Peter Obi Congratulates, Lists Commonwealth Nations’ Demands For Incoming UK PM Keir Starmer

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Former Anambra State Governor and the Labour Party Presidential candidate in the last General Elections in Nigeria, Peter Obi has sent a congratulatory message to the Labour Party candidate, Keir Starmer who will become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after the UK Labour Party won a majority seats at the Parliamentary House of Commons on Thursday in the 2024 UK general elections.

Peter Obi in a statement via his X social media handle on Friday, said that, he hoped that the victory of Keir Starmer will bring about a stronger ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Adding that, Keir Starmer should worked together with Nigeria and other Commonwealth nations to build a brighter future commonwealth for all.

“I sincerely congratulate Keir Starmer, and the Labour Party UK on the landslide victory they recorded in Thursday’s election. May the victory translate to a better and new chapter for all the UK residents as you remain committed to your electoral promises.

I also hope that your government will promote stronger ties between the UK and Nigeria, and help in deepening our  own democracy, especially during the challenging times that our nation is going through.

Nigeria is grappling with issues such as insecurity, education, healthcare, and poverty, and could greatly benefit from the support of the UK. Let us work together to build a brighter future commonwealth for all. I wish you a successful tenure”, Peter Obi stated in quote.

We had earlier reported that the Labour Party candidate in the 2024 general elections, Keir Starmer has been officially declared winner after the Labour Party secured more than the required 326 seats in the House of Commons.

Labour Party majority win of the UK parliamentary seats means Keir Starmer will be the next prime minister of the United Kingdom.
 

Labour  won the election with 410 seats, with the Conservatives of Rishi Sunak securing 144 seats.

Rishi Sunak in a broadcast accepted defeat, and says he has called Starmer to congratulate him even before the election results and winner were officially declared and announced.

Shortly after winning his seat in Holborn and St Pancras, Starmer says “the change begins right here…it is time for us to deliver”

“In the highest-profile Conservative losses so far, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and ex-leadership candidate Penny Mordaunt lose to Labour, according to BBC report.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage becomes an MP for the first time, winning Clacton, while the party’s Richard Tice and Lee Anderson also win

Ex-Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn wins Islington North as an independent, and Labour’s Jon Ashworth loses to an independent

George Galloway of the Workers Party loses the seat he won earlier this year, Carla Denyer wins for the Green Party in Bristol Central, while the SNP is forecast to go from 43 seats before the election to just six”, BBC added in its report.

Ahead of the exit poll, Rishi Sunak stated and in quote: “The only way to stop a high-tax Labour supermajority is to vote Conservative today. A vote for Reform or any other Party will hand Keir Starmer a blank cheque for generations. Polls close at 10pm – don’t forget to bring your ID.

You have 4 hours to stop a Labour supermajority that will put up taxes for the rest of your life.

Polls close at 10pm – don’t forget to bring your ID. If Labour are handed a blank cheque, they will use their supermajority to tax you more for the rest of your life.

Labour would scrap exams and tax working families by £2094. 2 hours to stop the Labour supermajority.

Keir Starmer would demolish our green belt. 3 hours to stop the Labour supermajority. Labour want to tax working families by £2094. 4 hours to stop the Labour supermajority.

Keir Starmer would tax you just for driving. 5 hours to stop the Labour supermajority. Labour would throw open our borders. 6 hours to stop the Labour supermajority.

Labour would change the voting system to stay in power for the rest of your life. 7 hours to stop the Labour supermajority. Keir Starmer would tax your family home. 8 hours to stop the Labour supermajority.

Labour would increase taxes on every part of your life, including your death. 9 hours to stop the Labour supermajority”, Rishi Sunak stated during pre election campaigns.

Keir Starmer said in reaction during pre election campaigns and after he won the Exit poll thus:

“Thank you, Holborn and St Pancras, for putting your trust in me again. Change begins right here.

I’ve changed the Labour Party. If you put your trust in me by voting Labour, I will change the country. Today, Britain’s future is on the ballot. Tomorrow, don’t just send a message. Send a government. Vote Labour”, Keir Starmer words end in quote.

BBC reported that after Keir Starmer won the exit poll, the Labour Party elected lawmaker who is due to be the next Prime Minister of UK, Keir Starmer said as presented verbatim the way BBC reported it. The report reads in quote thus: “Still addressing supporters in central London, Keir Starmer tells them “thank you truly – you have changed our country”.

