NDLEA Arrests 60 Nigerian Youths At Illicit-Drugs Party In Abuja

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Nigeria anti-illicit-drugs police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has on Friday night invaded a party filled young boys and girls said to be organized for illicit-drugs purpose and arrested over 60 of the young Nigerian youths.

NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi disclosed this in a news release on Sunday.

According to the NDLEA Spokesperson, 20 of the arrested suspects who tested negative to drug abuse were released unconditionally.

While, 33 of the suspects who tested positive to drug abuse were granted bail with a condition to report to the FCT Command Headquarters of the NDLEA in Abuja on Monday to begin treatment and counselling.

Six others who were found in possession of different illicit drugs were detained and await prosecution.

The news release reads in quote thus: “In Abuja, NDLEA operatives on Friday night disrupted a drug party dubbed Go hard or Go Home. Pick Your Poison, where sixty suspects comprising 25 males and 35 females were arrested at an apartment in Sun City estate in the Federal Capital Territory.

The raid followed credible intelligence about the drug party organized by one Stanley Ikechukwu who was arrested at the venue. 

At least six of the suspects: Victoria Adoga; Hamza Yari; Joanne Essein Joy; Socchima Valentine; Jago Imole; and Charles Indobuibisi, were arrested with different quantities of ecstasy and cannabis.

The Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired) has directed that 20 of the suspects who tested negative to drug be released unconditionally, while 33 others who tested positive to illicit drugs were to be released on bail and will report at the FCT Command of the Agency on Monday to begin treatment and counselling”.

In another operations, Femi Babafemi said “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted six thousand, one hundred and twenty-five (6,125) cartons of codeine syrup containing one million and fifty thousand (1,050,000) bottles of the opioid worth over seven billion, three hundred and fifty million naira (₦7, 350,000,000.00) in street value, at the Port Harcourt Ports complex, Onne, Rivers state.

The seizure made from six containers on Saturday 29th June 2024 was the third of such in the past four weeks following credible intelligence and diligent tracking of the consignments from their port of departure by a special operations unit of NDLEA, which worked in partnership with the Port Harcourt Ports Command of the Agency and other security agencies including the Customs Service for a 100 percent joint examination of the targeted containers.

At the end of the joint examination of the six containers, a total of 6,125 cartons containing 1,050,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 157,500 kilograms were recovered on Saturday.

Meanwhile, NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos have arrested two passengers travelling to Doha on a Qatar Airways flight at the screening point of terminal 2 after they tested positive to ingestion of illicit substances on Friday 21st June. The suspects: Aikhomoun Daniel (alias Oladapo Olanrewaju) and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji were thereafter taken into observatory custody. 

While Daniel excreted a total of 90 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.022kg in six excretions, Ayigoro discharged 60 wraps of the same Class A substance with a total weight of 662grams in five egestion.

Further investigation revealed that Aikhomoun Daniel actually stole the identity of his late uncle who was once based in Germany, a decision he claimed he took to get Schengen visa to enable him free access to Europe, while his real name is Oladapo Olanrewaju. 

No less than 40.32kg of Loud, an imported strong strain of cannabis was on Friday 28th June recovered in a black Toyota Tacoma truck along Lekki-Ikoyi road when the driver jumped off the vehicle after noticing that NDLEA operatives were on his trail.

No fewer than four suspects: Endurance Okon, 24; Joseph Michael, 23; Ovoco Bright, 43; and Goday Abanum, 23, were arrested in the deep forest of Ugun, Igueben LGA, Edo state on Saturday 29th June when NDLEA operatives raided and destroyed 18,632.22 kilograms of cannabis on 7.452888 hectares of farmland.

In the same vein, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture for students and staff of First Technical University, Ibadan, Oyo state; students of Government Day Secondary School, Yola, Adamawa; students and teachers of Ezeike High School, Nibo, Anambra; members of Mount Zion Anglican Church, Igoba, Akure, Ondo state and WADA advocacy visit to the palace of Oba of Yoruba in Kano, Dr Murtala Alimi Otitese. 

