The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that a group of military officers were involved in a coup plot aimed at overthrowing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, months after the federal government initially debunked reports linking the incident to national security concerns.

Recall that speculation about an attempted coup first surfaced in October 2025 after the federal government suddenly cancelled the parade planned for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration on October 1.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, confirmed that investigations had uncovered evidence implicating some personnel in a plot to overthrow the government.

Uba said those with cases to answer would be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

He said: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.”

He further explained that the military made this development public was to ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.

According to him, the Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.

Uba added: “The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks”.

President Bola Tinubu is likely to approve the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the South-East, addressing the region’s marginalization and imbalance.

The state would comprise nine local government areas in Delta North, with Asaba as its capital.

This medium understand that consultations have reached an advanced stage among various interests, especially among those opposed to the proposed state being listed among states in the South East.

Though, this is coming amid renewed calls by Senator Ned Nwoko for sustained and unified support from Ndigbo for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state of the South-East.

Recall that there has been strong opposition from some groups within Delta State against the creation of Anioma State as part of the South-East.

The groups have instead argued that the proposed state should be carved out within the South-South geopolitical zone, a move that would increase the number of states in that region to seven.

The South-East currently has only five states, making it the zone with the least number of states in the federation.

According to presidential source, only Anioma State is being seriously considered for creation and that it would emerge as the sixth state in the South-East.

The decision, the source said, is aimed at putting to rest the long-standing concerns over imbalance and perceived marginalisation.

“Anioma State would be created to compensate the South-East region and Ndigbo in general,” one of the sources said.

“Mr President is fully aware of the arguments for and against the creation of the state, but he considers Anioma the most viable among the various requests for state creation.

“He is also keen on achieving geopolitical balance, equity, fair representation, and justice, particularly to assuage the feelings of marginalisation expressed by Ndigbo, whose region currently has the fewest states.”

Senator Ned Nwoko, a key proponent, said over 90 senators support the creation, and President Tinubu has pledged his backing.

Nwoko believes this is a historic opportunity for the Igbo people to reunite with their kin across the Niger.

Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, aligned with a growing list of institutions, government bodies and student organisations in applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment and inauguration of Honourable Peter Ogbonna Eze as the Federal Character Commission (FCC) Commissioner representing Enugu State.

President Tinubu formally swore in Eze alongside the Chairman of the Commission, Mrs. Ayo Omidiran, and 36 other commissioners at a ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, reminding them they are the conscience of the nation.

He also charged them to uphold integrity, fairness and national responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

The ceremony was witnessed by members of the Federal Executive Council, senior government officials and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the appointment of Eze, who served as his aide, Senator Kalu expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu, describing the decision as a deliberate act of encouragement for capable young Nigerians committed to public service.

“I thank President Tinubu for what he did for Peter. The President knows Peter very well and sees him clearly because Peter is someone who is ready to encourage young people,” Kalu said.

He noted that Eze’s young age just about 34 or 35 is an assessment of the President’s ideology in grooming youths in governance and politics, stressing that Tinubu believes in grooming and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Kalu further revealed that the President relates personally with Eze, often addressing him by his first name, a sign of confidence and familiarity. He expressed optimism that Eze’s performance at the FCC could open doors to even greater responsibilities in the future.

“I’m also happy that President Tinubu appointed Peter Eze , he Knows Peter Eze very well he sees Peter in my House and I also go with him to visit President Tinubu and I thank him for what he did for the youth people. President Tinubu also wants to encourage young people like Peter and he calls him by his first name.

“That is what politics is all about, you sit down, ask for what your people need, work for your people, and your people work for you,” the Senator added.

The appointment has continued to attract widespread commendation from academic institutions, grassroots authorities and national student bodies.

In a congratulatory message signed by Prof. E. R. Ukwueze, Head of the Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the department described Eze as an outstanding alumnus and a worthy ambassador of the university.

The department praised his dedication to both private and public service, noting that his achievement stands as a source of inspiration to current and future students of the institution.

“As you take up this new role, we trust that your light will continue to shine and illuminate your path and that of the nation at large,” the statement read, while also offering prayers for God’s guidance and wisdom as he serves in his new capacity.

At the grassroots level, the Government and people of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Eze’s home LGA, also congratulated him on his inauguration. In a statement issued on behalf of the Executive Chairman and signed by Sydney Eze, Chief Media Aide, the council described the appointment as a recognition of Eze’s years of integrity, dedication to service and commitment to fairness, equity and national unity.

The local government expressed confidence that Eze would bring these sterling qualities to bear at the Federal Character Commission, assuring that Enugu State would be proudly represented under his watch. The council further pledged its continued support and goodwill, expressing optimism that his tenure would contribute positively to inclusiveness, equity and balanced development across the federation.

The student community was not left out, as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone F (South-East) extended gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment and inauguration of Eze. Speaking on behalf of students in the South-East, the association described Eze as “one of our brothers” and wished him a successful and impactful tenure at the commission. The message was signed by Ikechukwu Emmanuel, Coordinator of NANS Zone F.

Similarly, the Association of Graduate Economics Students (AGES), through its National Chairman, Evaristus Ikpa, congratulated Eze on his appointment by President Tinubu, describing it as well-deserved and wishing him the very best in office.

