Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle with a group of kidnappers at Angwan Boka in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The troops, who were deployed in the area, engaged the suspected kidnappers at about 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, following a report of their activities in the area.

During the encounter, the troops brought their superior firepower to bear, neutralising one of the kidnappers, while others fled into the surrounding area.

The troops subsequently exploited the area and recovered one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Zagazola Makama reports that troops are currently conducting clearance operations in the area to track down and neutralise other fleeing members of the kidnapping gang.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE to disrupt criminal activities and improve security across Plateau State.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has intercepted contraband worth N604.33 million across various locations in the State.

The seizures, which included 3,396 packets of Tramadol, 270 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 6,705 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 6,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), used clothing and two high-value vehicles, were recorded along different operational corridors of the Command.

The Acting Area Controller of the Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, disclosed this on Thursday in Ilorin, the state capital, at a press briefing, warning that the Command would not allow the State to become a safe haven or transit route for smuggling activities.

Ogundeyi said the Command’s operations were driven by actionable intelligence, sustained patrols and collaboration with other security agencies.

He added: “The Kwara Command would never become a safe haven or transit corridor for illicit cross-border trade. That stance remains uncompromising.”

The Acting Controller, who assumed duty on December 17, 2025, explained that the interception of food products should not be construed as opposition by Customs to food availability in the country.

According to him, the Service’s responsibility is to ensure compliance with laws regulating cross-border trade, particularly where goods are moved through unapproved routes, evade regulatory checks or lack the required documentation.

He expressed concern that illegal influx of foreign food products through porous borders could undermine government efforts to promote local agricultural production, protect domestic investments and strengthen the country’s value chain.

“Illegal influx of foreign food products through porous borders undermines Federal Government policies aimed at boosting local agricultural production, protecting domestic investments and safeguarding our local value chain,” he said.

Among the seizures were 80 bales and six sacks of used clothing intercepted along the Ogbomoso-Jebba axis, with a DPV of N32.3 million; 6,875 litres of PMS intercepted along the Bukuro-Okuta-Chikanda axis, valued at N2.75 million; and 3,396 packets of 100mg Tramadol intercepted along the Okuta axis, with a DPV of N50.946 million.

Customs also intercepted 14 bags of Basmati rice along the Bode-Saadu Expressway, valued at N350,000; 6,705 cartons of foreign spaghetti along the Bode-Saadu axis, with a DPV of N201.15 million; and 270 bags of foreign parboiled rice, valued at N25.245 million.

The Command further seized a 2025 Toyota Highlander intercepted along the Bode-Saadu Expressway, with a DPV of N214 million, and a 2018 Dodge Charger SXT intercepted on the Lagos-Kwara highway at Eyenkorin, valued at N77.59 million.

Ogundeyi said the combined DPV of the eight seizures stood at N604,333,592.

He described the seizures as evidence of the changing tactics employed by smugglers, noting that criminal elements were increasingly diversifying their activities to include the movement of petroleum products, controlled pharmaceuticals, foreign food items and uncustomed vehicles.

On the Tramadol seizure, he said the interception underscored the importance of border enforcement in protecting public health, warning that the uncontrolled entry of regulated substances posed serious risks to public safety and national security.

He also explained that the seizure of 6,875 litres of PMS was aimed at preventing the diversion of petroleum products meant for domestic consumption into illicit border markets.

Beyond seizures, the Command generated N7,978,338,031.21 in revenue during the period under review.

Ogundeyi said the revenue figure reflected the Command’s commitment to maximising government revenue while balancing enforcement with legitimate trade facilitation.

He attributed the command’s operational successes to intelligence-led enforcement, commending personnel of the Intelligence Unit and Customs Police Unit, as well as other officers operating across the command’s challenging terrain.

He also acknowledged the support of sister security agencies, stressing that effective collaboration was essential to combating trans-border crimes.

“Trans-border crime cannot be fought in isolation; inter-agency cooperation remains central to our tactical execution,” he said.

The Acting Controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his strategic direction and support to the command.

He appealed to border communities, traditional rulers, transporters and other stakeholders to regard border security as a collective responsibility by providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities.

“Legitimate trade will receive our maximum support, but smuggling will encounter uncompromising enforcement,” Ogundeyi said.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A gas-laden Toyota Sienna conveying 23 cylinders and six drums of carbide on Wednesday crashed along Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Ilorin, after the driver reportedly lost control following brake failure.

The incident, which occurred near the Stadium Complex Gate and frontage of Bekki & Sons Ltd., involved the Sienna, with registration number LEM 95 XB, a tricycle marked SHA 503 VD, a Toyota Avensis with registration number SMK 530 JB and a motorcycle bearing registration number ARP 405 VE.

The Sienna driver was injured in the crash, which occurred when he reportedly attempted to steer towards the road divider to bring the vehicle to a stop.

The manoeuvre, however, went awry as the vehicle crossed into the opposite lane, fell on its side and collided with the tricycle, motorcycle and Toyota Avensis.

The crash triggered concern because of the 23 gas cylinders and six drums of carbide being transported by the Sienna, while petroleum was also reportedly leaking from one of the vehicles involved, raising fears of a possible fire outbreak.

The Kwara State Fire Service said its men responded promptly to the scene and prevented the hazardous materials from escalating the situation.

According to the Service’s spokesperson and Head of Media Unit, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the emergency response team secured the area, managed the petroleum leakage and took measures to avert any potential danger from the gas cylinders and carbide.

“The situation was particularly critical due to the nature of the materials being conveyed by the Sienna, coupled with petroleum dripping from one of the vehicles involved in the accident,” Adekunle said.

He explained that the temporary restriction imposed on motorists along the affected portion of Ibrahim Taiwo Road was necessary to enable firefighters to safely conduct emergency operations and protect other road users.

Adekunle added that following the completion of the operation, the affected section of the road had been declared safe and motorable, urging motorists to pass through the area with caution.

The Chief Fire Officer, Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters for their prompt response and professional handling of the incident.

Alabi said the timely intervention of the firefighters helped prevent the crash from developing into a more serious emergency.

The Fire Service consequently advised motorists conveying inflammable or other hazardous materials to ensure that their vehicles were properly maintained and roadworthy before embarking on journeys.

“Safety remains our priority, and we encourage all road users to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency personnel whenever incidents occur,” the Service said.