Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has found himself trapped in Guinea Bissau following the announcement of a military take-over on Wednesday. Jonathan has been unable to leave the country along with hundreds of foreign observers. He had travelled to Bissau ahead of the elections which has already been conducted, but the results are yet to be officially declared. It is understood that those who raced to the airport in a bid to leave the country after the coup was announced are currently stranded. A day after the two leading candidates – President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Fernando Dias – both declared victory, a group of military officers have taken “total control” of the country. Addressing themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order”, they suspended the electoral process “until further notice”. The officers also closed all land, air and sea borders and imposed an overnight curfew.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the National Assembly to review existing laws to allow states to establish their own police forces, as part of efforts to address rising insecurity across the country. This was contained in a statement on Wednesday declaring a nationwide security emergency. “I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them,” he said. The President also added that his “administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.” He urged educational and religious institutions in remote or high-risk locations to ensure constant police presence. “States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas,” he stated The call for state police forms part of a broader security strategy, which includes recruiting 20,000 additional police officers, deploying trained forest guards, and reinforcing the Armed Forces in troubled regions. He authorised the police to recruit 20,000 new officers, bringing the total to 50,000, and approved the use of National Youth Service Corps camps as temporary training facilities. “My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation,” Tinubu said. The president directed the Department of State Services to deploy trained forest guards to flush out bandits and terrorists hiding in forests and to recruit more personnel for forest operations. He reiterated that officers withdrawn from VIP duties should undergo crash training before redeployment to critical areas.

Military officers in Guinea-Bissau have taken control of the government, suspended the country’s electoral process and declared they will be in control “until further notice”. On Monday, President Umaro Embaló, who is seeking to re-election, and Fernando Dias, his main opponent, both declared victory in the country’s election even though the electoral commission had not released official results. As the country awaited official results, both sides claimed that their contenders exceeded the 50 percent threshold needed to win outright, eliminating the need for a run-off. In a statement on Wednesday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) noted that the buildup to the elections was marked by multiple security, political, and institutional issues. Just before the start of election campaigns, the Guinea-Bissau government said it successfully thwarted an alleged coup attempt. Mamadu Ture, deputy chief of staff, accused Daba Nawalna, a brigadier-general and director of a military training centre, of being the mastermind of the alleged plot. However, later on Wednesday, Embaló told Jeune Afrique that he was arrested at around 1pm in his office at the presidential palace. Biaguê Na Ntan, armed forces’ chief of staff; Botché Candé, interior minister; and Ture were also arrested. The coup leaders issued a communique, claiming the “High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order” was reacting to a destabilisation plot “put in place by certain national politicians with the participation of [a] well-known drug baron,” according to the Africa Report. Embaló said the officers did not use force and called it a coup. The country’s electoral commission is set to announce the results on Thursday.

The Oyo State Government has issued a high-level security alert following intelligence suggesting that a notorious militia leader identified as “Boyi Actor”, who is on the wanted list in Ogun and several other states, has been sighted in Saki, a border town in the Oke-Ogun area of the state. According to an internal memo dated November 23, 2025, and signed by CP Odukoya Sunday Babatunde (Rtd.), Executive Assistant on Security to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the warning was triggered by information received from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo Command. The document, obtained by Oyo Affairs, reveals that Boyi Actor was reportedly seen moving in a black tinted vehicle, though details of the car’s make and model had not yet been provided by security sources. The memo suggests that the suspect’s presence in Oyo State may be part of a wider movement to pave way for members of his group from Niger, Kwara and Kaduna States, raising concerns about possible coordinated infiltration. To prevent any potential attack, Babatunde directed the NSCDC and other security outfits in the state to immediately activate surveillance and tighten security at all entry and exit points. ‘M’ who is on wanted list of Ogun State and others States in Nigeria was sighted in a Black Tinted Car, though the make and model of the car is yet to be received from the Author. The suspect sighted in Saki town Oyo State. “This means that, the suspect coming to Oyo State is to pave way for members of his group from Niger. Kwara, and Kaduna States. “It is necessary to quickly activate your security methodology along the Exits/inlet points into the State.” He listed several critical locations requiring heightened protection, including: Governor’s Office and Government House, Government ministries and installations, all schools – universities, secondary and primary schools. Others are recreation centres, banks, bus terminals and garages, churches, mosques, security barracks and formations. The memo also emphasised the need for increased visibility of security operatives, intensified stop-and-search operations, and enhanced vehicle patrols across the state.

