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Tinubu Constitutes 7-man Inter-ministerial Committee To Resolve N4trn Debt Owed 2,000 Contractors – THISDAYLIVE
* FEC okays new industrial policy, 200 electric buses for NADDC, BoI HQ, Lekki infrastructure projects
* Approves major upgrades of navigational, communication systems across airports
* Keyamo: Govt has no legal right to regulate or fix air fares
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday constituted a seven-man inter-ministerial committee to resolve the age-long backlog of payments estimated at about N4 trillion owed no fewer than 2,000 contractors.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, made this public while briefing newsmen after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja.
Onanuga said the president received a fresh briefing on the scale and implications of the outstanding obligations and subsequently directed a coordinated solution.
He described the Tinubu’s engagement with ministers as “a very productive discussion,” noting that the accumulation of debts had created bottlenecks and slowed service delivery across critical sectors.
To tackle the issue comprehensively, he said the president has approved a multi-ministerial mechanism to verify claims, reconcile records and recommend sustainable financing options for clearing the backlog.
According to the presidential aide, the committee comprises of Ministers of Finance; Budget and Economic Planning; Works; Education; Housing and Urban Development; Director-General of the Budget Office and Executive Chairman of the
Nigeria Revenue Service.
“These ministers and senior officials are expected to sit together, harmonise data, and develop a comprehensive solution that will determine how and when the outstanding payments will be settled,” Onanuga said.
He added that President Tinubu is determined to restore order, transparency and credibility to the contractor-payment system, ensuring that only genuine claims are honoured while irregularities are eliminated.
Answering reporters’ questions, Onanuga said the president’s directive reflects a decisive shift from merely diagnosing the causes of the recurring problem to finally resolving it.
“We have gone beyond finding reasons or blaming anyone. The question now is: what is responsible for this persistent problem, and how do we solve it?” he said.
Onanuga stressed that as a sovereign nation, Nigeria must honour its legitimate obligations, but insisted that payments must follow proper verification and due process.
He disclosed that the committee held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday and is expected to submit recommendations soon.
“By the time the committee sits fully, I believe we will have clearer answers and a pathway to resolving all outstanding liabilities,” the presidential media aide explained.
The fresh move came amid mounting pressure from contractors who claim the Federal Government owes them over N4 trillion for completed projects, a situation that has triggered multiple protests at the Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly in recent months.
Many of the affected contractors said the prolonged non-payment has pushed them into severe financial distress, leading to loan defaults, loss of property, deteriorating health and in some cases, deaths.
Although the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, had before now announced a structured pathway for settling the debts on the president’s directive, the contractors insisted that less than one per cent of verified claims have been paid.
Also on Wednesday, FEC approved five major memoranda from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, including Nigeria’s long-awaited Industrial Policy 2025, the procurement of electric buses, and key infrastructure projects in Lagos.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, who briefed reporters after the meeting, said three of the approved submissions fall under industry, while two relate to trade and investment.
Enoh disclosed that one of the approvals includes the supply of 200 electric buses to the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), which will strengthen Nigeria’s automotive development agenda and accelerate the country’s shift to cleaner mobility.
He added that the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) had reviewed and approved the contract sum of N58 billion, stressing that the selected contractor has a verifiable track record in local electric vehicle assembly, consistent with the government’s Nigeria First procurement policy.
Council also approved N187.8 billion for the design and construction of the Bank of Industry (BoI) headquarters at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
The minister said the project aligns with the bank’s expanding mandate in national industrialisation.
Describing it as “the most significant approval of the day”, Enoh announced that FEC has formally adopted the Nigerian Industrial Policy 2025, a document developed and validated with national and international partners, including the UNDP.
His words: “I am glad that at today’s council meeting, the Nigerian Industrial Policy was finally approved. It now becomes a public document that will guide industrial growth and development.”
The policy, he noted, aligns with President Tinubu’s Eight-Point Agenda and provides investors with a clear roadmap for Nigeria’s industrial future.
