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Tag: Police

  • Insecurity: Police recover explosives in Borno 

    Insecurity: Police recover explosives in Borno 

    • …as IGP assures of continuous strides in ensuring safety, security

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit has recovered unexploded military ordnances in Maiduguri.

    The police said the explosives were recovered on 22nd November 2024, following reports from vigilant residents. 

    Acting swiftly, police said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) team was deployed to secure the affected areas. 

    All ordnances, it said were safely evacuated without any loss of life, injury, or property damage, and normalcy has been restored.

    A statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “In the Dala Kacchallah area, the operatives recovered six (6) unexploded projectiles and one (1) mortar bomb near an uncompleted building. Reports indicate that the items, washed ashore by recent flooding, were abandoned by local scavengers. Similarly, at the Gwange Riverbank, a military hand grenade was discovered. In both instances, the EOD-CBRN team safely removed the ordnances, declared the areas safe, and conducted explosive risk awareness campaigns to sensitize residents”.

    Read Also: Three states get ultimatum to decide on state police

    Commending the professionalism and prompt response of the EOD-CBRN Unit, the NPF spokesman said thr Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has assured Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to ensuring public safety and security. 

    Adejobi said: “The IGP also noted that the EOD team in Borno State has been consistent in responsiveness and professionalism in preventing series of calamities as many IEDs have been safely recovered in many instances within the state. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the recovered items and to prevent future occurrences.

    “The Inspector-General of Police urges members of the public to refrain from handling suspicious objects and to promptly report such discoveries to the police. The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mandate to protect lives and property across Maiduguri and its environs.”

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  • FCT police recover stolen vehicle, firearm after dramatic carjacking

    FCT police recover stolen vehicle, firearm after dramatic carjacking

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recovered a stolen vehicle and firearm following a distress call from a Good Samaritan reporting a carjacking incident around 8 PM on Thursday.

    The victim, Engr. Kemi Adediru was driving from Lugbe to the city centre when she was abruptly stopped and surrounded by six armed men under a pedestrian bridge along Alieta Road, Lugbe.

    The assailants forcefully ejected her and her driver from the vehicle, a 2012 black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Reg. No. ABJ 670 EY), and sped off with the car and her belongings at gunpoint.

    A witness, alarmed by the robbery, promptly notified the FCT Police Command Control Room, providing crucial information about the vehicle and the suspects’ direction of escape.

    The police acted quickly, alerting strategic checkpoints and deploying patrol teams across the FCT.

    At approximately 11:35 PM, police operatives spotted the stolen vehicle at a checkpoint along Dantata Bridge, Galadimawa Road.

    When officers attempted to stop the suspects, they sped away, leading to a high-speed chase towards Airport Junction.

    Read Also: Three states get ultimatum to decide on state police

    Upon reaching another police checkpoint at the Airport junction, the suspects opened fire, engaging the Police in a fierce gun battle.

    The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said with the superior firepower of the Police, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and their firearm, fleeing into the surrounding bushes.

    “The vehicle was successfully recovered, along with a bag containing an international passport belonging to Engr. Halimat Adediru, cash, and other valuables. These items have since been returned to their rightful owner, who expressed profound gratitude for the prompt response and professionalism of the Police”, Adeh stated.

    The Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, commended the vigilant bystanders for their swift action and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to the Police using the emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653. Your vigilance can make a difference!

  • Abia CP leads manhunt for killers of policeman

    Abia CP leads manhunt for killers of policeman

    The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Danladi Isa is leading other officers of the command in chasing the gunmen that attacked a police team in Asaga Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

    The Nation reported that gunmen said to be members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the security arm of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attacked policemen in Ohafia, killing one and injuring another during a gun duel where they (police team) where carrying stop and search operation.

    Danladi, who led a team of the NPF personnel of the command to Ohafia, along Asaga Road by Terry Key in Ohafia and Ohafia axis in a bid to apprehend the hoodlums, who ambushed and attacked officers on patrol duty, expressed sadness over the death of his man.

    The CP said ASP Etim Obungha was rescued, Corporal Chukwu Odoemelam, who sustained bullet injury during the attack, was promptly rushed to the hospital and is currently responding to treatment.

    He added that the body of ASP Etet Uboulo who did not survive the earlier attack was recovered.

