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Central African Republic President Seeks Controversial Third Term as Voters Cast Ballots Amid Russian Mercenary Presence

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BANGUI, Central African Republic — Voters in the Central African Republic cast ballots Sunday in presidential and legislative elections with incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadera seeking a controversial third term after orchestrating the removal of constitutional term limits in a 2023 referendum.

Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) in the capital Bangui and were scheduled to close at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT), a Reuters witness confirmed. Provisional results are expected by January 5 for elections in which nearly 2.4 million people registered to vote.

Touadera, 68, widely expected to secure victory, has centered his campaign on security and stability in one of the world’s poorest nations, which has endured years of deadly conflict. His decade in office has been marked by heavy reliance on Russian mercenaries and Rwandan soldiers for security support.

The opposition field comprises six candidates led by former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra, both of whom survived attempts by Touadera’s supporters to have them disqualified for allegedly holding foreign citizenship, according to Deutsche Welle, citing AP and Reuters.

“They did everything they could to prevent the opposition from campaigning effectively, in order to reduce their chances,” stated Albert Komifea, a teacher voting in the capital Sunday morning. “But the ballot box will confirm that change is now.” Komifea indicated he wanted change without specifying his candidate preference.

The challenges to Dologuele and Dondra’s candidacies “aligned with an apparent pattern of administrative manoeuvring that has disproportionately impeded opposition politicians while favouring the ruling United Hearts Party,” Human Rights Watch stated last month.

Despite remaining on the ballot, both opposition candidates face significant disadvantages given Touadera’s control over state institutions and superior financial resources, analysts say. In a Wednesday Reuters interview, Dondra characterized the playing field as “unbalanced” and stated he had been unable to travel as widely as Touadera to campaign, though he predicted a strong showing.

Over two million voters were expected to cast ballots in the multilevel election to select the president along with national, regional and municipal lawmakers, Deutsche Welle reported. Polling continued until 5 p.m. UTC Sunday.

Touadera, a mathematician, was first elected in 2016 during a deadly civil war. He secured reelection in 2020 despite facing fraud allegations and an attempted overthrow by six rebel groups.

Opponents and critics assert the 68-year-old president aims to maintain his grip on power indefinitely following the 2023 constitutional referendum that eliminated the previous two-term presidential limit.

The Central African Republic became the first country in West and Central Africa to deploy Russia’s Wagner mercenaries in 2018, a decision subsequently replicated by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Two years later, Rwanda deployed troops to shore up Touadera’s government as rebel groups threatened the capital and attempted to disrupt the 2020 elections, ultimately preventing voting at 800 polling stations across the country, representing 14 percent of the total.

During this year’s electoral campaign, mercenaries were deployed alongside police and army forces in Bangui’s streets. Security has constituted a central theme throughout Touadera’s tenure and campaign messaging.

“We have security today. I hope it continues. And for that, President Touadera is best placed to guarantee our security,” stated Beatrice Mokonzapa, a shopkeeper casting her ballot in Bangui, who added that women had “suffered greatly” during the country’s years of conflict but that the situation had improved.

The country has experienced reduced unrest after Touadera signed peace agreements with several rebel groups earlier this year. However, the president acknowledges that security gains remain fragile. Feuds continue between armed groups and the government in some regions, while disarmament and reintegration of rebels remain incomplete. Incursions by combatants from neighboring Sudan fuel insecurity in eastern areas.

A Touadera victory—the expected outcome—would likely further Russia’s interests, as Moscow has traded security assistance for access to resources including gold and diamonds, Reuters reported. Touadera is also offering access to the country’s lithium and uranium reserves to interested parties.

A smooth voting process could reinforce Touadera’s assertion that stability is returning to the country, a claim supported last year when the U.N. Security Council lifted an arms embargo and a separate embargo on diamond exports. In November, the Security Council extended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission, though the United States opposed the decision, calling for a shorter extension and handover of security responsibilities to Bangui.

If no candidate secures more than 50 percent of votes, a presidential runoff will occur on February 15, while legislative runoffs are scheduled for April 5.

Pangea-Risk, a consultancy, wrote in a client note that the risk of post-election unrest was high, as opponents were likely to challenge Touadera’s expected victory.

The election represents another chapter in a pattern increasingly common across Africa where incumbents manipulate constitutional frameworks to extend their rule beyond established term limits. The 2023 referendum removing presidential term restrictions followed similar maneuvers in other African nations where leaders have prioritized power consolidation over democratic norms.

The presence of Russian mercenaries throughout the electoral period raises questions about the legitimacy of a democratic process conducted under the watchful eyes of foreign fighters whose presence serves the incumbent’s interests. While Touadera frames their deployment as necessary security measures, critics view it as intimidation designed to discourage opposition mobilization.

The disqualification attempts against leading opposition candidates—though ultimately unsuccessful—demonstrate the administrative obstacles opposition figures face when challenging entrenched incumbents with control over state institutions. Human Rights Watch’s documentation of these “administrative manoeuvring” tactics highlights systematic efforts to tilt electoral competitions toward predetermined outcomes.

For Russia, a Touadera victory consolidates its strategic foothold in Central Africa, providing access to valuable mineral resources while establishing a sphere of influence that challenges Western interests in the region. The Wagner Group’s deployment in 2018 marked Russia’s expanding military and economic engagement across African nations experiencing governance challenges and security crises.

The reliance on both Russian mercenaries and Rwandan troops illustrates Touadera’s dependence on external military support to maintain control. This dependence raises fundamental questions about sovereignty and whether a government requiring foreign fighters to secure its capital and conduct elections possesses genuine popular legitimacy or governs primarily through externally supplied coercive capacity.

The incomplete rebel disarmament and reintegration processes suggest that peace agreements signed earlier this year remain fragile political arrangements rather than sustainable conflict resolutions. Without addressing underlying grievances that fuel armed opposition, security improvements may prove temporary, potentially unraveling if external military support diminishes or rebel groups reassess their strategic calculations.

For Central African voters, the election presents a constrained choice between an incumbent whose tenure has brought relative stability through controversial foreign military partnerships and opposition candidates who faced systematic obstacles throughout the campaign but promise governance reform and reduced foreign influence.

