Boris Johnson Declares He Feels 'Perfectly Safe' During Visit to Nigeria

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made headlines on Thursday as he confidently stated he felt "perfectly safe" during his visit to Nigeria, brushing off pre-trip security concerns. Speaking at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025, held in the capital city of Owerri, Johnson expressed his commitment to attending the event despite negative reports about security in the country. In his keynote address, Johnson asked attendees if they felt safe and affirmed that he, too, felt secure under the governance of Imo State's Governor Hope Uzodimma. "When I decided to come to Owerri, I read some things, and there were people saying, 'There may be some security problems in Nigeria.'" Johnson's positive remarks come amidst ongoing security issues in the nation, including recent abductions and gun attacks.

Despite the challenges Nigeria faces, including a recent designation from President Donald Trump labeling it a “Country of Particular Concern,” Johnson noted that he was impressed with the state's efforts to provide 24-hour electricity as part of its economic growth strategy. "Your focus on electricity is completely right. What is the future? The future is AI. For clean, sustainable electricity—and because of AI, it’s going to be colossal," he stated.

Johnson emphasized the importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship, noting the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two nations. As the former PM joined Governor Uzodimma in promoting investment in Imo State, he highlighted the governor's initiatives to secure sustainable power and improve business infrastructure, stating, "Imo is ready to harvest your investments."

Federal High Court Sets Date for Nnamdi Kanu's Motion Hearing

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled December 8, 2025, for the hearing of a motion ex parte filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu, who was found guilty on November 20, 2025, of all seven counts of terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government and sentenced to life imprisonment, is seeking to be transferred from the Sokoto Correctional Facility. Kanu was moved to Sokoto following concerns raised by the court regarding his safety, particularly after previous prison breaks occurred at the Kuje Correctional Facility, which was deemed unsuitable. During the proceedings on Thursday, Kanu's brother, Emmanuel Kanu, attempted to represent him despite lacking the necessary legal qualifications.

Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, informed Emmanuel that he could not move the motion because he is not a legal practitioner. Justice Omotosho advised him to engage a qualified lawyer or contact the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria for proper representation. The judge emphasized the importance of legal representation and that the matter would not be assessed at this point to ensure fairness. The court has agreed to accommodate Kanu's case despite other scheduled cases on the docket for Monday. Justice Omotosho also cautioned against any misleading public statements concerning Kanu's appeal record compilation.

Ukraine and US Negotiators Set to Meet in Florida Following Moscow Talks, White House Confirms

US special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's national security council, for discussions in Miami on Thursday, as confirmed by the White House. Witkoff had a nearly five—hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, where the Kremlin stated that there was "no compromise" reached regarding the end of the war in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump described the talks as "reasonably good," but noted it was premature to predict the outcome since "it takes two to tango." Putin later remarked that achieving a consensus would not be an "easy task," emphasizing Moscow's ongoing demand for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the Donbas region, which is currently occupied by Russian forces. On Thursday, Russian state media quoted Putin saying: "It all comes down to this. Either we liberate these territories by force of arms or Ukrainian troops will leave these territories and stop fighting there." That was their impression.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that "the world clearly feels that there is a real opportunity to end the war," but insisted that negotiations must be "backed by pressure on Russia."The US-Russia discussions at the Kremlin followed several days of US meetings with Ukrainian and European leaders, amid concerns that the draft of a peace deal was overly favorable to Russia's demands. Kyiv and its European allies believe that, even if a peace deal is reached, the best way to prevent future Russian aggression would be to grant Ukraine NATO membership. Russia strongly opposes this idea, and Trump has also indicated he has no plans to allow Kyiv into the alliance. The possibility of Ukraine joining NATO was a "key question" addressed in Moscow, according to the Kremlin on Wednesday. The question of whether Ukraine will be allowed to join NATO is a significant concern regarding future attacks if the peace plan ultimately leads to the end of the war.

