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Updated: Panic in Lagos as violent protests spread, Jigawa recognises old naira notes
The riot that broke out early Friday morning in the Ketu/Mile 12 and Ojota areas of Lagos over inability of people to use old naira notes for daily transactions has spread to other parts of the state.
The violent protests captured on social media platforms caused serious traffic along the Ikorodu expressway.
The violence later spread to Agege, Ikorodu, Iyana Iba.
Motorists and other road users on their way to different places of work hurriedly turned back in panic as the rioters went berserk with bonfires set across the road.
In Jigawa State, the government has moved to prevent violence over the naira scarcity as it declares that the old naira notes remain legal tender in the state pending the judgment of the Supreme Court.
The Lagos protesters blocked the Ikorodu road with bonfires while many vehicles were reportedly vandalised in the process.
The protest was said to have started following the rejection of the old notes of N1000 (one thousand naira) and N500 (five hundred naira) by traders in the area.
Traders, who had come to the market early Friday were frustrated by the rejection of the old naira notes by traders at the market.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the unrest happening in the Mile 12 area of Lagos State.
He made this known via his Twitter handle on Friday.
Responding to a tweet asking the PPRO to confirm the rumour, Hundeyin replied, “ It is true. Our men are there. Reinforcement units have been deployed. Stay safe out there as we closely monitor and manage the situation.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had earlier said his administration would prosecute anyone found rejecting the old naira notes.
But President Muhammadu Buhari, in a national broadcast on Thursday, directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to make only the old N200 available and allow it to be used along with the just redesigned notes while declaring that the old N1000 and N500 notes had ceased to be legal tender.
Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Government has said the old naira notes remain legal tender in the state pending the judgment of the Supreme Court.
The state Commissioner for Information, Youths Sports and Culture Bala Ibrahim Mamsa stated this in a statement issued to on Thursday.
According to him “Jigawa State is among the states before the Supreme Court of Nigeria the CBN and the court have issued an order “…restraining the CBN from suspending or determining or ending on the 10th of February, 2023 the time frame within which the now older versions of the 200, 500 and 1000 denominations of the naira may no longer be legal tender pending the hearing and determination of the …. Motion on notice…”
He said Jigawa State Government enjoined its citizens to desist from disobeying the law and causing hardships to the people of the state.
Mamsa stated that it has come to the government’s notice that some individuals and corporate bodies in the state are rejecting the now old N200, N500, and N1000 notes.
He said the government would take action against anyone found rejecting the old naira notes.
The commissioner, however, advised the general public to report any trader or business organizations that refused to accept the N200, N500, and N1000 notes as legal tender in Jigawa State to the nearest appropriate authorities.
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Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter
Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter
Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have killed at least four police officers and a local hunter in coordinated attacks on security posts in Borno State, underscoring the persistent threat of insurgency in the region.
The attacks occurred in the early hours of Saturday, April 4, 2026, targeting the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters and a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters duty post at the Malam Fatori IDP Camp in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area.
According to ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, Police Public Relations Officer in Borno, the Nganzai police station came under fire at about 1:00 a.m., with terrorists deploying Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other sophisticated weapons in an attempt to overrun the town. Police officers, supported by the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Crack Squad, military personnel, CJTF members, and local hunters, engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, ultimately repelling the attack and restoring normalcy.
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Despite the successful defense, four police personnel “paid the supreme price”, while a section of the police station was damaged, and an unserviceable Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was partially burnt.
Almost two hours later, at around 2:40 a.m., insurgents attacked the CJTF/hunters’ post at the entrance of the Malam Fatori IDP camp. One hunter, Atom Abua, 40, was killed, and about 20 thatched houses and properties were destroyed. Combined security teams prevented further loss of life and property.
Following the attacks, Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid deployed additional personnel and operational assets to the affected areas to strengthen security and prevent further incidents. He commended the bravery of officers and local defenders, extended condolences to the families of the deceased, and reassured the public of the command’s commitment to bringing the attackers to justice.
Security experts note that the attacks highlight the enduring insurgency threat in Borno State, where Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to target security installations and vulnerable communities despite ongoing counterterrorism operations. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter
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NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis
NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Lagos-based pastor and his wife after discovering 11 kilogrammes of skunk cannabis concealed in specially modified compartments of their vehicle.
The suspects, Pastor Afolabi Hodonu, 45, in charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Sakpo area of Seme border, Badagry, and his 35-year-old wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu, were apprehended on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Seme border, Lagos.
According to NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the couple was intercepted during a search of their Honda Pilot SUV, where officers recovered blocks of highly potent skunk cannabis hidden in secret compartments. Babafemi revealed that the arrest was linked to a previous seizure on March 30, 2026, when a suspected fake security agent, Sunday Samuel, was caught transporting 24.5 kilogrammes of skunk through the same checkpoint. Subsequent investigations led to the pastor and his wife.
“The arrest of Pastor Hodonu and his wife is part of our ongoing intelligence-driven operations against drug traffickers hiding behind legitimate businesses, religious titles, or elaborate concealment methods,” Babafemi said.
READ ALSO:
- Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja
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- Netanyahu Condemns ‘Christian Persecution’ in Nigeria in Easter Message
The NDLEA has also conducted several other operations across Nigeria, leading to:
- Seizure of 3.10 kilogrammes of cocaine at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, hidden in tins of palm kernel extract bound for the UK, leading to multiple arrests, including syndicate leaders in Lagos.
- Arrest of a female drug supplier in Borno State, 28-year-old Aisha Adamu, with 4.3 kilograms of Colorado cannabis linked to bandit groups operating in the North East.
- Recovery of 48,000 tramadol pills in Adamawa State and 1,378 kilograms of skunk in a warehouse in Edo State.
- Arrest of a suspected drug dealer in Ibadan using her 11-year-old daughter to distribute drugs.
NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers for the successful operations, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks nationwide regardless of the traffickers’ status.
The pastor and his wife are currently in NDLEA custody and will face prosecution as investigations continue. Authorities have warned that drug trafficking in Nigeria carries severe legal penalties and that no individual is above the law.
NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis
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Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja
Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja
Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, wife of former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has passed away in Abuja, officials confirmed on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
The news was announced by Bayero University Kano through its official social media channels.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. With total submission to the will of Allah, we announce the passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega,” the statement read, expressing sorrow and prayers for her family.
Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega
According to the university, her Janazah (funeral) prayer is scheduled to take place immediately after Zuhr prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Sunday, with burial proceedings to follow.
The institution prayed that Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus, forgive her shortcomings, and give strength to her grieving family.
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- NAF Releases DSSC 34/2025 Successful Candidates List, Announces Training Date
- Netanyahu Condemns ‘Christian Persecution’ in Nigeria in Easter Message
- Cash vs Digital: Nigeria’s Cashless Dream Meets Street Reality
The university’s Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, also confirmed the death, urging the public to offer prayers and support to the Jega family.
“Yes, it’s true. May the Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her family patience to bear this loss,” he said.
Hajiya Hadiza was widely respected for her contributions to education, community service, and support for her family, especially in northern Nigeria.
Her death has drawn condolences from friends, colleagues, and public figures across the country, highlighting her influence and the respect she commanded in social and academic circles.
Her husband, Prof. Attahiru Jega, is a distinguished academic and public servant, known for his tenure as chairman of INEC; president of Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) and his contributions to national policy and governance.
The passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega marks a significant loss for both her family and the broader Nigerian academic and civic community, with funeral arrangements reflecting her standing and the high regard in which she was held.
Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja
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