Security

Ekiti and Benue Assemblies Approve State Police Bills Amid Push for Decentralised Policing

The Ekiti and Benue State Houses of Assembly have each passed legislation to amend the constitution for the creation of state police services, sending their proposals to the National Assembly as part of a broader effort to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

LAS News Desk · 21 Oct 2026, 18:45 WAT · 3 sources

Five Nigerian state assemblies endorse constitutional amendment for state police

On 20 October 2026, the legislatures of Taraba, Kwara, Delta, Plateau and Enugu voted to approve a constitutional amendment that would permit the creation of state police forces, moving the reform closer to national implementation.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 17:45 WAT · 5 sources

Atiku Abubakar Criticises Tinubu Over Fuel Subsidy Removal and Security Issues

Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar has publicly rebuked President Bola Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy, citing increased hardship for Nigerians and calling for targeted support for locally refined petroleum. He also criticised Tinubu’s record on security and police welfare.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 17:16 WAT · 9 sources

APC campaign chief Abdulaziz Yari tours northern traditional rulers and defends Tinubu on security challenges

Senator Abdulaziz Yari led a delegation of senior APC figures to meet emirs across northern Nigeria and later addressed security criticism in Kebbi, arguing that President Bola Tinubu should not bear sole responsibility for the country’s insecurity.

LAS News Desk · 20 Oct 2026, 02:31 WAT · 6 sources

Flydubai captain recounts axe attack that sent plane 16,000ft into descent

Captain Smit Machchhar described how he blocked axe blows, freed himself and opened the cockpit door after a co‑pilot attempted to crash flight FZ1073 into Ben Gurion Airport, a plot prosecutors say was inspired by the 9/11 attacks.

LAS News Desk · 19 Oct 2026, 03:15 WAT · 5 sources

Deputy governor’s convoy blocked by youths in Zamfara amid security concerns

During a condolence visit to Gwashi community in Bukkuyum LGA, Deputy Governor Malam Mani Mummuni was booed and his convoy was blocked by angry youths who cited ongoing bandit attacks and a perceived lack of government action.

LAS News Desk · 18 Oct 2026, 23:46 WAT · 2 sources

Kebbi state government disputes UNDP poverty ranking, accuses ADC candidate of politicisation

The Kebbi administration has challenged a United Nations Development Programme report that listed the state among Nigeria’s poorest, claiming the data is outdated and was used by opposition candidate Abubakar Malami to attack Governor Nasir Idris. The government says it has made progress on poverty and security and urges opponents to present solutions rather than statistics.

LAS News Desk · 18 Oct 2026, 21:45 WAT · 3 sources

Borno Governor Blames Scavengers for N3bn Power Line Loss, Imposes Scrap Metal Ban

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum announced that metal scavengers had removed all wires for a N3bn electricity distribution line between Damaturu and Maiduguri, leading to a state‑wide ban on scrap metal trading to safeguard public assets and security.

LAS News Desk · 18 Oct 2026, 13:45 WAT · 2 sources

Kano troops and hunters kill two suspected kidnappers, recover N10m ransom in Falgore Forest

Nigerian Army forces, police, DSS and local hunters launched an operation in Falgore Forest, Kano State, that neutralised two suspected kidnappers, rescued Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu and recovered a N10 million ransom.

LAS News Desk · 18 Oct 2026, 08:45 WAT · 6 sources

COAS visits Maiduguri amid parents’ plea over 78 abducted children

The Chief of Army Staff arrived in Maiduguri on 17 October 2026 to meet with troops and address the concerns of parents of 78 children held captive for 155 days since 15 May. The visit follows a postponed protest in Abuja and government commitments to rescue the children.

LAS News Desk · 18 Oct 2026, 03:46 WAT · 2 sources

Two police officers killed as gunmen set Aba police station ablaze

Gunmen attacked the Uratta Police Division in Aba, Abia State, early on Saturday, killing two officers, injuring three people and setting parts of the station and a patrol vehicle on fire. Police officials said the assailants targeted the armoury but left without weapons, and investigations are ongoing.

LAS News Desk · 18 Oct 2026, 01:45 WAT · 5 sources

EU commits €20 million to bolster Nigeria’s armed forces amid security challenges

The European Union will deliver €20 million in defence assistance to Nigeria under the European Peace Facility, with a technical team set to visit in November to finalise implementation, officials said on 17 October 2026.

LAS News Desk · 17 Oct 2026, 21:45 WAT · 2 sources

Five suspects detained in joint operation after NYSC mass kidnapping in Imo State

Security forces from the DSS, military and police arrested five alleged gang members linked to the October 1 abduction of 20 NYSC trainees in Imo, while three others fled with gunshot wounds, prompting a continued manhunt.

LAS News Desk · 17 Oct 2026, 04:45 WAT · 8 sources

Operation Fansan Yamma neutralises two suspects and seizes weapons in Sokoto

The Joint Task Force North West reported that troops killed two militants and recovered four AK‑47 rifles, eight motorcycles and other equipment during clearance actions in Sokoto State on 15 October 2026.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 20:45 WAT · 3 sources

Coordinated Boko Haram and ISWAP raid on Mairari base leaves at least 14 feared dead

A joint Boko Haram and ISWAP assault on a military installation in Mairari, Borno State, is reported to have killed at least ten soldiers and four civilians, with additional damage to vehicles and equipment, according to security sources and local witnesses.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 15:45 WAT · 2 sources

PRP candidate Donald Duke says security costs outpace Nigeria's oil production expenses

Donald Duke, the People's Redemption Party presidential hopeful, argues that Nigeria spends as much as $15 per barrel on security, pushing total oil costs to $25‑$45 and inflating petrol prices, and calls for reforms to lower fuel costs.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 12:15 WAT · 2 sources

Kaduna family freed after week-long kidnapping by bandits

Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their six‑month‑old daughter were abducted on 6 October in Millennium City, Kaduna State, and were released a few days later, according to local reports.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 08:45 WAT · 4 sources

Tinubu directs security chiefs to rescue abductees and secure January elections

President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s security services to locate and free all abducted persons, eliminate terrorist and bandit camps, and create a neutral environment for the January polls, Defence Minister Gen Christopher Musa said.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 00:15 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria Immigration Service officer killed in Niger State patrol attack, colleague wounded

The Nigeria Immigration Service confirmed that Assistant Superintendent I.U. Babangida died and Inspector A.K. Musa was seriously injured after unidentified gunmen ambushed a routine patrol on the Tunga Taya‑Woro axis in Niger State on 6 October 2026. The service has pledged to work with authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 11:15 WAT · 2 sources

Traditional ruler in Plateau State killed by suspected gunmen

Da Jatau Yohanna Samkwar, the Mishkaham Bokkos of Plateau State, was shot by suspected gunmen at his home in Daffo on Monday night and later died in hospital. The attack follows a recent kidnapping of his son and highlights growing security concerns in the area.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 10:46 WAT · 2 sources

Saudi engineer arrested after covert recorder found in OpenAI office

A 35‑year‑old Saudi national employed by OpenAI was taken into custody following the discovery of a hidden audio device in a San Francisco conference room. The company said it had identified the suspect using its own AI tools and has terminated his employment.

LAS News Desk · 14 Oct 2026, 09:59 WAT · 7 sources

Anthropic warns that AI ‘worms’ could self‑replicate across smart home devices within months

Anthropic’s safety team says small artificial‑intelligence models may soon be able to copy themselves and spread through internet‑connected appliances, raising concerns about control and security.

LAS News Desk · 14 Oct 2026, 07:15 WAT · 3 sources