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TRUMP NOMINATES KEVIN WARSH AS FED. CHAIR, IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIA

President Donald Trump has nominated former Federal Reserve official Kevin Warsh to replace Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve, a move that could influence global financial conditions and capital flows to countries such as Nigeria. Warsh, 55, previously served on the Fed’s board from 2006 to 2011 and is currently affiliated with the Hoover Institution and Stanford Graduate School of Business. His nomination, subject to Senate confirmation, comes amid Trump’s sustained criticism of Powell for resisting deep interest-rate cuts. Global markets reacted cautiously to the announcement, with equities and precious metals declining, while the dollar strengthened slightly. For Nigeria, analysts say shifts in U.S. interest rates often affect foreign portfolio inflows, exchange-rate stability and external borrowing costs. Lower U.S. rates could ease pressure on the naira, while concerns over political influence on the Fed may unsettle investors. If confirmed, Warsh would assume office when Powell’s term ends in May.

U.S. SURVEILLANCE FLIGHTS RESUME OVER NIGERIA’S NORTH-EAST TARGETING ISWAP

The United States has resumed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights over Nigeria’s North-East, focusing on militant activity in the Sambisa Forest. This comes just days after recent airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in Sokoto State. Security analysts disclosed that an American surveillance aircraft was sighted flying over parts of Borno State on Saturday, merely one day after the airstrikes. Flight-tracking data identified the aircraft as a Gulfstream V, a jet commonly modified for intelligence-gathering missions. Analysts confirm the renewed operation is targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the terror group operating mainly in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin. The surveillance flights reportedly resumed after a brief pause following Thursday night’s military action in Nigeria’s North-West. Open-source intelligence analysts provided further context, stating the U.S. surveillance mission over Nigeria began in late November. These aircraft operate out of Ghana, which serves as a key logistics hub for American military activities in West Africa. “The same aircraft has reportedly flown over Nigerian airspace almost daily since the operation began,” one analyst noted. This renewed ISR activity underscores a significant development in regional security dynamics. It occurs amid growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, following recent high-level talks. The flights follow U.S. assurances of increased action against jihadist groups operating within Nigeria’s borders.

U.S. CONDUCTS AIRSTRIKES AGAINST ISWAP IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA, COORDINATES WITH NIGERIAN MILITARY

The United States military has carried out airstrikes targeting fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in north-west Nigeria. The strikes, reportedly in parts of Sokoto State, were confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump via his Truth Social media account. Details of the operation, including casualty figures and the extent of damage, remain unclear. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the airstrikes were conducted in conjunction with the Nigerian military. The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, speaking in Abuja, noted, “details regarding the scope of the operation and casualty figures remain scanty,” underscoring the sensitive nature of ongoing counterterrorism engagements. Security and intelligence sources disclosed the strikes are part of a broader campaign aimed at degrading ISWAP’s expanding operational footprint beyond its traditional strongholds around the Lake Chad axis. According to intelligence assessments, additional air operations may be conducted in the coming days or weeks as surveillance and targeting efforts continue. This action follows last week’s emerging intelligence which indicated that foreign-backed air operations against terrorist enclaves in Nigeria were imminent, after heightened reconnaissance activities and increased coordination with Nigerian security forces. In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to terrorist groups, stating that Israel is prepared to support the United States in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

US ANNOUNCES VISA RESTRICTIONS FOR PERSONS LINKED WITH ATTACKERS OF CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA

The United States government has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals responsible for attacks on Christians in Nigeria. In a statement released on Wednesday, the US State Department said the measure authorizes the denial of visas to anyone who has directed, authorized, supported, participated in, or carried out religiously motivated abuses. The policy is being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. According to the statement, immediate family members of sanctioned individuals may also be affected. “As President Trump has made clear, the United States will not remain silent while such atrocities occur in Nigeria and other affected countries,” the State Department noted. Officials added that the policy applies not only to Nigeria but to any government or individual involved in violations of religious freedom. This development comes as the US and Nigerian governments discuss ongoing violent attacks by extremist groups across the country. Tensions had earlier risen after US officials accused the Nigerian government of failing to curb anti-Christian violence—an allegation Nigeria firmly rejected. Amid these concerns, President Donald Trump previously designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and even hinted at the possibility of deploying US troops in response to persistent insecurity.

PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS TO UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM, AND FRANCE

President Bola Tinubu has nominated three non-career ambassadors for postings to the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The postings will be finalized following screening and confirmation by the Senate. The nominees are Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are, and Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu. In a statement, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the nominees, stating, “These individuals bring a wealth of experience and will strengthen our diplomatic engagements in these key nations.” Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Korea during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, having been first appointed in 2016. Ambassador Ayodele Oke, an alumnus of Emory University in Atlanta, is a former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations in London. Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are was Director General of the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007, served as National Security Adviser in 2010, and was an officer in the Directorate of Military Intelligence. He graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 1980. The Presidency emphasized the importance of the nominations, with a spokesperson noting, “These appointments reflect the government’s commitment to deploying seasoned professionals to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy goals.” The Senate is expected to commence screening procedures shortly.

U.S. EMBASSY REACTS TO WOLE SOYINKA’S VISA CANCELLATION, CALLS VISAS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT

The United States Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria, has addressed claims by Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka that his visa was revoked, emphasizing that U.S. entry visas are privileges, not rights. The clarification came on Thursday from the embassy’s Public Diplomacy Officer, Julia McKay, in an email response to public outcry over Soyinka’s revelation. Soyinka, a renowned playwright, disclosed that he received a letter dated October 23, 2025, from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, notifying him of the cancellation of his B1/B2 visa. He expressed confusion over the action, stating he could not identify any wrongdoing but recalled two minor, decades-old incidents involving U.S. airport rules and a disagreement with police officers. Jokingly, he noted that the only “crime” he remembered was once being fined for carrying undeclared peppers into the U.S. The 91-year-old writer, who has been openly critical of U.S. President Donald Trump, told journalists he found the situation “curious” and would not contest the decision. The Consulate’s letter referenced U.S. regulations under 22 CFR 41.122, indicating that new information had come to light after the visa was issued, leading to its cancellation. It also requested that Soyinka return the visa for physical cancellation, to which he laughed and jokingly asked if anyone would deliver it on his behalf. In response, McKay stated that the embassy could not provide details on Soyinka’s case due to privacy regulations. “Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” McKay said. She further stressed, “Visas are a privilege, not a right… visas may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances warrant.”

US VISA RESTRICTIONS SPARK CONCERN IN NIGERIA

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed concern over the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens. The new policy limits the validity of non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2, F, and J categories, to three months with single entry. In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. “The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations,” Ebienfa noted. Ebienfa emphasized that the restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travelers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones, and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges. “While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities,” he said. Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest, according to Ebienfa. The Nigerian government is working to address the concerns and find a mutually beneficial solution.

US INTRODUCES NEW VISA VETTING REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENT VISA APPLICANTS

The United States has introduced a new visa vetting requirement for student visa applicants, mandating that prospective students disclose their social media handles and ensure their personal profiles are set to public during the application process. This move is part of heightened security measures aimed at improving background checks and screening processes. According to the U.S. Department of State, the policy change requires international students to maintain public social media accounts as part of enhanced vetting procedures. The measure applies to all F, M, and J visa applicants, who must now make their social media profiles publicly accessible to U.S. consular officials as part of the vetting process. The new policy aims to enable consular officers to assess applicants’ online presence for any “hostile attitudes” toward the United States, connections to terrorist organizations, or antisemitic behavior. Officials will review profiles on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and may use services like LexisNexis to compile thorough digital profiles of applicants. “We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security,” the U.S. Department of State said. “A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.” The policy shift has raised concerns about longer processing times and reduced appointment availability. According to internal guidance, consulates must now prioritize students attending institutions where international students comprise less than 15% of enrollment. The new prioritization, combined with added vetting requirements, is expected to strain consular resources, potentially slowing the application process for many. The move has sparked a global conversation about privacy and surveillance concerns, with many questioning how the data will be used and how it may affect application outcomes. Embassy officials have yet to clarify these details, but the announcement has already impacted thousands of international students seeking to study in the U.S.

