The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

Police foil kidnap attempt, neutralise suspect in Enugu

The Enugu Police Command has recorded major operational successes in crackdown on violent crimes and organised robbery across the State with the foiling of a kidnapping attempt in Adani, Uzo-Uwani LGA and the arrest and prosecution of four suspected “one-chance” robbers in Enugu metropolis.

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, attached to the Adani Division and working jointly with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, foiled a kidnapping attempt in the early hours of Sunday, January 18, 2026, along the Ngene-Ukwu axis of the Adani–Nsukka Road.

The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. following an intense gun duel between the joint security team and armed kidnapping suspects.

During the exchange, one of the suspects was neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of live ammunition was recovered.

Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into a nearby forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had emerged from a bush along the road with the intention of abducting occupants of a vehicle plying the route before they were intercepted by security operatives.

Efforts have since been intensified to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the entire criminal network.

Residents of the area, particularly healthcare providers, have been urged to promptly report anyone presenting with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station or security formation.

In a related development, operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Squad arrested four suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate operating within Abakpa-Nike and other parts of Enugu metropolis.

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The suspects, identified as Ndubuisi Achioko (62), Nnaji Okeh (55), Nwobodo Dennis (57), and Chinedu Idam (36), were apprehended on January 10, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m. while allegedly prowling for unsuspecting victims with a tricycle, which was recovered during the operation. All suspects are residents of Abakpa-Nike.

Police said the suspects confessed during interrogation to being part of a larger robbery syndicate operating from the Abakpa-Nike axis.

They have since been arraigned before a competent court and remanded in correctional custody, while a manhunt has been launched for other fleeing members of the gang.

Commending the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives involved in both operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ridding Enugu State of kidnapping, “one-chance” robbery, and other violent crimes.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established police emergency channels.

January 19, 2026
Kano assembly Speaker condemns killing of woman, six children

The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Jibril Falgore, has condemned the killing of a woman and her six children in the state, describing the incident as barbaric and heartbreaking.

Falgore, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kamaluddeen Shawai, welcomed news of the arrest of three suspects by the Nigeria Police Force .

He urged security agencies to carry out thorough investigations to ensure that all those involved in the crime were brought to justice.

The speaker commended the swift response of the police, noting that crimes of such nature must not be allowed to go unpunished in the state.

“This shocking incident committed against an innocent woman and her children is painful and unacceptable. While we commend the police for arresting suspects, investigations must be exhaustive until justice is fully served,” he said.

Falgore aligned himself with the call by Gov. Abba Yusuf, for prompt and transparent handling of the case to reassure residents of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He assured of the Kano State House of Assembly’s support to security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.

The speaker expressed condolences, on behalf of the assembly, to the families of the victims, the government and the people of Kano State, urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked Allah to grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

NAN reports that the police announced on Sunday the arrest of three suspects in connection with the killings at Dorayi Charanchi Quarters within the state metropolis.

The police spokesperson in the state, Haruna Kiyawa, a superintendent of police, confirmed the arrests in a statement.

He said that the operation followed direct orders from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Kano, Ibrahim Bakori.

He said a team of crack operatives leveraged intelligence-led policing to apprehend the suspected masterminds.

Kiyawa said the suspects were apprehended during a targeted sting operation conducted between 10:00 p.m. on Jan. 17 and 4:00 a.m. on Jan. 18, shortly after the incident was reported.

(NAN)

January 19, 2026
Catholic Diocese of Warri announces death of Bishop Afareha

The Catholic Diocese of Warri has announced the death of its Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. John Okeoghene Afareha, who passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

In an official notification signed by the Bishop of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the Diocese expressed deep grief over the loss, describing the late prelate as a devoted shepherd and father to the faithful.

“It is with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection, that we announce the passing of our beloved father and Bishop Emeritus,” the statement read.

Bishop Afareha was ordained a Catholic priest on December 30, 1973, and was consecrated Bishop on May 14, 1997. Throughout his years of priestly and episcopal ministry, he was known for his commitment to faith, service, and pastoral care.

