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Tag: Police

  • Police launch manhunt for kidnappers of woman in Arepo

    Police launch manhunt for kidnappers of woman in Arepo

    The police in Ogun State have begun manhunt for armed men who kidnapped a woman at Orange Estate in Arepo on Thursday night.

    The woman identified simply as Mrs. Odumosu A. was kidnapped around 9:55pm at her residence by four armed masked men.

    The kidnappers were said to have waylaid the woman and dragged her off her Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) as she was about to enter her residence at Aminu street.

    They were said to have taken her through the swamps to an unknown destination.

    Confirming the incident, spokesperson for Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola said the Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo has ordered discreet operations aimed towards ensuring her safe rescue.

    Read Also: Nigerians hired as UK prison officers sleep in cars, camp near jails

    Asked if the woman kidnapped was the wife of retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu, Odutola said she was not aware of that information, adding that all she knew was that the victim was identified as one Mrs. Odumosu.

    “The retired AIG has not come forward to say his wife was kidnapped. I don’t know where the press got the information and I cannot confirm an information that I do not have.

    ” I can tell you that all efforts are on to ensure the woman’s safe rescue.

    “The incident was reported at the Warewa Police Division and officers were immediately deployed to the swampy bushes to search for the woman.

    “Also, locals have been contacted through the Baales of the community and communities nearby. We are leaving now stone unturned to ensure that the woman is rescued and the suspects arrested.

    “The CP, Lanre Ogunlowo PhD has been briefed and all covert operations have been deployed to assist with digital intelligence to ensure she is rescued unhurt,” she said.

  • Police budget presentation saga at NASS needless – IGP

    Police budget presentation saga at NASS needless – IGP

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun yesterday  described the disruption during the Police budget defence at the National Assembly last Thursday as unnecessary and avoidable.

    Egbetokun clarified that the document he presented was earlier shared with all committee members.

    He said two versions of the budget documents were provided to the committee members: a comprehensive copy and an abridged version.

    Addressing the incident that occurred during the presentation of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) 2025 budget to the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the police boss said: “While both contained same figures and facts, the abridged version used simplified language to facilitate understanding.

    “At the start of the session, the committee members unanimously agreed with a motion that the IGP should present the abridged version since they all had access to both documents.

    “However, distinguished Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi (Ebonyi North), who arrived late, began referencing the comprehensive version while the IGP presented the abridged version.

    “Despite explanations from other committee members about the earlier agreement and the consistency between both versions, the Senator refused to listen and abruptly left the session.”

    The IGP described the incident as: “unnecessary drama that could have been avoided had the senator been receptive to the clarifications provided.”

    Egbetokun reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force did not submit two different 2025 budgetary proposal documents to the joint committees at the National Assembly, contrary to the reports circulating in the news and media outlets.

    Read Also: Police arrest 16 kidnappers in Edo Central, as Okpebholo orders demolition of houses

    A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Inspector-General has also reiterated the significant challenges the NPF faces with budget allocations.

    “These include inadequate funding, which hampers modernisation and effective service delivery, the restrictive envelope budget system, and delays in fund releases.

    “These challenges continue to impede the Force’s ability to address its expanding and dynamic responsibilities.

    “The IGP called on the public to remain patient and supportive of the Police as the Force remains committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism and dedication.”

  • Police bust illegal weapons factory, arrest cultist, two murder suspects

    Police bust illegal weapons factory, arrest cultist, two murder suspects

    The Police have busted an illegal weapons manufacturing factory in Benue State, arrested a notorious cultist in Delta State, and apprehended two murder suspects in Kebbi State.

    In a statement released on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “on January 11, 2025, police operatives in Benue State raided a weapons manufacturing factory in Tse Akamabe Area of Kwande LGA, arresting two suspects: Friday Aduduakambe and Iorwashima Iornyume, also known as “AK.”

    “Upon a coordinated search of the factory, the following items were recovered: 9 locally fabricated pistols, 1 locally fabricated AK47 rifle (unfinished), 2 gas cylinders, 4 vise machines, 1 filing machine and numerous other weapons manufacturing tools,” the statement revealed.

