SaharaReporters had exclusively reported the arrest and subsequent detention of the senior military officers led by an Army Brigadier General for planning a coup on October 1st Independent Day celebrations. ArticlesRead More
SaharaReporters had exclusively reported the arrest and subsequent detention of the senior military officers led by an Army Brigadier General for planning a coup on October 1st Independent Day celebrations. ArticlesRead More
Trump Lists Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Over Alleged Genocide Against Christians
By Michael Olugbode in Abuja
United States President Donald Trump has announced Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” after claiming that Christianity faces a threat in the country.
The countries of particular concern are the list of nations the US finds have engaged in severe violations of religious freedom.
In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump said, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a “COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN.”
“When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done! I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me.”
The US President continued that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”
The Country of Particular Concern list features Burma, People’s Republic of China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, according to the State Department website.
The severe violations include “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom,” including violations such as: (1) torture; (2) prolonged detention without charges; (3) forced disappearance; or (4) other flagrant denial of life, liberty, or security of persons, the state department said.
The special watch list countries are Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam.
Apart from countries, the US also has a list of entities that are of particular concern. These are al Qa’ida affiliate Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS-Sahel (formerly known as ISIS-Greater Sahara), ISIS-West Africa, al Qa’ida affiliate Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin, and the Taliban.
By Michael Olugbode in Abuja United States President Donald Trump has announced Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” after claiming that Christianity faces a threat in the country. The
Police Arrest Benue Man Who Allegedly Faked Own Kidnap
The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) has arrested a middle-aged man from Benue State, Andrew Paul Audu, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping in a calculated attempt to score political points and create unnecessary tension.
The suspect vanished on March 8, 2025, at about 6:00am, claiming he had been abducted by political opponents.
He circulated messages alleging that rivals had kidnapped him to silence his voice ahead of local political activities.
The false report triggered panic among family members, supporters and security agencies, prompting a search operation that wasted valuable resources.
However, on Friday evening, October 31, 2025, police operatives acting on intelligence arrested him at Abacha Road in Abuja.
He was found relaxing with friends, enjoying grilled fish and beer—far from any danger.
The arrest followed weeks of investigation ordered by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) after the initial report was flagged as suspicious.
Under the online alias ‘Mallam Sheik Audu,’ the suspect maintains a Facebook page where he poses as a Muslim cleric.
He claims to be a Muslim but regularly posts content that contradicts Islamic principles, including insults against public figures, ethnic groups and religious leaders.
He is known for using the platform to attack anyone who disagrees with his political views, often spreading hate speech and fake news to gain attention.
Police sources said his motive was to embarrass political opponents by framing them for the fake kidnap and to rally sympathy for his cause.
He is also believed to have planned to demand ransom from supporters under false pretences.
The suspect remains in FCID custody in Abuja and will face charges of kidnapping and abduction of a person which are not bailable offences.
Investigation continues to determine if others were involved.
The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) has arrested a middle-aged man from Benue State, Andrew Paul Audu, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping in a calculated attempt to score political
