh wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across Nigeria on recent statements issued by the United States, warning that the international commentary has emboldened criminal networks already destabilizing several communities.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, delivered the warning on Wednesday following two major attacks—the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the deadly assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State—which have triggered widespread public outrage.

Akume said President Donald Trump’s posts accusing Nigeria of “Christian genocide” and threatening potential military action had created what he described as a dangerous narrative now being exploited by violent groups seeking visibility.

“Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets,” the SGF said.

According to him, before the controversial statements went viral, terrorist and insurgent structures had been significantly degraded, with most activities reduced to scattered banditry. He insisted that the renewed aggression seen over the past week suggests that extremist networks were attempting to leverage global narratives to justify attacks.

Akume stressed that Nigeria does not require foreign troops—a direct response to Trump’s threat to deploy US forces—but instead needs enhanced collaboration with international partners in intelligence, technology, and advanced military equipment.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories and weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP. What Nigeria needs is targeted support, not foreign military deployment,” he added.

Addressing Trump’s assertion of a “Christian genocide,” the SGF firmly rejected the claim, insisting that available intelligence shows extremist groups have attacked both churches and mosques, killing victims of different faiths.

“Nigeria is a secular state. Verified evidence shows these criminal groups attack Muslims and Christians alike,” he said, noting that government appointments also reflect the nation’s religious and ethnic diversity.

He cautioned against narratives that oversimplify the crisis, arguing that such portrayals risk fueling division and providing ideological cover for criminal elements.

The recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara—two of the deadliest in weeks—have amplified security concerns across the country. In Kebbi, bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, killing the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 24 students.

Makuku reportedly died while attempting to protect students during the assault.

In Kwara State, gunmen attacked worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, killing at least two people and injuring others before abducting an unspecified number of residents. A second attack along the Ilorin–Kabba Road forced travellers to flee into nearby bushes.

The SGF stated that while the government continues to strengthen security operations, international partners—especially the United States—must avoid statements capable of escalating tension or emboldening insurgents.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dismantling terrorist and criminal networks and protecting every Nigerian, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

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The United States embassy and consulate in Nigeria have resumed full operations following the end of the U.S. government shutdown.

The shutdown, which began on October 1, forced American embassies and consulates worldwide including those in Nigeria to scale down activities and suspend routine public communications. Only urgent safety and security updates were issued during the period.

After 43 days, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a spending bill on Wednesday, reopening the government in what became the longest shutdown in American history.

In a statement on Friday, the U.S. embassy in Nigeria informed visa applicants and other service users that full services had now resumed.

“American citizen services and visa services are proceeding as scheduled,” the embassy announced.

Trump signed the temporary budget after the House of Representatives approved it in a 222–209 vote, two days after the Senate narrowly passed the same funding package.

However, the short-term spending bill only funds the government until January 30, raising the possibility of another shutdown if U.S. lawmakers fail to reach a bipartisan agreement.

The embassy advised Nigerians to continue monitoring official channels for further updates

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The United States military has drawn up contingency plans for potential strikes in Nigeria following a directive from President Donald Trump.

According to a report by the New York Times, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has submitted operational options to the Department of War at the request of Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The plans include three levels of engagement — heavy, medium, and light — designed to allow for a controlled escalation of U.S. involvement.

Under the “heavy option,” the U.S. could deploy an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf of Guinea and use fighter jets or long-range bombers to strike targets in northern Nigeria. The “medium option” involves drone strikes on militant camps and convoys, while the “light option” focuses on joint operations supporting Nigerian forces against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.

Military officials told the newspaper that the plans aim to neutralize Islamist militants, protect Christian communities, and end the prolonged insurgency in Nigeria’s north.

However, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of these plans, especially since U.S. forces vacated drone bases in Agadez and Niamey, Niger, earlier this year—facilities now occupied by Russian troops.

Last week, President Trump accused the Nigerian government of allowing the “mass slaughter” of Christians, labeling the country a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and suspending arms sales and technical assistance to Abuja. The claim has been denied by Nigerian officials.

Trump, however, maintained that any U.S. action would be “fast, vicious, and sweet,” declaring that America would not “stand by while atrocities are happening.”

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has backed the president’s stance, describing Nigeria as “the most dangerous nation on Earth to follow Christ” and urging stronger action against religious persecution.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s government continues to reject accusations of religiously motivated killings, insisting that ongoing insecurity stems from terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than targeted persecution.

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Gumi Urges Nigeria to Cut Ties with US Over Trump’s Military Threa

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on President Bola Tinubu to take firm diplomatic action against former United States President Donald Trump following his alleged threat of military intervention in Nigeria.

In a statement shared via his verified Facebook page on Sunday, Gumi condemned Trump’s remarks as an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty, urging the federal government to issue a strong response.

“For Trump to threaten a sovereign country with military attack is a profound disrespect to our authority, but we can rise above it,” he wrote.

The cleric advised the Tinubu administration to summon the U.S. ambassador to demand an official retraction, warning that failure to do so should result in cutting diplomatic ties with Washington.

“President Tinubu should summon the U.S. ambassador; they either retract their threats or we sever diplomatic ties with this irresponsible regime,” Gumi stated.

He further stressed the need for Nigeria to explore alternative economic and military partnerships, saying the country should not rely solely on the United States for strategic cooperation.

“There are lots of other options for our economic expansion and military alliance,” he added.

Gumi’s comments come amid growing diplomatic tension following Trump’s alleged comments on Nigeria’s internal affairs, which many political observers have described as inflammatory and undiplomatic.

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