    Read Also: Police raid illegal weapons factory, arrest cultist, two murder suspects

    “In another operation, police in Delta State, acting on credible intelligence, raided the apartment of a notorious Eiye confraternity member, Prosper Akeni, in DSC. Akeni, identified as a hitman for the cult group, was arrested, and a cache of weapons was recovered from his residence, including 1 English revolver pistol, 1 berretta pistol, 2 locally made double barrel guns, 2 locally made single barrel guns, 1 locally made revolver pistol, 1 locally made single barrel pistol, and 25 rounds of ammunition.

    “The suspect confessed the guns recovered belonged to his cult group and he was in custody of them as the number one man in the group,” the statement added.

    “Furthermore, the police in Kebbi State arrested two suspects for separate murder cases. On December 31, 2024, Yunusa Haruna was apprehended for the fatal stabbing of his elder brother, Isiyaku Haruna, in Shanga Local Government Area. In a separate incident on January 8, 2025, Abubakar Ummar was arrested in Zuru Village for the stabbing to death of Mohammed Bala during an argument.”

  • Police raise anti-money laundering units to curb terrorism financing

    Police raise anti-money laundering units to curb terrorism financing

    • IG warns against economic sabotage

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has established the Police Anti-Money Laundering Units of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    Egbetokun also appointed a renowned financial expert, Police Commissioner Hyacinth Azuka Edozie with other officers of the rank of Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) to lead the units in all State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) across the country.

    The IGP said the initiative is a strategic move to strengthen the role of the police in national security, specifically in combating financial crimes.

    He said it would be used to counter the sophisticated methods used by terrorist organisations and other criminal entities in financing their activities.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by Force Public Relations officer (FPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), reads: “The establishment underscores the Force’s commitment to safeguarding national security by preventing and detecting illicit financial activities that could undermine the country’s stability. It also enhances the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies, especially the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in furtherance of its global oversight functions, to address various security threats.

    “As a testament to the zeal to curb financial crimes and boost national security, the police recently made significant arrests in Kano and Nasarawa states.

    “On December 8, 2024, at Gwale in Kano, operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Nura Ibrahim and discovered N129,542,823,000 in counterfeit currencies, with a breakdown of 3,366,000 in counterfeit U.S dollars; 51,970 in counterfeit CFA franc, and 1,443,000 in counterfeit naira. The arrest led to further arrests of accomplices Muhammed Muntari and Usman Abdullahi.

    Read Also: IGP establishes police anti-money laundering units to curb terrorism financing

    “Similarly, on January 13, 2025, the Force arrested 53-year-old Ephraim Barde in New Karu, Nasarawa State, with counterfeit U.S. dollar notes totalling $160,000. Following the arrest, further investigations are underway to determine the full scope of Barde’s involvement and identify any accomplices. The police are committed to preventing further threats to the nation’s financial system.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its efforts to combat financial crimes and ensure a secure economic environment with a view to promoting national security for the safety of all Nigerians and residents. The establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Units is a vital step in this mission.

    “The IGP calls on all citizens to play an active role in national security by reporting suspicious activities related to counterfeit currency and financial crimes.”

  • Police charge Ibom Air passenger to court for unruly behaviour

    Police charge Ibom Air passenger to court for unruly behaviour

    The Nigeria Police have charged an Ibom Air passenger, Ms Chiamaka Don Ubani to court for  unruly behaviour.

    On Wednesday, 08/01/2025, an Ibom Air flight scheduled to depart Uyo for Abuja at 1730hrs was disrupted by Ms Ubani.

     Her actions, according to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu ensured that 89 other passengers on board lost valuable time, money, and opportunities. 

    Giving an update on the case, Achimugu said she was charged on two counts charges.

    Read Also: Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Tinubu urges Nigerians to shun violence, promote unity

    The charges are; “Intentionally and maliciously preventing the door of the aircraft from closing and obstructing flight Q1528 from flying, thereby committed offence punishable under section 436 of the criminal code, cap 39, volume. 2, laws of Akwa Ibom State.”

    “She constituted herself into a public nuisance by obstructing flight Q1528 from flying at the scheduled time, an act which caused inconvenience or damage to passengers already boarded and the general public and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 196(1)(f) of the criminal code.”
    Mr. Achimugu revealed that she was released on bail on Friday, January 10, 2025, adding that she is expected to appear at the Uyo Magistrate Court by February 4, 2025.
    The Authority while urging all passengers to shun unruly behaviour at the terminals and inside aircraft, noted that passengers with complaints should send all complaints to; michael.achimugu@ncaa.gov.ng
    ifueko.abdulmalik@ncaa.gov.ng cpd@ncaa.gov.ng

  • Police fund under CPS hits over N3.5tr

    Police fund under CPS hits over N3.5tr

    The Nigerian Police Force has over N3.5trillion in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), The Nation has learnt.

