The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the death of four people who drowned in a blocked waterway at Zangon Kaya in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, on Friday in Kano.
He said the incident occurred on Friday afternoon.
He said, “We received an emergency call at about 13:48 hrs from one Rabiu Yusif that four people had fallen into a waterway blocked that had accumulated due to the railway line construction.
“We immediately sent our rescue team to the scene.
“Two of the victims entered the waterway to swim when they got trapped.”
Abdullahi said that another person entered the blocked drain to rescue them, but also got stuck, while the fourth person went in to help and also got trapped.
He further explained that with the arrival of the rescue team, the residents were able to pull out two of the victims, while the team recovered the other two.
Abdullahi said that the names of the victims were: Bashir Sani, 28, Nasirudden Tasi’u, 25, Usman Ubale, 26 and Yakubu Muhammed, 22.
“All the victims were rescued unconscious and were later confirmed dead.
“Their corpses were handed over to SP Abdulkadir Albasu of Dawanau Police Division,” he said.
Abdullahi said that the cause of the incident was as a ‘result of local swimming in a blocked sewer’.
The digital age has brought incredible opportunities and new forms of danger.
One such threat is sextortion, a form of blackmail where someone threatens to release another person’s nude or explicit photos unless their demands are met, often involving money or more images.
In Nigeria, where laws on privacy and cybercrime continue to evolve, victims often face not only fear and shame but also a lack of clear recourse.
Experts, however, are unanimous: never give in to the blackmail. Here are five expert-backed steps to take immediately if someone threatens to leak your nude photos:
Do not panic or pay the blackmailer
The instinct to panic or comply is common, but counterproductive. Experts warn that giving in rarely stops the cycle.
“Once a blackmailer knows you’re willing to give in, they keep coming back,” says Selena Onuoha, human rights lawyer. “Paying won’t protect your dignity; it often makes things worse.”
She urged victims to stay calm, gather their thoughts, and focus on documenting the threat instead of reacting impulsively.
Secure all evidence immediately
Take screenshots of all communication, from chats, emails, DMs, and back them up, advised Onuoha.
She also advised the victim to note the time, date, platform, and, if possible, the username or contact information of the blackmailer.
“Digital evidence is key,” explains Mr Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association. “Without it, law enforcement will have difficulty tracing the source and establishing a case.”
Also, save links, file metadata, or anything that shows the blackmail attempt.
Report to law enforcement or cybercrime authorities.
In Nigeria, THE Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 criminalises threats, extortion, and invasion of privacy. Victims can report to the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Cybercrime Reporting Portal on https://report.ncc.gov.ng.
“We’ve seen a rise in digital blackmail, especially among young people,” says ASP Olufemi Ajisafe (retd.). “Victims should not keep silent. The earlier we are informed, the easier it is to intervene.”
Get legal, mental health support
Onuoha advised victims to involve a lawyer to help draft a cease-and-desist letter or advise them on court options if necessary.
She said, “Many legal aid groups also offer free support. Equally important is mental well-being.”
“Victims of sextortion suffer intense shame, depression, and suicidal thoughts,” warns Dr Usen Essien, renowned psychologist and researcher based in Akwa Ibom.
He added, “Talking to a therapist can help restore control and reduce emotional harm.”
Local NGOs, such as Stand to End Rape and Mirabel Centre, provide counselling and victim support services.
Educate yourself and take preventive steps
While victims are never to blame, awareness is critical. Never send nudes under pressure. Use platforms that allow content to vanish or encrypt messages, but even then, be cautious.
Also, check if your photos have been leaked using tools like Google Reverse Image Search, PhotoDNA (used by platforms like Facebook to block explicit content). Also, enable two-factor authentication on all social media accounts and report impersonators or suspicious activity immediately.
Essien noted that shame and silence are what predators count on. But he stressed that victims were not alone, and help was available.
“The most powerful thing a victim can do is speak up,” he added. “Let the law and the system work for you.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, call the National Human Rights Commission Hotline or visit your nearest police station’s cybercrime desk.
EU countries on Friday signed off on a new package of sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine, including lowering a price cap on Moscow’s oil exports.
The 18th round of economic punishment against Russia since its 2022 invasion was approved after Slovakia dropped a weeks-long block following talks with Brussels over separate plans to phase out Russian gas imports.
“The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions packages against Russia to date,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.
“Each sanction weakens Russia’s ability to wage war. The message is clear: Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war.”
Slovakia’s Russia-friendly leader Robert Fico dropped his opposition after getting what he called “guarantees” from Brussels over gas prices as the bloc pushes to cut off Russian imports by the end of 2027.
As part of the new sanctions designed to sap Russia’s war chest, diplomats said the EU has agreed to lower its price cap on Russian oil exported to third countries around the world to 15 percent below market value.
