Armed terrorists suspected to be members of the Lakurawa group have allegedly killed a Customs officer and burned a Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) camp in Maje, Bagudo Local Government Area, Kebbi State.

The assailants reportedly stormed the facility on Saturday night, firing indiscriminately. One officer was said to have been killed on the spot, while others fled for safety as the camp was set ablaze.

A resident told reporters, “The terrorists came in numbers and started shooting sporadically. Everyone ran for safety.”

Confirming the attack, NCS Kebbi Command Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Tajudeen, said, “We are at the hospital waiting for the doctor’s report to confirm the officer’s condition. An official update will follow.”

The incident follows last week’s attack by the same group in Bagudo, during which they abducted the Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Sama’ila Bagudo, who was released after a week in captivity.

The latest attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Kebbi, as residents and security agencies grapple with the threat posed by armed bandits.

The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, has announced that the state government has approved N1bn in soft loans for market women to strengthen their businesses and improve livelihoods.

Abdallah made this known on Saturday during a press conference in Benin City, where she highlighted the key achievements of the state government under its SHINE Agenda.

She explained that the initiative was designed to support women at the grassroots who are closest to consumers, enabling them to expand their businesses and contribute more effectively to the state’s economy.

According to her, 54,000 women have been targeted for entrepreneurial training, microfinance access, and skills development as part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to improving the economic status of women across Edo State.

“The state government has approved N1 billion in soft loans for market women to boost their businesses,” Abdallah said. “I must commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for his unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive governance, as 35 per cent of cabinet positions are currently occupied by women.

“This administration has shown that empowering women is not just a promise but a lived reality,” she added.

The commissioner noted that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has intensified social protection programmes for vulnerable groups across the state.

She explained that the ministry has provided rehabilitation and shelter services for trafficked women, rape survivors, and victims of domestic violence, while ensuring that the children of affected women are placed under adequate care and protection.

“We have given hope and dignity to those who thought all was lost,” Abdallah said, reaffirming the ministry’s zero tolerance for gender-based violence.

Highlighting the ministry’s achievements in skills development, Abdallah disclosed that the Uromi and Igarra Skills Acquisition Centres have been revitalised, producing over 140 graduates in 2025. She also revealed that the Evbuomodu Centre is currently being upgraded in collaboration with the Edo State Skills Development Agency to further expand training opportunities for women and youth.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo and the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo First Lady, Edesili Anani, for their partnership and continuous support towards achieving the ministry’s mandate.

“We are building a future where every woman and child in Edo State can live with dignity, contribute meaningfully, and realise their full potential. Together, we will continue to make Edo shine brighter,” she stated.

Abdallah reiterated that the state government’s investments in women’s empowerment reflect a deliberate strategy to create inclusive growth and sustainable development across all sectors of the state’s economy.

The United Kingdom has advised its citizens to avoid travel to several parts of Nigeria, raising concerns over terrorism, violent crime, kidnappings, and intercommunal clashes.

This was contained in a latest Foreign Travel Advice released on GOV.UK and sighted on Sunday.

In the latest advisory, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said insecurity “is increasing across Nigeria,” adding that “kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”

The advisory called on British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”

According to the statement, the UK warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”

It also advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory.

“Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city,” the FCDO said.

“British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.”

It also highlighted protests in Abuja as potential flashpoints.

“There are protests in Abuja from time to time, which can turn violent. Monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow instructions from local police and security forces,” it added.

The advisory envisaged a particularly alarming picture of the North-East region, where “regular military operations are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states” and there remains “a risk of retaliatory attacks.”

UK citizens in Maiduguri were also warned cautioned that “if security were to deteriorate any further, it could be extremely difficult for you to leave the city.”

In the South-East and South-South regions, the FCDO warns against all travel to “the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.”

“Militant groups are active across the Niger Delta region and have carried out many attacks on oil and gas infrastructure.”

According to the government, tThere’s a high risk of armed robbery, criminality and kidnap” in the region.

Expressing worry over “secessionist groups active in the south-east,” the advisory said that “attacks and violent clashes often occur with the military and other security forces” and warned travellers that “although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack.”

Similarly in the South-West, including Lagos, the government described violent crimes such as “mugging, kidnapping, car-jacking and armed robbery” as “common, particularly in the larger cities.”