Good morning! Here are the major news highlights from across Nigeria this Saturday:

1. U.S. Redesignates Nigeria Over Religious Persecution:
   The United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has again listed Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution and violence against Christians. In a social media post on Friday, Trump warned that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in the country.
2. PDP Insists on Holding National Convention Despite Court Order:
   The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to proceed with its elective National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. This comes despite an Abuja Federal High Court order restraining the party from holding the event over alleged violations of its internal rules.
3. JAMB Flags 2,658 Illegal Admissions:
   The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has identified 2,658 illegal admissions across 17 tertiary institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session. The flagged cases were discovered during an institutional analysis conducted by the board in Abuja.
4. Kidnappers Abduct Neurosurgeon in Anambra:
   A consultant neurosurgeon, identified as Dr. T. Mbanugo, has been abducted by gunmen in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The incident reportedly occurred late Thursday night along the New Nnewi–Oba Road.
5. Kogi Polytechnic Probes Certificate Racketeering Syndicate:
   Authorities at Kogi State Polytechnic have begun investigating nine suspects allegedly involved in certificate forgery and document falsification. Rector Prof. Salisu Ogbo disclosed this during a press briefing in Lokoja on Friday.
6. Police Rescue 23 Foreign Kidnap Victims in Nasarawa:
   Police operatives have rescued 23 foreign nationals held by a kidnapping and human trafficking syndicate in Nasarawa State. The victims — 14 males, eight females, and a child — were rescued unhurt on October 22 in the Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Mararaba area of the state.
7. Two Killed in Enugu Communal Clash:
   Two brothers were killed in a violent clash in the Umuchigbo-Nike community, Enugu East LGA, while several houses and vehicles were burnt. Police confirmed the arrest of 27 suspects in connection with the incident.
8. ADC Urges Tinubu to Scrap 15% Import Duty on Fuel:
   The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the 15% import duty imposed on petrol and diesel, describing it as “insensitive” and capable of deepening economic hardship. Party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi criticized the administration’s economic policies in a statement on Friday.
9. APC Confident of Victory in Anambra Governorship Election:
   The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed optimism about winning the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State. National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda made this known at the party’s campaign rally in Onitsha for its candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu and running mate Senator Uche Ekwunife.
10. Naira Strengthens Against Dollar:
    The naira appreciated to ₦1,475 per dollar on the parallel market on Friday, up from ₦1,489 on Thursday. In the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the currency also strengthened slightly to ₦1,427.5 per dollar.