The outcome will signal whether Central African Republic continues its trajectory toward Russian-supported strongman rule or whether opposition forces can overcome institutional disadvantages to chart a different course. Given Touadera’s control over state resources, media access, and security apparatus, the latter scenario appears unlikely absent unexpected voter mobilization or post-election contestation that forces political compromise.

As results emerge in coming days, international observers will assess whether the electoral process met minimal democratic standards or whether the combination of term limit removal, opposition candidate harassment, and foreign mercenary presence rendered the vote a democratic exercise in name only—a pattern that has become disturbingly familiar across African nations where incumbents prioritize power retention over democratic principles.

Reuters/DeutscheWelle

Brigitte Bardot, French Cinema Icon, Sex Symbol, and Controversial Animal Rights Activist, Dies at 91

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PARIS — Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who became one of cinema’s most iconic figures in the 1960s before transforming into a militant animal rights activist whose later years were marked by controversial political positions, has died at age 91.

Bruno Jacquelin of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals told The Associated Press that she died at her home in southern France. He declined to provide a cause of death and stated no arrangements have yet been made for funeral or memorial services. She had been hospitalized last month.

Bardot achieved international celebrity status as a sexualized teen bride in the 1956 film “And God Created Woman.” Directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim, the movie triggered scandal with scenes of the long-legged actress dancing on tables naked, establishing her as one of the 20th century’s greatest screen sirens.

At the peak of a cinema career encompassing approximately 28 films and three marriages, Bardot came to symbolize a nation breaking free from bourgeois conformity. Her tousled blond hair, voluptuous figure and pouty irreverence made her one of France’s most recognizable stars.

Her widespread appeal led to her features being selected in 1969 as the model for “Marianne,” the national emblem of France and official Gallic seal. Bardot’s face appeared on statues, postage stamps and coins, cementing her status as a cultural icon transcending cinema.

Bardot’s second career as an animal rights activist proved equally sensational. She traveled to the Arctic to expose the slaughter of baby seals, condemned the use of animals in laboratory experiments, and opposed sending monkeys into space.

“Man is an insatiable predator,” Bardot told The Associated Press on her 73rd birthday in 2007. “I don’t care about my past glory. That means nothing in the face of an animal that suffers, since it has no power, no words to defend itself.”

Her activism earned compatriots’ respect, and in 1985 she received the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction.

However, Bardot later fell from public grace as her animal protection advocacy adopted an increasingly extremist tone and her far-right political views appeared racist, particularly regarding immigration into France, especially by Muslims.

French courts convicted her five times for inciting racial hatred. Notably, she criticized the Muslim practice of slaughtering sheep during annual religious holidays like Eid al-Adha.

Bardot’s 1992 marriage to fourth husband Bernard d’Ormale, a onetime adviser to former National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen, contributed to her political shift. She described the outspoken nationalist as a “lovely, intelligent man.”

In 2012, she generated controversy by writing a letter supporting Marine Le Pen, current leader of the party—now renamed National Rally—in her unsuccessful bid for the French presidency.

In 2018, at the height of the #MeToo movement, Bardot stated in an interview that most actors protesting sexual harassment in the film industry were “hypocritical” and “ridiculous” because many played “the teases” with producers to secure roles.

She claimed she had never been a victim of sexual harassment and found it “charming to be told that I was beautiful or that I had a nice little ass.”

Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot was born September 28, 1934, to a wealthy industrialist family. A shy, secretive child, she studied classical ballet and was discovered by a family friend who placed her on the cover of Elle magazine at age 14.

Bardot once characterized her childhood as “difficult” and stated her father was a strict disciplinarian who would sometimes punish her with a horse whip.

French movie producer Vadim, whom she married in 1952, recognized her potential and created “And God Created Woman” to showcase her provocative sensuality—an explosive combination of childlike innocence and raw sexuality.

The film, which portrayed Bardot as a bored newlywed who beds her brother-in-law, exerted decisive influence on New Wave directors Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut, and came to embody the hedonism and sexual freedom of the 1960s.

The movie achieved box-office success and transformed Bardot into a superstar. Her girlish pout, tiny waist and generous bust were often more appreciated than her acting talent.

“It’s an embarrassment to have acted so badly,” Bardot said of her early films. “I suffered a lot in the beginning. I was really treated like someone less than nothing.”

Bardot’s unabashed off-screen romance with co-star Jean-Louis Trintignant further shocked the nation, erasing boundaries between her public and private life and making her a prized target for paparazzi.

Bardot never adjusted to the spotlight. She blamed constant press attention for the suicide attempt that followed 10 months after the birth of her only child, Nicolas. Photographers had broken into her house just two weeks before she gave birth to photograph her pregnant.

Nicolas’ father was Jacques Charrier, a handsome French actor whom she married in 1959 but who never felt comfortable as Monsieur Bardot. Bardot soon relinquished her son to his father, later stating she had been chronically depressed and unprepared for motherhood responsibilities.

“I was looking for roots then,” she said in an interview. “I had none to offer.”

In her 1996 autobiography “Initiales B.B.,” she compared her pregnancy to “a tumor growing inside me” and described Charrier as “temperamental and abusive.”

Bardot married her third husband, West German millionaire playboy Gunther Sachs, in 1966, but the relationship again ended in divorce three years later.

Her filmography included “A Parisian” (1957); “In Case of Misfortune,” in which she starred in 1958 with screen legend Jean Gabin; “The Truth” (1960); “Private Life” (1962); “A Ravishing Idiot” (1964); “Shalako” (1968); “Women” (1969); “The Bear And The Doll” (1970); “Rum Boulevard” (1971); and “Don Juan” (1973).

With the exception of 1963’s critically acclaimed “Contempt,” directed by Godard, Bardot’s films were rarely complicated by intricate plots. Often they served as vehicles to display Bardot’s curves and legs in scanty dresses or frolicking nude in sunshine.

“It was never a great passion of mine,” she said of filmmaking. “And it can be deadly sometimes. Marilyn (Monroe) perished because of it.”

Bardot retired to her Riviera villa in St. Tropez at age 39 in 1973 after “The Woman Grabber.”

She emerged a decade later with a new persona: an animal rights lobbyist, her face wrinkled and voice deepened following years of heavy smoking. She abandoned her jet-set lifestyle and sold movie memorabilia and jewelry to create a foundation devoted exclusively to preventing animal cruelty.

