Author: Opalim Lifted

The Nigerian military has deployed fighter aircraft to the Benin Republic following reports of a military coup that allegedly toppled President Patrice Talon on Sunday, security sources have confirmed. According to the sources, the aircraft took off from Lagos and were sighted operating within Benin Republic’s airspace as Nigeria intensified aerial surveillance to monitor the rapidly developing political and security situation in the neighbouring country. A senior security official said the deployment was a precautionary move aimed at assessing potential regional security threats and safeguarding Nigeria’s national interests. “The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to immediately account for the allegedly missing or diverted N55.9 billion earmarked for smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets and other materials for the 2019 general elections. SERAP said the alarming claims are contained in the latest annual report of the Auditor-General, published on 9 September 2025. In a letter dated 6 December 2025 and signed by deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the INEC chairman to publish the names of all contractors who reportedly received the…

The Benin Republic presidency says President Patrice Talon is safe and the “regular” army is regaining control, after a group of soldiers announced a coup early Sunday. Gunshots were heard near Talon’s residence as armoured vehicles deployed in the presidential palace patrolled the precinct. The group, which labelled itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, said the president and all political officeholders have been effectively removed, and that all institutions have been dissolved. Talon has been on the saddle since 2016 and had promised to leave office in April 2026 after the presidential poll. In September 2024, Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of…

Military officers in Benin Republic have taken control of the federal government. A group of soldiers announced the dissolution of the government during a broadcast on Benin’s state TV on Sunday. The group, which labels itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, said the president and all political officeholders have been effectively removed. All state institutions were also dissolved. Patrice Talon, Benin Republic president, has been on the saddle since 2016 and had promised to leave office in April 2026 after the presidential poll. Benin Republic approves seven-year presidential term ahead of 2026 elections In September 2024, Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of…

Abubakar Abdullahi has not seen his wife and five children in almost three months because he is too afraid to visit his hometown for fear of being kidnapped by criminal gangs roaming Nigeria. He has remained in Minna, the capital of Niger State, where he works as a civil servant. He now relies solely on phone calls to communicate with his family, who live in Kontagora, about 200 kilometres (125 miles) away. Kontagora lies halfway to Papiri, where more than 300 schoolchildren were abducted from their dormitories two weeks ago in one of Nigeria’s worst mass kidnappings. “I’m too scared…

Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has pledged to cover the National Examinations Council (NECO) fees for 148 inmates across correctional centres in Anambra State. Obi disclosed the intervention on Sunday after receiving a delegation representing inmates from correctional facilities in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Aguata. According to him, the inmates were at risk of being barred from continuing the examinations unless outstanding registration fees were paid within a stipulated timeframe. He said the representatives informed him that NECO had approved the participation of the inmates in the examinations, provided…

Leeds United rocked Liverpool with a stoppage-time equaliser from Ao Tanaka to cap a thrilling six-goal second half at Elland Road. The hosts had earlier come from two goals down to level, before Dominik Szoboszlai looked to have given Liverpool a valuable three points. But Tanaka came off the bench and scored in the sixth added minute to send Elland Road into bedlam. Following a woeful run of nine defeats in 12 games, Arne Slot’s side are now unbeaten in three, but they threw away victory on a day where Slot once again started with Mohamed Salah on the bench.…

Chelsea striker Liam Delap injured his shoulder during a drab 0-0 draw at Bournemouth in the Premier League. Delap appeared to dislocate his shoulder after pulling down Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi while defending a corner. The England Under-21 international was replaced by teenager Marc Guiu after a series of physical duels with Senesi, who also later went off injured after overstretching for the ball in the second half. Both sides struggled in attack despite Chelsea recalling forward Cole Palmer, and the draw was a fair result. Palmer lasted 58 minutes in his first start since 20 September, having suffered a…

US President Donald Trump joins Gianni Infantino on stage to receive his FIFA Peace Prize (as well as a medal – which he immediately puts on). This new award will be presented annually to a “distinguished individual” who has shown an unwavering commitment to fostering peace across the world. After having praise lavished on him by the FIFA president, Trump is invited to say a few words. “Thank you very much, this is truly one of the great honours of my life,” says Trump. The US President references conflicts in the Congo, India and Pakistan and says they have save…

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has commended communities affected by insecurity for entering into peace deals with terrorists in the state. Radda stated this on Friday during his visit to the Batsari and Danmusa local councils as part of his ongoing tour of the state. The governor said the peace agreements with terrorists have yielded positive results in councils previously plagued by insecurity. As proof, he drove through the once-dreaded Danburum Forest in Batsari Local Council during the tour. The forest was formerly a haven for terrorists, where hundreds of people lost their lives and other atrocities were committed. However,…