Enoh said the policy is built on five strategic pillars: Industrial infrastructure development and competitiveness; sectoral diversification and value-chain development; investment promotion and business-environment reforms, Innovation, technology and digital industrialisation; sustainability, green growth and climate resilience.
He added that the document includes targeted interventions such as strengthening industrial clusters, improving infrastructure in special economic zones, supporting technology transfer, and boosting local content across manufacturing sectors.
Commenting on the “Nigeria First” directive mandating MDAs to patronise locally manufactured vehicles, Enoh said implementation will be gradual but is already underway.
“At the ministry, I use a Mikano vehicle; the minister uses an Innoson vehicle,” he said, noting that compliance will continue to expand across government institutions.
Under trade and investment, the minister stated that council approved the construction of internal and access roads within the Lekki Medical Tourism Park at the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
The memo, he explained, originated from the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
Another approval confirmed Nigeria’s selection, after a competitive process conducted with Afreximbank, as host of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).
Lagos will host the event, with the refurbished National Arts Theatre (now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts) serving as the main venue.
“This is a huge event that positions our country strongly, especially within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It reinforces Nigeria’s ambition to be the continent’s manufacturing and industrial hub,” Enoh said.
He added that the approval aligns with the Programme for Country Partnership, whose national coordination body held its inaugural meeting last week.
Also, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the Federal Government has no legal powers to regulate or fix airfares, saying the country’s aviation industry has operated under a fully deregulated framework for several decades.
Keyamo explained that the deregulation of the aviation industry dated back to the Ibrahim Babangida administration, when private airlines were granted the freedom to operate and determine their own fare regimes.
He noted that although the Senate had invited him to discuss the recent hike in airfares, he was unable to appear due to his commitments at the FEC meeting.
The minister disclosed that he had instructed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and domestic airlines to appear before the Senate Committee in his absence.
Keyamo stressed that while the government cannot dictate prices in a free market, it remains actively engaged with airlines to address the underlying factors driving high fares.
“Government has absolutely no powers to fix prices for private enterprises. That is what deregulation means. But that does not mean we are leaving the airlines without engagement,” he said.
The minister emphasised that operators have repeatedly raised concerns about access to aircraft, unfavourable lease terms, the absence of local maintenance facilities, and the pressure to source large amounts of foreign exchange to conduct mandatory C-checks abroad factors that all feed into ticket pricing.
He disclosed that a significant milestone was achieved under the Tinubu administration when, for the first time in nearly 20 years, a major international aircraft lessor returned to the Nigerian market and granted a dry-lease arrangement to a domestic airline at a cost less than one-third of earlier industry rates.
Keyamo attributed the development to reforms introduced by the Federal Government, including new practice directions on the Cape Town Convention, which protect the rights of international lessors and boost confidence in Nigeria’s aviation environment.
“With cheaper dry leases coming in, more airlines will have access to aircraft. More aircraft automatically means stronger competition. And competition is what brings prices down in any free economy,” he said.
The minister projected that within a year, Nigerians should begin to feel the impact of increased aircraft availability, improved competition, and lower operating costs.
On the issue of multiple taxes and charges on airlines, an issue that has drawn the attention of ECOWAS, Keyamo confirmed that Nigeria had received a regional advisory urging relief for operators.
He clarified that ECOWAS lacks the authority to compel member-states on taxation matters.
According to him, aviation taxes fall under the jurisdiction of federal revenue and financial authorities, not his ministry.
“I cannot wake up one morning and abolish taxes. These revenues go into the Federation Account. The Finance Minister, the tax authorities, and other stakeholders must all be at the table,” he said.
Keyamo disclosed that he had already escalated airlines’ tax concerns to the relevant bodies, adding that both the Minister of Finance and other economic authorities were working collaboratively to review the issues.
He maintained that while government must support operators, it must also sustain the revenue necessary to maintain critical aviation infrastructure nationwide.
The minister also announced the approval of major upgrades to Nigeria’s airport navigational and communication systems, as well as series of other measures aimed at enhancing air safety, modernising infrastructure and improving passenger experience nationwide.
