Midnight Showdown on Akwanga Road: Police Gun Down Suspected Kidnapper in Nasarawa

By Musa Garba

The Nasarawa State Police Command has announced the killing of a suspected kidnapper during a late-night operation in the Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area.

According to a statement released on Monday in Lafia by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, the operation is part of ongoing efforts by the command to clamp down on criminal activities and improve public safety across the state.

Nansel explained that the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when a police patrol team conducting routine surveillance along the Akwanga highway stumbled upon what appeared to be a planned ambush near the Rice Mill area in Nasarawa Eggon.

The officers reportedly noticed that the road had been deliberately blocked with stones, a tactic believed to have been set up by armed men to trap unsuspecting travelers.

On spotting the approaching patrol vehicle, the suspects allegedly opened fire, leading to a gun battle. The police team responded swiftly, overpowering the attackers. One of the suspects was fatally wounded, while others escaped into nearby bushes, possibly with gunshot injuries.

Following the encounter, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Shetima Mohammed, ordered immediate deployment of additional personnel to the scene to reinforce security and restore calm.

The injured suspect was taken to a medical facility, where a doctor later confirmed him dead. He was subsequently identified as Auta Habu, said to be from a Fulani settlement in Gidan Waya village within the same local government area.

Preliminary findings, according to the police, suggest that the deceased had links to multiple criminal operations in the area, including theft and armed robbery, which have raised concerns among local residents about safety and security.

Authorities confirmed that the road has been cleared and is now safe for motorists. Meanwhile, security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing members of the gang.

The police urged residents to stay alert and promptly report any unusual or suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding lives and property, the command assured the public that operations against criminal elements will continue across the state.

NSCDC Deploys 700 Personnel to Secure Gombe for Eid-el-Fitr Celebrations

By Auwal Ahmad

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, has mobilised 700 officers and personnel to ensure adequate security during the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations scheduled for March 19 to 21.

Chief Superintendent of Corps Buhari Saad, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, issued a statement disclosing this information.

The statement indicates that the personnel will strategically deploy across the state to maintain peace and protect lives and property throughout the festive period.

The operation will cover Eid prayer grounds, Hawan Durbar routes, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, and other public places. It will also include the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, both public and private.

The NSCDC said its personnel would work closely with other security agencies to guarantee a smooth and incident-free Sallah celebration across the state.

State Commandant, CC Jibrin Idris, has directed all officers to carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and vigilance. He stressed the need for discipline and commitment in ensuring public safety during the celebrations.

He also extended warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslims in Gombe State and across Nigeria, urging them to celebrate peacefully.

The Commandant further appealed to residents and visitors to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to security agencies. He reassured the public of the Corps’ readiness, alongside its partners, to safeguard lives and property throughout the festive period.

Airspace Tensions Ground Flights: Ethiopian Airlines Suspends 10 Middle East Routes

Africa’s largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has announced the cancellation of flights to 10 destinations across the Middle East following airspace closures triggered by rising security concerns in the region.

In a statement issued on Monday, the airline disclosed that it had expanded its earlier suspension of four routes to include six additional destinations, bringing the total number of affected cities to ten.

The suspended routes cover major hubs, including Amman, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dammam, Doha, Manama and Kuwait City. Flights to key cities in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, have also been temporarily halted.

The airline advised passengers travelling to or from the affected destinations to regularly check their flight status through its official website and other digital platforms to avoid disruption.

“Ethiopian Airlines is closely monitoring developments in the region and will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and convenience of its passengers and crew,” the statement read.

The decision underscores the growing impact of regional instability on international aviation, as airlines adjust operations in response to evolving security dynamics.