Her activism recognized no borders. She urged South Korea to ban the sale of dog meat and once wrote to U.S. President Bill Clinton questioning why the U.S. Navy recaptured two dolphins it had released into the wild.

She attacked centuries-old French and Italian sporting traditions including the Palio, a free-for-all horse race, and campaigned on behalf of wolves, rabbits, kittens and turtle doves.

By the late 1990s, Bardot was generating headlines that would alienate many admirers. She was convicted and fined five times between 1997 and 2008 for inciting racial hatred in incidents inspired by her anger at Muslim animal slaughtering rituals.

“It’s true that sometimes I get carried away, but when I see how slowly things move forward … and despite all the promises that have been made to me by all different governments put together — my distress takes over,” Bardot told the AP.

In 1997, several towns removed Bardot-inspired statues of Marianne—the bare-breasted statue representing the French Republic—after the actress voiced anti-immigrant sentiment. Also that year, she received death threats after calling for a ban on the sale of horse meat.

Bardot once stated she identified with the animals she was trying to save. “I can understand hunted animals because of the way I was treated,” Bardot said. “What happened to me was inhuman. I was constantly surrounded by the world press.”

Bardot’s life encompassed extraordinary contradictions: a global sex symbol who never adjusted to fame’s demands, a cultural icon whose image represented France itself yet whose later views alienated many compatriots, and an animal advocate whose compassion for creatures contrasted sharply with her harsh pronouncements about immigrants and religious minorities.

Her cinema legacy remains undeniable. She helped define an era when cultural boundaries shifted dramatically, embodying sexual liberation and challenging conservative norms about women’s autonomy and desire. Directors credited her performances, particularly in “Contempt,” with artistic merit beyond mere physical appeal.

Yet her second act as an animal rights pioneer proved equally consequential. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, established in 1986, became one of France’s most prominent animal welfare organizations, influencing legislation and public attitudes about animal treatment. Her willingness to use celebrity status for advocacy inspired similar efforts by other performers.

The controversies that marked her later years cannot be separated from her legacy. Her repeated convictions for inciting racial hatred, support for far-right political figures, and dismissive comments about sexual harassment victims revealed perspectives that many found deeply troubling, particularly given her status as a feminist icon to earlier generations.

Bardot’s complicated relationship with motherhood, fame, and her own image reflected broader tensions women navigated in an era of changing gender roles. Her candid acknowledgments of depression, inability to bond with her child, and suffering under relentless media scrutiny foreshadowed contemporary discussions about celebrity culture’s psychological toll.

As news of her death spread, reactions will likely mirror the polarized views she generated throughout her life. Some will remember the luminous actress who captivated audiences and challenged conventions. Others will recall the animal advocate whose passion saved countless creatures. Still others will focus on the controversial political positions that overshadowed her earlier achievements.

Bardot leaves behind the foundation bearing her name, a filmography that influenced cinema history, and a complex legacy that defies simple categorization—a fitting conclusion for someone who spent nine decades confounding expectations and provoking strong reactions from admirers and critics alike.

AP story

Guinea Holds First Presidential Election Since 2021 Coup With Junta Leader Favored Amid Weakened Opposition

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 Guineans cast ballots Sunday in the nation’s first presidential election since a 2021 military coup, with junta leader Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya heavily favored to win after systematically marginalizing opposition parties and leaders over four years of transition, analysts stated.

The election culminates a transition process that commenced after Doumbouya ousted President Alpha Condé four years ago. The junta leader has subsequently suppressed main opposition parties and dissent, critics say, leaving him without significant challengers among eight other candidates in the race.

Nine candidates are competing, with Doumbouya’s closest challenger being the little-known Yero Baldé of the Democratic Front of Guinea party, who served as education minister under Condé. Two opposition candidates, former Prime Minister Lansana Kouyaté and former government minister Ousmane Kaba, were excluded on technical grounds, while longtime opposition leaders Cellou Dalein Diallo and Sidya Toure have been forced into exile.

“This election will open a new page in Guinea’s history and mark the country’s return to the league of nations,” stated Guinea political analyst Aboubacar Sidiki Diakité. “Doumbouya is undoubtedly the favorite in this presidential election because the main opposition political parties have been sidelined and the General Directorate of Elections, the body that oversees the presidential election, is under the supervision of the government.”

The vote proceeds under a new constitution that revoked a ban on military leaders seeking office and extended the presidential mandate from five to seven years. That constitution received overwhelming approval in a September referendum despite opposition parties urging voters to boycott it.

Approximately 6.7 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots at roughly 24,000 polling stations nationwide, with results anticipated within 48 hours, the Associated Press reported. A runoff will occur if no candidate secures a majority of votes.

The West Africa regional bloc ECOWAS deployed an election observation mission ahead of the vote, though skeptics question whether meaningful oversight is possible given the political environment.

Long queues of predominantly young voters formed at polling stations while police officers closely monitored the process. Heavy security presence characterized Conakry and other parts of Guinea, with nearly 12,000 police officers among security forces mobilized and checkpoints established along major roads.

Authorities announced Saturday that security forces “neutralized” an armed group with “subversive intentions threatening national security” after gunshots were heard in Conakry’s Sonfonia neighborhood, though details about the incident remained limited.

“This vote is the hope of young people, especially for us unemployed,” said Idrissa Camara, an 18-year-old Conakry resident who stated he has been unemployed since graduating from university five years ago. “I’m forced to do odd jobs to survive. I hope this vote will improve the standard of living and the quality of life in Guinea.”

Despite Guinea’s abundant mineral resources—including status as the world’s largest bauxite exporter, used to manufacture aluminum—more than half of its 15 million people are experiencing unprecedented levels of poverty and food insecurity, according to the World Food Program.

The election represents the latest in a series of votes among African countries that have witnessed a surge in military coups since 2020. At least 10 countries on the continent have experienced soldiers forcefully seizing power after accusing elected leaders of failing to provide adequate governance and security for citizens.

In addition to a weakened opposition, activists and rights groups report that Guinea has witnessed civil society leaders silenced, critics abducted and press censorship since the coup. More than 50 political parties were dissolved last year in a move authorities characterized as efforts to “clean up the political chessboard” despite widespread criticism.

“It’s an election without the main opposition leaders and that is taking place in a context where civic space is heavily restricted,” stated Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, a West African political think tank. “The vote is mostly designed to legitimize Doumbouya’s grip on power.”

