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Suspected mastermind of deadly Old Oyo National Park attack, others arrested

The Oyo Police Command has arrested seven members of the dreaded ten-man armed banditry gang, including the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the attack that led to the death of some forest rangers and operatives of the Old Oyo National Park.

On January 6, 2026, armed bandits, who reportedly arrived in large numbers on motorcycles with sophisticated firearms, invaded the Old Oyo National Park office and launched a violent attack on forest rangers and other personnel.

The attack tragically resulted in the death of five persons.

A statement by the spokesman for the Command, Ayanlade Olayinka said in response to the violent development, and upon receipt of the report of the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, immediately directed deployment of necessary operational assets to the affected area and ordered that the Command Monitoring Unit take over the investigation.

Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu returns after Türkiye State visit

According to him, the directive marked the commencement of an intensive, intelligence-driven operation, which led to the initial arrest of three (3) suspects, followed by the subsequent arrest of four (4) additional suspects.

He said: “The suspects were apprehended at their various hideouts across different locations in the country through painstaking, intelligence-led investigation.

“Flowing from the arrests, the three suspects initially apprehended were identified as Mohammed Dangi – Male, 52 years, Abubakar Abdullahi – Male, adult, Sheu Usman – Male, adult

“During sustained interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and provided detailed accounts of how ten (10) members of their armed banditry group, riding on five motorcycles, carried out the attack.

“Crucially, investigations revealed that the primary intention of the assailants was to forcefully free members of their armed banditry syndicate who had earlier been arrested and were in the custody of forest guards for various criminal activities within the National Park and adjoining communities, which they successfully did during the attack.

“Building on these confessions and intelligence disclosures, further discreet investigation led to the arrest of four (4) additional members of the syndicate on 25th January, 2026. They are: Toro Malami – Male, 43 years, Usman Alhaji Ummaru – Male, adult, Laolo Muhammadu – Male, 22 years, Usman Alhaji Isah – Male, 32 years

“Significantly, the arrested suspects, which include the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the attack, have continued to provide credible and actionable intelligence, thereby strengthening ongoing efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

“Operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to ensure that all remaining suspects are tracked down and brought to justice.

He reassured residents that the Command was doing everything possible in collaboration with other security agencies, to ensure the safety of lives and property across the State.

He urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified or misleading information, as such acts are capable of creating unnecessary panic and undermining public peace.

January 31, 2026
JUST IN: Tinubu returns after Türkiye State visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday night returned to Abuja after a State visit to Türkiye where he held high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic, security and strategic cooperation between both countries.

The President’s aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by 8:55 p.m.

He was received by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and other senior government officials.

Tinubu’s return followed a series of bilateral meetings in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which both leaders agreed to intensify cooperation across trade, investment, defence, energy and counter-terrorism.

At a joint press briefing in Ankara, President Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to achieving a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria, noting that discussions toward the target had already commenced.

Current trade volume between the two countries stands at about $2 billion.

The Turkish leader said the planned establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee would unlock opportunities to expand bilateral trade and support Turkish investments in Nigeria, describing it as a critical mechanism for reaching the $5 billion target.

Read Also: Nigeria on ‘healing journey’ to $1trn economy by 2030 – Presidency

Erdogan praised President Tinubu’s commitment to attracting investment, noting that the presence of several Nigerian ministers and senior officials underscored that determination.

He also hailed ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s energy sector, expressing optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian counterparts would yield positive outcomes.

On security, the Turkish President pledged support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region, and offered closer cooperation in military training and intelligence sharing.

He said Türkiye was ready to share its experience in counter-terrorism and defence industry collaboration.

In his remarks at the briefing, Tinubu expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s openness and willingness to collaborate in promoting global freedom, stability and shared prosperity.

He stressed the importance of building an inclusive economy that brings vulnerable groups into productive activity.

The President also commended Erdogan’s role in advancing global peace efforts, particularly in Somalia, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability in Africa despite regional challenges.

At the end of the bilateral meeting, officials of both countries exchanged nine agreements, including a Joint Declaration establishing the Economy and Trade Joint Committee, agreements on defence cooperation, diaspora policy, halal quality infrastructure, higher education, media and communication, education, diplomatic training, and social services cooperation.

January 31, 2026
EPL: Chelsea fight back from two goals down to beat West Ham 3-2

Champions League‑chasing Chelsea fought back from two goals down to win in stoppage time against West Ham in a dramatic London derby at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Fernandez’s 92nd-minute winner sparked wild scenes at Stamford Bridge to snatch victory having been 2-0 down through goals from Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville.

New manager Liam Rosenior’s substitutes had hauled Chelsea back into the game as half-time introductions Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella both scored to level the match.

