The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Kwara police chief to Kwarans: thank you

    Kwara police chief to Kwarans: thank you

    Kwara State Police Commissioner Victor Olaiya has expressed gratitude to residents of the state for their peaceful conduct and boycotting the nationwide protest that started yesterday.

    Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, Olaiya said: “Kwara is known to be a state of harmony and that is what we have demonstrated once again that we are a peaceful state.

    “I am not surprised that we have done it again.

    “The security agencies have been robing minds and all hands are on deck to ensure there is peace and people go about their lawful businesses peacefully and with assurance that there is no molestation.”

    Olaiya said Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who he described as a peace loving and caring man, was interested in the welfare of the residents.

    Read Also: Police warn protesters against blocking roads, extorting passengers in Rivers

    The police boss added that what happened across the state yesterday was the proof of the state’s peaceful atmosphere.

    “I have been speaking with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of some major towns in Kwara State, such as Offa, Omu-Aran, Asa, Bode-Sadu, Baruteen, among others. The information I received is that the state is extremely peaceful,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a nationwide hunger protest was scheduled for August 1 to August 10.

  • Police warn protesters against blocking roads, extorting passengers in Rivers

    Police warn protesters against blocking roads, extorting passengers in Rivers

    Rivers Commissioner of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has condemned the unruly behaviour of protesters in some parts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Disu observed with dismay that some protesters were seen blocking major roads, harassing and extorting passengers.

    The police boss in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, warned protesters to desist from infringing on the rights of protesters.

    The statement said: “The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu has assessed the conduct of the protests in Rivers State and commended the officers of the command for their professionalism in managing the situation. The officers peacefully related to and accompanied the protesters throughout the process.

    Read Also: Detractors made efforts to stop dignitaries from attending Rivers economic summit, says Fubara

    “However, the CP frowned upon the conduct of groups of persons along NTA Road, Pleasure Park, Igwuruta-ali, and Airport Road. These groups were restricting vehicular movement, banging on vehicles, and extorting passengers. Some were even seen brandishing sticks.

    “The CP cautions the protesters to conduct themselves peacefully and desist from infringing on the rights of others. Blocking roads, harassing passers-by, and engaging in looting or other crimes do not constitute lawful protest and will not be tolerated. The police will take necessary action against such unlawful acts.

    “The CP further advised parents and guardians to speak to their children and wards to act within the ambit of the law. Citizens are implored to go about their lawful duties, as the police are committed to protecting lives and property”.

  • Lagos police apprehend armed suspects in Mushin Raid

    Lagos police apprehend armed suspects in Mushin Raid

    Lagos State Police Command in the early hours of Thursday, August 1, arrested two individuals in connection with armed activities in the Mushin area of the state.

    The suspects, Sherrif Mustapha, 42, and Suturat Lateef, 28, were apprehended following a distress call reporting the presence of armed men on Agoro Street, Mushin.

    Around 1 a.m., the tactical team based in Surulere swiftly responded to the alert, capturing Mustapha and Lateef while one suspect managed to escape and remains at large. 

    Further investigations led the police to 1 Moshalashi Street, Mushin, where a significant cache of weapons and other items was discovered. The recovered items include: Two AK-47 rifles, One K2 Assault rifle, one red Rufer rifle, three pump action rifles, two locally made single barrel pistols, five magazines, fifty-seven live cartridges; seventy 5.56 live ammunition, twenty-seven 9mm ammunition, one expended 5.56 ammunition, one dagger, three walkie talkies, and nine international passports

    The state police public relations officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests and the recovery of the items. 

    “This operation highlights our commitment to tackling crime and ensuring the safety of all Lagosians. The investigation is ongoing, and we are determined to bring the escaped suspect to justice,” Hundeyin stated.

    The Lagos command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly.

    The cooperation between the public and law enforcement is crucial in maintaining peace and security in the community. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

  • Police provide security for Enugu protesters

    Police provide security for Enugu protesters

    Officers and men of the Enugu police command provided security cover for protesters taking part in the August 1 nationwide protest.

    The protest got underway in Enugu around 11 am on Thursday, August 1, from Naira Triangle on the Expressway, and terminated at Okpara Square with the policemen numbering about 20, calming following from a distance.

    The placard-carrying protesters, who marched under the auspices of Citizens Nigeria, sang various songs to indicate their grievances.

    Some of their placards read: “End hunger, reduce fuel price, Stop food price hike”, “nobody is safe, reduce high-cost governance”, and “Reduce fuel price to end high cost of food”, among others.

