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Tag: criminals

  • We will up our game against terrorists, criminals – Naval Chief

    We will up our game against terrorists, criminals – Naval Chief

    The Nigerian Navy will up its game towards defeating the enemies of the state and other criminal elements, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has assured.

    Ogalla, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu, gave the assurance during the Jumaat Service in commemoration of Navy’s 69th Anniversary yesterday in Abuja.

    He said the commitment of the Nigerian navy to defend the territorial integrity and peace of the nation was underscored by its collaborative performances towards ensuring national security.

    According to him, the security of the nation’s maritime space is being undermined by a series of illegal activities perpetrated by criminal elements.

    “We have intensified our operational engagements to neutralise these economic saboteurs in our maritime environment with resounding success.

    READ ALSO: 11 things Nigerians should note when applying for a five-year Schengen visa

    “Our success has been made possible with the support of the President, Commander-in-Chief Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, culminating in the acquisition of modern platforms, which showcased the Navy’s capability and strength,” he said.

    The CNS said that his leadership had improved personnel welfare by providing befitting accommodations to ensure their well-being.

    He said the anniversary would provide them an opportunity for collective and individual introspection towards upholding the core values of the navy which are professionalism, integrity and teamwork.

    He urged them to be disciplined and law abiding at all times, as well as utilise the occasion to rededicate themselves with renewed focus, enthusiasm and hope, towards achieving a prosperous future for the navy.

    “As we celebrate, let us also be of goodwill to one another and work together to make the service and Nigeria greater.

    In his remarks, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Adm. Dewu said the readiness of the Nigerian navy to defend the nation was not in doubt at 69.

    He said that Nigerians should expect the best from the navy with the new platforms acquired by the government which include ships, helicopters, among others.

    He said the central programmes for the Navy Week would take place in Lagos with interdenominational church service on May 25 at the Navy town followed by the sailing competition Gulf Kitty and inauguration of some projects and the newly acquired platforms.

    “Then the high point of the Navy week is the day of navy’s birthday, which is on June 1 and the day we are going to have a ceremonial sunset and Dina at Naval Dockyard Lagos,” he said.

  • No room for criminals to obstruct farming, says GOC

    No room for criminals to obstruct farming, says GOC

    The Commander, Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Abubakar Abdulsalam, has said the military will deal with criminals planning to hinder farming in Plateau, and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states.

    The GOC gave the warning during a seminar with the theme: “Peaceful Co-existence: Panacea for a Successful Farming Season” at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.

    He said: “I will facilitate a hitch-free farming season in Plateau State and environs.”

    He also highlighted the nexus between food security and national security and urged the stakeholders to create an enabling environment for farming and herding to be carried out side by side without fear or conflict.

    He decried the spate of farm destructions and attacks on cattle in the past two months which have further aggravated tension in the affected communities that led to attacks.

    Read Also: Troops kill 253 terrorists, arrest 172 criminals in one week

    The resource persons also endorsed the Bottom-Top Crisis Resolution Mechanism of OPSH which ensures that peace efforts are transmitted to the lowest echelon and

    Plateau State Governor,  Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier-General GG Shippi (rtd), as well as his Kaduna State counterpart, Senator Uba Sani, represented by his Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr Atiku Sankey, lauded  OPSH for bringing peace to the three states.

    Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, represented by the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, lauded Operation Safe Haven for the initiative and the roles the military isplaying to restore peace in the state and its environs.

    The highlight of the seminar was the interactive session during which participants lauded the initiative of Operation Safe Haven and promised to do their best to ensure peaceful coexistence towards attaining a successful farming season in their communities.

  • Police arrest 10 cyber criminals

    Police arrest 10 cyber criminals

    Eight alleged notorious cybercriminals have been arrested by the police in their bid to clean-up the country’s banking and financial sector, spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said yesterday.

