Syrian national dies in suspected suicide in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

A Syrian national resident in Sokoto for more than 40 years has died in a suspected case of suicide after allegedly consuming insecticide, the Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed.

Zagazola report that the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 9:30 p.m. at Gawon Nama Zaga Road.

Police said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) received a distress call from one Tukur Registrer, who reported that a 16-year-old boy, Ahmad Aliyu of Gagi area, rushed into a nearby mosque to alert worshippers that his employer, identified as Abdulrahman Badenjki, had been found ingesting mosquito insecticide.

Upon receiving the information, the DPO and operatives immediately mobilised to the residence. The victim was found unconscious, lying on his bed. A container of Executor mosquito insecticide was reportedly found on a blue plastic chair beside him.

Police said the scene was photographed and secured for further investigation, while the victim was rushed to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead on arrival.

The corpse has since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.

According to a source from the Command, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (DC CID), has visited the scene and taken over the case for discreet investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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Vigilante rescue attempt turns fatal in Yobe, one killed, another injured

By: Zagazola Makama

A rescue attempt by vigilante operatives in the early hours of Thursday turned tragic in Sandi Village, Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State, leaving one person dead and another injured.

According to local sources, a group of vigilante members from Damaturu, led by Danshuwa and Umar Birnigadam, arrived in Sandi Village at about 4:30 a.m. to rescue alleged kidnapped victims. The team, acting independently, reportedly proceeded straight to the scene of the suspected abduction.

During the operation, the vigilantes allegedly shot Ahmed Shuwa, 37, and Muhammad Bello, 27, both residents of the area. The operatives also arrested one Alhaji Lawan and took away a motorcycle and a bicycle.

Community members rushed the injured victims to the hospital in Bara for medical attention. However, Ahmed Shuwa later died from the gunshot wounds sustained during the incident.

Reacting to the incident, the Police in Yobe Command said that the vigilantes proceeded to the scene without notifying police operatives in Bara Division. During which they allegedly shot Ahmed Shuwa and Muhammad Bello.

Upon receiving the report, a police team visited the scene and evacuated the victims to Bara Hospital for treatment.

Sources from the Command confirmed that an investigation has commenced to determine the circumstances leading to the shooting and to ensure that the persons responsible are identified and apprehended.

The Police assured residents that decisive action will be taken to address the incident and prevent a recurrence.

Vigilante rescue attempt turns fatal in Yobe, one killed, another injured

NIS Announces Likely Interruptions in Digital Passport Platform Due to Maintenance

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the maintenance of its Passport Digital Platform which may lead temporary interruptions in some passport services.

The maintenance which would be for some hours between December 12 and 16, according to a signed statement by the spokesman of NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi is to enhance system performance and overall user experience.

The statement read: “The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public that it is carrying out routine maintenance on its Passport Digital Platform to enhance system performance and overall user experience.

“The maintenance window will run from 12:00am on 12 December 2025 to 6:00am on 14 December 2025 (GMT). During this period, users will experience temporary service interruptions, slow response times, or limited access to selected NIS Passport Services.

“The Service kindly requests the public’s patience and understanding as this maintenance is essential to sustaining a reliable, secure, and efficient digital passport ecosystem. Our technical teams are working round-the-clock to ensure full-service restoration within the stated timeframe.”

Akinlabi however advised that for inquiries or assistance during the maintenance window, users may contact the NIS Support Team through the following channels:

•⁠ ⁠Email: support@immigration.gov.ng

•⁠ ⁠X (Twitter): @nigimmigration

•⁠ ⁠Instagram: @nigimmigration

•⁠ Facebook: @nigimmigration

•⁠ Contact Center Numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092 (24hrs All day).

NIS Announces Likely Interruptions in Digital Passport Platform Due to Maintenance