While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Port Harcourt Ports, Lagos and Edo Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired) warned drug cartels that no matter the ingenuity of their modes of trafficking, the dedicated workforce of the Agency in collaboration with other stakeholders and partners will always be steps ahead to expose them and thwart their tricks.

He enjoined the officers and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the agency”.

Pushback Successes Achieved Against Boko Haram Are Being Cancelled – Atiku Tells Tinubu

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Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to note that the pushback successes the country recorded previously against Boko Haram terrorists are being cancelled.

Atiku Abubakar who was also the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate in the last general elections in Nigeria stated this on Sunday while reacting to multiple female suicide bombers who detonated bombs at four different locations in Borno State on Saturday, killing scores of persons and injuring a lot of persons.

Atiku statement also contradicted the statement of President Bola Tinubu who had earlier said that the Saturday female suicide bombers incidents are indications that the government is mounting pressure on terrorists and achieving successes in degrading the capacity of the terrorists.

Atiku in a statemnt issued via his verified social media handles, said and in quote: “It is a sad development that the ugly incidents of terrorism are resurfacing and, indeed, metastasising in the North-East.

The reported attack by suicide bombers at a wedding reception, funeral procession, and a hospital on Saturday stands condemned.

It is unfortunate that much of the pushback that had been achieved against the Boko Haram terror sect are being cancelled, owing mainly to the government’s lacklustre posture to hold firmly on the frontline.

It is thus important to call on the federal authorities to wake up to their responsibility and to make sure that the North-East does not slide back into a theatre of terrorism and extreme violence.

My condolences go to the families of victims of these attacks, and it is my prayer that God grants a peaceful repose to the souls of the departed”.

We had earlier reported Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the Saturday suicide bomb blasts carried out by women in Borno State is an indication that the government is mounting pressure on terrorists and achieving success in degrading their capacity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated this on Sunday in a statement signed and made available by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

Separate suicide bombers detonated bombs at wedding ceremony and funeral event in Borno State, killing estimated number of 30 persons with more people still receiving treatment under critical conditions at various hospitals in the state.

The suicide bombers were women with one of them carrying a baby girl who died alongside with her after she detonated the bomb at a busy motor park at Mararaba T Junction in Gwoza, Borno State, killing people instantly and injuring many others.

The first bomb blast as we gathered  occurred around 3pm in the midst of a wedding ceremony, few minutes later, another bomb blast occurred at General Hospital area in Gwoza, and in the midst of sorrow when people in the community gathered for funeral service, another female suicide bomber detonated another bomb.

Emergency rescue team said a lady also ran into Hospital where rescued victims were taken to, and detonated another bomb.

Director General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Dr Barkindo Muhammad Saidu who visited the scene of the incident said 18 persons died in the bomb blast attacks with 48 persons seriously injured.

According to Arise TV news, “Tears flowed freely on Saturday as suicide bombers attacked funeral and wedding ceremonies in Gwoza, Borno State, with reports indicating up to  30 persons have been killed and injuries inflicted on over 100 others, in what seems like a return of suicide bombing in the state, the epicentre of violent Boko Haram attacks.

Gwoza, located in the southern part of the North-east state, was at a time the emirate headquarters of the insurgents, who at that time, killed the traditional ruler of the hilly town.

Suicide bombing by the insurgents had stopped until Saturday’s incidents, which have fuelled fears that the reign of terror might have returned.

Confirming the multiple attacks, the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Barkindo Saidu, said: “In my presence, at about exactly 3pm, the first bomb in Gwoza was detonated by a female suicide bomber in the midst of the marriage ceremony. It affected more than 30 persons with various levels of injuries and instant death.

“Some minutes later, another blast occurred around General Hospital.
“Again, at the funeral services (janaiza), another lady rushed into the congregation and detonated another bomb with a lot of casualties.

“When we were in the hospital coordinating the rescue mission, another one exploded from a female teenager.
“So far, 18 deaths comprising children, adult males, females, and pregnant women, have been recorded.

“Nineteen were seriously injured and were conveyed to Maiduguri in four ambulances; 23 are waiting for military escort in the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.

