Metro
Christmas: Ogunsan Hails Lagosians, Others, Canvasses Vigilance
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, has extended warm Christmas greetings to Nigerians and Lagosians, calling on citizens to embrace the spirit of peace, unity and shared responsibility that defines the season, while remaining vigilant in the collective effort to safeguard lives and property.
In a Christmas goodwill message released in Lagos on Thursday, Dr. Ogunsan described the season as a time of reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to building a safer society for all.
He emphasized that security remains a shared duty and urged residents to stay alert as festivities peak across the state and country. “Christmas reminds us of the power of love, sacrifice and collective responsibility,” Dr. Ogunsan said.
“As families gather to celebrate, I encourage all Nigerians, especially Lagos residents, to remain security-conscious, report suspicious activities promptly and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to prevent avoidable threats during this festive period. I also urge that we obey all traffic safety considerations so that we can bring to almost zero all forms of traffic road incidents.”
The LSSTF CEO expressed deep appreciation to the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. He also thanked all the Fund’s strategic partners, corporate organizations, retail donors and individual contributors whose consistent support throughout 2025 has strengthened security operations across Lagos State. He noted that their investments have translated into tangible improvements in logistics, mobility and operational capacity for security agencies. “I wish to sincerely thank Mr. Governor, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership, and all our major partners, corporate supporters and the countless retail donors who gave generously in 2025,” he stated.
“Your trust in the Lagos State Security Trust Fund is not taken for granted. Every contribution has directly enhanced the ability of our security agencies to respond effectively and protect our communities.”
Dr. Ogunsan also commended the dedication and professionalism of security personnel across all agencies who continue to work tirelessly, often at great personal sacrifice, to ensure public safety during the holidays and beyond. “Our gallant officers in the Nigeria Police, Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Nigerian Armed Forces, Paramilitary agencies, NDLEA, FRSC, LASTMA, LSNA other security agencies including the local security outfits domiciled in Lagos deserve our utmost gratitude,” he said.
“While many are celebrating with their families, they remain on active duty, standing guard to keep our streets, neighbourhoods and public spaces safe. Their courage and commitment are the backbone of our collective security.”
Reaffirming LSSTF’s mandate, Dr. Ogunsan assured Lagos residents that the Fund will continue to mobilize resources, deepen partnerships and support innovative security solutions in line with the vision of the Lagos State Government. He also called for continuous funding support from individuals, groups, and organizations. “As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us renew our commitment to peace, tolerance and civic duty, your little token can come together to become a pool of resources to strengthen security in Lagos,” he added.
“Security is everyone’s business, and together, through vigilance and cooperation, we can ensure a safe and joyful festive season for all.”
He concluded by wishing Lagosians a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration between government, the private sector and citizens will continue to strengthen security outcomes in the year ahead.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered an underground Boko Haram logistics storage facility stocked with medical supplies, fuel and other critical materials after overrunning several terrorist enclaves in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.
The discovery followed a series of coordinated, intelligence-led offensives conducted on Sunday across Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma, during which the troops also repelled multiple drone attacks launched by the terrorists.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Uba Sani, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to Sani, the operation, carried out under Operation Desert Sanity, resulted in the destruction of several terrorist camps and significantly degraded the logistical and operational capabilities of Boko Haram and ISWAP elements operating in the axis.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded further operational successes in the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY, destroying multiple terrorist camps, recovering arms and equipment, and repelling coordinated attacks by the insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle,” the statement said.
It added that on Sunday, January 18, 2026, troops advanced from their harbour areas and conducted deliberate, intelligence-driven operations against identified terrorist enclaves in Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma.
Sani explained that the operation was supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which provided persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance coverage throughout the advance.
He said during the clearance operations, “troops recovered several items of military significance, including Baofeng radios, phones, five AK-47 magazines, several rounds of 7.62 × 39mm special ammunition and 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition.”
Others include “several Boko Haram/ISWAP flags, links of 12.7 × 108 mm ammunition, diesel powered grinding machines, large quantity of medical supplies, several bags of grains, pick-up truck, underground logistics storage and petroleum and oil lubricant dump, which all further degraded the operational and logistical capability of the terrorists.”
He said the “recoveries further degraded the operational and logistical capacity of the terrorists,”.
However, Sani revealed that at about midday, the advancing troops came under armed drone attacks launched by the terrorists.
“Despite this, the troops maintained momentum and continued the offensives. A second drone attack attempted in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw and reaffirming the troops’ dominance of the area,” he said.
Sani added that despite sustained engagements, troop morale remains high and fighting efficiency continues to be maintained.
“The general security situation in the area is assessed as calm but unpredictable, with troops remaining vigilant and at a high state of readiness,” he stated.
He concluded that the military high command has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the operations, stressing that troops remain resolute in their mission to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians and restore lasting peace and stability to the North-East.
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Metro
FRSC Confirms No Lives Lost in Apapa Fuel Tanker Crash, Advises Residents Against Scooping Fuel
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed a minor lone crash involving a NIPCO truck that occurred in the early hours of Monday on Liverpool Bridge, outward Apapa, saying that no casualties were recorded.
The incident, according to the Public Education Officer, SRC, Damilola Jayeola, occurred at about 0817hrs and was promptly reported and responded to by FRSC operatives. Three adult males were involved in the crash, with no injury or fatality recorded.
Preliminary findings attributed the crash to speeding and reckless driving, despite the road being smooth at the time of the incident.
FRSC operatives, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Federal Fire Service, are on ground managing traffic and securing the scene to prevent secondary incidents.
The Lagos State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat, has advised members of the public to desist from scooping the spilled fuel and urged motorists to strictly adhere to speed limits and drive responsibly, particularly on bridges and other high-risk corridors, to prevent avoidable crashes.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the scooping of fuel by residents at the Apapa Bridge as a “suicide mission,” warning that the Lagos State Government will intensify enforcement to prevent actions capable of triggering mass casualties.
Sanwo-Olu spoke on Monday at the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the Lagos House, Ikeja, shortly after reports emerged of residents rushing to scoop spilled fuel from a tanker incident at Apapa.
He expressed disappointment at the conduct, stressing that such behaviour places lives at grave risk.
The governor commended the swift intervention of Lagos first responders and the police, who cordoned off the area and brought the situation under control before any explosion or disaster could occur.
He cautioned residents to desist from reckless acts, noting that the State would “leave no stone unturned” in safeguarding lives and property.
Linking the incident to broader issues of indiscipline, Sanwo-Olu said the government would enforce tougher penalties against environmental and safety violations, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians.
He disclosed that the 2026 budget makes provisions to strengthen the capacity of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and private sector participants, with plans to expand compactor truck fleets and deploy additional equipment.
“We have instructed LAWMA not only to apprehend offenders but also to ensure they are charged for environmental violations,” the governor said.
