Benin Coup: Tinubu Orders CDS To Send Troops To Stabilize Situation

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December 8, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede to send ground forces to Benin Republic as part of the Nigerian government efforts to protect the country’s democracy after Sunday’s botched coup.

Sources at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ , Abuja, the nation’s capital confirmed on Monday that Nigerian soldiers are currently in the country keeping watch to ensure peace and stability.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, Tinubu said the federal government rose to the occasion by sending troops to save the small west African country from a military coup.

The federal government, according to the statement had earlier scrambled fighter jets to the country to displaced the coup plotters, who had announced the take over of the democratically elected government of President Patrice Talon.

Tinubu had directed the Nigerian Air Force to secure Benin’s airspace and support loyal forces working to dislodge coup plotters who had seized the National TV station and regrouped at a nearby military camp.

The Presidency noted that the Air force was sent after Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a Note Verbale asking for immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”

The Benin Government had also requested the Nigeria Government to deploy Air Force assets for surveillance and rapid-intervention missions under Benin’s coordination, the statement said.

The Presidency stressed that troops were sent afterwards to stabilize the situation on the approval by the “Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups” saying the action was taken due to the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard “the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin,” President Tinubu said.

Following the botched coup, sources claimed that military personnel numbering13 have been arrested, including the alleged ringleaders of the operation.

Military and security sources told AFP, that 13 arrests have been made, with all detainees in active service except one former soldier.

The attempted coup unfolded early Sunday when a group of soldiers, calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), announced on state television that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.

Meanwhile, the African Union has condemned the attempted coup in a statement on Sunday, urging the coup plotters to return to their barracks.

AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called on soldiers to “immediately cease all unlawful actions… and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations.”

ECOWAS also described the coup as “unconstitutional” and a subversion of the will of the Beninese people.

Insecurity: Olubadan Calls For Vigilance In South West

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 8, 2025

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Rashidi Ladoja - Olubadan — Rashidi Ladoja, Olubadan.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged Yoruba people to be conscious of the growing threats posed by bandits and terrorists from the Northern part of the country to the security of the region.

The traditional ruler particularly drew the attention of the people to the recent incursion of bandits to Kawara and Kogi state, North Central Nigeria, calling on the south west leaders to wake up to the reality of the threats to the region by these criminals.

Oba Ladoja urged the leaders of the region to pay attention to this threat with the intention of addressing it.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the traditional ruler made the call in Ode-Omu, Osun State, during the weekend celebration of Ode-Omu Day.

“Let me use this occasion to urge Yoruba people to be vigilant amid security challenges facing Nigeria,” Ladoja said.

The magazine reports that marauding bandits have recently stepped up their attacks on Kwara and Kogi, the two northern states with proximity to the south west, as analysts insist that their target is the south west.

Two weeks ago, the six state governors in the region met in Abeokuta , Ogun state where they announced a series of security, economic and administrative measures aimed at strengthening safety and development across the region.

In a communique the governors issued after the meeting, they agreed to set up a security trsut fund apart from sharing intelligence with the aim to make ensuring safety in the region.

The communiqué outlined several security-focused decisions, including a regional fund and a new tech-driven intelligence network.

“South West Regional Security Fund: The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under DAWN Commission to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States and to meet monthly.

“Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform: The forum resolves to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response,” part of the communique read.

PDP Crisis: Wike’s Faction Constitutes Caretaker Committee

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Ayodele Oni

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December 8, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The faction, backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has announced an end to the tenure of the national Working Committee, (NWC).

The faction announced that the tenure terminated on Tuesday, going by the party’s constitution.

To replace it, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party has constituted a National Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the party, pending the conduct of a national convention.

This decision was taken at the 104th NEC meeting of the party held in Abuja on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

The 13-member Caretaker Committee has Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary.

Other members of the Caretaker Committee are; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar M. Bature, Dr Kyari Grema, Hon Janguda Haruna Mohammed, Barr. Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof Adenike Ogunse, Hon. Bisi Kolawole, Engr Deji Doherty, and Dr Ibrahim Bala Aboki.

The Caretaker Committee has been mandated to run the affairs of the party for a period of 60 days, during which all pending congresses should be conducted and a national convention should be held.

