South-East political leaders have publicly endorsed Peter Obi, signaling a rare display of regional unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
DDM gathered that the endorsement was praised by lawmakers and political stakeholders as a historic alignment in the South-East.
Hon. Henry Mbachu, representing Awka South I, said Obi’s emergence under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) provides the region with a credible path to national leadership.
He stressed that internal disunity has historically prevented the South-East from producing a president.
Mbachu described the December 31, 2025, alignment as a turning point for the region’s political fortunes.
He reflected on the 2023 Obi movement, calling it a civic awakening driven by youth activism, public frustration, and a demand for accountability.
The lawmaker rejected notions of pity-based politics, insisting that power must be earned through competence and a proven track record.
Mbachu emphasized that the ADC primaries will remain transparent and people-driven.
He assured that the process will be free from vote-buying and any form of electoral manipulation.
The lawmaker highlighted the importance of protecting the electorate’s will as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
He dismissed efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to sway South-East voters as distractions.
Mbachu urged political stakeholders in the region to focus on coalition-building and strategic politicking.
Analysts note that Obi’s move to the ADC, coupled with regional cohesion, could significantly reshape opposition politics in Nigeria.
They argue that a united South-East may enhance the region’s bargaining power in national elections.
Observers say the alignment also reflects the growing influence of youth-driven movements in Nigerian politics.
The December 31 alignment reportedly included key traditional leaders, party officials, and civil society representatives.
Mbachu insisted that the coalition is based on shared principles rather than ethnic or regional favoritism.
He highlighted the need for a structured approach to political mobilization and grassroots engagement.
Analysts believe this unified strategy could serve as a blueprint for opposition coalitions nationwide.
The lawmaker also warned that divisions within the region could compromise electoral success.
He called for a disciplined, people-centered approach to ensure South-East votes translate into political leverage.
Political commentators note that Obi’s appeal transcends the South-East, but regional support remains critical.
Mbachu emphasized that the ADC provides an ideal platform for inclusive politics and merit-based candidacy.
Observers say the party’s focus on transparency and accountability resonates with voters disillusioned by mainstream political structures.
The South-East endorsement may pressure other regions to consolidate opposition support ahead of the 2027 polls.
Mbachu reiterated that the movement is anchored in principles, not opportunistic alliances.
He urged citizens to remain engaged and vigilant to safeguard democratic processes.
Analysts predict that the Obi-led ADC could become a formidable force if regional cohesion persists.
The lawmaker concluded that the alignment represents a historic opportunity for the South-East to assert its influence in national politics.
Observers note that the coming months will test the durability of this coalition amid growing political competition.
Mbachu’s statements signal a clear message: regional unity, strategic politicking, and merit-based leadership are key to the 2027 electoral strategy.
Political analysts agree that the South-East’s consolidated support for Obi could redefine Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
The alignment underscores the role of youth, accountability, and civic activism in shaping future leadership trajectories.
The December 31 endorsement is widely regarded as a milestone in the region’s political history.
Mbachu concluded that the South-East is now positioned to negotiate effectively for national leadership roles.
Observers expect other political regions to watch the unfolding dynamics closely ahead of 2027.
The unity behind Peter Obi may inspire similar coalitions and reforms across Nigeria’s political landscape.
It highlights the growing significance of strategic alliances, transparent primaries, and electorate-driven politics.
The South-East’s stance demonstrates a commitment to principled leadership and meaningful participation in national governance.
Political experts suggest that Obi’s ADC move, combined with regional cohesion, could shift the balance in opposition politics ahead of the 2027 polls.
The endorsement is seen as a culmination of civic engagement, youth mobilization, and regional political strategy.
Mbachu urged continued vigilance to ensure that democratic principles guide all electoral processes in the South-East.
The movement aims to translate regional unity into tangible political influence in the upcoming general elections.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed that investing in education is a deliberate commitment to Nigeria’s future.
DDM gathered that Shettima made the remarks while addressing students and faculty during a university convocation ceremony in Borno State.He emphasized that education serves as a critical driver of national development and social progress.
The Vice President urged students, faculty members, and other stakeholders to prioritize learning, innovation, and knowledge as essential pillars for a prosperous Nigeria.
Shettima highlighted that an educated populace is central to achieving economic growth and societal advancement.
He warned that neglecting education is equivalent to undermining the country’s potential for progress.
The Vice President called on the government at all levels to increase budgetary allocations for educational infrastructure.
