United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has formally announced a significant escalation in counterterrorism cooperation between Washington and Abuja, detailing a recent high-impact joint operation that resulted in the elimination of a top global ISIS leader within Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Rubio made these statements during a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the State Department’s FY27 budget request, which was held on Wednesday in Washington, DC.

The U.S. official emphasized that the United States remains deeply concerned about the rising tide of violence in Nigeria, specifically highlighting attacks against Christians. He stated that this concern has translated into a new phase of active counterterrorism partnership with Nigerian authorities.

“We are now actively in counterterrorism cooperation with the Nigerian government and Nigerian security forces, including a joint operation a couple of weeks ago that took out the number two leader of global ISIS operating from inside of the country, and that continues,” Rubio informed the committee.

The operation, which was a coordinated U.S.-Nigerian assault on May 15, targeted the compound of Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of global ISIS operations. The high-value target’s stronghold was located in the volatile Lake Chad Basin region.

Adding crucial context, U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth further confirmed that Al-Minuki was the primary figure responsible for directing and executing multiple attacks on Christian communities across Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria had previously confirmed the death of Al-Minuki, noting that several of his top lieutenants were also neutralized in the precise mission. Tinubu expressed his strong desire for continued, decisive military strikes against all terrorist enclaves within the country.

Since the successful elimination of Al-Minuki, subsequent reports indicate that more joint U.S.-Nigerian operations have targeted and destroyed terrorist positions. Just days after the initial operation, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters announced that a series of joint airstrikes in Metele, Borno State, had killed more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters. Furthermore, on June 1, a separate airstrike in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, conducted by the Nigerian military in collaboration with the United States Africa Command, resulted in the death of an additional 21 ISWAP insurgents.

As of today, June 4, 2026, the exchange rate for the US Dollar to the Nigerian Naira is trading at ₦1,366.78.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Important Market Context:

• Parallel Market Status: Please be aware that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the parallel (black) market. The CBN continues to advise individuals seeking foreign exchange to conduct their transactions through authorized commercial banks.

• Price Variability: Market rates are highly fluid and can fluctuate throughout the day. The figures provided reflect current market indicators, but the actual price you encounter at a Bureau De Change (BDC) or other exchange points may vary depending on location and individual negotiation.

Associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have officially shut down speculation regarding a potential 2027 presidential comeback. Dismissing the rumors as politically motivated “hide-and-seek,” insiders—including former aide Jude Imagwe—confirmed that Jonathan has neither purchased nor submitted any nomination forms. Sources close to the former leader emphasized that Jonathan is a statesman who would be transparent about any political ambitions, noting that the ongoing reports are merely being leveraged by certain factions to advance their own interests. Jonathan himself reportedly brushed off the rumors during a recent private conversation, questioning which political party would even be involved, as his team prepares to issue a formal statement to put the matter to rest once and for all.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Claims linking former President Goodluck Jonathan to the 2027 presidential race have been categorically dismissed by his close associates. Sources speaking to Punch characterized the rumors as a recurring political strategy where Jonathan’s name is invoked by interest groups without his consent. An associate noted that a serious presidential bid requires public consultations, party identification, and strategic planning—none of which the former president is currently undertaking. Insiders reiterated that Jonathan remains uninvolved in the electioneering process and is expected to release a formal clarification soon to dispel the confusion.

Option 3: Quick Highlights (Best for Infographics)

• The Denial: Close associates and former aides, such as Jude Imagwe, confirm Goodluck Jonathan is not running for president in 2027.

• The Reality: Jonathan has neither purchased, completed, nor submitted any nomination forms for the upcoming election.

• The Strategy: Sources describe the rumors as a recurring political tactic where Jonathan’s name is used by others to advance specific factional interests.

• The Principal’s Stance: Jonathan has reportedly dismissed the talk in private, questioning the credibility of such claims and emphasizing that a presidential run is not a casual endeavor.

• Next Steps: A formal statement is expected to be released by the former president’s camp to finally end the speculation.