It was a blow for West Ham who dominated the first half. Bowen’s in‑swinging cross beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who was unable to claim the ball as Pablo threatened to get a touch on its way through to open the scoring.

Read Also: EPL: Madueke shines as Arsenal go seven points clear

That seventh‑minute strike came either side of two shots on target from new striker Taty Castellanos, while Summerville curled home a second goal from inside the box after a move down the right involving Bowen and Aaron Wan‑Bissaka.

Cole Palmer’s 30-yard free-kick was Chelsea’s only shot on target in a dismal first half.

The hosts were booed off at half-time and Rosenior made three changes. He removed the struggling left‑side trio of Jorrel Hato, Benoit Badiashile and Alejandro Garnacho – at fault for both first-half goals – bringing on Joao Pedro, Cucurella and Wesley Fofana.

After West Ham efforts from Matheus Fernandes and Bowen were saved early in the second half, Chelsea began to dominate.

Pressure built as Liam Delap went close and a long‑range Moises Caicedo long-range strike was pushed away, before Fofana’s deep cross was headed in by Joao Pedro to pull a goal back in the 57th minute.

Thirteen minutes later, Cucurella – one of Rosenior’s changes – produced a diving header to equalise after Malo Gusto’s header across goal caused a goalmouth scramble.

With the crowd now behind them Chelsea pushed for a third, and while West Ham’s Jean-Clair Todibo hit the post in the 86th minute, Fernandez pounced to finish Joao Pedro’s cross from close range for the winner.

Konstantinos Mavropanos was sent off for his part in a melee at the end of the match after a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) check, as emotional scenes boiled over.

The result lifts Chelsea above Manchester United into fourth place in the Premier League, while West Ham remain five points below Nottingham Forest. United and Forest play tomorrow and both have a game in hand.

BBC

January 31, 2026
Okiro, Ebute canvass support for Tinubu’s re-election

Former Inspector-General of Police Sir Mike Okiro and a former Senate President Ameh Ebute have called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okiro and Ebute spoke in Abuja during the unveiling of the Legacy Support Group for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope for Better Nigeria.

Okiro, a former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, who was represented by Hon Marcel Ezenwa, said Tinubu is doing everything possible to change the narratives about the country on all sides, thereby creating an enabling environment for economic development and growth.

He further said continuous criticisms of the government without evidence would not move the country forward; rather, it would take the nation backward.

“We are all here, we are all witnesses, many people are confessing. So, based on that, we decided to join hands to support the moving train.

Read Also: Police arrest 10 suspects over murder of four villagers in Ebonyi

“That is actually the picture we want to paint for the whole world; for Nigerians to make up their minds that let Mr President continue with the good job he is already doing,” Okiro also said.

Ebute said he was extending his support through the legacy group and other support groups in the country to enable the President complete his eight-year tenure.

Ebute, who was represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Hans Royal Homes Limited, Prince Henry Opara, also said his decision was to enable the President complete the good work he has started.

“He has a good mind for Nigeria and we have seen what he has been doing. Despite what people are saying, Rome was not built in a day. So, it is a gradual process,” Ebute said.

Ebute, a former Pro-Chancellor of the National Open University, further acknowledged the President’s achievements so far, adding that President Tinubu meant well for the country.

“Anywhere he stops, another person can continue. But he really has a good heart and intention for this country,” Ebute also said.

National Coordinator of the group, Chief Chima Duru, said Tinubu has wonderful legacies which will outlive his administration.

Duru also said the group has seen the antecedents of President Tinubu and decided to add its voice to others calling for the re-election of the President.

He hailed President Tinubu as a man who is not selfish, saying that the President is a man with ambition, a man with a human heart, a man with vision, and a man who is very humble.

“He listens to people and listen to advices. He is not full of himself. What endeared me to him is that one day, he was speaking and I was listening. He said, please, have hope in your life and that whatever God says you are going to be, you will be,” Duru said.

January 31, 2026
APC gains momentum in Kano as Doguwa welcomes commissioner, ex-NNPP leaders

House of Representative member Alhassan Ado Doguwa on Saturday received hundreds of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.

The move is a significant boost for the APC and a show of support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.

It is also a clear indication that the reelection chances of the Governor and President are bright.

Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, led an inclusive APC registration exercise and welcomed prominent NNPP defectors, including Kano Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, and other government officials.

Read Also: Police arrest 10 suspects over murder of four villagers in Ebonyi

The lawmaker alongside the defecting NNPP members also conducted their APC membership E-registration and held a rally during which he launched the President Tinubu/Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf second term campaign.