“I am now coordinating for chopper tonight. I have mobilised emergency drugs to complement the shortage of drugs in Gwoza,” he added.

According to him, the degree of injuries ranges from abdominal raptures, skull fractures, to limb fractures.

Saidu added that he also received a report that there was a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka.

In his reaction, the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, also confirmed that the attacks were carried out at various locations, including wedding receptions and a burial ceremony in the town.

He said: “The entire Gwoza council area is in serious mourning following multiple suicide attacks on our community.
“The first suicide attack was masterminded by an unidentified woman who sneaked with two children into a wedding reception of a popular young man in Gwoza; she detonated her Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) killing herself and many people.

“Few minutes after, another suicide bomber sneaked into a burial ceremony at the nearby and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices, and as I am talking to you now, the third explosion just occurred few minutes ago with more casualties.

“At least, over 100 people were injured, and most of them who sustained serious injuries have been rushed to Maiduguri with military escort for proper medical attention.

“This is just a preliminary confirmation, as details of the casualties are still yet unknown, but I will keep you posted on any development.”

It is believed that the death toll might have risen to 30 deaths as the coordinated attacks which took place on Saturday afternoon caused pandemonium as people had to scamper for safety.

Reliable sources within Gwoza told journalists that: “More than 30 innocent civilians were killed with over 100 sustaining various degree of injuries, even as many of the victims have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention”, Arise TV news report ends in quote.

According to State House Press Relase, “President Bola Tinubu strongly condemns the bomb attacks, which resulted in the loss of precious lives and the maiming of other citizens in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

President Tinubu describes the attacks as desperate acts of terror and a clear manifestation of the pressure mounted against terrorists and the success achieved in degrading their capacity to launch offensives.

The President declares that the purveyors of wanton violence shall have a certain encounter with justice, and that these cowardly attacks are only but an isolated episode as his government will not allow the nation to slither into an era of fear, tears, sorrow, and blood.

The President states that his administration is taking necessary measures to secure citizens, emphasizing that efforts will be redoubled to ensure that those who trouble the nation, dispatching precious lives, and disrupting law and order are completely removed.

President Tinubu condoles with the victims of the attacks, the families of the deceased, as well as the government and people of Borno State.”

Borno State Police Command had earlier confirmed that eight people were killed and fifteen others sustained various degrees of injuries following a bomb explosion in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Police Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police COmmand, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso stated that the tragic incident occurred on June 29, 2024, at approximately 15:40 hours.

“A woman carrying a baby detonated an Improvised Explosive Device IED at a busy motor park in Mararaba T Junction in Gwoza town.

The explosion claimed the lives of the woman, her baby, and six others, with fifteen individuals who sustained injuries currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Gwoza”, the police stated as reported by NTA news media.

Tinubu Reacts After ‘Women Suicide Bombers Including A Woman Carrying A Baby Detonate Bombs’ Killing Scores In Borno

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Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the Saturday suicide bomb blasts carried out by women in Born State is an indication that the government is mounting pressure on terrorists and achieving success in degrading their capacity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated this on Sunday in a statement signed and made available by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

Separate suicide bombers detonated bombs at wedding ceremony and funeral event in Borno State, killing estimated number of 30 persons with more people still receiving treatment under critical conditions at various hospitals in the state.

The suicide bombers were women with one of them carrying a baby girl who died alongside with her after she detonated the bomb at a busy motor park at Mararaba T Junction in Gwoza, Borno State, killing people instantly and injuring many others.

The first bomb blast as we gathered  occurred around 3pm in the midst of a wedding ceremony, few minutes later, another bomb blast occurred at General Hospital area in Gwoza, and in the midst of sorrow when people in the community gathered for funeral service, another female suicide bomber detonated another bomb.

Emergency rescue team said a lady also ran into Hospital where rescued victims were taken to, and detonated another bomb.

Director General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Dr Barkindo Muhammad Saidu who visited the scene of the incident said 18 persons died in the bomb blast attacks with 48 persons seriously injured.

