Tag: Police

Police operatives attached to the Imo State Command have rescued four victims of kidnapping in the Umuokanne area of Ohaji local government area of Imo State.

The operation was carried out on Saturday after the operatives received a distress call reporting the abduction of four persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji LGA, Imo State.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police operatives swiftly swung into action, locating the criminal hideout and engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, during which two of the kidnappers were neutralized.

The success of the operation led to the rescue of the four victims and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and 21 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition.

Adejobi said: “The Force reaffirms its resolute devotion to combating heinous crimes such as this and assures members of the public that efforts to rid criminal elements from our society will continue relentlessly, ensuring the safety and security of all residents”.

Read Also: Police confirm nine dead, four injured in Jigawa communal clash

In another development, on January 3, 2025, police operatives attached to the Ebonyi State Command arrested 17 suspects in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo LGA, for the murder of one Uromchi Okorocha. Local youths had accused the deceased of being involved in the killing of several individuals through alleged witchcraft and spiritual means.

He said: “The suspects had mobilised and apprehended the deceased, but instead of handing him over to legal authorities and committing to the rule of law, they decided to take the law into their hands, becoming judge, jury, and executioner. The police operatives of the Uwanna Division mobilized tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission, but the angry mob had already killed and burned Mr Okorocha before the arrival of the police team.”

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun condemned the act of jungle justice in totality. Citizens are once again urged to refrain from taking the law into their hands and to report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation for necessary action.

Egbetokun said: “The efforts of the police are constant reaffirmations of their dedication to bringing to book perpetrators of heinous acts of crime in our societies. The IGP once again reiterates the unwavering commitment of the Force to public safety and justice for victims of violent crimes.

“Citizens are encouraged to engage with security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ultimate goal of creating a utopian society for all.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone.”

The Ebonyi state police command has arrested 17 suspects for allegedly lynching a man accused of witchcraft.

In a statement on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the incident occurred on January 3 in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo north local government area.

The victim, identified as Uromchi Okorocha, was reportedly accused by local youths of causing multiple deaths in the community through alleged spiritual means. 

Adejobi confirmed that the suspects are in custody and will face prosecution for their actions.

“The suspects had mobilized and apprehended the deceased, but instead of handing him over to legal authorities and committing to the rule of law, they decided to take laws into their hands, becoming judge, jury and executioner. 

“The police operatives of the Uwanna Division mobilized tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission but the angry mob had already killed and burned Mr Okorocha before the arrival of the Police team”, he said 

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Mr Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun condemed the act of jungle justice in totality. 

He urged citizens to refrain from taking laws into their hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them for necessary action.

“The efforts of the police are constant reaffirmations of the dedication to bring to book perpetrators of heinous acts of crime in our societies. 

“The IGP once again reiterates the unwavering commitment of the Force to public safety and justice for victims of violent crimes.

‘Citizens are encouraged to engage with security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ultimate goal of creating a utopian society for all. 

“The Nigeria Police Force remains ever committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone”, he said.

The Katsina state police command has announced a significant reduction in crime rates across the state, attributing the progress to its sustained efforts throughout 2024.

Addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Katsina, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the police public relations officer, spoke on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police. 

He highlighted the achievements recorded during the year under review, emphasizing the command’s proactive measures in tackling crime.

“We have successfully dismantled several notorious criminal networks, recovered substantial amounts of exhibits, rescued several kidnapped victims, and brought numerous perpetrators to justice,” Aliyu stated.

The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents while pledging continued efforts to sustain the achievements in the coming year.

‘’These remarkable achievements are a testament to the unrelenting dedication, hard work, and bravery of our officers and men, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our communities remain safe and secure’’.

Read Also: Police promise to arrest killers of ex-controller of works in Ilorin

‘’The period under review has been demanding for the command; however, against all odds, the command accomplished notable success in combating the threat of banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and activities of the social miscreants, among other forms of crime and criminality in the state. 

‘’Despite these modest achievements, more work remains to be done, starting from this moment. It is very imperative to sternly warn recalcitrant criminals to either surrender or risk arrest under the current laws of the state.’’

The spokesman also announced the rescue of over 319 victims from the clutches of kidnappers and bandits and reuniting them with their families and loved ones also 40 bandits were arrested and had their operations disrupted

He further acknowledged members of the press whom he described as partners in progress, for their cooperation and partnership with the command.

The Police Command in Kwara has promised to arrest those involved in Wednesday’s killing of a retired controller of works, Abdulrazaq Ajani, in Ilorin.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, gave the assurance in Ilorin on Friday while presenting an update on the incident.

According to the spokesperson, investigations are ongoing to arrest and make those found culpable face the law.

“The Kwara Police Command assures the family that those involved in this dastardly act will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“No arrest has been made as of this moment, but our police detectives are working assiduously to unravel this tragic incident.

Read Also: Police deny knowledge of alleged assassination attempt on Kaduna senator

“Kwara Police Command commiserates with the entire family of the Ajanis’; we pray that God Almighty consoles and comforts members of the family he left behind.

“We pray for the repose of the soul of their beloved father.

“Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls Ajani was reported murdered by four young persons.

He was said to have been trailed to his residence at Dele Gege Street, Aderoju, Tanke area of Ilorin, on Wednesday.

The incident occurred about 3.00 p.m., a few minutes after Ajani and his family returned from Offa, their hometown, where they had gone to celebrate the New Year.

(NAN)

The Police command in Osun has confirmed the killing of a pastor, Mr Sina Olaribigbe, by a jealous husband who suspected him of having an affair with his wife.

CSP Yemisi Opalola, Police spokesperson of the command, confirmed the incident on Thursday in Osogbo.

Opalola said the husband met the pastor in his wife’s house and allegedly stabbed him because he believed they were having an affair.

“The couple are not living together; though they are not legally separated.

“The pastor had been intervening in their quarrels, and on this occasion, he was at the wife’s house when the estranged husband arrived.

Read Also: Police deny knowledge of alleged assassination attempt on Kaduna senator

“The husband probably believed the pastor was having an affair with his wife.

“The husband was reported to have acted out of rage and stabbed the pastor multiple times, thereby killing him instantly,” she said

According to Opalola, the suspect is in custody while the pastor’s corpse has been deposited at the morgue.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the wife of the suspect is a member of the deceased pastor’s church, where she’s believed to be an interpreter.

(NAN) 

The Kaduna State Police Command has denied any awareness of an alleged assassination attempt on Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, as claimed in a Facebook post by the senator.

In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the police clarified that no formal complaint had been filed regarding the incident, which reportedly involved thugs at an unidentified location in Kaduna North on January 2, 2025.

Read Also: Suspect dies in police shootout after rampage kills 10, injures 35 in U.S.

“Without mincing words, the command is yet to receive any formal complaint from the distinguished senator, aside from this astonishing publication on social media, and all efforts to contact him proved abortive,” the statement read.

In response to the claim, the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the veracity of the allegations.

The command however reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens within the state, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist with the ongoing inquiry.