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Tag: criminals

  • Ambode’s red card to criminals

    If there had been doubts about Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s policy to rid Lagos State of Criminals, such was laid to rest on Friday, November 27. For Ambode’s critics who have unfairly concluded he has no answer to the security challenges in the state, they have been proved wrong by the presentation of various security vehicles and equipment to the police to combat crime.

    Here is a checklist of the N4.8billion worth of vehicles and equipment handed over to the police by Governor Ambode; 100 4-Door Salon Cars, 55 Ford Ranger Pick-Ups, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Ups, 15 BMW power bikes, 100 power bikes, Isuzu trucks, three helicopters, two gunboats, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, revolving lights, siren and public address system, vehicular radio communicators, security gadgets including bullet proof vests, helmets, handcuffs, etc, uniforms, kits and improved insurance and death benefit schemes for officers.

    The above is a comprehensive package geared towards fighting crime in Lagos. While we cannot deny the fact that there was an upsurge of crime in Lagos in recent times after Ambode had hardly settled down as Governor, it is unfair to conclude that he is not doing anything about it. We should take cognisance of the fact that policing a city-state like Lagos can’t be a tea party.

    It indeed, involves huge investment in security equipment in assisting the police to effectively police the city. While we all know that previous governments also committed huge resources in assisting the police in the area of equipment, logistic and training, we should not forget that this gesture must be continuous for the police to remain focused and active in combating crime.

    There is no doubt that most of the vehicles that were bought for the police in the past had become unserviceable; many of the equipment have either become outdated or faulty, gadgets have become faulty or obsolete. This means that these must be replenished and modern equipment must be provided for the police.

    What Ambode has done is to restore confidence in Lagosians that their safety as well as that of their property is assured. It is also a red card to criminals who have devised new ways of making life hellish for Lagos residents. These criminals suddenly found it easier to rob unchallenged inside traffic gridlock while they have also discovered that waterways have provided a shield for their nefarious activities. But the criminals who I am sure would watch the presentation ceremony which was televised live, would have had a rethink by now.

    The power bikes would come handy in apprehending traffic robbers while the helicopters would be used for surveillance and transmission of information to the security agents on ground. The gunboats will no doubt put the fear of God into the creek robbers who rely on speed boats to get away after robbing their victims. Helicopters and gunboats will put these creek robbers in check. Bank robbers will also have a rethink as the Armoured Personnel Carriers will be deployed at short notice.

    I cannot agree less with the Minister of the Interior, Lt Gen Abduraman Dambassau, who represented President Buhari at the occasion, when he called on men of the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that the equipment is preserved through diligent maintenance culture in order to justify the huge resources expended. The Inspector -General of Police, Solomon Arase who was also at the occasion was so impressed that he made a promise on behalf of his men that they will be more alive to their responsibilities with the new vehicles, equipment and gadgets presented by the state government because to whom much is given, much is expected. Ambode did not stop at providing vehicles and gadgets, he also provided for the welfare and insurance of men and officers of the police.

    The involvement of the police high command and the Minister of Interior in the effort to combat crime in Lagos State underscores Ambode’s determination to confront the security challenges of Lagos State head-on as a team player who believes that the issue of security involves all critical stakeholders. The minister, who represented President Mohammadu Buhari, was so fascinated with Ambode’s gesture that he enjoined other governors to emulate him.

    The first thing that comes to the mind of an average Lagosian with the display of the sophisticated equipment and weapons is psychological relief that alas, we can sleep with our eyes closed. There will be no more excuses on the part of the police that there is no patrol vehicle, no bullet proof vest, no gunboat to combat waterways robbers etc.

    The new items presented to the police have started yielding results as the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni has increased the police presence at dark spots in the state from about 165 locations to over 200 by adding an additional 85 or thereabout. This is possible because of the new vehicles and gadgets.

    Apart from the vehicles and equipment presented to the police, Ambode still has a lot of job to do in terms of easing the traffic gridlock in the state which gave the robbers the chance to operate in the first place. While Lagosians have noticed a tremendous improvement in the traffic gridlock in the state in recent times due to the collaborative effort of the various drivers’ unions who are now Special Traffic Marshals and the enforcement of traffic rules, the situation could still be better if this tempo is maintained. Little wonder he told the police authorities that Lagosians would no longer accept any excuses after the huge investment his government has committed on the vehicles, equipment, gadgets, training and their  insurance.

