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Tinubu Commends Nigerian Military for Foiling Coup in Benin Republic

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
President Tinubu praises Nigerian armed forces for their rapid response to Benin’s request for assistance, leading to the restoration of democracy after a failed coup attempt.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria’s military for their swift and decisive response to the Government of Benin Republic’s request for assistance in defending its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn on Sunday.

Acting on two separate requests from Benin’s government, President Tinubu ordered the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to enter Benin’s airspace and take control to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV station and a military camp where they had regrouped.

Benin’s Urgent Appeal for Support

In a Note Verbal issued through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of Benin requested immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions, and ensure the security of the population.”

A second request followed, seeking the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.

Additionally, Benin’s authorities requested Nigerian ground forces, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed groups.”

Nigerian Forces Restore Order

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests from Benin had been fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces now deployed in the country.

“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” General Oluyede stated.

The intervention came after Colonel Pascal Tigri and a group of mutinous soldiers announced a coup early Sunday morning, seizing Benin’s National TV and declaring the suspension of democratic institutions.

Within hours, Benin’s loyal forces, supported by Nigerian air and ground unitsregained control of key installations and restored constitutional order.

Tinubu Praises the Armed Forces

Following the successful operation, President Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for their professionalism and courage in defending democracy beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government,” Tinubu said.

“Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They have helped stabilize a neighbouring country and made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”

Regional Implications

The swift Nigerian response underscores West Africa’s fragile democratic landscape, where military coups have recently destabilized several nations.

Analysts note that Nigeria’s intervention in Benin marks a significant demonstration of ECOWAS solidarity, reinforcing the bloc’s zero-tolerance stance on unconstitutional changes of government.

The operation also highlights Nigeria’s growing regional leadership role under President Tinubu, who currently serves as Chairman of ECOWAS, and its commitment to defending democratic governance across the subregion.

A Victory for Democracy

With constitutional order restored in Benin, attention now turns to rebuilding public confidence and strengthening democratic institutions to prevent future instability.

Nigeria’s decisive action has been widely praised as a model of regional cooperation, reaffirming the principle that African democracies must stand together against threats to constitutional rule.

Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

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Entertainment

Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

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News

Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

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