Keyamo said FEC endorsed the extension of CCECC’s maintenance contract for the new terminal at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
“These include the installation of an Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System in Lagos and Abuja to detect runway obstructions; new modular air traffic control towers for eight airports; an aeronautical frequency monitoring and interference detection system; and the upgrade of VHF radio communication systems in nine airports.
“Another one is infrastructure upgrade that has to do with navigation again, approval for the award of contract for the installation of aeronautical frequency spectrum monitor and interference detection solution that, of course, improves the communication between the ground crew, the people at the tower, and the aircraft that are approaching or taking off, and they normally guide them.
“That is the system that guides them to approach the runway communication. So this has to do with not just the detection system, but the communication system between the tower and the pilots. We are getting new equipment, upgrade those equipments.
“In that respect, the other one is the procurement, replacement and upgrade of the remote control, air, ground communication, total VHF radio system in nine sites, nine airports. this is also a radio system we are upgrading in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano Abuja, that’s another part of Abuja, Maiduguri, Sokoto and Wukari airports,” he said..
The minister added that the president also approved the upgrade and rollout of biometric-enabled e-gates at all international airports to fast-track passenger clearance and improve travel experience.
His words: “And so we have approval for the provision of biometric enabled electronic gates, which is called the popular e-gates to fast-track passenger solution, fast-track solution at the nation’s international airports, all our international airports.”
He noted that the upgrades reflect President Tinubu’s directive to modernise aviation infrastructure and ensure safer, more efficient air travel across Nigeria.
NIGERIA NEWS
Nnamdi Kanu’s former lawyer asks Igbo senators to oppose Reno Omokri’s ambassadorial confirmation
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, former lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu, has urged senators of Igbo extraction to oppose the confirmation of Reno Omokri as an ambassador.
Ejiofor said he would call on voters in the south-east to mobilise ahead of the 2027 elections if Omokri is cleared by the senate.
He said no Igbo senator should expect re-election if the ballot is transparent and every vote counts.
He said the lawmakers should “prepare for a well-deserved retirement” if they fail to act in the interest of their constituents.
He added that there was a limit to what he described as political cowardice, saying “Enough, quite frankly, should be enough.”
A heartbreaking video has emerged online showing a young man named Mogaji Adebanjo, an employee of Vine Crest College in Ogun State, pleading desperately for help after being kidnapped by armed men along Kabba Road while traveling from Iperu to Abuja.
In the disturbing clip circulating on social media, he was seen visibly weak, frightened, and tied up as he begs Nigerians, security authorities, and the government to intervene urgently.
“I was taken along Kabba Road. Please help me. I don’t want to die. I have a pregnant wife, a 4 year old son, and an aged father. Please help me. I don’t want to die. I was taken yesterday. I am from Imo Arigidi, Ondo State,” he said.
Abductors have demanded a massive ₦100 million-naira ransom for his release. Adebanjo emphasized that his family, including his pregnant wife, young son, and elderly father, depend on him.
His emotional plea has sparked widespread concern as insecurity continues to worsen along major highways in Nigeria.
The kidnappers have reportedly issued strict conditions and are allegedly threatening to harm him if the ransom is not paid on time.
This incident adds to the growing number of kidnapping cases along Nigerian road corridors, raising urgent questions about safety, intelligence operations, and the need for stronger security presence on vulnerable routes.
Watch video below…
WATCH: Kidnappers Demand N100 Million As Abducted Vine Crest College Employee In Ogun Begs For Help pic.twitter.com/mA1kum6v5I
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) December 11, 2025
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DSS Opens Case Against Suspected Owo Church Attackers, Presents First Witness as Court Orders Accelerated Hearing – THISDAYLIVE
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday opened its case against five men accused of carrying out the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, an assault that left more than 40 worshippers dead and over 100 others injured.
Appearing before a Federal High Court in Abuja, the DSS commenced trial by presenting its first prosecution witness after the court granted an application for accelerated hearing.