    What Ambode has done is to take the security agents to the public court and tell them that he has played his own part leaving the rest to the police. This is the best way to go as the whole world now shift attention on how the security agents utilise the items presented to them to the benefit of the general public. As the chief security officer of the state on whose table the buck stops, Ambode has demonstrated that he is in charge and on top of the security situation in the state. Be that as it may, the Federal Government whose responsibility it is to kit and supply equipment and gadget to the police should not abandon this role to state governments. If Lagos State government is buoyant to invest such a colossal sum on the police, what of other states that are not so buoyant but with security challenges?

    As Lagosians basked in the euphoria of the new equipment and gadgets presented to the police to secure them and their property, we hope the police will reciprocate the gesture as promised by the Inspector-General of Police by chasing the criminals out thereby making the state and secured.

    • Afolabi writes from Surulere.
  • Criminals conceal gun inside loaf of bread

    Criminals conceal gun inside loaf of bread

    •Police in Rivers kill 10 suspected hoodlums

    The Rivers State Police Command yesterday paraded two suspected robbers in Port Harcourt, the state capital, for allegedly concealing a gun inside a loaf of bread.

    The command also paraded 10 other suspected hoodlums, including two women, who specialised in robbing bank customers at the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) points and bank gates at gunpoint, as well as 12 suspected kidnappers and 21 cultists.

    The suspected were reportedly arrested in various parts of the state between November 1 and 13.

    The police said they recovered 84 assorted guns and 17 cartridges from the suspects.

    They said 10 suspected hoodlums were killed within the period.

    Addressing reporters in Port Harcourt, Police Commissioner Musa Kimo said the command rescued 12 kidnap victims and recovered 15 vehicles.

    Represented by the command’s spokesman Mohammed Ahmed, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), the police chief assured that the command would cage criminals across the state, especially during the coming festive period.

    He said: “We want to again address and brief you of some of the activities we are doing in order to ensure we gring the activities of anti-social elements in Rivers State to a near halt, if not totally eradicated.

    “The people we are parading today are of three categories: they are suspected robbers, cultists and kidnappers. They were arrested from different parts of the state.

    “A gangster among the robbers we arrested concealed their operational gun inside a loaf of bread; some of the cultists were arrested at their initiation ground and a great quantity of wraps of dried leaves, suspected to be Indian hemp, was recovered from them.

    “Fifteen vehicles were recovered from them, one of which is owned by one of the victims, who they kidnapped with the vehicle. Some of the robbers paraded here were found with sets of police uniform and several other items.

    “We are assuring the public that we are not resting on our oars; we shall continue to live up to our responsibilities. We are urging them to go about their normal business without fear. But we still ask for useful information from them.

    “These achievements are largely predicated on the tremendous support the command is enjoying from the security conscious and patriotic citizens by way of volunteering timely, credible and actionable information.

    “Finally, the command reiterates its determination to sustain the onslaught to the identified similar criminals’ hideouts. Such operation would be sustained with all vigour until the nefarious activities of the undesirable elements are brought to a halt.”

     

  • Community to Delta Govt.: You’re shielding criminals, oil thieves

    Community to Delta Govt.: You’re shielding criminals, oil thieves

    It was a very dejected and nonplussed Chief Yangaboy Angalabiri that spoke with our reporter last weekend in Odimodi community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The over 90-year-old Amadiwei (traditional head) of the community was embattled; he was yet to fully recover from militants’ invasion of the community in the wee hours of August 31. Yet, another crisis is in the offing in his community. The old man, like most men his age, is battling a cocktail of ailments.

    “You have seen me; even if you do not know my age, you can know that I am a very old man. Yet, as old as I am, some people want to chase me out of my community and make me a stranger in a foreign land.

    “They are doing this because they have money, they have government and they know big men in the military. I don’t have money, I am standing on the path of truth,” he bewailed in a shaky voice.

    Odimodi has not known peace since the beginning of this year, or in a very long time. The community has risen against itself over the leadership of the community’s executive. There are allegations that a faction led by Preslyn Iyalagha is undermining the traditional institution and using wealth, influence and ties to the state government and security agencies to thwart the peace and orderliness of the oil-rich clan.

    Iyalagha is battling with the traditional institution over the establishment of a committee for the community.

