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Malian forces have reportedly foiled a suspected coup attempt following coordinated attacks across key parts of the country.

It raised fresh concerns about stability following the exit of foreign troops from the Sahel nation.

According to reports attributed to the Malian Armed Forces, the attacks began on Saturday, hitting strategic locations in the capital, Bamako, and spreading to major cities including Gao, Kidal, Kita, and Sévaré.

Military and administrative sites were among the main targets.

Security sources described the operation as a coup-style attempt allegedly backed by foreign interests, with multiple armed groups said to have taken part.

Some analysts also linked the offensive to a coalition of insurgent and separatist factions operating across the Sahel.

A security report cited by local media claimed that thousands of fighters were involved in the attacks, with attempts made to seize critical infrastructure, including the presidential palace and key airbases.

“The operation reportedly included attempts to seize key infrastructure, including the presidential palace and other strategic sites,” the report stated

Malian troops, supported by personnel from the Africa Corps, reportedly pushed back the assaults and retained control of major military bases, government facilities, and Bamako’s international airport.

The Malian Army said its forces maintained control of all strategic positions, including the national arsenal in Kita, preventing what officials feared could have escalated into a wider crisis.

Unconfirmed casualty figures circulating in security circles suggest heavy losses among the attacking groups, with hundreds killed and dozens of vehicles destroyed.

However, authorities have yet to release official figures.

In a separate development, the government confirmed the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara, though details surrounding his passing were not immediately disclosed.

Some reports also alleged the involvement of foreign fighters and mercenaries in parts of the operation, particularly in northern regions.

These claims have not been independently verified, but officials insist the attacks formed part of a broader attempt by external actors to destabilize the country.

Meanwhile, claims in some international outlets suggesting that allied forces lost ground to rebels have been dismissed by local sources.

Local sources said all major cities and critical infrastructure remain under government control.

Local media claim Russian Africa Corps has been actively present in Africa, tactically repelling insurgency attacks in the Sahel region, with the latest being the April coordinated rebel operations.

The report claims that the effective action of the Africa Corps repelled a large scale attack along the contact line stretching over 2,000 km.

Western media had earlier reported that the Africa Corps has surrendered and entered a deal with the Tuareg rebels, hoisting a white flag and surrendering Kidal to the rebels.

But private media sources from Mali on Sunday, April 26, revealed that the Malian international airport remains functional, stressing that attacks on the main cities have been completely repelled.

In the meantime, the Russian Embassy in Mali and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not publicly commented on the recent attacks or on the heroic actions of the Africa Corps.

Neither Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor foreign diplomatic missions in the country had issued formal statements on the incident as of press time.

Analysts say the development highlights the fragile security situation in Mali, where authorities have increasingly relied on new military partnerships after the withdrawal of earlier foreign forces.

Malian forces thwart suspected coup d’etat, allege foreign sponsorship

Cross River State Government has appealed to the Nigerian Navy for collaboration in areas of medical training, particularly in residency programmes and specialist support services.

The Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, made the appeal, noting that the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar, has capacity in areas such as radiology and obstetrics, which can complement state health services.

Ayuk made the plea today when he received the Medical Director of the hospital, Commodore Amodu Muhammed, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the ministry.

He assured the delegation of the state government’s willingness to facilitate higher-level engagements, including with Governor Bassey Edet Otu, to address areas of mutual interest.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Navy to enhance healthcare delivery and improve medical services across the state.

He said the Navy hospital is a critical pillar in the state’s healthcare system, noting that its consistency in service delivery, especially during industrial actions in other health institutions, has made it a reliable alternative for residents.

“For us, the Navy hospital in Calabar is a very important safeguard for sustainable healthcare services. When other institutions experience service disruptions, the hospital remains operational and continues to serve the people,” he said.

The commissioner emphasized the need for stronger collaboration in areas such as data sharing, medical training, and specialist support, stressing that harmonised health data is essential for effective planning and policy formulation.

He also disclosed that the state would intensify regulatory oversight of healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with professional standards, adding that the ministry would soon commence visits to facilities to strengthen coordination and data reporting.

Speaking earlier, Commodore Amodu Muhammed said the visit was aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration in line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, noting that the hospital remains open to both military personnel and civilians.

He explained that the 100-bed tertiary facility offers a wide range of specialised services, including internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, radiology, and public health interventions.

According to him, over 60 percent of patients treated at the hospital are civilians, with more than 12,000 patient encounters recorded between January and March 2026, alongside about 150 deliveries, 250 surgeries, and nearly 900 admissions within the period.