Shettima also appealed to the private sector to invest in schools, research facilities, and scholarship programs.
He encouraged citizens to support educational initiatives within their communities to create sustainable impact.
Shettima noted that modern education equips young Nigerians with skills necessary to compete in a global economy.
He pointed out that fostering innovation and critical thinking is vital to solving national challenges.
The Vice President emphasized that a strong education system strengthens democratic institutions and civic participation.
Shettima commended universities in Borno State for maintaining academic standards despite challenges in the region.
He said investments in education also contribute to peacebuilding and social cohesion.
The Vice President urged faculty to continually improve teaching methods and research outputs.
He stressed that partnerships between academia, government, and industry are necessary for practical knowledge application.
Shettima highlighted that Nigeria’s youth represent the country’s most valuable resource for development.
He called for policies that ensure equitable access to quality education across all regions.
The Vice President advised students to embrace lifelong learning as a tool for personal and national growth.
Shettima warned that failing to prioritize education today could compromise Nigeria’s competitiveness in the future.
He reassured that the current administration is committed to creating enabling environments for academic excellence.
The Vice President urged stakeholders to monitor and evaluate educational programs to maximize outcomes.
Shettima noted that investments in education yield long-term benefits far beyond immediate financial returns.
He highlighted success stories of Nigerian students excelling in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The Vice President urged collaborations with international educational institutions to enhance knowledge exchange.
Shettima emphasized that education fosters creativity, problem-solving, and leadership among young Nigerians.
He encouraged the private sector to sponsor research and innovation hubs to nurture talent.
The Vice President called for strengthening vocational and technical training to meet industry needs.
Shettima stressed that education is a sustainable path to poverty reduction and national prosperity.
He concluded that deliberate and consistent investment in education is essential for shaping Nigeria’s future leaders.
The Vice President’s message reinforces the importance of prioritizing education as a national development strategy.
Shettima urged all Nigerians to view education not as an expense but as a strategic investment in the country’s growth.
Nigerian activists have reacted strongly to reports alleging that the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
DDM gathered that former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore described the reported action as unacceptable under international law.
Both activists condemned what they termed an attack on Venezuela’s sovereignty.
They argued that no nation has the legal authority to unilaterally remove the leader of another sovereign state.
Shehu Sani said the alleged military action undermines global stability.
Sani warned that such interventions set a dangerous precedent for international relations.
He argued that powerful nations acting without global consensus weaken the rule-based world order.
Sani noted that international law exists to prevent chaos and unchecked aggression.
He added that ignoring these rules encourages lawlessness among states.
The former lawmaker said history shows that unilateral military actions often lead to prolonged conflicts.
He warned that the consequences are usually borne by civilians rather than political leaders.
Sani emphasized that respect for sovereignty is central to peaceful coexistence among nations.
Omoyele Sowore also strongly criticized the reported capture of President Maduro.
Sowore described the action as an example of impunity by powerful global actors.
He said such behavior erodes the authority of multilateral institutions.
Sowore argued that international bodies are sidelined when unilateral force is used.
He warned that this trend weakens institutions like the United Nations.
According to Sowore, selective enforcement of international norms damages global justice.
He stated that smaller and weaker nations become vulnerable under such a system.
Sowore added that disregard for multilateral processes encourages further abuses.
Both activists called on world leaders to speak out against the reported action.
They urged the international community to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Sani and Sowore specifically called on the United Nations to intervene urgently.
They said silence from global institutions could be interpreted as approval.
The reported capture of Nicolás Maduro has sparked widespread global controversy.
Venezuela has long been at the center of geopolitical tensions involving the United States.
Relations between both countries deteriorated significantly after Hugo Chávez rose to power.
Maduro, who succeeded Chávez, continued Venezuela’s socialist political direction.
The United States has repeatedly accused Maduro of authoritarianism and electoral fraud.
Washington has also imposed years of economic sanctions on Venezuela.
Those sanctions targeted oil exports and senior government officials.
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
Control of its oil sector has remained a major geopolitical interest.
Critics argue that resource interests often influence foreign interventions.
Supporters of Maduro have described US actions as regime-change efforts.
Opponents accuse the Venezuelan government of mismanaging the economy.
The country has suffered inflation, shortages, and mass migration.
Millions of Venezuelans have fled to neighboring countries over the past decade.
Analysts warn that further instability could worsen the humanitarian crisis.
