The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Lagos to close Apongbon bridge for six weeks

    Lagos to close Apongbon bridge for six weeks

    Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion plan to enable the Federal Ministry of Works carry out repair works on the Apongbon bridge.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi,  yesterday in Lagos.

    Osiyemi said the repairs would be carried out on the failed asphalt sections of the ramp/service lane linking Inner Marina to Apongbon Bridge as well as sections of Apongbon bridge on both the inbound and outbound lanes.

    According to Osiyemi, the repairs will begin with the service lane, and it is scheduled to run for six weeks, starting from February 5 to March 19.

    “To ensure the safety of road users and facilitate the smooth execution of the works, sections of the affected roads will be temporarily closed to traffic.

    “Consequently, motorists are advised to use the following alternative routes.

    “For inbound Apongbon service lane, motorists from Inner Marina should proceed to the Apongbon under bridge roundabout, connect to Adeniji Adele Road, continue through Ebute Ero, and use the ramp to Apongbon/Eko Bridge to continue their journeys.

    “Traffic from TBS, Third Mainland Bridge, and Victoria Island will connect their journeys through Apongbon Bridge to Eko Bridge,” he said.

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    He added that for the rehabilitation of the main carriageway on Apongbon Bridge, motorists from TBS, Third Mainland Bridge, and Victoria Island would ramp down at the Apongbon under bridge roundabout (by UBA).

    He said they should proceed via Inner Marina, connect with Apongbon Bridge service lane, and continue onto Eko Bridge.

    Osiyemi said upon completion of repair works on the inbound section, construction activities would shift to the outbound side of Apongbon Bridge.

    He said for rehabilitation of Apongbon Service Lane (Chapel Street), motorists from Eko Bridge heading to Inner Marina would be diverted through Ebute Ero Ramp, Adeniji Adele Road, and Apongbon under bridge roundabout to continue their journeys.

    “Traffic from Eko Bridge to outer Marina, Victoria Island, and Third Mainland Bridge will maintain through movement on Apongbon Bridge,” he said.

    He said for the rehabilitation of main carriageway on Apongbon Bridge, motorists heading to Outer Marina, CMS, Victoria Island, and Third Mainland Bridge would be diverted through Ebute Ero Ramp, Leventis, and Outer Marina/CMS.

    “Traffic bound for Inner Marina will ramp down through Chapel Street to the Apongbon under bridge roundabout to continue their journeys,” he said.

    He urged motorists to exercise patience and comply with traffic management measures put in place during this period.

    “The temporary road closures and diversions are necessary to ensure the successful repair works on the Apongbon Bridge,” he said.  

  • Government warns against unauthorised chieftaincy titles

    Government warns against unauthorised chieftaincy titles

    Lagos State Government has cautioned residents against assuming chieftaincy titles without official approval, warning that offenders risk arrest and prosecution under the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015.

    The warning was contained in a public notice titled: “Prohibition of Unapproved Chieftaincy Titles in Lagos State”, issued by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Robert.

    He described the growing trend of self-proclaimed traditional rulers as disturbing, noting that it had generated tension, confusion and unnecessary disputes across the state.

    He said the development required urgent intervention to restore order and curb what he described as a rising culture of impunity.

    “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to an unhealthy development where some individuals or groups have assumed certain chieftaincy titles, either on their own or as leaders of ethnic groups, without the approval of the state government.

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    “These titles are not recognised in the state, and their use has caused tension, confusion and needless crises. This situation requires urgent action to inject sanity and arrest the growing trend of impunity, in the interest of peace, law and order in the state,” he said.

    The commissioner explained that the public notice was issued to clarify the law guiding chieftaincy matters in Lagos and to sensitise residents on the need to comply with existing regulations.

    He acknowledged the right of groups to appoint leaders to coordinate their affairs, but warned against adopting royal titles or nomenclatures equivalent to that of recognised traditional rulers.