    There seems to be no end in sight for the beleaguered community as the drums of wars seem to be sounding again. The threat to the peace this time around, is not from the camp of the militants who invaded the community on that long, fearful night of August, but the atmosphere is charged by a Delta State Government directive to security operatives to “invade” the community today, October 23 and install a new executive for the community, against the wish of the people, who have vowed to resist the move.

    A terse letter from Burutu Local Government Area, signed by the Secretary, Hon. Awisi Victor said Governor Ifeanyi Okowa directed the Local Government Area to oversee “the selection of a new caretaker committee to be headed by Ifiekorowei son by the Eluwe Congress of Odimodi community.”

    But those indigenous to the town are obstinate that the Eluwei (general) congress of the clan cannot be forced by a state government, which they also averred, lacked the powers to coerce them to install an executive when they have one that was legally constituted.

    n the wake of that directive, a gunboat of the JTF, carrying some exiled members of the community last week visited. It was learnt that the community accused those brought in and “their paymasters” of instigating the attack on the town, a suspicion which led to their banishment from the town.

    However, sources in Odimodi said the soldiers who brought them last week said they were directed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Burutai to resettle the duo and others.

    “Two of the military men were Israel Owowo and Chigozie Igbomba. We don’t know the interest of the army in escorting people who were chased out of the town over the August 31 invasion, during which at least five buildings were razed down. They attempted a ‘coup’ to overthrow the legitimate authority of the kingdom. The Amadiwei and dozens others were chased into the bush by gun-wielding gang, who laid siege to the town until they were overpowered by the JTF troops from Warri.

    “Now, in a strange twist, soldiers who came to rescue the village from the invasion have now been sent to force those who we believe are part of those terrorising the community, back to the town. What kind of thing is that?” an aggrieved member of the town told Niger Delta Report.

    Meanwhile, it was gathered that the latest development was the fallout of a peace move of the state government. In a meeting held on September 29; one month after the invasion, it was gathered that the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Festus Ovie Agas, who presided over the meeting, sued for peace among the brothers.

    Sources in the meeting said the SSG impressed upon the committee on the need to “let bygone be bygone”, in the interest of peace, but his demeanour was construed as a ploy to force those whose houses were burnt soft pedal on their quest for investigation and prosecution of the culprits.

    Community representatives, who ostensibly had gotten wind of the mindset of the SSG, went with their position paper, which they presented to him after he allegedly refused to allow them speak.

    The document marked “The Position of the Odimodi in Re: The Bombing and Burning of Houses and Holding the Entire Community Hostage with Explosives, Guns and other Dangerous Weapons…” said the attack by the Red Beret militant group, was financed by one of the protagonists.

    “The macabre dance leading to the bombing, burning down of houses and holding the entire community hostage is a classic case of ‘corruption fighting back’ because the Odimodi community has said no to the sole sponsor of the Red Beret.

    “We are constrained to make this point clearly because we do not want the state government to convert the acts of criminality against our community as a mere misunderstanding between two groups in the community.

    If they intended to tie the arm of the SSG from helping “his friends”, they failed.

    Agas, in a letter No.SC/T.6/Vol.78/191 of October, said after the meeting, it was resolved and agreed on by all parties that the executive committee set up by the community should be dissolved to pave the way for another selected by an Eluwe Congress under the supervision of the council chairman.

    The letter further directed that all pending court cases should be withdrawn and directed security agencies (JTF) to maintain surveillance until the return of total peace.

    In what the community leaders considered a veiled threat, the letter, signed by A.C. Abuah on behalf of the SSG, said: “… the security agencies have been directed to deal with anybody or group of persons who violates the above stated resolutions.”

    The leadership of the community swiftly met and strongly denounced the ‘Resolution’ and ‘agreement’ claimed by the Ovie Agas-led meeting.

    In a letter to the governor, signed by Apostle Monday Laide, Elder Anthony Pudie, Chief Godspower Omonime and Chief SMB Bibaikefie (JP), a copy of which was made available to Niger Delta Report, members of the Chiefs/Elders’ Council, Amadiwei-in-Council and various clan heads, accused the SSG of bending the truth.

    The letter stated: “The fact that such agreements were not reached is underscored by the threat to use the security agencies to ‘deal with anybody or group of persons who violates’ them. You will agree that if all parties had agreed …there would be no need for the threats contained in his letter or fears of violating the said resolutions reached with the SSG.”

