Lagos State Government has secured the conviction of 13 individuals for offences relating to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, as a Magistrate Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi sentenced each of them to three months’ imprisonment.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via his official X handle.

According to the statement, the defendants were arraigned before the court on charges bordering on violations of environmental sanitation laws due to illegal waste disposal practices.

All 13 defendants pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them.

Following their plea, the court found them guilty and sentenced each of them to three months in prison.

The convicted individuals are Jamiu Abdulkareem, Nwosu Martin, Abduljamiu Wasiu, Habeeb Muhammed, Kolawole Elijah, Anum Musa, Adeniyi Jamiu, Taiwo Olaniyi, Ali Muhammed, Paul Yaya, Damilare Adebowale, Ojo Fatai, and Abah Musa.

The government said the convictions reflect its continued enforcement of environmental regulations and its commitment to ensuring a cleaner, safer and healthier Lagos State.

It added that the move is part of a broader zero-tolerance approach to indiscriminate waste disposal across the state.

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

This was contained in a post shared on Tuesday on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.

According to Makama, the arrest was made on June 22 at about 7:10 p.m. during a security operation conducted by troops of Sector 1 OPWS in the area.

Security sources said the suspect was picked up based on intelligence linking him to cult-related activities that have contributed to insecurity in the local government area.

“Items recovered from him included one locally fabricated pistol, two cartridges, and a bag containing suspected personal belongings,” Makama wrote.

A source said the suspect is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to determine his level of involvement and to identify possible accomplices.

“The suspect is under investigation to establish his role and other persons connected to his activities,” the source said.

Security authorities explained that the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to curb cultism and other forms of criminal activities in Benue State and neighbouring areas.

They added that Operation Whirl Stroke has continued to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations to maintain peace and improve security in its area of responsibility.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled an attempt by bandits to kidnap some farmers in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The development was contained in a post shared on Tuesday on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who regularly reports on security issues across the country.

According to Makama, the incident occurred around 12:35 p.m. on June 22 along the Kukata-Kotonkoro road, where soldiers on patrol encountered suspected terrorists.

Security sources said attackers had moved into the area to abduct farmers working on their fields but fled when they saw the approaching troops.

“The terrorists ran away immediately they sighted the troops, abandoning their plan,” a source said.

Troops from the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Administration Battalion were said to be on a routine fighting patrol when the incident happened.

“Following the encounter, the soldiers maintained their presence in the area and continued patrols to prevent further attacks,” Makama wrote.