The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Building goes up in flames at Lagos Computer Village

    Building goes up in flames at Lagos Computer Village

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    An early morning fire yesterday gutted a commercial building with 13 shops on Somoye Ogundairo Street in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, destroying goods estimated at millions of Naira.

    Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement, said the agency received a distress call about 1.55am and  “activated the state’s Emergency Response Plan from its Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja”.

    “The LASEMA Response Team conducted a risk assessment and cordoned off the affected area. Safety and precautionary measures were activated to forestall damage to adjoining buildings and the immediate environment,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

    He said the cause of the fire was yet to be determined and that the matter was under investigation, adding that the combustible materials in the building contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

    He said the upper floor of the building was destroyed, with goods.

    He added that the structure had been partially compromised and would require a structural integrity assessment.

    READ ALSO: Tax reform: Lessons for national health financing

    “No lives were lost in the incident; however, one firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation and was treated on-site by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS),” he said.

    One of the affected shop owners, Chuks, said some goods he offloaded on Monday were destroyed by the fire.

    An eye witness, Olumide, attributed the cause of the fire to an electrical spark.

     that followed the restoration of power supply, which was complicated by the unavailability of access keys to the building.

    He added that the Firefighters  arrived with three trucks to extinguish the fire. They broke into the building through the back to salvage it.

    This is coming barely two weeks after a fire at Great Nigerian Insurance building on Lagos Island, where  some people died and at Arena Market in Bolade Oshodi where goods worth millions of naira were destroyed.

  • ‘Missing’ Nonagenarian Opral Benson found in Liberia

    ‘Missing’ Nonagenarian Opral Benson found in Liberia

    The controversy over the whereabouts of 90-year-old Iya Oge of Lagos, Opral Benson, has been put to rest.

    African Refugees Foundation (AREF), a body that the widow of First Republic Minister of Information  TOS Benson serves as president, said she is ‘safe and hearty’ in  Liberia.

    “AREF confirms that Mrs Benson is currently in Liberia; her presence there is voluntary and known,’’ said Olujimi Olusola III, chief executive officer of AREF.

    A statement credited to the family on Sunday had appealed to the public for any information that could assist in locating the Nonagenarian  American-Liberian-Nigerian, who married the flamboyant Ikorodu-born politician in 1962.

    The statement had claimed that Iya Oge was ‘missing,’ having left her residence for an undisclosed destination on January 13.

    It appealed to anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact the Police or the family via a mobile telephone number.  

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    The statement partly reads: “The family reports that Mama Opral Benson has been missing since January 13. Her current location is unknown. Anyone with information, no matter how minor, is urged to contact us immediately at 08037039214 or report to the nearest police station.

    ‘’ This matter is time-sensitive. Please share widely.” 

    But AREF, in a counter statement, implored the public to disregard the claim that the entrepreneur and socialite who runs a fashion and beauty school in Lagos was missing.

    It said: “We urge members of the public, media organisations, and community stakeholders to disregard the false and misleading reports and refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary alarm.

    “The foundation remains committed to promoting truth, protecting the dignity of individuals under its care, and ensuring that accurate information is made available to the public.”

    Also, a source close to the Benson family said Oprah was not missing.

    ‘’Mama Opral is in Liberia visiting family. Precious and her Assistant are with her,” he said.

     The source, who did not give his name, described Precious as Oprah’s daughter.

    According to him, the ‘’missing notice’’ may have been issued due to a communication gap within the Benson family. He added one Bimbo Cardoso, whom he said is Oprah’s stepdaughter, circulated the notice.

    “Bimbo, who put the notice out, has been described as a drama queen. Maybe she wasn’t told before they left,” the source said. “Precious is Oprah Benson’s daughter. Bimbo Cardoso is a stepdaughter.”

    Opral, born on February 7, 1935, was a former university administrator,  director at Johnson’s Products, the Nigerian branch of the multinational corporation. 

    She was appointed honorary consul of Liberia in Lagos in 2012.

  • LAWMA urges responsible waste disposal, backs circular economy

    LAWMA urges responsible waste disposal, backs circular economy

    The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged residents of the state to embrace responsible waste disposal practices, stressing that proper handling of waste is critical to achieving a cleaner, more liveable, and sustainable Lagos.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made the call while featuring on Sunrise Daily, a flagship programme on Channels Television, where he spoke on the realities of waste management in a rapidly urbanising city and the shared responsibilities required to keep the state clean.