Mamadou Bhoye Diallo, a restaurant owner in Conakry, stated he would not vote and characterized the election as a “farce.” “When a candidate is also the referee, can we expect a miracle?” Diallo questioned. “Major parties are sidelined and their leaders are in exile. You call that an election?”

However, Doumbouya enjoys support among many Guineans persuaded by his promises of prosperity. The leader has constructed his campaign around major infrastructure projects and reforms launched since assuming power four years ago.

While Baldé has centered his campaign on promises of governance reforms, anti-corruption efforts and economic growth, Doumbouya has emphasized infrastructure projects and initiatives implemented during his rule.

The junta’s signature project involves the Simandou iron ore development, a 75 percent Chinese-owned mega-mining operation at the world’s largest iron ore deposit that commenced production last month after decades of delays. Authorities assert that a national development plan tied to Simandou aims to create tens of thousands of jobs and diversify the economy through investments in agriculture, education, transport, technology and health.

“In four years, he (Doumbouya) has connected Guinean youth to information and communication technologies,” stated Mamadama Touré, a high school student wearing a T-shirt bearing Doumbouya’s image in Conakry, citing digital skills training programs implemented by authorities.

Doumbouya’s campaign, characterized by large rallies and extensive media coverage, has dominated the political landscape, with state media and administrative support providing him substantial advantages over rivals with limited resources.

Yet skepticism persists among some voters. “This is the third time I’ve voted in Guinea, hoping things will change. But nothing has changed,” said 22-year-old student Issatou Bah, who remained undecided about whether to vote. Bah expressed hope the election would improve “this country that has everything but struggles to take off.”

The election unfolds in a pattern increasingly common across Africa where military leaders who seize power subsequently legitimize their rule through carefully managed electoral processes. Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad and other countries have witnessed similar trajectories where coup leaders delay promised returns to civilian rule, then run in elections after consolidating power and marginalizing opposition.

The constitutional changes enabling Doumbouya’s candidacy—particularly eliminating restrictions on military leaders holding office—represent a reversal of democratization gains that many African nations achieved in previous decades. These changes institutionalize military rule rather than serving as temporary measures during transitions to civilian governance.

The dissolution of over 50 political parties, exile of opposition leaders and exclusion of candidates on technical grounds all point to systematic efforts to engineer electoral outcomes rather than conduct genuinely competitive votes. International observers face challenges in assessing whether such elections meet minimal democratic standards when the playing field has been so thoroughly tilted.

For Guinea’s young population—the majority of whom have known only economic hardship despite the country’s mineral wealth—the election represents both hope and cynicism. Some see Doumbouya’s infrastructure initiatives as tangible improvements after years of stagnation under previous leaders. Others view the vote as theater designed to provide democratic legitimacy to military rule.

The Simandou project, while potentially transformative for Guinea’s economy, also highlights questions about resource management and whether mineral wealth will translate into broad-based development or primarily benefit political and economic elites. Previous resource booms in African countries have often failed to lift populations out of poverty, instead fueling corruption and inequality.

The international community’s response to Guinea’s election will prove significant. ECOWAS and other regional bodies have condemned recent coups but face difficult choices about whether to recognize elections conducted under such constrained conditions. Legitimizing clearly flawed processes risks normalizing military seizures of power followed by managed elections, while isolation may further harm civilian populations.

As results emerge in coming days, the vote will likely confirm Doumbouya as Guinea’s next president for a seven-year term. The more consequential question is whether this election marks a genuine, if imperfect, step toward democratic governance or instead represents a sophisticated mechanism for military leaders to maintain power while claiming electoral legitimacy—a pattern that could reshape political norms across a continent struggling to consolidate democratic gains.

An AP original story

Osimhen leads Super Eagles past Tunisia 3-2 as Nigeria books AFCON round-of-16 spot

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Victor Osimhen delivered a commanding performance as Nigeria’s Super Eagles clinched a place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with a tense 3-2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday, surviving a dramatic late rally in their Group C showdown.

Nigeria appeared firmly in control after racing into a three-goal lead through Osimhen, captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman, only for Tunisia to mount a fierce comeback that rattled the three-time champions and set up a nervy finale in Fes.

Osimhen, wearing his trademark protective mask, was at the heart of Nigeria’s resurgence after a subdued opening match win over Tanzania. The Napoli forward repeatedly troubled the Tunisian defense in the air and opened the scoring just before halftime, rising above Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi to power home a header from Lookman’s cross.

The Super Eagles doubled their advantage early in the second half, again exploiting Tunisia’s vulnerability from set pieces. Lookman delivered another pinpoint corner, and Ndidi outjumped the defense to head past goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen for his first international goal.

Lookman capped his influential display in the 67th minute, converting from close range after being teed up by Osimhen, who had shrugged off defenders to create space in the penalty area.

Tunisia, however, refused to fold. Talbi sparked the comeback in the 74th minute by heading in a free kick from Hannibal Mejbri, injecting urgency into the contest. The Carthage Eagles pressed relentlessly and were rewarded again late on when a VAR review ruled that Bright Samuel had handled the ball in the area. Abdi calmly dispatched the resulting penalty to cut the deficit to one.

The North Africans came agonizingly close to leveling in seven minutes of stoppage time, but captain Ferjani Sassi’s header drifted wide and substitute Ismael Gharbi fired narrowly off target, allowing Nigeria to escape with the points.

With the win, Nigeria moved to six points from two matches to become the second team, after Egypt, to reach the round of 16. Tunisia remained on three points, while Tanzania and Uganda each had one heading into the final round of group matches on Tuesday.

The encounter marked the seventh AFCON meeting between Nigeria and Tunisia, renewing one of the tournament’s most competitive rivalries. Nigeria now holds three wins in those clashes, compared with one for Tunisia, with two previous meetings decided on penalties.

Beyond the result, the match offered a clear signal of Nigeria’s attacking potential when Osimhen and Lookman are fully synchronized. After criticism for a lackluster showing in their opener, the Super Eagles played with greater tempo and physical authority, particularly in the first half, overwhelming Tunisia before nearly paying the price for defensive lapses late on.

For Tunisia, the spirited comeback highlighted both resilience and recurring defensive issues, especially in dealing with aerial threats—an area opponents may continue to target as the tournament progresses.