    He identified the suspects as Nwaonicha Emeka, 30, Osaretin Oghomwen, 27, Sunday Aniekan, 23, Devine Daniel, 19, Ibrahim Abdulaziz, 21, Daniel Breba Omamuke, 23, Muhammed Azimeye, 29, Aniwen Abraham, 23, Pasca Obinna, 27 and Godwin Chinaza, 26, all male residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    According to the police spokesman, the suspects had confessed to their various degrees of involvement in High-yield Investment Fraud (HYIF), money laundering and other cyber fraud, adding that they would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

    Assuring of the commitment by the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to rid the system of fraudsters, Adejobi noted the escalating cyber threats and High-yield Investment Fraud (HYIF) which unsuspecting members of the public were falling victims of.

    Read Also: Oyo Assembly clears Makinde’s commissioners

    To this end, he said the Police’ National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) recently convened a crucial symposium which was attended by complaint and fraud desk officers of banks to foster active collaboration and engagement in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.

    “On the heels of the above, the NPF-NCCC swiftly initiated a coordinated, intelligence-led operation, leading to the arrest of eight notorious cyber criminals. This operation spanned from 16th to 20th August, 2023, and was in response to the emergence of a new cyber threat characterised by the creation of cloned banking websites to facilitate high-yield investment scams and money laundering,” he said.

    Adejobi said efforts were on to inform and support victims of these fraudulent schemes on a global scale. 

    “Additionally, the fraudulent online platforms involved in these activities have been confiscated. Members of the global cyber community are strongly advised to remain vigilant and report any platforms that promise unrealistically high returns on minimal investments or any other forms of cybercrime through the dedicated e-reporting portal at incb.npf.gov.ng.

    “The Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while reaffirming his commitment to making technological advancements a cornerstone of the fight against crime commended the NPF-NCCC’s efforts and urged its Director, DCP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, to intensify the centre’s collaboration with other agencies and uphold fundamental human rights in the pursuit of reducing cybercrimes in the country to the barest minimum.”

  • Ejigun-Agbede-Itele-Ota: Haven for criminals, hemp-smokers

    Fear of the unknown has gripped residents of Ejigun-Agbede in Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State. They said the area has become replete with gamblers and hemp-puffing youths. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports that residents have called on law enforcement agencies to rid the community of these harmful urchins.

    It is six in the evening; the sun has already departed with its russet radiance oozing gentle rays. It will be nightfall in a jiffy. The dusty, untarred road that leads from the bus stop into the nondescript area of Ejigun-Agbede in Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State buzzes with people and vehicular activities.

    Right from Kolab bus stop, where commercial motorcycle riders (okada riders) are stationed, under makeshift sheds, groups of young men, women, traders, sex-workers are seen nestling in the heart of the area.

    Moving on into the interior, the atmosphere wears a congenial garb that disarms not until the discovery of the den of gamblers and hemp-puffing youths.

    A visitor is ushered in with the acrid smell of Indian hemp and booze. The place comes across as an industrial chimney of sorts. Known as Orita Ibon, it has become a notorious haven for illegal activities and, as such residents live in perpetual torment.

    In a huddle, a coterie of young boys who seem to forget a future lies ahead, and with apparently no worries at all, are seen feasting on cannabis. They puff away as the smoke disappears to form a medley with the outstripping cumulus clouds.

    Apart from smoking heavily, they also vend cannabis among themselves while chattering idly all day long in what has become the norm.

    This reporter learnt that they have become a menace to the community over the years as they display their stuff in broad daylight with the impunity of an iron-clad dictator. And they are lulled into a false sense of security since some of them are known to be children of landlords in the area.

    Most of them are jobless as they act as overlords in the community and people tend to deify them in order not to draw their ire.

    These lots are street urchins who hold the community by the jugular. Akin to men of the underworld, according to residents, they transform into terrorising agents and commit all sorts of atrocities when it is dark; thus, no one stays out very late for fear of being robbed or raped. The fear of those lads is the beginning of wisdom.

    Southwest Report learnt that efforts to get rid of them have been largely futile. It was gathered that repeated calls to those in authority have been fruitless.