“We all pledged to work for the overall interest of the APC under His Excellency President Bola Tinubu at the centre, and the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the sub-national level, as clearly reflected in our party’s constitution and in compliance with the tenets of constitutional democracy.

“We have all embraced this development in good faith and believe that same can be seen as a WIN-WIN situation for all party members. We are now co-drivers of the governor’s political project called “KANO FIRST”.

“I led an all inclusive approach of the APC membership E-registration exercise in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano state, where I received among others, prominent members of the defunct NNPP into the ruling APC.

“The Commissioner of Water Resources Kano State and former APC state Chairman Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, Engr. Ado Ibrahim Doguwa and the Chairman Doguwa Local Government, Abdul Rashid Doguwa, and his entire executive, legislative teams and a host of others decamped from the NNPP who are mostly government officials under the leadership Governor Yusuf,” Doguwa said.

Their defection comes after Governor Yusuf officially joined the ruling party.

Yusuf defected after his meeting with President Bola Tinubu, which was believed to have resolved issues surrounding his defection, including governorship ticket which the former APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje reaffirmed, urging all aspirants to step aside for the governor.

The APC has welcomed Yusuf’s move, while NNPP’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed concerns about the defection, calling it a betrayal.

January 31, 2026
Wike inaugurates, NDDC 9.4km road, 1,500-seater hall in Rivers community

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated 9.4-kilometre Ogu Community Road Network and a 1,500-seater Royal Hall built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Ogu, Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Speaking at the inauguration of the two projects, Wike said they were further demonstrations of the Federal Government’s determination to develop the Niger Delta region.

He said: “I am overwhelmed by the current level of development in Ogu, facilitated by the NDDC. I have seen the network of concrete roads with drainages and I am impressed.

“The NDDC has impacted positively on the lives of the people of Ogu, and this is largely because of the working understanding between the NDDC Managing Director and the Executive Director, Finance and Administration.

“This is the first time I am participating in the activities of the NDDC, and this is because I am satisfied with the performance of the current leadership of the Commission. They have demonstrated that they are working for the people.

The Minister in a statement by the NDDC Director, Corporate Communications, Seledi Thompson-Wakama charged all government agencies to join hands to ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Read Also: Police arrest 10 suspects over murder of four villagers in Ebonyi

NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the road and the town hall as dividends of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that the NDDC was spreading the good news of President Tinubu through tangible results.

He described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory as a “champion of development,” with footprints in Rivers State and the nation’s capital.

Ogbuku restated the commission’s commitment to the mandate given to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.

Ogbuku affirmed that the commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in developing the Niger Delta region.

He charged the communities in the Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area to join hands in owning and maintaining the NDDC projects in their areas.

INDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, noted that the people of Ogu were full of joy over the projects and reassured them that the present board of the Commission would not relent in spreading development to all communities.

In his project brief, the NDDC Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Gbenga Omowale, explained that the Ogu Community Road Network (Phases 1 and 2) comprised a 9.450 km rigid pavement road with an average width of 7.3m.

According to him, the road project covered a total of 12,600km of reinforced concrete line drains, slabs and ring culverts.

Omowale said the road would provide an easy, accessible network connecting the villages in Ogu and its neighbouring communities, as well as improve socio-economic conditions in the communities along the alignment.

On the Royal Hall, the Director explained that the 1,500-seater capacity town hall was furnished with state-of-the-art fittings, including firefighting equipment, at strategic positions, acoustic walls to ensure efficient sound filter and heat absorption, multiple air conditioners to ensure the comfort of the users and an efficient public sound system.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Egbelekpeke, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for executing various projects in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area. He commended the vision and leadership of the NDDC Board and Management, noting that the quality of the projects was exceptional.

January 31, 2026
Yusuf lifts families of deceased soldiers, vigilante with N25 million

The Kano State Government has presented ₦5 million each to the families of four military personnel and a vigilante who died in the line of duty in Shanono Local Government Area..

The cheques were presented by Major General Sani Mohammed (Rtd), Director General of Special Services, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army Headquarters in Kano.

The cheques were presented to the family members of the Nigerian Army Personnel, one personnel of the Nigerian Air Force and the spouse of a vigilante.

“The presentation is in honour of 3 NA personnel, a NAF soldier and a vigilante who paid the supreme price in the battle between November 2025 and January 2026.

Read Also: Police arrest 10 suspects over murder of four villagers in Ebonyi

“I will not forget the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes. They remain super heroes and their sacrifice in defending lives and property would never be forgotten.

“The government will not compensate them enough for their sacrifices to the country, nevertheless, we will continue to pursue the welfare of those in the battle front and the families of the deceased, while strengthening cooperation with security agencies to curb banditry and other criminal activities in the State,” the Governor said.

