A sudden and violent attack erupted on the Benin‑Ore Expressway on January 23, 2026, when armed gunmen opened fire on moving vehicles, forcing passengers to flee and seek safety. The attack sparked instant panic and alarm along one of Nigeria’s busiest corridors. At the same time, separate security threats targeting schools in Lagos prompted a swift police response. In both incidents, authorities took immediate action to protect lives and restore calm.
This report details the events on the expressway, the threats in Lagos, the response from police and security agencies, and the impact on the public.
January 23, 2026 – Isiuwa, Edo State & Lagos, Ikeja
On January 23, 2026, around 5:00 p.m., commuters along the Benin‑Ore Expressway encountered a sudden and frightening ambush by armed gunmen. Witnesses reported that about twenty men, split into groups, emerged from the bush and began firing at passing vehicles. The gunmen’s actions caused immediate chaos, as drivers and passengers scrambled out of their cars and ran into nearby bushes to avoid the bullets. 0
At the same time, in Ikeja, Lagos State, threatening messages were sent to multiple private schools warning of explosives inside their compounds. The warnings sent shockwaves through school communities. Parents rushed to collect their children. Staff called police to investigate.
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Gunmen Open Fire on Benin‑Ore Expressway
The Benin‑Ore Expressway connects several southern states of Nigeria and is crucial for trade and travel. It bustles with activity throughout the day. On the afternoon of January 23, that normal traffic flow turned into confusion and fear. 2
Passengers in at least two vehicles caught in the ambush described feeling trapped and scared. One car targeted by the gunmen was a Toyota Sienna with plate number RSH 210 CH. It was carrying travellers from Imo State to Ondo State. Another vehicle, with plate AME 211 YL, also came under fire. 3
The gunmen did not fire in a narrow direction. Instead, they shot into moving traffic and at the police checkpoint. The loud gunshots echoed over the highway and forced drivers to brake hard and abandon their vehicles. Some people ran into nearby fields. Others dialled emergency contacts in fear. 4
Immediate Panic on the Road
Eyewitnesses described bullets striking metal. Commuters ducked low. Some dropped phones and luggage. Many yelled warnings to others. The panic spread fast. Within seconds, the highway was scattered with abandoned cars and screaming motorists. 5
Several videos shared on social media showed scattered cars stopped on the expressway with people running in all directions. These clips quickly went viral, spreading fear among Nigerians and prompting questions about highway safety.
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Security Forces Respond
Police officers at a checkpoint near the attack site engaged the gunmen almost immediately. Officers fired back to keep the attackers from overrunning the post. This action gave other security units time to mobilise. 7
Reinforcements arrived from multiple tactical units including the ***Operation Rescue Team*** and the ***CP Intelligence Squad (Buffalo Team)***. Soldiers from the Nigerian Army also joined the pursuit. These forces chased the gunmen into surrounding bushland. 8
Security forces worked methodically to retrieve victims and secure the scene. They stayed alert and organised. Their actions likely prevented further loss of life. 9
Rescue of Passengers
After a brief but coordinated operation, police and military units rescued 14 passengers who had been targeted by the attackers. Among those rescued were four juveniles. The victims were taken to safety for medical checks and statements to police.
Some of the rescued passengers were identified by name. These included:
- Frederick God Bless
- Prosper Admijom
- Oluyemi Bolu
- Amoo Muyiwa
- Ifoma Uchije
- Daniel Chibuzo
All survivors were found safe and accounted for by early evening. 11
Casualties and Ongoing Search
In the frenzy, one person lost his life. A conductor named Abba Adam suddenly jumped from a moving truck in fear. He was struck by another vehicle near Okada Junction. Officials later confirmed his death. His body was taken to Emiloju Medical Centre. 12
Despite the rescue, authorities said three passengers remain missing. Search and rescue operations continued into the night. Security forces widened patrols to locate them and intercept the fleeing gunmen.
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Police React to Lagos School Threats
While the highway ambush shocked road users, separate unrest gripped school communities in Ikeja, Lagos State. On January 20 and 21, private schools including **Avi‑Cenna International School** and **Grange School** received threatening messages via WhatsApp. The messages warned of possible “explosions” on their campuses. 14
The threats hit parents and staff with anxiety. Many worried about possible danger to children. School administrators immediately contacted the police. 15
Swift Police Deployment
The Lagos State Police Command, led by Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh, acted without delay. Tactical units were mobilised to the school premises as soon as police received the alerts. 16
Policemen from the **Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)** unit, the **Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN)** team, and the **Rapid Response Squad (RRS)** conducted thorough searches. Classrooms, halls, offices, playgrounds, and surrounding grounds were examined. 17
The sweep produced no evidence of explosive devices or dangerous materials. The premises were declared safe, and authorities allowed normal academic activities to resume in most cases. 18
School Actions and Precautionary Closures
Although police declared the schools safe, some institutions opted for caution. Avi‑Cenna International School announced an official closure for the day to ensure thorough follow‑ups with the authorities. Grange School moved scheduled lessons online to reassure parents and students. 19
Parents were informed of these steps in official letters and statements. Schools highlighted that the safety of students and staff was their top priority. 20
Investigation and Arrest Efforts
Police also moved to trace the source of the threatening messages. Investigators identified a suspect allegedly responsible for sending the scare messages. Detectives named Kosisochukwu Ogunwa as a person of interest in the case. Once apprehended, the suspect is expected to face prosecution for causing public panic. 21
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious messages or behaviour to the police. Combined security teams now maintain a continued presence at affected schools as a safety precaution. 22
Public Impact and Reactions
The back‑to‑back security alerts shocked many Nigerians. Motorists shared dramatic videos and eyewitness accounts on social media, expressing fear and anger over the highway attack. Many questioned the safety of travelling at night on major expressways. 23
Parents and guardians in Lagos expressed relief that no bombs were found. Yet, they also voiced concern about how easily false threats could disrupt schooling and endanger children. 24
Community leaders and civil society groups echoed calls for improved highway patrols, better intelligence gathering, and stronger protective measures around schools and public spaces. They stressed that quick responses by authorities were positive, but preventive action must be stronger. 25
Government and Security Statements
Security officials reiterated their commitment to public safety. The Nigeria Police Force said it will maintain heightened patrols and enforce stricter checkpoints along vulnerable routes. Efforts to apprehend attackers and trace threatening messengers continue. 26
The Lagos State Police Command assured residents that it remains proactive and vigilant. It urged everyone to work with the police by reporting threats immediately and avoiding the spread of unverified claims. 27
Conclusion
The events of January 23, 2026, highlighted significant security challenges facing parts of Nigeria. The rapid response of police and security forces helped avert greater loss of life on the Benin‑Ore Expressway. The rescue of kidnapped victims was swift and decisive. 28
Similarly, the Lagos school threats were responded to effectively, with no explosive device found after careful sweeps. Police are now investigating to hold those behind the threats accountable. 29
These incidents underscore the need for strong public vigilance, effective policing, and ongoing improvements in intelligence and security coordination. Nigerians are urged to remain alert, report threats promptly, and cooperate with law enforcement. 30
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