That comes despite EU allies failing to convince US President Donald Trump to go along with the plan.
The cap is a G7 initiative aimed at limiting the amount of money Russia makes by exporting oil to countries across the globe such as China and India.
The oil price cap, set at $60 by the G7 in 2022, is designed to limit the price Moscow can sell oil around the world by banning shipping firms and insurance companies dealing with Russia to export above that amount.
Under the new EU scheme — which is expected to get the backing of G7 allies like Britain and Canada — the new level will start off at $47.6 and can be adjusted as oil prices change in the future.
In adddition, officials said the EU is blacklisting over 100 more more vessels in the “shadow fleet” of ageing tankers used by Russia to circumvent oil export curbs.
There are also measures to stop the defunct Baltic Sea gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2 from being brought back online.
Among other targets, sanctions will be placed on a Russian-owned oil refinery in India and two Chinese banks as the EU seeks to curb Moscow’s ties with international partners.
There is also an expanded transaction ban on dealings with Russian banks and more restrictions on the export of “dual-use” goods that could be used on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The new sanctions will be formally adopted by EU ministers later on Friday.
A petroleum tanker carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, on Thursday, exploded in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
PUNCH Online gathered that the incident occurred at Celica junction, on the new Ife Expressway in Ibadan.
Eyewitnesses explained that the fire incident was as a result of break failure, which made the vehicle lose control.
One of the witnesses said, “The tanker hit a Prado jeep and another car. And in the process, the tanker fell and exploded.
“Although no casualty was recorded, the fire affected the car and the Prado jeep.”
Confirming the incident in a statement in Ibadan, the state capital, the state Fire Service Chairman, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the development to our correspondent, adding that no casualty was recorded.
He said, “The incident was reported at exactly 18.27hrs on Thursday.
“The firemen swiftly swung into action by applying chemical foam compound and restricted the fire from spreading to the nearby Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation petrol station and surrounding properties. The fire was jointly extinguished with officers from the Federal Fire Service.
“The fire incident was as a result of failure of breaking in system of the truck whist on motion which made the vehicle lose control, hit a Prado jeep and a car, then fell and caught fire.
“No casualty was recorded but the fire affected the trailer tanker and a car, while a Jeep was hit by the trailer into the nearby gutter,” he explained.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has launched ‘Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists’ to combat insecurity in the state.
While launching the initiative on Sunday, the governor also approved the establishment of a special security squad to flush out kidnappers and cultists terrorising the state.
The move, according to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, is a strategic initiative by the office of the Principal Security Officer to the governor and will be coordinated jointly by the PSO and the Chief Security Officer at the Government House.
Speaking after granting the approval, Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violent crimes.
He said, “We will not allow criminality to dictate the future of our State.
“Edo State must be safe again for our children, for investors, and for those in the diaspora who want to come home and contribute.
“Security agencies have now been placed on red alert across the state.”
The governor has directed the PSO and CSO to ensure full implementation of the operation, noting that accountability, professionalism, and community engagement must remain at the heart of the new initiative.
PUNCH Online gathered that the squad would consist of a carefully profiled and recruited team of able-bodied men, including repentant cultists, hunters, and vigilantes.
These recruits will form local squads within each local government area, ensuring community involvement and swift operational response to security threats.
The Kebbi State Police Command has foiled an attempted attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits on commuters travelling along the Zogirma-Tilli road in the Bunza Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, and made available to newsmen on Saturday, the foiled attack occurred on Friday, July 11, 2025, at about 7pm, following intelligence that the armed bandits were sighted in the surrounding forest, allegedly plotting to kidnap travellers.
The statement said, “Acting swiftly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Zogirma mobilised a response team and engaged the criminals with the support of personnel from the No. 36 Police Mobile Force Squadron in Birnin Kebbi.
“The combined team of Policemen engaged the suspected Lakurawa bandits in a fierce gun battle. Several of the bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the forest.
“Tragically, the operation claimed the lives of three gallant police officers, who were hailed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, for their bravery and ultimate sacrifice”
While mourning the fallen heroes, CP Sani assured the public of the Command’s continued resolve to protect lives and property across the state. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“The Command will not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the people of Kebbi State,” the Commissioner emphasised.
The police authorities also prayed for the eternal repose of the souls of the officers who died in the line of duty.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for continued support for the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation initiative, as well as the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ogalla made the call on Thursday during the commissioning of a Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project in Agbor, Delta State.
The project involved the renovation of Igue Primary School, Ime-Obi, including the perimeter fencing, provision of a borehole, and construction of a security gatehouse, among other improvements.
Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Rear Admiral Oluwole Fadeyi, Ogalla highlighted the importance of CIMIC, describing it as “a key principle consistently emphasised by the CNS in strengthening military-community relations.”