International law experts say capturing a sitting president raises serious legal questions.
They note that such actions violate principles of non-interference.
The United Nations Charter emphasizes respect for territorial integrity.
Past military interventions have often destabilized entire regions.
Latin America has a long history of opposing foreign interference.
Several regional organizations promote non-intervention as a guiding principle.
Observers say the alleged incident could heighten global geopolitical tensions.
Russia and China have historically supported the Venezuelan government.
Any escalation could draw in competing global powers.
Sani and Sowore warned that the world must avoid a return to might-over-right politics.
They stressed that global peace depends on respect for international norms.
Both activists said Venezuela’s future should be decided by its people.
They insisted that external force cannot replace democratic processes.
As reactions continue to pour in, the situation remains fluid and uncertain.
Global attention is now focused on official confirmations and international responses.
The controversy has reignited debate about power, sovereignty, and accountability in global politics.
Reports emerging from international media have sparked intense global debate following claims that the United States has taken control of Venezuela.
DDM gathered that the controversy followed a statement attributed to United States President Donald Trump regarding Venezuela’s political future.
According to the claims, President Trump announced that the United States would “run” Venezuela and assume control of its vast oil reserves.
The declaration reportedly came after what was described as a military operation that toppled and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The claims have not been independently verified by international organizations or multilateral bodies.
US authorities have so far released no official operational details to support the announcement.
The statement has triggered widespread condemnation from several countries and diplomatic observers.
Critics argue that such a move would amount to a direct violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
International law experts have raised concerns over the legality of any foreign takeover of a sovereign state.
They warn that unilateral control over another country’s resources could breach the United Nations Charter.
Analysts also caution that the development could destabilize Latin America.
Venezuela has a long history of political tension with the United States.
Relations between both countries deteriorated sharply after the rise of Nicolás Maduro.
Maduro succeeded Hugo Chávez and continued a socialist political and economic model.
The US has accused the Maduro government of human rights abuses and electoral manipulation.
Washington previously imposed heavy economic sanctions on Venezuela.
Those sanctions targeted oil exports, government officials, and financial institutions.
The United States has also recognized opposition figures as legitimate leaders in the past.
Venezuela possesses the largest proven oil reserves in the world.
Control of those reserves has long been a geopolitical interest for major powers.
Energy analysts warn that interference could disrupt global oil markets.
Latin American leaders have historically opposed foreign military intervention in the region.
Several regional blocs promote non-interference as a guiding principle.
Observers say any perceived occupation could revive Cold War–era tensions.
Russia, China, and Iran maintain strategic interests in Venezuela.
Those countries have previously backed the Maduro administration.
Experts fear the situation could escalate into a broader international standoff.
Global oil prices could react sharply to uncertainty in Venezuela.
Humanitarian groups have expressed concern over civilian safety.
Venezuela has already faced years of economic crisis and mass migration.
Millions of Venezuelans have fled to neighboring countries in recent years.
Analysts warn that further instability could worsen the humanitarian situation.
The US government has not clarified how Venezuelan oil resources would be managed.
There has been no outline of a transitional government or administrative framework.
Legal scholars say resource control without consent is highly contentious.
International reaction continues to evolve as more information is awaited.
The United Nations has not issued an official statement at the time of reporting.
Diplomats say clarity is essential to prevent misinformation and panic.
Media analysts caution the public against drawing conclusions prematurely.
They urge reliance on verified statements from credible international bodies.
The situation underscores ongoing global tensions over power, resources, and sovereignty.
Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining the truth and implications of the claims.
For now, uncertainty surrounds both the reported capture of Maduro and the future of Venezuela.
US President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured by US forces in a “large-scale strike” and are being taken to New York to face indictment.
Trump stated that the US will “run” Venezuela until a “safe transition” of power, citing Maduro’s alleged crimes and threats to regional stability.
The operation, which involved elite US special forces, was described as a “decisive success” with no American casualties.
The capture has sparked international reactions, with Russia condemning the move and calling for Maduro’s release, while Venezuela’s opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia sees it as a critical moment to “rebuild our nation”.
The US has accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and rigging elections, and Trump has warned that anyone loyal to Maduro will face consequences.
Meanwhile, President Trump posted a photo of Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima wearing an eye covering, headphones, a gray tracksuit and holding a water bottle while a Drug Enforcement Administration agent is holding his arm.
However, what happens next for Venezuela remains uncertain, with potential legal challenges and international pressure.
