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Attempted Coup: Calm In Benin Republic As Govt. Says President Talon Still In Control

December 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Calm seems to have returned to Benin Republic after an early Sunday morning seizure of the country’s radio station by some soldiers.

Soldiers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), said on state television that they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.

The announcement follows two coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau few months ago. Benin is bordered in the north by Niger and Burkina Faso, which have also seen military takeovers.

The French Embassy said on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence in the economic capital. It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.

However, the government of Benin Republic has announced that it remains fully in control of national affairs, following an attempted military takeover on Sunday, assuring citizens that President Patrice Talon is safe and that normalcy is being restored across the country.

In a statement released after hours of tension triggered by soldiers, who stormed the national television station to declare a coup, the presidency described the attackers as “a small group of mutineers” and confirmed that state security forces have begun regaining control of key installations.

The government also stated that the situation in the capital and across the country is “completely secure,” urging residents to remain calm and go about their activities.

Earlier in the day, armed soldiers identifying themselves as a new military committee forcibly took over the state broadcaster and announced the removal of President Talon from office.

The sudden move sparked uncertainty and led to a brief shutdown of movements around sensitive locations.

The presidency’s response appears aimed at stabilising public confidence and preventing further escalation, as military operations continue to comb affected areas and flush out the dissidents behind the uprising.

The attempted coup marks a rare challenge to Benin’s democratic system, previously regarded as one of the most stable in West Africa.

Authorities have vowed to ensure accountability for those behind the attack while reinforcing national security to prevent future threats.

Military Coup Attempt Reported In Benin Republic

Adesina Soyooye

December 7, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s neighbour, Benin Republic, is in crisis. An attempted Military Coup has been reported. The situation, at the time of writing this story remains fluid. And nobody quite knows who is in charge. There are claims and counter claims.

In the uncivilized hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a group of soldiers who identified themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundations”, MCR, declared it has taken over power and overthrown the Government of President Patrice Talon.

But a later statement said the National Guard has quashed the Coup and returned power to the President.

The Presidency in a brief statement dismissed the coup as one carried out by soldiers without much influence. ” This is a small group of individuals who only managed to seize the television station. The regular army is steadily regaining control. Both the city and the entire country remain completely secure”, the statement reads.

The National television is off, and the whereabouts of President Talon remain unknown.

The MCR led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, had announced on State television that Talon ” is removed from office as President of the Republic.” They, also, announced that all State institutions have been dissolved.

President Talon has been in power since 2016. He is expected to leave office in April 2026 after a Presidential election which tye opposition hopeful Renaud Agbodjo was barred from contesting by tye Electoral Commission over a false allegation that he did not have the exact number of sponsors.

However, in November, the Lawmakers approved an extension of the Presidential mandate to seven years against five years. Meaning that Talon plans to stay in office to April 2028.

Two weeks ago, another democratic government in Guinea Bissau, was successfully sacked by the Military.

LP Reps To Tinubu: Prioritize Welfare, Security of Nigerians, Not 2027 Politics

Tosin Olatokunbo

December 7, 2025

The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed disappointment and concern that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, iis prioritizing 2027 politics over the welfare and security of Nigerians, labeling it insensitive, unconscionable and a clear example of questionable leadership.

They emphasized that while the President’s aspiration for re-election is legitimate, his priority should be addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigerians.

In a statement issued by the Labour Party Caucus leader, Afam Victor Ogene, in Abuja on Sunday, the lawmakers reiterated that the primary duty of a government is to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens. However, they criticized the APC and President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing their 2027 reelection bid over these fundamental responsibilities. The statement expressed concern and bewilderment that while the nation grapples with insecurity, the ruling party is either ignoring the issue or offering superficial solutions rather than addressing the problem effectively.

These concerns were raised amid escalating insecurity nationwide and the administration’s struggles to fund budgets and demonstrate accountability. “The situation has led to prolonged protests by local contractors who remain unpaid for completed projects, sparking economic hardship, stalled development, and a dearth of new projects.”

Recently, these aggrieved contractors have been holding vigils outside the Ministry of Finance, highlighting the government’s shortcomings.

The Labour Party representatives highlighted that the “Appropriation Act, a law governing budget allocation, has been consistently disregarded by the current administration.” They pointed out the irony of the government pursuing costly projects like the controversial multi-trillion naira coastal road without proper appropriation or procurement processes, while essential federal road infrastructure lies in disrepair. This has raised concerns among citizens, particularly those planning to travel during the festive season, who face not only difficult road conditions but also heightened insecurity.