Muhammed said the hospital also serves as a training centre for medical professionals, including resident doctors, interns, and students from various institutions, including the University of Calabar and the University of Cross River State.

Cross River seeks support from navy for medical training, residency programmes

Businesswoman and sociallite Aisha Achimugu has dismissed claims that $13 million was recovered from her residence, insisting that only $50,000 and N13 million were found during a raid on her home.

Achimugu made the clarification on Monday while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

She said the widely circulated figure of $13 million was inaccurate and misleading.

Recall that the EFCC had last year declared Achimugu wanted.

According to the EFCC, Achimugu was wanted by the agency in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

The EFCC had also reportedly carried out a search operation at her residence as part of its probe, with conflicting reports emerging afterward regarding the amount of money recovered.

The businesswoman also declined to provide further details on the alleged $13 million, noting that the matter is already before the court.

Achimugu also questioned the origin of the $13 million claim, stating that she is not in the habit of keeping such large sums of money at home.

She said: “First, I won’t go so much into the detail of $13 million. As you know, it’s a matter in court. It will be prejudice for me to talk about, you know, what’s already in court.
And I still believe strongly in our judicial system in Nigeria. So I know that the right decisions will be made at the due time.

“But let me also correct an impression that $13 million was not found in my house when my house was raided.

“My house was raided, yes, but only $50,000 and N13 million naira belonging to my mom was found in my house, and then again, my personal belonging.

“I don’t know where Nigerians got the impression that I had $13 million in my house. I’m not a bank, so I won’t keep $13 million in my house. I have kids who go to school abroad, so it’s important that you have those currencies kept away for emergencies.”

Only $50k, N13m found in my house by EFCC not $13m’ – Aisha Achimugu

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, has announced the establishment of a police post around the Ibogun Campus of Olabisi Onabanjo University to enhance rapid response, improve police visibility, and strengthen community policing initiatives.

The announcement was made following a midnight attack and robbery of student hostels on Saturday.

DAILY POST reported that the suspected robbers, numbering 12, allegedly stormed the hostels, shot sporadically, and carted away phones, laptops, and other valuables.

The Commissioner of Police on Monday, alongside the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Bolanle Muritala, and the Area Commander, Ifo, ACP Seyi Williams, visited the university campus to assess the prevailing security situation and engage critical stakeholders on measures aimed at strengthening safety within the institution and its surrounding communities.

Upon arrival, the CP held a strategic engagement with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola; the Provost, College of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Professor Bashir Odufuwa; His Royal Highness, Oba Timothy Sowumi, the Olu of Ibogun-Sowumi; as well as principal officers of the institution and community leaders.

Ojajuni assured all stakeholders that the command had carefully assessed the security situation and would immediately strengthen policing around the university and adjoining communities.

He emphasized increased patrols, proactive policing strategies, and sustained engagement with stakeholders as part of efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment.

He also engaged sister security agencies, including the NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, and So-Safe Corps, on improved collaboration for effective security coverage of the area.

Meanwhile, he reaffirmed the command’s commitment to community policing, inter-agency synergy, and continuous engagement with all stakeholders in sustaining peace and security within Ogun State.

OOU: After students’ attack, Ogun CP establishes police post around varsity community

Troops of the 120 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a night ambush operation in Borno State.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post shared via his X handle.

Sources told Makama that the operation was carried out at about 11:00 p.m. on April 26 in the Dadingel and Ngirbuwa general area.

According to the sources, the ambush team made contact with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, leading to a gun battle.

“During the encounter, two terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, five AK-47 magazines, bandoliers, grenades, and other accessories,” the sources said.

The recovered weapons and items were secured by the troops for further action.

The sources further noted that while the general security situation in the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, troop morale and operational effectiveness remain satisfactory.

Troops neutralise two terrorists in Borno ambush

The newly installed Mogaji of the Agunbiade dynasty in Ode Aje, Alaadorin, Oluyoro Oke-Offa area of Ibadan, Chief Tolulope Akinkunmi Afolabi, has declared that his installation as Mogaji of the dynasty is an opportunity for him to render more services to his kinsmen and the people of Ibadanland in general.

The legal practitioner made this disclosure shortly after his installation by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The event, which attracted family members, friends, kinsmen, and notable personalities, was held at the Olubadan Palace on Monday.

Afolabi, while speaking with DAILY POST at the event, said that he had been rendering different selfless services to the people of the area and Ibadanland in general.

He, however, said that his installation is another opportunity for him to render more services to the people of the area and Ibadanland in general.

