2 Division Launches “Operation Igbo Danu” In Kwara, Destroys Terrorists’ Camps

2 Division Launches “Operation Igbo Danu” In Kwara, Destroys Terrorists’ Camps

  Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade, under the 2 Division, have recorded significant operational successes following the launch of Operation “Igbo Danu”, a sustained forest-clearing offensive targeting terrorist elements in Kwara State. The coordinated operations according to a signed press statement made available to journalists on Friday conducted between 23 and 29 January 2026, were executed with massive support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) within the Joint Operations Area (JOA). The offensive was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Chinedu Nnebife, alongside the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume. According to military sources, troops carried out aggressive fighting patrols across several bandits’ enclaves, resulting in the neutralisation of a terrorist, while several others fled into surrounding forests with suspected gunshot wounds. The operation also led to the destruction of multiple hideouts and camps, effectively dislodging the criminals from their strongholds. In a related operation, troops successfully cleared Garin Dandi, a notorious bandits’ enclave in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leading to the destruction of logistics bases and disruption of the bandits’ supply networks. The troops further advanced into remote camps previously inaccessible to security forces, where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capabilities. Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture across the forested areas, denying the criminals freedom of movement. Blocking positions were established along escape routes, resulting in the arrest of suspected bandits. The operations also led to the rescue of several kidnap victims from different camps across the state. Observations from the operations revealed that the bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations. The successes recorded, the Army said, underscore the resolve and operational effectiveness of 2 Division in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security in Kwara State. The GOC, Major General Nnebife, has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely intelligence on bandits and their collaborators to support ongoing operations. He assured that Operation Igbo Danu remains ongoing, with troops determined to decisively dismantle all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.

Ukraine Receives 1,000 Bodies from Russia in Latest Exchange

  Kyiv said on Thursday that it had received from Russia 1,000 remains of people that Moscow said were Ukrainian soldiers killed fighting the Kremlin’s army. The exchange of prisoners of war and the remains of killed soldiers is one of the few remaining areas of cooperation between Kyiv and Moscow, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022. “Today, repatriation measures took place, under which 1,000 bodies of the deceased, which the Russian side claims belong to Ukrainian defenders, were returned to Ukraine,” Kyiv’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said in a statement on social media. Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky confirmed an exchange had taken place, writing on Telegram that the Russian side had received the remains of 38 killed Russian soldiers. Medinsky said the exchange was made possible as part of agreements struck between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul earlier last year. Tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed on both sides since Russia invaded, though neither side regularly publishes data on their own casualties.   AFP

No Shots Fired at Anti-Demolition Protesters – Lagos CP

  The Lagos State Police Command has denied claims that its officers shot at residents protesting the demolition of their homes, insisting no gun was fired during Wednesday’s demonstration. Protesters from communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin and Oko Baba marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding proper relocation plans, compensation, and justice for residents who reportedly lost their lives during past demolition exercises. Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “A megacity cannot be built on the bones and blood of the poor” and “Justice for Owode-Onirin traders,” the protesters demanded compensation, relocation plans, and justice for past demolitions. PUNCH Online reports that tensions escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa when demonstrators were denied entry. According to the report, several people, including journalists and a nursing mother, were affected by tear gas fired to disperse the crowd. One protester sustained a leg injury. A photograph showing an injured protester being assisted to the hospital circulated widely on social media, sparking claims that the individual was shot. Responding to the reports, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Olohundare, told Channels Television on Thursday, “No gun was fired. I was there. I was appealing to them to remain peaceful, but they continued to hurl abuses at me. As a police officer, I am trained to work under this kind of pressure, so I did not react.” He added that the police sought to resolve the situation peacefully. “We spoke with the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who promptly — despite being in recess — sent five honourable members to appeal to them. Still, it fell on deaf ears because their aim was to enter the House of Assembly and cause mayhem, which we will not allow.” He also dismissed reports of bullet wounds reportedly sustained by one of the protesters. He said the case was reported to the area commander, who inspected the injury and determined that it was not caused by a bullet. Jimoh said the injury could have occurred while protesters were fleeing from teargas. Teargas was used to disperse the crowd, and some injuries were reported. The police chief explained, “When teargas is fired, people run to leave the scene. It is during that process that some may sustain injuries. To our records, nobody reported a gunshot injury to us during the operation after they had been warned that force would be used if they refused to disperse.”