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According to the Diocese, “Bishop Afareha lived his life in faith and obedience to the will of God, impacting the lives of many along the way. Even in retirement, he remained a man of prayer and a cherished father to us all.”

The Diocese commended his soul to God’s mercy, praying that “the Lord grant him eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon him.”

The statement also asked for prayers for the Diocese, the late bishop’s immediate family, and all those mourning his passing.

Funeral arrangements, the Diocese said, will be announced in due course.

January 18, 2026
Chief Obele unveils ‘Grace Villa’ in Ezinifite

…holds memorial service for Parents

High Chief, Amb. Anthony Obele (Okwunze Aguata), has unveiled his multi-billion naira country home, The Grace Villa, in Aku village, Ezinifite community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, in a ceremony that also featured a memorial thanksgiving service in honour of his late parents.

The palatial residence was officially unveiled and dedicated by the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Aguata, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Chukwudi Ezeofor. Built by High Chief Obele and his wife, Lady Anthony Ikenna Obele, the mansion boasts state-of-the-art facilities and contemporary architectural design.

The event attracted dignitaries from the political, business, traditional and religious sectors, as guests gathered to witness what many described as a milestone in the life of the renowned industrialist and philanthropist.

Following the unveiling, the programme transitioned into a remembrance service for High Chief Obele’s parents.

His late father, Chief Hezekiah Umennata Nwaobele (Akwaa Akwuru and Anaegbuachara I of Ezinifite), born in 1922, was a respected Nze na Ozo title holder who died in 1974 at the age of 52. He was married to three wives and fathered 14 children.

Also remembered was his mother, Late Mrs. Susanne Orieji Obele (Oje Na Nwayo), who passed away in 2014. She was eulogised as a woman of virtue, strength and devotion, whose legacy, according to the family, is reflected in the lives of her children.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the children described their parents as pillars of love, discipline and wisdom, noting that the occasion was a moment of gratitude and reflection on values passed down through generations.

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Observers noted that the event further highlighted High Chief Obele’s commitment to both family and community development. Only days earlier, he had drawn statewide attention for constructing a five-kilometre road linking Aku village to neighbouring towns—an initiative commissioned by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, under the state’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) framework.

The ceremony was attended by prominent traditional rulers, captains of industry, investors, diplomats, senior bank executives, political office holders, religious leaders and leaders of various socio-cultural and philanthropic groups.

Among notable personalities present were HRM Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu (Ezeigbo Ghana); Super High Chief Evans Emsirim (Okwumereze N’Ukpor); High Chief Ikechukwu Abraham Otti (Ikenga Umuchu); High Chief (Dr.) Goodwill Ebere Uzozie; Chairman of G.U. Ebeco Industries Ltd; High Chief (Dr.) Obinna Iyiegbu, Chairman of Cubana Group; Prince Joseph Okafor; HRM Dr. Chris Umeh (Igwe Japan); High Chief Sir Kenneth Ifekudu, OFR; Chief Obinna Uzogu; Mr. Valentine Ozigbo; and Chief Chihozie Ibekwe, among others.

The gathering in Ezinifite was widely described as more than a house unveiling, symbolising gratitude, legacy and the enduring link between personal success and communal roots.

January 18, 2026
LASG supports 250 indigent residents with financial assistance

The Lagos State Government has extended financial support to another 250 indigent residents under the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme, as part of efforts to enhance public confidence in governance and improve the welfare of vulnerable citizens.

The cheques were presented at a ceremony held at the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Alausa, Ikeja.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, said the initiative was designed to put smiles on the faces of indigent Lagosians and enable them to experience the dividends of democracy.

He explained that the programme was established to improve the standard of living of vulnerable residents and conveyed the goodwill of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, to the beneficiaries.

According to him, the present administration remains committed to the welfare and well-being of Lagosians, adding that 400 beneficiaries had received financial support last week, while an additional 250 were presented with cheques at the ceremony.

