Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have foiled a suspected armed robbery operation and killed three alleged robbers during a gun battle along the Vaase–Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area.

According to security sources, the incident occurred at about 2:48 a.m. on June 8 after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Gbeji Division received reports that armed men believed to be bandits were attacking travellers and robbing them of their belongings along the route.

Following the report, the DPO mobilised a patrol team alongside members of the Community Volunteer Guards and moved to the area.

According to the sources, the suspected criminals opened fire immediately after sighting the approaching security operatives, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The combined security team responded with superior firepower, resulting in the death of three suspects. Some of the deceased were reportedly dressed in military camouflage uniforms.

Several other members of the gang reportedly escaped from the scene on motorcycles, while security sources believe some of them may have sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.

During the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition, and a motorcycle.

The recovered items have been secured by the police as exhibits for further investigation.

The bodies of the deceased suspects were later evacuated to the Gbeji Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Police authorities disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing gang members.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat armed robbery, banditry, and other violent crimes across Benue State.

The Marine Police Unit of the Lagos State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old man, Joshua Babalola, after he reportedly attempted to take his own life by jumping into the Lagos Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on June 8, 2026, when officers of the Marine Police received information that a young man had plunged into the lagoon from the bridge.

Acting swiftly on the report, marine police operatives moved to the scene and successfully rescued the victim alive with the assistance of local fishermen operating in the area.

Following the rescue, Babalola identified himself as a painter living in the Iwo Road area of Ibadan, Oyo State. He told authorities that he had travelled from Ibadan earlier that day without informing anyone of his whereabouts.

According to him, he decided to jump into the lagoon after becoming overwhelmed by financial difficulties and feelings of hopelessness. He also disclosed that his mobile phone was lost in the water during the incident.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the victim had been stabilised and was currently under police care while efforts were being made to locate and contact his family members.

“He was rescued with the help of fishermen in the area. He is the second person in three months to be rescued from the lagoon,” Adebisi said.

The police spokesperson used the opportunity to stress the importance of public cooperation in crime prevention and emergency response efforts.

“Effective policing thrives on partnership between the police and the public. Prompt and credible information from residents is crucial in preventing and combating incidents.

“We urge community leaders, boat operators, fishermen and other stakeholders in the riverine areas to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police formation or the marine police unit,” he added.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos State and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information.

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed reports that an Islamic cleric, Alhaji Muhammad Maibarga, who was abducted by bandits in Koko-Besse Local Government Area, has died while in captivity.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the command was aware of reports indicating that the cleric died while being held by his abductors.

He said, “We are aware of reports concerning the victim’s deteriorating condition and possible death in captivity.”

Usman added that efforts were still ongoing to verify the development and secure the release of other kidnapped victims in Koko-Besse and Wasagu Local Government Areas.

The kidnapping was not publicly announced when it occurred but was later confirmed by the police following inquiries from journalists.

Earlier reports revealed that Maibarga was abducted alongside a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko-Besse Local Government Area.

A video that later surfaced online showed the two elderly men appealing for help from captivity and speaking about their worsening health conditions.

In the footage, the former APC chairman explained that both men were ill and had been forced to trek long distances through forests despite their age and medical conditions.

The video sparked concern among residents and social media users, with the captives calling on their families, community leaders, and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.

According to reports, Maibarga eventually died after his health deteriorated while in captivity.

Residents of his community have since observed Salatul Gha’ib, a funeral prayer in absentia, for the late cleric as his body has not yet been recovered.

Police authorities say efforts are continuing to rescue other victims and combat bandit activities in the affected areas.