After reaching the required 326 seats to win the general election, he says “a mandate like this comes with a great responsibility”.

He adds that the task of a Labour government is “nothing less than renewing the ideas that hold our country together”.

“We have to return politics to public service,” he goes on, adding his government will “show it can be a force for good”.

BBC report reads further that: “One feature of tonight’s results is how the advances that the Conservatives secured in Leave-voting areas after the EU referendum, most notably in 2019, have been entirely lost.

Compared with 2019, support for the Conservatives is down by 12 points in seats where less than 45% voted Leave.

In contrast, support for the party is down by 27 points in seats where more than 65% voted Leave. However, the pattern of losses in Conservative support since 2015 – before the EU referendum – is more or less the same everywhere.

Support for the party is down by 12 points, compared with 2015, in seats where less than 45% voted Leave, while it is down by nine points where more than 65% voted Leave”.

EFCC Raises Alarms Over Planned Protest To Take Up Arms Against Its Operatives

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has raised alarm over what it said to be a planned protest by some youths in Nigeria to take up arms against its operatives.

EFCC in a news release during the week, said the suspected group of people responsible for the planned armed protest are currently using social media to mobilize and instigate people against the commission.

EFCC Chairman in another news release on Thursday explained why Nigeria Banks are not issuing Credits cards to customers in the country. Adding that the banks only issued Debits cards due to poor rating of Nigeria as a result of cybercrimes.

The EFCC Chairman said about 71 International Companies left Nigeria and closed their businesses because their companies’ bank accounts were hacked by cybercriminals.

The statement reads in quote as presented verbatim thus: “the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, wishes to alert the general public on the plan by a shadowy group to instigate a “protest” against the Commission.

In the last couple of days, the group has been actively campaigning in the social media, recruiting impressionable young Nigerians, including students to take up “arms” against the EFCC.

This insidious campaign is being promoted as resistance to the operational activities of the Commission especially in respect of the enforcement of the laws dealing with cybercrimes.

The Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence that suggest a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the Commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation.

As a responsible law enforcement organisation, the Commission will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country especially around its office locations across Nigeria.
EFCC, working in concert with sister security agencies, is therefore taking necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security of Nigeria.

The Commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests.

The war being waged by the Commission against corruption and cybercrime is to protect the future of the youth of this country. That future is imperiled if Nigeria degenerates further in global reckoning as a den of fraudsters”.

In another news release on Thursday, EFCC said: “the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede was on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 conferred with the “Man of Valour” Award by Global Peace Movement International, GPMI, an international organization with presence in 27 countries. Two other Awards, Winner and Torchlight Awards were presented to the EFCC’s boss.

Presenting the Awards to Olukoyede at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, Dr Mike Uyi, President, GPMI, who came to the EFCC’s headquarters with a large delegation of local and international officials of the organization disclosed that the EFCC Chairman was unanimously chosen for the triple honour because of the new dawn his leadership has brought to the country’s anti-corruption fight.

“With the present EFCC Chairman, we are bold to say to the entire world that we have gotten a Chairman that will not fall by the wayside. We have gotten a Chairman who has integrity and fear of God to take on the job without fear or favour. And that is why he is qualified for the Global Peace Movement Awards.

Uyi explained that Olukoyede is one public official giving his all to Nigerians, standing in the gap and inspiring confidence within and outside the country. “I am presenting these Awards to the EFCC Chairman who has done so well for Nigeria. A lion that is not making noise. He has made Nigeria proud and we Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are proud of him”, he said.

In his response, Olukoyede while dedicating the Awards to the Commission, expressed appreciation of the management and staff of the Commission to GPMI.

He pointed out that everyone that identifies with the EFCC in its bid to tackle the menace of economic and financial crimes is a corruption fighter.

“On behalf of the management and staff of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission I would like to thank you very much for the honour that you have done to us. I want to tell you that we would not take the honour for granted. We are going to improve on whatever that has led to this. Everyone who identifies with our mandate is a corruption fighter.

While bewailing the scourge of corruption in the country, Olukoyede promised not to disappoint Nigerians and not to spare the corrupt.

According to him, for every ₦10 the EFCC recovers, more than ₦50 has been stolen and for you to recover that ₦10, you need approximately ₦2.50k.