Kano Emirship Tussle to be Resolved Soon– Commissioner 

  The Kano State Government has assured residents of the state that the lingering emirate tussle in the state would soon be resolved. The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, gave the assurance on Thursday while addressing newsmen in Kano, saying concrete steps have already been taken to restore lasting peace and stability. He said the administration of Governor Yusuf remains committed to dialogue with all stakeholders, stressing that the emirate matter will not be allowed to continue generating tension or undermining governance in the state. “The Kano emirship tussle will soon be resolved amicably because the state government is committed to dialogue with stakeholders,” Waiya said. He explained that the government’s approach is guided by respect for the rule of law, traditional institutions, and the collective interest of the people of Kano State. Recall that Muhammadu Sañusi II was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano in May 2024 following the removal of the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, after Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024. The law repealed the Kano State Emirates Council Law of 2019 and dissolved the emirate councils created under the previous administration. Speaking on the recent defection of Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress, the commissioner described the move as one that would bring significant benefits to Kano State. According to him, closer alignment with the Federal Government would attract more interventions, projects, and development initiatives in key sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare. “The defection opens more doors for Kano. With stronger collaboration with the Federal Government, residents should expect more dividends of democracy,” Waiya said. On the political future of the deputy governor, who has not defected alongside the governor, Waiya said the decision remains a personal choice. He emphasised that the state government remains focused on governance, unity, and development, urging residents to remain calm and supportive as efforts continue to resolve outstanding issues and move Kano forward. The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency, peace, and inclusive governance, assuring that the interests of the Kano people will always remain paramount.  

Heavy Gunfire Erupts Near Niger Capital’s Airport

A burst of heavy gunfire and explosions erupted early on Thursday near the international airport in Niger’s capital Niamey before halting within hours, residents told AFP. Videos filmed by residents of the area showed streaks of light in the sky with the sound of loud explosions, while other images showed flames several metres high and charred cars. The capital’s Diori Hamani International Airport houses an air force base and is located about 10 kilometres (six miles) from the presidential palace. Niger, a country hit regularly by jihadist attacks, has been led for more than two years by Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of a junta that overthrew the country’s elected civilian president in 2023. The shooting began shortly after midnight, according to residents of a neighbourhood near the airport. Calm returned two hours later, they told AFP. It was not immediately clear what had caused the gunfire and whether there were any casualties. The sound of sirens from fire trucks heading towards the airport could also be heard in the early hours of the morning, according to local residents. An online activist who supports the military rule, Ibrahim Bana, posted a video on Facebook in which he called on people to turn out on the streets of the capital to “defend the country.” The country’s largest international airport is also the headquarters of a joint force created by Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali to combat jihadist groups waging deadly violence in the region. Since taking over the country, Niger’s military leadership has forced out French and US forces who had been helping to combat the jihadists. Niger and its neighbours, also led by military juntas, have teamed up to create their own confederation, the Alliance of Sahel States, and have announced the creation of a 5,000-strong force for joint military operations. According to ACLED, an NGO that tracks conflict casualties globally, jihadist violence killed nearly 2,000 people in 2025 in Niger. A huge uranium shipment with an unknown buyer, which left the country’s north in late November, has also been stuck at the airport for weeks.

Police Caution Intending Travellers Against Visa Scams

  The Police Special Fraud Unit has cautioned intending travellers to strictly adhere to due process when applying for travel visas. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday, the spokesperson of PSFU, DSP Ovie Ewhubare, cautioned intending travellers against scams. Ewhubare urged members of the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters’ activities. NAN reports that scammers in the country have increasingly targeted visa applicants by posing as embassy officials or agents, using fake websites and urgent messages to demand quick payments. The fraudsters often promise guaranteed visa approvals or faster processing and request payments through personal bank accounts, gift cards, or other unofficial channels. Recently, the Police Command in Lagos State apprehended a syndicate in the Ago-Okota area of the state, for allegedly defrauding members of the public of over N500 million. The suspects, aged 23, 25, 27 and 36, were apprehended following credible intelligence and multiple complaints from victims. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects operated under the guise of an educational consultancy. The spokesperson said that following due process remained the most effective way to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. NAN

