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Burkina Faso Detains 11 Nigerian Military Officers, Seizes Air Force C-130 After ‘Unauthorised’ Airspace Entry

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According to the AES, the Nigerian Air Force aircraft was intercepted after it was operating in Burkinabe airspace and forced to land following what authorities described as an in-flight emergency situation.

Burkina Faso’s ruling junta has detained eleven Nigerian military officers and seized a Nigerian Air Force C-130 transport aircraft after it made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso on Monday, allegedly without clearance to enter the country’s airspace.

The incident, which has raised fresh tensions between Abuja and the military regimes in the Sahel, was disclosed in a late-night statement issued by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — the confederation formed by Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali after cutting ties with ECOWAS.

According to the AES, the Nigerian Air Force aircraft was intercepted after it was operating in Burkinabe airspace and forced to land following what authorities described as an in-flight emergency situation.

“The Confederation of the Sahel States informs the public that an aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a C130 type, was forced to land today, 8 December 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency situation, while it was operating in Burkinabe airspace,” the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) said in a statement late Monday.

Burkinabe authorities said the aircraft was carrying two crew members and nine military passengers — all personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces — who were immediately taken into custody.

“The military aircraft had on board two (02) crew members and nine (09) passengers, all military personnel,” the AES confirmed.

“The individuals were later identified as members of the Nigerian armed forces and are currently being detained.”

The junta accused Nigeria of violating its sovereignty and announced that a full investigation has been launched to determine why the aircraft allegedly entered Burkinabe airspace without authorisation.

“An investigation was immediately opened by the competent Burkinabe authorities and revealed the absence of authorisation for the aircraft to fly over Burkinabe territory. The Confederation of the Sahel States strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states.”

In a move signalling heightened regional tension, the AES said its three member states have placed their air-defence and military systems on maximum alert, warning that any future violation of Sahelian airspace could be met with force.

“Air defense and anti-aircraft systems of the confederal space have been placed on maximum alert, in accordance with the Declaration of the College of Heads of State dated 22 December 2024, and have been authorized to neutralize any aircraft that violates the confederal airspace.

As of press time, Nigerian authorities have not issued an official response to the detention of its personnel or the seizure of its aircraft.

The development comes amid strained relations between Nigeria and the breakaway Sahel bloc, which has repeatedly accused ECOWAS member states of “hostile actions” since their military leaders announced an exit from the regional body in January.

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Police arrest Bayelsa sender of gun that led to killing of Mene Ogidi

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Reports say Police have arrested two persons including the Bayelsa State sender of the barretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition that led to the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi by ASP Nuhu Usman in Effurun, Delta state.

A source said two suspects were moved into the Effurun Area Command under the Delta State Police Command Wednesday night, as investigations continues towards apprehending all persons connected with movement of the gun and bullets, and the death of 28 year old Mine.

While the Police authorities keep mum on the development, a source told Vanguard, “It’s confirmed. They just brought in two suspects Wednesday night.

“It’s not been announced who is who yet, but I can tell you for free that one of them is the person who sent the gun through a transport line from Yenagoa to Effurun, from where Mine picked it to send to a Sapele owner at the Effurun Motor Park where he was caught and extrajudicially killed by ASP Nuhu and accomplices.

“Like I sad, it’s not clear if the other person among the two could be the driver who brought the parcel from Yenagoa. But it’s clear that the sender is among the duo just apprehended. And the trail continues for the other suspects.”

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National Assembly makes U-turn on eight-year eligibility for presidency contest

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The Senate has made a U-turn on its Tuesday’s decision as it has rescinded a controversial amendment that barred first-time senators from contesting presiding offices, reopening the 2027 race for Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

On Tuesday, the Senate amended its Standing Orders after a marathon executive session with the introduction of stricter eligibility criteria for the emergence of presiding officers in the 11th Senate, effectively limiting the contest for Senate President and other top leadership offices to returning ranking lawmakers of the current Assembly.

With the amendment on Tuesday, Senate leadership positions will follow a hierarchy beginning with former Senate Presidents, former Deputy Senate Presidents, former Principal Officers, senators who have completed at least one full term, lawmakers transitioning from the House of Representatives, and finally, first-time senators where no higher-ranking candidates emerge.

The amendment also stipulates that only Senators returning from the current 10th Assembly after re-election can contest for Senate President and other key leadership offices.
The reversal was adopted on Thursday through a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central and presided over by Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau.

On why the reversal matters, Bamidele said that with the rule gone, the leadership contest for the 11th National Assembly is now open to all elected senators regardless of tenure.

The backtrack also signals a shift within the ruling party towards a more competitive and inclusive process for selecting the next Senate leadership, rather than pre-determining it through tenure restrictions.

The motion is titled, Recession and Re-Committal of Order 2 (2) and Order 3(1) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023, as amended.

Presenting the motion, Bamidele said, “the Senate recalls that the Senate Standing Orders were considered and amended on Tuesday, 5th May, 2026;

“Observes that upon further legislative and constitutional review, certain provisions introduced under Order 2(2) and Order 3(1) may give rise to constitutional inconsistencies and unintended tensions with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), particularly Section 52 thereof;

“Notes that it is necessary to ensure that the Standing Orders of the Senate remain fully consistent with constitutional provisions, established parliamentary conventions, and legislative practice;

“Further notes that the Senate possesses the inherent parliamentary authority to revisit, rescind, and recommit any matter previously decided upon in order to preserve the integrity of its proceedings and legislative framework;

“Accordingly resolves to: rescind its earlier decisions relating to the amendments made to Order 2(2) and Order 3(1) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2026.

” Rescission and Re-Committal of the National Identity Management Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2026 to the Committee of the Whole.

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Gunmen Abduct Eight Students in Midnight Raid Near Nasarawa State University

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Suspected gunmen have abducted no fewer than eight students during a midnight attack on off-campus hostels near the Engineering Campus of Nasarawa State University in Gudi.

The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, with armed attackers storming several student lodges and whisking victims away to an unknown location.

A source said students hid in fear throughout the operation, complaining about the absence of immediate security intervention. The attack has heightened tension as students are currently writing examinations. Calls have been made for security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.

Key Points:

Eight students were abducted from off-campus hostels near the university.
The attack happened around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday while students were writing exams.
No visible security response was present during the operation.
Students and residents are calling for urgent rescue and improved security.
Fear has spread across the university community.

Sources: PM News

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