Category Archives: News

Google rolls out Lyria 3 music generator in Gemini app

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Google has introduced Lyria 3, its most advanced generative music model, to the Gemini app, enabling users to create 30-second songs using simple text prompts, photos, or videos.

The feature, developed by Google DeepMind, allows users to generate short tracks within seconds by describing an idea or uploading an image for inspiration. The app can produce lyrics, instrumentals, and cover art automatically, giving users a quick way to create and share personalized audio clips.

According to the company, Lyria 3 improves on earlier versions by generating lyrics automatically, offering greater control over style, vocals, and tempo, and producing more realistic and musically complex compositions.

Users can create songs by describing a mood, memory, or genre — for example, requesting an Afrobeat track inspired by childhood memories — or by uploading images or videos that the app uses to shape the song’s lyrics and tone. Each track includes custom cover art generated by Google’s Nano Banana image system and can be shared via download or link.

Read Also: Google unveils two Gemini’s new AI-powered features

Google said creators can also access Lyria 3 through Dream Track on YouTube, where the technology is being integrated to enhance soundtracks for Shorts videos. The feature is currently available in the United States and expanding to creators in other countries.

To address authenticity and transparency concerns, Google said all audio generated in Gemini is embedded with SynthID, a digital watermark designed to identify AI-generated content. Users can also upload audio files to check whether they were created using Google’s AI tools.

The company said it has worked with the music community to develop the technology responsibly and emphasized that Lyria 3 is intended for original creative expression rather than replicating specific artists’ voices or works. Filters are in place to detect similarities with existing content, and users can report potential rights violations.

Lyria 3 is now available in the Gemini app for users aged 18 and above in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, German, and Portuguese, with broader language support planned. Subscribers to Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra tiers will receive higher usage limits.

Okpebholo apologises over Ramat Park Flyover disruption, says project 90% complete

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Gov.Monday Okpebholo of Edo has apologised to residents and motorists for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing construction of the flyover at Ramat Park in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.

Okpebholo made the apology during an unscheduled inspection of the project on Thursday, noting that the flyover was about 90 per cent completed.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the project, commending the progress made so far on the Ramat Park flyover.

“The work is progressing well, and we are satisfied with the quality and speed so far. About 10 per cent of the project is left.

“In the next one or two months, it should be fully completed,” he said.

“We are doing our best for the people of Edo. The contractor is meeting our expectations in terms of quality and delivery.

“We will continue to ensure that every project executed meets the required standards.”

He acknowledged the temporary traffic challenges caused by the construction but commended residents for their patience and support.

“in spite of the gridlock caused by the construction, the people of Edo have remained supportive. They are happy because they can see the impact of what we are doing.

Read Also: Okpebholo suspends Edo civil service recruitment

“This is a project many have not seen before in the state,” he added.

Okpebholo also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state’s development efforts.

“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support. The resources we are deploying for this and other projects are made possible through that support. Edo is achieving a lot,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was jubilation at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area as residents trooped out in large numbers to welcome the governor.

The atmosphere was carnival-like as market women, traders, motorists, residents and business owners cheered and sang in appreciation of what many described as a landmark infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion along the busy axis.

Some residents who spoke during the visit praised the governor for embarking on what they described as people-focused projects.

A trader, Josephine Isaac, said the flyover would bring major relief to business owners and commuters in the area.

“We have not seen anything like this before. This administration has shown that the people are the priority. We appreciate the governor’s good work,” she said.

Similarly, a commercial bus driver along the Ikpoba Hill route, Mr Frank Ojekata, said the project would permanently address the long standing traffic congestion in the area.

“With this flyover, the traffic problem we have suffered for years will be reduced. This is a legacy project,” he said.

The Ramat Park flyover, when completed, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and boost economic activities around Ikpoba Hill and adjoining communities in Benin City.

(NAN)

Counter-terrorism: UK, German defence attachés visit theatre command in Borno

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The Defence Attaches of the United Kingdom in Nigeria, Brig.-Gen. Tom Harper and his counterpart of Germany, Col. Boris Bovecamp, have reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

Uba said the attaches made the commitment on Wednesday in Maiduguri during their visit to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

“The Defence Attachés of the United Kingdom and Germany to Nigeria, Brig. Tom Harper and Col. Boris Bovecamp, have reaffirmed continued support and collaboration in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

“The assurance came during their historic visit to the Headquarters of the Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri on Wednesday.”

