The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Police kill suspected kidnappers

    Police kill suspected kidnappers

    The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the death of some suspected kidnappers, arrest of cultists and recovery of firearms in the state.

    A statement by the Command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, said sequel to a series of reported cases of kidnapping/armed robbery around Upper-Agbarho Axis of Ughelli and environs, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team ( CP-SAT) to carry out an intelligence-led investigation.

    Edafe said the CP’s directive was to ensure that those bad elements were arrested and brought to justice.

    He said in compliance with this directive, the operatives led by the commander ASP Julius Robinson on September 30, extended the investigation to Rivers and Imo states commands respectively and arrested one Abubakar Musa, 28, of Ajase town, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State but resides at Abajo area Port-Harcourt and Yusuf Sale, 25, of Rimin-Zayam town Toro Local Government Area (LGA), Bauchi State but resides at New-Owerri Area Owerri on October 2 and 4 respectively. The spokesman said upon interrogation, both suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri – Ogor communities in  Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, where one AK-47 rifle with its two magazines and 43 rounds of live ammunition, one pump action, and a locally made pistol were recovered.

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    Edafe said: “On their way out of the bush, the operatives met an ambush by other members of the gang and in an attempt to free the suspects already in custody. The operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel, where the suspects and some members of their gang who came to rescue them sustained gunshot injuries. Two police operatives also sustained gunshot injuries are currently receiving treatment.”

    He said the injured suspects were also taken to the hospital, where they died while receiving treatment. Exhibit recovered, and manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing,” he stated.

    In another development, the spokesman said on October 5, a combined team of State Anti-Cult Unit, following recent cult attacks in Jesse,  stormed a hideout where stockpiling of firearms, ammunition, and meeting is usually held before attacks on rival cult groups take place.

    “The operatives stormed Sylvester  Street in Jesse town, Ethiope West LGA, Delta State and arrested a 20-year-old Mudiaga Obey, and 11 others. During the raid, one Beretta pistol and one live ammunition were recovered. Suspects are in custody, and investigation is ongoing,” he stated.

  • Ajadi Rescue Movement reaffirms commitment to unity, youth empowerment in Taraba

    Ajadi Rescue Movement reaffirms commitment to unity, youth empowerment in Taraba

    The Ajadi Rescue Movement, Taraba State Chapter, has restated its resolve to promote youth empowerment, unity, and social development across the northern region and Nigeria at large.

    At a colourful meeting held on Saturday at the movement’s state headquarters in Jalingo, members, zonal executives, and representatives from various ethnic groups gathered to reaffirm their loyalty to the vision of the movement’s founder, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo.

    The meeting, which commenced at 10:00 a.m. with the arrival of the state and zonal executives, featured the distribution of branded shirts and caps to members.

    The atmosphere was charged with excitement as delegates awaited the arrival of the Nineteen Northern States Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Shuibu, who later arrived with his cabinet at about 11:00 a.m.

    The session formally opened with the national anthem and a prayer led by the Deputy State Coordinator, Mr. Babangida Sani Muhammad.

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    In his welcome address, the Taraba State Coordinator, Comrade Dabo Nuhu Muhammad, praised members for their dedication and discipline.

    He also commended Ambassador Ajadi for his visionary leadership, describing him as a man who has given Nigerian youths a renewed sense of direction.

    “Ambassador Ajadi’s message is clear — unity, productivity, and patriotism,” Dabo said. “The Ajadi Rescue Movement is not just an organisation; it is a mission to redefine youth participation in governance and national development.”

    Delivering his keynote address, Mr. Shuibu urged young Nigerians to rise above religious and ethnic sentiments, emphasising peace, tolerance, and inter-ethnic understanding as key to national growth.

    “Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness,” he said. “The Ajadi Rescue Movement is a platform for young Nigerians to build bridges, not barriers.”

    He described Ambassador Ajadi as “a leader who believes that the true wealth of any nation lies in its youth.”

    A major highlight of the gathering was the arrival of the royal father of the day, His Royal Highness, the Galadiman Muri, who commended the movement’s leadership for fostering inclusivity and mobilising young people toward meaningful causes.

    “I commend Ambassador Ajadi and his team for building a movement rooted in unity and discipline,” the royal father said. “I also urge him to consider scholarship opportunities for our youths because education remains the bedrock of progress.”

    Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of various ethnic and regional groups. The Yoruba Coordinator called for stronger collaboration among ethnic groups, while the Calabar/Akwa Ibom representative lauded the movement’s inclusiveness. The Hausa/Fulani representative reaffirmed the commitment of northern youths to peace and solidarity.

    The Women Leader of the movement celebrated the growing participation of women in leadership and restated the group’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.

    “The Ajadi Rescue Movement has given women a voice,” she said. “We will continue to support initiatives that promote education and empowerment.”

    During the interactive session, the Central Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Rayyan Hassan, raised questions on youth capacity-building and national integration.

    In response, both Mr. Shuibu and Comrade Dabo assured members that new skill acquisition programmes would soon commence.

    The event ended with refreshments, closing remarks, and prayers, followed by a group photograph symbolising the day’s spirit of unity.

    As participants dispersed, one message resonated clearly across Jalingo — the Ajadi Rescue Movement is not just a political platform but a youth-driven force for national renewal.

  • FCT launches guidelines, monitoring framework on non-custodial sentences

    FCT launches guidelines, monitoring framework on non-custodial sentences

    The Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, has launched guidelines and a monitoring framework on non-custodial sentences.

    The milestone stride aims to address congestion in correctional facilities and promote the rehabilitation of petty offenders in the FCT.

    The signing ceremony was held at the Judges’ Conference Room, FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, with notable dignitaries in attendance.

    These included the Honourable Judges of the FCT High Court, Magistrates, the Director-General of Legal Aid Council, the Executive Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), a representative of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and other critical stakeholders in the criminal justice sector.

    Speaking at the event, Justice Yusuf said, “This initiative is designed to enhance the adoption of non-custodial measures by the FCT courts in eligible cases and strengthen collaboration between the Courts and Nigerian Correctional Service.”

    The initiative, championed by the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), is in line with one of its core statutory functions made pursuant to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 in ensuring that congestion of custodial facilities is drastically reduced.

    Capacity building programmes of key stakeholders, including the training of all Non-Custodial Officers, Magistrates, and Registrars in the FCT, are set to begin next week, convened in collaboration with the Legend Golden Care Foundation.

  • Rotary celebrates elderly members

    Rotary celebrates elderly members

    It was a moment of fun, relaxation and sober reflection when Rotary International District 9111celebrated its members who are 70 years and above and must have spent 40 years in the group.

    The event, which held at the Rotary Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, was attended by over 50 elders of the global organisation.

    They included the Doyen of District Governors, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; immediate past District (9111) Governors (PDG), Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole; Dr. Wole Kukoyi; Patrick Ikheloa; and Bola Ogunbade, Dr. Deinde Shoga.

    Others were Dr Olatunde Ishola Aluko; Idowu Akomolafe; past president Olaniran Faforowa and Sola Benson, a past assistant governor.

    Fafowora, who was chairman of the event entitled: Elders’ HangOut, said their objective was to celebrate the elders who he described as ”champions of service to humanity”.

     He said the programme was the second edition, and it was unique because of the new items they introduced to spice it such as the networking session.

    DG Henry Akinyele also noted the special nature of the programme, saying it was the first being held by him since he assumed office. He said it was important that the elders were honoured as most programmes of Rotary were only focused on the youth, adding that without them, they would not be where they were.

    Akinyele was happy that many of the elders were still active and apart from their financial commitment, attending meetings.

    He urged them to avail the youth of their wisdom and experiences. He also urged them to attend the upcoming Endowment dinner dance in honour of Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi and sought their support for increased membership, commitment to The Rotary Foundation and Construction of the Rotary Peace Centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State as well as their yearly conference to Abeokuta in May, next year, promising to provide transport for them.

    Aluko, who was the chairman of the occasion, tasked Rotarians on humanness, saying: ”Let the humanity in us control our actions to our fellow brothers and sisters.” He decried the decadence in society, asking: ‘Where is the humanity in us?” He challenged them on upholding the Rotary’s motto

    Adelusi-Adeluyi tasked his agemates on good eldership. He said it is not how many houses one built but the number of lives he touched. ”It is not how many years you live, but what you put into it. Try to share and care. He who gives gains. Giving can never be too much, especially if it is for a good cause,” he counselled the oldies.