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Nollywood actress and producer Allwell Ademola dies at 43, colleagues mourn sudden loss

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Nigerian actress and film producer Allwell Ademola has died at the age of 43, prompting an outpouring of grief across Nollywood and the wider entertainment community.

Multiple sources within Nigeria’s film industry said Ademola died Saturday after suffering a suspected heart attack at her residence. She was rushed to a hospital but did not survive. No official medical statement has been released, and family representatives have yet to issue a formal announcement.

News of her death spread quickly through social media, where fellow actors and filmmakers expressed shock and disbelief. Actress Faithia Williams posted on Instagram that the loss had deeply affected her, writing, “Haaaa. This hit me so bad. Eniobanke. Allahu Akbar..Allwell.” Actress Mide Martins shared a photograph of Ademola on Facebook, describing the day as a “Black Saturday” and praying for forgiveness of her shortcomings.

Actor Damola Olatunji reacted with a candlelight image and the words, “Life is a mirage,” while actress Bidemi Kosoko questioned the reports, writing that she refused to accept the news and appealed for confirmation directly from Ademola.

The reactions underscored Ademola’s standing within the Yoruba-language film sector, where she was regarded as a versatile performer and a committed creative force. Over more than three decades, she built a career that spanned acting, filmmaking, directing, music and scriptwriting, earning respect for her work ethic and range.

Born on Aug. 9, 1983, in Lagos State, Ademola came from a prominent family in Abeokuta, Ogun State. She was the granddaughter of Justice Adetokunbo Ademola, Nigeria’s first chief justice, a lineage that colleagues say never overshadowed her determination to establish her own identity in the arts.

Her entry into entertainment began early. She appeared as a child on the Nigerian Television Authority program Animal Games in 1986, hosted by Wole Adenuga. She formally joined Nollywood in 1992 and gained wider recognition in 2008, later featuring in films including You or I (2013), Omo Emi (2017) and Aye Keji, among numerous other Yoruba productions.

Ademola also pursued music alongside acting. She formed the band Allwell and Company in 2002, released an album in 2006 and formally launched the group in 2010, further broadening her creative footprint.

Her death has renewed conversations within the Nigerian film industry about the physical and emotional toll faced by performers, particularly as many juggle multiple roles in an industry known for intense production schedules and limited institutional support. Colleagues say Ademola’s passing is not only a personal loss but also a reminder of the need for greater attention to health and welfare in Nollywood.

Funeral arrangements had not been announced as of Saturday, and industry figures said they were awaiting guidance from her family.

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Suspected IED Explosion on Nigerian Highway Kills Travelers in Zamfara State, Casualties Unconfirmed

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MARU, Nigeria — A suspected improvised explosive device detonated Saturday along a highway in Zamfara State, killing an unspecified number of travelers on the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area, police confirmed, though casualty figures remain unavailable as investigations continue.

Yazid Abubakar, Police Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Command, confirmed the incident to Daily Post in a telephone interview. “I can confirm that there was a blast in that area but the incident just happened. I can’t tell you details yet. I will update you later,” Abubakar stated, according to Daily Post.

PUNCH Online was unable to reach Abubakar for additional confirmation, as his phone was switched off at the time of publication, the outlet reported.

Videos purportedly showing the explosion’s aftermath circulated on social media, depicting travelers fleeing the scene in apparent panic. The authenticity and precise timing of the footage could not be independently verified.

Nuhu Sada, who posted on X with the handle #NuhuSada0 and identified as the Social Democratic Party candidate for Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Zaria Kewaye Constituency in the 2025 bye-election, wrote: “Another tragic attack on innocent travelers in Zamfara. Families are grieving, lives are lost, and property destroyed. Security agencies must act quickly to prevent further harm and bring those responsible to justice.”

Another X user posting as #DanKatsina50 stated: “BREAKING NEWS: Moment ago, an explosion struck travelers on the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau way in Maru LGA, Zamfara State. The blast suspected to be an IED planted by bandits caused deaths and loss of property; casualties remain unconfirmed. Are security agencies investigating and what measures are being taken to secure this route?”

Sahara Reporters also reported the incident, citing the Daily Post interview with Abubakar and referencing the same social media videos and X posts.

The explosion adds to escalating security concerns in Zamfara State, where armed criminal groups described locally as “bandits” have conducted kidnappings, cattle rustling, mass killings and displacement of communities for years. These groups have increasingly employed improvised explosive devices, a tactical evolution that security analysts view as particularly alarming.

The use of IEDs represents a significant escalation from conventional banditry tactics. While kidnapping for ransom and cattle theft generate revenue for criminal networks, IED deployment suggests either technical training, external support, or adaptation of techniques from militant groups operating elsewhere in Nigeria or the broader Sahel region.

The Yar’Tasha–Dansadau route’s repeated targeting reflects how criminal groups exploit vulnerable transportation corridors. Highways passing through forested or poorly secured areas become prime locations for ambushes, kidnappings and, increasingly, IED attacks that maximize casualties while minimizing attackers’ exposure to security forces.

The inability to provide immediate casualty figures is common in the chaotic aftermath of such attacks, particularly in areas with limited emergency response infrastructure. Victims may be transported to multiple medical facilities, some may have fled the scene before responders arrived, and families may hesitate to report casualties due to security concerns or cultural practices around death notification.

The police spokesman’s acknowledgment that “the incident just happened” at the time of his interview suggests authorities were still gathering information, a process that can take hours or days in remote areas with communication challenges. The subsequent unavailability of the police spokesman—with his phone switched off—complicates verification efforts and public information dissemination.

Social media has become a primary information channel for such incidents in Nigeria, with videos and eyewitness accounts circulating before official statements emerge. This creates both opportunities for rapid awareness and challenges regarding verification, as unconfirmed footage and casualty claims spread before authorities can assess situations accurately.

The reference to families grieving and property destroyed in social media posts, even without confirmed casualty figures, reflects the human toll of such attacks beyond immediate deaths. Survivors face trauma, displaced families lose livelihoods, and communities experience psychological impacts that persist long after incidents.

The security challenges in Zamfara and neighboring northwestern states have defied successive government military operations. Armed groups maintain operational capacity despite military pressure, suggesting either insufficient resources devoted to counterinsurgency, corruption undermining security efforts, challenging terrain favoring insurgents, or some combination of factors.

