A commercial bus burst into flames on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos on Monday, February 2, 2026, triggering heavy traffic gridlock and prompting a swift response from emergency services.

The incident occurred near the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Waterfront area, on the section heading inward toward Iyana Oworo.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the fire engulfed the vehicle, leading to significant congestion with tailbacks extending as far as Adekunle.

Fire service officials rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze, while LASTMA officers managed traffic flow and ensured safety in the area. Motorists were advised to exercise patience as responders worked to clear the obstruction.

Reports from witnesses and social media described chaotic scenes, with videos circulating online showing the bus ablaze.

Some accounts noted the vehicle was a commercial “danfo” bus, though initial details on the cause such as a possible mechanical failure remain under investigation.

The Third Mainland Bridge, one of Lagos’ busiest and most critical roadways, has seen similar vehicle fire incidents in the past, often exacerbating commuter woes in the megacity.

Authorities have since begun clearing the remnants of the bus to restore normal movement, but commuters should anticipate delays in the vicinity until full clearance.

No fatalities were immediately reported, though further updates on injuries or the exact cause are awaited.

The Anambra State Government under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, wishes to address with utmost concern the deliberate and malicious circulation of old, graphic videos depicting violent incidents from the dark period of unknown gunmen activities in our State.

These disturbing images and videos are being recycled by criminal elements and economic saboteurs to instill fear in the hearts of Ndi Anambra, particularly our enterprising traders and business owners.

THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE VIDEOS: The Anambra State Government categorically states that the horrific videos currently circulating on social media platforms, including those showing victims of brutal attacks from years past, are OLD FOOTAGE being deliberately recirculated to create panic and aid economic sabotage with perpetuation of the retrogressive, outlawed Monday sit-at-home order.

These videos date back to the troubled period between 2021 and 2023 when criminal gangs terrorised our State under the guise of enforcing illegal sit-at-home orders.

We are particularly disturbed by the circulation of images relating to past tragic incidents, including those involving respected members of our society who fell victim to senseless violence during that dark chapter.

The circulation of such graphic content is not only insensitive to the families of victims but represents a calculated attempt to psychologically manipulate Ndi Anambra at this time.

THE CURRENT REALITY: The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has publicly denied issuing any sit-at-home order for Monday, February 2, 2026 or any other day in the future.

The recent one-week closure of Onitsha Main Market by Governor Soludo was a necessary measure to break the cycle of economic losses caused by the continued, unauthorised observance of Monday sit-at-home.

This action was taken in the best interest of our economy and the livelihoods of our people.Anambra State today is significantly more secure than it was during the period when those old videos were recorded.

Our security architecture has been substantially strengthened through collaborative efforts with joint security agencies, including the effective state vigilante network codenamed Agunechemba.

WHO BENEFITS FROM YOUR FEAR? Ask yourself: Who profits when Anambra’s economy is paralysed? Who gains when our markets remain closed and our people live in perpetual fear?

The answer is clear: criminal elements, economic saboteurs, and enemies of progress who wish to keep Ndi Anambra in bondage through psychological manipulation.

These merchants of fear have no genuine concern for the welfare of Ndi Anambra. Their aim is to: Cripple our economy

Undermine the authority of legitimate government

Create an atmosphere of chaos that allows criminality to thrive

Prevent the hardworking people of Anambra from earning their daily bread

GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO SECURITY :

The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, wishes to assure all residents and business owners of the following:

Enhanced Security Deployment : Robust security arrangements have been put in place across the State, with particular attention to commercial centres, markets, and major highways.

Intelligence-Driven Operations : Our security agencies are actively monitoring and will deal decisively with any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt public peace or engage in violent activities.

Zero Tolerance for Criminality : Anyone found spreading false information, creating panic, or engaging in acts of violence will face the full wrath of the law.

Protection of Economic Activities : The State Government is committed to protecting the rights of every citizen to engage in legitimate economic activities without fear or intimidation.

OUR APPEAL TO NDI ANAMBRA: We urge all residents of Anambra State, particularly our traders, artisans, transporters, and business owners to:

– Disregard the trending malicious old videos and refuse to be manipulated by fear-mongers

– Resume normal business activities with confidence that your safety is guaranteed

– Report suspicious individuals circulating panic

-inducing materials to security agencies

– Verify information from official government sources before acting on social media rumours

– Stand united against those who seek to hold our State hostage through psychological warfare

THE CHOICE IS IN OUR HANDS: Ndi Anambra, our destiny is in our hands. We can either allow faceless criminals to continue dictating how we live our lives, or we can reclaim our State and our economic destiny.

The recycled videos being circulated are from a past we are moving away from, a past that only returns if we allow fear to paralyse us.

The government has done its part by ensuring robust security. Now, we call on you to do your part by refusing to be intimidated, opening your shops, going to work, going to school, and living your lives normally.

ANAMBRA IS ON THE RISE! We have come too far and sacrificed too much to allow criminals and saboteurs to drag us back into darkness.

Today, marks a new beginning, a day when Ndi Anambra say NO to fear and YES to progress, prosperity, and peace.

Let us show the world that Anambra State is open for business, and that no amount of psychological manipulation will deter us from building the prosperous homeland we all desire.

Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, has commended the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for what he described as remarkable successes recorded against bandits in Mariga LGA and parts of the Niger North senatorial district of the state.

The Speaker described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in the state, noting that the bravery, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by the security personnel resulted in the death of several bandits, while others were successfully arrested by the security agencies.

The Speaker’s commendation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Assembly’s acting head, Directorate of Media and Public Relations, Mairo Adamu Mani.

The Speaker “stated that this decisive action has greatly weakened the activities of criminal elements in the affected areas and restored confidence among residents who had lived in fear for a long time,” noted the statement.

“Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji further praised the tireless efforts of the security agencies, especially special forces and DSS operatives, for their continuous sacrifices in protecting lives and property across Niger State and Nigeria at large.

The statement quoted the Speaker as commending the joint clearance operations by the Army and the DSS, which he said was based on intelligence, and resulted in the rescue of over 70 kidnapped persons in the state.

“He acknowledged the risks involved in such operations and expressed deep appreciation to the officers and men who put their lives on the line to ensure peace, stability, and the safety of citizens, especially in vulnerable communities.

“The Speaker assured the security agencies of the unwavering support and cooperation of the Niger State Government, emphasizing that the state will continue to provide all necessary assistance to strengthen security operations,” further stated the Assembly spokesman.

Niger state government, remarked the statement, “remains fully committed to working closely with all security stakeholders to ensure that the lingering challenges of insecurity are completely addressed and brought to an end.

“The Speaker “also appealed to all Nigerlites to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, assuring them that the government considers the security of lives and property as its topmost priority.

“The Speaker encouraged residents to continue to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that will aid ongoing and future operations aimed at sustaining peace and stability across the state,” the statement declared.