    The speakers, Dr. Shoga, spoke on the benefits of taking an endowment in Rotary while Dr Olufemi Adebari Oloyede of OOU gave tips on how to avoid or manage memory loss, saying as one grows old, we are likely to experience memory loss.

    Aluko, Adelusi-Adeluyi, and Olawale-Cole were among those who received awards at the ceremony.

  • Nigeria Customs, IMPR win 2025 Golden World Award

    Nigeria Customs, IMPR win 2025 Golden World Award

    For the second straight year, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the publisher of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, has won the 2025 Golden World Award (GWA) from the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).

    The prestigious prize was presented at the body’s 70th anniversary in Ghana. The historic event featured the inauguration of IPRA’s new President, Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, the first African woman to assume the role. She succeeds Natasa Pavlovic Bujas.

    Established in 1990, the Golden World Awards – regarded as the ‘Oscars of Public Relations’ – celebrate campaigns that exemplify excellence, ethics, and impact. The 2025 gala, the first-ever hosted on African soil, coincided with Ghana’s Institute of Public Relations’ 50th anniversary.

    The NCS–IMPR partnership topped the Publication category with a book titled “Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management,” which highlights innovative PR strategies implemented under the leadership of Comptroller-General Wale Adeniyi.

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    It comprises practical case studies and engagement tools, and illustrates how strategic communication can enhance an institution’s reputation through transparency, boost revenue through stakeholder engagement, and reinforce national security through effective crisis communication.

    Endorsed by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), the 162-page publication co-authored by Kabir Abdulsalam and Maryam Na’Allah also received commendation from Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    Receiving the award in Accra, Nigeria Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, remarked, “This honour reaffirms the power of communication in building institutional credibility. Under CG Adeniyi, our service has embraced transparency, innovation, and accountability.”

    Dr. Sule Yau Sule, Chairman of IMPR’s Board of Directors, described the honour as a testament to public-private collaboration in strategic communication: “This recognition proves that Nigerian agencies can compete globally. PR is not just for publicity; it is a tool for reform and public trust.”

    The latest accolade came after the 2024 GWA win in Belgrade, Serbia, where the “100 Days of Impactful PR at Customs Service” campaign triumphed in the Crisis Management category, positioning the NCS as a global benchmark for reform-driven government communication.

    Led by CEO Yushau Shuaib, IMPR has secured IPRA awards for nine consecutive years since 2016. It was named the Most Creative PR Agency Worldwide in 2020 by the Global Creativity Index (GCI) published by PRovoke Media, organisers of the SABRE Awards.

  • Police raid hotel used by criminals in Lagos, arrest two suspects

    Police raid hotel used by criminals in Lagos, arrest two suspects

    • Firearms, ammunition recovered

    Crack detectives of the Lagos Police Command have arrested two suspected armed robbers in raid of a hotel used as criminal hideout,

    The hotel, located around in Akala, Mushin, the police said, was raided after four robbery suspects were spotted around 10am on Friday by detectives at Empire Junction by Jibowu.

    Spokeswoman for the police command, Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi, said firearms, ammunition and other exhibits were recovered from the suspects.

    According to the police, three of the suspects escaped upon sighting the police while one of them identified as Toheeb Adeboye, 21, was arrested.

    “A search on him led to the recovery of one locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun, an English Barreter  pistol with two 9mm live ammunition, and one locally made pistol with ten live cartridges, concealed in a bag.

    “During interrogation, the suspect confessed that the gang had just concluded a robbery at Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, and were on their way to New Supreme Hotel, Akala, Mushin, their regular hideout.”

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    “Acting on this intelligence, operatives raided the hotel, recovered incriminating exhibits, including a laptop, charms, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and hard drugs, and arrested one of the fleeing gang members, Ajayi Adeniyi, 33, who was found with a local pistol. The said hotel hideout has since been cordoned off,” the police said.

    Both suspects and the recovered exhibits have been transferred to the command headquarters, the case is being investigated while efforts are ongoing to track down the other fleeing members of the gang, said the police command.

    Commending the team for their professionalism, the Commissioner of Police Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, urged hoteliers across the state to exercise due diligence in keeping proper records of customers.

