By: Fabian Apechihin

The Republican Mayor of Blanco, Texas, Mike Arnold, has criticised Nigeria for condemning U.S. comments on terrorism while continuing to seek financial aid from Washington.

Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, Arnold said it was hypocritical for Nigeria to reject America’s stance on its internal security issues yet expect the U.S. to provide financial support.

“I don’t understand why a nation as rich in minerals as Nigeria has to beg for help to save its own people,” Arnold said.
“Nigeria has abundant resources to provide stability for its citizens. People are displaced, their homes are destroyed without warning — it’s horrific. You don’t want America to speak on terrorism, but you want America’s money. That makes no sense whatsoever.”

His remarks come amid renewed diplomatic friction between Nigeria and the United States following discussions about religious persecution and terrorism in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, dismissed claims that the violence in Nigeria is driven by religious persecution.

Sowore argued that the country’s crisis stems from bad governance and insecurity, not from animosity between Muslims and Christians.

Reacting to calls by some U.S. lawmakers for Nigeria to be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged Christian persecution, Sowore described both the Nigerian and U.S. governments as hypocritical in their handling of the issue.

“There’s genocide against the poor — Muslims, Christians, and children alike,” he said.
“Trying to separate it by religion is dishonest. Nigeria doesn’t check who carries a Bible or a Quran before counting the dead.”

He also accused the U.S. of selective outrage, saying Washington ignores similar or worse situations elsewhere.

“Why is the U.S. silent about Gaza, where Muslims are being killed by Israel? That’s international hypocrisy,” Sowore stated.

According to him, insecurity in Nigeria cuts across all regions and religions, with most attacks happening in the North, affecting both Christians and Muslims.

“Gunmen even attack mosques — 35 worshippers were recently killed, and the attackers were likely Muslims too,” he noted.

Sowore warned that framing the crisis as religious only helps Nigerian leaders evade accountability.

“When the U.S. says it wants to protect Christians, that’s not a solution. Even if all Christians were taken away, people would still be killed,” he argued.

“The problem isn’t religion — it’s failed leadership and chronic insecurity,” he concluded.

▪︎▪︎▪︎ recover AK-47 rifle in.

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have foiled an attempted kidnapping by a notorious bandit gang and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a midnight operation in the outskirts of the territory.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation followed credible intelligence from the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) of the Force Headquarters about a planned attack led by a gang leader identified as Idrisa, also known as Mai Duna.

Acting swiftly, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit laid an ambush between 9 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 1 a.m. on Oct. 11 along the rail track near Grow Home Estate, a location bordering the FCT and Niger State.

The armed gang, divided into two groups targeting Grow Home Estate and Royal Champion Church in Chikakore, Byazhin District, was intercepted by the police team.

A fierce gun duel ensued, lasting about 20 minutes, after which the bandits were subdued, forcing many to flee with suspected gunshot wounds.

During the search of the area, police recovered an AK-47 rifle with a defaced breech number, one magazine, and a live round of 7.62mm ammunition.

Reinforcement from the military, DSS, and local hunters was deployed to the area to secure the communities and block escape routes.

Sources said that the Commissioner of Police assured residents of continued security presence and renewed commitment to maintaining peace and safety in the FCT.

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit has commenced further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

From Hassan Taiye

The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has appealed for official recognition and financial support from the federal and state governments, citing its critical role in grassroots security efforts across the country.

Speaking during a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, in Abuja . Commandant General of the group, Navy Captain Umar Abubakar Bakori (Rtd), emphasized the importance of harnessing the vast reach and local intelligence of the VGN. He revealed that the group has over one million members spread across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

“We are over one million strong, embedded in the communities, and closer to the people than any other security agency. If all the security operatives in Nigeria were combined, they wouldn’t match our number. Yet, we receive no financial support despite our consistent efforts in community policing,” Bakori stated.

The public hearing focused on a bill to establish a regulatory body for private intelligence and investigation firms. The bill aims to provide a framework for accreditation, professional conduct, and improved synergy between private and public security operations.

While backing the proposed legislation, Bakori stressed that state policing alone is not a comprehensive solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. Instead, he called for a multi-pronged approach that includes integrating community-based initiatives like the VGN into the formal security structure.

“The military and the police cannot do it alone. We are partners in progress and should be treated as such,” he added.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Muhktar Shagaya, also echoed the need for urgent reforms in the country’s security framework. He stated that community policing, as provided in the Police Act 2020, must evolve from policy discussions to practical implementation.

“Security reform is a national priority. Beyond constitutional amendments, we must focus on strengthening existing structures like community policing to reflect the realities on the ground,” the Speaker said.

Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, noted that the bill under consideration would improve regulatory oversight and professional standards within the private security sector. He stressed the need for innovative approaches in enhancing Nigeria’s overall security architecture.

Other stakeholders who made submissions during the hearing included representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Immigration Service, and Federal Fire Service, all of whom underscored the importance of collaboration between state institutions and grassroots actors in the fight against insecurity.

The hearing reflects growing momentum within the National Assembly to formalize and better utilize local security structures amid persistent security challenges nationwide.