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Burkina Faso’s Captain Traoré Foils Coup Plot, Survives Alleged Assassination Attempt
Burkina Faso’s military authorities say they have foiled an alleged plot to assassinate the country’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, averting what officials described as a coordinated attempt to destabilise the government.
According to a late-night national broadcast, the country’s security services uncovered a carefully planned operation allegedly masterminded by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba, the former military ruler who was overthrown by Traoré in September 2022.
The Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, disclosed that intelligence operatives intercepted the plot at a critical stage. He said the conspirators intended to kill the head of state before launching attacks on key state institutions and prominent civilian figures.
“Our intelligence services uncovered this operation in its final phase. The plan was to assassinate the president and then strike other strategic targets, including civilian personalities,” Sana said. He further alleged that the operation received financial backing from neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire.
There has been no official response from either Lt Col Damiba or the Ivorian authorities regarding the accusations.
Captain Traoré, who came to power following a military takeover, has reportedly faced at least two coup attempts since assuming leadership. His administration is also contending with escalating jihadist violence that has displaced millions across the country.
Despite these challenges and criticism over his governing style, the 37-year-old leader continues to enjoy strong domestic support and has gained attention across Africa for his pan-Africanist stance and outspoken criticism of Western influence.
Sana revealed that investigators recovered a leaked video in which the alleged plotters were seen discussing plans to assassinate the president, either through a close-range attack or by planting explosives at his residence. The attack was reportedly scheduled for shortly after 11:00 pm local time on Saturday, January 3.
The suspects allegedly planned further assaults on senior military officers and civilian leaders.
Authorities also claim Damiba mobilised both soldiers and civilian collaborators, secured foreign funding—reportedly including 70 million CFA francs (about $125,000)—and intended to disable the country’s drone-launch facility to prevent external intervention.
“We have launched comprehensive investigations and made several arrests. Those involved will be brought to justice,” the security minister said, assuring citizens that the situation remained under control. He urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid being drawn into “dangerous schemes.”
The exact number of arrests has not been disclosed.
Critics at home and abroad have accused Traoré’s government of authoritarian practices, including suppressing dissent, arresting military officers arbitrarily, and restricting media freedoms. This is also not the first time Burkina Faso’s junta has alleged foreign interference, particularly involving Côte d’Ivoire.
Analysts warn that the ongoing internal power struggles could further inflame tensions within the region.
Lt Col Damiba ruled Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 after seizing power from an elected government. Following his removal, he went into exile in neighbouring Togo and later stated on social media that he wished his successor success.
By Prosper Olayiwola
A House of Assembly Candidate for Ikole Constituency 1 on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kayode Arewa Sanni, has called on his constituents, party members and supporters to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Arewa Sanni made the call in Ikole-Ekiti while addressing party faithful and supporters at a stakeholders’ meeting convened to strengthen grassroots mobilisation in the constituency.
He said the 2027 elections present a defining moment for the people of Ikole Constituency 1 to chart a new course of inclusive representation, people-oriented legislation and accelerated development.
The candidate noted that disunity among party members and supporters remains the greatest obstacle to victory, stressing that only a united front can dislodge entrenched interests and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“I appeal to all our party leaders, members, supporters and well-wishers across Ikole Constituency 1 to put aside personal differences and work together as one family. Our strength lies in our unity,” he said.
Arewa Sanni said his candidacy was driven by a desire to give Ikole Constituency 1 a vibrant and responsive voice in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, with focus on youth empowerment, education, healthcare and rural infrastructure.
He assured constituents that if given the mandate, he would prioritise quality representation and ensure that government presence is felt in all communities within the constituency.
He also called on supporters of the ADC across Ekiti State to rally behind the party’s vision of good governance, transparency and accountability as preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum.
The aspirant expressed confidence that with unity, commitment and collective effort, the ADC would emerge victorious in Ikole Constituency 1 and other constituencies across the state.
No fewer than six inmates have died within one week following a suspected cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano State.
Amnesty International raised the alarm in a post on its official Facebook page, calling on authorities to immediately declare an emergency at the correctional facility.
Amnesty said several other inmates were currently receiving treatment, warning that the death toll could be higher as the suspected disease continues to spread among prisoners.
It urged the authorities to immediately transfer critically ill inmates to hospitals for proper medical attention to prevent further deaths.
The organisation warned that failure to urgently intervene could amount to arbitrary deprivation of life, which it described as a serious human rights violation under international law.
Amnesty also expressed concern over the broader conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities, particularly the prolonged detention of inmates awaiting trial.
According to the organisation, detainees without financial means face greater difficulty having their rights protected, with some spending years in custody without being convicted of any crime.
It further said many inmates were being held in overcrowded and unhygienic cells without adequate food and healthcare.
Amnesty called for urgent reforms to improve conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and ensure compliance with international best practices.
Popular media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has reportedly lost her second son while remanded in custody.
The development was confirmed in an online appeal by Amira Agiye, head of the Isaamira Love Foundation, who spoke on Okoro’s behalf to request public financial assistance.
She said, “It is sad to announce to you all that Blessing CEO just lost her second son. My name is Amira Agiye.
“I’m here to appeal on behalf of Blessing CEO, who is currently in custody. I understand that people might have different opinions about her and the circumstances surrounding her case.
“And like every one of us, she deserves compassion and an opportunity for redemption.
She needs N20 million to meet the bail requirements. She also needs N36 million to pay the people she owes who brought the case against her.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive her for the sake of that boy who is still in the mortuary. With Blessing’s full consent and authorisation, I’m appealing to all Nigerians to help donate so we can help her out of this situation.”
Also speaking in a voice conversation played by Amira, Blessing, CEO, said, “My second son, Bryan, was full of life. While in custody, I lost Bryan.
I pray this turns out positive so I can leave this place, pick up the pieces of my life and pay my respects to him.”
Recall that the self-acclaimed relationship expert was remanded in Kirikiri Prison over an N69.15 million property fraud trial.
She was granted N20 million bail in July 2026, with two sureties in like sum, and each surety was required to provide three years’ proof of deposits valued at N20 million.
Following her inability to meet the bail conditions, Blessing CEO, remains in prison facility two months after she was granted bail.
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