Read Also: Army arrests 183 suspected fraudsters in Delta

He said that Harper highlighted the strong mutual respect and enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, emphasising their shared commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights.

Harper also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces’ efforts in tackling terrorism in the North East region, particularly through Operation HADIN KAI, and expressed the UK’s commitment to providing further training support through the British Military Advisory Team (BMATT).

Similarly, Bovecamp said he was in the Theatre to explore possible areas of future collaboration especially in  the area of capacity building as well as possible interventions through regional cooperation arrangements to enhance operational effectiveness and collaboration to defeat terrorism.

In his remarks, the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, lauded the significant contributions of the UK and German Defence Attachés to counter-insurgency efforts.

Abubakar noted that training initiatives have enhanced troops’ skills and proficiency in responding to evolving security challenges in the Theatre emphasizing the mutual benefit of the partnerships.

The commander highlighted areas of future collaboration to include technical expertise as well as equipment and logistics support. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

BREAKING: Rivers Assembly suspends impeachment proceedings against Fubara, deputy

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

The decision was taken on Thursday during the Assembly’s resumed sitting in Port Harcourt.

The development comes amid renewed efforts to ease political tensions in Rivers State. On Sunday, February 8, Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were seen leaving the Presidential Villa together after a meeting with President Tinubu, according to presidency officials familiar with the discussions.

Sources said the two political rivals arrived separately but departed in the same vehicle following the President’s intervention, a gesture widely interpreted as a sign of reconciliation after months of political rivalry.

“Both of them did not come together. Fubara came first, then Wike later. But at the end of the meeting, they left together in the same vehicle. That suggests they settled,” a source said.

Read Also: Fubara prays Appeal Court to vacate order stopping Rivers’ allocations

In a further conciliatory move, Fubara on Saturday, dedicated his Man of the Year award to Wike during the New Telegraph Award/Dinner Night held in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the governor offered an emotional reflection on leadership, political pressure, and the need for peace amid the prolonged tensions in the state.

“Some persons describe these pains as weakness, while others see them as strength, but I choose, for many reasons, to be weak — because I want peace,” he said.

“Weak, because we need to survive. Weak, because I must protect what is dear not just to me, but to our nation.”

In a remark likely to fuel further political conversation, the governor added: “Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”

NCAM Executive Director Abdulgafar Kamal is dead

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The Executive Director of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), Abdulgafar Kamal, is dead.

The centre’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Taiye Olaifa, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ilorin.

Olaifa said the executive director died on Wednesday in Ilorin during a brief illness.

(NAN)

Yobe LG polls to hold June six – YBSIEC

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The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YSIEC) has slated June 6 for the conduct of local government councils elections in the state.

Alhaji Mohammed Nguru, YBSIEC Acting Chairman and Permanent Member 1, made the announcement at a news conference in Damaturu on Wednesday.

He said Gov Mai Mala Buni had approved the election, which would bring in new chairmen, deputy chairmen and councillors across the 17 local government councils of the state.

According to him, the cost of a nomination form for chairmanship election is N300,000, while those of vice chairmanship and councillorship will go for N250,000 and N200,000, respectively.

Nguru said that all citizens of the state origin were eligible to contest in the elections after attaining the ages of 25 for councillorship elections and 30 for chairmanship and vice chairmanship elections.

Read Also: Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims, nab key terrorists’ collaborators – Army

The official, however, said that a  contestant must be sane, not bankrupt, a resident of local community, undergo security screening and possessed a minimum of school leaving certificate or its equivalence.

He said that the commission would provide election guidelines to political parties to enable them to present suitable candidate of repute and substance for good governance at the grassroots.

Nguru maintained that the commission was ready to organise and supervise  free, fair and credible elections.

He called for the support of security agencies, especially to identify flash points, where there could be threats to the smooth conduct of the exercise.

