Months after 16 officers were arrested for alleged coup plots, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the rumour.
The confirmation was contained in a press release issued by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba on Monday.
The military had denied media reports of an attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, describing the claims as baseless.
In spite of the denial, 16 officers were arrested for alleged indiscipline and breach of service codes.
Among the officers arrested, The Nation gathered, were Brig.-Gen MA Sadiq, Col Mohammed Magaji, Lt. Col Bayawo Abdullahi, Lt. Col Almakura, Lt Col Baffa, Lt Col Hayatu, Lt. Col Dagnaf, Lt Col Ibrahim, Lt Col Usman, Maj Jidda, and Maj Iliyasu.
But in a statement yesterday, the DHQ confirmed that the arrest of the officers was connected to attempts to overthrow the government.
It said investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to the 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 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 an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” the statement said.
Continuing, the military assured Nigerians that measures being taken were purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.
“The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” it added.
Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called for unity in addressing insecurity across Nigeria, with particular focus on the Southwest region.
He urged residents of the region to work together in the interest of future generations and the overall development of Yorubaland.
Igboho made the appeal in Ibadan during a thank-you visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
He expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is collaborating with Yoruba traditional rulers and other stakeholders to tackle insecurity in Yorubaland and the country at large.
Explaining the purpose of his visit, Igboho said he was grateful to God and President Tinubu for heeding Olubadan’s intervention on his behalf.
“Baba Ladoja called me around 10: 03 on Friday. He said he was currently with President Tinubu on my behalf, and that I should leave exile and come back to Nigeria to unite with my family in peace.
“So, I’m here to thank Baba Ladoja and President Tinubu. I want all the Yorubas to also thank them for me.”
Former Deputy Senate President and 2023 APC governorship candidate in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called for the inclusion of his political followers in governance, declaring that the party’s future success in the state depends on it.
Omo-Agege spoke at the Delta APC stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba at the weekend, as the party intensified efforts to reposition itself ahead of future electoral battles.
According to him, excluding loyal party members from governance weakens internal cohesion and undermines the APC’s chances of securing decisive victories at both the state and federal levels.
The former lawmaker reminded party leaders that he commands a wide, organic political structure across Delta State, stressing that more than 240,000 voters cast their ballots for him during the 2023 governorship election.
“We have built the APC into a formidable political platform in Delta State, and we remain fully committed to its continued growth,” Omo-Agege said.
Striking a balance between loyalty and firmness, he reaffirmed his commitment to the party while insisting that inclusiveness must be treated as a strategic necessity, not a favour.
“As a faithful party man, I will continue to contribute to our collective progress,” he said.
He acknowledged the governor as the leader of the party in the state, noting that strong, inclusive leadership at the top was essential for party stability and effective governance.
Omo-Agege also pledged to work with the governor and other party leaders, emphasising that service to the people must remain the APC’s central mission.
Political watchers said the remarks underlined growing pressure within the Delta APC for recognition, reward for loyalty, and unity — factors likely to shape the party’s internal dynamics and electoral fortunes in the coming years.
“It is indisputable that as the immediate past governorship candidate of this party, I am privileged to have a huge organic political following in our state, including, as you all know, the over 240,000 delegates who voted for me in the 2023 general elections.
“I have no doubt that our governor, the party’s leader in the state, will take the initiative to ensure the inclusivity of my hundreds of thousands of faithful Die Hard grassroots supporters in the party who made this possible, and remain ready to mobilize for APC.
“This will undoubtedly help our party secure resounding victories in future elections at both the state and federal levels.
“Your Excellency, my philosophy in public governance is simple. Service to the people comes first.
“I will work with everyone, by God’s grace, to lift Delta.
“My support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is firm and enduring. And to our Governor, Sheriff Oborewvori, be assured that with my commitment to a legacy of qualitative governance, I am ready to collaborate with you to strengthen our partnership.”
He appreciated the governor for the decision to personally invite him to the meeting, adding that for the first time in about 18 years, he was setting foot in the government house in Asaba, the venue for the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Oborewori urged all to place collective interest above personal considerations, resist division and avoid unnecessary conflicts, noting that unity remains the party’s greatest strength.
In his welcome remarks, State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, said the party had recorded over 90 per cent realignment since April 2025, describing the gathering as evidence of growing unity and momentum.
The high-level meeting underscored unity, e-registration, grassroots mobilisation, and preparedness ahead of forthcoming party congresses.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled a robbery attempt and arrested a suspect in connection with the attempt in the Kado area of the nation’s capital.
Police said a suspect was arrested following a distress call to the Mabushi Police Divisional Headquarters on 13 January at about 6:15 a.m.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the caller had reported that armed robbers, numbering about three, were attacking motorists near the MRS Filling Station in Kado.
Adeh said, “Upon receipt of the report, a police response team from Mabushi Division swiftly mobilised to the scene.