    Should the police withdraw from the scheme, about N5trillion would be affected in the wallet, which stands at N22 trillion as at last September.

    The Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, stated these known to reporters.

    Oloworaran emphasised the need for the police to remain in the scheme for them to not lose the funds.

    She said: “Based on our last estimate, it was going to cost N3.5 trillion if the police exit the scheme. And I told my team that it is not even the real cost because they have not looked at the opportunity cost, which is going to be close to N1.5trillion. If you add the opportunity cost to the actual cost, it will run into about N5trillion. So, again, why do you want to exit a scheme and go into something that you are not sure of?

    “Yes, there have been a lot of agitations for the police to exit the CPS, but most of them are ordinary Nigerians who just want better benefits. And while I say it’s the right cause to agitate for better benefits, I would also say that the way to get better benefits is not to exit the scheme. There is a need for engagement within the scheme and we would continue to engage across every level until we are able to get people to trust the CPS and know that whatever they are agitating for can be worked out within the CPS.

    Read Also: Police deny rumoured state of emergency over Oyo mysterious deaths

    She contined: “What we said to them is that the CPS offers security of funds and safety. The scheme is also sustainable because the contributions are coming in from the employees and employers. This is what has continued over 20 years. However, the police want better benefits. So, we all need to work together on how this can happen and incorporate it under the CPS. The Nigerian police work very hard in protecting citizens and I believe they deserve better benefits. So we hope that together with the government, we can get more benefits.’’

    “But exiting is not the way forward. It is not good for them because they don’t want the fund to be mismanaged. Even if they trust the people around them today, they don’t know who is coming to manage it in years to come that might just make the fund disappear. This cannot happen under the CPS. In addition, we have had a lot of issues in terms of funding when it comes to certain critical priorities. I am not even sure that the government can take care of such funding outside the scheme,” the DG noted.

  • Police demand apology, retraction from AI, threaten litigation

    Police demand apology, retraction from AI, threaten litigation

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has threatened to take legal action against Amnesty International (AI) for alleged false publication on last year’s #EndBadGovernance protest.

    The police said it would go to court, if the global rights watchdog does not publish a retraction over the publication.

    The police demanded the apology and retraction over AI’s report, titled: Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown On and Bad Governance Protests, in a letter, dated January 6, 2025, written to Amnesty International. 

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), reads: “The publication in question, which includes numerous unsubstantiated claims, falsely accuses the Nigeria Police of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests. Upon careful review and investigation, the NPF categorically rejects these baseless allegations, affirming that the claims are entirely false and without foundation.

    Read Also: Police deny rumoured state of emergency over Oyo mysterious deaths

    “The NPF emphasises that during the protests, the police acted with restraint and professionalism, even at the highest point of provocation and violent attacks, adhering to global best practices and using minimal force where necessary.

    “Evidence, including national media coverage, demonstrates the police’s efforts to maintain law and order while safeguarding peaceful protesters. Criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were, however, arrested and dealt with according to the law.

    “The Nigeria Police Force strongly believes that this misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence it has worked diligently to build with Nigerian citizens and residents. The Force further underscores that such false claims harm the reputation of the organisation and demoralise its officers who risk their lives to protect the public.”

  • Police may sue Amnesty International over publication

    Police may sue Amnesty International over publication

    The police have vowed to take legal actions against Amnesty International on what it described as false publication over the bad governance protest if there is no retraction.

    NPF demanded an immediate retraction and public apology concerning a publication titled: “Bloody August: Nigeria government’s violent crackdown on and bad governance protests” via a letter dated January 6, 2025 to Amnesty International. 

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police said: “The publication in question, which includes numerous unsubstantiated claims, falsely accuses the Nigeria Police of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests. Upon careful review and investigation, the NPF categorically rejects these baseless allegations, affirming that the claims are entirely false and without foundation.