In a potentially related development, residents of Offa in Kwara State experienced panic Thursday night after explosions struck parts of the town, destroying residential buildings. This occurred shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced airstrikes targeting ISIS positions in parts of Nigeria, though it remains unclear whether the Offa military action was part of U.S. operations or conducted solely by Nigerian forces.

The possible connection between U.S. airstrikes, Nigerian military operations and the Zamfara highway explosion remains speculative. While armed groups in northwestern Nigeria primarily engage in banditry rather than ideological extremism associated with ISIS, some analysts have noted concerning links between northwestern bandits and jihadist groups operating in northeastern Nigeria and the Sahel.

The timing raises questions about whether increased military pressure from external or Nigerian forces might provoke retaliatory attacks against civilian targets, a pattern observed in other conflict zones where counterterrorism operations trigger responses against vulnerable populations.

For travelers in Zamfara and surrounding states, the explosion reinforces the dangerous reality of using highway corridors through conflict-affected areas. Many Nigerians have no alternative to these routes for commerce, family visits or essential travel, forcing them to balance economic necessities against security risks.

The Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to secure transportation infrastructure and protect civilians from armed groups that have demonstrated increasing sophistication in weapons and tactics. The evolution from bandits using rifles and machetes to groups deploying IEDs represents a qualitative shift requiring different security responses.

As investigations continue and casualty information emerges, the Zamfara explosion will likely renew debates about Nigeria’s security strategy in the northwest, resource allocation for counterinsurgency operations, and whether current approaches are adequate to address armed groups that continue conducting deadly attacks despite years of military campaigns.

For families awaiting information about loved ones traveling on the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road Saturday, the hours and days ahead bring agonizing uncertainty as authorities work to identify victims and notify next of kin in the aftermath of yet another attack on one of northwestern Nigeria’s increasingly dangerous highways.

Punchng/SaharaReportrs

Nigeria says joint U.S.-backed airstrikes destroyed two ISIS-linked camps in northwest

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Nigerian authorities said U.S.-backed airstrikes destroyed two camps linked to the Islamic State group in the country’s northwest, describing the operation as a coordinated effort to disrupt foreign fighters moving into Nigeria from the Sahel region.

The strikes, carried out Thursday in the Bauni forest of Sokoto State, were authorized by President Bola Tinubu following what the government described as weeks of intelligence collection, surveillance and operational planning. Nigeria’s Ministry of Information said Friday that the attacks were launched from maritime platforms based in the Gulf of Guinea.

President Donald Trump said earlier on his Truth Social platform that U.S. forces conducted the operation at Nigeria’s request, framing the strikes as part of efforts to halt attacks on Christian communities in the region. Trump described the action as “numerous perfect strikes” and signaled that additional operations could follow.

In its statement, the Nigerian government said 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were released using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, striking camps believed to be used by Islamic State-linked fighters attempting to cross into Nigeria from the Sahel corridor. Officials said intelligence assessments indicated the sites served as planning hubs for large-scale attacks inside Nigeria.

Authorities said no civilian deaths were recorded, though debris from the strikes fell in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states. State officials in Sokoto confirmed the operation and urged residents to remain calm, saying security agencies were working to ensure the safety of surrounding communities.

“The ongoing operations are geared toward securing the state and ensuring the protection of lives and property,” the Sokoto state government said.

The operation highlights deepening security cooperation between Abuja and Washington at a time when militant violence is spreading southward from the Sahel, where extremist groups have expanded amid weak governance and military takeovers in several countries. Joint military actions of this scale remain rare for Nigeria, which has traditionally relied on domestic forces to combat insurgencies.

Nigeria has fought Islamist militants for more than a decade, primarily in the northeast, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State West African Province have waged a prolonged insurgency. Officials say the emergence of foreign fighters in the northwest represents a dangerous evolution of the threat, linking Nigeria’s internal security challenges more closely to regional instability across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

Analysts say the use of advanced U.S. surveillance and strike capabilities suggests Nigerian authorities are seeking to contain the threat before it becomes entrenched. However, they caution that airstrikes alone are unlikely to dismantle militant networks without sustained ground operations, intelligence sharing and measures to protect civilians in border communities.

The Nigerian government reiterated its commitment to countering what it described as transnational extremist networks, saying further action would be taken to prevent fighters from establishing new footholds inside the country.

Reuters

Nigerian-American Geriatric Physician Found Dead in Ohio Lake After Month-Long Search, Autopsy Confirms Drowning

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SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The body of Dr. Cletus Iwuagwu, a 71-year-old Nigerian-American geriatric physician and University of Toledo medical professor who vanished after being released from a hospital in late November, was discovered Christmas Day in an Ohio lake, with autopsy results confirming he died from drowning.

The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office found Iwuagwu’s body Thursday in Orchard Lake near Stone Oak Country Club, according to a Lucas County Coroner’s Office news release. The Springfield Fire Department retrieved the remains from the water, which were subsequently identified as the missing physician.

The coroner’s office announced Friday that autopsy investigation determined drowning as the cause of death. “There were no signs of trauma or foul play at autopsy,” the office stated, though officials emphasized “the circumstances surrounding this death are still being investigated.”

Iwuagwu was reported missing November 25 after his niece last saw him around 8 p.m. November 24, according to a Lucas County Sheriff’s Office report obtained by PEOPLE. His daughter filed the missing person report that day, triggering an extensive search involving drones, K-9 teams and dozens of volunteers over the subsequent month.

The physician had been discharged from a local hospital November 24 and returned home, a family member told responding officers. Surveillance footage captured him near his Holland residence around 2:15 a.m. November 25, marking the last confirmed sighting.

One of Iwuagwu’s daughters informed police she had been receiving location updates about her father through her phone. However, when officials investigated those locations, they were unable to locate him.

“It’s been like a cloud that has been over us because we somehow seemed to feel or know that he was there,” resident Dusty Foreman told WTOL. “Over the past month, I’ve been out there several times and this time, unfortunately, on Christmas, they did find the body.”

Iwuagwu served as a professor in the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Medicine, and practiced as a UToledo Health geriatric medicine physician, specializing in healthcare for elderly patients.

