Benin Republic experienced an attempted coup on December 7, 2025, when a group of soldiers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), announced on state television that they had seized power from President Patrice Talon. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, the group claimed to have dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and closed the country's borders. However, the Benin government swiftly responded, stating that the attempted coup had been foiled. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that loyalist forces, including the national guard, had regained control of key government installations and restored order. President Talon was reported safe, although his exact location wasn't disclosed. - Coup Announcement: Soldiers appeared on state TV, declaring the takeover and citing deteriorating security conditions in northern Benin as a reason. - Government Response: Loyalist forces quickly moved to regain control, wit...

William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, ending his decade-long career with the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. The 31-year-old defender made the announcement via a heartfelt statement on his social media platform. Troost-Ekong earned 83 caps for Nigeria and featured in five major tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and three AFCON editions. He captained the team, leading them to the 2023 AFCON final, where he scored and was named Player of the Tournament. He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian people, coaches, and teammates for their support throughout his career. While he's stepping away from international football, he emphasized that his love for the country and the team will never fade.

With William Troost-Ekong's retirement from international football, the spotlight is now on Wilfred Ndidi to potentially take over as the Super Eagles captain. Ndidi has been considered a top contender for the role, especially given his experience and leadership qualities. Ndidi has shown impressive leadership skills on and off the pitch, earning him the respect of his teammates and coaches. With years of experience playing for the Super Eagles, Ndidi has a deep understanding of the team's dynamics and the challenges they face. Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has endorsed Ndidi as a suitable candidate for the captaincy, citing the respect he commands within the squad. Other potential candidates include Victor Osimhen, who has leadership abilities and experience. The final decision on the captaincy will likely be made by the team's coach, Eric Chelle. Troost-Ekong's retirement leaves a void in the team, but with capable players like Ndidi ...

A fight broke out between soldiers and police officers at a busy market in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The altercation occurred on Monday, December 1, 2025, along Ahmadu Bello Way, and was sparked by a dispute over a roadside phone repair. A soldier attempted to arrest a trader who had allegedly damaged his phone, but a policeman intervened, advising the soldier to take the matter to a police station instead. The situation escalated when the soldier called in reinforcements, who arrived in a Hilux vehicle and assaulted the policeman, leaving him wounded and stealing his rifle. Traders and shoppers scrambled for safety as the two groups exchanged blows, with at least two soldiers and two policemen involved in the brawl. The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the incident, stating that the personnel involved have been sanctioned accordingly. The command assured the public that the situation is under control and measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a judgment that bars the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from seizing vehicles or imposing fines on motorists. The court ruled that VIO officials lack the statutory power to stop, impound, confiscate, or impose fines on vehicles, as such actions violate motorists' fundamental rights. The judgment emphasized that the actions of VIO officials breached motorists' rights to fair hearing, freedom of movement, and presumption of innocence, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. The court issued a perpetual injunction restraining VIO officials from further violating Nigerians' rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership without lawful justification. The court awarded N2.5 million in damages to the applicant, Abubakar Marshal, and an additional N1 million in costs, bringing the total to N3.5 million. This judgment sets a precedent that ma...

Scott McTominay has made history by becoming the first Scottish player to win the Serie A Footballer of the Year award. He joins an elite list of past winners including Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kaka, Francesco Totti, and Zinedine Zidane. McTominay had an incredible debut season with Napoli, scoring 12 goals in Serie A and breaking Denis Law's record for most goals scored by a Scot in a single campaign. He also helped Scotland qualify for the 2026 World Cup, netting a stunning overhead kick in a crucial match against Denmark. McTominay's impressive performances earned him several prestigious prizes, including the Serie A MVP award and a spot in the Serie A Team of the Season. About the Award The Serie A Footballer of the Year award is a prestigious honor that recognizes the best player in Italy's top division. McTominay's win marks a significant milestone in his career, cementing his status as one of the top midfielders in the league...

Tension is brewing in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, after residents spotted a truck loaded with dozens of young men, motorcycles, and cows arriving from Northern Nigeria.  The incident has sparked concerns about security risks and possible breakdown of order. Residents are urging authorities to investigate the purpose of the movement and increase patrols and security presence in the area.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced new cash withdrawal limits effective January 1, 2026. Individuals can now withdraw up to ₦500,000 weekly, while corporate entities can withdraw up to ₦5 million weekly. ATM withdrawal limits are set at ₦100,000 daily and ₦500,000 weekly. Excess withdrawal fees will apply, and some accounts are exempt from the limits. . Here's a breakdown of the changes  New Weekly Withdrawal Limits: - Individuals: ₦500,000 - Corporate entities: ₦5 million ATM Withdrawal Limits: - Daily limit: ₦100,000 - Weekly limit: ₦500,000 (cumulative) Excess Withdrawal Fees: - Individuals: 3% of excess amount withdrawn - Corporate entities: 5% of excess amount withdrawn - Fees will be shared between CBN (40%) and commercial banks (60%) Exemptions: - Revenue-generating accounts of federal, state, and local governments - Accounts of microfinance banks and primary mortgage banks - No exemptions for embassies, diplomatic missions, and aid-donor agencies Other Ch...