Demolitions in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos, have displaced thousands of residents, with families saying they were given little warning and no clear relocation plan.

Demolitions in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos, have displaced thousands of residents, with families saying they were given little warning and no clear relocation plan. 

The centenary-old community has an estimated population of 80,000 to 200,000, but large parts of the settlement have been destroyed. Anger over the demolitions recently spilled onto the streets in Lagos city, with witnesses reporting the use of tear gas. Residents allege that three people, including a woman and two infants, died, though police say this has not been verified. 

The Lagos State Government says the demolitions were for safety reasons, citing buildings near high-tension power lines, and has promised support for those affected. The BBC’s Chiamaka Dike visited Makoko to speak to displaced residents and document the aftermath.

Troops storm bandit leader Dankami’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold

Troops storm bandit leader Dankami’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold

Troops of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have stormed the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising 20 terrorists and destroying the stronghold.

A military source told Zagazola Makama  that the decisive, well-coordinated offensive followed credible intelligence that over 100 bandits had converged at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on communities and logistics movements.

According to the source, the troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes, conducted week-long surveillance before moving to intercept the terrorists.

“Contact was established on Jan. 31, 2026, as the terrorists advanced. They engaged the troops in a fierce firefight and attempted a flanking manoeuvre, but this was repelled by superior firepower,” the source said.

He said 20 terrorists were neutralised in the encounter, while several others fled with gunshot wounds. Follow-up operations, the source added, were ongoing to assess further casualties and recover additional items.

The raid yielded significant recoveries, including assorted weapons and ammunition, bicycles, food supplies, medical drugs, clothing, detergents and other logistics materials.

“The Gwaska Dan Karmi camp was completely destroyed,” the source said.

He noted that troops remained highly motivated, with combat efficiency assessed as strong and unwavering.

151 Abducted CSMC Members Regain Freedom in Kaduna Relief and jubilation swept through the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O.

151 Abducted CSMC Members Regain Freedom in Kaduna Relief and jubilation swept through the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, following the safe release of 151 members who were abducted in Iburu, Kajuri Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The church confirmed that the victims, who were kidnapped on January 18, 2026, have all returned safely after spending over two weeks in captivity. The announcement was formally made on Monday, February 2, 2026, by the Chairman and Spiritual Father of the church, His Most Eminence, Prophet (Dr.) Emmanuel Abiodun Adewale Alogbo. According to the church leadership, the release followed sustained prayers, dialogue, and strategic engagements with relevant authorities. The development was verified through reports submitted by the church’s liaison officers in Kaduna, including Senior Special Apostle I. A. Adeyemi and Senior Special Apostle Pastor Solomon Katanga. Prophet Alogbo described the incident’s resolution as a victory of faith, dialogue, and collective responsibility, emphasizing that collaboration between religious leaders and government institutions played a critical role in the outcome. He particularly commended the Kaduna State Government for its intervention, praising Governor Uba Sani for his responsiveness and commitment to peaceful engagement. Special recognition was also given to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sani Liman Kila, and the Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs (Christian Matters), Rev. Ishaya Jangado, for facilitating effective communication and coordination. The church also acknowledged the support received from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), and Christian communities within and outside Nigeria, noting that global prayers and solidarity contributed to sustaining hope throughout the ordeal. While celebrating the safe return of its members, the church disclosed that welfare and medical teams have been deployed to provide psychosocial care and rehabilitation for the victims and their families. Church leaders concluded by calling for sustained peace and improved security in Kaduna State and across Nigeria, urging stakeholders to ensure that the safety of citizens remains a top priority, irrespective of religious affiliation.

AWUJALE SELECTION: GOVERNOR ABIODUN RESPONDS TO MISLEADING REPORTS

AWUJALE SELECTION: GOVERNOR ABIODUN RESPONDS TO MISLEADING REPORTS

Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has clarified circulating reports suggesting a confrontation between him and the Council of Afobajes regarding the Awujale selection. According to official sources, these claims are completely false and misleading.

The Governor held a respectful consultative meeting with the Council of Afobajes, consistent with meetings he held in the past with the Olori Ebis that were hitherto polarized which fostered their harmonization and, through such earlier engagements, he also persuaded one of the kingmakers to withdraw a filed litigation. 