Addressing the NEC meeting, FCT minister, Wike, maintained that himself and other founding members of the PDP will not allow those who came from other parties to join kill the party.

The Minister also berated a faction of the party for violating court judgments by conducting what he described as an “illegal convention,” insisting that the party must respect judicial processes if it intends to regain public confidence.

He accused the faction of disregarding two substantive judgments of the Federal High Court, which he said had ruled on the matter, yet they proceeded to hold their own convention and later approached a State High Court to seek recognition.

Wike said; “You went to a State High Court to sue INEC, asking that the convention must take place, and you got an ex-parte order to override judgments of the Federal High Court. How do you disobey two final judgments and still claim leadership?”

He further stated that the same group returned to another court, seeking validation after failing to comply with lawful rulings.

“You had the convention without obeying the court, and now you are back asking a Federal High Court to recognize you. If INEC already recognizes you, what exactly are you going to court for?” he asked.

The FCT Minister warned that such actions could jeopardize the future of the party, stressing that leaders must not allow selfish interests to destroy the political platform that has existed since 1998.

“We must not allow our party to die. Leadership requires commitment and honesty, not propaganda. If we don’t respect our own laws, how do we earn respect from Nigerians?” Wike stated.

He called on party faithful to support lawful leadership and unite to rebuild the PDP in line with democratic principles and judicial integrity.

100 Niger State Kidnapped Pupils Released

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 8, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Good news came in Sunday night to the effect that 100 out of the over 300 Pupils, students and 12 teachers abducted from their school, St. Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, have been rescued.

It is not clear yet how they were rescued, but the heart warming news was aired on, at least, two national televisions. There has been no confirmation, however, from either the Federal Government, the State Government or the Catholic Church who owns the School.

Recall that the 315, made up of the pupils, students and 12 teachers were kidnapped on November 21 by terrorists who stormed the school at about 2.00am. They stormed the school on motorcycles for three hours and whisked them away.

50 of them escaped same day of their abduction.

With the release of 100 Sunday, 265 of them are still in captivity.

The National Security Adviser had a few days ago assured that the captives will be released soon.

This is a developing story

Cross River Declares 20 Days Christmas, New Year Holiday

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Ayodele Oni

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December 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Festivities period begins in Cross River State as from next week Monday.

This follows decision of the state to declare 20 days holiday in the state effective from December 15.

The state government directed all civil and public servants in the state to proceed on a 20-day leave to observe Christmas and new year festivities.

This is contained in a circular with Ref: GO/HOS/4/Vol.II1/277 and signed by the Head of Service of the state, Mr Orok Okon.

The circular directed all the civil servants, with the exception of those on essential duties, to proceed on leave from Dec. 15, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

“The approval is to enable Civil/Public Servants fully participate in the Christmas festivities within the state.

“However, officers on essential duties are hereby exempted from this leave and are expected to remain at their duly posts to ensure continuous delivery of critical public services.

“Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments are requested to bring the content of this circular to the attention of all staff and ensure strict compliance,” it stated.

The biggest street party in Africa, Carnival Calabar is part of activities put in place to celebrate Christmas in the state.

This year’s carnival is the 20th edition of the annual street party that was birthed by the Donald Duke administration in 2005.

Organ Harvesting: Imo Seals Mortuary, Hotel As Police Declares Prime Suspect Wanted

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 7, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Police Command is now on the trail of a suspected leader of organ harvesting syndicate and a mortuary facility owner, Stanley Morocco Oparaugo.

This is as the Imo State Government on Saturday ordered the sealing of a Hotel and the Mortuary believed to be used by Oparaugo and his gang for organ harvesting and trafficking.

A statement by the Command’s spokesperson Henry Okoye informed that the sealing of the mortuary and hotel stemmed from the startling discovery of several mutilated corpses at the facility , suspected to have been used for organ harvesting .

According to Okoye , following the receipt of credible intelligence, the State Commissioner of Police CP Aboki Danjuma personally led an operation to the mortuary facility located in the remote Umuhu Autonomous Community, Ngor-Okpala Local Council of the State.

The coordinated operation which also involved some Imo state Government officials led to the discovery of several dismembered and unkept corpses in the purported mortuary .

Okoye noted that the state of the corpses, including the manner they were clearly tampered with were suggestive of organ harvesting activities taking place at the facility.

