Overnight update: Terrorist attacks on law enforcement facilities leave towns isolated, while Kwankwasiyya and Atiku supporters throw their weight behind Obi, plus more major developments.

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Security concerns, political endorsements ahead of the 2027 general elections, aviation disruptions, and other incidents dominate headlines this Saturday morning.

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Thousands of communities across several Nigerian states have been left without police presence after terrorists, bandits, and armed groups forced the abandonment or destruction of police stations, leaving residents vulnerable and reliant on vigilantes.

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Loyalists of Rabiu Kwankwaso and Atiku Abubakar have endorsed Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential election, citing his track record and the need for national unity.

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Here are the quick reads of major stories this morning:

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Communities stranded after terrorists destroy police stations

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Thousands of communities across Nigeria have been left without police presence after terrorists, bandits and armed groups forced the abandonment of police stations, Saturday PUNCH investigations have revealed.

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The security vacuum, uncovered in at least seven states, has left millions of residents exposed to kidnappings and violent attacks, while forcing communities to depend on vigilantes, hunters and informal security structures for survival.

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Findings by our correspondents showed that in states such as Sokoto, Anambra, Niger, Kaduna, Plateau, Zamfara, Kwara and Imo, many police facilities have either been destroyed, abandoned or left grossly understaffed after repeated assaults by armed groups.

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Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/communities-stranded-after-terrorists-destroy-police-stations/#google_vignetten

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Kwankwasiyya, Atiku loyalists endorse Obi for 2027

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Loyalists of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have thrown their weight behind former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general election.

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The endorsement was announced on Friday in Abuja during a coalition meeting attended by members of the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya Movement and the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups Initiative.

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Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/kwankwasiyya-atiku-loyalists-endorse-obi-for-2027/n

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Air Peace suspends Lagos–London flight over technical fault

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Air Peace temporarily suspended its Lagos–London Gatwick flight after a minor technical fault was detected post-boarding.

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Passengers were safely disembarked, provided with accommodation, and a replacement aircraft was arranged. The airline prioritised safety.

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Read the full story here. https://punchng.com/air-peace-suspends-lagos-london-flight-over-technical-fault/

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Concern as BBNaija star Ilebaye cries out during assault livestream

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The winner of the 2023 edition of Big Brother Naija All Stars, Ilebaye Odiniya, sparked concern among fans after appearing in an emotional live video in the early hours of Saturday, showing her being assaulted by some men.

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In the video circulating on social media, the reality TV star was seen crying and pleading for help while displaying visible swelling on her face.

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Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/concern-as-bbnaija-star-ilebaye-cries-out-during-assault-livestream/n

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Thunderstrike kills police inspector on duty in Borno

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Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai” was killed by a lightning strike while coordinating vehicle parking in Maiduguri.

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His colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, survived the incident.

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Read the full story here: https://punchng.com/thunderstrike-kills-police-inspector-on-duty-in-borno/n

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Customs parades officer caught in viral extortion video

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The Nigeria Customs Service paraded an officer accused of extorting a motorist (demanding up to N200,000) along the Lagos-Benin Expressway after a viral video emerged.

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The officer has been handed over for investigation under the Service’s zero-tolerance policy.

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Read the full story below: https://punchng.com/customs-parade-officer-caught-in-viral-extortion-video/n

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