The Commander of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, welcomed the support, saying it boosts morale.

Beneficiaries, including Lance Corporal Yusuf Jibril, thanked the government for the compensation, pledging to use it for the welfare of the bereaved families.

January 31, 2026
Tinubu’s reforms yielding positive results – Idris

The Federal Government has declared that the economic reforms instituted by President Bola Tinubu, specifically the removal of petrol subsidy, foreign exchange unification and the 2026 tax laws, are yielding positive results, citing a resurgence in foreign investment and the successful disbursement of N174 billion in student loans.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, spoke on Saturday while delivering the 34th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, titled “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms”.

Idris stated that the administration’s bold and ambitious reforms were necessary to reset the economic landscape and end the cycle of doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results noting that contrary to fears of an exodus, multinational corporations are renewing their interest in the Nigerian market.

“The renewed attention of domestic and foreign investors, occasioned by these reforms, is opening up opportunities in every sector of the economy.

“Many firms that had previously considered exiting the Nigerian market are now making a U-turn, given the scale and steadiness of the stability we have seen in the last 18 months. Serious investors are paying attention and responding positively,” Idris said.

He highlighted that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s monthly survey of business confidence has recorded 13 consecutive months of expansion while citing a recent visit by Shell Plc’s CEO, Mr. Wael Sawan, who attested to the improved investment climate, stating that the new stability propelled the oil giant to invest for the long term.

Addressing the controversial tax laws, which took effect on January 1, 2026, Idris dismissed reports of negative impact as misinformation and scare-mongering.

“In recent weeks, many salary earners have received higher take-home pay following implementation,. The goal was never to take more from Nigerians but to simplify taxation and make it fairer and more transparent” he asserted, adding that the objective was to simplify taxation rather than overburden citizens.

On the impact of these reforms on the education sector, the Minister revealed that the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has received nearly 1.5 million applications since its launch in May 2024.

“Over ₦174 billion has so far been disbursed as tuition fees and monthly upkeep allowances to more than 900,000 beneficiaries,” Idris confirmed, describing the scheme as incontrovertible proof of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Read Also: 2027: Tinubu will surprise the naysayers in north – Ganduje

The Minister also provided sobering demographic projections, noting that within 25 years, Nigeria will become the world’s third most populous country with 400 million people, surpassing the United States.

He challenged the graduating students to reject cynicism regarding government programmes, citing the success of the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation as evidence of available opportunities.

“Opportunities do not automatically transform lives unless they are sought, seized, and harnessed,. They are merely potential in raw form and of little use of left untapped. It is possible for affordable credit, student loans or technical and vocational programmes to exist and yet but to benefit, either due to lack of awareness or because you have given in to the cynical voice that says you don’t bother about such opportunities,” he warned.

Idris urged the graduates to engage with the ongoing reforms and leverage technology for empowerment rather than distraction.

January 31, 2026
Edo doesn’t rely on FAAC to pay salaries- Commissioner

Edo Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor, has said that the State does not rely on allocation from the federation account to pay its salaries.

Okoebor said workers in the State Government payroll have received their January salaries.

He was reacting to report that payment of January salaries might be delayed due to disagreement in sharing allocation from FAAC.

Read Also: Sunday Igboho lauds Tinubu, Southwest governors, Obas over freedom

The Edo Finance Commissioner said preparations were made ahead for salary payment before funds ade disbursed from FAAC.

“We don’t rely on FAAC to pay salaries in Edo. We have paid January salaries,” he stressed.

January 31, 2026
Ribadu, Aiyedatiwa, two others receive MAU Yola’s honourary doctorate degrees

National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu and Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa have bagged honorary doctorate degrees from the Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola.

Cross River Governor Bassey Otu and his Zamfara counterpart Abdulaziz Yari were the other two prominent personalities bestowed similar honour on Saturday when MAU held its 29th and 30th combined convocation.

The four were handed the symbols of their recognition just as over 7,000 regular graduands of the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 sessions for whom the combined convocation was organised were also awarded their respective undergraduate, postgraduate and academic doctoral degrees.

Read Also: TETFund sponsors 185 workers in MAU Yola

Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ibrahim Umar, said the four honorary degree recipients were carefully selected for reward in recognition of their exceptional contributions to a better Nigeria.

He said that since its establishment in 1981, the university has been contributing significantly to the intellectual and moral development of Nigerian youths, but said the university faced certain challenges, including lack of all-round perimeter fencing to fully secure the expansive main campus.

Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who attended the convocation as a guest, announced plans by his government to construct a five-kilometre internal road network within the university.

The Governor said the project is part of his administration’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Federal Government and improving infrastructure in tertiary institutions across the state.

January 31, 2026