Dr. Afolabi advised the beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously for productive ventures that would yield long-term benefits, warning against spending the support on non-essential needs.

He also encouraged them to enrol in the Ilera-Eko Health Insurance Scheme of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), noting that the initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible healthcare for residents.

Before the presentation of the cheques, beneficiaries were sensitised on various government policies and programmes of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, aimed at deepening civic awareness and strengthening public participation in governance.

The Permanent Secretary of the office, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore advised beneficiaries to promptly pay the cheques into their respective bank accounts to ensure timely access to the financial aid and address their immediate needs.

The Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme is one of the social intervention initiatives of the Lagos State Government targeted at supporting indigent residents and promoting inclusive growth across the state.

January 18, 2026
Lagos announces 18-week traffic diversion on Lagos–Badagry expressway

The Lagos State Government has announced an 18-week traffic diversion plan on the Lagos–Badagry Expressway to facilitate rehabilitation works on the Mazamaza Bridge.

The diversion, according to the state, is aimed at preventing traffic gridlock and ensuring minimal disruption to motorists during the replacement of expansion joints and other critical bridge components to improve safety and structural integrity.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this in a statement, assuring road users that the bridge would not be completely closed at any point during the rehabilitation exercise.

Osiyemi explained that traffic would be managed through alternating diversions across the Toll Lane, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Lane, and Service Lane on both inbound and outbound sections of the expressway.

He said the maintenance work would commence on Monday, January 19, 2026, and is expected to be completed by Thursday, May 28, 2026, with a preliminary phase scheduled to run from Saturday, January 24, to Friday, January 30, 2026, ahead of the main construction stages.

According to him, Phases One to Four of the project will focus on the Badagry-bound section of the bridge from Saturday, January 31, to Monday, March 30, 2026, covering a period of eight weeks.

“During this phase, traffic on the Toll Lane will be diverted to the BRT Corridor while repair works are ongoing, after which motorists will rejoin the Toll Lane about 50 metres beyond the work zone,” he said.

He added that when work shifts to the BRT Corridor, vehicles would be redirected to the Toll Lane and allowed back into the BRT lane shortly after the construction area. For the Service Lane under Phases Three and Four, traffic would temporarily reduce from two lanes to one near the work zone, before full access is restored immediately after.

Osiyemi further disclosed that Phases Five to Eight would address the Lagos-bound section of the bridge from Tuesday, March 31, to Tuesday, June 2, 2026, spanning nine weeks, with similar traffic management measures to ensure continuous vehicular movement.

The commissioner urged motorists to obey traffic signs and cooperate with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other agencies that would be deployed to manage traffic during the period.

He appealed for patience from road users, noting that the partial closures are part of a broader traffic management strategy by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure the safe execution of the maintenance works while keeping the vital transport corridor operational.

The state government reiterated its commitment to minimising inconvenience to residents while delivering long-term improvements to one of Lagos’ most critical transport routes.

January 18, 2026
LSSTF presents three operational vehicles to RRS

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayo Ogunsan, has presented three new operational vehicles to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) as part of efforts to strengthen security operations in the state.

The presentation took place at the LSSTF office, when the RRS Commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye, paid a courtesy visit.

Ogunsan said the intervention was in line with the Trust Fund’s mandate to support security agencies in Lagos State with critical infrastructure to enhance efficiency, rapid response and crime prevention.

He described the RRS as a key component of the state’s security architecture and commended the squad for its role in maintaining peace and public safety across Lagos.

Ogunsan assured that the Trust Fund would consider the repair, refurbishment and rebranding of existing RRS operational vehicles, alongside other capacity building initiatives for security personnel.

CSP Jejeloye lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and critical to effective policing.

He said the provision of operational vehicles had improved response time and operational effectiveness, adding that the RRS remained committed to delivering on its mandate.