The YBSIEC acting chairman, also solicited the support of the media in the  coverage of the electoral process,  educating members of the public on the need to shun violence, vote buying and other acts capable of undermining the integrity of the election.

(NAN)

Court orders interim forfeiture of 57 property belonging to Malami

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 property suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Minister of Justice, to the Federal Government.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order following an ex-parte motion moved by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, to the effect.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the multi-billion naira landed property are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna States.

Although the order was made on Tuesday, its certified true copy (CTC) was sighted by NAN on Wednesday.

“It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule 1 below which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities,” the judge said.

Justice Nwite, in the ruling, also directed the publication of the interim order of forfeiture in any national daily “inviting any person(s) or body (ies) who may have interest in the properties listed in the schedule to show cause, within 14 days of the publication, why a final order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria of the said assets and properties, should not be made.”

The judge then adjourned the matter until Jan. 37 for report of compliance.

The assets include:

**Luxury Duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 Within Cadastral Zone, A06 Maitama; File No: AN enhancement 11352, which was purchased in December 2022 at N500, 000, 000.00 (value after enhancement at N5, 950, 000, 000);

**Two Winged Large Storey Building Situate at No. 3, Onitsha Crescent, Area 11,Garki, Cadastral Zone, A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), FCT, which was purchased Dec. 2018 at N7, 000, 000, 000.00.

**Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, Comprising of a five storey Building (Now Luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi with 53 rooms/suites), which was purchased in Sept. 2020 at carcass level at N850, 000, 000. 00 with additional N300, 000, 000 to take possession (value after completion N8, 400, 000, 000).

**Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, Comprising of Terraces, purchased in Jan. 2021 at N360, 000, 000.00.

**Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (MEETHAQ HOTELS LTD, MAITAMA WITH 15 ROOMS), which was purchased on in Feb. 2018 at N430, 000, 000.00 (current value after rehabilitation is N12, 950, 000, 000).

**Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District Zone (NO. 11A YAKUBU GOWON CRESCENT) ASOKORO DISTRICT, which was purchased July 2021 at N325, 000, 000.00.

**SHOP NO. C82 CITISCAPE — SHARIFF PLAZA, PLOT 739 CADASTRAL ZONE A07, AMINU KANO CRESCENT, WUSE Il, FCT, ABUJA, which was purchased in March 2024 at N120, 000, 000.00.

**NO. 4 AHMADU BELLO WAY, NASARAWA GRA, KANO, which was purchased in Dec. 2022 at N300, 000, 000. 00

**PLOT 157, LAMIDO CRESCENT, NASARAWA, GRA, KANO, purchased in July 2019 with no specific amount stated.

**A PLAZA, COMMERCIAL TOILETS, LAUNDERING, WAREHOUSE TANKS ADJACENT TO BIRNIN KEBBI MARKET, which was purchased in 2021 at N100, 000, 000.00.

**100 HECTARES OF LAND ALONG BRININ KEBBI, JEGA ROAD, which was purchased in 2020 at N100, 000, 000.00.

** 4 BEDROOM BUNGALOW GESSE PHASE, BIRNIN KEBBI, which was purchased in 2023 at N101, 000, 000.00.

** SHOPS NOS. A36, B3 VEGAS MALL, WUSE 2, ABUJA, which was purchased in July 2023 at N158, 000, 000.00.

**NO. 26, BABBI DRIVE, BUA ESTATE, ABUJA, purchased in 2022 at N136, 000, 000.00.

Read Also: EFCC drops fraud cases against Oba Otudeko

**NO. 27, EFAB ESTATES AVENUE, 59™ CRESCENT, GWARIMPA, ABUJA, purchased in Jan. 2016 at N120, 000, 000.00.

**4 BEDROOM/ 2 ROOMS BOYS QUARTERS AT NO. 10B, DOKA CRESCENT ABAKPA GRA, KADUNA, purchased in Jan. 2018 at N40, 000, 000.00.

**PLOT NO. 13, IPENT 7 ESTATE, KARSANA DISTRICT, ABUJA, purchased in June 2018 at N85, 000, 000.00.

**A BEDROOM DUPLEX & BOYS QUARTERS AT NO. 12 YALINGA STREET, OFF ADETOKUNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT, WUSE Il, ABUJA, purchased in Oct. 2018 at N150, 000, 000.00.