To this end, he restated the commitment of his administration to the pursuit of preventive frameworks to tackle corruption . “We decided to go by the way of prevention and I set up a directorate of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC).

With this Directorate, we are going into MDAs and monitor real time the implementation of budgets. As money is being released, we will be tracking it”, he said.

He acknowledged the political will of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fight corruption, stressing that the President is not interfering in the works of the EFCC. “If God has not brought someone like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who gives us free hand to do this job, imagine what would have happened to our system?

There is so much to be done and somebody must do this job. Let us come together to give Nigerians the benefit of good governance

He restated that no shade of economic and financial crime would go unaddressed under his leadership of the EFCC. “We will do the mini; we will do the mega. If you don’t do the mini, the mini will become the mega. Some of these people stealing money in high places started from the local governments, they started as leaders of associations in schools, where they stole money and they did nothing to them and it became part of their lives.”

While touching on the negative impact of internet crimes, Olukoyede disclosed that several international companies had to shut down their Nigerian operations following massive theft of their finances through local wire fraud.

“In 2022, we lost over $500 million in our economy to yahoo boys. The statistics are there.

In the same year, about 71 international companies left Nigeria because they hacked their accounts. We can’t get credit cards in Nigeria because of our poor credit rating because of the activities of these cyber criminals, so the best we can get is debit cards.

Do you know that there are some international merchants that you cannot use Nigerian cards on their platforms? Display your Green Passport outside the country and see if they will not take you aside and search you thoroughly”, he said.

The EFCC boss charged Nigerians to fully embrace the fight against economic and financial crimes in the overall interests of the nation”, EFCC statement ends in quote.

UK PM Rishi Sunak Concedes Defeat, Congratulates Labour Party Keir Starmer

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Labour Party candidate in the 2024 general elections, Keir Starmer has been officially declared winner after the Labour Party secured more than the required 326 seats in the House of Commons.

Labour Party majority win of the UK parliamentary seats means Keir Starmer will be the next prime minister of the United Kingdom.
 

Labour  won the election with 410 seats, with the Conservatives of Rishi Sunak securing 144 seats.

Rishi Sunak in a broadcast accepted defeat, and says he has called Starmer to congratulate him even before the election results and winner were officially declared and announced.

Shortly after winning his seat in Holborn and St Pancras, Starmer says “the change begins right here…it is time for us to deliver”

“In the highest-profile Conservative losses so far, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and ex-leadership candidate Penny Mordaunt lose to Labour, according to BBC report.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage becomes an MP for the first time, winning Clacton, while the party’s Richard Tice and Lee Anderson also win

Ex-Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn wins Islington North as an independent, and Labour’s Jon Ashworth loses to an independent

George Galloway of the Workers Party loses the seat he won earlier this year, Carla Denyer wins for the Green Party in Bristol Central, while the SNP is forecast to go from 43 seats before the election to just six”, BBC added in its report.

Ahead of the exit poll, Rishi Sunak stated and in quote: “The only way to stop a high-tax Labour supermajority is to vote Conservative today. A vote for Reform or any other Party will hand Keir Starmer a blank cheque for generations. Polls close at 10pm – don’t forget to bring your ID.

You have 4 hours to stop a Labour supermajority that will put up taxes for the rest of your life.

Polls close at 10pm – don’t forget to bring your ID. If Labour are handed a blank cheque, they will use their supermajority to tax you more for the rest of your life.

Labour would scrap exams and tax working families by £2094. 2 hours to stop the Labour supermajority.

Keir Starmer would demolish our green belt. 3 hours to stop the Labour supermajority. Labour want to tax working families by £2094. 4 hours to stop the Labour supermajority.

Keir Starmer would tax you just for driving. 5 hours to stop the Labour supermajority. Labour would throw open our borders. 6 hours to stop the Labour supermajority.

Labour would change the voting system to stay in power for the rest of your life. 7 hours to stop the Labour supermajority. Keir Starmer would tax your family home. 8 hours to stop the Labour supermajority.

Labour would increase taxes on every part of your life, including your death. 9 hours to stop the Labour supermajority”, Rishi Sunak stated during pre election campaigns.

Keir Starmer said in reaction during pre election campaigns and after he won the Exit poll thus:

“Thank you, Holborn and St Pancras, for putting your trust in me again. Change begins right here.