A new video has surfaced showing that the Nigerian government and the bandits who abducted the Kebbi schoolgirls negotiated and arrived at a deal before the girls were set free. Recall that some kidnapped students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, were released on Tuesday with the government claiming that no ransom was paid before their release. But a video has surfaced online revealing that the government had negotiated with the abductors before the girls were set free. In the clip shared by @AM_Saleeem on X, one of the armed men is heard questioning the schoolgirls about military aircraft that flew over the forest during their captivity. He asks how many jets passed above them, and the girls respond, “uncountable.” The kidnapper then boasts that the authorities could not rescue the students by force and had to negotiate. The abductors also asked the girls about their condition in captivity. “Did we leave you hungry?” one bandit asked. “No,” the girls replied. “Were you assaulted in any way?” he asked again. “No,” they answered. Another kidnapper told them, “We will take you back home safe to your parents, we are doing this based on peace deals.” He also mocked the government again, asking, “How many helicopters did you see hover around?” The students replied that they could not count them. At the end of the video, one of the abductors declared, “We are letting you go after negotiations. Your government cannot rescue you with might. Your government has failed.” The footage appeared shortly after Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced that all abducted students had been freed. The girls, who were kidnapped after armed men stormed their school and killed the vice-principal, were later seen smiling inside a bus as officials prepared to transport them to Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. Authorities have said the students will be handed over to their parents today (Wednesday).

Popular Nigerian journalist and Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has raised concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government regarding the release of 24 schoolgirls abducted by bandits in Maga, Kebbi State, last week. In a now viral video on Wednesday, Oseni lamented that Tinubu’s government is negotiating with bandits to secure the release of the schoolgirls instead of using a kinetic approach. He said Tinubu’s government, which handed the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, life imprisonment for inciting violence, is now negotiating with bandits for the release of kidnapped victims. “I am happy about the fact that the kidnapped people were released. Halluaah. But what do they mean that they spoke with the kidnappers or bandits, and they released the people? Is it that you people did not arrest them? And you left them to go like that so that they will kidnap another person just as they have done? I shoulder a disbelief at what is happening in Nigeria. You negotiated with the criminals, bandits, and terrorists as what? a business partners? Should the government be negotiating in a case where it has superpowers? The same government has jailed Nmandi to life imprisonment for inciting violence. Still, the same people who kidnap and take people against their will, the government has the temerity to say we negotiate with them”, he said in the viral video X on Wednesday. THENEWSCREDIT reports that 24 schoolgirls were released by bandits on Tuesday. Reacting president Tinubu said, “I am relieved that all 24 girls have been accounted for.” The manner of their release had continued to generate concerns among Nigerians. Earlier, Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, faulted the rescue of 38 abducted members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, Eruku, in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, without the arrest of the kidnappers. However, a presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in an interview on Arise TV, said, “The security personnel must act carefully to avoid harming citizens”, he explained as reasons bandits are not arrested.

The Southern Governors’ Forum is scheduled to meet on Wednesday in Iperu, Ogun State, to deliberate on key national and regional issues. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, Kayode Akinmade, on Wednesday. The meeting, billed for 10am will take place at the governor’s residence in Iperu. According to the statement, the governors will also engage in a joint session with the Southern Traditional Rulers Council at 1pm to strengthen collaboration between political leaders and traditional institutions on matters of shared concern. Ahead of the meeting, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, in a post on X, said the state was pleased to welcome participating governors and traditional rulers. Abiodun said, “As we prepare to host the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting today, we were pleased to receive some of the distinguished attendees, particularly traditional rulers and respected leaders from across the southern region. “Their visit offered us the opportunity to deepen ongoing engagements and align our shared expectations ahead of the gathering. “We value the presence of our royal fathers and regional leaders, whose wisdom and guidance continue to enrich our processes. “As host, we remain committed to creating an atmosphere that encourages honest dialogue and fosters stronger collaboration among all stakeholders as we work together for the peace, stability, and development of our region and country by extension.” The forum is expected to address security, economic cooperation and other pressing issues affecting the southern region.

The Federal Government has officially outlawed open grazing nationwide as part of a broader strategy to end the recurring clashes between farmers and herders. The decision was revealed on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, at the inauguration of the maiden National Council on Livestock Development held in Yola, Adamawa State. Maiha noted that the long-running conflict has inflicted heavy human and economic losses, leaving many communities devastated. He stressed that the violence has displaced countless families and destroyed farmlands and livestock. According to him, “Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardships, including the killing of innocent farmers and herders, as a result of open grazing. There is an urgent need to put a stop to this problem,” he said. The minister further explained that the practice of open grazing has now been classified as a capital offense, urging herders to transition fully to ranching. He maintained that structured ranching systems offer better safety and higher productivity. “Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” he added. Insecurity: Tinubu orders 24-hour aerial cordon on Kwara, Kebbi, Niger Maiha also pointed to the sector’s economic prospects, saying the ministry aims to make livestock development Nigeria’s second-biggest revenue source after oil. He disclosed that the government projects about $74 billion in revenue within five years, with over $14 billion already generated through current livestock programmes. Declaring the council open, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, said Adamawa remains one of the country’s strongest livestock zones, making it a fitting location for the event. The newly formed National Council on Livestock Development brings together directors of livestock from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The council is expected to drive reforms, monitor policy execution, and strengthen the modernization of Nigeria’s livestock industry