According to Arise TV news, “Tears flowed freely on Saturday as suicide bombers attacked funeral and wedding ceremonies in Gwoza, Borno State, with reports indicating up to  30 persons have been killed and injuries inflicted on over 100 others, in what seems like a return of suicide bombing in the state, the epicentre of violent Boko Haram attacks.

Gwoza, located in the southern part of the North-east state, was at a time the emirate headquarters of the insurgents, who at that time, killed the traditional ruler of the hilly town.

Suicide bombing by the insurgents had stopped until Saturday’s incidents, which have fuelled fears that the reign of terror might have returned.

Confirming the multiple attacks, the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Barkindo Saidu, said: “In my presence, at about exactly 3pm, the first bomb in Gwoza was detonated by a female suicide bomber in the midst of the marriage ceremony. It affected more than 30 persons with various levels of injuries and instant death.

“Some minutes later, another blast occurred around General Hospital.
“Again, at the funeral services (janaiza), another lady rushed into the congregation and detonated another bomb with a lot of casualties.

“When we were in the hospital coordinating the rescue mission, another one exploded from a female teenager.
“So far, 18 deaths comprising children, adult males, females, and pregnant women, have been recorded.

“Nineteen were seriously injured and were conveyed to Maiduguri in four ambulances; 23 are waiting for military escort in the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.

“I am now coordinating for chopper tonight. I have mobilised emergency drugs to complement the shortage of drugs in Gwoza,” he added.

According to him, the degree of injuries ranges from abdominal raptures, skull fractures, to limb fractures.

Saidu added that he also received a report that there was a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka.

In his reaction, the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, also confirmed that the attacks were carried out at various locations, including wedding receptions and a burial ceremony in the town.

He said: “The entire Gwoza council area is in serious mourning following multiple suicide attacks on our community.
“The first suicide attack was masterminded by an unidentified woman who sneaked with two children into a wedding reception of a popular young man in Gwoza; she detonated her Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) killing herself and many people.

“Few minutes after, another suicide bomber sneaked into a burial ceremony at the nearby and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices, and as I am talking to you now, the third explosion just occurred few minutes ago with more casualties.

“At least, over 100 people were injured, and most of them who sustained serious injuries have been rushed to Maiduguri with military escort for proper medical attention.

“This is just a preliminary confirmation, as details of the casualties are still yet unknown, but I will keep you posted on any development.”

It is believed that the death toll might have risen to 30 deaths as the coordinated attacks which took place on Saturday afternoon caused pandemonium as people had to scamper for safety.

Reliable sources within Gwoza told journalists that: “More than 30 innocent civilians were killed with over 100 sustaining various degree of injuries, even as many of the victims have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention”, Arise TV news report ends in quote.

According to State House Press Relase, “President Bola Tinubu strongly condemns the bomb attacks, which resulted in the loss of precious lives and the maiming of other citizens in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

President Tinubu describes the attacks as desperate acts of terror and a clear manifestation of the pressure mounted against terrorists and the success achieved in degrading their capacity to launch offensives.

The President declares that the purveyors of wanton violence shall have a certain encounter with justice, and that these cowardly attacks are only but an isolated episode as his government will not allow the nation to slither into an era of fear, tears, sorrow, and blood.

The President states that his administration is taking necessary measures to secure citizens, emphasizing that efforts will be redoubled to ensure that those who trouble the nation, dispatching precious lives, and disrupting law and order are completely removed.

President Tinubu condoles with the victims of the attacks, the families of the deceased, as well as the government and people of Borno State.”

Borno State Police Command had earlier confirmed that eight people were killed and fifteen others sustained various degrees of injuries following a bomb explosion in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Police Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police COmmand, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso stated that the tragic incident occurred on June 29, 2024, at approximately 15:40 hours.

“A woman carrying a baby detonated an Improvised Explosive Device IED at a busy motor park in Mararaba T Junction in Gwoza town.

The explosion claimed the lives of the woman, her baby, and six others, with fifteen individuals who sustained injuries currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Gwoza”, the police stated as reported by NTA news media.

