Nigeria Withdraws Fighter Jets as order is restored in Benin Republic After Failed Coup

Nigeria has recalled the fighter aircraft deployed to Benin Republic after authorities confirmed that Sunday’s abrupt coup attempt had been contained and the situation stabilised. The jets, sent from Lagos for aerial surveillance, were ordered back after intelligence showed that loyalist forces had regained control of Cotonou and that Nigeria faced no immediate security risk.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported on X that the attempted takeover of President Patrice Talon’s government was swiftly foiled. The crisis began when mutineers attacked the president’s residence in the early hours. Their assault was repelled, prompting them to storm the national broadcaster, ORTB, where they attempted to seize the state signal. Benin’s security forces responded rapidly.

National Guard units surrounded the ORTB headquarters and cut off escape routes as they moved to isolate the rebels. “The situation is under control. The National Guard has everything surrounded,” a senior security official said. Local media, including 24 Hours in Benin, reported that some mutineers were still barricaded inside the TV station on Sunday evening, with negotiations underway for a peaceful surrender.

Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that the coup attempt had been thwarted after soldiers briefly appeared on state TV claiming to remove President Talon, close borders, and suspend political parties. The presidency also reassured the public that Talon was safe, saying the regular army was steadily restoring order.

The coup plotters, identifying as the Military Committee for Refoundation and reportedly led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, had declared him “chairman of the military re-establishment committee” during their brief broadcast. West Africa continues to see a troubling rise in coups, raising fresh concerns about the region’s democratic stability.

The Nigerian Army has taken a step toward modernising its training architecture with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Wargaming Centre at the Department of Land Warfare, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji Today

BREAKING NEWS: The Nigerian Army has indefinitely suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers, in response to the nationwide security emergency declared by President Tinubu.

Benin Republic Confirms Failed Coup as Army Restores Order, President Talon Safe

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, has announced that an attempted coup has been foiled after a small group of soldiers briefly seized the national television station and declared President Patrice Talon removed from office. The coup plotters, led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri under the name “Military Committee for Refoundation,” also attacked the president’s residence in Le Guézo before loyalist forces regained control.
The presidency confirmed that President Talon is unharmed and that the military has secured the capital. The incident adds to West Africa's growing wave of coups, coming less than a year after two of Talon’s close associates were jailed for a separate coup plot involving bribery of the presidential guard commander.

BREAKING: President Talon Safe as Benin Army Recaptures Key Sites After Attempted Coup

Benin Republic has confirmed that President Patrice Talon is safe after an attempted coup led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri and officers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation.” The coup plotters briefly seized the national television station and attacked Talon’s residence in Le Guézo, where Tigri declared himself leader.
According to the presidency, loyalist forces are now restoring control, dismissing the coup attempt as the action of a small faction with limited influence. The incident comes amid a surge of military takeovers across West Africa, including recent coups or attempts in Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, highlighting deepening regional instability and democratic fragility.

Army Withdraws Soldiers From Ondo Tantita Coordinator After Allegations of Illegal Escort, Intimidation

The Nigerian Army has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all soldiers allegedly serving as personal escorts to Chief Idowu Asonja, the Ondo State coordinator of Tantita Security Services. The directive, issued by the Chief of Army Staff, follows reports that soldiers accompanied Asonja to nightlife outings, palace confrontations, and political events without official approval.
The decision comes amid rising tension in Okitipupa, where protesting Tantita workers accused Asonja of diverting salaries for two years and inflating payrolls with ghost names. Youths also alleged arson, assault, and disrespect toward traditional rulers, including the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa. They demanded withdrawal of soldiers, relocation of Tantita’s office, a public apology to the monarch, and a full corruption probe. Evidence of alleged payroll fraud is set to be submitted to Tantita’s Delta headquarters.


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Germany Approves Voluntary Military Service for 18-Year-Olds Amid Rising Security Concerns

Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, has voted to introduce voluntary military service, marking a major shift in the country’s defense policy following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The move is part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s plan to build Europe’s strongest conventional army.

Starting January 2026, all 18-year-olds will receive a mandatory questionnaire asking if they are interested in joining the armed forces. The form will be compulsory for men and voluntary for women. From July 2027, all 18-year-old men will undergo medical examinations to assess their fitness for possible military service.

The decision has sparked widespread opposition among students, with strikes planned in as many as 90 cities. Protesters argue that compulsory training promotes drill and obedience, offering little benefit while disrupting young people’s lives.

Currently, Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, have around 182,000 personnel, with plans to increase the number to 260,000 by the early 2030s, supplemented by 200,000 reservists. The government says that while service is voluntary, compulsory measures could be considered if too few volunteers come forward or if security thr+ats escalate.