    Read Also: Army arrests soldier for stabbing policeman to death in Lagos

    According to him, in the course of the operation, some exhibits were recovered from the crime scene and investigation, he said, was ongoing with the view to tracking down the hoodlums.

    “Watertight security measures have been emplaced as tactical teams; operatives from Ohafia Area Command in collaboration with the army component from 14 Brigade, Ohafia are currently on patrol in the area.”

    CP Danladi assured that the perpetrators of the crime will be apprehended to face justice.

    The spokesman of the command, Maureen Chinaka, however, urged members of the public to remain security-conscious as they go about their daily activities and report any suspicious persons with bullet wounds, unusual activities, or movement of strange vehicles to the nearest police station.

  • Nnewi shooting not to disrupt Ifeanyi Ubah burial – Police

    Nnewi shooting not to disrupt Ifeanyi Ubah burial – Police

    The Police Command in Anambra says the shooting in Nnewi on Wednesday was not to disrupt the burial of late Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah.

    It said  the shooting was from another security agency which mistook the police operatives as unfriendly forces and shot at them.

    Superintendent of Police (SP) Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Awka.

    “The command is aware of the shooting incident that took place at Izuchukwu Junction,

    Nnobi/Nnewi road by 7 pm on Wednesday, were security operatives mistook the police operatives as unfriendly forces and opened fire at them.

    “We emphasise that the attack on the operatives was not from non-state actors or any attempt to disrupt the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah,” he said.

    Ikenga said that preliminary information showed that the security operatives on investigation trailed a suspect to a security checkpoint before the gun duel ensued.

    According to him, unfortunately, bullets hit the fuel tank of the Toyota Venza Sedan carrying the men, and it was razed down.

    Read Also: Police commence investigation over alleged extortion of motorist in Abuja

    “Two innocent passers-by were injured and they have been taken to the hospital. He sued for calm to allow for investigations into the incident as the issue was under control’’, he said.

    The PPRO said that joint security forces have been deployed to ensure Nnewi is calm throughout the burial ceremonies of the late senator.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ubah, who was Senator, representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, died in London in July at the age of 52.

    Ubah would be buried November 22, 2024 at his home Otolo, Nnewi.

    (NAN)

  • Police commence investigation over alleged extortion of motorist in Abuja

    Police commence investigation over alleged extortion of motorist in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Wednesday, commenced an investigation into the alleged extortion of motorists who contravened traffic laws by police officers in the Kubwa area of the FCT on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

    A statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh said: “The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to reports circulating on social media alleging the extortion of a motorist who contravened traffic laws by police officers in the Kubwa area of the FCT on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

    “In response to these allegations, the command has taken swift action by promptly identifying and inviting the officers seen in the video for questioning.

    Read Also: Reps Committee seeks to strengthen police service commission for effective oversight

    “An investigation into the matter is currently underway to determine the facts of the case. The command urges the complainant to come forward and provide further substantiation of her claims.

    “The FCT Police Command remains committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and accountability within its ranks. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity and will continue to hold any errant officers accountable for their actions.

    “The command encourages members of the public to report any instances of police misconduct within the FCT to our dedicated lines: Public Complaints Bureau at 09022222352 or the Complaint Response Unit at 08107314192.”

  • Police, EFCC, others assessed on criminal justice law compliance

    Police, EFCC, others assessed on criminal justice law compliance

    Inadequate funding is among factors affecting the low compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) provisions.

    This was among the findings in a report on compliance level with the law by the criminal justice sector actors in Nigeria.

    The report highlights the need for awareness on the law’s provisions and training.

    It also recommends robust collaborations, and renovation and construction of modern correctional facilities.

    The report was presented to justice sector actors, journalists, lawyers, security agencies, and civil society organisations in Calabar by the Centre for Law Enforcement Education (CLEEN) Foundation.

    It was during an advocacy workshop for increased budgetary allocation for effective oversight, monitoring and implementation of ACJL.

    The report features an assessment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and other paramilitary organisations on their compliance levels.

    It is based on surveys conducted in Cross River, Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Kwara, Bauchi, Delta and Edo states.