More Bolivia Military, Civilian Leaders Arrested Over Army Chief Led Coup Hours After Dismissal

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Bolivia government has confirmed that the Wednesday botched military coup in the country was first planned by some military leaders and the civilian staff of the detained and dismissed army Chief, General Juan Jose Zuniga in the month of May, 2024.

The Bolivia government statement made available on Thursday indicated that the civilian staff of the detained former Army Chief is the one that developed the operational strategies to execute the botched coup.

Consequently, a video posted online showed numbers of military and civilian leaders being arrested and taken into custody in addition to the three top military generals earlier arrested and detained in connection with the botched coup on Wednesday.

President Luis Arce has refuted claims that the botched coup was stage managed as a political stunt requested by him to gain popularity.

CNN while reporting the Bolivia Government press statement stated in quote thus: “Bolivia has arrested more than a dozen high-ranking military and intelligence officials following a failed attempt to unseat the country’s president in a coup allegedly led by its former army chief.

Military officials first held meetings in May to plot the coup attempt on Wednesday, which involved mobilizing armed forces toward the capital’s main square and seizing power “by force,” according to a report sent to CNN by the Bolivian government.

The meetings were led by former army Chief General Juan Jose Zúñiga and former Navy commander General Juan Arnez, with Zúñiga’s civilian personal adviser allegedly devising the “strategy” of the coup, the report claims.

All three men are among 17 people arrested so far in connection with Wednesday’s events – most of them members of the military, the report says. Other top officials arrested include military intelligence Chief Julio Buitrago.

The coup attempt, which was condemned by the Bolivian government and international leaders, comes as the South American country of roughly 12 million people struggles with an economic crisis and political instability that has fueled mass street protests.” CNN report ends in quote.

It would be recalled that the two major military leaders that led a coup against the government of Bolivia botched by large crowds of civilians on Wednesday have since been arrested.

The Bolivia military coup was thwarted as citizens outnumbered National Police and Military troops, forcing the security operatives to withdraw from the Presidential Palace and run for safety to avoid using their weapons to kill innocent civilians as seen in the videos posted online by residents and eyewitnesses.

Former Army and Navy commanders, Juan José Zúñiga and Juan Arnez Salvador were identified as the main architects of the coup attempt and were arrested immediately.

Bolivia Defense Minister, Edmundo Novillo reportedly confirmed that Juan Jose Zuniga was dismissed on Tuesday night by President Luis Arce.

At a press conference, Interior Minister, Eduardo del Castillo said the two officers would be tried for crimes related to internal security.

Troops led by Bolivia’s army general, commander Juan Jose Zuniga had attempted a coup by seizing the presidential palace and surrounding square.

Reports said a tank rammed the palace doors. However, after international condemnation and pressure, General Zuniga ordered his soldiers to retreat within hours.

President Arce praised the withdrawal as a win for Bolivia’s democracy and addressed the nation following protests against the alleged coup attempt.

According to Reuters; “Bolivian armed forces pulled back from the presidential palace in La Paz and a general was arrested after President Luis Arce slammed a ‘coup’ attempt against the government and called for international support.

Earlier in the day, military units led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, recently stripped of his military command, had gathered in the central Plaza Murillo square, home to the presidential palace and Congress.

“Today the country is facing an attempted coup d’état. Today the country faces once again interests so that democracy in Bolivia is cut short,” Arce said in comments from the presidential palace, with armed soldiers outside.

“The Bolivian people are summoned today. We need the Bolivian people to organize and mobilize against the coup d’état in favor of democracy.”

A few hours later, a Reuters witness saw soldiers withdraw from the square and police take control of the plaza. Bolivian authorities arrested Zuniga and took him away, though their destination was unclear.

Inside the presidential palace, Arce swore in José Wilson Sanchez as the military commander, Zuniga’s former role. He called for calm and order to be restored.
“I order that all personnel mobilized on the streets return to their units,” Sanchez said. “We entreat that the blood of our soldiers not be spilled.”

“Tensions have been building in Bolivia ahead of general elections in 2025, with leftist ex-President Evo Morales planning to run against former ally Arce, creating a major rift in the ruling socialist party and wider political uncertainty.