    They accused the SSG of attempting to force a predetermined “unilateral and dictatorial resolution” down their throat in order to protect his perceived allies and cronies who are fingered for the crimes against the community.

    “The SSG is acting the script of the trio of the Chairman of Burutu LGA, a serving member of the Delta State House of Assembly and a one-time commissioner in the state. Two of the suspects who attacked, bombed ad burnt down our homes are currently political aides of the same trio.”

    Rather than the autonomous resolution, the community demanded that the persons arrested in connection with their town should be investigated and tried in the law court and punished, if found guilty.

    “The SSG is poised to shield these criminals who are cronies and without any moral sense appoint these same persons to run our community government. The SSG is simply adding salt to injury and this will be difficult to take by the Odimodi people.”

    Continuing, they hinted that the state government was not interested in getting justice for the aggrieved people of the area, but to shield their supporters and those who aided their elections.

    “The brazenness with which the supposed agents of government are not only trying to shield these criminals but also insisting on imposing these same characters as members of the executive of our community using the machinery of the government is why we are requesting you to stop and call for a thorough investigation.

    “The SSG has repeatedly mocked the Chairman of our community, Chief Elex Pukon, whose house was completely razed during the August 31 attack…. SSG told Chief Pukon that the story of the burning down of his house was a mere expression of ‘misplaced sentiments’.

    “Even when Ebikeme Clark confirmed to the SSG that Chief Pulkon lost all of his properties in the attack, SSG mockingly told Mr Clark to buy Chief Pukon some ‘Okrika (second-hand) clothes’ to wear.”

    Speaking with our reporter on the crisis in the clan, Chief Angalabiri explained that there was no leadership crisis in the community as the public is being made to believe, explaining that the problem stemmed from the activities of persons who wanted to impose themselves as leaders of the clan.

    “There is no leadership crisis in Odimodi; what we have is a situation where some criminal elements want to start the business of illegal bunkering and restart militancy. The traditional leadership of the town, chiefs, elders and leaders as well as youths and women have said no. That is why we are being attacked by these boys.”

    He lamented that, in spite of the havoc wreaked on the community, carnage, razing of buildings and general bedlam, the government and security agencies did not deem it fit to take sides with the community, but instead chose to support the alleged criminals.

    “Government rejected us and we are left in dejection because we thought the government is to support the upright and just. But we were mistaken as the government wants to come and impose an executive led by our traducers. They have refused to deal with the criminals,” he said.

    The nonagenarian expressed concerns that the action of the government and security agencies’ lackadaisical response to the issue of militancy, oil theft and arson attack on the community could escalate the tension in the town.

    He remarked that unless the state government develops the willpower to insulate criminality from party affiliation and affinity, there would be no headway in the effort to bring lasting peace to the town.

    He particularly cautioned that a situation where acts of criminality are treated as ‘family affair’ while victims are mocked and treated with disdain by government official creates the impression that a section of the society is above the law.

    “Two suspects were arrested. Those quizzed made revealing statements to security operatives. But pressure from government ensured that they were released unconditionally.

    “Because we have stood on the path of truth and insisted on justice, we are being threatened and labelled as fighting the government because some persons are close to people in the corridors of power in the state and Burutu council,” he added.

    Mr Ovie Agas, who answered our reporter’s call on Monday morning defended the government’s directive, saying: “We asked them to find an in-house settlement.”

    Further attempts to get clarification on the ‘in-house settlement’ he suggested were rebuffed, as he declined further telephone calls.

    At the time of filing this report, uneasy calm pervaded the community. Some of those who spoke with Niger Delta Report described the situation as calm before the Friday storm”.

     

  • Imo turns on the heat on criminals

    Imo turns on the heat on criminals

    Violent criminals are no longer having a field day in Imo State as the police haul in suspected kidnappers, child-traffickers, cultists and robbers. OKODILI NDIDI reports

    Crime no longer seems to be so risk-free in Imo State. But that is because the police are tightening the screw on felons. Kidnapping is no more rampant. Child-trafficking appears to be in recession, as are armed robbery and cult clashes.

    •CP Lakanu
    •CP Lakanu

    Since the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu took office, there seems to be only two options left for criminal elements in the state, especially kidnappers and cultists: relocate from the state or meet your waterloo.

