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200 soldiers from Nigeria, other countries arrive Benin for cleanup after failed coup

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10 months ago

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Benin’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari said about 200 West African soldiers, mostly from Nigeria and Ivory Coast, were sent to Benin to support the government after a failed coup on Sunday.

The coup attempt collapsed after Nigeria sent fighter jets, which forced the rebel soldiers out of a military base and the state television station, where they had announced they were taking power.

This is the first time officials have confirmed the number of foreign troops involved. It is still unclear whether some of them have since left Benin.

The minister said on Thursday that some regional troops were still in the country to help with “sweep and clean-up” operations.

Security forces are now hunting down those involved in the plot. The leader of the failed coup is believed to have fled to neighbouring Togo.

The rebel soldiers said they acted because they were unhappy with President Patrice Talon’s leadership. They accused him of failing to deal with worsening insecurity in northern Benin.

The West African regional body, Ecowas, sent troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast to protect key locations and stop any further violence.

Nigeria, which borders Benin to the east, said its troops arrived on Sunday and described the coup attempt as a serious attack on democracy.

An Ivory Coast security source told some newspapers that about 50 Ivorian soldiers were part of the regional force.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja alongside Nigeria’s foreign minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar Bakari said the coup had already failed by the time Benin asked for help.

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He explained that Benin’s forces had already pushed the rebels back, but needed targeted air support to hit key rebel positions without harming civilians.

Tuggar said quick diplomatic, military and intelligence cooperation between Nigeria and Benin helped stop the coup.

Talks are ongoing about how long the regional troops will stay. Bakari said any decision would be made together with Benin’s security forces, whom he praised for their courage.

It is unclear whether French special forces, who reportedly helped loyal troops, are still in the country.

After several successful coups in West Africa in recent years, Ecowas is under pressure and is now showing it will not tolerate the removal of elected governments by force.

Bakari described Ecowas as a vital body for defending democracy in the region.

Benin’s army has suffered losses in recent years near its northern borders with Niger and Burkina Faso, where jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda have been active.

President Talon, seen as an ally of Western countries, is expected to step down next year after completing his second term. Elections are scheduled for April.

If the coup had succeeded, it would have been the ninth successful takeover in West Africa in the past five years.

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Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

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September 26, 2026

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

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6 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

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6 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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