Afolabi added that the implementation of programmes and ideas that will uplift the living conditions of his kinsmen and the people of Ibadanland will be his main priority.

He also disclosed that he will work to support the security agenda of the current Olubadan in order to ensure the promotion of law and order in the ancient city.

Afolabi said: “Prior to becoming Mogaji today, I have been able to make some moves, erecting structures, providing electricity, solar lights; I was able to provide that. There are quite a number of things I intend to do: quality education, health programmes, empowerment programmes. We will provide different channels for people to live meaningful lives.

“Even before this staff was handed to me, we understood that leadership must be proven, not proclaimed. By the grace of God and with the support of my siblings and the youth wing of this house, I completed the installation of solar-powered street lights across the expanded compound in December 2025 to light up the Agunbiade family compound.

“Our mothers and children can now move at night without fear. Darkness has no place in a house that intends to lead. This project was implemented with full support of sons and daughters of Agunbiade at home and abroad, showing what unity can achieve.

“On security, we will strive to create a digital register of all residents and tenants in the Agunbiade compound. This will be shared with local security agencies in support of the Olubadan of Ibadanland’s security agenda.”

My installation will spur me to do more for kinsmen, Ibadanland – Afolabi

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Osifo Stanley, is set to pick the 2027 presidential ticket to challenge the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

Declaring his intention on Monday, Stanley is said to be the first aspirant to publicly contest the party’s presidential primary against Tinubu.

This is as the party’s governors, National Assembly members and other stakeholders during the March convention adopted Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

State chapters, including Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ekiti and Lagos, had subsequently endorsed the President in quick succession, presenting what appeared to be a closed field.

However, addressing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Stanley stressed that he had already requested the party’s account details for the payment of the requisite fees, making clear that his declaration was not rhetorical but operational.

The Edo-born politician anchored his defiance squarely on the law.

“I believe strongly that we all have the right to enjoy our constitutionally-guaranteed rights to run,” he said, invoking both the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026 as amended.

According to him, no endorsement, however sweeping, could substitute for the formal process of a primary election.

2027: APC chieftain defies consensus, set to challenge Tinubu for party’s presidential ticket

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Federal Commissioner in Charge of the Public Complaints Commission in Benue State, James Oche, has warned staff of the Commission to stay clear of partisan politics.

He has said those found contravening this directive would be made to face the grave consequence of their actions.

Oche stated this recently during the management meeting of the commission in Makurdi, when he briefed management on the outcome of commissioners’ latest plenary that took place in Abuja.

In a statement made available to the press and signed by Orhemba Charles, the Commission’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Oche is said to have intimated that the plenary adopted the recommendation of an ad hoc committee that some units in the Commission should be upgraded and more directorates should be created to accommodate the astronomical increase in the number of cases brought to the Commission.

Mr. Oche is quoted to have said, “staff of the commission should not be be affiliated with, influenced by, or found supporting any political party, candidate or faction. This, he stated “signifies neutrality, impartiality, and independence, given the fact that, the Commission is a justice umpire in the determination of cases brought to it against individuals, corporate bodies and even government agencies.”

Oche said that it would be unethical for public servants, especially staff of the commission, to involve themselves in partisan politics without first resigning their appointments. Consequently, he directed that staff of the commission who might wish to be partisan, especially in the build-up to the 2027 general election, should first resign their appointments.

Reacting to the directive, the Director of Investigation, Mr. Kpaakpa Terkura assured the Commissioner that there would be strict compliance and enforcement of the directive against erring staff and also cautioned staff to live up to expectations.

Oche also appreciated the staff and management of the commission for the successful participation in, and coordination of the commission’s promotion examination that held recently.

2027: Oche reads riot act, tasks Benue PCC staff on nonpartisanship

Emmanuel Fernandez has been voted Rangers’ Player of the Season, DAILY POST reports.

Fernandez won the highest number of votes from the club’s supporters after a remarkable debut season at Ibrox.

The 24-year-old, who was signed from League One club Peterborough United last summer has established himself as key player for the club.

The centre-back has gone from strength to strength with commanding performances in defence, also showing his threat in set-piece situations.

Fernandez has scored five times in 23 league appearances for the Light Blues.

He was the only Rangers player included in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season.

Scotland: Fernandez named Rangers’ Player of the Season

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mr Peter Obi, is currently in a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The meeting is taking place alongside some elders from the South-East at Goodluck Jonathan’s residence in Abuja.

Details of the meeting are yet to emerge.

This comes just less than a week after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

BREAKING: Peter Obi in closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan