Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: National Security

  • Minister of Defense Explains Delay in Publicly Confirming Foiled Coup Attempt

    Minister of Defense Explains Delay in Publicly Confirming Foiled Coup Attempt

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the Minister of Defense, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has clarified why the military initially withheld information regarding a failed coup attempt against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Speaking on a national television program, the Minister explained that the sensitivity of the situation required a thorough investigation to ensure all facts were verified before a public statement was made.

    The Minister emphasized that the attempt was a result of gross indiscipline and that those involved are fully aware of the grave consequences of their actions. He noted that the military’s priority was to maintain national stability and prevent panic while the intelligence services worked to identify all conspirators involved in the plot, which reportedly originated in late 2025.

    The development was also extensively covered by Channels TV, where the Minister was quoted saying: “Coup is such a serious thing that we don’t want to say this today and tomorrow we say another thing.” Premium Times corroborated the story, adding that security at the Presidential Villa has been significantly bolstered. A security analyst featured in their report noted: “The transparency now being shown by the defense headquarters is a sign of internal confidence.”

    Echotitbits take:

    This admission highlights the lingering fragility in the West African democratic landscape, following a wave of successful coups in neighboring countries. By coming clean, the government is attempting to project strength and control. Watch for potential court-martials in the coming weeks, as the military seeks to use these “consequences” to deter any further thoughts of insurrection within the ranks.

    Source: ThisDay – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/02/02/coup-attempt-i-was-targeted-for-elimination-says-defence-minister/, and February 2, 2026

    Photo credit: ThisDay

  • Intelligence Agencies Uncover Major Conspiracy Against Presidential Administration

    Intelligence Agencies Uncover Major Conspiracy Against Presidential Administration

    In an update published by Premium Times on February 1st, 2026, Nigerian security forces have concluded an extensive investigation into a suspected coup plot aimed at toppling the current administration. A total of 40 suspects, including high-ranking military officers and several civilians, have been identified and detained for their alleged roles in reconnaissance, funding, and the spread of anti-government propaganda.

    Figures cited by Channels TV indicate that the suspects were allegedly planning to seize strategic locations such as the Presidential Villa and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The report clarifies that the Defence Headquarters has already forwarded the case files to the appropriate superior authorities for court-martial proceedings. “We remain committed to the sanctity of our democracy and will ensure that any element attempting to truncate it faces the full weight of the law,” a military source told the outlet.

    Reporting by The Nation further validates the development, revealing that some of the suspects were tracked through encrypted communication channels. The publication quoted a senior SSS official who said, “The level of sophistication in the planning was alarming, but our intelligence apparatus was three steps ahead to ensure stability.”

    Echotitbits take: The revelation of a coup plot involving “high-ranking officers” is a serious security concern that underscores internal tensions within the defense architecture. While the government has successfully neutralized the threat, the focus now shifts to the transparency of the trials and whether this will lead to a wider shake-up of the military top brass.

    Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1694779-popular-nollywood-actor-reportedly-implicated-alleged-plot-tinubu-arrested/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: Legit.ng

  • Security Agencies Nab Popular Actor Over Alleged Coup Involvement

    Security Agencies Nab Popular Actor Over Alleged Coup Involvement

    In an update published by Premium Times, security forces have confirmed the discreet arrest of Nollywood actor and former Actors Guild chairman, Stanley Amandi, in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Amandi was reportedly taken into custody in Enugu by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) during a quiet operation that initially left his family in the dark. The investigation is said to involve both high-ranking military officers and civilian collaborators linked to the foiled coup attempt.

    The actor’s family initially suspected the Department of State Services (DSS) was behind the move due to the opaque nature of the arrest. However, formal correspondence later clarified that the DIA is leading the probe into what has been described as a “national security threat.” Amandi’s legal team and family have already raised concerns regarding his health, specifically citing his battle with hypertension, while requesting immediate access to him in detention.

    The arrest has also been detailed by The Punch and Daily Post. The Punch stated that “the operation marks a significant expansion of the government’s crackdown on alleged dissenters,” while Daily Post reported that “security is being beefed up in Enugu following the actor’s detention.”

    Echotitbits take:

    The involvement of a civilian entertainment figure in a coup investigation is rare and suggests the government is casting a wide net to identify “civilian influencers” potentially tied to military unrest. Watch for a public statement from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) as this could trigger a rift between the creative industry and the security apparatus.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/nollywood-actor-stanley-amandi-arrested-for-alleged-role-in-coup-plot-against-tinubu/, January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: BusinessDay

  • Plot to Assassinate President Tinubu and Top Officials Uncovered

    Plot to Assassinate President Tinubu and Top Officials Uncovered

    Premium Times reports (January 30, 2026) that a joint intelligence operation involving the Nigerian Army and the State Security Service (SSS) uncovered and disrupted an alleged plot aimed at overthrowing the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    The alleged conspiracy, said to have taken shape in late 2025, reportedly targeted President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for assassination.

    Investigations reportedly advanced after a military whistleblower raised an alarm about a planned strike during a major presidential outing, prompting the cancellation of some high-profile national events and a wave of arrests of alleged military and civilian collaborators.

    ThisDay and The Nation also reported additional details, including claims of coordinated suspect activity and ongoing efforts to trace alleged financial sponsors.

    Echotitbits take: This development highlights persistent friction within parts of the security architecture and political class. While disrupting the plot is a major security win, the administration will need to manage public perception of instability. Expect tighter surveillance in Abuja and possible reshuffling of mid-level military commands in the weeks ahead.

    Source: Daily Trust – https://dailytrust.com/how-coup-to-topple-tinubu-was-uncovered-foiled/ 2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: Daily Trust

  • Nigerian Senate Demands Briefing on U.S. Airstrikes in Sokoto Territory

    Nigerian Senate Demands Briefing on U.S. Airstrikes in Sokoto Territory

    Reporting by The Nation indicates that the Nigerian Senate has resolved to conduct a high-level, closed-door security briefing regarding the United States military airstrikes carried out in Sokoto State. Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, raised a point of order questioning the federal executive’s failure to consult the National Assembly before allowing foreign military intervention on sovereign soil. Senate leadership, headed by Godswill Akpabio, confirmed that an executive session has been scheduled to address these concerns and examine the legal framework surrounding foreign combat operations within Nigeria’s borders.

    The debate in the red chamber centers on the perceived violation of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the exclusion of the legislative arm from sensitive security decisions. While the executive branch maintains that the strikes targeted specific terrorist hideouts to bolster regional stability, lawmakers are demanding transparency regarding the rules of engagement and decision-making protocols.

    The development was corroborated by Vanguard, which reported that the Senate summoned the nation’s security chiefs to explain the circumstances surrounding the U.S. air operations. Premium Times also followed the legislative tension, quoting Senator Ningi’s position that the National Assembly must not be sidelined in sovereignty-related decisions.

    Echotitbits take: This is a rare display of legislative pushback against executive security arrangements. While U.S. support can be tactically beneficial against insurgents, the Senate’s demand for a briefing signals a shift toward stricter oversight that could complicate future joint operations unless formal protocols are clarified.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/senate-moves-us-air-strikes-debate-behind-closed-doors/ 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Nigeria and Türkiye Finalize Defense Agreement for Local Drone Manufacturing

    Nigeria and Türkiye Finalize Defense Agreement for Local Drone Manufacturing

    Nigeria and Türkiye have finalized a defense pact centered on establishing a drone manufacturing plant in Nigeria, as bilateral talks between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan produced a technology-focused agreement.

    The deal includes a technology transfer clause and training for Nigerian engineers in Ankara, positioning Nigeria to move from being a buyer of defense hardware to a regional producer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

    Officials say the manufacturing hub could create thousands of skilled jobs while enhancing internal security capacity through local maintenance, assembly, and eventual production.

    Echotitbits take: This is a major takeaway from Tinubu’s Türkiye engagement. Moving from buying drones to manufacturing locally can cut long-run security costs and may position Nigeria as a drone exporter to other African markets—if the tech transfer is real and sustained.
    Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/nigeria-turkey-deepen-defence-ties-as-dicon-d7g-unlocks-advanced-military-manufacturing/ 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Nigerian Troops Neutralize Terror Commanders in Sambisa Forest Raid

    Nigerian Troops Neutralize Terror Commanders in Sambisa Forest Raid

    Nigerian Troops Neutralize Terror Commanders in Sambisa Forest Raid

    In an update published by Daily Post, the Nigerian military’s Operation Hadin Kai recorded a significant victory against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains. During Operation Desert Sanity V, ground troops reportedly repelled an ambush, resulting in the death of 10 terrorists. Two high-ranking commanders, identified as Basulhu and Ubaida, were among those neutralized.