Also of grave concern is the opaque expenditure of N17.5 trillion, in 2024 alone, on a pipeline-security contract, as revealed in the recently audited accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC.
“Nigerians would remember that over a 12-year period, the country spent about N18 trillion on subsidy(which benefitted everyone through affordable transportation and cheaper costs of foodstuffs), but on the excuse of lack of funds to sustain the subsidy regime, this Administration has clearly robbed Peter(Nigerians), to pay Paul(cronies), through a questionable pipeline-security contract whose executors are unknown.”

This statement paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of its government branches. “The executive is seen as underwhelming, the judiciary’s decisions are questioned, and the legislature is criticized for not having the moral fiber to hold the executive accountable.

“Our dear country, Nigeria has become a special economic zone: everyone and everything now has a price. Kidnappers and bandits now have prices on the heads of the citizenry; elected officials now have a price to look the other way; and opposition figures have prices to enthrone chaos in their own platforms. Even the clergy and ulamas are not spared the chicanery of the divisive effects of a gravely monetized polity.

“Pray, Nigerians, we’re in the 12th month of the year, 2025. In fact, across government owned enterprises, ministries, departments, and agencies of government, none can boast of 10 percent of execution of the capital component of the budget. In most cases, the scorecard reads nil.

“Yet everyone carries on, as though this has become the new normal.
Worse is the glaring impunity of relevant officials not bothering to explain to anyone where revenues meant for the implementation of the budget have ‘disappeared’ to.

“Nigeria is on a negative cruise; local contractors occupying the offices of the Federal Ministry of Finance, retired police officers taking over the gates of the National Assembly, while kidnappers freely choose where to strike every single day, yet the only response by government is to launch and distribute vehicles for a purported Renewed Hope Agenda.
So, while the country sits on the precipice, all Mr. President thinks about is to return to power in 2027.

“Mr. President, while your quest is a legitimate aspiration, please do well to attend to the current stark realities confronting Nigerians.
Besides the parlous state of Nigerian roads – which now ensures that a hitherto six hours journey, from either Lagos or Abuja to the South South or South East, now takes an entire day to traverse – is the grim reality of possible kidnap which stares every road user in the face.

“Some lawmakers are reflecting on their roles and acknowledging that many are complicit, silenced by potential pecuniary gains. Many have described the 10th Assembly as the worst in Nigeria’s democratic history, reduced to puppetry and rubber-stamping, with no tangible benefits for citizens. They criticize the government for prioritizing economic interests over citizens’ welfare, labeling it “economic banditry.”

“We must not continue on this sorry path. Both the ruling party and opposition must put aside politics and prioritize the people’s welfare. Citizens are the backbone of democracy, and their interests should come above all else.

NAF Jet Crashes In Borgu, Niger State, Pilots Survive

Adesina Soyooye

December 7, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

There has been a crash of a Nigerian Air Force Jet near Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Borno State. The crash occurred in the evening of Saturday, November 6, 2025.

The two Pilots of the Alpha Jet, reportedly, survived as both ejected before impact. The Jet caught fire thereafter.

An eyewitness was quoted as saying that the Jet reportedly took off from Kainji Air Force Base.

According to a report by The Punch, a villager identified as Lukman Suleiman confirmed the incident. The newspaper quoted him as saying: “It happened some miles away from my home.” He said the crash occurred at about 4:10pm in Karabonde town, Borgu LGA.

He said: “We were all at our respective homes when suddenly we saw an Alpha Jet that was coming closer to our roof with smoke and flames. Thank God it could have crashed inside town, but the Pilots on board were able to control it and took it some miles away from our hometown. Let me say it landed in the backyard of the town. But God so kind, the two Pilots ejected safely using their parachutes.”

At the time of filing the story, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force.

Gov Idris Rescues Kebbi Intending Pilgrims With N10b

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 7, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Reprieve on Saturday, December 6, 2025, came the way of Kebbi State intending pilgrims experiencing financial hiccups in securing their Hajj seats.

The State Governor, Dr Mohammed Nasir Idris, has approved the sum of N10 billion for the State’s Pilgrims Welfare Board to assist intending pilgrims in the payment of Hajj package, before the end of the deadline given by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCOM.

According to the original schedule by NAHCOM, all payments for Hajj seats and other obligations will end on December 6, 2025.

