Seven members of a local vigilante group have been killed after armed bandits attacked a security camp in Niger State.

The attack occurred on Saturday at Matseri Camp in Kotonkoro District of Mariga Local Government Area.

According to information shared by security expert Bakatsine on X, the attackers reportedly came from the Sangeko area of neighbouring Zamfara State. They launched a surprise assault on the vigilantes’ camp, opening fire on security volunteers stationed there.

Sources said the vigilantes fought back and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle before they were eventually overwhelmed.

Quoting sources, Bakatsine stated: “However, the security volunteers reportedly succeeded in killing several of the bandits during the exchange of gunfire.”

The incident adds to growing security concerns in parts of Niger and Zamfara States, where armed groups have continued to carry out attacks on communities and security personnel.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not released an official statement on the incident.

A man identified as Obikoya Gbenga Adewale has allegedly committed suicide in Molode, Sabo area of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The incident was sad to have occurred on Saturday.

In a viral video, the lifeless body of the deceased suspected to be in his 40s was seen hanging from a roof outside a house.

Voices accompanying the video alleged that the man doesn’t stay in the house but came there to kill himself.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that the corpse has been evacuated and preserved for further examination.

Babaseyi added that investigation has commenced to unravel circumstances surrounding the death.

He said, “On Saturday, about 0840hrs, information was received that one Obikoya Gbenga Adewale (M), an adult male of Sabo Area, Ijebu Ode, was found dead in circumstances suspected to be suicide.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), accompanied by his team, visited the scene. Necessary documentation was carried out and photographs were taken in line with standard procedure.

“The body was preserved for further examination, while investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.”

The police spokesperson encouraged residents to prioritize their health, especially their mental health.

Babaseyi reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and promoting community wellbeing, and urged anyone with concerns about a loved one to reach out early and get support.

The Lagos State Police Command has announced plans to commence a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles with concealed, altered, unauthorised, obscured or missing registration number plates beginning Monday.

The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi.

According to Adebisi, the exercise is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and is aimed at strengthening public safety and security across the state.

She explained that the initiative is intended to curb criminal activities by preventing individuals from hiding their identities through the use of improperly displayed vehicle registration plates.

Adebisi stated that the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, had instructed all police formations in the state to ensure strict implementation of the directive.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to begin immediate enforcement and ensure full compliance within their respective jurisdictions.

“He further ordered that any vehicle found in violation of the directive should be impounded and subjected to appropriate investigation in accordance with existing laws and established procedures,” she said.

The police spokesperson stressed that the operation is not designed to inconvenience law-abiding residents but to enhance crime prevention, facilitate the identification of suspects and improve overall security.

She advised motorists, transport operators and fleet managers to ensure that their vehicles are fitted with valid, officially issued and clearly visible registration number plates at all times.

Adebisi also urged vehicle owners to keep all relevant documentation current and readily available for inspection whenever required by law enforcement officers.

Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, she said the police would continue to implement measures aimed at creating a safer environment for residents and visitors across Lagos State.

The command further appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals, vehicles or activities through its emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870 and 09168630000.