“Many do not want a return of Morales, who governed from 2006 to 2019 when he was ousted amid widespread protests and replaced by an interim conservative government. Arce then won election in 2020”, according to Reuters.

We had reported on Wednesday that irregular movement and mobilization of soldiers have been observed around the Presidential Palace in Bolivia and the state capital Central Square, igniting a fear of possible military coup in the South America country.

Bolivian President Luis Arce denounced the ‘irregular mobilization’ of some army units in La Paz and former leader Evo Morales accused a top general of plotting a coup.

A recent video showed the Bolivian President, Luis Arce in a direct face to face  confrontation with the leader behind the attempted military coup in Bolivia, right at the entrance of the Presidential Palace.

Photos and videos taken outside Bolivia’s presidential palace in La Paz on Wednesday, June 26, and posted online showed military police outside the main entrance as an armored vehicle rammed into the door of the palace.

Soldiers were also seen firing tear gas outside the Legislative Assembly as President Luis Arce raised alarm of an irregular deployment of troops in the capital.

Bolivian television also showed Arce confronting the Juan José Zúñiga, the general commander of the army in a hallway in the palace.

“I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination,” Arce said.

Zúñiga told journalists before entering the palace: “Surely soon there will be a new Cabinet of ministers; our country, our state cannot go on like this.”

He added that “for now” he recognizes President Arce as commander in chief”, the AP reports.

Protests in Bolivia have intensified in the last few months as the Bolivian economy worsens and Arce and his former ally, former President Evo Morales have been fighting for the future of the country’s Movement for Socialism (MAS) ahead of 2025 elections.

Bolivian armed forces took over the capital’s central square on Wednesday, and an armored vehicle rammed through the entrance to the presidential palace followed by soldiers, igniting fears of a military coup.

Residents said heavily armed soldiers and armored vehicles were seen gathering in the central square, Plaza Murillo, while an armored vehicle pushed into the presidential palace, which sits on the square, and soldiers rushing in.

“The three chiefs of the armed forces have come to express our dismay. There will be a new cabinet of ministers, surely things will change, but our country cannot continue like this any longer,” General Juan Jose Zuniga told a local TV station.

Zuniga addressed reporters in the square prior to the assault on the national palace.
“Stop destroying, stop impoverishing our country, stop humiliating our army,” he said in full uniform, flanked by soldiers, insisting the action being taken was supported by the public.

Bolivia Army General Arrested Leading Coup Hours After Dismissal

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Two major military leaders that led a coup against the government of Bolivia botched by large crowds of civilians on Wednesday have been arrested.

The Bolivia military coup was thwarted as citizens outnumbered National Police and Military troops, forcing the security operatives to withdraw from the Presidential Palace and run for safety to avoid using their weapons to kill innocent civilians as seen in the videos posted online by residents and eyewitnesses.

Former Army and Navy commanders, Juan José Zúñiga and Juan Arnez Salvador were identified as the main architects of the coup attempt and were arrested immediately.

Bolivia Defense Minister, Edmundo Novillo reportedly confirmed that Juan Jose Zuniga was dismissed on Tuesday night by President Luis Arce.

At a press conference, Interior Minister, Eduardo del Castillo said the two officers would be tried for crimes related to internal security.

Troops led by Bolivia’s army general, commander Juan Jose Zuniga had attempted a coup by seizing the presidential palace and surrounding square.

Reports said a tank rammed the palace doors. However, after international condemnation and pressure, General Zuniga ordered his soldiers to retreat within hours.

President Arce praised the withdrawal as a win for Bolivia’s democracy and addressed the nation following protests against the alleged coup attempt.

According to Reuters; “Bolivian armed forces pulled back from the presidential palace in La Paz and a general was arrested after President Luis Arce slammed a ‘coup’ attempt against the government and called for international support.

Earlier in the day, military units led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, recently stripped of his military command, had gathered in the central Plaza Murillo square, home to the presidential palace and Congress.

“Today the country is facing an attempted coup d’état. Today the country faces once again interests so that democracy in Bolivia is cut short,” Arce said in comments from the presidential palace, with armed soldiers outside.