    Gbadegesin said the authority had continued waste evacuation and management operations across the state, while strengthening routine collection services and persistently clearing identified flashpoints caused by indiscriminate dumping and poor waste handling.

    He noted that such practices had continued to undermine progress in the waste management sector, adding that LAWMA remained committed to addressing the challenges through sustained operations and public sensitisation.

    The LAWMA boss encouraged residents to adopt basic waste sorting practices, emphasising the importance of separating recyclable materials from general waste at the point of disposal.

    According to him, sorting waste at source would improve collection efficiency, support recycling activities, and reduce pressure on landfill sites.

    Gbadegesin also highlighted LAWMA’s increasing focus on recycling, stating that waste should no longer be viewed merely as refuse, but as a resource with economic value.

    Read Also: Isolo, LAWMA clear illegal dumpsites

    He said recycling initiatives would create employment opportunities, attract private sector participation and contribute to environmental protection.

    Advocating a shift towards a circular economy, he explained that the approach, which promotes recovery, reuse, and recycling of materials, offers significant economic and business opportunities while reducing environmental impact, unlike the linear system of collection and disposal.

    On enforcement, Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to upholding environmental laws and ensuring accountability, disclosing that about 400 cases of environmental infractions were prosecuted in 2025.

    He cited a recent case in which a man caught dumping waste indiscriminately was convicted and is currently serving a jail term.

    He urged residents to support LAWMA’s enforcement efforts by shunning indiscriminate dumping and promptly reporting environmental violations, noting that citizens’ cooperation remains vital to maintaining cleanliness and order across the state.

    Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to strengthen waste management systems and promote a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Lagos State.

  • Shettima backs AFAN, reiterates FG’s commitment to farmers

    Shettima backs AFAN, reiterates FG’s commitment to farmers

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged the Federal Government’s continued support for Nigerian farmers under the auspices of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), saying that when farmers thrive, the nation thrives.

    Shettima gave the assurance at the closing of the three-day General Assembly of Farmers (GAF) meeting with the theme, “Empowering Farmers, Fostering Collaboration,” held in Abuja.

    Speaking on behalf of the Vice President, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Dr Uju Rochas-Anwukah, said the Nutrition 774 Initiative places farmers at the centre of Nigeria’s fight against malnutrition.

    She said agriculture was not just an economic policy but also a security, peace and nation-healing strategy, adding that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, agriculture occupied a central position in national recovery.

    According to her, Nigeria cannot fix nutrition without fixing food systems, and food systems cannot be fixed without farmers, stressing that farmers must not be treated as an afterthought.

    She said the Nutrition 774 Initiative aligns agriculture, health, education and livelihoods, noting that nutrition does not begin in hospitals but on farms.

    Rochas-Anwukah added that the Office of the Vice President was ready to partner with AFAN to ensure farmers succeed, families prosper and the nation grows.

    She also noted that the fundamentals of life, food, shelter and clothing, begin from the soil, adding that no nation industrialises without first securing its agricultural foundation.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), said farmers faced significant security challenges but assured them of the government’s commitment to improving safety in farming communities.

    Musa urged farmers to report security threats, stressing that protecting farmers was critical to national food production and food security.

    Earlier, in his address, AFAN President, Dr Farouk Mudi, highlighted the impact of climate change, rising input costs and insecurity on agricultural productivity.

    Mudi said delayed rainfall, flooding and high fertiliser prices were negatively affecting farming, adding that stronger policies and increased investments were required to secure the future of agriculture in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Shettima commissions first-ever Nigeria House in Davos

    He said the country was witnessing erratic rainfall patterns and disappearing harmattan, noting that delayed rains and flash floods had destroyed over 500,000 hectares of rice and maize farms.

    Mudi said the cost of fertiliser and agrochemicals had risen sharply, making farming increasingly unaffordable for many farmers.
    He also described Nigeria’s livestock sector as being in crisis, despite the country’s huge livestock population, noting that insecurity and conflict had continued to undermine its potential.

    According to him, AFAN lost over 10,000 lives and about N500 billion worth of property to farmer-herder clashes in the last 10 years, while more than three million cattle were lost to rustling and unplanned migration.

    Mudi said the association strongly supported the National Livestock Transformation Plan to enable herders adopt modern ranching and allow farmers cultivate their land without fear.

    He added that Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually on food imports such as wheat, sugar and fish, money which should benefit local farmers.

