Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the proposals were categorized into three option “heavy,” “medium,” and “light”each representing different levels of U.S. military engagement in Nigeria.

The Heavy Option would involve deploying an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, supported by fighter jets or long-range bombers, to target militant groups deep within northern Nigeria.

The Medium Option plan proposes the use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for targeted strikes on insurgent camps, convoys, and vehicles. These drones would operate with U.S. intelligence support to ensure precise and timely operations.

While The Light Option: The least aggressive option focuses on intelligence-sharing, logistical support, and joint operations with Nigerian forces against groups like Boko Haram, which have been linked to mass killings, abductions, and attacks on churches.

Read Also: Trump, Al-Sisi to Lead Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt as World Leaders Gather

While these plans have been developed, top Pentagon officials have reportedly expressed concerns that limited airstrikes or drone operations would not be sufficient to end Nigeria’s ongoing insurgency. They suggest that only a full-scale military campaign, similar to those in Iraq or Afghanistan, might make a significant impact. However, such a large-scale intervention is not currently being considered in Washington.

The situation in Nigeria, and the growing international attention to it, has sparked renewed debate in Washington over the U.S. role in foreign religious conflicts and the potential consequences of military intervention.

Source: Punch

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“It is going to be concluded very soon,” said one senior official. “They are just cleaning it up now because some of those on the list have passed away, retired, or are no longer eligible due to age or time in service. The Senate already screened the list, and now it’s just a matter of updating it.”

According to the source, The President’s office had initially submitted the list to the Senate for vetting months ago, but since then, some nominees have been unable to proceed due to changes in their personal circumstances. With background security checks completed months ago, the final stage of verification should be completed quickly.

The push to finalize these appointments comes at a critical time, amid growing diplomatic tensions with the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened military intervention in Nigeria over allegations of Christian persecution, claiming he had instructed U.S. Congress to investigate the issue and prepare for action if necessary.

Read Also: Presidency Dismisses Report of Tinubu’s Scheduled Visit to US

While the Nigerian government has not directly linked the ambassadorial vacancies to the recent diplomatic crisis, some officials argue that the absence of a full ambassadorial cadre has made communication and negotiations more difficult.

“That’s not to say the lack of ambassadors caused the recent issues with the U.S., but their presence could have made communication smoother,” one official noted. “Foreign partners tend to prefer engaging with ambassadors, especially in moments of crisis or negotiation.”

President Tinubu had previously acknowledged the complexity of balancing political and professional interests in the ambassadorial appointments. “It’s not easy stitching those names together,” he said during a meeting with members of The Buhari Organization on September 2, 2025. “I couldn’t appoint everyone at once. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that many people are vying for.”

The final decision on the ambassadorial appointments is expected soon, and diplomatic observers are eagerly awaiting the announcement as Nigeria works to strengthen its international relations during a time of rising tensions.

Source: Punch

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Among the global figures expected to attend are UN Secretary-General António Guterres, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have also confirmed their participation.

The European Council will be represented by its president, António Costa. “The plan offers a real chance to build a just and sustainable peace, and the EU is fully committed to supporting these efforts and contributing to its implementation,” a spokesperson said.

Read Also: Egypt’s President Supports Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Initiative

Jordan’s King Abdullah II is also slated to attend, according to state media.

However, there’s still no official confirmation on whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will participate. Meanwhile, Palestinian militant group Hamas has already ruled out its involvement in the summit.

“Hamas will not be involved,” said Hossam Badran, a senior political bureau member of the group, in an interview with reporters. He added that previous negotiations on Gaza were primarily conducted through Qatari and Egyptian mediators.

The summit comes at a critical time as diplomatic pressure intensifies to find a long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict, which has exacted a heavy toll on civilians and regional stability.

Source: Punch

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The remarks followed speculation that Trump might attempt to defy constitutional limits and seek a third term.

“It’s too early, obviously, to talk about it, but certainly he’s doing a great job.

“And he would be probably favored at this point,” Trump said.