Police Beef-up Security As Traders Besiege, Chant IPOB Song At Market Gate

  AWKA – THE Anambra State Police Command has beefed up security at the gates of Onitsha main market which was ordered to be shut down on Monday by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on Monday following the traders insistence on observing every Monday Sit-at-Home. The police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga, a superintendent of police said the “market has been re-closed in compliance with the directive of the Anambra State Government, as approved by His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, Executive Governor of Anambra State”. According to the police, in furtherance of this directive, adequate security has been deployed in and around the market, as well as other strategic locations within Onitsha, by the Police in collaboration with other security agencies, to maintain law and order and prevent any breach of public peace. Early Tuesday morning, traders were seen and mingling with a crowd chanting solidarity songs in support of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). They gathered around the market on a viral video and were addressed and sensitised on the need to cooperate fully with government directives in the interest of public safety, security, and economic stability, according to the police. The Command assured members of the public that the situation in Onitsha and across Anambra State remained calm and under control, while the police continued to monitor the situation to forestall any breakdown of law and order

Governors Don’t Win Election, Aregbesola Tells Tinubu

  ABUJA – FORMER governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola has taken President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government to the cleaner over the insinuation that defection of governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will guarantee their winning the 2027 election. Speaking at the public book launch of Bola Abdullahi titled “The Loyalist,” the former governor of Osun state, who said it’s people that win election and not defecting governors, added that harvesting governors from the opposition will not guarantee APC winning the 2027 presidential election. He said that loyalty to a cause is better than loyalty to individual. Details later……

Kenya Drought Deepens as Livestock Die, Food Crisis Worsens

  In drought-hit northeastern Kenya, villagers have been forced to drag their dead livestock to distant fields for burning to keep the stench of death and scavenging hyenas away from their homes. Mandera County, along Kenya’s borders with Ethiopia and Somalia, has seen no rain since May and is now on the point of a full-blown water emergency. “I have lost all my cows and goats, and burned them here,” Bishar Maalim Mohammed, 60, a resident of Tawakal village, told AFP. In his village, where most are pastoralists relying heavily on their animals, the only remaining bull can no longer stand. He has lain in the same spot for nearly a week, severely dehydrated with bones protruding through his skin, as his owner watches helplessly. In the nearby town of Banissa, the man-made watering hole that once held 60,000 cubic metres of water is dry, leaving a barren expanse that children have turned into a playground. Herds of goats, cattle and camels must now trek up to 30 kilometres (20 miles) to the nearest watering hole at Lulis village, jostling for the remaining water that officials are rationing. “In two weeks this water will be finished… we are in a very bad state,” said local resident Aden Hussein, 40. More than two million people across 23 counties in Kenya are facing worsening food insecurity after the October–December short rains failed, with rainfall two-thirds below average. The National Drought Management Authority has placed about nine counties on alert, while Mandera County is at the “alarm” phase, one step short of an official emergency. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network recently said 20 to 25 million people in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia need humanitarian food assistance, more than half because of drought. “Our children are the next ones who are going to die,” said Maalim Mohammed in Tawakal. No milk at all At Banissa’s main hospital, an influx of severely malnourished children — some arriving from neighbouring Ethiopia — has overwhelmed the paediatric ward. During a recent visit, AFP saw eight children suffering from severe malnutrition, including a 32-month-old girl weighing just 4.5 kilograms and another child who had been readmitted after returning to a household with no food. “Children are not getting an adequate diet because of this drought…they depend on camel and goat milk, but there is now no milk at all,” said hospital nutritionist Khalid Ahmed Wethow. The hospital, which serves around 200,000 people, has only eight tins of therapeutic milk remaining in its paediatric unit, which were expected to run out this week. The unit depends on donations from organisations such as the World Food Programme, but with Western countries slashing aid budgets over the past year, it has not received any supplies in six months. The Kenyan government and aid groups such as the Red Cross have increased water-trucking efforts, food assistance and cash support, but say they cannot keep up with demand. Tried to escape In desperation, Bishar Mohamed, no relation to the first villager, travelled more than 150 kilometres with his herd of 170 goats in search of pasture. Around 100 died along the way, and the rest died after he returned home to Hawara village. “We have tried to escape in search of better places and failed,” he told AFP, standing in a field where the carcasses of his goats were piled up. “I have been moving by foot… my head is severely in pain… we are thirsty.” In nearby Jabi Bar village, enrolment at a nearby school has dropped by more than half, headteacher Ali Haji Shabure told AFP. “Only 99 children are in school; most of them have left with their parents,” Shabure said. The next rains, if they come, are not due before April. Bishara Maalim, a mother of 10 in Hawara, has only one hope for her children: “May God save them.” AFP