    He noted that agriculture was once a core part of Nigeria’s educational system and rural economy, but declining emphasis on practical agriculture, insecurity and climate challenges had weakened local food production and discouraged youth participation in the sector. (NAN)

  • Red Cross mobilises 5,000 volunteers for measles–rubella vaccination in Lagos

    Red Cross mobilises 5,000 volunteers for measles–rubella vaccination in Lagos

    The Nigerian Red Cross Society has mobilised about 5,000 volunteers across Lagos State to support the measles–rubella vaccination exercise across Lagos State.

    The project, jointly funded by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Red Cross, will see the deployment of 4,857 trained community-based volunteers across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

    Speaking at the ongoing training in Lagos, the Lagos State Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross, Mr. Olakunle Lasisi, said the organisation would work across all 20 local government areas, ensuring that every ward and community is reached.

    He said, “Our volunteers are community-based. They live in the communities they serve, and that makes it easier to reach caregivers directly. What we are doing now is the training of trainers. These trainers, known as supervisors, will oversee the volunteers at the local government level.”

    According to him, programme coordinators, divisional secretaries and data officers are also being trained to support daily reporting, data collection and monitoring of the exercise. 

    He said that any case of resistance or refusal to vaccinate would be flagged and referred to local government health educators and local immunisation officers for follow-up.

    Lasisi stressed that the Lagos State Government remains the lead agency for the campaign, with the Red Cross serving as an auxiliary to public authorities. 

    After the training of trainers, Lasisi said, step-down training would be conducted at the local government level, ahead of field mobilisation scheduled to begin two days before the commencement of vaccination.

    “From experience, our involvement has always yielded strong results. In 2018, we recorded about 99 per cent coverage. With nearly 5,000 carefully selected volunteers this time, we expect nothing less,” he added.

    Also speaking, Senior Project Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross, Dr. Ahmad Majid, said the organisation was deploying more than 4,800 volunteers across every local government, ward and community in Lagos to support vaccination teams through mobilisation, referrals and community engagement.

    He said, “Our volunteers will also address rumours, myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccines.”

    He explained that, in addition to the measles–rubella vaccine, other routine immunisation vaccines, including the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for adolescent girls, would be available during the campaign.

    Read Also: Lagos Island, Red Cross launch fire safety awareness

    Majid noted that the measles–rubella campaign is part of a national programme being implemented in phases, with earlier phases conducted in northern states, including Kano, where the Red Cross supported mobilisation and capacity building across 14 states.

    He urged parents and caregivers to rely on credible sources of information, assuring them of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.

    “The vaccines are safe, effective and fully paid for by the Nigerian government. People should avoid misinformation and consult health workers, community leaders and trusted platforms such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, WHO, UNICEF and Red Cross channels,” he said. 

    IFRC representative Mrs. Sandra Kanezi said the Lagos campaign would run for 12 days, supported by two days of pre-mobilisation and two days of follow-up activities. 

    She added that more than 400 supervisors would coordinate over 4,000 volunteers conducting house-to-house mobilisation across the state.

    “This campaign is meant to complement routine immunisation and ensure that no child is missed,” she said, expressing optimism that Lagos would record high coverage and reduced measles and rubella burden.

  • Pastor arrested for sexually abusing two sisters in Edo

    Pastor arrested for sexually abusing two sisters in Edo

    Founder of Rollo Life of Christ Brethren Ministry, Bishop Gideon Osagie Osazee, has been arrested for alleged sexual abuse of two biological sisters.

    Besides the two sisters, four other girls have stepped out to testify that Bishop Osazee had sexual intercourse with them.

    Bishop Osazee was arrested by officials of the Edo State after several days of laying ambush for him.

    The two sisters said they were aged 13 and 17 when the sexual assault took place.

    According to the eldest sister, who claimed to be 21 now, said she was sleeping when the suspect had sexual intercourse with her.

    She said, “I woke up and I saw that it was my Pastor. That was how he took advantage of me. He overpowered me. Ona day, he told the church that he would have a midnight deliverance service for me. That night, he made me to swear an oath not to reveal about the sexual encounter and said any man that had sex with me would be stuck inside because he has a monitoring mirror.”

    The younger sister said she was 13 when the accused Bishop had sex with her.

    On his part, Bishop Osazee, who denied the allegations, said he had a relationship with the eldest of the two sisters.

