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At last, Buhari seeks U.S. help to tackle insecurity
• Zulum: get external support
Specifically, Buhari requested the United States (U.S) to relocate its Africa Command (AFRICOM) headquarters from Stuttgart in Germany to its theatre of operation, which is Africa.
The President made the plea during a virtual meeting with U.S Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken.
Also on Tuesday, the United Kingdom (UK) had assured that it would remain a strong ally of Nigeria in its efforts to contain terrorism.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum also restated his call on the Federal Government to seek external support in the fight against insurgents and bandits .
The President, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, told Blinken that insecurity in Nigeria has largely been worsened by “complex negative pressures in the Sahel, Central and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad region.”
He said: “Compounded as the situation remains, Nigeria and her security forces remain resolutely committed to containing them and addressing their root causes.
”The support of important and strategic partners like the U.S. cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will affect all nations, hence the imperative for concerted cooperation and collaboration of all to overcome these challenges.
“In this connection, and considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the U.S. to consider re-locating AFRICOM headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation.’’
The President added that Nigeria would enhance collaborations in all forms with its strategic partners for greater security for all.
The UK Minister for Africa, James Duddridge, said multiple approaches were needed to tackle Nigeria’s” massive complex” security challenges.
Duddridge pointed out that no amount of partnership, intelligence gathering and military might would end the security challenges in Nigeria, unless basic human needs, like education, were taken into consideration.
The British minister, who led a delegation on a visit to Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama in Abuja, said: “The situation(in Nigeria) is massively complex and no partnership is going to resolve the multiplicity of problems whether it is Boko Haram or Daesh or a number of other issues.
”In the UK you have a strong partner across the full gamut of issues. So, it is not just about intelligence and hard security and military, it is about societies, it is about humanitarian support; it is about education and development partnership.
“It is not an end game, we don’t get to a point where we would say this is the end of our relationship with Nigeria, because we got what we want, we set a higher bar, we are long–term partners.”
Duddridge said both countries would deepen post-COVID-19 relations, tackle climate change and work towards achieving the objectives of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Also speaking on insecurity, Onyeama said there is “an intelligence fusion unit with our partners — the U.S., UK, France —’’ designed to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.
Onyeama also noted that a multiplicity of issues like de-radicalisation, education, jobs, girl-child, and education must be addressed in order to overcome the challenges of terrorism.
He said: “It is not a conventional war, where the enemy is readily identifiable, it is asymmetrical warfare, and we are dealing with very difficult situations.’’
Governor Zulum after meeting with the President in Abuja yesterday insisted that the time had come for Nigeria to seek support in order to win the war against insurgency.
The governor also bemoaned Sunday’s terrorist attacks in Mainok which led to the death of some soldiers.
He said: “In Borno particularly, Brigade headquarters was attacked, many soldiers, men, and officers of the Nigerian Army were killed. Let me use this opportunity to extend my condolences to the families of the deceased. God, in His infinite wisdom, forgive them.
“I think it is my own responsibility to come and say the truth to Mr. President, let him know what is going on in the entire Northeast
“I think there is the need for us to get support in this war against insurgents. It’s very pathetic. A few days ago, Damasak was attacked, hundreds of people started fleeing, and now, Geidam is almost deserted.”
Also yesterday, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike urged the Federal government to seek assistance from other nations to win the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The Federal government, he said, should seek assistance from nations with the capacity to help in tackling the security challenges.
He said: “There is nothing wrong in seeking assistance from China or the United States (U.S). So far, they have the technology and manpower capacity – Nigeria should seek assistance for security.”
“As a leader, people must see the willingness in you to fight the insurgent by action and not by mouth. The federal government must give all it takes to contain the insecurity situation. Let them summon everybody irrespective of party affiliations to jointly address the issue.”
Insisting that government must show sincerity in saving the lives and properties of Nigerians, the governor said: “Everyday people and security personnel are being killed. They (Federal Government) always say they are on top of the situation and at the end of the day, nothing is being done.”
Security presence surged around the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as operatives from multiple agencies were deployed ahead of the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption-related offences.
By about 7:00 a.m., heavily armed personnel of the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had taken positions at strategic locations leading to the court complex situated within the old Nigerian Defence Academy area.
Access roads to the venue witnessed restrictions, forcing vehicles into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo and triggering early morning gridlock.
The heavy security followed a prior notice by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission that it would arraign El-Rufai on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission said the former governor would be docked alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
The agency explained that the charges against the defendants include alleged conversion, unlawful possession of public property, and money laundering.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, and one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The charges range from conversion of and possession of public property to money laundering,” the statement read.
It further disclosed that another case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, had been instituted against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court.
According to the commission, the state charges border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
“Similarly, another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage, among others,” the statement added.
The ICPC said both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that a date for arraignment in the state court would be announced later.
It also insisted that El-Rufai had been properly served, stressing its adherence to due process and the rule of law.
The development came amid growing pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which called for his immediate release or arraignment, describing his continued detention without formal charges as unconstitutional.
In the same vein, the Muslim Rights Concern criticised his prolonged detention, while members of his family also alleged a breach of his fundamental rights.
El-Rufai was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, granted bail two days later, and subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC.
He has remained in the custody of the anti-graft agency since then, pending his arraignment.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
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The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
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