The Oyo State Police Command has issued a security alert ahead of the July 7 Founders’ Day celebration of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa (Aiye Confraternity), popularly known as the Black Axe cult group.

In a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesman, SP Adewale Osifeso, warned that intelligence reports indicate the possibility of violent reprisals and large-scale mayhem by rival cult groups during the event.

The police said intelligence-led operations and community engagements have revealed that the Neo-Black Movement may use the occasion to carry out attacks, potentially triggering serious public disorder across parts of the state.

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and order.

“As part of our proactive security measures, the Police Command has conducted multiple sensitisation sessions with key stakeholders, including hoteliers, lounge owners, and operators of studio apartments, to emphasise the importance of refusing to make their facilities available for hosting gatherings associated with cult groups known for violent activities.

“The safety of all residents remains our highest priority.

We therefore call on parents, guardians, community leaders, and influential figures to collaborate with law enforcement in mitigating these risks.

Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has approved an increment in the monthly state allowance for corps members serving in the state from N5,000 to N20,000.

Mr Eno made the announcement on Friday during the state delivery meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.The increment will take effect from Aug. 1st.

The governor said that the increment was to support the Federal Government’s N77,000 monthly allowance, toward helping corps members meet their basic needs.“

More than 10, 000 corps members are posted to Akwa Ibom annually. We must continue to encourage and support them,” Mr Eno said.

It would be recalled that the governor, last week, approved the reconstruction of the NYSC orientation camp at Ikot Itie Idung, as part of efforts to improve the welfare of corps members in the state.

(NAN)

Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) under Operation Lafiyan Jama’a have neutralized several bandits during joint operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A statement issued on Friday by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that the clearance operation which took place on Thursday, July 3, led to the killing of scores of bandits.

The statement reads: “In continuation of ongoing efforts to rid the Joint Operations Area (JOA) of criminal elements, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have sustained aggressive kinetic operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, yielding commendable outcomes.

“On 3 July, 2025, troops carried out a clearance operation in the rugged terrains of Tulus and Hokk Communities, located along the Plateau–Nasarawa State border.

“During the mission, contact was made with armed militias in Hokk, leading to a brief but decisive firefight. Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled into surrounding forests.

“Troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and, though no further contact was established, have maintained control through mobile and static patrols to disrupt any regrouping attempts.

“These successful actions reaffirm the resolve of security forces to dismantle criminal syndicates and prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons threatening peace and security within the Joint Operations Area.”