The discussions he had focused on matters of mutual concern in the interest of the progress in traditional affairs within Ijebuland.

Contrary to the rumors, Governor Abiodun did not issue threats, ultimatums. Statements attributed to him, including “No Kuye, No Awujale”, are entirely fabricated and bear no relation to the Governor or his administration. No Afobaje will attest to such an occurrence, as it never happened. This is once again the fabrication of falsehoods by mischief makers.

The governor remains committed to upholding due process, respecting the autonomy of traditional institutions, and ensuring a fair process in the selection of a new Awujale for Ijebu. His administration continues to prioritize dialogue, harmony, and the preservation of cultural values.

We all know how highly the Governor holds the throne of Awujale which he has consistently demonstrated .

Members of the public, traditional stakeholders, and the media are urged to disregard these unfounded insinuations and rely solely on verified information from official source 

Succession Tension in Ijebu Land as Alleged Smear Campaign Targets Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo

Succession Tension in Ijebu Land as Alleged Smear Campaign Targets Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo

Concerns are growing across Ijebu land following what community stakeholders describe as a calculated campaign of persecution against Omo Oba Abimbola Onabanjo, a prince widely regarded as one of the leading aspirants to the throne of the Awujale of Ijebu Land.

Investigations by Ogun Corner reveal that the situation escalated after false claims began circulating that Omo Oba Onabanjo was involved in an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case.

However, after careful checks and inquiries by Ogun Corner, it was discovered that the allegation is entirely untrue, as no such case exists against him with the anti-graft agency.

Despite the lack of evidence, sources say the unfounded claim was aggressively amplified, fueling a wider smear campaign.

Observers note that the attacks soon extended beyond rumor-mongering to what has been described as a deliberate digital assault on the prince’s personal presence online.

According to reliable information available to Ogun Corner, all of Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo’s social media platforms came under coordinated attacks, a move seen by many as another leg of the broader effort to malign his person and diminish his public standing.

The attacks reportedly succeeded in bringing down his social media pages. However, sources confirm that recovery efforts are currently underway to restore the accounts, which are believed to have been compromised by hackers.

Beyond the digital space, concern has also been raised over alleged attempts to intimidate traditional kingmakers.

Community leaders allege that some interests, driven by political considerations, are exerting pressure on the custodians of tradition to prematurely announce a preferred candidate, a move widely criticized as an affront to established customs.

Reacting to the unfolding situation, prominent voices within Ijebu land have condemned the alleged actions, stressing that such conduct does not reflect the values or history of the Ijebu people.

“This is not our way,” said Chief Adekunle Adebayo, a respected elder in the community. “The Awujale stool is sacred. You do not desecrate it with falsehoods, intimidation, or desperation. Every qualified prince has the right to aspire.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Mrs. Funke Sodiya, a civic leader in Ijebu-Ode, urged restraint and patience.

“The process must be allowed to run its full course,” she said. “The kingmakers should not be intimidated under any circumstance.”

Traditional historians have also reminded the public of the established succession order. Alhaji Tunde Lawal, a cultural commentator, noted that tradition clearly points to the Fushegunwa Family as next in line to produce the Awujale, urging all parties to respect due process and avoid actions capable of destabilizing the community.

On his part, sources close to Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo told Ogun Corner that it has consistently been his position that no individual should be torn down in the name of ambition.

The sources maintained that he firmly believes the collective interest of Ijebu land, Ogun State, and Nigeria must always take precedence over personal or political gains.

As tensions linger, calls are growing for calm, truthfulness, and strict adherence to tradition.

Stakeholders warn that dragging the revered Awujale institution into controversy could have long-term consequences if care is not taken.

Chibok girls who were released saw Boko Haram members who were in prison, set free too- Katsina Govt

Chibok girls who were released saw Boko Haram members who were in prison, set free too- Katsina Govt

A wave of criticism has trailed reports that the Katsina State Government is considering the release of 70 suspected bandits as part of efforts to resuscitate a struggling peace initiative with armed groups operating in the state. Leading socio-political organisations, including Afenifere, the Arewa Consultative Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum, have openly faulted the proposal.

