Crime
Niger Coup: AU issues ultimatum as coup plotters remain defiant, threaten ECOWAS

The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), has announced a 15-day ultimatum for coup plotters in Niger to return to the barracks.
The council asked the “military personnel to immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum period of fifteen (15) days from the date of the adoption of the present Communiqué,” the Council said in its communiqué.
The council did not state what actions would be taken should the coup plotters not return to the barracks after 15 days.
During the meeting convened virtually to discuss the coup in Niger, members expressed deep concern over what they described as an alarming resurgence of military coups d’état which undermine democracy, peace, security and stability in the Continent.
It condemned the coup, reiterating AU’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government while asking for the immediate and unconditional release of President Mohamed Bazoum and all other detainees, and respect for human rights, including protection of their physical health and moral integrity.
Crime
Bandits kill respected community member, several others in Sokoto

Several people, including a respected community member were killed during a bandit attack in Gidan Taro, Kwasare Sisawa ward, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident which happened on Thursday night, was shared by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on Friday.
Among those killed was Alhaji Bello Gidan Taro, a well-known and respected leader in the community.
Many others were injured, and some were abducted during the violent raid.
“Yesterday night, bandits attacked Gidan Taro in Kwasare Sisawa ward, Wurno LGA, Sokoto State, killing several, injuring many and abducting others. Among those killed was a respected community member, Alh. Bello Gidan Taro,” Bakatsine wrote.
Crime
N8.5m ransom recovered from kidnappers in Delta – Police

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of N8,500,000 from suspected kidnappers.
The State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing newsmen in Asaba on the achievements of the command in July 2025.
According to him, N5,000,000 was recovered on July 12, 2025, at about 6:30 am, when operatives of the Special Anti‑Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad trailed suspected kidnappers to their hideout in Ogwashi‑Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.
“A suspected kidnapper, Sanusi Abdulahi, was arrested in possession of the money,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police stated that the sum was part of the ransom his gang had collected from their last victim.
He further alleged that the gang was responsible for a series of kidnappings in Ibusa, Ogwashi‑Uku, Obulu‑Okiti, Issele‑Uku and Issele‑Asagba.
In another development, the police recovered N3,500,000 from suspected kidnappers who had abducted two female polytechnic students.
“The recovery was made when operatives stormed Ogwashi‑Uku forest on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
“At about 11 pm, operatives of the Special Anti‑Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad, in collaboration with men of the Nigerian Army attached to the 63 Brigade, embarked on an intelligence‑led operation and stormed the Ogwashi‑Uku forest, the hideout of suspected kidnappers who abducted two female polytechnic students on July 23, 2025, at Asagba Ogwashi.
“The combined team engaged the suspects in a gun duel, which led to the death of two of the suspected kidnappers.
“One AK‑47 rifle, 39 rounds of live ammunition, and a bag containing N3,500,000 suspected to be ransom collected from one of their victims were recovered,” he said.
Crime
Soldier, 7 Others Rescued After Highway Abduction

Eight passengers, including a serving soldier, have been rescued by troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) after being kidnapped by armed robbers along the Jos–Makurdi road near Rafin Sanyi in Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The abduction took place around 10:30 p.m. on August 2, while the victims were travelling in an ash-coloured Sharon vehicle.
According to a security source who spoke with Zagazola Makama, the OPSH Sector 6 troops stationed at Sopp community quickly responded to a distress call and confronted the kidnappers.
Seven passengers were freed immediately at the scene, but one, Corporal Munyal Abdullahi from 3 Division Garrison, was initially taken away by the attackers into the nearby hills.
Preliminary inquiries disclosed that the soldier, attached to the 73 ST Brigade Fire Unit as a driver, had just completed his duty and was heading to Abuja without an official pass, carrying yet-to-be-confirmed items intended for a relative.
The kidnappers contacted the rescued victims by phone, demanding a ransom of N60 million for the release of the soldier.
Nevertheless, through a well-coordinated search and rescue effort by OPSH forces working alongside other units, the soldier was eventually rescued and reunited with the other passengers.
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