Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested more than 20 suspects following a raid on a short-let apartment complex in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, as part of ongoing efforts to investigate and curb suspected financial crimes.

A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, confirmed the operation, stating that investigations were still ongoing.

The intelligence-driven operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday, July 27, at Mariton Apartments, Plot 30, QMB Road, Ikate, Lekki.

According to the official, EFCC operatives moved in following credible intelligence and apprehended several individuals whose identities have not been disclosed pending the conclusion of investigations.

“The operation was intelligence-driven. Yes, a number of suspects were arrested and investigations are continuing. We are profiling those arrested and examining items recovered during the operation. Further details will be made public at the appropriate time,” the source said.

Sources familiar with the development revealed that EFCC officers searched several apartments within the facility, questioned occupants and recovered items believed to be relevant to the investigation before taking more than 20 suspects into custody.

The anti-graft agency has yet to disclose the identities of those arrested or reveal the specific offences being investigated.

Meanwhile, some residents alleged that certain apartments within the complex may have been used for internet-related crimes and other illegal activities. However, the allegations have not been independently verified, and the EFCC has not officially linked any suspect, apartment owner or resident to any criminal offence.

The raid has attracted attention among residents and business operators in the Lekki community, with some describing it as one of the major anti-graft operations carried out in the area in recent months.

Some residents and operators around the neighbourhood also noted a decline in activity at the apartment complex following the operation, which they said had previously recorded high occupancy.

Sources added that investigators are currently examining recovered materials and conducting background checks on those arrested to establish whether there is sufficient evidence for possible prosecution.

Fire has broken out at the AYM Shafa filling station in the Area 3 district of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Paul Abraham, he said emergency responders had been deployed to the scene to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.

Abraham stated that the personnel of the Fire Service were working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and facilities.

Abraham sympathised with those affected by the incident, assuring residents that efforts were underway to bring the situation under control.

According to him, “The Federal Fire Service empathises with everyone affected by the ongoing fire incident at AYM Shafa Petrol Station, Area 3, Abuja.

“We understand the concern this situation may have caused to residents, motorists, business owners, and members of the public, and we assure everyone that their safety remains our highest priority.

“Our firefighters are currently on the ground, working tirelessly and professionally to confine the fire, prevent its spread, and bring the situation under control as quickly and safely as possible”.

At the time of filing this report, the cause of the outbreak could not be immediately ascertained.

One person was killed and four others abducted after suspected bandits attacked the outskirts of Wasagu town in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, was disclosed by crisis reporter covering the North-West, Bakatsine, in a post shared on Thursday via his X handle. 

The attack comes amid growing concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kebbi State despite ongoing security operations.

According to Bakatsine, the victims were attacked about one kilometre from the community while working on their farms. 

DAILY POST gathered that the latest incident has heightened fears among residents, many of whom say frequent attacks have continued to disrupt farming activities in the area.

The security analyst also quoted local sources as saying that nearly 50 residents of Wasagu and neighbouring communities remain in bandits’ captivity, describing the situation as a major threat to agricultural production and food security.

“This is not just a security crisis; it is a growing threat to Nigeria’s food security. 

Wasagu is an important farming area, and when farmers are too afraid to go to their fields, food production suffers, livelihoods collapse and the effects are eventually felt across the country,” Bakatsine said.

He added that “a nation cannot achieve food security while its farmers are fleeing for their lives,” while questioning how many more farming communities must come under attack before decisive action is taken.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the attack, while the whereabouts of the abducted victims remain unknown.