“On sighting the police team, the suspects attempted to flee, leading to a hot pursuit and an exchange of gunfire.
“In the process, one of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while the remaining suspects fled into nearby bushes”.
Adeh said the suspects’ operational vehicle, a black-coloured Volkswagen Golf 2 with registration number JJJ 112 DW, one Beretta pistol, one locally made pistol, and one Firman generator were recovered from the suspects.
She said one Tecno Spark 4 Android phone, one Tecno T353 mobile phone, one Access Bank ATM card, one catapult, one pair of pliers, and one pair of canvas shoes were also recovered.
Adeh said other items recovered were two pairs of slippers, one singlet, one cap, one jacket, one T-shirt, and one handkerchief.
The police spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing suspects.
She said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the FCT, Miller Dantawaye, had pledged the commitment of the command to safeguarding lives and property in the territory.
She said the CP had enjoined the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the command through its emergency lines on 08032003913 or 08028940883.
Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has arrived in Nigeria after the removal of his name from the list of wanted persons.
Igboho returned home from self-exile in neighbouring Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Upon arrival, Igboho was welcomed by supporters, Muslim clerics, and others at his Soka, Ibadan residence.
They offered prayers over Igboho’s smooth return, and also prayed for President Bola Tinubu and traditional rulers who intervened in his case.
While recounting his ordeal, Igboho, who shed tears, lamented that under the previous administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, he was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen despite favourable court rulings.
His return could be termed as another homecoming after he fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, following a raid on his Ibadan residence by a combined team of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.
In 2024, Igboho was in the country briefly for his late mother’s burial ceremony.
Igboho then proceeded to the palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he was warmly received by supporters.
The visibly happy Oba Ladoja welcomed Igboho and prayed for his success.
In his speech, Igboho said: I’m grateful to God Almighty for this day. I’m also grateful to our President. Baba Olubadan Ladoja was instrumental to my final freedom. Since the day I was in Cotonou, he has been checking up on me as a son. Baba Adebanjo also helped me. Baba Ladoja helped me by speaking with elders in Yoruba Land.
“He spoke with me last Friday while I was in Cotonou. He told me to pack my load, that he was with the President, and he had spoken with him. Baba Ladoja said he begged him, and he has authorised that I am cleared. I’m grateful to God Almighty because I never thought I would come back home.
“I’m very happy, that’s why I have to come and pay homage to Baba Ladoja. I’m sincerely grateful to President Bola Tinubu.
“My advice to Yoruba people is for us to unite, so that we can take our region to greater heights. I’m confident that President Bola Tinubu is making efforts to improve security.”
…selected as Leadership Newspaper’s ‘Person of the Year’s
…says award fires her up to do more
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said her work ethic is inspired by the example of her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a hard-working leader whose commitment to duty pushes her to do more.
Mrs Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Monday while formally receiving the notification of her selection as Person of the Year by Leadership Newspapers during a courtesy visit by the organisation’s management.
“I like to work hard because my husband is a hard-working man,” the First Lady said, adding that the recognition had further motivated her to deepen her service to Nigerians.
According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said, “with this, I am fired up for the year. I am guided by the scripture which says I can do all things… there is still more for me to do—what I am doing for the common man”.
She thanked the newspaper for the honour, describing it as a call to greater responsibility, and expressed appreciation that her efforts as a woman were being acknowledged.
While noting that society often describes the world as male-dominated, Mrs Tinubu said this reality only challenges women to work harder and remain focused.
“I have never seen men as a challenge, but that makes me know that I have to work three times as hard to get ahead,” she said, urging young women to be confident, focused, and hardworking.
The First Lady also paid tribute to the late founder of the Leadership Group, Sam Nda-Isaiah, whom she described as a man of integrity, and commended the current management for sustaining his legacy.
Earlier, the Chairman of Leadership Newspapers, Zainab Nda-Isaiah, said the decision to honour Mrs Tinubu as Person of the Year 2025 was unanimous, citing the impact of her interventions nationwide through the Renewed Hope Initiative since 2023.
Senior Vice Chairman of the Group, Azu Ishiekwene, said the First Lady had redefined the Office, turning it into a platform for compassionate leadership that impacts lives beyond ethnic, religious, or political lines.
The award ceremony is scheduled for February 12, 2026, marking the 18th edition of the honour, which President Tinubu has received three times in the past.
Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, the son of the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has resigned his appointment and membership of the Kano State Executive Council.
Mustapha’s resignation followed his father’s disapproval of Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Kwankwaso junior announced his resignation in a letter on Monday, stating that the decision to bring to an end his tenure in the cabinet of Governor Abba Yusuf was with a “heavy heart.”
He expressed deep appreciation to Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the state, describing his time in office as “rewarding and impactful.”
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the great people of Kano State. I have cherished the experiences and lessons gained while serving, and I appreciate the trust placed in me,” he stated.
Kwankwaso also offered prayers for the continued welfare of young people in the state, urging sustained attention to youth empowerment and sports development programmes.