NATO's Strategic Response: Allies Gather in Brussels After Ukraine Peace Talks Yield No Results

Nearly all foreign ministers of NATO convened in Brussels on Wednesday, following inconclusive peace discussions regarding Ukraine between the United States and President Vladimir Putin, while European officials sought to secure a place at the negotiating table. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte remarked that On Wednesday, December 3, NATO nations committed to purchasing hundreds of millions of additional dollars' worth of US arms for Ukraine, signaling robust support despite the ongoing US-led peace negotiations with Moscow. Foreign ministers from the 32-member alliance assembled in Brussels to deliberate on Washington's efforts to conclude the conflict.

The meeting occurred shortly after US representatives seemingly failed to achieve a significant breakthrough during five hours of discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. NATO chief Mark Rutte underscored the importance of bolstering Ukraine's position, irrespective of the negotiation pace. Rutte stated, "The peace talks are ongoing, which is positive, but concurrently, we must ensure that while they are in progress and we cannot predict when they will conclude Ukraine is in the strongest possible position to continue the fight." As part of this commitment, Germany, Poland, Norway, the Netherlands, and Canada declared their intention to collectively allocate approximately one billion dollars more towards a program to procure American weapons for Ukraine.

While there are no definitive answers regarding the peace plan negotiations from the meeting. photo credit: NATO's Instagram page

President Tinubu Appoints Former CDS Christopher Musa as New Defence Minister

President Bola Tinubu has put forward the nomination of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as the new Minister of Defence. This nomination follows the resignation of the previous Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, who stepped down on Monday, November 1, 2025, due to health issues.

On Tuesday, December 1, a statement from the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that President Tinubu informed Senate President Godswill Akpabio about General Musa’s nomination to replace Badaru. The statement noted that General Musa, who will turn 58 on December 25, is a respected military leader who held the position of Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He received the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed his trust in General Musa’s capability to head the Ministry of Defence and enhance Nigeria’s security framework.

The Future of Humanity at Risk: Insights from Pope Leo's Inaugural Foreign Visit

Pope Leo XIV has cautioned that the world must not succumb to "an increased level of global conflict" as he begins his foreign visit in Turkey… "The future of humanity is at risk," the Pope stated, urging President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to be a stabilizing force due to the necessity of fostering dialogue and stability. Leo cautioned that the wars of today resemble a "third world war fought in fragments," echoing a phrase previously used by his predecessor, in reference to conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, Myanmar, and other regions. Since his appointment as pontiff six months ago, he has shown a tendency to be very measured, even cautious. However, during this trip, his diplomatic skills will be under close observation.

A significant moment of the journey occurred in the Turkish town of Iznik, the location of the ancient city of Nicaea. Pope Leo and leaders from various Christian traditions will convene to commemorate the anniversary of an ancient council held there 1,700 years ago.

In 325 AD, among other important decisions, over 200 bishops at the council confirmed the belief that Jesus was the son of God, which ultimately led to the Nicene Creed. The Eastern and Western branches of Christianity later experienced a dramatic split, but during this trip, messages of unity and healing of divisions were emphasized.

Photo Credit: Pope Leo offical's Instagram page

NATO's Strategic Shift: Exploring Preemptive Strikes Against Russia Amid Putin's Shadow War in Europe

NATO might have to take the first shot at Russia as Putin's increasing shadow war on Europe pushes the alliance towards a potential change in strategy, a senior admiral has cautioned. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, head of NATO’s Military Committee, stated that the alliance could be compelled to adopt a preemptive stance, marking a major departure from its longstanding policy of responding only after being provoked. In an interview with the Financial Times, Dragone mentioned that NATO is currently reevaluating its position due to the rising number of Russian sabotage activities throughout Europe. He noted, "We are examining everything. In terms of cyber, we tend to be reactive. Being more aggressive or proactive rather than reactive is something we are considering." For many years, European countries have associated a series of fires, explosions, undersea cable disruptions, and cyberattacks with the Kremlin.

These incidents have included a fire at a Ukrainian-owned warehouse in east London, the cutting of Baltic Sea cables, and airspace violations by unidentified drones, one of which caused the shutdown of Copenhagen airport. Dragone indicated that cyber retaliation would be the easiest and fastest response since many NATO countries have offensive cyber capabilities, but addressing physical sabotage or drone incursions would be more complicated, though still feasible. He mentioned that in certain situations, a "preemptive strike" could be viewed as defensive, although he recognized it was "further away from our usual way of thinking and behavior" and raised issues of legality, jurisdiction, and accountability.