According to the police spokesman, besides being dismembered, the corpses were discovered to be kept in unhygienic conditions which also pointed to some unwholesome activities going on at the acclaimed Mortuary.

The Police Statement reads in full:

“As part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, a high-powered team led by the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma on Saturday, 6th December, 2025, inspected suspected kidnappers hideouts in Umuhu Autonomous Community in Ngor-Okpala following credible intelligence on Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, currently at large.

“The delegation included the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu; Chief Pathologist, Imo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Ibeaja Okechukwu; members of the Ngor Okpala Vigilante Group led by Mr. Henry Ikpe; and the Chairman of Ngor Okpala LGA, Hon. Mrs. Chika Ibekwe.

“A hotel and a private mortuary owned by the suspect, allegedly used by kidnappers and violent criminals, were inspected. At the mortuary, decomposed and mutilated corpses were discovered in unhygienic conditions, raising suspicions of illegal organ-harvesting activities.

“Following these discoveries, both the hotel and mortuary were sealed on the directive of the State Government. The suspect’s residence was also searched, and crucial exhibits were recovered.

“Forensic experts documented and secured evidence. The Commissioner of Police assured the public that all accomplices would be identified and brought to justice.

“Stanley Morocco Oparaugo has been declared WANTED. Anyone with useful information should contact the nearest police station or call 0803 477 3600.

“Maximum security has been deployed along the Owerri–Aba Expressway. The Command assures travelers during the holidays of its commitment to their safety.

“DSP OKOYE HENRY, ANIPR

Police Public Relations Officer

Imo State Command”

CD Preaches Good Governance As Panacea To Coups In Africa

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Ayodele Oni

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December 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has advised African leaders to provide good and responsive leadership as a panacea the growing threat by the military to take over power in the continent.

CD, in a statement on Sunday to react to the botched coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, maintained that the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), a sub regional body, will not serve the African people by merely issuing condemnations of coups.

The statement, signed by Ifeanyi Odili, national president of CD, stated that “ECOWAS can better serve Africa by cultivating genuine leadership qualities among its member‑state politicians—qualities that translate into tangible happiness and prosperity for ordinary citizens.

“Accordingly, ECOWAS ought to adopt a firm policy that bars any African leader from being implicated in corruption or from practicing poor governance.

“CD further asserts that preventing coups requires political leaders to lead by example, to assume responsibility, and to remain accountable to their peoples.

“It warns that African politicians cannot continue to steer the continent toward uncertainty, insecurity, economic hardship, soaring inflation, and even conflict, while expecting the populace to remain passive.”

The statement emphasized that any government must enjoy genuine popular support to sustain uninterrupted democracy; a democracy that inflicts suffering on its citizens is destined to collapse, whether through revolution or military intervention.

“For democracy to endure, politicians must exercise their duties with utmost responsibility and honour their electoral promises; otherwise, coups will persist.

“In light of the current climate in several African nations, where citizens increasingly favor military rule over a dysfunctional democratic system, CD urges ECOWAS to cease its routine condemnations of coups—whether successful or failed—and instead compel its member states to govern with fairness, justice, and integrity.”

Benin Republic Failed Coup: Manhunt Of Suspects, Begin, 13 Arrested As Nigeria Withdraws Fighter Jet

By

Ayodele Oni

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December 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

In the aftermath of the attempted coup in the West African nation of Benin Republic on Sunday, military personnel numbering13 have been arrested, including the alleged ringleaders of the operation.

Military and security sources told AFP, that 13 arrests have been made, with all detainees in active service except one former soldier.

The attempted coup unfolded early Sunday when a group of soldiers, calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), announced on state television that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.

The group cited concerns over deteriorating security in northern Benin, neglect of fallen soldiers’ families, and alleged unfair promotions.

The announcement was followed shortly by assurances from sources close to Talon that the president remained safe and that the regular army was regaining control.

However, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou described the event as “a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions.”

He added, “Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.”

The African Union condemned the attempted coup in a statement on Sunday, urging all actors involved to return to their barracks.

AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called on soldiers to “immediately cease all unlawful actions… and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations.”

ECOWAS also described the coup as “unconstitutional” and a subversion of the will of the Beninese people.

Nigeria has withdrawn its fighter jet earlier deployed to Benin Republic after the country’s authorities announced that the situation has stabilized following a foiled coup attempt.