    The operation also led to the recovery of weapons, communication gadgets, and logistics supplies. Military sources said the encounter at Malkube was particularly intense, but that the troops suffered no casualties. The offensive is part of a renewed dry-season push to eliminate the remnants of terror cells attempting to regroup along the border with Cameroon.

    Further reporting from The Punch confirmed the military’s success, quoting a spokesperson who said forces are maintaining a high tempo to ensure no safe haven remains for insurgent elements. Leadership newspaper also validated the report, adding that civilian intelligence played a key role in tracking the movements of the neutralized commanders.

    Echotitbits take: Eliminating top-tier commanders is a major blow to insurgents’ command-and-control structures. Beyond battlefield wins, the next challenge is holding territory long enough for displaced residents to return safely. Expect increased border patrols to prevent fighters from slipping into neighboring countries.

    Source: Zagozola — https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/troops-neutralise-two-terrorists-recover-arms-in-sambisa-forest (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: Zagozola 2026-01-23

  • Defence minister warns terror sponsors: ‘friend of a thief is a thief’

    Defence minister warns terror sponsors: ‘friend of a thief is a thief’

    In an update published by The Guardian Nigeria, Defence Minister Christopher Musa warned that anyone supporting terrorists, insurgents and bandits should stop immediately, urging citizens to share timely intelligence with security agencies.

    The minister’s remarks were made during activities linked to the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day events in Abuja, where leaders pushed a message of national support for troops.

    The statement signals a harder stance on collaborators and enablers—an issue that has often complicated counterterror operations and prosecutions.

    Security observers say follow-through will require credible investigations, lawful prosecutions, and protection for whistleblowers and communities providing information.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s security war is as much about logistics and intelligence as firepower. Watch for concrete arrests/prosecutions of financiers and facilitators—not only battlefield gains.

    Source: The Guardian Nigeria – https://guardian.ng/news/friend-of-a-thief-is-a-thief-defence-minister-warns-terrorist-sponsors-bandits/ 11 January 2026

    The Guardian Nigeria 2026-01-11

    Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria

  • EFCC Alleges Coordinated Media Campaign to Undermine Ongoing Investigations

    EFCC Alleges Coordinated Media Campaign to Undermine Ongoing Investigations

    Evidence compiled by Vanguard suggests the EFCC has raised an alarm over what it called a coordinated ‘campaign of calumny’ allegedly sponsored by suspects and other actors to discredit the agency and its leadership.

    The commission said the narratives are designed to frame investigations as politically motivated and to pressure the agency away from prosecutions and asset recovery efforts.

    EFCC officials urged the public to be cautious about unverified claims circulating online.

    **Echotitbits take:** Public smear campaigns often spike when investigations get close to sensitive targets. Watch for whether EFCC releases supporting details, and how institutions manage the balance between transparency and ongoing case integrity.
    Source: PmNews – https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/01/08/efcc-alleges-coordinated-smear-campaign-ahead-of-2027-elections/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: PmNews

  • Army chief vows to contain terrorism as calls grow for state policing and forest guards

    Army chief vows to contain terrorism as calls grow for state policing and forest guards

    In an update published by The Guardian Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Army is committed to containing the terror threat while reviewing doctrine and training for 2026 operations.

    The remarks were delivered around the Army’s doctrine and training conference, framed as an annual reset to adapt to a more complex security environment.

    Alongside the military messaging, a public-policy think tank urged deeper reforms, arguing lasting results require reclaiming ungoverned spaces through state policing and institutional forest guards.

    The broader signal is that Abuja’s security conversation is moving beyond deployments to governance design—who polices what, how forests are secured, and how accountability is shared.

    Vanguard separately reported the COAS “promises enhanced security” during engagements in Niger State. ThisDay also carried the operational push, reporting the Army would “deploy more troops… to crush terrorist attacks.”

    Echotitbits take: The test is coordination—intelligence fusion, forest control, and prosecution pipelines. Watch whether state-level security structures gain clear legal backing or remain ad-hoc.

    Source: Punch – https://punchng.com/army-will-curb-terrorists-attacks-in-niger-nationwide-coas/ January 7, 2026
    Punch Nigeria January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: Punch