The United States has announced plans to temporarily oversee Venezuela’s affairs following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro in a large-scale military operation carried out overnight in Caracas.
US President Donald Trump disclosed the development during a news conference on Saturday, saying Washington would “run the country” until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” of power is achieved.
He did not provide a timeline for the proposed transition.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended during a night raid by elite US forces and have since been flown out of Venezuela.
Trump released an image showing Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima, which is heading to New York, where the Venezuelan leader is expected to face charges in a Manhattan federal court, including alleged drug trafficking and weapons offences.
Sources familiar with the operation said the couple were taken from their bedroom during the raid.
Trump claimed the operation was executed with precision and resulted in no US fatalities, though some personnel were injured when a helicopter came under fire.
Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported across Caracas during the operation, with residents seen evacuating areas near the Miraflores presidential palace.
Power outages were also reported in parts of the capital.
Following the capture, Trump said the US was prepared to launch a second wave of attacks if necessary but indicated it was unlikely, citing the success of the initial operation.
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Yván Gil, rejected US claims of a change in leadership, insisting Maduro remains the country’s constitutional president and demanding his immediate return.
The government declared a state of emergency and accused Washington of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, opposition figures welcomed the development. Opposition leader María Corina Machado called for the immediate installation of opposition candidate Edmundo González, whom she described as the legitimate winner of the 2024 presidential election.
International reactions have been mixed. Several countries expressed concern over the escalation, while Venezuelans at home and abroad reacted with a blend of celebration, anxiety and calls for peace.
The US Justice Department confirmed that a long-running indictment against Maduro has been revived, alleging narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and weapons-related offences.
Prosecutors also named members of his family and senior allies in the charges.
As uncertainty grips Venezuela, questions remain over governance, international legality, and the path toward political transition in the oil-rich nation.
United States President Donald Trump is expected to address the world in a press conference following confirmation that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been taken into US custody after a military operation in Venezuela.
Trump said Maduro and his wife are currently aboard a US naval vessel en route to New York, where the Venezuelan leader is expected to face prosecution. According to the US president, the pair were detained during an overnight operation after Maduro allegedly refused calls to surrender. US authorities have previously placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro over alleged criminal activities.
Venezuela’s Defence Minister condemned the operation, accusing the United States of attacking both military and civilian facilities. The minister said Venezuela would resist any form of foreign intervention and described the action as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Maduro is expected to be indicted in the District of New York on multiple charges, including drug trafficking and terrorism-related offences.
Trump is expected to provide further details on the operation, its objectives, and Washington’s next steps during the anticipated press conference, as international concern mounts over the potential implications for regional stability and global security.
Suspected political thugs stormed a hotel in the Orazi area of Obio/Akpor, Rivers State, on Friday night, disrupting a live Arise TV broadcast featuring former Commissioner for Employment Generation, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, believed to be armed, broke into hotel rooms, seized mobile phones, and chanted in a local dialect while searching for Dr. Nwibubasa and the TV crew.
The live broadcast of News Night was abruptly halted after threats were issued against the former commissioner and journalists.
Hotel staff, assisted by the police, safely escorted Dr. Nwibubasa and the TV crew to the Kala Police Station.
Several pieces of broadcasting equipment were stolen, including a Sony Canada Z280 camera, tripod, and wireless microphones.
Dr. Nwibubasa condemned the attack, warning it signals potential threats to democratic engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Police have begun preliminary investigations, but the Rivers State Police Command has not issued an official statement.
Director of the presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayo Onanuga
Allegations of corruption, once raised against a public official occupying a sensitive office, demand sober attention and decisive leadership. The recent resurfacing of unresolved allegations of financial impropriety against Mr. Bayo Onanuga—now serving as a presidential spokesman—raises serious questions about propriety, public confidence, and the integrity of government communications.
In May 2019, staff unions at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) formally accused Mr. Onanuga, then Managing Director of the agency, of alleged financial misconduct, including irregular handling of internally generated revenue. The unions petitioned anti-corruption agencies, notably the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to investigate his stewardship. Mr. Onanuga denied the allegations and publicly expressed willingness to face investigation. However, there has been no clear public record of a definitive probe or formal resolution of the matter.