The defendants, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47), are being prosecuted in connection with the deadly attack that shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation.
The trial opened with testimony from a Catholic priest who presided over the Pentecost Sunday service on the day of the incident. His name was withheld for security reasons.
The witness told the court that the attack occurred toward the end of the service, which had drawn a large congregation. He recounted hearing a sudden loud noise, immediately followed by sporadic gunshots, triggering panic and chaos inside the church.
According to his testimony, worshippers scrambled for safety as the assailants opened fire indiscriminately.
Led in evidence by the prosecuting lawyer, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), the witness said said June 5, 2022 remained a memorable day for him “because it was the day when the violent attack was launched on us – myself and all the worshiping community of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo Ondo State.
“It was an incident which led to the death of over 40 persons among us, while some of us became maimed; some of us, till this point, have permanent physical injuries.
“I recall that the attack was towards the end of the worship that day. I was the priest assigned to lead the community in worship, which is known as the holy mass.
“Towards the end of the mass, I was performing the last rite and the people of God have started singing the recessional hymn, the closing hymn. Suddenly I heard a loud sound. I looked into the congregation, facing them.
“There was already a commotion, which for me, I thought somebody had fallen. But, I sighted two men from our congregation, these men were members of our community.
“They quickly locked the main entrance door and another elder in the church came to me in the sanctuary and said to me, father, we are under attack.
“From this point, I heard the sporadic shooting of guns. This was still outside the church. This elder told me, father you have to leave. At first, I was reluctant to leave the sanctuary. If not for anything, but at least, because of those children, who call me father.
“So, taking my leave from the sanctuary, I and some adults moved some of these children into a safe place. This is an attachment to that church.
“When I was in this place (the safe place), I continued to hear the continuous shooting of guns and the use of about three explosives.
“The third explosive landed very close to the safe place, where I was with the children, with the effect which looked like the opening of the ground. The effect was like the ground opening to swallow us immediately.
“So, the attack continued. After a while, some of our church members came into this place (safe place) and notified us that those, who came to attack us have left.
“Moving out with the children, I saw my choir master shot at the chest. He called me to pray for him. I did, but I told him I have to move him to the hospital.
When I got out, I saw some already dead on the floor.
“So, I shouted that if there is any of us, who could still drive, let us begin to move our brothers and sisters to the hospital,” the witness said.
On whether he counted the number of the dead, said it was impossible for him ascertain the number of those killed given the level of chaos that the attackers unleashed the church environment on that day.
The priest said: “It was with that violent attack that I understood that proverb that the one struck or hit by a vehicle does not wait to take note of the vehicle’s number. So, I could not immediately count the number of those dead.
“Personally, I went two times to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo to take the casualties to the hospital. By the time I came the second time, there were already ambulances, both from FMC Owo and St Louis Catholic Hospital Owo, also moving the casualties to these two hospitals.
“The second time when I got to FMC, the emergency ward was filled up with these casualties.
The casualties were those that were killed and injured. With the wailing, weeping and crying from people, I couldn’t even drive again. The care and healing of those injured continued,” the witness said.
The priest said he was later invited to the DSS office in Akure, Ondo State where he made a statement.
Under cross examination by defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, the witness said he could not ascertain the number of those who carried out the attack.
He said: ” With the commotion in the church, and my desire to rescue, especially the children quickly as possible, I could not and I did not identify or recognise those who carried out the attack.
Therefore, I don’t know their number.”
On how it was possible for him to rescue the children, the witness said the children were at the foot of that sanctuary, where he was standing when the attack started.
He added: “And, I said with some adults, I moved with the children to a safe place. This safe place is the restroom, attached as a building to the sanctuary. From that building that is attached, you can move into the sanctuary and out of it.”
Earlier at the commencement of proceedings, Adedipe told the court that the charge has been amended to correct some minor errors.
He applied that the amended charge should be ready to the defendants, which was done and the defendants all pleaded not guilty.