**TWO WAREHOUSE SHOPS B40 AND B46, WUSE MARKET, ABUJA, purchased in July 2020 at N50, 000, 000.00.

**TWIN HOUSES AT ZONE E, APO LEGISLATIVE QUARTERS, CADASTRAL ZONE B01, PLOT 14014, GUDU DISTRICT, ABUJA, it was purchased between Feb and May 2017 at N250, 000, 000.00.

**Properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage namely.

Others are nine units of three bedroom, bungalow, three units of two bedroom, bungalow, and 5.4 hectares of land, which were purchased between Feb. 2023 and Sept. 2023 at N187, 000, 000.00, among other assets listed in the schedule.

NAN reports that Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz are currently facing alleged N8.7 billion money laundering charge before Justice Nwite.

The EFCC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, named the ex-minister, Asabe, his wife and an employee of a firm linked to the former minister, Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, and his son as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

The anti-graft agency, in the 16 counts, accused the defendants of carrying out various suspicious transactions and attempting to conceal the unlawful origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi.

They allegedly committed the offences between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes the eight years Malami served as the AGF during the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The commission alleged that Malami, his son, and Asabe conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

In count one, the EFCC alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son directed Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over one billion Naira in a Sterling Bank account, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

(NAN)

Emirates SkyCargo unveils expansion roadmap, targets major growth in 2026

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Emirates SkyCargo has outlined an ambitious roadmap for 2026 after a year of heavy investment in fleet expansion, network growth, digital transformation and new product development.

The cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline said the initiatives undertaken over the past 12 months have positioned it for accelerated growth, improved connectivity and greater efficiency across its global operations.

Speaking on the outlook, Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said 2025 laid the foundation for the airline’s next phase of expansion.

“In 2025, we built the runway for what comes next. We strengthened the core pillars of our business by expanding our network and innovating with our product portfolio and operations to deliver what our customers need today – and tomorrow. 2026 is set to be a pivotal year for our fleet expansion, with the expected delivery of up to 10 Boeing 777Fs by December,” he said.

According to Abbas, the additional aircraft will unlock new opportunities for network and scheduling expansion, enhance flexibility and enable the airline to deliver greater value across its global footprint.

Fleet Expansion and Network Growth

Emirates SkyCargo took delivery of its first Boeing 777 freighter early in 2025, followed by two more aircraft in subsequent months, allowing the retirement of older planes and reinforcing its commitment to operating one of the youngest cargo fleets globally.

The fleet currently comprises 11 Boeing 777 freighters and five wet-leased Boeing 747s. The airline has also begun converting its first passenger aircraft into a full freighter, with operations expected to commence in 2026. By the end of next year, Emirates SkyCargo aims to operate at least 21 freighters, significantly boosting cargo capacity.

In line with its long-term network strategy, the airline launched freighter services to eight new destinations in 2025—Copenhagen, Narita, Bangkok, Mumbai, Beirut, Conakry, Phnom Penh (KTI) and Hanoi. High-demand routes including Guangzhou, Shanghai and Johannesburg also received additional weekly frequencies. By year-end, Emirates SkyCargo served 42 freighter destinations across six continents.

Read Also: Emirates Rawabi, ReFarm Global partner to drive sustainable agriculture, greening in UAE

The airline further strengthened its global reach through new interline partnerships, including agreements with Astral Aviation in Africa and Teleport in Southeast Asia, enhancing access to primary, secondary and tertiary airports in key growth markets. Existing partnerships with airlines such as Air Canada, United and Virgin Atlantic were also reinforced.

Operational Upgrades and Digital Transformation

Alongside plans for a new cargo facility at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Emirates SkyCargo continued investing in its current infrastructure. The airline upgraded its ground transport operations with the delivery of 40 Euro 6 low-emission trucks, with an additional five hydrogen-powered trucks expected by the first quarter of 2026.

The airline also partnered with LODD Autonomous to explore the feasibility of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft for first- and last-mile cargo delivery throughout 2026.