    A young lady who preferred anonymity because of fear of the unknown lamented how her mobile phone was snatched along that road. She noted urgent action should be taken to curb the excesses of those lay about.

    She said: “I was coming back from work that fateful night when some boys waylaid me and told me to surrender my phone. I was helpless. I had to give them the phone so that I won’t be injured. It is high time something was done to put an end to this issue.”

    Some landlord in the area who spoke to our correspondent in confidence stated that those boys constituted a nuisance to the community; hence they should be either dealt with or engaged because most of them are idle.

    He added that daily they assemble around the T-junction only to smoke weed from morning till night.

    He said: “We live in fear here. If you close late from work, then you never can predict what awaits you. In fact, you dare not send your children on errands when it is getting late. We want those in power to help us.”

    Another resident who simply identified himself as Rotimi wants the policemen stationed at the junction (MOPOL Junction) to raid the whole area. He further stated that the situation needs to be addressed before it gets worse. According to him, residents should not be living in perpetual fear of being robbed or attacked at any time.

    Also decrying the situation, a shop owner around the place stated what infuriates her very much is the brazenness with which they (the weed-smokers and urchins) act. She noted that such open display of an illegal ware was indecent because that could influence kids growing around that area negatively.

    Her words: “Those boys should not be allowed in the community anymore because they can be a negative influence to our children who are growing up. You see them day and night around that place smoking, selling weed and even gambling. That should not be allowed anymore because they do everything openly and nobody around can even call them to order. It is terrible,” she said.

    A petition which was written in October last year and addressed to the Director of Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) in Obada, Abeokuta the state capital, was made available to this reporter to underscore why there is an urgent need to put an end to the disturbing issue.

    It reads inter alia: “We are appealing to you to come to our rescue in our community which is replete with hoodlums, weed-smokers and miscreants, among others. These miscreants maim, harass and rob unsuspecting people. The situation is beyond our control; hence, we are imploring you to come to our aid before everything degenerates.”

    However, a police source from the IGP Special Tactical Squad Force stated that the area will be under surveillance and seriously combed and the miscreants will be apprehended.

    He said: “We have confirmed that street boys are causing panic and unrest in the said area. An arrest will be made soonest as we will start to monitor those spots closely.”

  • Massive operations against criminals begin nationwide

    Massive security operations have begun to rein in criminals who seem to have seized villages, towns and cities  by the throat, the Federal Government said yesterday.

    Details of the “strategic” operations were not disclosed by the police, but they are being carried out by “the entire law enforcement and intelligence community”.

    Among the measures are:

    • ban on the use of motorcycles in the Northwest states of Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kebbi and Katsina where bandits have done much havoc;
    • relocation of Katsina State Police Commissioner Sanusi Buba to Daura in a bid to rescue the abducted District Head, Alhaji Musa Umar;
    • organisational restructuring in the police;
    • drafting of some officers who converted to general police back to special forces; and
    • investing more in intelligence gathering.

    Alhaji Umar was abducted last week at his home in Daura, hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari. His abductors are yet to contact his family.

    The police said the CP’s relocation would aid the coordination and investigation of security operations.

    The measures came amid a wake-up call by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on President Buhari to stop the criminals.

    In a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DPC), the police said efforts were being made to subdue criminal gangs across the country.

    DCP Mba said: “Currently, there are massive strategic security operations, both covert and overt missions, taking place at different parts of the country, including Katsina, aimed at subduing the criminal gangs and restoring sanity to the land.

    “However, because of the covert and sensitive nature of these operations, I will not discuss them for now but Nigerians should be assured that the entire law enforcement and intelligence community in Nigeria will not rest until we win the battle against crimes and criminality in Nigeria.”

    The development came as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources, Kabiru Garba Marafa, claimed yesterday alerted that more than 44,000 orphans roam the streets of Zamfara State due to eight years of armed banditry.

    Marafa, who represents Zamfara Central, also claimed that sustained banditry has led to the killing of over 11,000 male adults leaving behind an estimated average of 22,000 widows at two wives per an adult.

