The Nigerian Army has rescued 1,023 kidnapped victims, recovered 189 AK-47 guns and 4,338 rounds of ammunition during various operations in the North-west in 2025. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, Ibikunle Ajose, disclosed this at the presentation of awards as part of the closing ceremony of West African Social Activities (WASA) on Wednesday in Sokoto. Mr Ajose, a major general, said the successes were recorded by the Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the region. “Within the year ending, troops have successfully rescued 1,023 kidnapped victims, Recovered 189 AK-47 rifles and 4,338 rounds of ammunition. ”Others included seizure of 305 motorcycles used by bandits, recovery of 4,123 stolen livestock and neutralization of several high-profile bandit leaders,” Mr Ajose said. He said the efforts have restored security and economic confidence in the region, enabling farmers and citizens to resume their daily activities without fear. The GOC attributed the successes to the unwavering dedication of personnel of the Division and the strategic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu.… BREAKING: Army rescues 1,023 kidnap victims, recovers 189 guns in northwest Nigeria

A fire outbreak on Tuesday evening gutted a section of the popular Arena Market in Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos State and destroyed about 10 shops. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Controller General, Mrs Margaret Adeseye. According to the statement, the Service received a distress call at about 5:50 p.m. reporting a fire outbreak at the market, prompting the immediate deployment of firefighting units.  The responders arrived at the scene within five minutes, at approximately 5:55 p.m. Adeseye said the fire affected a section of the market comprising five 40-foot container shops arranged in two rows, bringing the total number of affected shops to 10. She explained that the shops were mainly used for the storage and sale of clothing materials, which were stocked in bales. She added that the swift intervention of firefighters ensured the blaze was contained and prevented from spreading to other parts of the market. “The situation is firmly under control, and there is no risk of the fire spreading to other parts of the market,” the statement said. Adeseye assured members… Fire razes 10 shops at Oshodi’s Arena market