January 18, 2026
FG, King Psychiatry partner to expand mental health services nationwide

The federal government has taken a major step toward strengthening mental healthcare delivery with the signing of a partnership agreement between the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals and King Psychiatry Limited.

The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is aimed at expanding access to mental health and substance abuse services across the country, beginning with a pilot programme in 12 states spanning the six geopolitical zones.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on Friday in Abuja, the SSAP-SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the partnership reflects growing concern over rising drug abuse, psychiatric disorders, and their impact on crime, productivity, and social stability.

Stressing the importance of the MoU that addresses SDGs 3.4 and 3.5, Orelope-Adefulire noted that good health remains the foundation for economic participation and national development, adding that untreated mental illness continues to deprive many Nigerians of dignity and opportunity.

Represented by Mohammed Bala Saulawa, Secretary of Programme, the Presidential aide explained that the pilot scheme will utilise existing SDGs-supported health facilities, focusing on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and community outreach.

According to her, the programme is designed to complement ongoing efforts by other government agencies and development partners.

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“We believe that while some crimes may be committed by people in difficult circumstances, there are actions that go beyond what a healthy mind can rationalise.

“Today, many individuals may appear physically well, yet their mental state is severely affected, underscoring the urgent need to address mental health challenges in Nigeria.

“Good health is the foundation of everything, food, shelter, employment and productivity. Without sound mental and physical health, people cannot work, contribute meaningfully or live with dignity.

“What we are doing together today is about helping our people, strengthening our nation and making Nigeria a better place for all.

“This initiative is ultimately about humanity, and we deeply appreciate the partnership supporting this cause because this is all about ensuring that, by 2030, if not eliminated, all those serious health issues are minimized to the barest minimum level,” the SSAP-SDGs said.

Co-CEO of King Psychiatry Limited, Dr. Oluwatoyin Oladejo, described the agreement as a deliberate step toward rebuilding Nigeria’s mental health system, aligned with global development goals.

She said services would prioritise affordability, community-based care, stigma reduction, and collaboration with states and local institutions.

According to her, the program will cater for children, adolescents, and adults, with services initially delivered through outpatient facilities and gradually expanded into communities.

“This project is for children, adolescents, and adults, and we’re currently running outpatient facilities right now. However, what this entails is to see us more in the community rather than in a private setting,” Oladejo said.

She added that the initiative would prioritise community engagement and awareness, noting, “We’re going to be open to the community. We’re going to be in the schools. We’re going to be in the churches. We’re going to provide education.”

Addressing stigma, she said, “One of the greatest things we have to work on, the challenges, is stigma. Letting people know that it is okay to talk about mental health just the same way you would talk about your physical health.”

Beyond awareness, the programme will also include clinical services. “You’re going to see inpatient facilities. In terms of substance use and abuse, you’re going to see all substance use disorders,” she said, adding that detox centres would be established where possible.

“We’re going to have education, therapies, psychotherapy, counselling, and places where you can go if you’re having mental health issues,” she stated.

On implementation, she explained, “Because we’re starting as a pilot, if we’re not able to manage it with the facilities that we have now, we’re going to collaborate with other facilities, other government facilities.”

She stressed that the initiative would rely on broad partnerships, saying, “This is not a one-person initiative; we’re going to collaborate with the community, with the sub-national and national organizations.”

On cost, she clarified, “It won’t be free; it will be subsidized. Our goal is to make sure it is affordable, accessible, and quality mental health care.”

January 18, 2026
Firm trains Police on forensic, fraud investigation skills

A forensic risk advisory firm, Pearl Forensic Risk Advisory Services, has trained officers of the Nigeria Police Force on forensic and fraud investigation techniques, in a move aimed at strengthening evidence-based policing and improving prosecution outcomes.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration under the Department of Training and Development, Aflabi Wilfred, disclosed this while speaking at a training programme organised for officers of the Force.

Wilfred said the Police were repositioning their crime-fighting architecture by embracing technology, innovation, and scientific methodologies to close existing gaps in forensic and fraud investigations.

