International
BREAKING: US House of Representatives Begins Investigation Into Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria
The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will on Thursday, November 20, 2025, hold a public hearing to examine President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom.
The hearing, scheduled for 11 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and to be streamed live, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a long-standing advocate for global religious liberty.
According to an invitation circulated to members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the session will feature two panels. The first will include senior U.S. State Department officials—Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
A second panel will comprise representatives of religious and policy organisations, including Nina Shea of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese, and Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
The review aims to assess the extent of religious persecution in Nigeria and consider potential U.S. responses, which could include sanctions, humanitarian support, or expanded collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
Trump’s Renewed Pressure
President Trump reignited tensions on October 31, 2025, when he restored Nigeria to the CPC list, a designation that allows punitive measures against foreign officials accused of religious repression. In a statement the following day, he warned that Christians in Nigeria faced an “existential threat,” and threatened to suspend all U.S. assistance to Nigeria if the killings continued. He also suggested possible military action, directing the “Department of War” to prepare for intervention.
Tinubu Rejects Allegations
President Bola Tinubu dismissed Trump’s claims, saying they do not reflect the realities of religious freedom in Nigeria. In a statement posted on X, Tinubu insisted that Nigeria upholds constitutional protections for all faiths and remains committed to religious tolerance.
Growing Scrutiny in Washington
Nigeria’s CPC redesignation has revived international attention on years of violent attacks in parts of the country, including killings, mass abductions, and the destruction of churches in northern and central regions. A companion bill backing the designation has also been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Ted Cruz.
One of the scheduled witnesses, Bishop Anagbe, has regularly highlighted the plight of Christian communities in Benue State, telling UK lawmakers in March 2025 that many families had fled to IDP camps following repeated assaults by extremists and armed groups.
Republican Lawmakers Apply Pressure
Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), in a recent Fox News interview, said congressional committees had already begun evaluating the situation, working with the State Department and the White House. He argued that Christians in Nigeria face severe persecution and criticised Tinubu’s rejection of the allegations. Moore also claimed that preliminary congressional findings indicate Christians are being killed at a rate higher than Muslims.
He added that the CPC designation provides the U.S. with a range of options—including sanctions, freezing funds, and even potential military action—if conditions do not improve.
International
Ugandan govt detains 62 Nigerians for ‘operating church without work permits’
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the country’s ministry of internal affairs, said the Nigerians often pose as gospel preachers and engage in other illegal activities.
Photo of the detained Nigerian preachers ( NCIC/X)
The Ugandan government has detained 62 Nigerians for “illegally operating” a church, as well as living and working in the country without valid permits.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday, the Ugandan national citizenship and immigration control (NCIC), said that the arrest followed a tip-off after learning that the individuals were operating illegally without the required permits.
“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team has arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits),” the statement reads.
The group, primarily found operating a church among other things, is now being processed for prosecution under Uganda’s immigration.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the country’s ministry of internal affairs, said the Nigerians often pose as gospel preachers and engage in other illegal activities.
He added that they are currently being held at the ministry’s Namanve facility, where they are undergoing legal processes that could result in deportation, fines, or blacklisting.
International
US war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, says Pentagon official
Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.
The United States’ war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, a senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday, providing the first official estimate of the military’s price tag for the conflict.
With just six months before midterm elections in which President Donald Trump’s Republicans may face an uphill battle to keep their House majority, Democrats are riding high in public opinion polls as they attempt to link the unpopular Iran war with affordability.
Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.
Hurst did not detail what that cost estimate included and whether it took into account the projected costs of rebuilding and repairing base infrastructure in the Middle East damaged in the conflict.
Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, responded to Hurst: “I’m glad you answered that question. Because we’ve been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one’s given us the number.”
(Reuters)
.…as gunman invades dinner party venue. US secret service begins probes
The United States Secret Service has launched an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in Washington during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton.
In a statement, the agency said it is working with the Metropolitan Police Department to determine the circumstances of the incident, which occurred near a security screening area.
The shooting was reported close to the main magnetometer checkpoint used to screen guests, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement officers on duty.
The Chief of Communications, United States Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, on its X handle today, confirmed that all protected individuals, including the president and first lady, were safe following the incident.
One suspect has been taken into custody, while authorities continue to assess the condition of those involved.Guglielmi said teams are on the ground actively investigating and gathering information, adding that updates will be provided as more details are confirmed.
The Suspects.
“We will provide updates as they become available and confirm information. Our teams are on the ground assessing the situation and investigating. All of our protectees are safe,” he added.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at major public events in the US capital, with authorities expected to review procedures as the investigation continues.
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