The Anambra State Police Command has said the killing of four herders and some cows in Anambra on Tuesday was a calculated attempt by some people to cause ethnic tension in the state.

A press release by the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the command responded promptly and gathered firsthand information that showed that some people intentionally engaged in the attack to cause ethnic tension.

The attack happened in the early hours of 21st July 2026 on residential settlers in Agu-Ifite.

Ikenga said: “It was part of a calculated criminal plot aimed at creating ethnic tension and undermining the existing peace and security in the State.

“The command notes that Ndi Anambra have continued to demonstrate unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, and have refused to be drawn into divisive ethnic narratives.

“This collective resolve has undoubtedly frustrated the criminal objective of sowing discord among residents.”

He stated that a manhunt has been launched to ensure that the perpetuators are arrested and brought to book.

He said: “To this end, the intelligence gathered from survivors and other credible sources has provided useful leads. Consequently, security operatives have intensified intelligence-driven and coordinated manhunt operations to identify, apprehend, and bring all those involved in the attack to justice.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information.

“The Command also reiterates its commitment to protecting every law-abiding resident of Anambra State, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation, and assures that no effort will be spared in ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted,” Ikenga said.

The Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, has confirmed the death of its chief photographer and senior raid commander, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, who was reportedly killed during a failed attack on a Nigerian military base last week.

The development was disclosed in a report by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security analyst covering the Lake Chad region.

According to the report, ISWAP circulated an obituary announcing the death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, confirming that he was among the fighters neutralised by Nigerian troops during the attempted assault.

The report stated that Abu Salim served as one of the terrorist group’s most prominent media operatives, overseeing photography and video production used to document combat operations and produce propaganda materials for recruitment and internal mobilisation.

Before joining ISWAP’s media unit, he reportedly commanded several cross-border attacks into neighbouring Cameroon, where he led operations against security forces before transitioning into propaganda activities.

“The terrorist group circulated an obituary announcing the death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, confirming he was among the fighters neutralised by Nigerian troops,” the report stated.

Makama said Abu Salim’s death is regarded as a significant setback to ISWAP’s propaganda machinery because he coordinated the production and distribution of the group’s operational videos and other media materials.

The confirmation of his death came days after Nigerian troops repelled the attempted attack on the military base, an operation that reportedly left several ISWAP fighters and key operatives dead.

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized two tankers designated for transporting edible vegetable oil after they were found carrying Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, in Lagos.
The agency said the seizure was made during a recent enforcement operation, barely three months after it warned transporters against using the same tankers for both petroleum products and edible oil, describing the practice as a serious threat to public health.

Speaking to journalists, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, said investigations revealed that the two vehicles, which were designated exclusively for transporting edible vegetable oil, had been loaded with diesel in clear violation of food safety regulations.

According to Iluyomade, the tanker manager claimed he was unaware of the colour-coding system for edible oil tankers.

“The two tankers and their drivers have been taken into custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the violation and ensure appropriate regulatory action,” Iluyomade said.

He stressed that tankers designated for transporting edible vegetable oil must never be used to convey petroleum products because of the risk of contamination and the potential danger to consumers.

“Vegetable oil has nothing to do with petrol or petroleum products, and that is why we are very particular about it,” he said.

Iluyomade added that, “Any tanker designated for edible vegetable oil must be dedicated exclusively to that purpose in line with international best practices for food safety.”

NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to enforcing food safety standards across the country and warned transporters and operators to comply strictly with regulations.