    The dragnet of the police has made it almost impossible for these daredevil kidnappers to execute their plans without being caught or killed in gun battle with policemen. Unlike in the past when kidnappers smiled to the bank with millions of naira extorted from family members of their victims, now they are caught even before they can open up negotiations and the victims rescued without any ransom.

    It has also seized to be business as usual for notorious cultists, who had turned the state, especially Owerri, the state capital, into a killing field. Deadly cult clashes which often resulted to massive waste of live and properties of innocent people in broad daylight has also reduced significantly.

    The Commissioner of Police had on assumption of duty on September 2, vowed to make the state uncomfortable for all criminal elements that hid under different guises to perpetrate crime and going by the successful bursting of notorious armed robbery, kidnapping and child trafficking syndicates, the police boss has kept his promise.

    The residents, especially businessmen and hoteliers, had constantly lived with the fear of the kidnappers who attacked their victims even in broad daylight. But today the presence of police patrol vans at every corner of the state has scared the hoodlums away and restored the confidence of the people.

    Showcasing the achievements of his first month in the command, Lakanu promised to sustain the offensive against the criminals until crime is reduced to the barest minimum in the state.

    He attributed his achievements to a renewed strategy, re-structuring, training and re-training of personnel as well as re-invigoration of outfits and coordinated efforts.

    Enumerating the achievements recorded by the Command, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, disclosed that “on  the 21/09/2015, following a tip-off, eagle-eyed operatives of the command nabbed an armed robbery syndicate connected with the robbery of N47 million on 07/09/2015 from one Prince Francis Ogbuji ‘m’ of Ukoromi filling station Amakohia Owerri.

    •The suspected kidnappers
    •The suspected kidnappers

    “The suspects arrested in the well coordinated operation at Mile 1 Diobu Port Harcourt include; One Ifeanyi  Henry Anyaegbu ‘m’ 36 years of age of Amaimo Ikeduru L.G.A but resides at 96 Emenike Street Mile 1 Diobu, Port Harcourt, Ogadi Nwaka ‘m’ 32 years of age of Awo-Mbieri, Mbaitoli L.G.A, Chukwuemeka Anyanwu ‘m’ 35 years of age of Amorji Isiala Ngwa L.G.A Abia state but resides at No. 32 Nnanka Street Mile 1 Diobu Port Harcourt and  Ede Ogechukwu Samuel ‘m’ 26 years of age of Akpugo Nkanu L.G.A Enugu state but resides at No. 22 Okwelle Street, Mile 2 Diobu Port Harcourt.

    “Exhibits recovered from the suspects include; one Toyota Carina with reg. No. SPR – 872 – PB which was used as the operational vehicle and one Nissan Wagon with reg. No. FST – 897 – DY. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation for possible prosecution.

    The statement continued that, “on the 8/09/2015, following a tip-off, operatives of the command busted a child trafficking syndicate which uses Comfort Orphanage/Child Care Centre, located at Ngerem Estate, Irete, Owerri West L.G.A to carry out their nefarious activities. During the raid at the hideout, the following persons were arrested including pregnant women and children.

    “Those arrested include Chizoba Obiagwu ‘f” 20 years of age from Umuduru Umunoha Mbaitoli L.G.A, Happiness Iheanacho ‘f’ 27yrs of age from Umuokenga Eziobodo Owerri West Local Government Area, Chidinma Iheanacho 7 years and Chioma Iheanacho 5 years.

    “Others were Ihusaa Chinedu ‘m’ 47 years of age from Umuodetu Nekede Owerri West L.G.A, Patience Azuoma ‘f’ 20 years of age from Umuahu Orji, Owerri North L.G.A, Sunday Ihusaa ‘m’ aged 30 years of No. 5 Bus-stop, Nekede, Owerri West L.G.A and Victor Filian ‘f’ of Nnarambia, Ahiazu Mbaise.

    “Also on the 18/09/2015 operatives of the command following a tip-off from good spirited members of the public arrested an armed robbery syndicate at Pinewood hotel along Orlu road Owerri.

