Nigerian soldiers have discovered a major Boko Haram logistics hub hidden underground in Borno State, confiscating large amounts of medical supplies, fuel, and other items crucial for terrorist operations.

The success was achieved by Operation Hadin Kai forces following coordinated offensives on Sunday in the Timbuktu Triangle, a well-known insurgent stronghold.

The missions specifically targeted terrorist positions in Chilaria, Garin Faruk, and Abirma.

Lt. Col. Uba Sani, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday.

He explained that the operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity, delivered a significant blow to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the region.

“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,” Sani said.

He added that the troops carried out deliberate operations after advancing from their base areas on January 18, 2026, based on credible intelligence regarding terrorist hideouts.

According to him, the mission received strong backing from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which ensured continuous monitoring throughout the operation.

“The air-ground synergy enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movements, deterred adversary reinforcement, and enhanced the precision and confidence of ground operations,” Sani said.

During the raids, troops recovered a range of weapons and equipment from the insurgents.

He disclosed that “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.”

Other items seized included “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 emphasized that the “recoveries further degraded the operational and logistical capacity of the terrorists.”

Despite the gains, troops faced insurgent resistance in the form of drone attacks.

Sani revealed that around midday, advancing forces were targeted by armed drones.

“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 explained.

He added that these encounters did not weaken the resolve of the soldiers.

According to him, morale remains high, and operational effectiveness has been sustained.

“The general security situation in the area is assessed as calm but unpredictable, with troops remaining vigilant and at a high state of readiness,” Sani said.

He assured that military authorities remain committed to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups in the North-East.

Sani concluded that the high command has reiterated its determination to continue the fight until lasting peace is achieved in the region, stressing that troops are focused on eliminating threats and protecting civilians.

Reports of a mass abduction involving over 150 worshippers from churches in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area have sparked controversy and conflicting accounts.

The alleged incident occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, during church services, with claims of armed gunmen storming multiple places of worship and herding congregants into nearby forests.

While some local leaders and religious figures insist the kidnapping took place, official authorities have vehemently denied the reports, labeling them as fabrications aimed at inciting unrest. Here’s a breakdown of what is known so far.

Mass abduction of worshippers in Kaduna churches

According to multiple accounts from religious and community leaders, armed bandits attacked at least two or three churches in Kurmin Wali during Sunday services.

The targeted churches include the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), one or two belonging to the Cherubim and Seraphim denomination, and possibly a Catholic church.

Reverend John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, confirmed that 172 worshippers were initially abducted, with nine managing to escape shortly after, leaving 163 in captivity.

A local community leader, Ishaku Dan’azumi Sarkin, said that 177 people were taken from three churches, with 11 escaping and no deaths reported.

Usman Danlami Stingo, a state lawmaker representing the Kajuru area, corroborated the reports, stating that 177 were missing initially, with 11 returning, resulting in 166 still unaccounted for.

Witnesses described the assailants as heavily armed, blocking church entrances and forcing congregants including men, women, children, and youths, into the surrounding bush.

The area, a predominantly Christian forest community, is remote with poor road access, which may have facilitated the attack. Sources suggest the victims may have been taken to bandit camps in nearby forests, such as Rijana, known for holding captives while demanding ransoms.

This incident, if confirmed, would represent one of the largest mass kidnappings from places of worship in recent years, exacerbating fears among rural populations.

Kaduna officials and police debunk church kidnapping reports

In stark contrast, Kaduna State authorities have dismissed the abduction claims as baseless. Police Commissioner Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu described the reports as “mere falsehood” propagated by “conflict entrepreneurs” intent on causing chaos.

He challenged anyone with information to provide names and details of the alleged victims, emphasizing that no such list has been forthcoming.

Kajuru Local Government Chairman Dauda Madaki echoed this, stating that security forces were dispatched to the area after hearing rumors but found no evidence of an attack upon investigation.

Madaki reported visiting the churches and speaking with local figures, including the village head and youth leader, who denied any incident occurred.

The state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shauibu, added that religious leaders, including from CAN, visited the site and confirmed the reports were false.

Police have warned against spreading rumors, threatening legal action against those disseminating unverified information. Efforts to reach police spokesperson Mansir Hassan for further comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable.

Political reactions

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition, has seized on the reports to criticize the federal government under President Bola Tinubu, calling the alleged abductions a “sad reminder of the normalization of insecurity.”

The party urged immediate rescue operations and highlighted the need for state policing to combat such impunity, arguing that the administration prioritizes image management over citizen safety.

This political angle underscores deeper frustrations with Nigeria’s security apparatus, plagued by corruption, poor intelligence, and underfunding.

Experts note that Kajuru district is a known hotspot for bandit attacks, often linked to clashes between Christian farmers and Fulani Muslim herders, though both Christians and Muslims have been victims of kidnappings nationwide.

The region faces multiple threats, including Islamist insurgencies, separatist violence, and resource conflicts. Church leaders have called for calm to avoid inflaming inter-religious tensions, while advocating for collaboration with authorities.

