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Tag: Police

  • Tinubu commissions police operational equipment soon

    Tinubu commissions police operational equipment soon

    As part of the ongoing efforts to increase the operational capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) the Inspector – General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has procured new sets of operational assets such as Hilux vehicles, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), personal protective equipment (body armor) and anti-riot equipment.

    IGP said the equipment will soon be commissioned by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    These assets, he said, are vital for ensuring that officers are adequately prepared to confront security challenges and to enhance their effectiveness in serving and protecting the public.

    A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi reads: “As part of a broader initiative aimed at improving personnel welfare, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., is set to commission several ultra-modern police barracks, buildings, and command headquarters across various states including Adamawa, Sokoto, Jigawa, Nassarawa, and Katsina. 

    Read Also: Businessman commends Tinubu for improving economy with ports reforms

    “Other structures like Police Stations, Area Command Headquarters and office accommodations are also billed for commissioning in some states, in continuation of the commissioning process to create a supportive working environment for officers while improving their overall well-being.

    “It is also worthy of note that consistent with the goal of enhancing police infrastructure, the Inspector-General of Police has previously launched major projects aimed at strengthening the operational framework of the Nigeria Police Force. Notable amongst these are the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center; the Nigeria Police Resource Center; the new Jabi Divisional Police Headquarters; and the new Ogun State Command Headquarters.

    “Furthermore, as part of the ongoing efforts to increase the operational capabilities of the police force, the IGP has procured new sets of Operational assets such as Hilux vehicles, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), personal protective equipment (body armor), and anti riot equipment, awaiting commissioning by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These assets are vital for ensuring that officers are adequately prepared to confront security challenges and to enhance their effectiveness in serving and protecting the public.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to improving the welfare of its personnel and ensuring they have the necessary resources to perform their duties efficiently. Through these initiatives, the IGP aims to foster a more responsive, accountable, and operationally effective police force”.

  • IG orders manhunt for killers of three policemen in Lagos, Edo

    IG orders manhunt for killers of three policemen in Lagos, Edo

    The police yesterday launched a manhunt for the killers of three policemen in one week in Lagos and Edo states.

    They vowed to crack down on acts of jungle justice and the killing of their men.

    An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Augustine Osupayi, was killed in Lagos on Saturday by a mob.

    Gunmen killed a policeman at a quarry site in Edo on Thursday, days after residents razed a police station, killed an officer and set suspects ablaze, also in Edo State.

    The police, in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), deplored such savagery, saying it was a betrayal of justice and due process.

    He said: “The Police condemn the act of arson which led to the burning of some suspects in police custody, and the subsequent setting ablaze of police barracks, patrol vans and the Divisional Police Station in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State on Sunday, 13th of October 2024.

    “In the above case, members of the public alleged that the police were trying to pervert justice by taking into custody some suspected kidnappers and armed robbers who have been accused of terrorising the people of the community in Edo State.

    “The main suspect was arrested and almost lynched by the community members before he was rescued by the police.

    “His arrest led the police to arrest three additional suspects.

    “The rescue and detention of the suspects didn’t go down well with the community members who later mobilised in large numbers and attacked the police station, killed the suspects by burning, and scorched down the station and properties therein.

    “The erroneous perception of the community members that the police would set free the suspects was absolutely wrong and quite unfair.

    “The police never intended to pervert justice in the case, more so that they have through painstaking investigation arrested three other suspects fingered in the criminal act.

    “In another development, a police team trying to prevent the execution of jungle justice was gruesomely attacked which led to the killing of a police officer, ASP Augustine Osupayi, attached to the Lagos State Command, by a group of violent mob on Saturday in Agege, Lagos State.

    “The police team had raced down to the rescue of a driver who was alleged to have accidentally knocked down a motorcycle rider to death.”

    The group of motorcycle riders, Adejobi said, pounced on the driver, who was eventually rescued by the police.