Speaking separately to The Punch, the groups warned that the plan could have far-reaching consequences, describing it as imprudent and capable of worsening the country’s security challenges. They called on the Federal Government to step in and stop what they see as an action that could set a troubling national precedent.

Disapproval has not been limited to voices outside the state. Within Katsina, prominent religious and community leaders have also pushed back against the idea, expressing fears that freeing individuals accused of violent crimes would expose residents to renewed danger. They cautioned that such a move could undermine public safety and erode confidence in efforts to address insecurity.

The controversy comes at a time when Katsina has been grappling with persistent bandit attacks. Available figures suggest that more than 1,500 civilians were killed between 2021 and 2025, underscoring the scale of the crisis. Against this background, the government’s approval of the release of 70 suspected bandits—linked to negotiations with armed groups—has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that it compromises justice and could embolden criminal elements.

Despite the backlash, state officials have stood by the policy. The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, maintained that the decision is part of a broader, community-based strategy designed to stabilise troubled areas and reinforce an ongoing peace process.

The commissioner added, “World over, everyone knows that after a war is fought, there are usually prisoner exchanges. If you take Nigeria, for example, during the civil war, many prisoners were set free and exchanged between the Nigerian side and the Biafran side.

“If you look at the issue of Boko Haram, prisoners were also released after an agreement was reached. Even the Chibok girls who were released also saw some Boko Haram members who were in prison, set free too. Both warring groups have prisoners they set free for the other."

He argued that the central concern was not the question of culpability, but the attainment of peace, noting that the exchange of detainees has long been a recognised tool in conflict resolution. According to him, such measures are neither novel nor unusual in the context of war and peace negotiations.

He further maintained that the actions taken by the Ministry of Justice and the High Court were in line with existing legal provisions. He added that those who disagreed with the decision were free to challenge it through the courts and pursue appropriate legal remedies.

An underground supply base of Boko Haram has been uncovered by the military in Borno.

An underground supply base of Boko Haram has been uncovered by the military in Borno.

Under Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian troops have found an underground logistics base belonging to Boko Haram in Borno State, which contained fuel, medical supplies, and other resources. 

This discovery was made following intelligence-led strikes on terrorist hideouts in the Timbuktu Triangle area, which includes the communities of Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma, on Sunday. Lt. Col. Uba Sani, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, confirmed this in a statement on Monday. 

He stated that this operation was part of Operation Desert Sanity and led to the dismantling of several camps associated with Boko Haram and ISWAP. 

The statement highlighted that the troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, achieved further operational successes in the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, destroying multiple terrorist camps, recovering weapons and equipment, and repelling coordinated attacks from the insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle. 

Sani explained that the soldiers launched their attacks on January 18, 2026, from their positions, targeting known terrorist enclaves. He also mentioned that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided crucial support to the ground troops through constant surveillance and intelligence during the operation. 

This collaboration allowed for real-time tracking of terrorist movements, deterred enemy reinforcements, and enhanced the precision and confidence of ground operations. 

During the operation, troops recovered various weapons and items, including communication devices, ammunition, and military equipment. 

The recovered items included "Baofeng radios, phones, five AK-47 magazines, and several rounds of 7.62 × 39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition." 

Other items found included "multiple Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 × 108 mm ammunition, diesel-powered grinding machines, a large quantity of medical supplies, several bags of grains, a pick-up truck, underground logistics storage, and a petroleum and oil lubricant dump." 

Sani noted that these recoveries weakened the terrorists' operational capabilities and their ability to transport supplies. 

He also revealed that the troops faced drone attacks during the mission. 

"At around midday, the advancing troops were attacked by armed drones launched by the terrorists," he said. 

He added, "Despite this, the troops kept their momentum and continued their offensives. A second drone attack in the evening was also successfully repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw and reaffirming the troops' dominance in the area." 

Sani stated that troop morale remains high, and while the area is currently calm, it is still unpredictable. 

"The general security situation in the area is assessed as calm but unpredictable, with troops remaining vigilant and in a high state of readiness," he stated. 

He affirmed that military leadership is committed to continuing operations to eliminate terrorists, protect civilians, and restore peace in the North-East.