Nigerian Troops Rescue 14 Kidnapped Victims After Fierce Shootout in Orokam Forest, Benue

Nigerian Army troops under Operation Udo Ka (OPUK) have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated assault on a criminal camp in Orokam Forest, located between Enugu and Benue States. Acting on credible intelligence, soldiers and local vigilantes stormed the hideout, engaging armed bandits in a heavy firefight that forced the criminals to flee and abandon their captives. The victims—abducted while returning from a burial—were freed unharmed and handed over to the Udenu Police Division. The forest corridor has long been identified as a hotspot for cross-border kidnapping, and fresh surveillance operations are underway to prevent regrouping of the fleeing gunmen.

Troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims at Orokam forest in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian Army troops of Joint Task Force Sector One, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation at Orokam Forest, a border area linking Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on Friday at about 1:30 p.m., following credible intelligence from locals indicating the presence of a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the forest.

The source said troops deployed in Udenu LGA swiftly mobilised to the location alongside vigilante personnel of the Neighbourhood Watch.

“While approaching the hideout, the criminals opened fire on the troops. The joint team responded with a high volume of fire, forcing the kidnappers to flee in disarray and abandon the kidnapped victims,” the source said.

The sources said 14 abducted persons, who were returning from a burial ceremony over the weekend before being kidnapped, were rescued unhurt.

The sources added that preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted from two separate communities Ezimo Agu in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, and Orokam in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State.

According to the source, the victims were subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Udenu Division, for onward reunification with their families.

The source added that the troops expended 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during the engagement and returned to base at about 7:21 p.m. without any incident.

The sources noted that troops had intensified monitoring of the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

DINNING IN HONOUR: NIGERIAN ARMY CELEBRATES CADETS OF EC COURSE 2/2025 AT REGIMENTAL DINNER NIGHT

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal has commended cadets of Executive Commission Course 2/2025 for their tireless efforts, unwaivering dedication, and unrelenting passion for excellence as they prepare to commence a new phase of life in their career as commissioned officers. The COAS made this statement on Thursday, 4 December, 2025 at the regimental dinner night held at the AVM AO Ogundana Officers’ Mess Jaji in honour of the cadets.

The COAS speaking through the Commander Infantry Corps (CIC), Major General Godwin Mutkut noted that the cadets are coming into the Nigerian Army officers’ cadre at a most crucial period in the history of our nation. He added that the qualities imbued and knowledge gained will enhance their career.

Presenting the vote of thanks onbehalf of the cadets, the Battalion Senior Under Officer Suleiman Michika expressed the Nigerian Army for the opportunity to be commissioned as Officers and to the Nigerian Army School of Infantry for a rewarding training. He further stated that the cadets were ready to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army.

The occasion brought Senior officers both serving and retired, especially past commandants of NASI and Commandants of NA schools within Kaduna and environs. The event climaxed with the presentation of souvenirs. Participants were treated to different cuisines to mark the ceremony.

SHAMSUDEEN UMAR
Captain
Acting Assistant Director
Army Public Relations
Nigerian Army School of Infantry
5 December 2025

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BREAKING: Nigerian Army Arrests Colonel Audu Achigili After Publicly Accusing Senior Officers of Blocking His Promotion

Colonel Audu Ogli Achigili has been arrested by the Nigerian Army after publicly alleging that top military officials deliberately blocked his promotion to Brigadier General. Soldiers stormed his residence on Monday morning, dragging him away in front of his distressed family. The senior officer, who has served in multiple frontline operations and international missions, claims his stalled promotion is linked to a land dispute in his Benue community and alleged influence by powerful military figures. His arrest has raised fresh concerns over transparency, favoritism, and morale within the Nigerian Army’s promotion system.

Nigerian Troops Rescue 10 Kidnap Victims in Kaduna After Gun Battle, Recover Weapons

The Nigerian Army has rescued 10 kidnapped victims in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State after engaging abductors in an early-morning gun battle. The victims, taken from their farms on November 29, were freed unharmed during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation under Operation Peace Shield. Troops recovered a fabricated AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and ₦1.6 million believed to be ransom money. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to combating banditry across Kaduna and nearby states, where rural communities remain persistent targets.

BREAKING: The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Peace Shield rescued 10 kidnapp€d women during a special operation in the early hours of Friday in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Ex-Army General Ali-Keffi Links Terror Suspects to Top Nigerian Officials, Alleges Cover-Up

Retired Maj. Gen. Ali-Keffi has revealed that a 2021 counter-terrorism probe identified several terror-financing suspects connected to powerful Nigerian figures, including former AGF Abubakar Malami, ex-COAS Tukur Buratai, ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, and others. He alleges that the operation was sabotaged, suspects were secretly released, and he was detained and forced into retirement for refusing to compromise the investigation.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Taraba While Negotiating N20m Ransom

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke and Operation Zafin Wuta have arrested a suspected kidnapper, Umar Musa Geyi, in Wukari, Taraba State. The suspect was apprehended while allegedly negotiating a ₦20 million ransom for the release of an abducted Fulani resident, Alhaji Jano, who was kidnapped on November 13.
Army spokesperson Lt. Umar Mohammed confirmed that Geyi had long been on the wanted list and is linked to a kidnapping syndicate active in the Wukari axis. He was intercepted during a phone negotiation and is currently undergoing interrogation as rescue efforts continue. The 6 Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, praised the troops for their professionalism and reaffirmed their resolve to dismantle criminal networks.