According to a statement from the Executive Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Faruku Aliyu Yaro, Governor Idris, in order to avert the loss of the remaining seats allocated to the State because of the deadline, lent N10 billion to the agency to secure about one thousand seats for the State’s intending pilgrims.

The Board Chairman informed that before the expiry of the deadline, only two thousand intending pilgrims were able to fully meet their financial obligations, a development which he said put the remaining seats allocated to the State at risk.

“Before the closure, only two thousand intending pilgrims were able to complete their payments ,which is a shortfall from the annual number of pilgrims Kebbi usually registers” Yaro stated.

This is as he blamed the low number of intending pilgrims that were able to meet the payments for their Hajj package on the crash of the prices of foodstuffs and other farm produce.

He noted that majority of the intending pilgrims from Kebbi state are farmers who heavily rely on the sales of their farm produce to procure Hajj seats.

The Board Chairman stated that with the N10 billion lifeline from the Governor, the agency will now be able to open a window of opportunities for other intending pilgrims to procure Hajj seats.

However, he emphasized the need for intending pilgrims to submit themselves to complete medical examinations as provided in the Hajj guidelines.

Yaro, who warned against attempts to evade the medical examinations, informed that anyone found to have adopted shortcuts will be deported if caught in the Holy Land.

My Disqualification Biggest Joke Of The Year – Omisore

Ayodele Oni

December 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

A former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress(APC) and Osun State governorship aspirant, Iyiola Omisore has faulted his disqualification, by the party’s screening committee saying the action is baseless and procedurally flawed.

Omisore, dismissed the Committee’s report describing it as “biggest joke of the year.”

He alleged a rigged process marred by partisanship, multiple fabricated reports, and pressure to favour a shadowy “preferred candidate.”

Addressing journalists after his appearance before the APC Appeal Committee in Abuja on Saturday, the former deputy governor of Osun State vowed that he and six other disqualified aspirants would fight for reinstatement.

He warned that the scandal exposes deep factionalism threatening the party’s chances against incumbent PDP Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 election.

The APC’s Screening Committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, had on Friday, disqualified Omisore alongside Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (former deputy governor), Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi.

The Committee alleged that the disqualified aspirants failed to submit proof of nomination by at least five fully registered and dues-paying party members from each of the 30 local government areas, as mandated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and the 2025 primary guidelines.

The Committee cleared two aspirants – Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji to proceed to the December 13 primary.

Omisore declared that “That panel report is the biggest joke of the year. It is unfortunate that partisanship has been taken beyond politics.”

According to him, the Committee drafted “multiple reports” and submitted a doctored version to the National Secretariat.

“As we speak, none of us has been shown the report or told why we were disqualified,” he stated.

Omisore revealed that the screening panel chairman privately confessed to succumbing to external pressures aimed at sidelining major contenders.

“The chairman told us he was under pressure. Unfortunately, we are all victims of this.”

He further shredded the nomination shortfall claim, noting the party’s access to its membership database for verification.

“He who alleges must prove,” Omisore retorted, insisting the onus lies with the accusers.

“Even the committee’s own report said the party is factionalised and at risk of losing the election. So what exactly are we talking about?” Omisore queried, expressing optimism that the National Working Committee (NWC) would reverse the decision upon review.

All seven disqualified aspirants are slated for individual hearings before the Appeal Committee, led by Senator Tola Odebiyi, with Omisore demanding “fairness and transparency” to salvage the process.

Governor Yahaya Blames Alleged Marginalization Of Herdsmen For Insecurity

Akinwale Kasali

December 6, 2025

Governor Muhammad Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe State

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has dropped a bombshell. He disclosed that the failure of the Federal Government to understand the grievance of Herdsmen and Bandits has led to the spate of insecurity in the nation.

The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum added that the failure of the Federal Government to dialogue with Bandits led to the grievances that pushed them to take up weapons. He said it is one of the major factors worsening insecurity across northern Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, Hausa Service, the Governor revealed that the 19 Northern Governors have agreed to establish a joint regional security coordination agency, with each state contributing ₦1 billion monthly to strengthen collective responses to kidnapping, banditry, and school closures.

The decision to donate N1 billion Monthly Security was reached during the Northern Governors’ meeting earlier in the week, following a surge in attacks that have led to mass abductions and the shutdown of schools in several states.

Speaking further, Governor Yahaya explained that part of the security deterioration stems from the unjust treatment and marginalisation of pastoralist communities, which created anger, frustration, and conditions exploited by criminal networks.