    His claims could not be verified.

    Read also: On Zamfara’s negative peace

    The senator lamented that in terms of casualty ratio and displacements, Zamfara ranks ahead of many states in the Northeast and Northcentral that are being given prominence by the mainstream media and the Federal Government in terms of recognition and assistance.

    Marafa noted in a statement to thank his colleagues at the National Assembly for the provision of N10 billion in this year’s budget to address the deteriorating   humanitarian crisis in Zamfara State, occasioned by the nefarious activities of bandits.

    He said: “The unfortunate and dark eight years of banditry (2011 to date) in Zamfara had conservatively led to the killing of over 11,000 male adults, leaving behind an estimated average of 22,000 widows (at two wives/person) and an estimated 44,000 orphans (at an average of four children/deceased).”

    Following a motion he sponsored, the National Assembly, while passing the 2019 budget, voted N10 billion for the creation of an intervention fund (to be called (Presidential Initiative on Zamfara State PIZAMS) to cater for the humanitarian disaster in the state.

    Marafa noted that the overwhelming support by his colleagues at both chambers showed that with unity of purpose and direction, the country can overcome its challenges.

    He said the N10 billion will help in resettling the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other persons affected by the activities of the armed banditry, to cater for their general well-being, provision of shelter,  water, basic education, basic health care (especially for the wounded, children and rape victims) and others.

    He called on the incoming National Assembly members from Zamfara State to ensure that PIZAMS gets a sizable allocation in the remaining nine years ahead.

    He pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to set up PIZAMS (as soon as possible) as contained in the Senate resolution.

  • Abiodun warns criminals, sponsors of crimes in Ogun

    OGUN State Governor- elect Dapo Abiodun has warned perpetrators and sponsors of crimes to have a rethink before May 29 as the government he would form, won’t run the state like “a Banana Republic”.

    Abiodun added that the incoming government would neither accommodate weapons ‘brandishing nor tolerate hooliganism and cultism anywhere in the state.

    He warned that justice awaits any criminal, who fails to use the window of opportunity to repent.

    He spoke in Ifo, Ifo Local Government Area after inspecting  the constituency offices of the Ogun State  House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Kunle Oluomo, and that of a House of Representatives member for Ifo/ Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Ibrahim Isiaka, which  were set ablaze by hoodlums  last Sunday during Akoogun Festival in the town.

    The hoodlums also razed  five vehicles – three Mercedes 42 seater buses, one  Isuzu Luxury  bus and a 36-seater coaster bus – belonging to Oluomo and which were being used as free school shuttles for pupils and students in Ifo town.

    Also, a young man identified as Akeem was  reportedly shot dead during the mayhem precipitated by an altercation between some youths and police officers attached to the Zonal Intervention Squad Zone 2, Nigerian Police in Lagos.

    Besides, a Police Inspector identified as Sunday Ogundapo was attacked by the hoodlums in Ifo, wounded and narrowly escaped from the claws of death.

    But, speaking with reporters  after visiting the family of the deceased and the crime scenes, Abiodun described the incidents as unfortunate and regrettable.

    He declared that the Gateway state would not be characterised by violence and chaos,  vowing  that his administration would not condone  cultism, hooliganism, thuggery and other vices.

    The Governor-elect urged the Ogun State  Police Command and the Department of State Security Service (DSS) to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous acts are made to face justice.

  • Crime, criminals and our troubled humanity

    We have never had it this bad. The reality of terrible oddities in our lives. Strange acts wrought by people who seem ordinary.

    A man rapes his daughter. Another and his son take turns to rape a 13-year old who they put in the family way. The man’s wife is the poor girl’s aunt. An alfa rapes a physically challenged girl in a mosque and flees. Boys go after girls’ undergarments for money ritual. Human waste becomes edible in a money making ritual. A boy rapes his grandma.  Men sleep with minors in a bizarre assault on innocence. A man is found carrying a roasted human hand as if it is a trophy won in a sporting competition. Does he want to make a meal of it? Ah, the Clifford Orji days again.