International attention, including past U.S. involvement like airstrikes against militants, highlights the global concern over Nigeria’s security crisis.

The story has unfolded amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, including rampant banditry and kidnappings in the northwest region.

Kaduna State, in particular, has been a hotspot for such attacks, often targeting rural communities, schools, and places of worship.

This latest alleged event has highlighted the tensions between community reports, religious organizations, and government officials, with accusations of misinformation flying from both sides.

Community leaders argue that the abductions are real and part of a pattern of violence, while authorities claim no evidence supports the claims, urging the public to provide verifiable details.

Political voices have also weighed in, criticizing the federal government’s handling of insecurity.

As investigations continue, the conflicting narratives have left families in anguish and communities on edge.

Attention now focuses on whether verifiable evidence emerges to resolve the discrepancies, and what steps the government will take to address the persistent vulnerability in rural Kaduna.

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, yesterday presided over a special sitting of the appellate court in Lagos, announcing that 360 appeals are scheduled for hearing before 16 panels established to expedite justice and reduce the growing backlog of cases.

The special session, held in Lagos, the birthplace of the Court of Appeal, also forms part of the court’s golden jubilee celebrations, marking 50 years since its establishment.

Justice Dongban-Mensem stated that the exercise reflects the court’s deliberate and ongoing commitment to improving efficiency in the administration of justice by addressing the increasing volume of appeals across its divisions.

She said, “This sitting is a reflection of the court’s deliberate commitment to enhancing efficiency in the administration of justice by addressing the growing number of appeals.”

The judge noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, naturally produces a high volume of litigation, which places a heavy burden on the appellate system and necessitates decisive intervention.

“It has become both timely and necessary for the court to take proactive steps in being conscious of its docket of appeals.”

Justice Dongban-Mensem disclosed that 16 panels, comprising 40 Justices drawn from various divisions of the Court of Appeal nationwide, have been constituted for the exercise. According to her, the panels will sit throughout the week at both the Lagos Division of the court and the National Industrial Court (NIC).

“For this exercise, the court has constituted 16 panels made up of 40 honourable Justices drawn from different divisions of the court.”

She expressed profound appreciation to the Lagos State Government, particularly the office of the Attorney-General, for its collaboration and support, noting that the court’s limited resources alone could not have accommodated such a large number of Justices.

“I wish to express our profound appreciation to the Office of the Attorney-General of Lagos for collaborating with the court to ensure that this week happens. Otherwise, our slim resources would not be able to carry as many Justices as are here today.”

Justice Dongban-Mensem also acknowledged the consistent support of the National Industrial Court, which has provided both courtroom and residential facilities for the Court of Appeal.

The PCA urged counsel and litigants to ensure their cases are fully prepared for hearing, warning against avoidable delays.

“Counsel and parties are urged to take full advantage of this opportunity by ensuring readiness and strict compliance with the applicable rules of procedure.”

She lamented that many appeals could not be heard due to lack of preparation by lawyers.

“It was very painful for me because our limited resources had already been expended on air tickets, accommodation, and logistics, yet we could not hear most of the appeals because many counsel were not prepared,” she said.

While acknowledging Lagos’ appeal as a city, she emphasized that the special sitting is strictly a working session.

“It is always exciting to be in Lagos, but Justices do not have that much time for leisure travel. When time is set aside to work, we want to work. This is not a vacation.”

She further revealed that several Court of Appeal divisions have been temporarily deprived of Justices due to their deployment to Lagos, describing it as a significant sacrifice.

“Many divisions have been left without Justices to take their cases. In appreciation of this sacrifice, I appeal to all lawyers to take this session seriously.”

Justice Dongban-Mensem also called on lawyers, litigants, and the media to help maintain public confidence in the judiciary.

“If we do not encourage people to have faith in the judiciary, we may not be able to contain the lawlessness that will arise when people lose confidence.”

She reminded the public that justice delivery depends on evidence and active participation.

“Judges are not magicians. Law enforcement agencies are not magicians. They need evidence. They need people to come forward and say what they saw,” she said.

She urged journalists to ensure accuracy in reporting judicial proceedings.

“We appreciate your role in telling the world about the judiciary, but it is important that the correct information goes out. Where there is confusion, seek clarification,” she advised.

In her concluding remarks, the PCA encouraged all stakeholders to uphold integrity and professionalism as the Court of Appeal celebrates its golden jubilee.

“Justice must not only be done; it must manifestly be seen to be done.”

Speaking to the Bar, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, described the special sitting as historic and commended Justice Dongban-Mensem for the initiative.

“This is an auspicious occasion and a rare, unprecedented opportunity for members of the Lagos Bar to be blessed with an array of wise and learned Justices drawn from the various divisions of the Court of Appeal,” Adegboruwa said.

He assured the court of the Bar’s full cooperation in ensuring expeditious hearings.

“We, on behalf of the Bar, assure my Lords of our readiness to facilitate speedy and efficient hearing of all pending cases. It is in our interest and in the interest of our clients.”

Adegboruwa also congratulated the Court of Appeal on its 50th anniversary, praising its contributions to the nation’s justice system.