According to the CNS, the renovation of the primary school, originally built in 1945, had become imperative to provide a more conducive learning environment.
He explained that the CNS-QIP was launched to implement projects that enhance the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation across the country, adding that “this particular project was facilitated by Rear Admiral E.O. Nmoyem as a way of giving back to his roots and improving the lives of people in the community.”
Ogalla further stated, “CIMIC includes activities and interactions between the military and civil society geared towards accomplishing military missions and strategic objectives.
“These projects serve not only to honour distinguished senior officers of the Nigerian Navy but also demonstrate the Navy’s broader commitment to serving Nigerians beyond its core mandate of securing lives and property in the maritime environment.
“Today’s commissioning of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project, undertaken by an illustrious son of Agbor, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogboi Nmoyem, is yet another watershed in the Nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation efforts.”
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Nmoyem expressed profound gratitude to the CNS “for the invaluable opportunity to execute such a meaningful project in Agbor, Delta State.”
He described the initiative as “a testament to the CNS’s visionary leadership and commitment to community development, with the Igue community being a major beneficiary.”
Nmoyem expressed hope that “the project would significantly improve the standard of learning for pupils of the school.”
Also speaking at the event, which drew a large crowd of military personnel, security officials, and community stakeholders, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I; the Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Hon. Jerry Ehiwariyo; and the Head Teacher of Igue Primary School all expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for extending its developmental impact to the Agbor community.
The Nigerian Army’s 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, successfully repelled a large-scale attack by over 400 armed bandits on Ribah town in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The operation, which took place on Wednesday, saw the troops respond swiftly to the invasion, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun duel that lasted several hours. Eyewitnesses described the scene as a battlefield, with the superior firepower and tactics of the army ultimately forcing the bandits to retreat in disarray.
Military sources confirmed that many of the bandits were neutralised during the exchange, while others fled with injuries, abandoning a cache of weapons and ammunition. The town has since been secured, and normalcy restored.
The Director of Security at the Kebbi State Cabinet Office, AbdulRahman Zagga, on Thursday, praised the courage and professionalism of the soldiers involved.
“The troops displayed uncommon bravery. Their swift response and combat efficiency turned what could have been a major disaster into a remarkable victory,” he said.
Zagga also applauded the Nigerian Air Force for its timely intervention and aerial support, which he said inflicted heavy casualties on fleeing bandits and disrupted their escape routes.
“The situation is now fully under control. The people of Ribah can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the coordinated efforts of our security forces,” he added.
Intelligence reports suggest the attackers were part of the same criminal syndicate responsible for recent attacks in Niger State. Their attempt to extend their terror campaign into Kebbi was decisively thwarted.
In a related development, troops from the Dukku Barracks repelled another bandit assault on Mera in the Augie Local Government Area. The attackers, identified as Lakurawa bandits, attempted to rustle cattle but met stiff resistance from the Nigerian Army, which forced them to flee empty-handed.
Reacting to the successful operations, Governor Nasir Idris commended the gallantry of the security personnel and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security across the state.
“These victories are proof that with sustained support and collaboration, our security agencies can defeat banditry and restore peace to our communities,” the governor stated.
Just two days earlier, a joint security operation in the same Danko Wasagu axis led to the rescue of six abducted persons and the recovery of stolen livestock, further highlighting the momentum gained in the fight against insecurity in the region.
Residents of Ribah and Mera have expressed relief and gratitude, calling on authorities to maintain the current tempo to prevent future attacks.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Katsina State Command, have arrested three suspected members of an interstate Human Trafficking syndicate.
NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday.
The statement was titled ‘NAPTIP Raids Popular Hotel In Katsina, Arrests Three Suspected Members Of Inter–state Human Trafficking Syndicates And Rescues Three Victims.’
Adekoye stated, “They were arrested inside one of the prominent hotels located in Katsina township, with three suspected victims of human trafficking rescued during the operation.”
Adekoye said the syndicate specialises in the recruitment, harbouring and trafficking of young girls from other parts of the Country to the Northern region for sexual exploitation.
The Manager of the hotel and two other workers were also arrested.
“Two of the victims are from Benue State and one from Rivers State. Their age ranges from 21 to 26 years old,” the statement added.
According to a preliminary investigation, the suspects were believed to be the major suppliers of victims to brothels and other notorious Centres, including some neighbouring Countries.
Earlier, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, had directed Operatives of the Agency across the country a few weeks ago to step up surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities within their jurisdictions to address the reported cases of inter-state recruitment and trafficking.
Bello also directed the Operatives to beam searchlights on the activities of some hotels, drinking joints, and motor parks in all the state capitals, to curtail the activities of some criminal elements who operate as members of human trafficking gangs in the Country.