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has described attacks on schools as an act of terrorism aimed at denying Nigerian children access to education. This is just as Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago confirmed the escape of more abducted children of St Mary’s Catholic School. The IGP stated this during a courtesy visit on Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago in Minna on Tuesday, noting that Nigeria is facing a severe security crisis, with various terrorist groups and bandits unleashing violence across the country. He described as unacceptable the recent attack and abduction of school children at the St Mary’s Catholic Church Agwara in Niger State, and similar incidents in Kwara and Kebbi states. Benue Assembly extends former Speaker Dajoh’s suspension “While we are encouraged that 50 of the children of St Mary’s Catholic School escaped and reunited with their families, we are still carrying the burden of ensuring the remaining children are rescued. This is because, if any community is attacked, the whole communities in Nigeria are attacked,” he noted. Egbetokun called for collective efforts by governments, security agencies including vigilante, and community leaders, to address security challenges facing Niger State and Nigeria at large. He said, “This is not the best of times. Niger State is facing deep troubling security moment with recent displacement of communities, pressure at its border areas and other criminalities. This demands for collective efforts and action to tackle them because Niger State is important in Nigeria, especially with recent abduction of school children.” While thanking the Niger State governor for supporting the Police in discharging it’s duties, he stated that additional critical tactical assets and intelligence have been drafted to the state to ensure the safe release of the abducted children. Responding, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago appreciated the IGP for the visit and the swift response while assuring him of continued collaboration in providing security for citizens of the state. He, however, stated that the state cannot ascertain the exact number of children abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School and hence decided to open a register for parents to step forward and write down names of their children. “We don’t know the exact number of children abducted. This is because, the Catholic Church is going back and forth on the number. However, what matters is we are making efforts to rescue them. We have opened a register for the parents to register names of their children and we will ensure, we recover all missing children. “We have also confirmed the freedom of more abducted children of St Mary’s Catholic School and we will disclose the number later in the day,” Bago stated. He also called for prayers for the country’s democracy saying, “Nigeria is under security threat and we must all rise up and defend its honour and glory.”

The Federal Ministry of Education has rolled out the Inspire Live(s) Online Real-Time Classes Initiative, a nationwide digital learning programme aimed at expanding access to quality education for schoolchildren across Nigeria. The ministry, in a statement on Tuesday signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, described the initiative as a groundbreaking programme designed to expand equitable access to quality learning for every Nigerian child, adding that it aligns with the “Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.” According to the statement, the programme was created to address long-standing challenges in the education sector, including shortages of qualified teachers and disruptions to learning. By streaming live, interactive lessons directly to students, the ministry said Inspire Live(s) “democratises access to quality education and ensures that no child is left behind regardless of location or circumstance.” The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed that full implementation has begun. He noted that the rollout “is underway, with expansion set to cover all classes from Primary 1 to Senior Secondary 3.” Currently, the Inspire platform hosts online classes for JSS and SSS students. The ministry said the classes hold “Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.” and are delivered by “certified master teachers using Cisco Webex.” The statement listed the subjects available for Junior Secondary School learners, which include Basic Science, Mathematics, English Language, ICT, Agricultural Science, Basic Technology, Civic Education, French, Physical Education, Religious Studies, History, and Business Studies. For Senior Secondary School learners, the subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, Agricultural Science, Technical Drawing/Catering Craft, Civic Education, and Automobile Mechanics. To ensure nationwide participation, the ministry said it had directed all state Commissioners for Education to take specific steps. “These include nominating “a State Focal Officer to coordinate Inspire Live(s) activities,” and circulating “programme details to all public and private school principals.” The ministry further instructed states to “ensure designated schools are equipped with basic ICT facilities and internet connectivity,” emphasising that the programme requires minimum digital capability for seamless delivery. It added that registration for participation “is strictly to be conducted by school principals via the Inspire support channels.” The statement stressed that the online classes are not restricted to government institutions, noting that the programme “is open to all public and private schools in the country to access.”