“We congratulate the Court of Appeal for contributing immensely to the administration of justice in our nation past, present, and future.”

However, he used the occasion to highlight ongoing funding and infrastructural challenges facing the judiciary, calling for improved financial support from the Federal Government.

“We are aware of the challenges confronting the judiciary, particularly in terms of inadequate funding. The Bar will continue to partner with the judiciary to ensure that this critical arm of government is properly funded.”

He further expressed optimism that efforts to improve facilities at the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal would soon be realized.

“We are glad that my Lord is already working towards creating better facilities within the Lagos Division, and we pray that these efforts will soon materialise,” Adegboruwa added.

On January 16, 2024, a devastating explosion occurred in the Old Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State, after illegally stored explosive materials detonated inside a residential building. The blast killed several residents, destroyed dozens of houses, displaced families, and caused structural damage across the neighbourhood. The scale of the disaster immediately drew national attention, prompting emergency response efforts from the Oyo State Government and intervention from the Federal Government.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government announced a major financial intervention to support victims, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and stabilise the affected community. Initial public communication suggested that as much as ₦50 billion had been approved for the Bodija explosion relief and reconstruction programme.

How Much Money Was Actually Released

While ₦50 billion was widely reported as the approved intervention sum, the Oyo State Government later clarified that only ₦30 billion was actually released by the Federal Government. Officials in the state government, including aides to Governor Seyi Makinde, insisted that claims of a ₦50 billion transfer were inaccurate and that the federal disbursement stopped at ₦30 billion.

According to the state government, the ₦30 billion was paid into a dedicated infrastructure support account domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria. The remaining ₦20 billion, though approved in principle, has not been released, and no formal explanation has been provided by federal authorities for the delay or withholding of the balance.

Why the Fund Has Not Been Spent

The Oyo State Government maintains that the ₦30 billion relief fund remains unspent. State officials argue that the decision to hold the money was deliberate and procedural. They explained that intervention funds of this nature are classified as capital grants and must be fully captured in the state’s budgetary framework before they can be lawfully expended.

Government sources also said the state chose not to begin spending the federal funds until there was clarity on the release of the outstanding ₦20 billion, citing the need for proper planning and coordination of the reconstruction effort. According to the government, spending part of the fund without certainty about the full scope of federal support could complicate long-term rebuilding plans.

What the State Says It Has Spent Instead

While the federal relief fund remains untouched, the Oyo State Government says it has relied heavily on its own resources to manage the aftermath of the explosion. The state claims it has spent over ₦24 billion from its coffers on emergency response, demolition of unsafe structures, compensation to victims, temporary housing arrangements, and other recovery efforts.

Officials also disclosed that several billions of naira were paid directly to affected residents as compensation, covering loss of property, relocation support, and medical assistance for injured victims. The government insists that these expenditures demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of Bodija residents, even in the absence of full federal funding.

Rising Controversy and Political Disputes

Despite these explanations, the handling of the ₦30 billion relief fund has become a major political and public controversy. The debate intensified after former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose publicly alleged that Governor Makinde had received ₦50 billion from the Federal Government. The Oyo State Government strongly denied this claim, reiterating that only ₦30 billion was released.

Opposition figures and critics argue that keeping such a large sum idle while victims continue to complain about inadequate compensation raises serious questions about transparency and prioritisation. Some have accused the state government of poor communication and failure to provide detailed public accounting of both state and federal expenditures related to the disaster.

Civil Society Petitions and EFCC Involvement

The controversy took a legal turn when the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), a civil society organisation, petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In its petition, HEDA alleged possible diversion, misapplication, and abuse of trust in the handling of the Bodija explosion intervention funds.

HEDA argued that holding ₦30 billion in a commercial bank for an extended period without clear utilisation or detailed public disclosure raises red flags and warrants investigation. The organisation called on the EFCC to examine the movement of funds, the decision-making process surrounding their use, and whether financial regulations were breached.

The Oyo State Government has rejected these allegations, maintaining that no diversion occurred and that the funds remain intact and traceable.

Public Sentiment and Victims’ Concerns

Beyond political and legal arguments, affected residents have continued to voice frustration. Some victims have told local media that compensation payments were insufficient compared to the scale of their losses, while others say rebuilding efforts have been slower than expected. Community members have repeatedly called for transparency and speedy deployment of all available funds to restore normalcy in Bodija.

Public opinion remains divided, with supporters of the state government defending its cautious approach, while critics argue that emergency relief funds should be deployed swiftly in disaster situations.

Where the Matter Stands

As of January 2026, the ₦30 billion Bodija Explosion Relief Fund remains unspent, according to the Oyo State Government. The remaining ₦20 billion approved by the Federal Government has yet to be released. The EFCC has not publicly disclosed whether it has commenced a formal investigation following HEDA’s petition.

What is clear is that the Bodija explosion relief fund has become more than a reconstruction issue. It is now a test case for transparency, intergovernmental coordination, and public accountability in disaster response, with implications that extend beyond Oyo State.