    He said the rescue did not go down well with the riders who descended on the police team and killed the ASP.

    “These are very few cases out of many incidents recorded across the country.

    Read Also: Police rescue foreigner from IPOB as two policemen shot in Anambra

    “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, sympathises with the families of the departed souls and directs the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to investigate these incidents and bring all persons found wanting to face the full wrath of the law.

    “While the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in upholding the principles of rule of law, members of the public are urged to shun acts of jungle justice, and destruction emphasising that it serves only to destabilise the foundation of legal authority and public safety.

    “It is criminal, illogical, and unjustifiable, irrespective of the grievances held by the perpetrators,” he added.

    Police officer killed in Edo

    The Police yesterday confirmed the killing of an inspector when some gunmen attacked quarry workers in the Ihivbe-Ogben area of Edo State.

    Command spokesman, Moses Yamu, said one officer was killed while an expatriate and another police officer attached to the expatriate were injured.

    The officer was attached to the quarry situated in Owan East Local Government of the state.

    It was learnt that the gunmen ambushed the quarry workers en route to their base camp on Thursday evening and opened fire on them.

  • Police to Southeast residents: ignore two-day sit-at-home directive

    Police to Southeast residents: ignore two-day sit-at-home directive

    Enugu State Police Commissioner  Kanayo Uzuegbu, has urged residents to ignore  what he described as a criminally-minded viral video from an unidentified individual advising them to sit-at-home  today and tomorrow.

    An unidentified man  in the video  claimed that they would be launching Biafran armoured vehicles across all Southeast states and so people should stay at home

    The police chief described the advice and the reasons for it as baseless, unwarranted, and a deliberate attempt to incite fear and unrest in the state.

    His remark was contained in a statement  by the command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe  yesterday.

    The commissioner  said  that Enugu State has long moved past such criminally motivated illegal sit-at-home orders or advice, which are often designed to destabilise the social, economic, and psychological well-being of the people under the guise of secessionist agitations.

    The police chief  encouraged citizens to carry on with their lawful activities without fear or intimidation, assuring them that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, were fully prepared to maintain peace and security across the state.

    He warned that any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt public order will be ruthlessly dealt with.

    Kanayo also urged parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against being used for any act inimical to the peace and security of the state, warning that the legal consequences of such involvements will be dire.

    The commissioner enjoined residents  to stay vigilant, law-abiding, and report suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station.

    For emergencies, the public is also advised to contact the Enugu State Command via the following numbers: 08032003702, 08098880172, 08086671202, or email: infoenugupolice@gmail.com.

    Security strengthened in Abia

    Security agencies in Abia State have beefed up security across major city centers and sub-urban areas  ahead of today and tomorrow’s  sit-at-home  directive of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the Southeast.

    As part of a proactive step,  the Abia State Police Command , at the weekend  held a confidence patrol exercise comprising various units of the NPF within the commercial city of Aba.

    The exercise, sources within the Aba Area Command,  took them round the major roads and some black spots.

    29 suspects held 

    The Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit said it has dismantled a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist camp in Nempi, Oru West Local Government Area.

    In the raid,  29 suspects were arrested  and  a cache of arms and ammunition recovered..

    The operation, which took place on October 19,  was made possible by the apprehension of a key suspect, Anukuru Nnana Emmanuel, 25, on September 15, in Mgbidi.

    Read Also: Police caution against jungle justice 

    Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the arrest,  said his confession led police operatives to the camp, where the following items were  recovered.

    Four pump action guns, 2 locally made revolvers, five locally made pistols, 3 AK-47 magazines, A Point of Sale (POS) machine, 20 rounds of live cartridges, 1 white SUV, Local bulletproof charms, over N200,000  extorted from kidnap victims.

    He said:”The dislodgment of this camp is part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes and restore peace within the state.”

    He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

    Okoye  emphasized  the command’s dedication to ensuring public safety and taking decisive action against criminal elements.

