Amanze Chinonye
The Venezuelan military has announced the activation of full operational readiness across the country following what it described as the “cowardly kidnapping” of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Prime Business Africa reports.
In an official statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Popular Power for Defense, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) said President Maduro, Venezuela’s constitutional leader and commander-in-chief, and his wife were abducted on Saturday, January 3, after what it claimed was the killing of members of his security detail, soldiers and civilians.
The statement, signed by Defence Minister and General-in-Chief Vladimir Padrino López, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an act of “imperial aggression” against the sovereignty of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
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According to the military, the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, in a decision dated January 3, 2026, appointed Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume, in an acting capacity, all the powers and duties of the president. The FANB said it fully supports both the court’s decision and the declaration of a State of External Disturbance across the national territory.
The armed forces said the move was taken in line with the Venezuelan Constitution, the Organic Law on States of Emergency and the Organic Law on National Security, stressing that the government would ensure continuity of governance and internal stability.
“As an institution, we will continue to employ all our available capabilities for military defense, the maintenance of internal order, and the preservation of peace,” the statement said.
The military further announced the activation of “Full Operational Readiness” nationwide, citing the need for what it described as a popular-military-police alliance to confront external threats. It said the measure was aimed at integrating all elements of national power into a single bloc to defend Venezuela’s independence and sovereignty.
The statement concluded with revolutionary slogans associated with late President Hugo Chávez and the Bolivarian movement, reaffirming the armed forces’ loyalty to the government.
The developments have further heightened political and security tensions in Venezuela, with international reactions continuing to emerge amid uncertainty over the country’s leadership and stability.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