“The Bolivian people are summoned today. We need the Bolivian people to organize and mobilize against the coup d’état in favor of democracy.”

A few hours later, a Reuters witness saw soldiers withdraw from the square and police take control of the plaza. Bolivian authorities arrested Zuniga and took him away, though their destination was unclear.

Inside the presidential palace, Arce swore in José Wilson Sanchez as the military commander, Zuniga’s former role. He called for calm and order to be restored.
“I order that all personnel mobilized on the streets return to their units,” Sanchez said. “We entreat that the blood of our soldiers not be spilled.”

“Tensions have been building in Bolivia ahead of general elections in 2025, with leftist ex-President Evo Morales planning to run against former ally Arce, creating a major rift in the ruling socialist party and wider political uncertainty.

“Many do not want a return of Morales, who governed from 2006 to 2019 when he was ousted amid widespread protests and replaced by an interim conservative government. Arce then won election in 2020”, according to Reuters.

We had reported on Wednesday that irregular movement and mobilization of soldiers have been observed around the Presidential Palace in Bolivia and the state capital Central Square, igniting a fear of possible military coup in the South America country.

Bolivian President Luis Arce denounced the ‘irregular mobilization’ of some army units in La Paz and former leader Evo Morales accused a top general of plotting a coup.

A recent video showed the Bolivian President, Luis Arce in a direct face to face  confrontation with the leader behind the attempted military coup in Bolivia, right at the entrance of the Presidential Palace.

Photos and videos taken outside Bolivia’s presidential palace in La Paz on Wednesday, June 26, and posted online showed military police outside the main entrance as an armored vehicle rammed into the door of the palace.

Soldiers were also seen firing tear gas outside the Legislative Assembly as President Luis Arce raised alarm of an irregular deployment of troops in the capital.

Bolivian television also showed Arce confronting the Juan José Zúñiga, the general commander of the army in a hallway in the palace.

“I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination,” Arce said.

Zúñiga told journalists before entering the palace: “Surely soon there will be a new Cabinet of ministers; our country, our state cannot go on like this.”

He added that “for now” he recognizes President Arce as commander in chief”, the AP reports.

Protests in Bolivia have intensified in the last few months as the Bolivian economy worsens and Arce and his former ally, former President Evo Morales have been fighting for the future of the country’s Movement for Socialism (MAS) ahead of 2025 elections.

Bolivian armed forces took over the capital’s central square on Wednesday, and an armored vehicle rammed through the entrance to the presidential palace followed by soldiers, igniting fears of a military coup.

Residents said heavily armed soldiers and armored vehicles were seen gathering in the central square, Plaza Murillo, while an armored vehicle pushed into the presidential palace, which sits on the square, and soldiers rushing in.

“The three chiefs of the armed forces have come to express our dismay. There will be a new cabinet of ministers, surely things will change, but our country cannot continue like this any longer,” General Juan Jose Zuniga told a local TV station.

Zuniga addressed reporters in the square prior to the assault on the national palace.
“Stop destroying, stop impoverishing our country, stop humiliating our army,” he said in full uniform, flanked by soldiers, insisting the action being taken was supported by the public.

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Fears Of Military Coup In Bolivia As Soldiers Takeover Capital

https://ift.tt/0m4C2Bl Irregular movement and mobilization of soldiers have been observed around the Presidential Palace in Bolivia and the state capital Central Square, igniting a fear of possible military coup in the South America country. Bolivian President Luis Arce denounced the ‘irregular mobilization’ of some army units in La Paz and former leader Evo Morales accused a ... Read More "Fears Of Military Coup In Bolivia As Soldiers Takeover Capital" »

Ruto Declines Assent, Returns Tax Hikes Finance Bill To Parliament For Reconsideration

https://ift.tt/NdVrEzb Kenya President, William Ruto has returned the 2024 Finance Bill to the National Assembly for reconsideration. This was revealed in a letter signed by President Ruto and made availble on the President social media handles on Wednesday evening, day after several protesters were shot dead when they ran into the Parliament building in attempt to ... Read More "Ruto Declines Assent, Returns Tax Hikes Finance Bill To Parliament For Reconsideration" »