Digital adoption remained a major focus, with nearly 80 per cent of shipments booked digitally by December 2025, driven largely by the eSkyCargo platform, third-party marketplaces and direct API integrations. Emirates SkyCargo also became the first carrier in the region to adopt PayCargo’s instant payment solution, replacing traditional cash-based transactions.

New Products and Specialised Solutions

In 2025, Emirates SkyCargo maintained its position as a preferred carrier for diverse shipments, ranging from household pets to high-value industrial cargo.

A major highlight was the launch of Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door delivery service that has already expanded to Australia and Germany. The solution has delivered over 50,000 packages, achieving an average delivery time of three days globally and one day between the UK and UAE.

The airline also introduced its Aerospace and Engineering vertical, including enhanced aircraft-on-ground (AOG) services and a specialised aircraft engines offering. Movement of individual engines increased by 100 per cent year-on-year, with demand expected to rise further as new aircraft join the fleet.

The Fresh vertical, dedicated to perishables such as food and flowers, grew by 10 per cent, uplifting an additional 25,700 tonnes compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the Vital pharmaceutical solution recorded a 54 per cent increase in volume, with Emirates SkyCargo now transporting 2,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical products weekly.

Demand for the airline’s Secure solution rose by 30 per cent, driven by increased production of electronic devices in Vietnam and India, supported through a mix of freighter and sea-air services.

Outlook for 2026

Looking ahead, Emirates SkyCargo said it plans to double its current capacity, add 20 new freighter destinations, and continue shaping the future of global logistics through digital-first, customer-centric solutions.

The airline said the strong foundation laid in 2025 positions it to deliver long-term value while maintaining its leadership role in the global air cargo industry.

Soludo mourns Anambra brothers killed in Lagos GNI building fire

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 Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has expressed deep sorrow over the death of three brothers from the state who lost their lives in the recent Lagos Island fire outbreak on 2025 Christmas eve.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that fire had gutted the 25-storey building of Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House located on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Dec. 24, 2025.

In a condolence message released by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, on Wednesday in Awka, Soludo described the incident as a painful tragedy.

He said that the incident turned what should have been a joyous Christmas eve, into a moment of profound grief.

The governor commiserated with families of all the victims of the inferno, adding that the loss had left many hearts heavy with sorrow.

He said that he was particularly devastated by the death of three sons of Anambra – Mr Steve Omatu, 40, Mr Casmir Omatu, 39 and Mr Collins Omatu, 37.

According to him, they are brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa community in Ihiala Local Government Area.

“These industrious young men were only striving to earn an honest living for their families, yet they were taken in the most tragic circumstances,” he said.

He noted that their death represented not only a great loss to their family but also a collective loss to Anambra State.

The governor commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency responders for their efforts in rescuing victims and containing the fire.

Soludo also advised Anambra residents living in Lagos and other parts of the country to always prioritise human life and personal safety over the recovery of property during fire incidents.

He prayed for God to grant the affected families the strength to bear the loss and asked that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.

The governor also called on relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and to put measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.

(NAN)

Police foil armed robbery operation, recover firearm in Nasarawa State

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The Police Command in Nasarawa State said it has foiled an armed robbery operation in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) stated this in a statement to newsmen on Wednesday in Lafia.

According to the command’s spokesperson, the armed robbery operation was foiled by its operatives attached to Mararaba ‘A’ Division, Karu LGA at the early hours of Wednesday, Jan. 7.

He explained that the personnel recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol from the scene of the operation.

Nansel noted that the police received a distress call that suspected armed robbers, numbering about four, attacked a wine shop located at Calvary Road, Mararaba, at about 4:20am, during which one person was injured.

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“Upon swift response to the scene, the police operatives disrupted the robbery operation, forcing the criminals to flee in disarray upon sighting the police.

“In the process, the suspects abandoned a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, which was recovered by the police,” he said.

The PPRO explained that the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed ordered an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

Nansel added that the Commissioner has also directed that the case and the recovered exhibit be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for thorough investigation.

He reassured members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating all forms of crime and criminality in Nasarawa State.

(NAN).