    “Members of the syndicate which specialised in snatching and selling of cars came into town from Port-Harcourt and include Joseph King ‘m’ aged 26yrs of No. 1 Alfa Garden Akpajio road 1 Eleme Port Harcourt, Wisdom Labari ‘m’ aged 18 yrs of Zina road Agbonchima Port-Harcourt, Rivers state,

    John Miracle Goke ‘m’ aged 18yrs of No. 1 Chief John Goke close Akpajio Eleme, Rivers state, Okolie Paschal ‘m’ aged 19yrs of No. 91 Odami road Elelenwo, Rivers state.

    Others were, “Sunday Enyeribe ‘m’ aged 27yrs of Dunamic Lodge Umuerim Nekede Owerri. Hope Uche Apuah aged 20yrs of No. 1B Education Road, Oyibo, Rivers sate. Chima Anene aged 27yrs of Jake bus stop by Arise and Shine Abjo, Rivers state, Isaac Gbunka aged 22yrs of No. 38 Old road, Port Harcourt.

    “One Toyota Corolla with car registration number. EF – 964 – FST and one Ford Explorer XLS Jeep with reg. No. APP – 987 – BZ were recovered from the suspects”.

    Also in Police arrested within the period under review according to the Command’s spokesperson were members of the Vikings Confraternity, “on the 16th of September, 2015, operatives of Imo State Command with the aid of good spirited individuals arrested two cultists one Friday Umeibe ‘m’ of Ohafia L.G.A in Abia state and one Samuel Eke ‘m’ of Amaekpu Ohafia L.G.A in Abia state.

    “The two boys who are both National Diploma 2 (ND 2) Public Administration students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede were arrested inside the school premises and have made useful statements to the police admitting to be members of a cult group known as Vikings Confraternity. One silent stainless steel pistol was recovered from the cultists.

    “Also on the 13th of September, 2015, operatives of Imo State Command acting on a tip-off arrested one Chizoba Nnadogu ‘f’ 25yrs of age from Umuaka Imo State who gave birth to a baby boy on the 19th of June, 2015 at Onyebuchi Maternity Clinic, Umuhu Okabia in Orsu L.G.A and thereafter conspired with one Ijeoma Eboka ‘f’ 42yrs of age from Okporo Orlu in Orlu L.G.A and Lovelene Okereke ‘f’ 33yrs of age from Orlu in Orlu L.G.A and sold the baby boy to One Chinwe Chukwuka ‘f’ 46yrs of age from Umuoma Ihioma in Orlu L.G.A at the cost of N750, 000 while the sum of N200, 000 was given to the mother of the child”.

     

    The statement also revealed that “on the 05/09/2015, the Command got intelligence report that two rival cult groups known as Vikings and Black Axe were engaged in a fight at Njemanze Street, Owerri. In a coordinated operation, operatives of the command were quickly drafted to the scene where one of the suspected cult members was found dead and others wounded.

    “Those arrested include Chukwuma Anuga ‘m’, Lucky Ekpefua ‘m’, Kalu Aji ‘m’ , Chukwuma Peter ‘m’, Uche Felix ‘m’ and Uju Anukam ‘m’. The suspects who are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation have made useful statements to the Police on their involvement on the robbery attack at No. Sir Njoku Street, Area ‘M’ World Bank Owerri on the 1st of September, 2015 during which properties worth millions of naira were carted away.

    “There was also the case of unlawful possession of firearms.

    On 04/09/2015, eagle-eyed operatives of the command while on surveillance patrol arrested one Ifeanyi Nwadike ‘m’ of No. 71 Douglas road Owerri, items recovered from the suspect include a locally made pistol and one live cartridge”.

    Meanwhile residents of the state have continued to laud the efforts of the police in pruning down the alarming rate of crime in the state. Dr Okwusinachi Moses, stated that, “at last we can go about our business without the fear of been whisked away by gunmen. We commend the efforts of the Police and we urge them to do more until these criminals are sent packing”.

    •Some recovered arms and ammunition
    •Some recovered arms and ammunition

    Also at Ohaji-Egbema, a riverine community, which has been the haven of hardened criminals and cultists, a notorious gang of armed robbers has willingly surrendered their weapons following the recent onslaught against criminal hideouts by the Police.

    Chief  Samuel Ibecheodo, a member of the Police Community Relations Commission (PCRC), who lauded the achievements of the CP, however urged the residents and stakeholders to partner the Police in fighting crime in the state.

    He posited that with credible information and cooperation from the people, the police command under the current leadership will restore peace and order in the state, “we have all seen what the new CP, Mr. Lakanu did in just one month, the kidnappers and armed robbers are relocating the state and we should support and encourage him to do more”.