    He stressed that negligence could expose hotels to use as criminal hideouts, reassuring Lagosians that the command was committed to safeguarding lives and property.

    The police boss urged residents to stay law-abiding, vigilant, and report suspicious activities promptly.

  • Troops kill terror kingpin Kachala Maidawa, 34 others

    Troops kill terror kingpin Kachala Maidawa, 34 others

    • Killer of Rector of Federal Poly, Afikpo arrested

    A wanted terror kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, and 34 others, have met their waterloo during a series of coordinated operations by security forces.

    The operations, which involved the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Service (DSS), the Police and Highbreed Forces, were conducted between September 29 and October 4.

    The operations also led to the arrest of 32 criminals, rescue of 22 kidnap victims, and recovery of a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and logistics supplies.

    A source, who confirmed Maidawa’s death, stated that the kingpin and 11 of his foot soldiers were killed in Kogi State.

    According to the source, during the onslaught that eliminated Maidawa and his cohort, troops under Operation Egwu Eke Atite III, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, DSS, Police and Hybrid Forces, thwarted Maidawa’s planned attack at Isanlu, in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

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    “During the fierce firefight, troops overpowered the extremists, neutralising over 12 terrorists, including the dreaded Kachalla Maidawa, who had long terrorised communities across Kogi East and Kwara State.

    “Items recovered after the operation include one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of mixed ammunition, four motorcycles, three dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones and other sundry items,” the source added.

  • Eight illegal refineries destroyed in Niger Delta

    Eight illegal refineries destroyed in Niger Delta

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have destroyed eight illegal refineries and confiscated 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

    The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed that the various operations conducted in the region in partnership with other security agencies led to the arrest of many suspects.

    He said during the operations around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, the troops dismantled a new illegal refining site.

    He named other items destroyed as receivers, ovens, drums, pipes, adding that over 3,500 litres of stolen crude were recovered in the process.

    Danjuma said: “Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck. The truck, with registration number AHD 925 XA, was loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude and was intercepted along Aba Road in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting troops.

    “Similarly, clearance operations conducted along the fringes of Imo River resulted in the deactivation of an illegal refining site, with three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude stockpiled in sacks recovered. Other seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche Local Government Area, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area”.

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    In Akwa Ibom State, Danjuma said the troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ conveying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak Local Government Area.

    He said two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures, noting that at an abandoned House No 70, Kemezia Road, Biseni Community,  in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, troops uncovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products.

    Danjuma said the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience.

    He called on criminal elements in the region to turn a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses, insisting that the division under his watch would ensure the forest remained green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage.

  • NDLEA smashes cocaine cartels behind six UK-bound shipments

    NDLEA smashes cocaine cartels behind six UK-bound shipments

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled two major drug cartels behind six consignments of cocaine in a series of intelligence-led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos.

    The drugs were concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers, leading to the arrest of five suspects and ultimately the arrowhead of the syndicate, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who parades as a businessman and real estate developer, according to Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi.

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    In a statement, on September 16, this year, Babafemi said, the agency’s operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilogrammes, which were concealed in walls of cocoa butter body cream containers.

  • Police nab man for allegedly killing wife

    Police nab man for allegedly killing wife

    The police in Edo State have arrested a middle-aged man, identified as TJ, for allegedly killing his wife, Queen, in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government.

    The suspect was said to have murdered his wife with an axe and fled after the incident.

    A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the couple had earlier celebrated the birthday of their two-year-old son before the tragedy.

    “There was no sign of a quarrel between them. We went to bed that night, but by morning, neighbours didn’t see them come out and assumed they were still asleep.

    “It was their little boy who later came out of the room with bloodstains on his body.

    “When people saw the stains and noticed he wasn’t injured, they rushed into the room and found the woman lying lifeless in a pool of blood, her throat slit,” the source said.

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    The source added that the husband was nowhere to be found and was suspected to have fled after committing the act.

    The matter was said to have been reported to the Auchi Police Division, which launched a manhunt for the suspect.

     Spokesperson of the police command Chief Superintendent of Police Moses Yamu, in Benin, said the suspect had been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

    “The suspect has been apprehended and moved to the State CID for proper investigation,” Yamu said, adding that the command would ensure that justice was served in the case.