  • Police detain five motorcyclists over ASP’s death

    Police detain five motorcyclists over ASP’s death

    The Police Command in Lagos State says it has detained five motorcyclists for interrogation over the death of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on lawful duty.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this on Saturday in a statement.

    Hundeyin said that the suspects allegedly attacked a police patrol team sent on a rescue mission.

    He said the police got a distress call on Saturday at about 1.40 a.m., that a motorcyclist ran into a trailer at WEMCO Junction, Mobile Road, PEN Cinema area of Agege and died on the spot.

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    The command’s Spokesperson said that based on the report, a patrol team was mobilised to the scene.

    “On arrival, the team met a large number of commercial motorcyclists.

    “However, the patrol team in the process of evacuating the truck away from the scene came under attack from the motorcyclists, who insisted on torching the truck.

    ” As a result, one ASP, 46, was injured on the head, and died on the spot, while the truck driver escaped.

    “The corpses have been evacuated to Mainland General Hospital Mortuary, Yaba, for autopsy.

    “Meanwhile, five suspects have been arrested and a manhunt for other fleeing suspects is ongoing,” Hundeyin said.

  • Police detain six suspected Ambazonian separatists in C’River

    Police detain six suspected Ambazonian separatists in C’River

    The Police Command in Cross River says it has detained six suspected Ambazonian rebels for interrogation, after invading Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

    The command’s Spokesperson, DSP Ewa Igri, confirmed their detention to newsmen in Calabar on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambazonia, is a political entity proclaimed by Anglophone separatists, who are seeking independence from Cameroon.

    The separatists claim that Ambazonia should consist of the Northwest Region and Southwest Region of Cameroon.

    Since 2017, Ambazonian rebels have engaged in armed conflict with the Cameroonian military, in what is known as the Anglophone Crisis.

    Read Also: Return home, FG tells Nigerians in Diaspora

    The rebels have attempted to set up governments-in-exile, and supportive militias have exerted control over parts of the claimed territory.

    The command’s spokesperson, who said the suspected separatists were arrested following intelligence information, described the feat as a breakthrough for the law enforcement agency.

    He said that the suspects, whose age ranges between 18 and 36, were paraded with various weapons, improvised explosives devices, booths, charms and flags.

    He added that they were found with various weapons, improvised explosives devices, booths, charms and flags.

  • Police detain five motorcyclists over ASP’s death

    Police detain five motorcyclists over ASP’s death

    The Police Command in Lagos state says it has detained five motorcyclists for interrogation over the death of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on lawful duty.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this on Saturday in a statement.

    Hundeyin said that the suspects allegedly attacked a police patrol team sent on a rescue mission.

    He said the police got a distress call on Saturday at about 1.40 a.m., that a motorcyclist ran into a trailer at WEMCO Junction, Mobile Road, PEN Cinema area of Agege and died on the spot.

    The command’s Spokesperson said that based on the report, a patrol team was mobilised to the scene.

    Read Also: Prosecute policemen behind violent attacks In Delta community, CDHR urges IGP

    “On arrival, the team met a large number of commercial motorcyclists gathered.

    “However, the patrol team in the process of evacuating the truck away from the scene, came under attack from the motorcyclists, who insisted on torching the truck.

    ” As a result, one ASP, 46, was injured on the head, and died on the spot, while the truck driver escaped.

    “The corpses have been evacuated to Mainland General Hospital Mortuary, Yaba, for autopsy.

    “Meanwhile, five suspects have been arrested and manhunt for other fleeing suspects is ongoing, ” Hundeyin said.

    (NAN)

  • Two killed, victim rescued as police raid Enugu kidnappers’ den

    Two killed, victim rescued as police raid Enugu kidnappers’ den

    • Enugu govt demolishes kidnappers’ strongholds

    The Police Command in the Enugu State has said that it has raided a kidnappers’ camp in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, rescuing a kidnapped victim and neutralising two suspects.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, said this in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

    He said the raid, which followed a diligently gathered actionable intelligence, was part of the continuous efforts by the command against criminality in the state.