    “While we recognise the right of groups to appoint leaders to coordinate their affairs in Lagos State, the assumption of chieftaincy titles and nomenclatures equivalent to that of an ‘Oba’ or appellations such as ‘His Royal Majesty’, ‘His Royal Highness’ or its equivalent is in contravention of the extant Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015 and is illegal,” he said.

  • NIS partners centre to curb irregular migration

    NIS partners centre to curb irregular migration

    Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said it is partnering International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Netherlands to checkmate irregular migration along Nigerian borders.

    Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), NIS, Mrs Kemi Nandap, said this when ICMPD visited NIS Seme Command and Lagos State Border Patrol Command.

    The CGI was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration in charge of Immigration Directorate, Mrs Ngozi Adikpo.

    She said: ‘’We are here for field assessment, to look at few things, check our operations, see where there are gaps and see how to address them towards enhancing border security and immigration management.

    “We are partnering ICMPD team from the kingdom of Netherlands to prevent irregular migration through mobile project.

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    “The team are here for first time assessment because whatever decision, whatever information they get here will affect the next stage of the project.

    “This is why they are here to see things for themselves in order to know what they are taking back to their home government.”

    Nandap said the project would be a quick response and intervention ‘’from this mobile unit.’’

    Mr Bornt Erzen, the coordinator, ICMPD, said they wanted to establish mobile patrol team along Nigerian borders.

    She said the objective was to strengthen the capacity of NIS in sections of the border.

    Assistant Comptroller General and Zonal Coordinator, NIS, Lagos and Ogun states, Mr Mohammed Adamu, said the command was doing a lot in apprehension, sensitisation and counselling victims of human trafficking.

    The Comptroller, Lagos State Border Patrol Command of NIS, Seme Command, Mr Peter Adache, said with the introduction of E-Border, Nigerian borders are not really porous as thought, but they are not properly manned.

    On the challenges faced by the command, Adache said in the whole of Lagos State, NIS had only three checkpoints recognised by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the service headquarters and two patrol buses.

  • Awujale: Police invite Olisa of Ijebu-Ode

    Awujale: Police invite Olisa of Ijebu-Ode

    Ogun State Police Command has summoned the Olisa of Ijebu- Ode, Chief Rasheed Adesanya, to appear before the  Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eleweran for questioning over allegations of “bribery and financial inducement.”

    A letter of invitation dated February 3, 2026 and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Gbenga Adeoye, which was addressed to Chief Adesanya, the traditional mayor of Ijebu-Ode, directed him to report to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), today.

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    The letter added that Chief Adesanya’s presence was needed for fact – finding and clarification regarding the alleged “bribery and financial inducement.”

  • Lagos okays Carter Railway Channel to deflood NRC compound

    Lagos okays Carter Railway Channel to deflood NRC compound

    Lagos State Government has moved to end decades of flooding in Ebute Meta, with the building of Carter Railway Drainage Channel, a major storm water project that will run through Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) corridor and empty into Iponri confluence on Western Avenue.

    The intervention, announced at a stakeholders meeting at the NRC compound, is expected to permanently deflood the railway community and adjoining neighbourhoods long plagued by seasonal flooding.

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    Officials of Ministry of Environment and Water Resources said contract for the project, known as the Carter Railway Channel (System 4) had been awarded and work would begin soon.

    The Director of Drainage Services, Adedapo Ajadi, said the reinforced concrete channel would run from Murtala Muhammed Way through NRC corridor to Iponri, adding that the initiative would bring lasting relief to residents, institutions and businesses within the railway compound and the wider Lagos Mainland area.

  • ‘Shift Osun governorship poll’

    ‘Shift Osun governorship poll’

    Traditional Religion Worshippers Association (TRAWSO) has called on the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, to reschedule the 2026 Osun State governorship election from August 8 to another date.

    In a letter signed by the President of TRAWSO, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, Vice-President, Chief Fagbenle Adedayo and Secretary-General, Chief Fasola Onifade, the traditional worshippers said the date clashed with the annual Osun/Osogbo festival.

