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Revealed: Timipre Sylva On The Run As Security Operatives Raided Abuja Residence Over Linkage To Coup Plot

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Some Nigerian Army personnel have conducted a raid on the Abuja residence of Timipre Marlin Sylva, a former governor and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. The operation is reportedly linked to an alleged coup plot currently under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

According to multiple security sources who spoke with SaharaReporters on Tuesday, the military action targeted Sylva’s home in the affluent Maitama district of the nation’s capital.

According to insiders, a “special military team” carried out the operation after intelligence linked the “former South-South governor” to secret meetings allegedly held with some of the detained military officers.

“Nigerian Army special team ransacked the home of Timipre Sylva, who is believed to have fled Nigeria,” one top source familiar with the development told SaharaReporters.

“He is the South-South former governor frequently mentioned in the case. His brother, named Paga, was picked up during the raid. The operation also extended to his Bayelsa residence.”

Another security insider said that while no official statement had been issued regarding the raid, the action was “not random” but “a direct response to intelligence linking certain political figures to the alleged plotters.”

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This development comes amid growing tension within the armed forces following reports that at least 16 senior military officers had been detained incommunicado by the DIA over an alleged coup plot.

The detained officers, drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, have been held for over three weeks in an undisclosed Abuja facility under what sources described as “unusual and suspicious conditions.”

According to the reports from Daily Trust and Sahara Reporters, the families of the detained officers told their sources that at first they believed their relatives had been kidnapped, as there was no official communication from the military regarding their arrests.

“It’s been 18 days since those 16 officers were detained in an undisclosed location. At first, we thought our brother was kidnapped before finding out what transpired from his friend who works in the NSA office,” a family member had told Sahara Reporters.

Security analysts have questioned why the DIA, an intelligence agency under the Ministry of Defence, is spearheading the investigation instead of allowing each military service to handle its personnel internally, a move seen as “highly political.”

“If the military were truly conducting a disciplinary operation, over 10,000 cases could emerge. Why only 16 officers, and why hand them to the DIA?” one retired officer asked. “This smells of politics. There’s clearly more going on behind the scenes.”

Speculations are now rife that the alleged plot and subsequent arrests may have deeper political undertones, potentially involving some former office holders with ties to late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Recall that the Nigerian Tracker News reported that after the arrest of the 16 officers, further investigation into the matter revealed that the said coup plot is being funded and engineered by a certain former governor from the south as he has been placed on watch, and being investigated for any involvement with the 16 army officers detained.

Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and a close ally of late Buhari, served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources between 2019 and 2023.

He was also the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the November 2023 Bayelsa election, which he lost to incumbent Governor Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

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News Analysis: Wike in the Wilderness as Fubara Dines with the APC

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was issued the membership card of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

The party’s membership card issuance took place at the Rivers State government house, and it marks the official transitioning of governor Fubara to the fold of the ruling party, APC.

Speaking during the officiating, governor Fubara expressed joy, stating that President Tinubu’s vision will now be shared with the state.

“To everything under the sun, there is a time and season and I am happy today that I formally obtained the membership card of the APC.

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This primarily, is to align our dear state with the ruling party at the centre, with a firm belief in Mr President and the Renewed Hope Agenda to rapidly contribute to the growth, stability and development of Rivers State,” Fubara said.

The sudden and shocking defection of governor Fubara from the PDP to APC has been one of the top trending national discourse recently.

Netizens have proclaimed the “use and dump” tactics on Wike, saying that the presidency no longer see value in him.

Unverified reports have it that the FCT Minister might not make it to the next administration of President Tinubu if he gets re-elected since they’re now with governor Fubara, who commands the leadership of APC in the State now.

Also, rumors have it that Wike tried all he could to sabotage the defection of governor Fubara into the All Progressives Congress, but all to no avail.

Consequently, people have been inquisitive:

1. Will Wike now Join APC in order to wield state supremacy?
2. Will he work for or against the very APC he worked for during 2023 presidential election?
3. If he doesn’t join the APC, will 2027 be the end of his political relevance?

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FG Bans New SS3 Admissions Nationwide to Fight Exam Malpractice

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools, effective from the 2026/27 academic session.

The directive was disclosed in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.

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According to the ministry, the decision follows growing concerns over widespread examination malpractices, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations. Under the new policy, student admissions and transfers will be permitted only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).

“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the ministry stated.

Officials explained that the measure is intended to prevent last-minute movement of students for examination advantages, ensure proper academic monitoring, and promote continuity in teaching and learning.

School proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country have been directed to comply strictly with the policy, with the ministry warning that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations.

The statement reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring confidence in public examinations nationwide.

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DG National Productivity Centre congratulates Gov. Namadi on award of Doctorate Degree

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The Director General, National Productivity Center, Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, extends heartfelt congratulations to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi on being awarded an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) in Business and Sustainability by the Federal University of Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

In his message to pressmen and media, Babba Dan Agundi described the honor as a well-deserved recognition of Governor Namadi’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to transparent governance, public service reforms, agricultural development and productivity, education, youth empowerment, as well as economic development in Jigawa State and beyond.

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The Director General joins fellow citizens in celebrating this “remarkable milestone” and offers prayers for continued wisdom and success in the Governor’s efforts to drive progress in the state.

“This prestigious recognition reflects your exemplary leadership and commitment to public service, youth empowerment, and economic growth in Jigawa State,” he said.

Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi highlighted that this award is not only a personal achievement for Governor Namadi but also a source of pride for all Jigawa State citizens.

He commended the Federal University of Otuoke for recognizing excellence in public policy and administration, noting that Governor Namadi’s distinction will inspire many in and out of public office to embrace service with integrity and discipline.

 

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