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.

Imo State Government has demolished illegal structures and an alleged criminal hideouts around the Imo State University, IMSU, front gate.

This is following the death of a 19-year-old student, Chibuike Friday, who died through a motor accident within the campus.

The demolition exercise targeting illegal roadside structures and suspected criminal hideouts within the University environment, was carried out by Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, in collaboration with the Owerri Capital Development Authority, OCDA, led by Frank Nkem.

The government officials said the operation was aimed at restoring environmental orderliness and to improve road safety by reclaiming public spaces that had been illegally occupied over the years.

Several shanties suspected to be harbouring criminal elements involved in hard drug peddling and other unlawful activities were among structures dismantled during the exercise.

The demolition took place barely 24 hours after a fatal road accident at the IMSU front gate.

According to the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, the incident occurred when a Lexus ES 350 allegedly driven at excessive speed during an unauthorized street racing activity struck the 19-year-old student from Ebonyi State while attempting to cross the road.

Another victim, Bright Ukwuoma, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Okoye confirmed that the driver, Dike Chibuike Micheal, from Oguta area of the State was arrested at the scene after officers rescued him from an angry mob.

Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, condemned the incident which he said was caused by reckless driving.

He directed the State Traffic Department to conduct a thorough investigation, assuring that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Residents and commuters living within the area expressed hope that clearing the structures would improve visibility for motorists, enhance pedestrian safety and reduction in criminal activities within the campus and its environment.