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Police in Nasarawa State have arrested eight suspected kidnappers in Rukubi Community following a coordinated security operation, recovering AK-47 rifles.

Read More: https://punchng.com/police-arrest-eight-suspected-kidnappers-in-nasarawa/

The Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI has launched an investigation into the controversial killing of a man, Abdulrahman Mustapha, in Maiduguri, following widespread allegations of extrajudicial action by troops.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on March 22 near the Polo axis close to the Federal High Court, has sparked outrage on social media.

It was alleged that Mustapha, also known as Abchin, was unarmed and returning from a Sallah visit when he was shot dead by military personnel.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, described the allegations as serious, confirming that an investigation was underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the statement, Mustapha might have attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle, an act the military described as a direct threat to troops.

However, the military indicated that initial findings suggest the situation may be more complex than portrayed.

According to the Theatre Command, preliminary operational indicators point to possible security concerns, including suspicions that the deceased may have been linked to a Boko Haram or ISWAP reconnaissance group or sleeper cell.

“Initial findings indicate the possibility that troops may have encountered individuals consistent with a Boko Haram/ISWAP reconnaissance element or a sleeper cell operating within the area. This assessment is based on several factors, including reports that the individual in question allegedly attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle, an action indicative of hostile intent and a direct threat to troops’ safety.

“Additionally, the individual was reportedly found in possession of multiple identification cards bearing different names from that cited in the petition, including a foreign identification card from the Niger Republic, which may suggest cross-border movement, possible infiltration, or the use of a decoy identity,” part of the statement read.

Military probes ‘Sallah returnee’s’ death amid alleged terror links

The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares on Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, and other standard bus routes across the state.

The decision was approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, following appeals from regulated public transport operators who raised concerns about the rising cost of running their services.

According to a statement shared by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the fare adjustment will affect all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes, including BRT and standard routes. The new fares will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.

The state government explained that the increase is meant to reduce the pressure on public transport operators caused by ongoing economic challenges. It also noted that the review follows the state’s already approved annual fare review system.

LAMATA said the decision became urgent due to persistent inflation, noting that Nigeria’s inflation rate closed 2025 at 15.2 per cent, according to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Bus Operating Companies (BOCs), the statement said, have continued to struggle with higher operating costs, including vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and staff salaries. These costs, it added, increased further after the introduction of the new national minimum wage.

“In a bid to maintain and improve service standards, operators are also investing in the procurement of new, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability,” the statement said.

The government reassured road users that it remains committed to striking a balance between affordability and the need to provide safe, reliable, and efficient public transport across Lagos State.

It added that the fare increase is part of efforts to keep the public transport system running smoothly while ensuring long-term sustainability for operators and improved service delivery for passengers.

Gov Sanwo-Olu hikes BRT fares in Lagos