Justice Emeka Nwite has adjourned till January 13 and 14, 2026 at 12noon each day for the continuation of hearing
Nigeria’s Super Falcons dropped one spot in the latest women’s ranking released by the Federation of International Football Associations, FIFA, on Thursday.
Previously ranked 36th, the Super Falcons dropped to 37th but remain the top team of the continent.
The Super Falcons were inactive during the last FIFA women’s international break which contributed to their current position in the monthly ranking.
South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and Morocco complete the top five highest-ranked countries in Africa.
Globally, Spain retained the highest-ranked team, with the United States of America, Germany, England and Sweden completing the top five. (NAN)
The post FIFA rankings: Super Falcons drop to 37th, remain top in Africa appeared first on Vanguard News.
Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, have rescued a kidnapped victim in Yaja Village, Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to a statement by the Brigade’s acting spokesperson, Lt. Umar Muhammad, the operation was carried out on 11 December 2025 after soldiers stationed at Maraba Apawa received credible intelligence about the movements of suspected kidnappers. The tip-off came from local good samaritans.
“Acting on the tipoff, the troops launched a quick-response pursuit, applying sustained pressure that forced the abductors to flee and abandon their captive.
The victim was identified as 40-year-old Alhaji Shuaibu of Yelwata community in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, who had been abducted two days earlier on 9 December,” the statement read.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for the timely, professional, and resilient operation, describing it as a demonstration of the Brigade’s commitment to securing communities across Taraba State.
General Uwa emphasized that the Brigade remains fully prepared to deny criminals any safe haven, warning that kidnapping, banditry, and violent crime will continue to be met with swift military action.
He also assured residents of a peaceful and secure festive season and urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.
Through Brigadier General Uwa, the Nigerian Army expressed appreciation for the cooperation of local communities and reiterated its resolve to maintain stability and peace across Taraba State.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army on Thursday arrested five “persons of interest” at a checkpoint after six AK-47 rifles were found on them along Share in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects concealed six AK-47 rifles in a sack full of charcoal hidden in a Golf saloon car on Thursday afternoon.
A top security aide (names withheld) said: “They were intercepted by the Nigerian Army team on patrol,” adding that: “The five suspects are undergoing interrogation.”
Our reporter recalls that their arrest came a day after six people suspected to be couriers for kidnappers were arrested around Babanla, also in Ifelodun, with a large consignment of bread and petrol.
“They have been transferred to the police headquarters in Ilorin for further investigation,” according to a source.
Earlier on Tuesday, some criminals were reported killed in a coordinated assault by government vigilante forces in Omu Aran-Eruku.
Six motorcycles, assault rifles, and many loaded magazines were recovered from their hideouts.
Four women and two young men, all suspected to have been abducted, were rescued and handed to the police divisional post in Omu Aran.
…as Renewed Hope ambassadors visit monarchs
The Ona of Abaji, Dr. Baba Yunusa Ugbada, has hailed the developmental strides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through the Minister, Nyesom Wike, describing the Minister as a true ambassador of the President.
The Monarch, who is also the Chairperson of FCT Royal Chiefs, spoke when Hon. Adamu Abdullahi led members of the FCT Renewed Hope Ambassadors to pay him a courtesy visit on Thursday.
The visit was aimed at familiarising the ambassadors with the traditional rulers, strengthening relationships and seek their support for the administration of President Tinubu, as well as seeking their blessings and guidance of the traditional rulers.
The Ona of Abaji, Abaji Area Council of the FCT, who praised the FCT Minister for his efforts at developing the FCT, especially the satellite towns called for more infrastructure and interventions in the education sector to liberate the people.
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors also visited Gwargwada, Rubochi, Yaba, Wako, Pai, and Zuba chiefdoms.
The Chief of Pai, in Kwali Area Council, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Pai, commended the administration for the extensive road network, which he said has made it easier for farmers to bring their produce to the capital.
Also, the Agora of Zuba, Engr. Muhammad Bello Umar, expressed confidence in the ambassadors’ ability to serve the FCT and pledged continued support for the progress and unity of the territory.