US VISA RESTRICTIONS ON ECOWAS NATIONS THREATEN REGIONAL PROSPERITY

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the United States’ proposed visa restrictions on its member states, warning that such a policy would significantly hinder trade, diplomacy, and regional prosperity. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, expressed these concerns during the 54th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level in Abuja. “It would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass, because we are a region of opportunities ready to do deals,” Tuggar said. “We possess critical minerals and even rare earths such as Samarium from the Monazite found in my home State of Bauchi. We would like to do deals with the US, but visa restrictions are non-tariff barriers to deals.” Tuggar emphasized that ECOWAS countries and the US have a rare opportunity to create a partnership based on principles of need. “We are also a strategic alternative to more distant and politically divergent energy producers. So, we will do deals for our prosperity; the only question is with whom? Who takes up the opportunities in our region by allowing government officials and technocrats, business executives and entrepreneurs to travel freely back and forth to close the deals?” he queried. The proposed visa restrictions are part of a broader executive order signed by US President Donald Trump, targeting countries with high instances of terrorism threats, visa overstays, or unreliable identity verification systems. The affected countries are expected to meet new requirements laid down by the State Department within 60 days or face travel restrictions. According to Tuggar, the ECOWAS region is rich in opportunities and should not be discarded. “We in this part of the world are students of the Art of the Deal and have been part of the international trading system even before the modern state system,” he added. The meeting, attended by ECOWAS member states, deliberated on key issues directly addressing the stability, cohesion, and resilience of the region. These include trends and developments in the transition process in Guinea, preparations for presidential and parliamentary elections in two other member states, maritime security, terrorism, and transnational organized crime. ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Alieu Touray highlighted the regional body’s progress in strengthening regional peace and security. He listed efforts made by the region, including the ECOWAS Standby Force Logistics Concept, ECOWAS Logistics Depot Policies, and the Supplementary Act relating to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) Regional Platform.

US APPROVES TWICE-YEARLY HIV SHOT THAT COULD PROTECT MILLIONS

The US has approved the world’s first twice-yearly shot to prevent HIV, marking a significant step towards protecting millions of people worldwide. The shot, made by Gilead Sciences and called lenacapavir or Yeztugo, has shown remarkable efficacy in preventing HIV transmission, nearly eliminating new infections in two groundbreaking studies. According to Greg Millett, public policy director at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, “This really has the possibility of ending HIV transmission.” The shot provides six months of protection, making it a more convenient and potentially more effective option than daily preventive pills. Lenacapavir works by inhibiting HIV at multiple stages of its lifecycle, and its approval was based on data from the PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 trials. These trials demonstrated that the shot was highly effective in preventing HIV infections, with 100% efficacy in one study and 99.9% efficacy in the other. Experts are hailing the approval as a major breakthrough, but concerns remain about access to the shot, particularly in low-income countries. Gilead has signed agreements with generic drug makers to produce low-cost versions of the shot for 120 countries, but HIV experts worry that middle-income countries may be left out. The US list price for the shot is $28,218 a year, which Gilead says is similar to other PrEP options. The company has financial assistance programs in place, but advocates are concerned about the impact of potential Medicaid cuts and other healthcare changes on access to the shot. Ian Haddock, who participated in the lenacapavir study, said, “Now I forget that I’m on PrEP because I don’t have to carry around a pill bottle… Men, women, gay, straight – it really just kinds of expands the opportunity for prevention.” Dr. Gordon Crofoot, who helped lead the study in men, emphasized the need for easier access to PrEP, saying, “Everyone in every country who’s at risk of HIV needs access to PrEP.” Despite the challenges ahead, the approval of lenacapavir marks a significant step forward in the fight against HIV. With millions of people worldwide still at risk of infection, this new prevention option offers hope for a future where HIV transmission could be dramatically reduced or even eliminated.