    Read Also: National values vital to boosting police image – Information Minister

    While 54.5 per cent of the respondents reported that the police are compliant with the ACJA/L regarding arrest procedures, 18.9 per cent indicated non-compliance and 26.7 per cent reported indifference.

    There were mixed views on how the police treat defendants and people accused of crime.

    Over 50.2 per cent of the respondents reported that the police are respectful or very respectful of suspect rights, but 40.1 per cent indicated varying degrees of disrespect.

    Other findings suggest that the police may not be fully compliant with ACJA/L provisions regarding obtaining confessions.

    While 43.4 per cent reported mostly compliant practices, a sizeable 37.8 per cent indicated either rare compliance or total non-compliance.

    Precisely, 77 per cent of court officials, 69 per cent of correctional services and 64 per cent EFCC personnel identified lack of modem investigative method and system by the police, as a critical problem.

    This indicates a deeply systemic issue where investigative approaches are not predictive in context of dominant crime pattern.

    This undermines the ability of policing agencies to prevent crime before commission.

    Sixty-two per cent of correctional service personnel and 59 per cent of court officials consider the evidence collection and preservation system an important problem.

    This points to the need for substantial public investments in modernised and efficient evidence-gathering tools and crime processing techniques.

    Engagement in corrupt practices by investigators and prosecutors was identified by 56 per cent of respondents as one of the most critical problems with the performance of the criminal justice system.

    Sixty-one per cent of judges/magistrates and 61 per cent of correctional services particularly consider corruption a prime issue.

    Meanwhile, 82 per cent of judges/magistrates and 78 per cent of ICPC personnel consider lack of independence as a huge constraint to service delivery.

    The report observes that beyond the problem of infrastructural gap, the correctional services and the courts are misaligned in their operations.

    It says there is a need to create a system of institutional engagement that allows collaboration and feedback across all service points.

    Cross River State Attorney-General, Ededem Charles Ani, represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Okoi Ukam, promised full compliance by the state.

    “We’ve started doing a lot, so, my office will see strictly to the implementation of the law in Cross River State,” he said.

  • Police kill cult-suspect in Rivers

    Police kill cult-suspect in Rivers

    The Rivers State Police Command said it has killed a suspected cultist and kidnapper, identified as Gbarani Bume (aka Pelele).

    Bume was said to be a member of Iceland cult group, which has been terrorising Beree/Tabaa axis of Khana Local Government Area for a long time now. He was decimated during a gun duel between him and the police who stormed his safe nest on a tip-off.

    A statement yesterday by the police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said the deceased allegedly opened fire on sighting police operatives, resulting in a gun battle.

    Read Also; We’re investing in human capital development, says AbdulRazaq

    It reads: “On November 15, operatives of the Command attached to Bori Division, acting on a tip-off, were mobilised to Luawii Community where Pelele and his gang were attempting to kidnap a site engineer.

    “On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire and a fierce crossfire ensued. Pelele was fatally wounded and his accomplices escaped with various degrees of injuries.”

    Some of the items recovered from the criminal hideout are one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 10 rounds of live ammunition.

    The police spokesperson said investigation has already begun while efforts are being intensified to apprehend fleeing gang members so they can be brought to justice.

    “This operation demonstrates the command’s commitment to tackling and ensuring public safety,” she added.

  • Ondo election: We arrested some electoral offenders – Police

    Ondo election: We arrested some electoral offenders – Police

    Deputy Inspector-General of Police for last Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Alabi Abiodun, has confirmed arrest of some electoral offenders during the conduct of the election.

    Abiodun said pockets of incidences recorded during the election were inconsequential as according to him, security agents deployed were able to effectively take charge of the situations.

    Speaking in a post election briefing, Abiodun said electoral activities, from the initial stages of preparations to the final announcement of results, were secured with the highest level of integrity and professionalism by security agencies.

    He said security agencies and stakeholders ensured that the process was peaceful, free, and credible.

    Abiodun stated that the public engagement lended credence to the electoral process and underpinned the foundation of the country.

    Read Also: IGP tasks police spokespersons to embrace robust human relations

    He said: “I want to assure you of the continuous involvement of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure total serenity till the end and even after the election process.

    “We have deployed more security operatives across the state to monitor and protect every area even after the electoral process, for the maintenance of law and other, as the police and other security agencies will not allow any post-election ugly incident in any part of the state.