Today, Mr. Onanuga occupies a far more consequential position as a spokesman for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a role that requires unimpeachable credibility. Presidential spokesmen are not merely political appointees; they are the public voice of the Presidency, entrusted with shaping national narratives and defending government policy. Any cloud of unresolved allegations, regardless of their origin, undermines the moral authority of that office.
President Tinubu has repeatedly affirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption. Those principles cannot be selectively applied. They must extend to all who serve at the highest levels of government, especially those who speak on behalf of the President himself.
Suspension is not a declaration of guilt. Rather, it is a prudent administrative measure that allows due process to run its course without prejudice or distraction. Temporarily stepping aside would enable the EFCC to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the NAN-era allegations, free from perceptions of political shielding or institutional pressure.
Failure to act risks sending the wrong signal to the public: that proximity to power confers immunity from scrutiny. At a time when Nigerians are being asked to make sacrifices in the name of reform and discipline, government must demonstrate that no individual is above accountability.
We therefore urge President Bola Tinubu, in the interest of institutional integrity and public trust, to direct the immediate suspension of Mr. Bayo Onanuga as presidential spokesman pending the conclusion of an EFCC investigation. Such action would reinforce the administration’s anti-corruption stance and reaffirm the principle that public office is a trust, not a shield.
Only through transparency and equal application of the law can confidence in governance be sustained.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been captured and flown out of the country following a large-scale US military strike on Caracas, US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump said the operation involved US forces and law enforcement agencies and that further details would be provided at a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. Eastern Time.
US officials familiar with the matter said Maduro is being transported to New York, where he is expected to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offences. US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the Venezuelan leader has been indicted in Manhattan federal court.
The strike came after explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported across Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, with smoke seen rising from key locations, including La Carlota airport and areas near the Miraflores presidential palace. Residents in several neighbourhoods were seen evacuating buildings amid the unrest.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government does not know the whereabouts of Maduro or First Lady Cilia Flores, who Trump said was captured alongside him. She described the US action as an attack that resulted in the deaths of government officials, military personnel and civilians, though no independent casualty figures have been confirmed.
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Yván Gil, insisted that Maduro remains the country’s constitutional president and demanded his immediate return, describing his removal as a violation of national sovereignty. The government said state institutions and security forces remain operational nationwide.
Trump later said Maduro and his wife were aboard the USS Iwo Jima en route to the United States, adding that he had personally urged the Venezuelan leader to surrender before authorising the operation. He claimed to have watched the capture in real time from Mar-a-Lago alongside senior military officials.
The US administration said preparations for the operation began in mid-December, with plans focused on removing Maduro from power and preventing what officials described as continued drug trafficking and illicit weapons activity linked to his government.
The strike has drawn sharp international reactions. Several Latin American leaders, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, condemned the action as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. Russia, Iran and Cuba also denounced the operation, while Spain offered to mediate toward a peaceful resolution.
Within the United States, senior Democratic lawmakers questioned the legality of the strike and called for immediate congressional briefings. House Intelligence Committee ranking member Jim Himes said the administration must explain its legal justification and outline plans to prevent instability in Venezuela.
As diplomatic tensions escalate, the US government has yet to release detailed evidence supporting its claims or clarify next steps for governance in Venezuela, leaving the region on edge amid uncertainty over the country’s political future.
Venezuela’s neighbours and key international allies on Saturday strongly condemned a large-scale US military strike on the country following President Donald Trump’s claim that American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flown him and his wife out of the country.
The Venezuelan government described the operation as an “extremely serious military aggression” by Washington, declaring a state of emergency as shockwaves from the development reverberated across Latin America and beyond.
Iran, a close ally of oil-rich Venezuela, denounced the attack as a blatant violation of international law.
In a statement, Tehran said it “strongly condemns the US military attack on Venezuela and its flagrant violation of the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the strike as an “assault on the sovereignty of Latin America,” warning that it could spark a major humanitarian crisis.
Petro, whose country currently serves as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, called for an immediate emergency meeting of the body.
Cuba, another longstanding ally of Caracas, accused Washington of “state terrorism.” President Miguel Díaz-Canel, in a statement, described the attack as a “criminal assault” on Venezuela and urged the international community to respond decisively.
Russia also condemned the US action, calling it “an act of armed aggression against Venezuela.” In a strongly worded statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the operation was “deeply concerning and condemnable,” adding that the justifications offered by Washington were “untenable” and driven by ideological hostility rather than diplomacy.
European nations expressed alarm, with Spain offering to mediate in a bid to de-escalate tensions.