Trump also floated the idea of Vance teaming up with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to create a formidable Republican ticket.

“I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form,” Trump said.
Trump has suggested serving another term several times, despite the US Constitution limiting presidents to two terms.

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Markarova, who has served as ambassador in Washington since 2021, has been criticised by some Republicans for being too closely aligned with the Democratic Party.

Her replacement could be an attempt by Zelensky to appease Trump during a sensitive time for Ukraine.

Zelensky reportedly plans to announce Markarova’s replacement next week as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle.
The Ukrainian president has reorganised his cabinet several times since the start of the war.

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The president’s aircraft touched down at the Galeão Air Force Base at 8:45 p.m. on Friday, where he was received by the commander of the base, Brazil’s deputy minister for Africa and the Middle East, Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and the deputy minister for trade promotion, science, technology, innovation, and culture.

President Tinubu is attending the summit at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, on the strength of Nigeria’s status as a ‘partner country’- a membership category short of full status.

The Partner status is an upgrade from its previous guest status, which the country had enjoyed over the years.

Nigeria was formally admitted as the ninth BRICS partner country in January 2025, a status introduced at the 16th BRICS Summit in October 2024.

As a partner country, Nigeria can participate in BRICS meetings, summits, and initiatives, contributing to discussions and official documents.

The word BRICS was coined from the names of the pioneer nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which came together under an informal grouping of emerging economies.  It also comprised six coalition members, such as Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, which joined in 2024.

The 2025 summit is held from July 6-7 with special attention on ‘Global Governance reform’ and ‘cooperation among the Global South Community.’

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Israel’s operation, which began early Friday, has targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing dozens of people including top army commanders and atomic scientists, according to Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to hit “every target of the ayatollah regime”, and Iran has retaliated with a deadly barrage of missiles.

While Trump had said he was aware of the Israeli operation before it started, he reiterated Sunday morning on his Truth Social platform that the United States “had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight.”’

He added that “we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!”

During his first term, a landmark nuclear accord with Iran — negotiated under former president Barack Obama — was torpedoed in 2018 when Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States and reimposed sanctions.

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In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump stated that killings motivated by antisemitism must end, declaring that there is no place for such violence in the country.

“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!

“Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the United State.”

He sympathised with the bereaved families, saying, “Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen!”

The attack took place on Wednesday night near the intersection of Third Street and F Street NW, close to Georgetown University Law School and the FBI’s Washington field office.

The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that a single suspect is in custody.

According to Police Chief Pamela Smith, the suspect reportedly shouted “Free Free Palestine” while being detained.

The victims were identified as staff members of the Israeli Embassy who had been attending an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the museum.

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Trump made this known in a post via his social media handle, where he noted that Lomangino will serve with great distinction.

“Anthony is a fantastic businessman and reformer, who built one of the most successful sanitation businesses in the Country”, he said.

Meanwhile, the United States Postal Service Board of Governors directs “the exercise of the power” of the Postal Service.

The Board also controls its expenditures and reviews its practices and policies

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A report today, cited an internal memo and officials familiar with the matter.

The memo consists of a total of 43 countries divided into three groups: red, orange, and yellow.

Although the list has yet to be approved by the Trump administration, it comprises several African countries, with African economic powerhouses like Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, and Egypt excluded.

The red group consists of 11 countries- Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Cuba, Bhutan, Venezuela, North Korea, Yemen, and Somalia- whose nationals would be barred from entering the US.

The orange group comprises 10 countries whose visas would be sharply restricted. They include Russia, Belarus, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Pakistan, Laos, Turkmenistan, Haiti, and Eritrea.

The countries in the last group were given 60 days to address concerns.

Read Also: 3,690 US-based Nigerians face deportation

The nations on the 22-country yellow list include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.

The New York Times had first reported the list of countries earmarked for the proposed visa ban.

However, a US official told reporters that there could be changes on the list and that it was yet to be approved by the administration, including Marco Rubio, the secretary of state.

The proposal is part of an immigration crackdown that Trump launched at the start of his second term in January.

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