    The breakdown of the number of arrests made under the period include; 17 suspected armed robbers, nine suspected kidnappers, eight suspected cultists, 14 suspected child traffickers The items recovered include seven vehicles, arms and ammunition, while eight kidnap victims were rescued.

     

  • Police chief warns criminals

    Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mike Ogbodu has warned criminals to leave the state because there is no hiding place for them.
    Addressing reporters at the command’s headquarters in Akure, the Ondo State capital shortly after assuming duty, the new police chief urged members of the public to join hands with the police in the fight against crime. The former Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, has been transferred to the Force headquarters, Abuja.
    Ogbodu expressed his determination to fight crime in all parts of the state, even as he cautioned his men not to indulge in criminal acts.
    According to him, he was in the state with the aim of projecting the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, assuring that community policing would be given a priority henceforth. He called for the people’s support in the fight against crime.
    He assured that the state would be peaceful throughout his tenure, adding that the state police command would not tolerate indiscipline among police officers.
    Ogbodu also advised residents to report all criminal activities and suspected criminals to the police for proper investigation and actions.

  • Police restates commitment to rid FCT of criminals

    Police restates commitment to rid FCT of criminals

    The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of the command’s commitment to rid the territory of criminals.

    Wilson gave the assurance at a meeting with Media Executives, motor mechanics and panel beaters in Abuja on Monday.

    “We want to assure you that our raid on black spots in the territory is ongoing and some arrests and discoveries have been made,“ he said.

    He said that the meeting was part of the strategies adopted by the command to fight crime in the territory.

    “The police will continue to interface with members of the community for safe environment.

    “FCT is safe and secure, there are no major issues of concerns, but we are on red alert,“ he said.

    The commissioner said that all entrance and exit points into the territory were secure.

    He said that the command’s operation was not limited to the city centre alone but also to the satellite settlements.

    Wilson assured that the command would not hesitate to punish any personnel for any acts of indiscipline in the course of carrying out their duty.

    “The Command will not condone any acts of indiscipline, we will deal decisively with it,“ he said.

    On the cases of car theft in the territory, he urged motor mechanics and panel beaters to always report to the police before painting or replacing parts of accident vehicles.

    “We must know why you are changing the colour or part of the vehicle, “ he said.

    He added that there would be massive operation by personnel of the command against unpainted taxis operating in the territory.

    Wilson said that the command would work in collaboration with the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation and FCT Transportation Department, to allow painted taxis access to some places.

    He said that the command was collaborating with neighbouring states of Kogi, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Niger to check crime.

    The commissioner commended the media for partnering with the command in the fight against crime in the territory.

    Contributing, Chris Okenwa of We FM radio, urged the commissioner to ensure that residents of satellite towns in the FCT benefited from services of the police.

    Mr. Chris Agbambu, Abuja Bureau Chief of the Nigerian Tribune, commended the efforts of the command in responding quickly to distress calls by residents

     

  • Naval chief warns criminals as new warship arrives

    The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Nigerian Navy in Calabar, Cross River State, yesterday added a new warship, the NNS Centenary, to its fleet.

    The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, who was ground to receive the ship at the NNS Victory jetty, said the ship is to further reinforce the presence of the navy in the Eastern flank of the country’s maritime space.

    Ibas said, “When we talk about maritime security, you have to know that it goes with development. Maritime security has a nexus with development. Nobody wants to do business in an insecure environment. As you are aware, the bulk of the resources that bring development come from the sea and the essence of the new ship, the newest in the fleet, is to further reinforce our presence in the Eastern flank of the nation’s maritime space. We are going to have credible presence. The ship has the capacity to carry helicopters. We are also working with the Air Force to sanitize the Eastern flank.

    “The new ship is capable of staying on sea for two weeks. It is no longer going to be business as usual for the bad guys at sea. Those doing their business at sea would have confidence to go about their business at ease. Whoever is a criminal at sea should know bad times await them.”

  • No hiding place for criminals, say northern governors

    Governors of North Western States and Niger met again in Kaduna on yesterday to review the security approach towards ending cattle rustling and other security challenges in Kamuku and Kuyanbana Forests.

    The five Governors of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states met in June to form a joint security operation against the dreaded Kamuku Forest.