Nigerian Army Arrests Colonel Achigili After Complaining About Blocked Promotion

The Nigerian Army has arrested Colonel Audu Ogli Achigili after he publicly accused top military officials of deliberately blocking his promotion to Brigadier General. Soldiers reportedly stormed his home on Monday, dragging him away in front of his family. Achigili had expressed anger over the non-implementation of his 2023 promotion approval and linked the delay to a land dispute involving influential figures from his community. He detailed his decades of frontline service and alleged that cronyism, favouritism, and declining leadership standards are undermining the Army’s promotion system and morale.

Army Thwarts Abd¥ction, Rescues Passengers From Suspected Sea Pirates in Cross River State

Four passengers k+dnapped by suspected sea pirates along the waterways between Nigeria and Cameroon have been safely rescued by the Nigerian Army, according to security sources.

Nigerian Army Rescues Plateau Reverend After Gun Battle With Kidnappers in Miango

Nigerian Army troops have rescued Reverend Ephraim Yakubu, who was abducted in Agingi Village, Plateau State. Soldiers engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight near Miango, forcing them to flee and abandon the victim. The cleric, found tied under a rock formation, was taken to the 3 Division Military Specialist Hospital for treatment as efforts continue to track down the fleeing kidnappers.

6 BRIGADE SUSTAINS MAJOR OFFENSIVE IN TARABA: BANDITS’ CAMPS DESTROYED, TWO NEUTRALISED, WEAPONS RECOVERED AND KEY SUSPECT ARRESTED

Troops of Headquarters 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have intensified their ongoing offensive across Taraba State, recording multiple operational successes that include the destruction of bandits’ camps, neutralisation of armed elements, recovery of weapons, and the arrest of a key suspect linked to criminal activities in the region.

On 2 December 2025, troops launched a deliberate clearance operation under Operation Zafin Wuta across Shiid, Agia and Tyozua villages in Takum LGA following credible intelligence on the activities of armed groups within the Tor-Tser general area. As the soldiers advanced towards the mountainous hideouts, the bandits fled deeper into the rugged terrain, abandoning their camps. The troops conducted a detailed search before destroying the camps, which the criminals had previously claimed were inaccessible to security forces. In Tyozua, the fleeing bandits set ablaze a wooden bridge in an attempt to obstruct troop movement, but the soldiers pressed forward with determination and forced the criminals across the power line into neighbouring Benue State. During exploitation, one suspect, identified as Dahiru Maigari, was arrested and is currently undergoing preliminary investigation.

In a related development, troops conducted a fighting patrol around Karim Lamido and its environs on 4 Dec 25 to deny bandits freedom of movement. While moving towards Usmanu, the patrol came under fire from armed bandits concealed behind Wudompi Community. The soldiers responded swiftly, repelling the attack and neutralising two of the armed men. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and 21 rounds of ammunition, with no casualties recorded on the part of own troops. The attackers are assessed to be members of the Karimjo faction responsible for recent attempts at regrouping within the area. Security within Karim Lamido remains calm, with troops maintaining heightened alertness.

Reacting to the sustained operational successes, Commander 6 Brigade/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the professionalism and gallantry displayed by the troops. He stated that the series of operations once again demonstrates that no terrain is inaccessible to the Nigerian Army and no criminal enclave is beyond reach. He assured residents across Taraba State that the Brigade remains unwavering in its resolve to pursue criminals wherever they may flee and to sustain pressure until all threats to peace.

UMAR MUHAMMAD
Lieutenant
Acting Assistant Director
Army Public Relations
6 Brigade Nigerian Army
4 December 2025

Tinubu Sends New Ambassadorial List to Senate, Adds Ibas, Chioma Ohakim, Ita Enang, Dambazau

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a fresh list of non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, featuring several new additions not included in the earlier batch. The nominees include former Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, ex-Imo First Lady Chioma Ohakim, former presidential aide Ita Enang, and ex-Chief of Army Staff Abdulrahman Dambazau. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter during plenary and referred the list to the Foreign Affairs Committee for screening within a week. The new nominations follow recent appointments of Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, and Mahmood Yakubu, which sparked nationwide debate.