Spain’s Foreign Ministry said it was ready to assist in finding a “democratic, negotiated and peaceful solution” to the crisis, urging all parties to exercise restraint.
Germany said it was monitoring developments “very closely,” noting that its crisis response team had been activated and that Berlin was coordinating with international partners.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also said her government was closely following the situation, particularly to ensure the safety of Italian citizens in Venezuela.
Within the United States, the strike drew sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers. Democratic Senator Brian Schatz said Washington had “no vital national interest in Venezuela to justify war,” warning against repeating past foreign policy mistakes.
Senator Ruben Gallego went further, describing the action as illegal and accusing the US of shifting from “world cop to world bully.”
Former Bolivian president Evo Morales, another ally of Caracas, said he “forcefully rejected” what he described as the US bombardment of Venezuela, adding to growing international opposition to the military intervention.
As global calls for de-escalation mount, Washington has yet to release detailed information on the operation or provide evidence confirming the status and whereabouts of President Maduro, intensifying diplomatic tensions and uncertainty around the unfolding crisis.
The global geopolitical landscape was jolted in dramatic fashion in the early hours of Saturday as news broke that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured by United States forces and flown out of Caracas to face criminal charges in the United States. DDM NEWS reports that the unprecedented operation, involving coordinated airstrikes, special forces deployment, and swift extraction, has triggered international outrage, diplomatic alarm bells, and urgent calls for restraint from world powers.
According to multiple senior U.S. officials and lawmakers, Maduro—long accused by Washington of presiding over a narco-terror network—will now stand trial in the United States, reportedly on charges linked to large-scale drug trafficking and organised criminal activity. His wife was also said to have been taken into custody during the operation, marking a stunning escalation in Washington’s confrontation with the embattled Venezuelan leader.
A “Brilliant Operation” and a Sudden Seizure of Power
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation in a dramatic post on his Truth Social platform, hailing what he described as a “brilliant operation” carried out by American forces. According to Trump, U.S. helicopters—including Black Hawks and Chinooks—were deployed in a large-scale strike over Caracas before Maduro and his wife were apprehended and flown out of the country.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump wrote. “A lot of good planning and a lot of great, great troops and great people.”
He announced that a full press conference would follow at his Mar-a-Lago residence, underscoring the gravity of what many analysts are already calling one of the most extraordinary foreign interventions by the United States in modern history.
Footage circulating online showed plumes of smoke rising over parts of Caracas as explosions were reportedly heard in several districts. Venezuelan authorities quickly declared a state of emergency, confirming that strikes had taken place not only in the capital but also in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
U.S. Officials Confirm Criminal Trial Ahead
Further confirmation came from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reportedly briefed lawmakers on the operation and its aftermath. Republican Senator Mike Lee revealed on social media that Rubio had informed him of Maduro’s arrest and the intent to put him on trial in the United States.
“He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States,” Lee wrote. “The kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant.”
Lee added that Rubio “anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody,” a statement that has raised as many questions as it answers, given the volatile situation unfolding on the ground.
Long-Standing Accusations of Narco-Terrorism
DDM NEWS recalls that Nicolás Maduro has for years been under U.S. indictment, accused of leading what American officials describe as the “Cartel de Los Soles,” a network allegedly involved in trafficking vast quantities of cocaine into the United States. Shortly after Trump announced the capture, Rubio reshared an older post of his on social media, reiterating his long-held position on Maduro’s legitimacy.
“Maduro is NOT the President of Venezuela and his regime is NOT the legitimate government,” Rubio wrote in the earlier statement. “Maduro is the head of the Cartel de Los Soles, a narco-terror organisation which has taken possession of a country. And he is under indictment for pushing drugs into the United States.”
By resurfacing the statement immediately after the operation, Rubio appeared to frame the arrest not as a sudden escalation, but as the culmination of years of U.S. policy aimed at dismantling what Washington views as a criminal regime.
Regional Fallout and Caribbean Distancing
The shockwaves of the operation quickly spread across the Caribbean and Latin America. Trinidad and Tobago, located just seven miles from Venezuela at its closest point, moved swiftly to distance itself from the military action. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued a public statement stressing that her country was not involved in the strikes.
“Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations,” she wrote. “Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.”
The clarification came amid reports that the twin-island nation had, in recent weeks, allowed a U.S. warship to dock, participated in joint military drills with American troops, and granted U.S. military aircraft permission to transit its airports. It was also revealed last month that Trinidad and Tobago approved the installation of a U.S. military radar facility—details that have now drawn heightened scrutiny.