    Read Also: Edo APC kicks off e-registration of members

    He said the victim told him she was 21 as at the time they began the relationship.

    Bishop Osazee said he bought her a ring to propose to her.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugene Abdullah, said other children from the church have spoken out about sexual harassment from the suspect.

    She said the case would be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Edo State Police Command for prosecution.

    Faith Edebor, of the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Centre, said preliminary investigation supported claims of the vicitms.

  • Group unveils national agenda for Tinubu 2027

    Group unveils national agenda for Tinubu 2027

    • …says Tinubu’s reforms need time, stability

    A group of prominent Nigerians drawn from across the six geopolitical zones, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Diaspora has unveiled the National Agenda for Tinubu 2027 (NAFT.27), a nationwide civic movement aimed at consolidating and advancing the reform programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Unveiled in Abuja on Sunday, the platform is positioned as a non-ethnic, non-religious national enlightenment and solidarity movement designed to articulate, safeguard, and promote what it describes as the verifiable gains of the Tinubu administration after 32 months in office under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    With the theme “Managing the Verifiable Gains of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 32 Months in Office, as Evidenced by the Democratic Scorecard of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” NAFT.27 said it would serve as a broad-based civic and intellectual-property think tank, focused on deepening public understanding of governance reforms and mobilising elected officials at the federal, state and local government levels to consolidate policy outcomes.

    The group said its intervention became necessary amid persistent misinformation, public scepticism and heightened political contestation around ongoing economic and institutional reforms.

    At its core, NAFT.27 said it seeks to systematically document and defend the achievements of the Tinubu administration, particularly in the areas of policy reform, institutional rebuilding, economic recalibration and democratic consolidation across ministries, departments and agencies.

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    Addressing journalists during the unveiling, National Convener of NAFT.27, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim, MFR, described the movement as a strategic civic response to what he called the need to properly contextualise governance performance in light of the “severe economic and institutional challenges” inherited by the administration in 2023.

    According to him, NAFT.27 represents a new approach in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, aimed at reshaping how citizens engage with governance by countering emotional biases, entrenched stereotypes and deliberate misinformation.

    “This is about helping Nigerians understand governance beyond headlines and sentiment, and anchoring public debate on facts, data and policy outcomes,” Ibrahim said.

    He disclosed that the movement would embark on nationwide engagements across the six geopolitical zones ahead of the next electoral cycle, beginning with a detailed scorecard of President Tinubu’s administration, followed by assessments of APC-led state governments and local government councils.

    The engagements, he said, would focus on policy explanation, reform advocacy, misinformation management, and national cohesion, in alignment with the development objectives of the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

    NAFT.27 also emphasized that Nigeria is at a critical juncture, where policy consistency and reform consolidation are more important than abrupt political reversals. It noted that many of the ongoing reforms require time, stability, and informed public support to yield tangible democratic dividends.

    The movement was first publicly announced in May 2025 at a reception held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel in honour of former APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, PhD, who serves as the Grand Patron of the group.

    NAFT.27 reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, saying the joint ticket has continued to resist divisive narratives rooted in ethnic, religious and cultural fault lines.

    As the federal government grapples with rural poverty and urban hardship, the group said the administration remains committed to improving the basic and felt needs of Nigerians through deliberate, people-centred policies.

    “Renewed Hope is a journey, not an event,” the group declared, urging Nigerians—especially young people—to remain patient, engaged and discerning as reforms mature into a more stable, inclusive and progressive society.

  • Terrorists, other criminals in Kogi get quit notice from Ododo

    Terrorists, other criminals in Kogi get quit notice from Ododo

    Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo yesterday served quit notice on terrorists and criminals, declaring that their days were numbered.

    He made the declaration in Lokoja during the unveiling of security drones to tackle crimes.

    The governor stressed that Kogi would not harbour terrorists and criminals.

    His words: “Let me be very clear here: this administration will not submit to criminality. We have said it before, and we will say it again today, Kogi State will not negotiate with criminals. We will not surrender our communities.

    “We will not allow bandits or terrorists to take over any part of our land. Government must be in charge, not bandits, not kidnappers, not criminal sponsors. Our government is fully prepared to confront, attack, and defeat criminals operating within our territory.