    “The NPF emphasises that during the protests, the Police acted with restraint and professionalism, even at the highest point of provocation and violent  attacks, adhering to global best practices and using minimal force where necessary. Evidence, including national media coverage, demonstrates the Police’s efforts to maintain law and order while safeguarding peaceful protesters. Criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were however arrested and dealt with according to law.

    Read Also: Police burst Cabbie ‘killers’, arrest seven suspects

    “The Nigeria Police Force strongly believes that this misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence it has worked diligently to build with Nigerian citizens and residents. The Force further underscores that such false claims harm the reputation of the organization and demoralize its officers who risk their lives to protect the public.

    “In light of these falsehoods, the NPF has demanded that Amnesty International issues a formal retraction and public apology within seven days. Failure to comply will prompt the NPF to consider legal actions to protect its reputation”.

    Adejobi said the NPF remains committed to its duty of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, upholding the law, and earning the trust of the people it serves.

  • Police deny rumoured state of emergency over Oyo mysterious deaths

    Police deny rumoured state of emergency over Oyo mysterious deaths

    The Oyo State Police Command has refuted rumour on social media over the death of about 50 persons under mysterious circumstances and a subsequent declaration of a State of Emergency. 

    The Command warned members of the public against spreading fake and unverified news capable of disrupting enviable relative tranquility in the State.

    A statement by the spokesman of the Command, Adewale Osifeso urged all law-abiding residents of the state to go about their lawful businesses without any fear or molestation.

    Read Also: Police burst Cabbie ‘killers’, arrest seven suspects

    He stated that the Command will not renege on its statutory duties of protecting all lives and property of people in the state.

  • Police raid 17 hideouts in FCT

    Police raid 17 hideouts in FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 348 suspected criminals in the nation’s capital.

    The suspects were arrested when operatives of the command raided 17 black spots.

    The areas identified and raided are: Apo-Dutse Panteka, Diplomatic Zone, New PDP Secretariat, Kabusa Panteka, Ajakaita (Tungan-Maje), Abuja-Kaduna Road, Jabi Panteka, Apo-Waru Panteka, Area 1 (Monkey Village) and Durumi Village.

    Others are; Gwarimpa, Angwan Tivi, Mpape (Mashafa and Shishinpe villages), Durumi III (Burukutu Garden), Mabushi (Gishiri Village), Kubwa (by Pipeline and NEPA Road) and Maitama (under the Transcorp Bridge).

     Out of the 348, the police said 320 suspects have been prosecuted and charged to the court.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josphine Adeh, 11 firearms were also recovered thereby eliminating dangerous weapons from circulation.

    Adeh said: “As part of its unwavering efforts to combat criminal activities and protect public and private infrastructure within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT Police Command has carried out a series of strategic raids targeting identified black spots across the territory.

    “Why Police carry out daily raids: daily raids are critical to maintaining law and order in the FCT. These proactive operations are aimed at: Preventing Crime: Targeting criminal black-spots to deter and prevent crimes before they occur, ensuring a safer environment for residents. Protecting Infrastructure: Disrupting activities that lead to the theft and vandalism of public infrastructure such as manhole covers, streetlights, and power cables. Curtailing Drug Abuse and Trafficking: Confiscating illegal drugs to disrupt supply chains and protect communities from the harmful effects of narcotics.

    “Enforcing the Law: demonstrating the police’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring criminals are held accountable.

    Read Also: Police burst Cabbie ‘killers’, arrest seven suspects

    “The sustained efforts of the FCT Police Command have yielded remarkable results, including: 348 suspects arrested for various criminal activities. 320 suspects prosecuted and charged to court. Seizure of 10 trucks loaded with vandalized metals, disrupting the market for stolen items. Recovery of 26 manhole covers and 20 solar/street light poles, ensuring the restoration of critical public infrastructure. Confiscation of large quantities of AEDC armored cables, preventing further vandalism. Seizure of substantial quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and assorted hard drugs, reducing drug-related crimes and recovery of 11 firearms, eliminating dangerous weapons from circulation.

    “These successes underscore the importance of sustained raids in creating a crime-free and secure environment for all FCT residents.

    “The FCT Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. We urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the police command control room via: 08061581938, 08032003913, 08028940883. 07057337653. Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192, PCB: 09022222352.

    “The Command appreciates the continued cooperation and support of residents and stakeholders as we work together to maintain peace and order across the Federal Capital Territory”.