He emphasised that addressing the root causes—including exclusion, lack of justice, and economic hardship—remains central to ending the conflict.

The Governor further added that the new regional security framework will improve intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and preventive strategies across the affected states.

Ndume Asks President Tinubu To Withdraw Ambassadorial List

Akinwale Kasali

December 6, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Senator Ali Ndume, former Senate Leader has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the list of Ambassadorial Nominees he sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Senator Ndume said this in Abuja where he explained that his appeal was based on his observation that the list, as presently composed, breaches the Federal Character principle enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Speaking further, Ndume said his argument stemmed from the fact that while certain States have three and four nominees each, Gombe, for example, has no representation.

It also noted that the only nominee from Yobe, Senator Adamu Garba Talba, died last July.

He added that the entire Northeast has Seven nominees on the list, while the Southwest zone alone has 15 nominees.

The Northwest and Southeast have 13 and 9, respectively.

North Central has 10 nominees in the list of career and non-career ambassadorial nominees, while South South accounts for 12 nominees.

The Borno South Senatorial District’s representative explained that the list of nominees contravened Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which states: “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies.”

Ndume said: “My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list. At this critical time in the life of his administration, he should avoid missteps that would endanger national unity and promote ethnic distrust.

“I know him to be a cosmopolitan leader who is at home with every segment and stakeholder in the country.

“He should withdraw that list and present a fresh set of nominees that will align with the spirit of the Constitution on the Federal Character Principle that the government’s structure and operations must represent the diverse states and peoples of Nigeria.”

Rivers Assembly Lawmakers Defection: PDP Vows To Seek Legal Redress

Ayodele Oni

December 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has threatened to seek legal action against the legislators at the Rivers state House of Assembly that defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), few days ago.

The party condemned the latest defection announced by some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing the move as a “defection from APC to APC” and an assault on democratic integrity.

The Speaker of the assembly Martin Amaewhule, had on Friday led 15 other members of the House to announce their defection to the APC.

The House of Assembly is currently in session with the defectors blaming their departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the crisis in the PDP.

According to report monitored on Channels Television, the major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the party.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ini Ememobong, said the lawmakers had previously defected from the party, recanted their action, and have now “announced the same defection for the second time.

”We have seen on various media platforms news of the redefection of some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who, for a second time, announced their defection from our party.

“We recall that they had done so earlier and later recanted. These are people whom the world is aware are doing the bidding of their paymaster and demigod.”

He accused the legislators of undermining the sanctity of the legislature and acting as instruments of destabilization.

“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress.

“They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made mockery of the legislature.”

The PDP Spokesperson added that the lawmakers’ conduct fits a pattern of political absurdity.

“So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” he said.

Ememobong announced that the party will deploy constitutional provisions to reclaim its mandate from those who have “ignobly and surreptitiously” abandoned the platform on which they were elected.

“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party which these people have now switched to another platform.”

He urged party members in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast.

“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness and equity,” Ememobong assured.

How Police Inspector Was Shot Dead – Edo Command

Ayodele Oni

December 6, 2025

Monday Agbonika - Commissioner of Police Edo State

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for those responsible for the death of a Police Inspector during a routine stop-and-search operation.

In a statement, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, Moses Yamu, disclosed that all available intelligence and operational resources have been deployed to apprehend the perpetrators.

According to the statement, “The Edo State Police Command regrets to inform the general public of the unfortunate loss of a serving Police Inspector attached to the Ekiadolor Area Command, who died in the line of duty while carrying out a legitimate routine stop-and-search operation

“The incident occurred today at about 1200hrs when an unregistered, black, heavily-tinted Lexus SUV approached the checkpoint and refused to stop when flagged down by the Police team.

“The suspicious conduct of the occupants prompted the operatives to make further efforts to subject the vehicle to standard security checks.

“Tragically, in the course of this lawful engagement, one of the occupants of the vehicle suddenly opened fire on the Inspector at close range and zoomed off.

“The Command has since commenced a full-scale investigation and intensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

“All available intelligence and operational assets have been deployed to ensure that the assailants are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of a vehicle matching the description to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines.

He also called on residents to cooperate with security agencies.

“The Edo State Police Command remains committed to its constitutional mandate of safeguarding lives and property, and will not relent until the criminals behind this attack are brought to justice,” the CP promised.

CP Agbonika reassured the public that the command is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents, especially during the yuletide season.

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