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    The traditional worshippers’ stance was contained in the letter addressed to Prof. Amupitan dated January 20, 2026.

    They said the date fixed for Osun governorship election would disrupt religious rites and limit full participation by devotees and residents.

  • Mikano donates 10 patrol vehicles to LSSTF as security support

    Mikano donates 10 patrol vehicles to LSSTF as security support

    Power solutions giant, Mikano International Limited yesterday donated 10 patrol vehicles to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to boost public safety.

    The vehicles were handed over by the company’s Chairman, Mofid Karameh, to the Executive Secretary LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, at a brief ceremony in Victoria Island.

    According to Mikano, the donation was in line with the private sector’s commitment to public safety, adding that it was fully aligned with the state’s safety and development agenda.

    Karameh was one of the select CEOs who attended the recent LSSTF-organised Private Sector Breakfast Meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which sought to deepen corporate participation in improving security across Lagos. He was elated at the giant investments the state government was making in security and safety for the prosperity of Lagosians.

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    Karameh praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s proactive engagement with private-sector leaders, stressing that effective security is essential for business growth, investor confidence and the well-being of residents.

    According to him, Mikano’s contribution reflects the company’s long-standing philosophy of strengthening the communities where it operates.

    Receiving the vehicles, Ogunsan commended Mikano for the impactful intervention, describing it as a proof of private sector participation in public solutions. He noted that operational vehicles remain one of the critical enablers of effective policing, rapid response, and street surveillance.

    He added that the LSSTF will. continue to rely on responsible corporate organisations to complement government efforts, especially as the state’s population and economic activities expand. “This donation will shore up our capacity to support our various security agencies. It is proof that we do not only receive cash as donations, we also seek organizations that will give direct in-kind support to us. Mikano’s gesture is a clear demonstration that securing Lagos is a collective responsibility,” Ogunsan stated.

    The Ten pickup vehicles, built for durability and high mobility, are expected to be deployed immediately to support patrol and emergency response across key locations in the state.

  • Man dies trying to rescue goat from well in Oyo community

    Man dies trying to rescue goat from well in Oyo community

    A 45-year-old man has lost his life while rescuing a goat which fell into a well in Mokola, Saki,  Saki West Local Government Area, Oyo State.

    Also, the body of 30-year-old, Shina Adedeji was recovered from another well in Aaje Ikose, Ogbomosho.

    In a statement, the Special Adviser to the governor on Fire Reforms/Chairman, state Fire Service, Moroof Akinwande, said the men had died before the arrival of the men of the State Fire Services.

    Akinwande said: “On February 3 at 9:45hrs, we were summoned to a rescue by a running caller and CFM Adeleke at Aje Ikose area, Ogbomoso.

    “The firemen led by CFM Oladejo left for the scene. On getting there, it was discovered that a man of about 30 years old, named Shina Adedeji fell into a well and was recovered by the officers of the agency.

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    “The casualty got himself trapped into a well containing ammonia gas when he was trying to recover a fetcher from it,” he stressed.

    The chairman warned the public to prioritise their safety in their everyday activities as life has no duplicate.

    He added that, Saki Command of the agency also recovered a 45-year old man in a deep well at Mokola Area of Saki.

    Akinwande said, “The agency received the distress call on Monday at exactly 22:23hrs at the fire station through the running caller and Yusuf Ismail when somebody fell into a well at Mokola Area of Saki.

    “Fire officers led by PFS II Kolade Taiwo promptly mobilised and responded to the scene of the incident.

    “Upon arrival, it was a man of about 45 years of age trapped inside a deep well. Our officers quickly swung into action and secured with necessary nuts and the operation was carried out and the man was recovered from the well.

    “The incident occurred when the man willingly entered the well with the aim of rescuing a goat of which he was trapped.”

  • Kidnap-suspects demand N260m for abducted children in Edo

    Kidnap-suspects demand N260m for abducted children in Edo

    Kidnappers have demanded N260million as ransom to release four children abducted at Eko-Abeku-Iyowa Road, within Evboneka community, Ovia Northeast Local Government Area.