Europe Watches Closely, Calls for Restraint
Across the Atlantic, European leaders expressed deep concern over the rapidly unfolding crisis. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was “closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela,” particularly due to the presence of approximately 160,000 Italian citizens in the country, many of whom hold dual nationality.
Meloni confirmed she was in constant contact with Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, to assess the safety of Italian nationals. Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she had spoken directly with Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the U.S. strikes.
“The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition,” Kallas wrote on X. “Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in our country is our top priority.”
Spain also stepped forward, offering to mediate between Washington and Caracas. Madrid’s foreign ministry called for “de-escalation and restraint” and said Spain was prepared to use its diplomatic channels to help achieve a peaceful, negotiated solution to the crisis.
Russia Condemns U.S. Action, UN Meeting Sought
Russia, a long-time ally of the Maduro government, strongly condemned the U.S. strikes. In a sharply worded statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the action as “armed aggression” and accused Washington of allowing ideology to override diplomacy.
“This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable,” the statement read. “Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism.”
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s foreign minister, Yván Gil Pinto, announced that the country had formally requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Sharing an image of the letter sent to the UN on Telegram, he vowed resistance.
“No cowardly attack will prevail against the strength of this people, who will emerge victorious,” he declared.
A Negotiated Exit or Forced Capture?
Adding another layer of intrigue, sources within the Venezuelan opposition told Sky News that Maduro’s capture may have been part of a “negotiated exit” between the U.S. and elements within Venezuela. Just days earlier, Maduro himself had publicly stated that he was open to dialogue with Washington “wherever they want and whenever they want.”
There has been no official confirmation from either the U.S. or Venezuelan governments regarding whether any negotiations preceded the strikes and arrest. The lack of clarity has fueled speculation about internal divisions within Venezuela’s power structure and whether the dramatic operation was facilitated by behind-the-scenes agreements.
A Defining Moment With Global Consequences
As DDM NEWS observes, the capture of a sitting head of state by a foreign power represents a watershed moment in international relations, one that raises profound questions about sovereignty, international law, and the limits of unilateral action. While Washington frames the move as the enforcement of long-standing criminal indictments, critics warn that it sets a dangerous precedent that could destabilise already fragile regions.
For now, Nicolás Maduro’s fate lies with the U.S. justice system, while Venezuela faces an uncertain future amid a sudden power vacuum and international pressure. The world watches anxiously as events continue to unfold, aware that the repercussions of this dramatic intervention will be felt far beyond Caracas and Washington.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has called on the United States to provide “proof of life” for President Nicolás Maduro following claims by US President Donald Trump that American forces had captured the Venezuelan leader.
Speaking by telephone to state television on Saturday, Rodríguez said the government had no information on the whereabouts of Maduro or his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, after a wave of US strikes hit Caracas and other parts of the country.
Trump had earlier announced that Maduro and Flores were captured during what he described as a large-scale US military operation and flown out of Venezuela.
Russia has also demanded immediate clarification from Washington over the reported abduction.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it was “extremely alarmed” by reports that the Venezuelan president and his wife were forcibly removed from the country during a US-ordered attack.
“We call for an immediate clarification of the situation,” the ministry said.
Several countries, including Russia and Iran, have condemned the US action, describing it as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. Spain, meanwhile, has offered to mediate in an effort to de-escalate tensions and pursue a peaceful resolution.
The US has yet to release further details or evidence confirming Maduro’s status, as international concern mounts over the implications of the operation.
At least 17 soldiers of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (SDF) were killed in a deadly attack on a military position in Yatakala, Tillabéri region, on December 31, 2025.
The assault, which also left several personnel missing, was carried out by armed attackers who overwhelmed the SDF position.
Details of the attack were disclosed in a report by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Mr. Zagozola Makama.
The community is located in the volatile tri-border region shared by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
The Tillabéri region has continued to experience persistent insecurity and violent extremist attacks, with armed groups frequently exploiting the area’s rugged terrain and porous borders to launch assaults on military installations and surrounding communities
2023 New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly considering a strategic move to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as opposition forces intensify realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Multiple political sources indicate that Kwankwaso is weighing the option of joining a growing opposition coalition involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, under the ADC platform.
