Nigerian ministers have credited fast cross-border coordination with helping Benin Republic crush a recent coup attempt and restore order within hours.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, explained in Abuja that Benin requested urgent military support after rogue soldiers tried to seize power in Cotonou. They said Nigeria worked closely with Benin and other ECOWAS states, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Sierra Leone, to respond before the mutiny could spread or cause mass casualties.
According to the ministers, Beninese forces remained in charge of operations on the ground, but regional backing was crucial in securing key locations and denying the plotters access to strategic sites such as the airport and national television. Nigeria’s support reportedly included the deployment of Air Force fighter jets to help secure Benin’s airspace and dislodge mutineers from a military camp and the state broadcaster.
Beninese authorities have identified Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as the alleged leader of the coup attempt, which involved attacks on the residence of President Patrice Talon and other senior officials. Loyal troops are said to have quickly contained the revolt, with several suspected plotters arrested and others still on the run. Officials confirmed that there were casualties on both sides, including at least one civilian, but stressed that the outcome could have been far worse without regional help.
The ministers argued that the failed coup shows why West African countries must deepen intelligence sharing, joint training and rapid-response mechanisms to confront threats such as coups, terrorism and organised crime. They also linked Nigeria’s domestic security to stability in neighbouring states, insisting that supporting democratic governments in the region is in Nigeria’s own national interest.
ECOWAS leaders have already praised Nigeria’s role in the crisis, describing the intervention as proof that the bloc can still act collectively to protect constitutional order despite recent setbacks in other member states. The Nigerian ministers pledged that the country will continue to back diplomatic efforts, sanctions where necessary and legitimate security cooperation to deter future coup attempts in West Africa.
About the author
Jim Iyke says formal education is not enough for success
Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has said that formal education alone is not enough to guarantee success in life. He said many people who did well in school are not always the ones who do best in business or in the real world. According to him, practical experience, street knowledge and lessons from mentors can matter more in building wealth. Iyke said the idea that school alone can secure a successful future is misleading. He argued that many successful people learned important life skills outside the classroom. He also shared a personal example, saying he is doing better than some of his former lecturers. He used the example to support his view that life achievements do not always depend on academic certificates. The actor said he learned valuable lessons from traders and older people who guided him on survival and decision […]
Egypt files complaint after controversial World Cup exit
Egypt has filed a complaint after a controversial World Cup exit that left players and officials angry over several refereeing decisions. The team’s head coach Hossam Hassan and forward Mostafa Ziko both said the officiating affected the match and raised serious concerns. They argued that Egypt was treated unfairly as it lost to Argentina. Reports said Egypt had already objected to the appointment of the referee before the match. After the game, the complaint grew stronger as the team pointed to decisions they believed went against them. The controversy has sparked debate among fans and analysts about refereeing standards at the tournament. It also adds pressure on football authorities to review how referees are selected for major matches. Egypt’s exit is now being discussed not only for the result but also for the anger surrounding the officiating. The complaint could […]
Insecurity senate tells FG to stop rehabilitation of Boko Haram members
The Senate has asked the Federal Government to suspend the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for Boko Haram members. Lawmakers said the country’s worsening security situation makes the policy hard to justify at this time. They also urged security agencies to intensify arrests and prosecution of those behind attacks across the country. The resolution was reached during plenary after senators debated the rising wave of killings, abductions and attacks on serving and retired military personnel. The motion was sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua. Several lawmakers argued that criminals should not be rewarded while violence continues. They said the government should focus more on punishment, intelligence gathering and stronger security operations. The Senate also directed its security committees to step up oversight and put pressure on the country’s security leaders to improve results. Members said the current security response is not strong […]
Syrian president arrives in Ankara for talks with Trump
Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa has arrived in Ankara ahead of planned talks with United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Turkish capital.english.aawsat+2 Al Sharaa’s plane landed on Wednesday and he was received at the presidential complex in Ankara before a series of high level meetings. The visit comes as Turkey hosts leaders for a crucial NATO gathering focused on the war in Ukraine regional security and defence spending.reuters+4 According to US and regional reports Trump is scheduled to hold separate bilateral meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and with al Sharaa during the summit. A senior US official said the talks with Zelensky will centre on ways to end the war while the meeting with the Syrian leader will touch on regional stability and the situation in Lebanon.cnbc+3 It will be the […]
Trump calls Nicki Minaj so hot at White House event
United States President Donald Trump has publicly praised rapper Nicki Minaj during a White House event, describing her as respected and so hot in front of invited guests.premiumtimesng+2 Trump made the remarks at a Rose Garden luncheon linked to the launch of his Trump Accounts initiative, which promotes savings accounts for children born during his second term. While introducing Minaj, he told the audience that she is so respected, so hot and so great and called her a great friend of what he described as common sense politics.iheart+1youtubepbs+1 He avoided labelling her conservative or liberal and instead highlighted her as a star who supports his broader political movement. Trump then asked Minaj to stand as guests applauded, adding that she is a fantastic person, respected by everybody and an artist with real talent.tribuneyoutubepbs+1 Nicki Minaj has in recent months openly […]
Tinubu orders 30 day probe of alleged fake federal agency
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the so called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council PFIPC described as a fake federal agency that operated as if it were officially created by government Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC to carry out the probe and submit a detailed report within 30 days. According to a statement on the directive the presidency said the PFIPC was never established by any law presidential instrument or valid government The statement explained that a Nigerian identified as Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly posed as the director general of the supposed council and claimed to be a presidential appointee. He is accused of using forged appointment letters and other fake government documents to obtain recognition and benefits ICPC has been asked to investigate how the alleged fake agency gained […]
Related
Army chief warns instability in Lake Chad and Sahel is worsening Nigeria’s insecurity
Nigeria’s army chief has warned that instability in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel is worsening the country’s security challenges. He said the region’s crisis is helping armed groups, smugglers, and other criminal networks move across borders more easily. According to him, the spillover from conflicts in neighbouring countries continues to put pressure on Nigeria’s military operations. He stressed that the army is not only protecting Nigeria but also helping to prevent wider insecurity across West Africa. The army chief called for stronger regional cooperation and more support to address the growing threats.
