The Federal Government has denied endorsement of the failed coup attempt in the Niger Republic.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Sola Enikanolaye, in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to newsmen, rejected the claim and described it as an attempt to misinform the public.

“The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to a series of false and mischievous claims circulating on social media, suggesting that the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic had the backing of ECOWAS and, by insinuation, the endorsement of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically rejects these claims as baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image.”

The minister described Nigeria as a peace-loving nation, a defender of constitutional order, and a pillar of democracy and stability not only in West Africa but also in the Sahel and the continent of Africa.

“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the position of Nigeria was made clear in our official press statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220 of 30 August 2026, where the government of Nigeria expressed deep concern over the situation in the Republic of Niger and urged a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the neighbouring country,” the statement read.

The minister said that Nigeria viewed with deep concern any unconstitutional change of government.

“As a sisterly neighbour bound by close historical, fraternal and cultural ties, Nigeria desires only peace, security, democracy and development for Niger, the sub-region and the Sahel.

“As was stated in the press statement under reference, any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy.

“While Nigeria is a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup.

“We urge the Nigerian public, both at home and abroad, to disregard the videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals seeking to sow discord,” the statement added.

The minister said Nigeria remained firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and to the African Union’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.

“Nigeria will continue to work with ECOWAS, the AU and the international community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace and stability across our region,” he added.

Source: punchng.com

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The Nigeria Police Force has paid N2.317bn in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, presented the cheques to the beneficiaries on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the beneficiaries covered the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years.

Disu said the payments amounted to exactly N2,317,177,094 and included outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies following earlier partial settlements.

He said the payments were legitimate entitlements arising from the sacrifices of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“Today, I am pleased to present benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers amounting to N2,317,177,094.00.

“Beyond the financial value of these cheques, this exercise carries an important message: the Nigeria Police Force will not abandon the families of those who paid the supreme price in our service,” Disu said.

He said the security environment remained challenging, noting that the police had lost several personnel in attacks and operations across the country.

He specifically recalled officers killed at Buni-Yadi, Yobe State; members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who died during a rescue mission in Zamfara State; and 10 personnel recently ambushed and killed during an operation in Kebbi State.

“Their courage reminds us of the demands of policing and the price our personnel sometimes pay to protect the lives and property of others.

“Their families continue to bear the greatest burden of their absence, and we must never lose sight of that reality,” he said.

The IGP expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased officers, stressing that the financial benefits could not replace their loved ones but represented the institutional responsibility owed to them.

“No amount of money can replace the loved one you have lost. However, these payments represent the institutional responsibility we owe to you and a practical expression of our appreciation for the sacrifices made by your loved ones,” he said.

Disu urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, particularly for the education and welfare of children and dependants left behind.

He said the welfare of police personnel remained a priority of his administration, promising continued efforts to improve working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and other legitimate benefits due to officers and their families.

“I have consistently maintained that an institution that demands courage, discipline, loyalty and sacrifice from its personnel must also demonstrate genuine commitment to their welfare and that of their families,” the IGP said.

He also commended the Force’s insurance partners and urged them to settle claims promptly, describing insurance benefits as a vital lifeline for families who had lost their breadwinners.

“For families who have lost their breadwinners, insurance can be a vital lifeline. Timely settlement therefore has a direct bearing on the welfare and stability of these families,” he said.

Disu further disclosed that the Force Insurance Unit had, in the past two months, visited six commands and more than 50 divisions and formations within the Federal Capital Territory to sensitise personnel on their insurance benefits.

He said the sensitisation was aimed at ensuring that serving officers and their families understood the processes for accessing available insurance benefits and entitlements.

Source: punchng.com

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has signed the state’s N1.84tn 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, hours after the Rivers State House of Assembly approved the it.

Fubara assented to the bill on Thursday at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, describing the appropriation as a “breath of fresh air”.

The budget, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” was passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led House earlier on Thursday after lawmakers reviewed some of the provisions in the governor’s original proposal.

Fubara had presented a N1.854tn budget proposal to the Assembly on July 10, representing a 24.5 per cent increase over the revised 2025 budget.

Speaking after signing the bill, the governor expressed optimism that the appropriation would usher in a new phase of development and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.

According to Daily Post, he also assured the Assembly of his administration’s willingness to maintain a cordial relationship with the lawmakers.

Source: punchng.com

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