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    “If any criminal group was in doubt about our determination, the unveiling of these drones should clear that doubt. To the criminals, I say this plainly: your time is running out. Kogi State’s strategic location as the gateway between the North and the South makes security a serious responsibility. “

    The governor emphasised that his administration had put in several efforts to tackle security challenges in the state, pointing out that these had made Kogi the most peaceful state in the Northcentral part of Nigeria.

    He assured that he would not relent in the task of making the state peaceful and free of criminals.

    “Over the last two years, our administration has recorded clear achievements in the security sector. We have built a strong, intelligence-led security framework that combines technology, community participation, inter-agency cooperation, and political will. Today, Kogi State stands as the most peaceful state in the Northcentral zone, and we are determined to be the safest state in Nigeria.

    “We strengthened grassroots intelligence by building security structures across all 239 political wards. We absorbed 2,752 Vigilante Service personnel into the civil service to improve welfare, discipline, and professionalism. We recruited and equipped hunters across the 21 local government areas to support operations in forests and hard-to-reach areas. We have also sustained clearance operations in several flashpoints, reclaiming territories previously threatened by criminals.’’

    “We constructed and equipped a Quick Response Unit to ensure rapid deployment to security threats. We procured and distributed patrol vehicles, operational vans, thousands of motorcycles, bulletproof vests, helmets, communication gadgets, and other equipment to enhance mobility, safety, and effectiveness. Today’s unveiling of these drones builds on these efforts. It strengthens our ability to see threats early, respond faster, deny criminals territory, and protect our people better.”

    Ododo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring a safe and secured Kogi, declaring: “Mr President’s commitment to national security, inter-agency synergy, and intelligence-driven operations has made our work easier at the sub-national level. We are truly grateful.”

    The governor who sympathised with those affected by criminal activities, assured that his government “ is in full control. We are determined, we are prepared, and we will secure every kogi citizen.

    He added:  “I also appreciate the National Security Adviser; the Chief of Defence Staff; Chief of Army Staff; Chief of Naval Staff; Chief of Air Staff; DG, NIA; Inspector-General of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services; and Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their continuous support and collaboration. Our success so far is a product of synergy, shared intelligence, and joint operations.”

  • Airstrikes kill terrorist leader Munzir, others 

    Airstrikes kill terrorist leader Munzir, others 

    • Troops rescue106 kidnap victims, arrest 82 crime-suspects, destroy 20 illegal refineries, seize 30 oil thieves

    Strikes by the Air Component of Operation Hadi Kai, a military offensive against Boko Haram and its splinter groups, have resulted in the death of terrorist leader Munzir (aka Baa Yanziye) and several others in Northeast.

    The airstrikes, conducted in support of ground troops, were carried out during combined operations between January 1 and 15, targeting terrorist hideouts, logistics bases, and fleeing fighters.

     Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, stated this in an update on the military’s successes against terrorists and other non-state actors.

    According to Gen. Onoja, ground forces, in conjunction with the Air Component, hybrid forces, and security outfits, conducted aggressive operations in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Guzamala, and Damboa local government areas of Borno State; Hong and Madagali local government areas of Adamawa State; and Damaturu and Gujba local government areas of Yobe State.

    He said: “During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralised. Also, 34 of them were arrested, while 17 kidnap victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in troops’ custody for further action.

    “Between January 1 to 3, 2026, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted multiple air interdiction missions at Abirma, Chiralia, Guva in Timbuktu Triangle as well as Garin Mallam Iddirisa, Garin Abu Ayuba in Nduva, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment, said that a well-known terrorist leader, Munzir (otherwise known as Baa Yanziye) was neutralised alongside others during the strikes.

    “Similarly, between January 8 to 13, 2026, multiple air interdiction were conducted at Abbagajiri in Timbuktu Triangle, while the component provided close air support to ground troops within Damasak, Megumeri, Gubio, Kereto, Binduldul, Matari, Gashagar and Gudumbali general areas of Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment showed that some selected targets were acquired and engaged with bombs and rockets accordingly.”

    In the Northwest, the Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted offensive operations from January 1 to 15 in Anka, Bakura, Bungudu, Kaura Namoda, Maru, Maradun, Talata Mafara, Zurmi and Tsafe local government areas of Zamfara State; Kankara, Danmusa, Malumfashi and Matazu local government areas of Katsina State; Arewa and Shanga local government areas of Kebbi State; Binji, Gudu, Isa, Rabah, Sabon Birni, Tambuwal and Wurno local government areas of Sokoto State; and Borgu and Kontagora local government areas of Niger State, as well as Tsanyawa and Shanono local government areas of Kano State.