Reports say the rescued victims were found inside a small room located within the Hotel complex, while the traffickers were inside another well-furnished room within the same compound, relishing the proceeds of the exploitation.
Speaking after the operation, the victims claimed that they were deceived, recruited, and trafficked to Katsina with a promise of a legitimate job, only to be forced into prostitution against their will.
One rescued victim said, “I was brought here by a woman. She promised to give us a job and that we would be paid very well.
“I asked her the details of the job, but she said I would know the nature of the job when I get here.
“When we got here, she introduced us to prostitution, which was not part of what they told us before.”
Another said, “We actually sleep with a lot of men, at least 20 men a day, and all the money we get goes to the chairlady of the place, by name Amarachi.
“We have no choice but to sleep with 20 men a day. Even when we are on our monthly period, we are being forced to sleep with the same number of men.
“Even when we are sick of tired, they will force us to sleep with me. They said it is not their business to know how we feel, but to engage in prostitution.”
The unnamed rescued victim said the girls were drugged and given energy drinks to boost sexual performance.
“They give us a fearless energy drink each to take every evening so that we can have energy to work, be awake to sleep with the men, and get money for them. They take all the money we make and leave us to feed ourselves,” she added x
While thanking NAPTIP for the rescue, the victims disclosed that the traffickers, in addition to crippling them financially so they cannot escape, also paid some men for surveillance on them.
Speaking on the development, NAPTIP’s DG, Bello, expressed worry over the activities of some hoteliers and centres nationwide who harbour victims of human trafficking.
She said the hotel in question will be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the trafficking law.
“I wish to commend the Operatives of NAPTIP in Katsina for the raid and rescue of the victims.
Their stories are painful and sad. They were deceived, recruited, trafficked, and forced into prostitution.
“While they are facing horror every day from prostitution, their traffickers were somewhere within the same hotel, feeding fat on the proceeds of the exploitation,” said Bello.
“It is also important to reiterate our earlier warning about operators of hotels aiding and abetting the exploitation of victims of human trafficking in their facilities.
“We have commenced a legal process to determine the next execution order for the hotel. The law shall definitely take its course,” Bello stated.
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, on Wednesday, warned newly trained officers against misconduct or irresponsible use of weapons.
Addressing the 200 personnel who completed the Corps’ basic arms training at the command headquarters in Abuja, Odumosu emphasised that the right to bear arms comes with grave responsibility.
“This is just the beginning. The rifle is not merely a weapon; it is a responsibility. It must not be misused. Let discipline, integrity, and professionalism be your watchwords at all times.
“The NSCDC uniform you wear is not for harassment or intimidation. It is for service,” he cautioned.
Odumosu, who has led a series of training initiatives since assuming office, reiterated the importance of ethics and accountability in the use of firearms, especially as the Corps strengthens its armed squad.
“This third batch of graduands in basic weapons handling is a clear testament that we are not resting on our oars.
“The security landscape in the FCT is evolving, and so must we. The training of this batch is part of a carefully thought-out series of trainings designed to respond proactively to emerging security threats with precision, discipline, and professionalism.
“We are not just passing out personnel who have just concluded basic weapon handling training. We are flagging off our ‘Emergency Response Team.’ Another crucial phase of our transformation journey,” the commandant noted.
The new Emergency Response Team, described by Odumosu as “specially trained and tactically equipped to intervene swiftly in high-risk situations,” will serve as a quick-response force within the FCT.
However, the commandant said that the unit must operate within strict professional boundaries.
“Our vision is clear: to build a Corps that is not only responsive but also anticipatory in approach,” he said, noting that irresponsible firearm use would be inconsistent with the Corps’ mission and values.
He reminded the officers that with each advancement in training and equipment comes an expectation of higher discipline.
“Today’s event is not just another ceremonial gathering. It is a strong statement of our unwavering commitment to capacity building, operational readiness, and the overall enhancement of our internal security architecture within the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
Odumosu added that the training initiative, which now includes a total of 472 personnel trained in weapons handling, is part of a long-term strategic vision to make the Corps more responsive to Nigeria’s complex security environment.
“Let me reiterate without mincing words that this is not the end; it is a continuum. The first and second batches of 135 and 137 personnel, respectively, brought the total number of trained personnel in weapon handling to 472,” he stated.
He also expressed appreciation to the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for their continued support in equipping and strengthening the command.
He concluded with a stern but motivational call to the newly graduated officers, adding that “The path to greatness is often narrow and rugged, but the courageous never turn back. We are forging ahead. We are building capacity. We are breaking new ground.
“May the Almighty God reward you and continue to protect you as you serve your fatherland,” the commandant said.
The event was attended by senior security officials, traditional leaders, and representatives from the FCT Administration.