Court Sets Cubana ChiefPriest Free After Agreeing To Pay ₦10m For Spraying Naira

https://ift.tt/qHKXEvg Money-Na-Water Celebrity barman, Pascal Okechukwu aka Cubana Chief who displayed wads of dollars on Tuesday at a carnival like wedding ceremony of Davido and Chioma tagged Chivido; has been set free by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State after he agreed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to pay the sum ... Read More "Court Sets Cubana ChiefPriest Free After Agreeing To Pay ₦10m For Spraying Naira" »

13 Killed In Kenya As Protesters Run Into Parliament To Protest Tax Hikes Finance Bill

https://ift.tt/La37q46 Kenya Medical Association has confirmed that more people are still being treated with serious gunshot injuries with 13 of them already pronounced dead. Simon Kigondu, president of the Kenya Medical Association, said that the figure of 13 deaths was “not the final number”. Recent video on Wednesday showed moment some of the protesters were being ... Read More "13 Killed In Kenya As Protesters Run Into Parliament To Protest Tax Hikes Finance Bill" »

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Gunmen Kill 4 Members, Priest, 15 Police Officers At Synagogue Church In Russia

https://ift.tt/yqHsczi Not less than 19 persons have been confirmed dead when gunmen on Sunday engaged security operatives in a street gun battle after the gunmen attacked a church and a police post at Makhachkala and Derbent cities of Northern Caucasus region of Dagestan province in Russia. Reports also indicated that Russian military personnel later surrounded the gunmen ... Read More "Gunmen Kill 4 Members, Priest, 15 Police Officers At Synagogue Church In Russia" »

16 Dead As Lithium Batteries Explode At A Factory In South Korea

https://ift.tt/LfJKTrb About 16 persons have been reportedly found dead when lithium batteries at a warehouse in South Korea exploded on Monday morning. Some residents said similar incident had occurred the previous day Sunday with a massive fire at a battery recycling warehouse in Paisley Glasgow and some of the people claimed the fire outbreak at Paisley ... Read More "16 Dead As Lithium Batteries Explode At A Factory In South Korea" »

NDLEA Bursts Snake Guarded Illicit-Drugs Shrine In Edo, Arrests 2

https://ift.tt/edUCSOW Men of the Nigeria anti-illicit-drugs police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA have arrested two suspected persons in Edo State when the police operatives invaded the illicit-drugs shrine guarded by a big black snake at Egor Community in Egor Local Government Area in Benin Metropolis. NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi in a news statement on Sunday, ... Read More "NDLEA Bursts Snake Guarded Illicit-Drugs Shrine In Edo, Arrests 2" »

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Fire That Engulfs Chris Embassy HQ Not Accident – Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

https://ift.tt/Y01taEG Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has said that noting happened to a child of God by accident, adding  that the early morning fire that engulfed the Christ Embassy Church Headquarters in Lagos State on Sunday is the plan of God Almighty for the church to build a more bigger and beautiful one. Pastor Chris stated this during ... Read More "Fire That Engulfs Chris Embassy HQ Not Accident – Pastor Chris Oyakhilome" »

Military Troops Rescue Kidnapped Children In Borno

https://ift.tt/LMaArf8 Shortly after receiving new set of military helicopters, men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN has rescued children and women kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State. The Nigerian Army authority in a statement on Friday,  said, “in a series of coordinated counter-terrorism operations, troops deployed in the North East, in collaboration with ... Read More "Military Troops Rescue Kidnapped Children In Borno" »

US Dept Expert On Israel-Palestine Affairs Resign Over War In Gaza

https://ift.tt/1gSpAkz Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs, Andrew Miller has resigned from President Joe Biden administration becoming almost 10 top US officials to have resigned since the Israeli war in Gaza city of Palestine began. Andrew Miller is reported to be a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He previously worked at ... Read More "US Dept Expert On Israel-Palestine Affairs Resign Over War In Gaza" »