    Meanwhile, at the yeterday’s review meeting held alongside security chiefs, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and his Sokoto counterpart had joined the five governors to avoid spillover of security challenges around their states when criminals are smoked out of the forest.

    Briefing newsmen after the close door meeting which lasted for three hours, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwwal said they will leave no stone unturned to ensure maximum security in their domain.

    He noted that, the collaborative approach adopted by the states surrounding Kamuku and Kuyanbana Forests has paid off, as it has started yielding positive results.

    According to Tambuwwal, “We have resolved to support the security agencies both material, financially and morally to improved security situation and ensure that there is no hideout for criminals in the North-west sub-region.

    “The collaboration between the states and Federal Government has been very helpful. So, we just sat to review the way forward and how to bring about peaceful coexistence in our region.

    “With reports reaching us so far from the security operatives, we are satisfied that the operation is successful and moving smoothly. And we are hopeful that in no distance future, peace will return to the region.

    “Initially, it was only five states of Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi but today other states like Sokoto and Kano have decided to join hands with the movement to ensure that no hideout for the criminals or terrorists.”

     

     

     

  • Criminals’ new tactics in Delta, by police

    The Delta Police Command has issued security alert over the activities of a criminal syndicate disguising as disabled persons to rob unsuspecting members of the public.

    The Command spokesperson, DSP Celestina Kalu, in a statement in Asaba, said the syndicate, which comprised of a man and a woman, operate by boarding commercial buses and robbing passengers at gunpoint.

    “The Delta State Police Command wishes to alert the general public, particularly transport companies operating in the southern part of the country of the activities of a criminal syndicate.

    “The syndicate comprised of a young man who uses clutches and a young woman. Their modus operandi is to charter commercial buses from any part of the region under the guise of coming to Agbor in Delta State.

    “They pretend to be coming to Agbor to pack their belongings, only to end up robbing their unsuspecting victims/drivers,” Kalu said.

    The police spokesperson said that information at the disposal of the command revealed that the criminal syndicate recently chartered a driver from Ilorin to Agbor and robbed him of his vehicle.

    She urged the public to report to the nearest police station or security agency if they come in contact with the syndicate.

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  • IGP Arase to policemen: don’t allow criminals to overwhelm Rivers

    IGP Arase to policemen: don’t allow criminals to overwhelm Rivers

    •Wike donates 64 vehicles to security operatives

    Inspector-General Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has urged men of the Rivers State Police Command to bust criminal gangs from their hideouts to secure the state from criminals.

    There is a preponderance of illegal arms and ammunition in the Southsouth, especially in Rivers State.

    The police must do everything possible to ensure they were mopped up, Arase said.

    The police chief spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, when he addressed men and officers of the command, civil society groups and other stakeholders during his maiden visit to the state.

    Arase was in Rivers State to receive 64 units of patrol vehicles donated to security operatives, including the police, Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    The vehicles are meant to boost the agencies’ fight against crimes and criminality.

    Arase said records would not be re-written negatively in the security history of Nigeria, adding that it had never been heard that criminals overpowered the security agencies of any country, including Nigeria.

    The IGP urged the police to ensure that criminals were frustrated out of the state.

    He hailed Police Commissioner Chris Ezike for fighting criminals since he assumed office on June 2.

    Arase urged him to step up the fight.

    He said: “I am here today to first share with you the policy thrust we’re having in the Nigerian Police Force and to commend you for the hard work you have done in this past one month to ensure that Rivers State does not degenerate into the state of anomie.

    “I also thank Chris Ezike for providing the leadership that has brought the state to the part of sanity.

    “I want to commend you …for all you have done in this past one month to reignite the indomitable fighting spirit of the Nigerian Police Force. There is no way we will allow criminal gangs mand groups to overwhelm the state. It has never happened in the history of any law enforcement agencies. I think it will not happen in Nigeria of our time.

    “We will not allow these culprits to take over this state or the citizens. Economic development cannot take place in any society, if the society is not safe and secure.

    “I want to commend all of you for all you have done in this last one month and to say that the one month state of emergency that has been declared is not enough to sanitise the security situation in Rivers to my satisfaction. It is because of this I am going to extend it by another one month.” Ezike told Arase that the state had a high number of illegal firearms in circulation.

    The police commissioner said they were suspected to be the offshoots of the March and April general elections.

    But he assured that the command would recover such arms.