    Onoja said that during the operations, troops killed several terrorists and arrested nine others. He added that 52 kidnap victims were rescued, while a large cache of weapons was recovered from the terrorists.

    Read Also: Shettima commissions first-ever Nigeria House in Davos

    “Between January 9 and 12, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted armed reconnaissance and air interdiction missions at Dutsen Magaji, Machata, and Kana Birniwa in Jigawa State, as well as Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    “Accordingly, targets were acquired and engaged with rockets. Subsequent battle damage assessment revealed that scores of terrorists were neutralised, while their enclaves and logistics facilities were destroyed,” he said.

    The Defence spokesperson said the two ongoing operations in the Northcentral – Operation Endurance Peace and Whirl Stroke – achieved significant feats against terrorists/ extremists.

    According to him, troops of Operation Enduring Peace killed several terrorists/criminals, arrested 25 others, and rescued 14 kidnap victims during operations conducted between January 1 and 15 in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Kanam, Mangu, Riyom, Jos East, Jos North, and Wase Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, as well as Chikun, Jema’a, and Sanga local government areas of Kaduna State. While troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested the wife of a notorious bandit, John Gata, and eight suspected kidnappers, rescued 21 kidnap victims, and seized arms, ammunition, and other items from the suspected criminals.

    In the Niger Delta region, the Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over N53,752,100, comprising 63,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 19,300 litres of AGO. The troops also discovered and destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were recovered.

    On the military offensive against Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in the Southeast, the military high command said troops arrested three IPOB/ESN members at Umunze Community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    “Investigation revealed that they belong to Jukwese IPOB/ESN syndicate operating within the Umunze community in Orumba Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    “Similarly, a suspected notorious arms dealer was also arrested at his residence in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. Following his arrest, troops recovered a vehicle and two Samsung phones,” Onoja said.

    According to him, on January 1, the Air Component of Operation UDO KA provided close air support to the ground troops during a clearance operation at Ajalli Forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, where terrorists’ enclaves were identified within the thickly forested area and were set ablaze.

    “Also, on January 8 and 9, armed reconnaissance was conducted over Awo-Ommama, Eke-Ututu, Mbieri, Njaba, Orlu, Orsu West, Orsumoghu and Owerri as well as Nkalagu, Ishielu, Ohaukwu, Izzi and Abakaliki. During the missions, significant successes were recorded,” he said.

  • Residents scoop diesel as tanker overturns on Lagos bridge

    Residents scoop diesel as tanker overturns on Lagos bridge

    A diesel-laden tanker yesterday overturned on Liverpool Bridge,Tin Can, Apapa, Lagos, triggering a scramble by residents and passersby who scooped the inflammable product under the bridge.

    Eyewitnesses said the tanker tipped over during rush hour in the morning, before the arrival of traffic management officials. Footage shared showed residents with jerry cans and containers of various sizes collecting the diesel, despite the obvious danger.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the affected section of the bridge was cordoned off to allow emergency responders to secure the area. The agency later confirmed that the road had been reopened after the spilled content was neutralised.

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    In a post on X, LASTMA said: “The road on Liverpool Bridge inward Apapa that was cordoned off has been reopened after the contents have been neutralised by men of the Lagos State Fire Service. LASTMA officials are doing the needful and traffic is expected to move better, while we await the arrival of a tow truck.”

    Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, and the Controller-General, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, stated that the situation had been brought under control through the efforts of the Nigerian Police, emergency responders, and other security agencies.Aminu, a young man who sleeps under the Liverpool Bridge near Lever Market, told The Nation he narrowly escaped death after noticing liquid dripping from above.

    “I just saw something like water falling from the bridge and landing very close to where I sleep. Immediately, my mind went to what happened in Jigawa last year. Some of my brothers died when a tanker fell and they went to scoop fuel and not long, fire started and burnt them. I told myself I was not ready to die.”

    Also, LASTMA and officers of the Nigeria Police Force have evacuated two vehicles which collided on the Third Mainland Bridge at Adeniji Intersection area of Lagos State.

    The Nation learnt that a yet-to-be-identified driver of a Lexus jeep had fallen asleep while driving, leading to loss of control and eventual collision with another vehicle early yesterday.

    The Lexus Jeep had number plate RBC-516EA, colliding with the other vehicle with number plate LND-327EH, and Toyota RAV4 – BDG400FA.