Fresh security concerns have emerged across parts of the country as terrorists launched coordinated attacks in Kwara, Katsina and Kaduna States, abducting several persons, including a veteran photojournalist.
In Kwara State, seven members of the same family were kidnapped in Adanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, following a failed attempt to abduct the traditional ruler, Oba David Oyerinola, and his wife.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the palace in search of the monarch but, on discovering he was away, seized members of his extended family who were seated outside the palace.
A spokesperson for the community, Prince Oyerinola Olakunle, told journalists in Ilorin that the victims include Sikiru, Taye, Idowu and Faruk Oyerinola, as well as two minors.
He said the attackers also shot a young girl who attempted to flee, leaving her hospitalised.
According to him, the assailants have demanded a ransom of three hundred million naira for the release of the abductees.
He appealed to the Kwara State Government to urgently intervene, noting that the community has since been deserted as residents fled for safety.
The monarch and his wife, who escaped the attack, are said to have relocated to Ilorin due to security threats.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, armed terrorists invaded several communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area, abducting an unspecified number of residents during night-time raids.
Affected areas include Unguwar Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-gizo and Gidan Hazo, all in Na’alma Ward.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers operated for hours without resistance.
While the exact number of victims remains unclear, the attacks have renewed fears in Malumfashi, a local government already grappling with persistent insecurity despite recent peace agreements.
Police authorities in the state said they were yet to receive full details of the incident as at the time of filing this report.
In Kaduna State, suspected terrorists abducted a veteran photojournalist, Malam Umar Usman Iyale, from his residence in Danhonu II community, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area.
Malam Umar, a retired staff of Africa Independent Television and the Nigerian Television Authority, was reportedly taken around 9pm.
Community sources said the attackers initially demanded money but whisked him away when none was found. His abduction has heightened anxiety among residents, particularly due to his age and health condition.
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the incident, assuring that efforts are ongoing to rescue him safely.
The attack has also revived memories of previous kidnappings of journalists in the same community, raising fresh concerns over the safety of media professionals and residents.
In a related development, a potential tragedy was averted in Niger State after villagers in Ganaru community, Mashegu Local Government Area, discovered three improvised explosive devices along a path leading to farmlands.
The explosives were promptly reported, and security agencies cordoned off the area to prevent casualties.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the deployment of bomb disposal experts, while the Chairman of Mashegu Local Government Council commended residents for their vigilance.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reassured Nigerians of the military’s resolve to intensify operations against terrorists and bandits nationwide.
Speaking at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Minna, he said the Nigerian Army would fully implement the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to eliminate all criminal elements threatening national security.
General Shaibu added that more troops and modern technology would be deployed to troubled areas to restore peace and protect law-abiding citizens.
Security agencies across the affected states have continued to urge residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as efforts intensify to curb the rising wave of terror attacks.