According to him, modern policing demands a shift from traditional investigative methods to intelligence-led and evidence-based approaches capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

“The Nigeria Police Force is re-strategising its efforts towards curtailing crime, and this time it is through forensic and fraud investigation. The deployment of technology and innovation has become imperative in strengthening our investigative apparatus and closing existing gaps in forensic and fraud investigations,” he said.

Wilfred stressed that the importance of forensic and investigative training could not be overemphasised, particularly in the face of increasingly complex criminal activities and the growing demand for credible, evidence-based prosecution.

He noted that investigation was no longer optional in modern policing but a critical tool for effective, fair, and credible crime prevention and justice delivery.

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“In today’s policing environment, investigation is not a choice; it is a core instrument for effective crime prevention, enhanced judicial processes, and the delivery of justice through scientific methodologies,” he stated.

The police chief said the training programme was approved by the Inspector-General of Police as part of broader reforms aimed at equipping officers with relevant skills in line with global best practices in policing.

According to him, participants are expected to acquire practical knowledge in forensic science, fraud detection, and modern investigative techniques that would improve professionalism and reduce reliance on confessions and other outdated methods.

Speaking after the training, the facilitator, HRH Erelu Dr Pearl Chidinma Ogbulu, Founder and Lead Forensic Consultant at Pearl Forensic Risk Advisory Services and author of Fraud Unmasked, said the programme was designed to reposition police investigations around science, data, and forensic intelligence rather than assumptions or confessions.

According to her, the multi-day training focused on crime scene management, forensic evidence preservation, fraud pattern analysis, financial crime investigation, and legally sustainable case construction, combining theoretical instruction with practical forensic scenarios.

“Criminal activity—particularly fraud—has become increasingly sophisticated, technology-enabled, and transnational. Traditional investigative approaches alone are no longer sufficient. This training was prompted by the urgent need to recalibrate policing towards science, data, and forensic intelligence, ensuring investigators can effectively interpret evidence rather than rely on confessions or conjecture,” Ogbulu said.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, who has repeatedly emphasised professionalism, intelligence-led policing, and continuous capacity building within the Force.

“Forensic investigation is the backbone of modern justice systems. It removes speculation from justice and ensures that cases are built on facts, evidence, and science—not assumptions. In fraud and financial crimes especially, forensic investigation is what separates successful prosecution from failed cases. It protects both the innocent and the integrity of the justice system,” she stated.

Ogbulu described her role in the programme as that of an independent technical forensic partner, providing applied expertise and capacity building to strengthen investigative outcomes within the Nigeria Police Force.

Assessing the Police’s performance in crime control, she acknowledged existing structural and operational challenges but said there has been a growing commitment to intelligence-driven operations and forensic awareness, with noticeable improvements in coordinated responses.

At the operational level, she said the training would enable officers to conduct better investigations, preserve evidence properly, detect fraud patterns earlier, and present stronger cases in court—ultimately reducing case dismissals and improving conviction rates.

The training was held at a designated police training facility in Nigeria and involved investigative and operational officers drawn from various police units. Participants are expected to apply forensic principles in ongoing cases and share best practices within their commands.

Ogbulu disclosed plans to expand and institutionalise the initiative, with deeper specialisation in financial crimes and digital forensics, alongside periodic refresher training.

She assured Nigerians that the programme reflects a broader shift towards science-based, accountable policing.

“This initiative reflects a deliberate move towards science-based, accountable policing. Nigerians should be assured that efforts are being made to strengthen investigations through credible evidence. A secure society is built on competent investigators, credible institutions, and forensic truth,” she added.

January 18, 2026
Police advisory

The Lagos state police command has advised the public, especially those with abandoned vehicles around the city to report at Apapa Railway Police station for identification and claims within 14 days.

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The vehicles are: one unregistered green and white Mack Truck head and one Navy blue Villager Space bus with registered number plate:GP 645EKY, pursuant to a magistrate’s court order.

January 18, 2026