Speaking during the visits, Hon. Adamu Abdullahi, the FCT Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, assured the traditional rulers that their pleas would be documented and presented to President Tinubu, saying the President is committed to listening to the people.
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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has raised alarm over escalating kidnapping cases in Oyo State, urging Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies to urgently overhaul the state’s security architecture.
NBA Ibadan Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, issued the warning during a press briefing at the Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyaganku, ahead of the 2025 NBA Ibadan Law Week, which starts Friday, December 12.
Lawal lamented that Oyo State, once considered one of the safest in Nigeria, has seen declining security due to weakened vigilance and failing structures. He cited recent kidnappings, including the abduction of a cleric’s daughter and four others in Ibadan within two weeks, as evidence that insecurity is approaching residents’ doorsteps.
“The state government must urgently reassess and strengthen its security framework. The kidnapping of a lady in front of her house shows that no one is safe anymore,” Lawal said, calling on the Commissioner of Police to rejig the state’s security architecture to protect lives and property.
The NBA Ibadan Law Week, running from December 12 to 17, will combine professional development sessions, intellectual discussions, and social engagements, including welcoming newly admitted lawyers. Former Ibadan NBA Chairman and ex-Oyo State Attorney-General, Oluseun Abimbola (SAN), confirmed the participation of dignitaries, including the governor and members of the executive council.
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The Federal Government has announced plans to extend Internet access to previously unconnected areas, aiming to reach about 23 million Nigerians.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, made the disclosure on Thursday at the 3MTT National Impact Summit held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu has directed the deployment of 4,000 telecom infrastructures to rural communities to ensure nationwide connectivity.
Dr. Tijani also revealed that over the past two years, the government has trained approximately 135,000 Nigerians in digital economy systems, providing many with opportunities for well-paid tech jobs and further studies abroad in countries including China and the UK.
He commended the 3MTT programme, noting that over 1.8 million youths registered within its first month. By 2030, he projected about 170 million jobs will be available for Nigerians with tech skills, emphasizing the government’s commitment to building a vibrant digital economy.
The Minister highlighted strong private-sector and international support for the initiative from companies and organizations such as Google, Microsoft, MTN, IHS, Huawei, UNDP, and the African Development Bank.
He further noted that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has provided beneficiaries with laptops and other devices worth ₦1.5 billion, and 15,000 participants have already secured direct employment in tech companies.
Dr. Tijani stressed that the 3MTT programme is inclusive, open to all Nigerian youths irrespective of status, and remains a central strategy for advancing the nation’s digital economy.
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President Talon Receives Nigerian Army Delegation After Foiled Coup Attempt — Akelicious
Following the recent foiled coup in Benin Republic, President Patrice Talon on Wednesday hosted a high-level delegation from the Nigerian Army at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou.
The delegation was received as part of regional efforts to show solidarity with Benin and strengthen security cooperation. According to officials, the Nigerian team visited to express support for the Beninese armed forces and to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding stability within the sub-region.
The gesture follows heightened security measures across Benin after security forces successfully thwarted an attempted coup earlier in the week.
President Talon commended Nigeria for its timely show of support and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among West African nations in confronting threats to democracy and national stability.
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Police operatives in Kwara State have arrested four suspects over alleged illegal firearms possession.
The police intercepted a cache of illegal firearms and arrested the four suspects during a routine stop-and-search operation along Sabongida Road.
According to sources, on 11 December 2025 at about 0845 hours, operatives from Jebba Division apprehended Musa Mohammed and Musa Abdullahi, both residents of Saorami, Masegun LGA, Niger State.
The suspects were found in possession of six locally made AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, four cartridges, and one expended AK-47 round concealed inside a bag.
Interrogation revealed that the firearms were intended for delivery to two other suspects, Mohammad Umoru and Magin Isah of Shonga, who were subsequently arrested.
All four suspects have been handed over to the IRT operatives on special duties in Kwara State for further investigation, according to reliable security sources.