    What is happening to the world, our world? Why do men commit these atrocities that make nonsense of our age-long claim to humanity? Mental depravity? Spiritual powers? Spiritual powers for what? Are such powers an end in themselves or a vehicle for some ends that are selfish and destructive? Why will a human being want to destroy others just for his own well-being, forgetting that the well-being of an individual becomes a Herculean task if the society is troubled in whatever way?

    Why? Money? A young man murders his girlfriend, digs a grave in his bedroom and buries her body there. But the ghost of former Ondo State Deputy Governor Lasisi Oluboyo’s daughter would not rest in peace. It tormented the hell out of her killer until the law hit him hard. Seidu Adeyemi is to die by hanging for her murder.

    A young man craves fame and riches. He gets into occultism, acquires some strange powers for cash, gets so rich, spends money with so much obscenity, revels in being called “Ezego” (king of money) and ends it all in a shocking manner. He dies just when the sun of his life begins to rise; sunset before noon. The end. Why?

    Is money – and its material benefits- all that is to life? Does joy actually spring forth from the fountain of cash? Can money buy happiness? The Holy Book enjoins us not to lay up for ourselves “treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal…”.

    We still lay claim to our membership of the human community, but our sense of right and wrong is suspect. How do we halt the way we hurt ourselves? Why bend it when we should end it?

    It is not that Nigeria had been crime-free. No. Far from it. Criminals have been with us for ages – and they will remain with us anyway–. It is the heartless nature of today’s criminals that is worrisome as they battle to turn our world into a jungle in which there are no laws. All is fair. No fear.

    Those men of the underworld whose stories sound like Hollywood scripts handled by first class producers and actors must be surprised at the way their bloody records are being shredded by our new gangsters, mobsters and fraudsters.

    Some flashback into the hall of infamy. Salami Bello Jaguda was a Lagos musician who found fulfilment in crime. So popular was he in the nefarious trade that his name became synonymous with robbery and theft. He quit the bloody stage for the dreaded self-styled Dr Ishola Oyenusi (aka Dr Rob and Kill) who reigned from 1965 to 1971. His first reported major operation was on Herbert Macaulay Street, Yaba, Lagos Mainland where he snatched a car, killing the owner. Reason: his girlfriend was broke and needed money for her makeup. Thousands watched excitedly as Oyenusi was tied to the stakes and executed by a firing squad on the Lagos Bar Beach. The spectators had come to confirm his much rumoured invincibility. Oyenusi, according to the myth, possessed the power to be visible, invisible and invincible. Besides, his body was said to be impenetrable to bullets. It all turned out to be a myth. But the spectators confirmed that he was all smiles as the soldiers took position, awaiting the command, “fire!”.

    Oyenusi died. But his gang remained active, headed by second-in-command Isiaka Busari (aka Mighty Joe), who killed many in a savagery that also crashed before a firing squad on the Bar Beach.

    Horrible as it was, the Oyenusi saga had a redeeming feature. Kayode Williams, a member of the gang, later found Christ. He became the Bishop of the Christ Vessel of Grace Church and the Director-General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission International (PREMI) after a 10-year jail term.

    Army deserter Youpelle   Dakuro is reputed to have masterminded the most vicious daylight robbery in Lagos in 1978. Babatunde Folorunso, Lt. Oyazimo and Mohammed Kolomi were dreaded names. But their exploits were nothing compared to those of Lawrence Nomayogbon Anini (aka The Law) and his deputy, Monday Osunbor. They killed several policemen before fate caught up with them. Before he was executed on March 29,1987, Anini, wheelchair bound – one of his legs had been amputated– sober and dejected, said of the fate that awaited him: “I am afraiding.” He also warned excited photographers to stop feasting on him. “E don do now”, he said, waving his hand.

    Those who thought the worse of the beasts had been seen off were wrong. Enter Shina Rambo. With Yemisi Akinsanmi,alias Yemo and Tony “Montana” Ikiagwu, Rambo rumbled through the 90s. He was notorious for striking in several places at the same time, driving snatched exotic vehicles in a long convoy all the way from Lagos to the Republic of Benin.

