Gunmen have abducted an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and demanded a N40 million ransom after carrying out separate attacks along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident was reported by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, Christy Nkiru Okeke, an INEC employee, was abducted at about 7:00pm on July 24.

Her husband later reported the incident to the B Division Police Headquarters in Awka after the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded N40 million for her release.

Makama also reported that about an hour earlier, a businessman, Emmanuel Nwobodo escaped a similar attack near Ebenebe Community Secondary School after four armed men, dressed in dark clothing, allegedly opened fire on his Mercedes-Benz while he was returning home from Oba.

The report said Nwobodo managed to drive away from the scene before discovering he had sustained a gunshot wound to his left knee, while his vehicle suffered damage to the radiator and rear seat belt guard.

According to the report, one of his staff members, Tochukwu Afunenu, fled into a nearby bush during the attack while carrying the businessman’s ATM card and two mobile phones.

Nwobodo later became suspicious after voice messages were allegedly sent from the staff member’s phone claiming he had been kidnapped and demanding a N40 million ransom.

“Police said extensive combing of surrounding bushes and intelligence-led tracking operations are ongoing to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the perpetrators,” the report stated.

The report added that investigators are trying to establish whether both attacks, which occurred along the same road within a short period, were carried out by the same criminal gang.

Kwara Fire Service, on Monday, averted a major fire disaster at a petrol filling station in Ilorin, the state capital.

The incident, which occurred at 06:02 hours at YTK Filling Station, opposite the Youth Camp, Apata area of Eyenkorin, involved a 45,000 litre petrol tanker registered ARP 51 XB.

The driver of the petrol tanker reportedly lost control while attempting to reposition the vehicle within the premises of the filling station, according to the spokesman of the state Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle in Ilorin on Monday.

“The vehicle struck the station’s perimeter fence, causing the tanker compartment containing the PMS to detach from the truck.

“On arrival, firefighters swiftly secured the scene and commenced intensive cooling and dampening operations to eliminate any potential source of ignition and prevent the outbreak of fire.

“Their prompt intervention ensured that the highly flammable product did not ignite despite the dangerous circumstances.

“The spilled fuel was subsequently and safely siphoned into another empty tanker under the close supervision of the fire service, bringing the operation to a successful conclusion without any loss of life, injury, or damage by fire,” the spokesman added.

The Chief Fire Officer, CFO, Alabi Muhammed, commended the professionalism and swift response of the firefighters whose timely intervention prevented what could have escalated into a catastrophic incident.

He also urged tanker drivers and petroleum marketers to strictly observe all safety procedures during the movement, parking, and handling of petroleum products, stressing that caution remains the most effective means of preventing avoidable emergencies.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Mustapha Yahaya, for allegedly impersonating a personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The suspect, a resident of Ran Road, Bauchi, was apprehended in the early hours of Monday, July 27, 2026, during a routine patrol by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) along Bayan Gari in Bauchi metropolis.

According to the police, Yahaya claimed during questioning to be a personnel of the DSS attached to the Bauchi State Command. However, subsequent investigations established that the claim was false.

“Upon questioning, the suspect claimed to be a personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), Bauchi State Command. Further investigation, however, revealed that the claim was false and that the suspect is not a member of the DSS,” the police said.

The Command disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody, undergoing further interrogation, and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to individuals posing as security personnel.

“Members of the public should be wary of impostors and always demand proper identification from anyone claiming to be a security operative,” the Commissioner advised.

He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to tackle criminal activities across the state.

“The Bauchi State Police Command remains committed to ridding the state of criminal elements and ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” he said.

The latest arrest marks the third case of alleged impersonation recorded by the Bauchi State Police Command within a week, underscoring the Command’s ongoing crackdown on individuals falsely presenting themselves as security operatives.