I’ve changed the Labour Party. If you put your trust in me by voting Labour, I will change the country. Today, Britain’s future is on the ballot. Tomorrow, don’t just send a message. Send a government. Vote Labour”, Keir Starmer words end in quote.

BBC reported that after Keir Starmer won the exit poll, the Labour Party elected lawmaker who is due to be the next Prime Minister of UK, Keir Starmer said as presented verbatim the way BBC reported it. The report reads in quote thus: “Still addressing supporters in central London, Keir Starmer tells them “thank you truly – you have changed our country”.

After reaching the required 326 seats to win the general election, he says “a mandate like this comes with a great responsibility”.

He adds that the task of a Labour government is “nothing less than renewing the ideas that hold our country together”.

“We have to return politics to public service,” he goes on, adding his government will “show it can be a force for good”.

BBC report reads further that: “One feature of tonight’s results is how the advances that the Conservatives secured in Leave-voting areas after the EU referendum, most notably in 2019, have been entirely lost.

Compared with 2019, support for the Conservatives is down by 12 points in seats where less than 45% voted Leave.

In contrast, support for the party is down by 27 points in seats where more than 65% voted Leave. However, the pattern of losses in Conservative support since 2015 – before the EU referendum – is more or less the same everywhere.

Support for the party is down by 12 points, compared with 2015, in seats where less than 45% voted Leave, while it is down by nine points where more than 65% voted Leave”.

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Confirm Testing

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Nigerian Army Says Unknown Gunmen Kingpins Arrested, Killed In Imo

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Nigerian Army authority has said that its troops fighting secessionist armed groups it described as terrorists in the Southeast States have arrested and killed some of the kingpins in a separate raids in Imo state.

Nigerian Army said one of the Kingpins of Unknown Gunmen it said to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network, ESN was killed while trying to reaching out for his gun when troops caught him.

The news statement made available by the Army authority on Monday reads in quote thus: “In a series of meticulously executed operations, troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter terrorism operations in Imo State have made substantial progress in the ongoing battle against terrorism and insurgency.

The troops in collaboration with other security forces conducted successful raids on multiple hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), leading to the arrest of key terrorists’ kingpins and the seizure of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.

One of the raid operations was conducted in Orlu Local Government Area, targeting notorious kingpins, namely Izuchukwu Emejuru, aka “Kingkong,” and Chibuzor Chikwe, alias “Onyema.”

The raid resulted in the arrest of these suspects and the confiscation of a variety of weapons, including a Semi automatic pump-action gun, a locally made gun, and a pistol.

Additionally, valuable items belonging to Eze Ogberuru, whose palace was earlier desecrated and burnt with his belonging carted away by ESN elements, were recovered by the troops.

In another decisive operation, troops raided the hideout of a suspected IPOB/ESN kingpin identified as Chinemerem, aka “Bam Bam,” in Ezeinyen Okwe Umucheke, Onuimo Local government area.

The operation led to the neutralization of Chinemerem, as he attempted to reach for his weapon and the arrest of several of his accomplices.

A substantial amount of weapons, ammunition, and IPOB/ESN paraphernalia were seized, and the hideout was subsequently destroyed.

Further demonstrating their resolve, troops intercepted suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists at a hideout in Amausa, Okigwe Local government area.

Overpowered in the ensuing shootout, the terrorists were forced to flee in disarray, abandoning a cache of ammunition and motorcycles.

The troops recovered 72 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm (NATO) ammunition, four rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), 3 rounds of 5.56mm, one FN Rifle, a pair of military desert boots and one green beret.

In a related development, troops successfully tracked and arrested a suspected terrorist, identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi, in Edu Local government area of Kwara State. The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition.

These operations underscore the synergy and commitment of the security forces in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by terrorist groups and criminal elements.

The gallant troops have continued to be relentless in their efforts to guarantee the safety and security of Nigerians”, the Nigerian Army statement ends in quote.

2 Suspects Excrete 150 Wraps Of Cocaine In Lagos

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Men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA have arrested two passengers on thier way to Doha with 150 wraps of cocaine ingested in their stomachs.

NDLEA in a statement said, one of the suspects excreted 90 wraps of cocaine while the other excreted 60 wraps of the illicit substances in Lagos State, Nigeria.

In quote, the statement reads partly that “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.” 

We had earlier reported that the 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.

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”.

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.