    “Tactical teams have also been put on red alert to forestall any act capable of causing breach of public peace.

    “Our work does not end here; we will continue to advocate for a transparent electoral process and foster an environment where democracy can thrive.

    “I urge all citizens to come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation. As we forge ahead, let us embrace our shared values and work collectively towards the betterment of our nation. Our strength lies in our ability to unite, regardless of our differences, and to support the democratic process that binds us together.”

  • Police arrest suspected kidnappers, cattle rustler, vandals In Kaduna

    Police arrest suspected kidnappers, cattle rustler, vandals In Kaduna

    Kaduna Police Command, through Operation Fushin Kada, has arrested six kidnappers, a cattle rustler and five suspects involved in vandalism. 

    The operations also led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms.

    In a statement by the Command’s PPRO, ASP Mansir Hassan, he said on November 12 four members of a kidnapping syndicate were apprehended in Rahama Village, Dutsen Wai Village, and nearby areas.

    “The suspects, Yahaya Abdullahi, Shamsu Ibrahim, Linus Obasi, and Hauwa Mohammed, all from Dutsen Wai Village in Kubau LGA, were arrested. Abdullahi confessed to conspiring with Ibrahim to kidnap a woman from Rahama Village, who was held in Obasi’s brothel under Mohammed’s watch until a ₦3 million ransom was paid for her release,”the PPRO added.

    The police spokesman also stated that in a separate operation on November 6, 2024, officers in Ikara LGA arrested two members of a gang that has been terrorising residents.  

    Read Also: Police reject N174m bribe from internet fraudster in Lagos

    According to him: “The suspects, Surajo Hassan and Abdulhadir Usman, admitted to multiple kidnappings and robberies, including one case where a victim was held for 60 days before an ₦8 million ransom was paid. Both suspects disclosed receiving ₦1 million each as their share.

    “On November 13, 2024, officers arrested a 27-year-old cattle rustler, Audu Abdullahi, in Kujama. He confessed to belonging to a syndicate operating with AK-47 rifles and other weapons. A search in a nearby bush led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms.

    “Meanwhile, officers responding to a distress call from the Kaduna State Vigilance Service at the Trade Fair Complex arrested three suspects—Salisu Mohammed, Mohammed Abubakar, and Aliyu Isah—caught vandalising armored cable wires. They confessed to the crime and named Abubakar Garba and Isiaku Abdullahi as receivers, who were also arrested.”

  • Police reject N174m bribe from internet fraudster in Lagos

    Police reject N174m bribe from internet fraudster in Lagos

    Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have rejected a bribe of $100,000 (approximately N174 million) offered by a 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster, Patrick Akpoguma.

    The suspect, who was accused of being involved in various types of internet-related fraud, including romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and identity theft, was arrested following a detailed investigation.

    Addressing journalists, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Adegoke Fayoade, revealed that Akpoguma had defrauded several victims by impersonating prominent figures, including U.S. Army Colonel Matt Herbert and cryptocurrency expert Adam Taggart.

    “Patrick Akpoguma admitted to being involved in romance scams and other cryptocurrency-related fraud. He created fake social media accounts and even purchased a silicone face and hand mask worth $11,200 to impersonate his victims online,” AIG Fayoade said.

    The investigation began on November 7, 2024, after residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, reported suspicious activities linked to the suspect. During his arrest, Akpoguma attempted to bribe the police with $100,000 to secure his release. However, the officers, under the leadership of CSP Ngozi Braid, played along, documented the money as evidence, and continued with their investigation.

    Read Also: Police reject N174m bribe from alleged notorious fraudster

    Akpoguma, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, confessed to his crimes during the press briefing, stating that he had earned over $500,000 from fraudulent activities in three years. He claimed to have invested in luxury properties and vehicles, including a GLE Mercedes-Benz worth N100 million.

    The suspect expressed regret for his actions and commended the police for their transparency. “This is the first time I’ve been in contact with the police, and I must confess, it’s a good step for the Nigerian police. They have shown integrity and credibility,” Akpoguma said.

    AIG Fayoade confirmed that the investigation had been concluded and that the suspect would soon face prosecution. He praised the officers for their dedication and urged the public to report suspicious activities to the authorities.