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Nigerian Soldiers Detained After ‘Forced Landing’ in Burkina Faso—AES Declares Airspace Violation

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

At least 11 Nigerian soldiers are currently detained in Burkina Faso. The detention occurs within a complex regional context, as Burkina Faso—along with Mali and Niger—has severed ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following military coups in all three nations.

In protest of their ECOWAS suspension, the trio formed a rival alliance known as the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).

Had a recent coup attempt in the neighbouring Republic of Benin succeeded, the AES bloc might have gained a fourth member.

Nigeria had played a key role in foiling the coup before ECOWAS sent its standby force to Benin to assist the government to fully reclaim order.

It is unclear if a Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 11 soldiers was part of the standby force or among the troops deployed to crush the insurrection in Benin.

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President Bola Tinubu had confirmed deployment of Nigerian troops in Benin.

The development was officially reported by Burkina Faso’s state-run news agency, the Agence d’Information du Burkina (AIB).

In a statement on Monday, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) claimed that a Nigerian military aircraft carrying 11 soldiers had violated Burkina Faso’s airspace and was consequently forced to land.

The alliance described the incident as a breach of sovereignty, vowing to defend its airspace.

“The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace. The military aircraft had two (2) crew members and nine (9) passengers on board, all military personnel.”

“An investigation was immediately opened by the competent Burkinabe services and highlighted the lack of authorisation to fly over Burkinabe territory for this military apparatus.

“The Confederation of the Sahel States most strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.

“Faced with this unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law and international civil and/or military aviation rules, arrangements are made to guarantee the security of the Confederal airspace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its Member States, as well as the safety of the Populations of the Confederation AES.

“In this regard, and on the instructions of the Heads of State, the Arian and anti-aircraft defences of the Confederal space put on maximum alert, in accordance with the Declaration of the College of Heads of State dated December 22, 2024, were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the confederal space.”

As of now, the Nigerian government has not officially commented on the development.

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Former VP Atiku, Gov. Makinde Hold Closed-Door Talks with IBB in Minna

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde are currently engaged in a closed-door meeting with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), at his Uphill Residence in Minna.

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Atiku arrived in Minna at approximately 1:30 PM local time, proceeding directly from the airport to the meeting venue. Governor Seyi Makinde joined the session around 2:10 PM, after which the high-level discussions commenced.

A brief press statement may be issued following the conclusion of the private talks. The agenda and details of the meeting remain undisclosed.

 

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Senate Approves Manual transmission of Results as Backup to Electronic

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Senate has, on February 10, 2026, amended votes and proceedings of its plenary sitting last week Wednesday 4th February, with regards to its resolutions on the provisions of section 60 sub 3 in the electoral act amendment bill.

The motion moved today by the Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno and endorsed by the Senate is with regards to transmission of election results from polling units.

Following the motion, senate adopts electronic means for the transmission of election results, but should there be a communication glitch that leads to failure of delivery by the electronic means, the form EC8, which contains the results at polling unit, duely entered on the form, stamped and signed by the election officer and counter signed by the various agents shall be the primary source of collation.

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After the vote on the motion, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe moved a counter motion calling for a division, that is individual voting on the section 60 sub 3.

He however withdrew the motion, and Akpabio, after a brief pause and back and forth, eventually upheld Abaribe’s position and allowed the withdrawal to stand.

Meanwhile, the Senate has appointed 12 members to work with the House of Representatives on the Electoral Amendment Act.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the members of the committee on during the emergency plenary session.

Among the members are Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Tahir Mungono.

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Alhaji Alkasim Musa Rewards Kano Pillars Players with ₦1.2m After Remo Stars Victory

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It was a moment of joy and motivation for Sai Masu Gida on Sunday as Kano Pillars FC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Remo Stars and were handsomely rewarded for their dominant display.

Businessman and staunch supporter of the club, Alhaji Alkasim Musa, gifted the Kano Pillars players the sum of ₦1 million in appreciation of their impressive performance and fighting spirit against the visitors.

Mid-season signing Luis Dadong proved to be the difference on the day, netting the decisive goal in the 57th minute to secure all three points for the Pride of Kano at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

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At the end of the encounter, midfielder Olakunle Alaka was named Man of the Match, an award presented by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter. In recognition of his outstanding display, Alhaji Alkasim Musa further rewarded Alaka with an additional ₦200,000.

The generous gesture by Alhaji Alkasim Musa was warmly received by the players and officials, serving as a major morale boost as the team continues its push for a strong finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Next up, Sai Masu Gida will be on the road as they travel to Ilorin, Kwara State, to face Kwara United in NPFL Matchday 26, aiming to build on the momentum and secure valuable points away from home.

 

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