    The children were said to have been abducted about 5pm on Monday while returning from school.

    Other victims that were abducted alongside the children were a nursing mother and her two younger sisters.

    Father of some of the victims, Festus Bamidele, said the abductors released the nursing mother and her baby after a heavy rainfall.

    He said three other victims of pre-KG classes were also rescued by security operatives.

    Bamidele said victims remaining with the kidnappers were two of his children, younger sister and a sister-in-law.

    He said the kidnappers had contacted the family and demanded the sum.

    Edo Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and said five of the victims were rescued while four were taken away.

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    “The command in collaboration with hunters and vigilantes, has launched an intensive bush combing exercise for the kidnappers with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining victims”

    Operatives of the Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers while on patrol on the Auchi–Igarra Highway, Edo North.

    Ikoedem said the suspects were identified as members of a kidnapping syndicate.

    The statement read: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded significant successes in the fight against kidnapping through proactive patrols and sustained intelligence-led operations in Igarra and its environs, in line with the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika.

    “On January 28, 2026 about 13:30hours, operatives of the Igarra Area Command, while on duty at their traditional nipping point along the Auchi–Igarra Highway, arrested two suspected kidnappers identified as Muhammed Muamadu Haru, 35, and Abubakar Muhammed Haruna, 25.

    “The suspects were identified by a vigilante member, as members of a kidnapping syndicate during exchange of fire in one of the joint Bush Combing rescue operations.

    “Upon recognition, the suspects attempted to escape into the bush but were quickly intercepted and arrested. Investigation is still in progress.

    “In a related development on Monday, February 2, 2026, about 17:00hours, a convoy of motorcycle patrol teams from the Igarra Area Command foiled a kidnapping operation along the Auchi–Igarra Express Road. The patrol team intercepted three suspected kidnappers who were about to block the road.

    “The suspects fled into the forest after a chase, abandoning items suspected to be logistics for criminal operations, including food items, mobile phones, jack knives, and other personal effects. Sustained bush-combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

  • Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven persons have been jailed by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City for drug trafficking.

    The seven persons were jailed in January while 105 cases are still pending before the court.

    The state Commander of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who made this known in a statement, said 46 suspected traffickers were arrested across the state in possession of 6,439kg of narcotic drugs

    Ofoyeju said one Shaibu Yusuf was arrested in connection with 792kg bags of cannabis on the Auchi-Abuja Expressway while attempting to convey the drugs to the North. 

    He said Commander of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade Benin City, Brig.-Gen A. O. Balogun, transferred two drug suspects, Chief James Abamu, 48, and Aboy Egah, 31, arrested with a total of 862kg of cannabis seeds to the NDLEA.

    The Edo NDLEA Commander said the command would remain resolute in its mission to combat drug-related crime and ensure a healthier, drug-free environment for the citizens of Edo State.

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    He said: “The NDLEA seized a staggering total of 6,439.4 kilogrammes of various drugs. This haul predominantly consisted of 6,438.31 kilogrammes of cannabis. The cannabis includes 4,063.87 kilogrammes, which were destroyed in a cannabis farm, while 2,374.46 kg were seized during raid operations. Other seizures are 0.7957 kg of psychotropic substance, 0.0264 kg of methamphetamine, 0.011kg of cocaine, 0.013kg of heroin and 3.5 litres of codeine-based syrup.

    “The eradication of cannabis cultivation also featured in the month’s activities, with the destruction of a cannabis farm spanning 1.625547 hectares in Ebora Camp, Ilushi Forest. This farm was estimated to yield approximately 4,063.87 kg of cannabis, representing a significant blow to local cannabis cultivation cartels.

    “Determined to address the underlying issues of drug abuse, the command provided counselling services to sixteen clients, predominantly of males, while an additional seven clients are undergoing rehabilitation at the state command headquarters. Anti-drug abuse outreach efforts also continued, with four sensitisation programmes conducted during the month.”