He wrote, “As I resign, I pray that the youth of Kano State will continue to receive the attention and support they deserve. I hope for the best for our sports development programmes and initiatives, and I am confident that they will flourish in the years to come.”
Kwankwaso further prayed for continued peace and progress in the state, asking God to bless Kano State and its people, while wishing the Yusuf government success in its efforts.
…as Ondo recorded 336 arrests, seized 22,316 kilogrammes of illicit drugs, secured 62 convictions
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that no fewer than 15 million Nigerians are involved in drug use across the country.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) made this known during a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor Lucky at his office in Akure on Monday.
Marwa said findings from the 2018 United Nations drug use survey revealed that Nigerians within the 15 to 64 age bracket were involved in drug consumption, adding that one in every seven Nigerians in that category uses drugs.
He described the figure as “unacceptably high.”
The NDLEA boss, while presenting data on drug use prevalence, enforcement outcomes, and cannabis production nationwide, decried the level of drug abuse in Ondo state, putting the prevalence rate at 17 per cent, representing about 400,000 users.
Marwa compared the figure with Lagos state, which he said had a 33 percent prevalence rate, translating to about two million users, and Oyo state, with 24 percent.
According to him, the NDLEA command in Ondo state recorded 336 arrests, seized 22,316 kilograms of illicit drugs, and secured 62 convictions within the period under review.
He added that about 207,000 kilograms of cannabis were seized and destroyed from farms and plantations across the state.
Marwa also disclosed that the agency’s counselling and rehabilitation centre in Ondo treated 243 drug users last year, noting that the state remained the highest producer of cannabis in Nigeria due to its favourable climate and soil conditions.
The NDLEA chairman further revealed that the agency had commissioned the Nigerian Academy of Science to conduct a scientific study on cannabis-extracted oil for medicinal purposes, stressing that any policy decision on controlled cultivation and export would be strictly evidence-based.
He said the agency had also established an Alternative Development Unit at its headquarters to complement law enforcement efforts by encouraging cannabis-growing communities to switch to legal crops.
“The strategy involves community development, provision of farm inputs, infrastructure, schools, clinics, and access to markets to ensure sustainable livelihoods.
“Ondo State has been selected for a pilot study of the programme after one year of engagement with cannabis-producing communities,” Marwa said.
He lauded the Ondo State government for its support, including the establishment of a State Drug Control Committee, plans to extend it to the local government level, and the provision of financial and operational assistance to the NDLEA command.
Remarking, Governor Aiyedatiwa pledged the full support of his administration to the NDLEA, particularly following the launch of the Alternative Development Programme in the state.
He commended Marwa for personally leading the initiative, describing it as a clear demonstration of commitment to curbing illicit drug cultivation, trafficking, and consumption.
The governor applauded the agency for selecting Ondo State for the pilot programme, acknowledging reports that the state was Nigeria’s largest producer of cannabis.
He, however, noted that Ondo State was also a major producer of legitimate agricultural commodities such as cocoa, owing to its vast forests, fertile soil, and favourable climate.
While noting that the majority of residents were law-abiding, Aiyedatiwa admitted that a few still engaged in illicit cultivation.
He assured the NDLEA of continued government support, recalling previous assistance with vehicles and logistics to strengthen enforcement.
The governor welcomed the proposal to establish an Alternative Development Unit in the state, suggesting that it could operate under the governor’s office in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant advisers.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the “Youth on Ridges” programme, under which over 5,000 hectares were cleared for cocoa cultivation, and the state’s “tomato revolution,” which he said now supplies about 40 percent of tomatoes consumed in Lagos.
He stressed the importance of community engagement with traditional rulers, churches, and mosques to promote behavioural change, noting that education and enforcement must go hand in hand.
The governor also expressed interest in the medicinal use of cannabis oil, urging the NDLEA to expedite its ongoing research and share the findings with the state.
He advocated controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes, citing global best practices and approvals in other countries, noting that cannabis oil ranks among the most valuable oils traded globally.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday announced a two-week extension for the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 Constables.
The application portal, which opened on 15th December 2025, has now been extended to close on 8th February 2026.
This decision followed the receipt of over 400,000 applications and a review showing significant disparities in state participation.
According to a statement issued by Head, Protocol and Public Affairs, PSC, Torty Kalu, while some states like Adamawa, Benue, and Kaduna have high application numbers, states such as Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, and Anambra have notably lower submissions.
He said the extension aims to ensure equitable representation nationwide. All eligible Nigerians, particularly from the above-mentioned states with fewer applications, are strongly encouraged to apply via the official portal: www.npfapplication.psc.gov.ng.
Kalu said, “State Governments, Local Government Councils, sociocultural organizations, religious bodies, community leaders, and other stakeholders are strongly encouraged to mobilize and sensitize eligible citizens within their jurisdictions to apply before the new deadline.
“The PSC and NPF reaffirm their commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process”.