Peter Eze, an economist and public administrator from Aji in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, was confirmed by the Senate on November 27, 2025, following his nomination by the President, which was earlier announced on August 1, 2025, by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

His confirmation came after a screening exercise conducted by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, which reported no petitions or adverse security findings against him.

Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Onyesoh Onyesoh, noted that Eze and other nominees demonstrated competence, expertise and a strong understanding of the FCC’s mandate, expressing confidence that the commission would be strengthened under the new leadership.

With endorsements spanning political leaders, academia, local government authorities and student bodies, political pundits are of the opinion that the broad support trailing Peter Eze’s appointment reflects growing confidence in his capacity to contribute meaningfully to national unity, equity and fair representation through the Federal Character Commission.

President Bola Tinubu is heading to Turkey on Monday for a state visit aimed at boosting diplomatic and economic ties.

He’s meeting with Turkish leaders to discuss security, education, innovation, and trade.

A business forum with Nigerian and Turkish investors is also on the agenda.

According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Chief Bayo Onanuga, the visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key sectors.

“The visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two countries and exploring further areas of cooperation,” the statement said.

President Tinubu’s trip comes four years after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid an official visit to Nigeria in October 2021, underscoring growing engagement between both countries.

During the visit, Nigeria and Turkey are expected to hold high-level political and diplomatic discussions, with a focus on shared interests in finance, communications, trade and investment.

“The agenda will include meetings between high-ranking officials of both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding in areas such as scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, and military collaboration,” the statement said.

Members of the President’s delegation include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); and Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson.

Others on the entourage are the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the visit.

A police inspector was killed while trying to rescue a kidnap victim, Haruna Lawal, in Oyo State’s Olorunda Village.

Lawal was abducted by armed men who escaped with his motorcycle, but was later rescued alive with a head injury and is receiving medical attention.

The police have launched a manhunt for the attackers, with some believed to have sustained bullet injuries.

A statement issued by Oyo police spokesman, Olayinka Ayanlade said: “The command received a distress call from Alimot (female) of Ojongbodu Area, reporting that suspected kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons had invaded her brother’s residence.

“The command wishes to inform the general public of the successful rescue of a kidnapped victim following the swift and coordinated response of police operatives, reflecting the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.

“On January 24, 2026, at about 0210 hours, the command received a distress call from Alimot (female) of Ojongbodu Area, Oyo State, reporting that suspected kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons had invaded her brother’s residence.

“During the invasion, the assailants abducted Haruna Lawal (male) of Olorunda Village via Oyo and escaped with his motorcycle to an unknown location.

“Upon receipt of the report and acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, operatives of the command immediately swung into action and deployed to the area. The prompt response and aggressive bush-combing operation exerted pressure on the suspects.

“As police operatives advanced into the area with patrol vans and sirens, the kidnappers, realising that security forces were closing in on them, abandoned the victim and fled. The kidnapped victim was consequently rescued alive.

“During the attack, an inspector, while courageously repelling the attack, paid the supreme price in the line of duty. Immediately after this information was received, the Commissioner of Police ordered an immediate manhunt and a comprehensive investigation into the attack. Preliminary findings indicate that some of the attackers sustained bullet injuries, and operatives are currently on their trail.

“The victim sustained a head injury during the ordeal and was promptly conveyed to the General Hospital, Oyo, where he is currently receiving appropriate medical attention.

“The swift rescue, achieved within hours of the abduction, underscores the professionalism, vigilance, and dedication of the state police command in responding decisively to threats against public safety,” the PPRO stated.

He added that efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Ayanlade, therefore, reassured members of the public of the command’s resolve to ensure that criminals find no hiding place in the state and urged continued cooperation through the provision of timely and credible information.

“The state Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, appreciates the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his continuous leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering support.

“The CP also commends the gallant officers and operatives who carried out the operation, in collaboration with strategic partners, for their courage, professionalism, and commitment to duty,” he added.

Former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, describing his administration as “courageous, reform-driven and unprecedented”.

Okiro spoke on Sunday with journalists in Ibadan, saying Tinubu assumed office amid daunting challenges and has continued addressing them through “carefully sequenced and gradual policy decisions”.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Okiro was in Ibadan to endorse Tinubu and inaugurate Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu to strengthen nationwide engagement.

He said Tinubu’s cross-sector policies were yielding results after “difficult but necessary choices”, expressing confidence that reforms would reposition Nigeria for growth before the first term ends.

Okiro cited Tinubu’s record as Lagos State governor, saying past achievements showed leadership capacity and offered insight into “what Nigerians should expect after eight years”.

He said no Nigerian President had governed with similar boldness, citing fuel subsidy removal, which “initially caused hardship but is stabilising the economy”.

Okiro urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, saying sustained backing would help Tinubu consolidate reforms and “take Nigeria to its destination”.

Okiro, the Maradin Hausawa of Ibadanland, also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Sarkin Sasa.

On security, he expressed optimism that ongoing interventions would curb insecurity, commending the President’s efforts and assuring that current strategies would reduce criminality nationwide.

He recalled working with Tinubu as Lagos governor, attributing the state’s relative peace to a robust security architecture that continues influencing safety outcomes.

He was accompanied by leaders from youth and elders’ forums, including the National Coordinator of the Northern Youth and Elder’s Awareness Forum, Alhaji Mahmud Sani-Yerima, and other zonal coordinators.

NAN