The United States military has reportedly submitted contingency plans for potential military action in Nigeria, according to a report by The New York Times.

The development follows President Donald Trump’s directive to the U.S. Department of War to prepare options for possible intervention over allegations of widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

According to the report, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has drawn up and forwarded a set of contingency options to the Department of War at the request of Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The plans reportedly outline three levels of military response “heavy,” “medium,” and “light” each designed to allow for controlled escalation depending on the situation.

Officials cited in the report said the “heavy option” represents the most forceful response, involving the deployment of an aircraft carrier group to the Gulf of Guinea and potential airstrikes using fighter jets or long-range bombers on targets inside northern Nigeria.

The “medium option” focuses on the use of drone strikes against militant camps, convoys, and vehicles, while the “light option” would center on intelligence operations and limited advisory support.

Retired U.S. Army Major General Paul D. Eaton, a veteran of the Iraq War, warned that such an operation would be “a fiasco,” noting that the American public has little appetite for another large-scale military campaign reminiscent of Iraq or Afghanistan.

The report added that Trump has shown particular interest in airstrike-based strategies, though officials cautioned that such an approach would likely deliver “shock and awe” without resolving underlying conflicts.

President Trump recently designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, citing what he described as ongoing violence against Christians and the alleged failure of the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities.

The Nigerian government, however, has strongly denied allegations of religious persecution, insisting that the country remains committed to protecting all faith communities.

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Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has made history as the newly elected Mayor of New York City, winning by a landslide and setting the stage for a political showdown with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly attacked him as a “little Communist.”

Mamdani, 34, will take office on January 1, becoming one of the most left-leaning figures ever to lead America’s largest city. Here are five things to know about his victory and what lies ahead for his administration.

1. Landslide Victory

Mamdani secured over one million votes, winning 50 percent of ballots cast compared to his closest rival, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who earned just under 42 percent. The election saw the highest voter turnout since 1969.

His campaign’s vast grassroots network of 100,000 volunteers reached every borough and community, running on a message of economic equality, affordable housing, and public welfare.

“We have toppled a political dynasty,” Mamdani said, referencing the end of the Cuomo family’s decades-long influence in New York politics.

2. Trump on the Horizon

Mamdani’s outspoken criticism of President Trump’s policies has already drawn sharp rebukes from the White House. The president has threatened to cut off federal funding to New York and labeled Mamdani “a little Communist.”

Mamdani previously urged Americans to “reject Trump’s fascism”, signaling that his tenure could bring renewed political tension between City Hall and Washington.

3. Time to Prepare

With less than two months before taking office, Mamdani must assemble a capable team to deliver on his ambitious progressive agenda including city-run supermarkets, free daycare, and fare-free bus routes.

He has already appointed five women to co-chair his transition team, including Maria Torres-Springer, who resigned as deputy mayor under outgoing Mayor Eric Adams due to his engagement with Trump.

Political analysts say he will need a savvy cabinet capable of navigating both City Hall and Albany, especially as the city faces threats of federal funding cuts and a possible loss of food assistance for 1.8 million residents amid a government shutdown.

“His vision for New York is not crazy,” said Lincoln Mitchell, a Columbia University politics professor. “It’s filling in the gaps in our tattered social safety net.”

4. Jewish Outreach

New York, home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel, has seen a surge in antisemitic incidents, with 57 percent of hate crimes in the city targeting Jewish people, according to outgoing Mayor Adams.

Mamdani faced criticism from pro-Israel groups over his support for Palestinian rights and his condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he described as “a genocide.” The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has announced plans to monitor his policies closely.

In his victory speech, Mamdani pledged to stand “steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers” and confront antisemitism head-on, while insisting the ADL’s scrutiny must be “honest and fair.”

5. End of an Era

Mamdani’s triumph marks the end of an era in New York politics, sidelining both Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, and signaling a leftward shift for the Democratic Party.

Backed by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mamdani’s insurgent campaign energized young voters and working-class communities, promising a fresh, inclusive approach to governance.