“He is a well-respected physician, and we share the community’s hope for his safe return as law enforcement continues to investigate his missing-person case,” a University of Toledo Medical Center spokesperson stated to ABC 13 before the body’s discovery.

The circumstances surrounding how Iwuagwu ended up in Orchard Lake remain unclear despite the autopsy findings. The gap between his last confirmed sighting at 2:15 a.m. near his home and his eventual discovery in the lake raises questions about his movements during those intervening hours and what led him to the water.

The timeline presents several puzzling elements. Iwuagwu disappeared just hours after hospital discharge, during early morning hours when most people are asleep. The location data his daughter received on her phone apparently led authorities to areas where they couldn’t find him, suggesting either technical limitations, delayed information, or that he was moving between locations.

The one-month interval between his disappearance and the discovery of his body in a lake that volunteers and official search teams had been investigating raises questions about search methodologies, water conditions that may have concealed the body, or whether the remains moved after death due to water currents or other factors.

The absence of trauma or evidence of foul play, as determined by autopsy, suggests Iwuagwu entered the water under circumstances that did not involve violence from another person. However, drowning can result from various scenarios including accidental falls, medical emergencies that incapacitate individuals near water, disorientation, or intentional entry.

For elderly individuals recently discharged from hospitals, several factors could contribute to disorientation or compromised judgment. These might include medication effects, underlying medical conditions that prompted hospitalization, cognitive impairment, or exhaustion. The coroner’s investigation may examine whether any of these factors played a role.

The discovery on Christmas Day adds a tragic dimension to the case, with first responders and investigators working on a major holiday to recover the body and begin determining what happened. For Iwuagwu’s family, the holiday will now forever be associated with the conclusion of their month-long search and confirmation of their worst fears.

The University of Toledo medical community has lost a respected colleague described as a well-regarded physician and educator. Geriatric medicine specialists like Iwuagwu play crucial roles in healthcare systems, providing specialized care for aging populations with complex medical needs. His absence will be felt by patients, students, and colleagues.

The Nigerian-American community in Ohio and beyond will also mourn Iwuagwu’s death. Nigerian physicians constitute a significant presence in American healthcare, with thousands practicing across specialties throughout the United States. Iwuagwu’s death at 71 suggests he dedicated decades to medical practice and education.

As investigators continue examining circumstances surrounding the death, questions persist about what occurred between Iwuagwu’s hospital discharge and his discovery in Orchard Lake. The ongoing investigation may seek to establish whether he went to the lake intentionally, became disoriented and wandered there, or whether other factors contributed to his presence at that location.

The case highlights challenges in locating missing persons even with modern technology. Despite phone location tracking, drone searches, K-9 teams, and volunteer efforts, Iwuagwu remained undiscovered for a month in a lake that searchers apparently investigated. This raises broader questions about search effectiveness, resource allocation, and technological limitations in missing person cases.

For the Toledo medical community and Iwuagwu’s family, the discovery brings a measure of closure while simultaneously raising new questions about the final hours of a respected physician’s life. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to piece together the sequence of events that led to this tragedy, though some answers may remain elusive.

People.com

Tyler Perry Faces Second Sexual Assault Lawsuit, Actor Seeks $77 Million Over Alleged Incidents Spanning Four Years

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LOS ANGELES — Filmmaker Tyler Perry faces a second sexual assault lawsuit within six months, with actor Mario Rodriguez alleging a pattern of unwanted sexual advances and assault between 2015 and 2019 while Perry allegedly promised career opportunities, according to a complaint seeking $77 million in damages.

Rodriguez, a model who secured a minor role as “Frat Guy #10” in Perry’s 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, filed the lawsuit through attorney Jonathan J. Delshad, who also represents Derek Dixon, another actor who made similar allegations against Perry earlier this year.

Alex Spiro, an attorney for Perry, stated December 26: “Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab.”

Delshad disputed Spiro’s characterization, stating Dixon’s claims “are alive and well, and none of them have failed; they were just moved to a different court,” as the case relocates from California to Georgia.

According to the lawsuit obtained by PEOPLE, Rodriguez alleges that in 2015 a trainer approached him at a Los Angeles gym stating Perry wished to meet him. Perry subsequently contacted Rodriguez by phone and offered him a small role in the Madea Halloween film, the complaint states.

The complaint alleges Perry repeatedly invited Rodriguez to his home ostensibly to discuss future work opportunities, but instead made sexual advances while drinking. In November 2018, Perry allegedly “grabbed [Rodriguez’s] penis” and Rodriguez “repeatedly told Mr. Perry to stop” and had to “physically struggle to get away,” according to the lawsuit.

Perry allegedly told Rodriguez to “let it happen” and “If you were to just be with me, I would take care of you…,” the complaint states. Following two incidents, Perry allegedly apologized, provided Rodriguez $5,000 “and sent him away,” the lawsuit claims.

At a final alleged encounter in April 2019, “More than ever before, it was clear that Mr. Perry would do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, to whomever he wanted no matter how many times he was rejected,” the lawsuit alleges.

The complaint claims Perry “randomly reach out to” Rodriguez through 2024, and “when Perry became aware that Rodriguez was going to file this action, Perry once again reached out to Rodriguez by text,” stating he “did so much to help Rodriguez” and he “was feeling betrayed.”

In a December 13 Instagram video, Rodriguez addressed feeling “scared and ashamed,” explaining why he hadn’t previously disclosed the allegations publicly, though he did not identify Perry by name in the post, referring only to a “powerful” director “that everybody knows.”

“I stayed quiet for much too long. And I just want to say I’m really sorry, man. Because if I would’ve spoken up sooner I could’ve saved somebody that this probably happened to after me,” Rodriguez stated in the clip viewed by his nearly 1 million followers. “I just wanna say sorry for that, whoever that may be. It could’ve stopped with me if I would’ve said something. … But I’m speaking up now.”

Dixon, who starred on Perry’s television series The Oval, filed a $260 million lawsuit against Perry in June, alleging sexual harassment, assault and retaliation, which the filmmaker denies.

In September, Perry attorney Matthew Boyd characterized Dixon as “an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam.” Boyd added: “Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail.”

The emergence of a second lawsuit represented by the same attorney raises questions about whether additional accusers may come forward and whether patterns alleged across separate complaints will influence judicial proceedings. Perry, 56, has built a entertainment empire encompassing film, television production and studio operations, making him one of the industry’s most powerful figures.