    Okwudili Ndiwe (aka Derico Nwamama) held Onitsha, Anambra State’s commercial city, and other parts of the East by the throat early 2000. A former “area boy” and pick pocket, he became the most dreaded gangster of his bloody time, smashing banks at will. The police on August 1,2013 gunned down Abiodun Egunjobi (aka Abbey Godogodo), who reportedly killed scores of policemen. His arsenal included 60 AK 47 rifles, which the police recovered. He reigned for 14 years.

    Henry Chibueze (aka Vampire), who terrorised Imo and neighbouring states, fell in March 2017. His gang was said to have murdered no fewer than 200 people, including the victims of the 2013 bloodshed in Igando on the outskirts of Lagos, among them his girlfriend, her expectant sisters and their children.

    Ruthless and brutal Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (aka Evans) is on trial for kidnapping the rich and collecting ransom in hard currency. The police described him as Nigeria’s “cleverest” kidnapper who evaded arrest for seven years by using 126 mobile phone SIM cards.

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has been in holiday mood since last week’s arrest of murder suspect Ikechukwu Udensi (aka Ikanda), whose gang  allegedly killed 38-year-old businessman Ndubuisi Nwokolo in Onitsha.

    Five Nigerians were arrested the other day in the United Arab Emirates after smashing their way into a currency exchange shop, injuring the staff and carting away some cash. Their fate hangs in the balance.

    Back home in the North, Boko Haram seems to be yielding the headlines to herdsmen-farmers violence. By the way, where the hell is the loudmouth Shekau? He hasn’t released a video for a long time. Now, the new criminals have no name; they are simply lumped together as bandits.

    Why are they killing in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara, where the Federal Government has just banned mining? Is it all economic? Where are the guns coming from? Who exactly are these gangsters? Are they more powerful than the government? Why has it taken this long – and many lives of innocent Nigerians, including women and children – to think of reining in these murderers?

    Defence Minister Gen Mansur Dan-Ali has accused traditional rulers of aiding the criminals, leaking information on security moves to curtail them. He should do more. Any monarch who fuels the bloodshed does not deserve any respect. He should be seized like a common criminal and brought before the law.

    Our rich men have fled the Kaduna-Abuja highway for fear of being kidnapped. Train ride is it now. Kajuru, Kaduna State residents are crying for safety. Cultists are striking in Rivers State. Kidnappers have just let go of the Lagos Fire chief and others.

    The government should go after the big masqueraders behind these evil ventures. This should be part of the “tough decisions” President Muhammadu Buhari should take. Now.

    Coping with the heat wave

    The full effects of the prevailing heat wave are here. Sleepless and sweltering nights. Dry fields stripped of their seductive lush greenery. Dusty streets. Humming air conditioners shattering the peace of the workplace. Medical experts are warning of the effects on our health. Dermatologists are having fun, their clientele rising by the day.

    Trust Nigerians. Some are considering taking up insurance covers for their glittering skin. Others are checking the manifesto of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to see if it promised to install air conditioners on our streets. Could the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have turned the table if it had promised this?

    The scorching sun emits the heat that has turned our towns and cities into huge cauldrons. We are all sweating like bakers retrieving hot loaves of bread from the oven, with its burning charcoal. Young women are going about in bum shorts. Environmentalists are saying these are some of the effects of the global warming they have been warning against, asking the world to plant more trees.

    And this on the social media: “We sincerely apologise for the intense heat all over the world. This is due to the maintenance  going on in hell fire. The maintenance is imperative to accommodate more Nigerian politicians when the world eventually ends. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused. Signed. Angel Gabriel.”

  • Police arrest 24 suspected criminals, recover 8 guns in Kaduna 

    Kaduna State Police Command on Thursday said it had arrested 24 suspected criminals, and recovered eight guns and live ammunition.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state,  Malam Ahmad Abdurrahaman, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday.