As NATO discusses its approach, high-level diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Ukraine are ongoing in Florida as both parties strive to establish the framework for a possible peace agreement.

Tragic Abduction in Kano: Man and Two Others Kidnapped, Mother K!lled After Prayer Against Political Insecurity

Dozens of armed bandits have stormed Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State, k!lling a woman and abducting three others.   It was gathered that the attack occurred at 11pm on Saturday, November 29, 2025 when the villagers had retired to bed.   Sources in the village told Daily Nigerian that the bandits parked their motorcycles on the outskirts of the village and came on foot to avoid detection. According to the sources, the bandits shot an old woman for pleading with them to spare her son from abduction. “They k!lled an old woman because she begged them not to go with her son. However, they shot her and went away with the son," said a villager who preferred anonymity.    “They then left and opened another house and abducted two women, including the sister-in-law of the ward councillor."

  One Nuradeen Rabiu identified the abducted man whose mother was k!lled as Aminu Mahd Ala.    Aminu had called out people who are politicising security challenges in Kano State a few hours before his abduction.   “This was his post, and a few hours later, kidnappers came to his house, took him away, k!lled his mother,” Nuradeen wrote.   Yankamaye village, which is about 5km away from Rimaye town in Katsina State, has come under frequent bandit attack after neighbouring Katsina communities signed “peace accord” with the bandits. Neighbouring communities such as Sundu and Buresawa are also facing similar attacks. At least eight people were abducted during a late-night raid on Biresawa village on Monday. 

Bandits Abduct Kwara Traditional Ruler: A Demand for N150 Million Ransom

Bandits have kidnapped a traditional leader in the Bayagan community, located in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, specifically Ojibara of Bayagan, Oba Kamilu Salami. Reports indicate that the monarch was taken around 9:30 am on Saturday, November 29, 2025, while he was on his farm by a group of bandits armed with AK-47 rifles. Witnesses say the attack occurred suddenly, leaving the community in fear and confusion.

An anonymous source from the community revealed that a farmer from a nearby village saw the abduction. The eyewitness, who was hiding in a guinea corn field, reported seeing the kidnappers force the traditional ruler onto a motorcycle at gunpoint before fleeing in an unknown direction. According to Vanguard, the bandits reached out to the community early Sunday morning, demanding a ransom of N150 million.

The bandits instructed Oba Ojibara to communicate with his community to prove he was in their custody. The report states that the monarch, in his distress, called on the community to negotiate with the bandits for his swift release. He mentioned that they transported him on a motorcycle through dense forests for over five hours before reaching their location, where they were in contact with the community. The monarch also informed his community that an unknown number of individuals were abducted from the neighboring area while he was being taken away.

DSS Summons Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed: Analyzing the Allegations of Incitement

On Friday, November 28, the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly summoned Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who was the former running mate to the 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, due to his views that are seen as inciting against the Nigerian State, according to a security source. Sources informed security analyst Zagazola Makama that there are increasing worries about the recent public statements made by the founder of Baze University, particularly those related to his claims of a 'constitutional crisis.' 'A few days ago, Baba-Ahmed appeared on national television, accusing the judiciary and the military of permitting the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashmir Shettima. He even suggested that it was President Tinubu's swearing-in that allowed them to call you 'bloody fools,' the source remarked.

'His provocative comments have implications that could escalate national tensions, especially given the delicate nature of Nigeria's current political situation. This is concerning, as similar narratives have led to instability in countries like Guinea-Bissau and others. 'I think the secret police are handling his comments carefully. This is not about politics; rather, the very existence of our nation could be at risk if such rhetoric is allowed to spread. 'The inaction of the judiciary and military in preventing the inauguration of President Tinubu's administration, as he was quoted, raises significant concerns.'

The source clarified that this invitation follows established protocols, especially since his characterization of efforts to enhance national security as a 'joke' could stir public sentiment and undermine trust in state institutions. 'These meetings are not meant to punish; they are preventive, aimed at clarifying intentions, providing context for the remarks, and stopping the rise of narratives that could unintentionally escalate tensions.” The source added.