Five soldiers were killed while several others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy at the Timbuktu Triangle axis of Borno State.

Security sources said that the attack occurred Tuesday as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many fighters.

Two senior officers, a Major and a Lieutenant, were among those affected.

The military has yet to issue an official statement, as clearance operations are still ongoing in the area.

The Ogun State Government has again suspended the ongoing process for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

In a statement issued on behalf of the State government, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the decision became necessary following several complaints and intelligence reports received from security agencies and other key stakeholders involved in the selection process.

The government described the Awujale stool as one of the foremost and most prestigious traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Ogun State, noting that the stature of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years, further elevated the global prestige and reverence of the throne.

According to the commissioner, the prominence of the stool and the legacy of the late monarch have placed intense public attention and scrutiny on the emergence of the next Awujale, making it imperative for the state to act decisively to safeguard public order and uphold the dignity of the institution.

“The State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process.

In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process and preserve the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process at this time,” the statement read.

The government explained that its action was backed by the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the Executive Council to set aside an appointment if it is deemed necessary in the interest of peace, order and good governance.

Hon. Hamzat added that the decision was taken proactively to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to ensure that the eventual emergence of a new Awujale follows due process acceptable to all stakeholders.

Consequently, the state government directed that the decision be formally communicated to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

The ruling house was specifically advised to await further directives from the government regarding the continuation of the selection process.

The development has temporarily stalled the succession process to the highly respected Awujale throne, as the government reviews the situation to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible outcome.

Photo: LSFRS Controller General, Margaret Adeseye, inspect the parade during the training

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, has approved the recruitment of an additional 150 able-bodied men and women into the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency response capacity and enhance public safety across the State.

This was disclosed by the Agency’s Controller General, Margaret Adeseye when she flagged off the LSFRS Squad 23 training exercise in Ikeja, Lagos.

This latest recruitment underscores the present administration’s sustained commitment to building a resilient, well-equipped, and professionally trained fire and rescue service.

It follows earlier landmark recruitments under the Sanwo-Olu-led government, including the engagement of 100 firefighters in 2020, on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic, to bolster frontline emergency response.

In 2022, the administration recorded the single highest recruitment in the history of Fire Service with the enlistment of 435 firefighters.

Their Passing Out Parade formed part of the week-long Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Service in October 2022.

The milestone event also featured the commissioning of 62 fire apparatuses, the unveiling of new fire stations at Ajegunle, Ebute Elefun and Oba Oniru – Lekki, as well as the commissioning of a purpose-built ultra-modern Headquarters at Alausa, Ikeja.

Adeseye also informed that the newly recruited 150 firefighters, employed in November 2025, have since resumed intensive training at the upgraded Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Fire Academy.

They are currently undergoing the Professional Basic Firefighting Competency and Short Service Course, designed to mould them into disciplined, highly skilled and operationally efficient emergency responders in line with global best practices.

She concluded that the Lagos State Government remains resolute in its determination to continually invest in human capacity development, modern infrastructure and operational equipment to ensure the safety of lives, property and environment across the State.