    Abdurrahaman said the arrest followed a special operation by the command to rid the state of criminals.

    According to him, among those arrested were two people suspected of kidnapping.

    He explained that other suspects were arrested over criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, receiving stolen property, car snatching, house breaking, theft, illegal possession of firearms, thuggery, among others.

    Abdurrahaman revealed that the exhibits recovered from the suspects included, three pistols, 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, one Dane Gun, and four locally made guns.

    Other items recovered were five Toyota cars, 10 laptop, a Galaxy Tap,  one Samsung duo handsets, one new wrapper, a wristwatch, sword, a long sickle, drum and one cutlass.

    The police commissioner added that the command also  recovered an Army camouflage jacket, a Police mobile force Denim trouser, two black lane yard,, two police belts and two decoders.

    According to him, the suspects have made useful statements and would be charged to court on completion of investigations.

    On the elections of today, Abdurrahman said: ”I am appealing to political stakeholders in the state to continue to play the game by the rule and avoid hate speech during this election period.

    “They must also desist from using youths as thugs so as to ensure violence free Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.”

    He reassured the public of the command’s commitment to fight all forms of crime and criminality and urged them to volunteer useful information regarding activities of persons who are likely to constitute danger to the society.

  • ‘Rid Kwara of criminals’

    •Offa recipient of organised crimes, says IG

    The Federal Government has urged the Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris to make Kwara State safe for the 2019 elections.

    Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed made the appeal in Offa, Offa Local Government, at the opening of the ultra-modern mobile police barracks.

    The barracks was built by the Offa community as a fallout of the April 5 killings and attacks on banks.

    Mohammed urged the police to rid the state of criminals ahead of the elections so that votes would count.

    He said: “I call on the Inspector General of Police to ensure that Kwara is once again safe for all of us to stay. My appeal to the police, especially in the run-up to the 2019 elections, is that they must redouble their efforts. You must ensure that every citizen is free to cast his vote, and his vote will not only be counted, but would count. The only way you can do this is by ensuring that you rid the state of all criminal elements before the elections.

    “We are not asking you to do this just because of the elections, we are asking you to do this for all times, because it is unfortunate today that cultism, thuggery and all sorts of crime have become the hallmarks of Kwara. This is not the Kwara me and you dreamed of, and it is not the Kwara that we intend to restore.

    “What we are doing today is a strong message for the police, and it is very apt considering what happened in Offa on April 5. We all remember the massacre of 33 lives by hoodlums. And what Offa people have done is to ensure that never again will this be repeated in the town.

    The IG, represented by Compol of MOPOL Lawan Jimeta, said the establishment of the barracks would help the police to ensure safety of life and property.

    He said: “It is always the desire of the police to ensure the safety of Nigerians for them to conduct lawful businesses without hindrance. It is my belief that the establishment of this squadron will guarantee safety of life and property.

    “Offa being a densely populated town shares boundaries with many communities. It also serves as a transit route from Ilorin, the state capital to Kogi, Osun and Ekiti States, and can be a breeding ground for different crimes and also recipient of organised crimes from adjourning communities.”

     

  • ‘We’ll wipe out criminals in Akoko’

    The police in Ondo State are mounting surveillance at flashpoints of criminals in Akoko.

    The areas are Ise-Isua- Akunu roads to Oba-Akoko where kidnappers and robbers operate.

    The roads are being patrolled, while jungles are being combed by the police to arrest criminals who rob and kidnap travellers.

    The development, The Nation learnt, were part of resolutions by the Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) for Akoko Police Area Command.

    The group described the elevation of the pioneer Area Commander, Razak Rauf, to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) as deserved, judging by his performance in the last few weeks.

    PCRC, in a statement by two of its members, Gabriel Ariyo and Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani, called for more assistance for the police by eminent indigenes of Akokoland, “as government alone cannot withstand security challenges.”

    They demanded more policemen in Akoko, “since the area is porous to criminals from neighbouring states.”