From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed 10 deaths in a road crash on Monday, along the Tafa axis of Niger state.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued by Acting Corps Public Education Officer, Felicia Kalu, in Abuja.

Mohammed said the crash occurred about 8:20 a.

m. on the Tafa–Gujeni route at Malam Tanko, leaving 20 injured and three rescued unhurt.

According to him, the crash fell within the operational coverage of RS7.26A Tafa Outpost and involved a DAF tanker, registration number FKY136XD.

“The vehicle was conveying 33 male occupants at the time of the incident.

 “Preliminary investigations revealed that 10 persons died, 20 sustained injuries, while three were rescued unhurt.

“Available evidence indicates the crash was caused by excessive speed, leading to loss of control.

“More disturbing is that the vehicle engaged in illegal mixed loading, carrying goods and passengers together,” he said.

He said FRSC operatives responded promptly, rescued 23 victims alive and cleared the obstruction to restore traffic flow.

The corps marshal said the injured were taken to Umar Musa General Hospital, Sabon Wuse, while the deceased were deposited at the mortuary.

Mohammed described the crash as avoidable, calling it “a painful reminder of the consequences of traffic violations”.

He stressed that “no journey is worth the loss of human lives” and condemned disregard for safety advisories.

He reiterated the corps’ commitment to intensify enforcement and public enlightenment campaigns nationwide.

Mohammed emphasised the need to curb speeding and end the practice of mixed loading on highways.

He advised drivers to obey safety regulations, maintain speed limits and avoid using unsuitable vehicles for passengers.

The corps marshal extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

He urged the public to remain safety conscious, noting that road safety is a shared responsibility.

The Police Command in Ondo State said it arrested three suspects and rescued three victims in connection with an alleged kidnapping incident in Oda community, Akure South Local Government Area.

Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, who said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Akure, explained that the suspects were captured on a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera.

Jimoh said the arrest followed the circulation of the CCTV footage on social media showing the abduction of a victim by suspected criminals in Oda Area of Akure.

“Upon receiving the footage, the command immediately activated its intelligence team, leveraging digital surveillance analysis and coordinated field operations to identify and apprehend the suspects.

 “Acting on credible intelligence and investigative leads derived from the footage, operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad carried out targeted operations which led to the arrest of one of the suspects.

 “During interrogation, the suspect provided useful information that led to the subsequent arrest of two other accomplices believed to have played active roles in the incident, and who were also captured on the CCTV footage.

”Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects played various roles in the commission of the alleged kidnapping.

 “The arrested suspects are identified as; Mohammed Koro ‘m’ aged 27yrs, Muhammad Usman ‘m’ aged 30yrs and Musa Alhaji ‘m’ aged 23yrs,” he said.

The spokesperson, however, said operational efforts culminated in the successful rescue of the three victims, who were debriefed and taken to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

According to him, the suspects have made useful confessional statements, which are aiding ongoing efforts to ensure the arrest of other syndicate members.

Jimoh, therefore, said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The spokesperson also said the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and criminality, emphasising that Ondo would not serve as a safe haven for criminals.

 “The CP warned that regardless of where suspects choose to hide, they will be relentlessly tracked down and made to face the full weight of the law.

 “He also reassures residents that the command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.

“Lawal urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible and actionable information that can aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements,” he said.

Jimoh, therefore, encouraged residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, assuring that proactive measures were in place to prevent and combat all forms of criminality within the state.

By David Torough, Abuja

Nigeria’s deepening security crisis has come under renewed scrutiny following a damning report by International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, which estimates that more than 190,000 people have been killed in terror-related violence over the past 17 years.

The report, released by the group’s chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, attributes the deaths to the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, armed bandits, and suspected herdsmen between July 2009 and March 2026.

It further claims that over 131,000 Nigerians were abducted within the same period, with thousands either killed in captivity, forced into extremist ideologies, or still missing.

According to the group, the violence has taken a heavy toll on both Christians and moderate Muslims, while entire communities across states such as Borno, Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and Adamawa have faced repeated attacks, displacement, and destruction.

The grim statistics come as fresh violence underscores the persistent insecurity. In Kwara State, gunmen attacked a worship centre belonging to the Evangelical Church of West Africa in Ifelodun Local Government Area, abducting eight worshippers during a service. Authorities confirmed that three victims escaped, while five remain in captivity as security operatives intensify rescue efforts.

The attack highlights growing concerns over the targeting of religious centres and vulnerable rural communities, even in regions previously considered relatively calm.

Amid mounting pressure, President Bola Tinubu has pledged intensified action to tackle insecurity, describing it as the most pressing challenge facing his administration. Speaking after high-level engagements with governors and international partners, the President revealed that Nigeria has secured military cooperation from Emmanuel Macron, including support for equipment and training.

Tinubu said his government is exploring multiple international partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, following recent discussions in the United Kingdom and subsequent diplomatic contacts with France. He emphasised that defeating terrorism and criminality is essential for national development and economic stability.

The President also directed increased investment in technology and logistics for security forces, while urging state governors to support federal efforts and prioritise the welfare of vulnerable citizens affected by both insecurity and rising economic pressures.

The latest developments come on the heels of recent attacks in the North-East, including deadly bombings in Maiduguri, reinforcing fears that insurgent groups remain capable of carrying out coordinated assaults despite ongoing military operations.

Security analysts warn that without decisive and sustained action, Nigeria risks further escalation of violence, as communities continue to grapple with killings, abductions, and mass displacement across multiple regions.