Monarch, Residents, Dignitaries Commission NOUN Centre in Oyo Community

Monarch, Residents, Dignitaries Commission NOUN Centre in Oyo Community

  The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof Shehu Usman Adamu representing the Vice Chancellor Prof Olufemi Peters, on Saturday in Fiditi Town, Oyo state, rallied the residents of the town led by its monarch, OniFiditi of Fiditi, HRM Oba Sakirulai Oyewole Oyelere, as well as, eminent dignitaries from all walks of life, to inaugurate a NOUN Study Centre for the community. The glamorous formal public commissioning was done after the DVC had facilitated approval of the operating licence for the centre in the community, a gesture described as monumental as it has quenched the residents’ thirst for an institution of higher learning. Many dignitaries joined the monarch at the epochal event, among them: Prof Shehu Usman Adamu; Coordinator, Fiditi Study Center NOUN, Prof John Ademola Oluokun; Director, Center for Human Resources Development, Kaduna, Prof Umar Aminu; Chairman BOYEF, Engr. Lateef Busari; Sen. Dr. Bode Olajumoke; National President FIGSOSA, Engr Tade Ipadeola and Project Executive NOUN Fiditi Study Center, Ayobami Olubiyi, as well as, and members of his committee and other top officials of NOUN from Abuja. While welcoming the delightful dignitaries to the venue, Oba Oyelere appreciated the Almighty God, “the giver of life and wisdom, for granting us the privilege to witness this historic commissioning of the Fiditi Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria. I extend my deepest appreciation to the good people of Fiditi Homeland, whose steadfast support and unity have made this day possible. I also pay special tribute to our dear friend and the Most Distinguished Senator, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, for his unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in ensuring that this vision has become a reality. Truly, today we celebrate not only the birth of an institution but the dawn of new opportunities for our people”. The monarch encouraged all Fiditi indigenes and indeed the entire Oyo Central Senatorial District and Oyo State in general who are aspiring for higher learning “to dust off their certificates and prepare to register once admission opens. Education remains the bedrock of development, and together we must seize this opportunity to uplift our community, empower our youth, and strengthen our future. We shall work hand in hand to nurture and grow this Study Centre, and by the grace of God, we shall excel. As the Lord lives, this is only the beginning. We have many more projects to execute, and with the same spirit of unity and determination that has brought us here today, we shall accomplish them together”. In his address, the Chairman Fiditi Study Centre Committee, Prof John Ademola Oluokun, said, “No doubt about it the location of the study centre in Fiditi will quench our thirst to some extent for an institution of higher learning. I know that our dream for a full fledged conventional University either government owned or privately owned will knock at our door one day. He appreciated the great donors who made the project a reality, including: “Unity Bank which renovated Science building; Late Chief Pekun Adesokan who renovated Computer building; Alhaji Dr. Ademola Alli who sponsored Kiosk construction; Alhaji Aare Omiteru, Bishop S. Adegbite, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, Engr. Olufemi Babalola Jogor, Rear Admiral Babatunde Egbedina, among others. The Project Execution Executive, Ayobami Olubiyi, x-rayed the journey culminated in the inauguration of the Study Center, noting that “it began in September 2023, and was marked by resilience, collaboration, and faith, but each challenge strengthened our resolve”, adding that, ” We look forward with anticipation to admitting the first set of students in the third quarter of 2026. This milestone will mark the beginning of a new chapter, where dreams are nurtured, potentials are unlocked, and futures are shaped”, he said. Giving his remarks, the facilitator of Bode Olajumoke Youth Empowerment Foundation and an Old student of Fiditi Grammar School, Sen. Dr. Bode Olajumoke, thanked Professor Olufemi Peters for the honour of granting the community’s request, while seizing the opportunity to congratulate the indigenes and resident of Fiditi Town for the remarkable feat. He urged them to make good use of the opportunity of the higher institution sited in their domain to upgrade themselves.