The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old suspect, Umar Abubakar, for allegedly spreading false rumours of an impending attack on Lanzai community in Darazo Local Government Area and obtaining money from residents under false pretences.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the suspect allegedly went around Lanzai town claiming that herders would attack the community within three days, causing panic among residents.

Police said the suspect also allegedly collected N4,000 from two households, claiming the money was for prayers and sacrifices to prevent the purported attack.

“According to a report received at Darazo Division on June 28, 2026, the suspect was alleged to have gone around Lanzai Town spreading rumours that herders would attack the town within three days,” the statement said.

During interrogation, police said Umar Abubakar admitted that the information was false and disclosed that a 32-year-old woman from the community had told him about a dream in which she believed the town could come under attack.

“He further disclosed that one Hannatu informed him about a dream she had that the community might be attacked. He stated that the claim was influenced by trauma following the killing of three of her neighbours during an incident on June 4, 2026,” the police said.

The command said the suspect is currently in the custody of the Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters and that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, warned residents against spreading false information capable of causing panic and disrupting public peace.

“He urged residents to verify information always and report any suspicious activity to security agencies rather than taking the law into their own hands,” the statement added.

The commissioner also assured residents that the area remains calm and that security agencies are continuing to monitor the situation to maintain peace.

A 27-year-old commercial motorcyclist has been killed by suspected motorcycle snatchers in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, with his motorcycle stolen after the attack.

The incident was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post shared on X on Wednesday.

According to the post, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) recovered the victim’s body after responding to a report of a corpse discovered between Angwan Baraya and Sagani villages in Mangu.

Security sources said troops from Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Gyambwas, received the report at about 6:15 am on June 30 and immediately moved to the area alongside police officers from the Keystone Gindiri Division.

“On arrival, the security personnel found the body of the victim with multiple machete wounds.

“A search of the area led to the recovery of a mobile phone believed to belong to the deceased,” Makama added.

“Using the phone, security operatives contacted the victim’s father, Mr. Muhammadu Sheko, who later identified the deceased as Haruna Muhammadu, a 27-year-old resident of Changal Village in Mangu Local Government Area.”

“The deceased was a commercial motorcyclist who had recently purchased a new motorcycle before he was allegedly attacked and killed by suspected motorcycle snatchers, who made away with the motorcycle,” the source said.

Police officers from the Keystone Gindiri Division evacuated the body and released it to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Security agencies have launched efforts to identify and arrest those behind the killing and theft.

Authorities also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information that could help security agencies tackle violent crime and improve safety in the area.

Several people are feared dead following an attack by suspected armed herders on Sai Community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The assault, which occurred on Tuesday, also left many residents injured and forced scores of families to flee their homes as gunmen reportedly invaded the community.

According to Zagazola Makama, the attackers stormed Sai in large numbers, firing indiscriminately at residents before setting several houses on fire. 

The violence triggered panic, with many villagers escaping into nearby bushes to save their lives.

Security sources said troops and other security personnel were swiftly deployed to the area after receiving distress calls. 

The operatives launched efforts to repel the attackers, restore calm, and prevent the violence from spreading.

Those injured during the attack were evacuated to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, while security agencies began search operations to locate missing residents and ensure no further casualties.

The incident also caused extensive destruction of homes and other valuable property, leaving many families displaced.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, alongside other security agencies, has intensified patrols in Sai and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.