The lawsuits arrive amid continuing industry reckoning with sexual misconduct allegations that began with the 2017 #MeToo movement. High-profile entertainment figures have faced allegations, criminal charges and civil litigation, with varying outcomes ranging from acquittals to substantial settlements and imprisonment.

Rodriguez’s decision to publicly discuss the allegations before filing suit represents a increasingly common approach where accusers use social media to control their narratives, build public support and potentially encourage other victims to come forward before formal legal proceedings commence.

The substantial damages sought—$77 million by Rodriguez and $260 million by Dixon—reflect both compensatory claims for alleged harm and potentially punitive damages designed to penalize defendants and deter similar conduct. Such amounts also generate publicity that can pressure defendants toward settlement negotiations rather than prolonged litigation.

Perry’s legal team’s characterization of both lawsuits as “money grabs” suggests a defense strategy emphasizing financial motivation rather than legitimate grievances. This approach attempts to frame plaintiffs as opportunists exploiting celebrity wealth rather than victims seeking accountability, though such tactics can backfire if evidence supports accusers’ claims.

The involvement of the same attorney representing both accusers cuts both ways strategically. For plaintiffs, it suggests an attorney with specific knowledge of Perry’s alleged patterns and operations. For defense, it potentially supports arguments about coordinated financial demands rather than independent complaints arising from genuine misconduct.

The relocation of Dixon’s case from California to Georgia—where Perry’s studios are based—may reflect jurisdictional considerations, venue preferences or strategic litigation decisions by either party. Georgia courts will apply different procedural rules and potentially different substantive law than California, potentially affecting case outcomes.

Perry has not personally addressed the allegations publicly beyond statements from his attorneys. His silence represents a common legal strategy where defendants avoid creating statements that could be used against them in litigation, though it leaves accusers’ narratives largely uncontested in public discourse.

The entertainment industry will watch these cases closely given Perry’s prominence and the potential implications for how studios and production companies address power dynamics between established figures and aspiring talent seeking career advancement. The allegations describe a pattern where career promises allegedly create conditions for exploitation—a dynamic that has drawn increased scrutiny across creative industries.

As litigation proceeds, questions will focus on evidence supporting or refuting the allegations, whether settlement negotiations occur, and whether Perry’s companies implement policy changes regardless of legal outcomes. For Rodriguez and Dixon, the cases represent efforts to obtain both financial compensation and public acknowledgment of alleged misconduct by one of entertainment’s most successful figures.

People.com

U.S. signals further Nigeria strikes as Abuja confirms intelligence-sharing operation against Islamic State

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The United States is preparing for additional military strikes against suspected Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, as Nigerian officials confirmed that Abuja provided intelligence support for the initial operation in what both governments describe as a coordinated counterterrorism effort.

Hegseth, writing on X on Christmas Day, said President Donald Trump had made clear that attacks on Christians in Nigeria and elsewhere “must end,” adding that the Pentagon remains prepared to act. “ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come,” Hegseth wrote, thanking the Nigerian government for its cooperation.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar said Friday that the U.S. strikes in Sokoto state were “part of joint ongoing operations,” marking what he described as a new phase in a long-running fight against militant violence that has killed civilians of multiple faiths. Tuggar’s remarks followed weeks of diplomatic friction after Trump accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christian communities, an allegation Nigerian officials have consistently rejected.

President Trump, speaking to Politico, said the strike was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed at his direction. “They were going to do it earlier, and I said, ‘nope, let’s give a Christmas present,’” Trump said, adding that militant camps were “decimated.”

Nigeria is constitutionally secular, with a population that is roughly evenly split between Muslims and Christians. While violence against Christian communities has drawn heightened attention from U.S. religious conservatives, Nigerian authorities stress that armed groups routinely attack both Christians and Muslims, particularly in rural and border regions where state presence is limited.

Tuggar told Channels Television that Nigeria supplied intelligence used in the strikes and that the decision followed direct consultations with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. “We have been working closely with the Americans,” Tuggar said, describing the operation as collaborative and aimed at stopping the killing of innocent Nigerians.

U.S. Africa Command said the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities. An earlier statement posted on X and later removed indicated the operation had been conducted at Nigeria’s request. Neither government has released details on casualties or the precise targets hit.

In Sokoto’s Jabo village, residents described panic as missiles struck nearby. Abubakar Sani, who lives close to the impact site, told The Associated Press that intense heat and shaking walls sent people fleeing their homes. “The Nigerian government should take appropriate measures to protect us as citizens,” he said, adding that the community had never experienced anything similar.

Sanusi Madabo, a farmer, said the night sky glowed red for hours. “It was almost like daytime,” he said. Residents told AP that security forces later cordoned off the area and that there were no immediate reports of deaths.

Analysts say the lack of official information has amplified fear among villagers. Bulama Bukarti, a security analyst at the Tony Blair Institute, said transparency from both governments is essential to prevent further tension. “The more opaque the governments are, the more panic there would be on the ground,” he said.

Security experts suggest the strikes may have targeted camps linked to Lakurawa, a relatively new armed group operating in northwestern Nigeria whose fighters are believed to include foreign nationals from across the Sahel. While U.S. officials have framed the operation as an attack on Islamic State elements, researchers caution that direct ties between Lakurawa and ISIS remain unproven. The Islamic State West African Province has historically operated in Nigeria’s northeast, where it competes with Boko Haram for influence.

The strikes underscore a broader shift in U.S. policy under Trump, who campaigned as a “candidate of peace” but has authorized multiple overseas military actions in his second term, including operations in Yemen, Iran and Syria. In West Africa, the intervention highlights Washington’s growing willingness to conduct targeted operations alongside regional partners amid rising instability across the Sahel.

For communities like Jabo, the immediate concern is safety. Village leader Aliyu Garba told AP that debris from the strike scattered across farmland, with residents rushing to collect fragments, raising fears of injury. For 17-year-old Balira Sa’idu, who is preparing for her wedding, the uncertainty has been deeply unsettling. “I am supposed to be thinking about my wedding,” she said, “but right now I am panicking.”

As Nigerian and U.S. officials signal that further action may follow, the challenge will be balancing counterterrorism objectives with civilian protection and clear communication — a test that could shape public support for future joint operations.

TheGuardian/AssociatedPress

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