The coup attempt, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, aimed to overthrow President Patrice Talon, but was thwarted by loyalist forces.

The Nigerian military had deployed the fighter jet as a precautionary measure to monitor the situation and ensure regional security. However, with the situation under control, the aircraft has been ordered to return to base .

According to reports, the coup plotters had taken control of the national television station and announced the dissolution of the government and closure of borders.

However, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou stated that the armed forces had foiled the coup attempt and urged the population to go about their business as usual.

The attempted coup comes amid a broader pattern of political instability in West Africa. In the past five years, coups or attempted coups have occurred in Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau, highlighting persistent challenges to constitutional governance in the region.

President Talon, 67, a former businessman known as the “cotton king of Cotonou,” is due to hand over power in April 2026 at the conclusion of his second term. He has been credited with economic growth during his tenure, although critics have accused his administration of authoritarian tendencies.

Security operations in Benin continue as authorities work to stabilise the capital and reassert control over military and civil institutions.

CAS Shows Leadership, Visits Pilots Of Crashed NAF Jet

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 7, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke has attracted applause from both serving and retired officers of the Nigerian Air Force for the compassion and exemplary leadership he exhibited in the wake of the unfortunate crash of a NAF Jet in Borno State on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Recall that the Jet crashed at about 1630hrs near Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area, Borno State, on take off.

The two Pilots, now identified as Squadron Leader

AK Galadanci and a Flight Lieutenant

mercifully survived after both successfully ejected from the Alpha Jet before it burst into flames and made impact.

They took off from Kainji Air Base.

Those who witnessed the Jet as it struggled mid-air, and finally crashed, were full of commendation for the Pilots for steering the Jet away from a very populated area of the city to a safe area where it neither recorded any fatality nor destroyed properties.

Beyond that, another thing which impressed was that within 24 hours of the crash, the CAS took off, immediately to, personally, visit his heroic Pilot-officers, to make sure of their safety and wellbeing.

The photograph above shows Squadron Leader Galadanci on the left of the Chief of Air Staff (in blue) with Flight Lieutenant (2nd pilot) at the hospital after the aircrash incident.

Afenifere Chieftain To Govt: “You Are Cause Of Decay In University System”

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Ayodele Oni

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December 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

A chieftain of Afenifere, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, has blamed Nigeria’s failing university system squarely at the feet of government.

Speaking as chairman at the 8th Annual Registry Lecture of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, in Ondo state, Arogbofa maintained that “the decay of the Nigerian university system is a direct result of government’s ineptitude.”

Arogbofa, who delivered what many attendees described as a “truth long overdue,” listed the failures that have crippled higher education over the years to include chronic underfunding, poor remuneration for academics, and perhaps most corrosive, the political interference in the appointment of principal officers in government- owned universities.

According to the former Secretary-General of Afenifere and Pioneer Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lafia, thes, have combined to weaken once-proud institutions.

He praised the Founder of Elizade University, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, describing him as a man whose foresight and selfless sacrifice have produced a world-class institution “standing as proof of what is possible when excellence, not politics, drives education.”

Delivering the keynote lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Adenike Oladiji, painted a balanced but sobering picture of the nation’s university landscape.

Her paper, themed “The Nigerian University System: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” acknowledged the bright spots which are opportunities for academic growth, career progression, and the rich socio-cultural integration that universities foster amongst others.

But the positives, she said, are heavily overshadowed by deepening challenges.

She highlighted severe under funding and manpower shortages, worsened by the Japa phenomenon, abuse of autonomy and declining commitment from various actors.

The don also listed rampant politicization, where merit takes a back seat, frequent industrial disputes that disrupt academic calendars and mass proliferation of universities without corresponding resources.

Calling for a complete reset, Oladiji insisted that stakeholders must “return to the tradition of excellence,” reminding the audience that the university is a “world of its own,” equipped with laws and structures designed to uphold prestige.

At the heart of this system, she emphasized, lies the Registry: “The Registry is at the centre of all university activities.”

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Prof Sunday Adeyemo, celebrated the Registry Division for maintaining a culture of professionalism and administrative distinction.

“Each edition of the Annual Registry Lecture reinforces the indispensable role of the Registry in institutional development and effective university governance,” he said.