    According to him, the raid happened late Thursday night.

    “Upon the operatives’ arrival, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting a return of fire. In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. A manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate is underway.

    “A male victim, identified as the personal assistant (PA) to a public figure (names withheld), kidnapped by the gang on September 27, 2024, in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, was rescued unharmed. During the operation, the police recovered one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and one hundred twenty-five rounds of live ammunition.

    “Preliminary investigations reveal that this criminal group had demanded a ransom of forty million Naira (N40,000,000.00) for the release of the victim. The group is also found to be responsible for several kidnappings within Enugu metropolis and its environs. Some of their members had previously been arrested and arraigned in court, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them.

    “Furthermore, the buildings used for these criminal acts, including the present one, have been destroyed by the Enugu State Government,”the statement said.

    It noted that the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives’ efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state. He called on the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to support the police in their efforts.

    Read Also: E-CMR system: 612 stolen vehicles recovered by police

    Meanwhile, in furtherance of its relentless war against kidnapping and criminality in Enugu State, the state government has yet again reduced to rubbles, a kidnappers’ den at Nike in Enugu East LGA of the state.

    The twin semi-detached bungalows located at Nokpa, near Alulu, Nike had been serially used to house kidnap victims pending their ransom payment and was demolished in line with Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, according to the state government.

    Briefing newsmen after the operation on Friday, Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Hon. Uche Anya, reiterated Governor Peter Mbah’s determination to wipe out every vestige of kidnappers and violent criminals in the state, insisting that “this is an open warfare and will not stop until we wipe out the criminal elements.”

    “On 27th of September, at about 7pm, this gang of hardened criminals abducted one Chibuoke Charles and Mr. Emma Okeke around the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences (formerly Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy), Trans Ekulu, Enugu, and took them to this den. They were able to get ransom for one, and hoped to get a ransom of N40m from the other victim.

    “Their hit team disappeared to their stronghold in Imo State, not knowing that the security agencies were on their trail. Thank God for the sophisticated security infrastructure that Governor Mbah has procured for the state and thanks to the brilliance and bravery of the police crack squad. The gang was overpowered and arrested. They took the crack team to this notorious den.

    “Members of their gang guarding the kidnap victim opened fire on the rescue team, but were equally overpowered and neutralised in the process of rescuing the victim. This happened on 29th of September.

    “Three automatic rifles in addition to other dangerous weapons, fetish objects, and hard drugs were recovered from them. So, even their charms failed them.

    “This is yet another warning to all criminals in the state to relocate or meet their doom because this administration is determined to go all the way to secure the lives and property of Ndi Enugu.

    “This is also another warning that the government will not spare any property used for kidnapping, armed robbery, and the likes in Enugu. The Governor Mbah administration will not allow you to enjoy your proceeds of crimes in Enugu State. The government will not only hunt you down, but also demolish the property involved in line with the provisions of relevant laws of the state, particularly Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State.

  • IGP cautions police officers over alleged extortion, handedness

    IGP cautions police officers over alleged extortion, handedness

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has expressed concerns and condemnation on the alleged cases of extortion and high-handedness by certain recalcitrant members of the Force.

    Egbetokun made this known while addressing Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and heads of various formations at the IGP’s Conference with Senior Police Officers at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan International Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja recently.

    The IGP charged the senior officers on proper supervision of the activities of officers at their various levels and ensure the highest standard of professional conduct is maintained and upheld in the course of carrying out their lawful duties. 

    The IGP also ordered the IGP X-Squad, Monitoring Unit, Complaint Response Unit (CRU) and other disciplinary Units to carry out routine checks on the activities of officers across the country.

    This, he said is part of efforts to curb misconduct and corruption  tendencies amongst officers, and ensure strict punishment is meted on erring officers; and that supervisory officers found wanting in this regard will not be spared of vicarious liability. 