South Africa rejects Nigeria’s compensation demand over xenophobic attacks
South Africa has rejected Nigeria’s demand for compensation for citizens who fled the country and abandoned businesses and properties after recent xenophobic attacks.facebook+3 Pretoria said it would not pay for abandoned assets, insisting that many of the affected Nigerians were undocumented migrants and that the government cannot accept liability for losses linked to illegal stay.thenicheng+2 South African officials also challenged Nigeria to show evidence of alleged “drug dens” and criminal hideouts run by Nigerians, arguing that the narrative about targeted law abiding citizens is not accurate.sundiatapost+2 Nigeria had earlier said it would compile a list of affected businesses and properties and seek compensation through diplomatic channels after evacuating several batches of its citizens.bbc+1youtube With the new response from Pretoria, tensions between the two countries remain high as both governments continue to exchange statements over the treatment of foreign nationals and […]
Another batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrives in Lagos
Another batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived in Lagos as the Federal Government continues its repatriation exercise. The returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday. Their arrival is part of the ongoing effort to bring back Nigerians who signed up for evacuation following reports of xenophobic attacks and rising tension in South Africa. The evacuation is being coordinated by the Federal Government with support from relevant agencies and partners. More Nigerians are expected to arrive in the coming days as the exercise continues.
Sudan cholera outbreak kills 120 as WHO warns
The World Health Organization has warned that a cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed 120 people. The outbreak is affecting West Kordofan state, where health officials have reported 838 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases so far. WHO said the situation is getting worse because the conflict in Sudan has disrupted health services and forced many people to leave their homes. The agency added that insecurity and limited access are slowing the delivery of medical supplies and the work of response teams. WHO said it is working with partners to expand treatment centres, set up oral rehydration points, distribute cholera kits, and support hygiene and health education in affected communities.
Xenophobia: Nigerian embassy packed, 269 return as S’Africa protests rise
The Nigerian embassy in South Africa has been overwhelmed as more citizens seek assistance to leave the country amid rising xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant protests. According to officials, hundreds of Nigerians have recently approached the embassy and consular offices for documentation, counselling and evacuation support.facebook+1 Amid the growing unrest, Nigeria has received a fresh batch of 269 citizens returning from South Africa through a government-backed voluntary repatriation programme. The returnees arrived aboard an Air Peace flight that landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where they were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.saharareporters+1 Authorities said the latest arrivals are part of ongoing efforts to bring home Nigerians who feel unsafe as protests and anti-foreigner sentiments escalate in parts of South Africa. The government noted that this evacuation adds to previous batches already airlifted back to […]
DR Congo fan returns to World Cup after Ebola quarantine
DR Congo’s well-known supporter Michel Kuka Mboladinga returned to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after completing an Ebola-related quarantine. Mboladinga, widely recognised for his unique tribute to former Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, missed DR Congo’s opening match because he was placed under a 21-day quarantine after Ebola cases were reported in his home country. After completing the isolation period, he joined the Congolese delegation and attended the team’s Group K match against Colombia in Guadalajara. His return brought extra attention and emotion to DR Congo’s World Cup campaign. Fans at the stadium and viewers online welcomed his presence, which has become one of the tournament’s most memorable fan stories. However, DR Congo did not get the result they wanted, as Colombia defeated them 1-0. Even with the loss, Mboladinga’s return added a strong human and cultural moment to the tournament, […]