This development comes amid significant political shifts in Kano State, where Governor Abba Yusuf Kwankwaso’s political protégé and the NNPP’s only sitting governor is expected to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Yusuf’s planned defection, reportedly scheduled for Monday, follows the earlier movement of most NNPP lawmakers in the Kano State House of Assembly to the APC.
Sources familiar with the matter told DDM that Kwankwaso is unhappy with the unfolding developments in Kano and has opposed Yusuf’s defection, a stance that has triggered internal disagreements within the influential Kwankwasiyya movement.
Despite the apparent weakening of his party’s structure at the state level, Kwankwaso is said to be in quiet talks with ADC leaders, exploring the possibility of moving into the party alongside loyal members of the Kwankwasiyya political base.
Political insiders say the negotiations are part of broader efforts to forge a united opposition front capable of challenging the APC’s dominance in 2027.
The ruling party currently boasts the support of 28 state governors, further underscoring the urgency of opposition consolidation.
If the talks succeed, a potential alliance involving Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso who finished second, third, and fourth respectively in the 2023 presidential election could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and alter electoral calculations nationwide.
Peter Obi’s recent defection to the ADC has already injected momentum into the opposition realignment.
The former Anambra governor joined a growing list of political heavyweights in the party, including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and Abubakar Malami.
Reacting to Obi’s entry, ADC chieftain Dr Ladan Salihu said the development has repositioned the party as a formidable alternative to the APC.
Meanwhile, the APC continues to consolidate power, with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also defecting to the ruling party on Friday.
As political manoeuvring intensifies, analysts say the months ahead will determine whether Nigeria’s fragmented opposition can overcome internal divisions and present a unified challenge in 2027
Canada has deported 366 Nigerians between January and October 2025, as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
Also, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is currently processing removal orders for 974 Nigerians, who are awaiting deportation.
Nigeria ranks ninth among the top 10 countries with the highest number of deportations and fifth among nationalities with pending removal cases.
The CBSA has intensified its enforcement, removing nearly 400 foreign nationals weekly, the highest rate in over a decade.
In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Canada deported 18,048 individuals, costing approximately $78 million. Failed refugee claimants account for 83% of removals, while criminality contributes 4%.
The Canadian government attributed the increased deportations to efforts to meet revised immigration targets and address housing shortages, labor market pressures, and border security concerns.
To support this, authorities allocated $30.5 million over three years for deportation operations and committed $1.3 billion to border security enhancements.
A Nigerian military combat drone has crashed in Niger State’s Kontagora forest, raising concerns about aerial operations in the North-Central region.
Diaspora Digital Media understand that the unmanned aircraft went down on Friday, with the cause unknown.
A photo shows the wreckage in the forest, with no explosion reported.
Meanwhile, separately, a video surfaced showing men, suspected to be herdsmen, handling fragments of a claimed US military bomb dropped in Sokoto State on Christmas Day.
The men mocked the US military, saying “no bomb or missile can hit Nigerian soil” and boasting Nigerians are stronger than foreign forces.
The Nigerian military and Niger State government haven’t commented on the drone crash.
US President Donald Trump has declared that the United States has carried out a “large scale strike against Venezuela” and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, reportedly flying them out of the country.
The announcement, made on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, stated that the operation was conducted in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement.
He added that more details would be provided during a news conference at 11 AM at Mar-a-Lago.
This marks a significant escalation in US-Venezuelan tensions, following weeks of US military pressure, air and naval strikes, and oil sanctions targeting Caracas.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu, calling on his supporters and opposition leaders nationwide to unite under the party to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity, and democratic decline.”
Obi emphasized that his move is guided by patriotism and national interest, urging his followers to form a broad coalition within the ADC. His National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, stated that the primary aim of joining the party is to secure its 2027 presidential ticket, adding that efforts are underway to integrate millions of members of the Obidient Movement into the ADC.
However, former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, warned that winning the ticket will not be easy, as the party has many senior figures who will also vie for the position. Nwosu stressed that the ADC operates through elections, lobbying, and internal negotiation, noting that Obi has long been involved in the party’s formation.
Despite the challenges, Nwosu said the party’s real strength lies with the people, highlighting popular dissatisfaction with the current administration and predicting that citizens will play a decisive role in upcoming elections.
At his defection, Obi criticized the Tinubu administration for economic mismanagement, state capture, and erosion of democratic values, echoing Nwosu’s assessment that defeating the current government is achievable due to widespread public discontent.