“This is not just a political win,” he said. “It’s a mandate for a fairer, freer New York.”

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an order restraining the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies from arresting, intimidating, or declaring human rights activist Omoyele Sowore wanted.

Justice Musa Kakaki granted the interim injunction following an application filed by Sowore, who approached the court after reports surfaced that the Lagos State Police Command had allegedly declared him wanted over unspecified allegations.

In the ruling, the court barred the respondents—particularly the Commissioner of Police—from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

Reacting to the judgment, Sowore who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) hailed the ruling as a reaffirmation of faith in the Nigerian judiciary, despite public skepticism about the justice system.

“Many people say they don’t trust the judiciary, but trust in the judiciary depends on citizens showing up to demand justice,” Sowore said. “I thank the court for having the courage to take up this matter late in the day and for granting this important order.”

The activist alleged that the move to declare him wanted was politically motivated, describing it as a “drunken declaration” lacking legal basis or due process.

“Under the law, the police cannot just wake up and label someone wanted without any investigation or invitation,” he said. “It shows how far institutions have strayed from legality.”

Flanked by his legal team and supporters, Sowore emphasized that the ruling was a reminder that the rule of law remains vital in Nigeria despite growing cases of political intimidation.

“This struggle is not about me—it’s about justice and freedom for all Nigerians. Authorities must understand that dissent cannot be silenced through intimidation,” he added.

Sowore, who has faced multiple arrests and prosecutions in recent years, said the latest development fits a pattern of harassment against voices of dissent, but vowed to continue his activism peacefully and within the law.

“When the state acts outside the law, it breeds fear and injustice. We must resist that peacefully. Nigeria can only progress when law enforcement operates within constitutional limits,” he said.

He also praised his legal team for their “dogged commitment to justice” and commended Justice Kakaki for hearing the case “even as the last matter of the day.”

The court’s order specifically restrains the police from enforcing or giving effect to any declaration made by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police on November 3, 2025, which purported to label Sowore as a wanted person.

The injunction will remain in force pending the determination of the substantive suit challenging the legality of the police declaration.

As of press time, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official response to the court order.

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Victor Osimhen delivered a masterclass performance on Wednesday night, scoring a second-half hat-trick to hand Galatasaray a commanding 3-0 victory over Ajax in their UEFA Champions League Group H clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse before confidently converting two penalties in the 52nd and 67th minutes to complete his first-ever Champions League hat-trick.

Osimhen’s heroics lifted him to the top of the 2025/26 Champions League scoring chart with six goals in three matches, underscoring his status as one of Europe’s most clinical forwards.

The victory pushes Galatasaray into second place in Group H, strengthening their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage, while Ajax remain winless in the group after four games.

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a final opportunity to the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to either open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial or forfeit the right to do so.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Justice Omotosho said it was his responsibility as the presiding judge to ensure that the defendant was given ample opportunity to present his case.

The judge made the remarks while ruling on an application by the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who urged the court to foreclose Kanu’s right to defence after he failed to utilize five out of the six days earlier allocated for that purpose.

Awomolo reminded the court that the matter had been adjourned from Tuesday to Wednesday for Kanu to open his defence or be deemed to have waived his right. However, upon resumption of proceedings, the IPOB leader again declined to enter any defence, insisting that there were no valid charges against him.

Addressing the court from the dock, Kanu maintained that he would not defend himself, arguing that the charges preferred against him were defective and unconstitutional.

“The charges against me are not valid, and as such, there is nothing to defend,” Kanu reportedly told the court.

In response, the prosecution urged the judge to record Kanu’s refusal as a waiver of his right to defence and to adjourn for judgment.

Justice Omotosho, however, ruled that the court would grant the defendant one final opportunity to enter his defence before taking any further decision. The matter was consequently adjourned to a later date for continuation of trial.

Kanu has been in custody since his re-arrest in 2021, facing multiple counts related to alleged terrorism, incitement, and membership of the proscribed IPOB group.

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