    According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “Similarly, the IGP issued a stern warning to officers regarding the unethical practice of name dropping the IGP and other senior officers to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public”.

    The IGP emphasised that any officer found guilty of leveraging his name for fraudulent activities or extortion will face severe disciplinary measures, reaffirming that the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, unprofessional behavior, and misconduct. 

    He implored the public to exercise caution and report any attempts to exploit his name for fraudulent activities or extortion in investigation of cases, highlighting the crucial role citizens play in collaborative policing of the society and its police.

  • Outrage over death of resident chased into canal by Lagos Police

    Outrage over death of resident chased into canal by Lagos Police

    The death of a Lagos resident identified as Temitope Oyetade who was chased by policemen from the Area P Command of the State has sparked outrage.

    A friend of the deceased, Betty Omowunmi narrated the tragic incident on X (formerly Twitter).

    Omowunmi explained that the deceased was stopped by police officers in mufti while he was on a bike heading to Oshodi from Ayobo on Wednesday morning.

    The police officers searched the deceased and allegedly accused him of being an internet fraudster.

    The deceased was referred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he passed on early Friday.

    She said: “Yesterday morning, police chased my friend’s husband till he fell into the canal, they took his slippers and money that fell and left when people started shouting. This happened at the Federal Bus Stop, Ipaja Ayobo axis

    The officers were on mufti. They stopped him on the bike, and the bike man left. They searched him insisting he is a Yahoo boy cos of his tattoos and started cocking their guns that they will shoot him, he started moving away saying he was not and they started following him till he ran. He has given up! Yet to tell the wife as of now

    “She couldn’t wait as wasn’t stable while still trying to get the husband to receive the best treatment. All hands were on deck to make sure the man survived which was why follow-up at the station was not done. There are eyewitnesses on this platform that saw the incident unfold

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    “Thanks to some eyewitnesses that have been able to point out two from the officers and the cooperation of their DPO, they have been taken and detained at Area M where the Area commander is.

    “He is dead. As of this afternoon, two of the officers have been detained at Panti”

    Reacting, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said: “Since we saw this video, we have been making concerted efforts to verify this claim but nothing has turned up yet. We have checked our records and no report has been made till now of this incident that the narrator explained happened yesterday.

    Nonetheless, our investigation is ongoing. The Area Commander covering that entire axis is personally on it. Anyone with additional and useful information should please reach out to us. We will keep the public updated on our findings.

  • Alleged arrest, detention of minor misleading – Police

    Alleged arrest, detention of minor misleading – Police

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command on Friday, October 19, clarified that the alleged arrest and detention of a minor by police officers from Kubwa Police Division is misleading.

    A statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josphine Adeh said: “The FCT Police Command has become aware of misleading rumours circulating on social media about the alleged arrest and unlawful detention of a minor by officers from the Kubwa Police Division.

    “We would like to clarify that on 16th October 2024, the Senior Magistrate Court in Dutse Alhaji issued a court order for delivery to the residence of Ann Fornchor, located on Henry Nweke Street, Gberango Layout in Kubwa. During this process, court staff were confronted and assaulted by Deborah Fornchor.

    “As a result of this incident, the Court authorized a warrant for the arrest of Deborah Fornchor for assaulting court personnel. The FCT Police acted in accordance with this court order, apprehending her and subsequently handing her over to the court authorities. She is currently in custody at the court’s directive, pending further proceedings.

    Read Also: Outrage as teenager fleeing police brutality falls, dies in Lagos canal

    “The FCT Police Command emphasizes that all actions taken were in strict compliance with legal procedures and court directives.

    “In our ongoing commitment to maintaining public safety and reducing crime in the FCT, Commissioner of Police CP Olatunji Disu, Psc encourages the community to report any suspicious activities to the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653. For concerns regarding police conduct, please reach out to the Police Complaint Bureau (PCB) at 09022222352 or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at 08107314192”.