    Addressing reporters during the protest, the leader of the group, Igboke Onyebuchi, lamented that the federal government was becoming highly insensitive to the hardship across the country.

    “We all can agree that in this country everyone is suffering. Whether you are Christian, Muslim or even unbelievers, we are all suffering. We are united in suffering.

    “Whenever it comes to a solution, we are divided. The idea is that politicians have mastered the art of divide and rule. Now you will be hearing some voices from the Southeast, from the Northern part, from the Southwest, they will be telling us to endure. Endure till when?

    “What are the chances that the government is doing as if they have direction? By now we are supposed to have a clear direction as to where the government is going.

    “Should we talk about the refineries that are not working? Should we talk about hunger? Should we talk about insecurity up North or down here in the Southeast and across the country? Should we talk about the unemployment rate?

    Read Also: JUST IN: Police arrest 13 suspects as protesters vandalise property in Kano

    “Should we talk about dollar increases day by day? What is the government doing exactly to address this to meet the needs of the people?

    “As of this morning, we know that the fuel is sold at N850 to N900. What are the indicators that things will be done right? I am happy that we came out in our numbers to solidarise with other Nigerians across the country”, he said.

    He therefore called in President Bola Tinubu to work towards reducing the cost of fuel, saying that alone would go a long way to reducing the high cost of living.

  • JUST IN: Police arrest 13 suspects as protesters vandalise property in Kano

    JUST IN: Police arrest 13 suspects as protesters vandalise property in Kano

    The police in Kano have arrested 13 suspects for vandalising vehicles at the Kano State High Court premises.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Salma Dogo said the suspects were apprehended at the court premises while carrying out the act.

    He said a proactive security measure is being implemented to ensure the safety of residents both within and outside the metropolis.

    “The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are conducting intensive patrols to guarantee the safety of residents.

    Read Also: Protest: Police restore peace at Lekki Phase 1 toll gate

    “We urge residents to cooperate with security personnel by providing intelligence information on any individual or groups found in possession of dangerous weapons.

    “This collaboration aims to maintain law and order in the state,” Dogo said.

  • Lagos police assure protesters of security, warn against violence

    Lagos police assure protesters of security, warn against violence

    Lagos police command has assured citizens of their right to peaceful protest while issuing a stern warning against any acts of violence.

    The command’s public relations officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Superintendent of Police (SP), emphasised the force’s commitment to maintaining peace and order during upcoming demonstrations.

    He said: “Everyone is entitled to freedom of association, movement, and expression, and People are free to come out and protest, and we will be there to provide security to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

    Hundayin highlighted the deployment of significant human and operational resources to ensure that peaceful protesters are protected and that law and order are upheld. However, he issued a clear warning to potential troublemakers.

    “Anyone who intends to be violent or to destroy other people’s property will meet us in the field. We have already deployed the necessary resources to ensure peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order. People are free to protest within the law peacefully, but lawbreakers will be apprehended and made to face the law.”

    The police spokesperson addressed concerns about the organization of the protests, noting that while protests are often spontaneous and without clear leadership, some individuals had communicated specific plans for a protest on a certain day, following certain routes. Despite being invited to discuss security arrangements, these individuals did not show up.

    He stated: “We might choose to call them faceless, but we will still be out there to provide security to peaceful protesters and arrest violent ones. No security officer will be violent; rather, we will react appropriately to any threats.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Gunmen kill policeman, two others in Imo

    Referencing the 2020 EndSARS protests, Hundayin pointed out the severe consequences of violent demonstrations, including looted warehouses and significant property damage from which many have yet to recover.

    “We will use tear gas, which doesn’t kill but causes discomfort in the eyes, and if the violence escalates, we will step up our response,” he warned.

     Hundayin urged all protesters to conduct themselves within the law and not to interfere with those who choose not to protest.

    “The police will be there to protect and arrest lawbreakers,” he assured.

  • Police, PSC end infighting over recruitment

    Police, PSC end infighting over recruitment

    After several weeks of battle, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Police Service Commission (PSC), have reached an agreement on the final merit list for the recruitment of Police Constables. 

    Following extensive deliberations and collaboration, the NPF and PSC have worked to ensure that the recruitment process remains transparent, fair and merit-based. 

    Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the agreement on the final merit list was a testament to the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission to work together in the best interest of the country. 

    He also expressed confidence that the new recruits will contribute significantly to the mission of the Federal Government to create employment opportunities for the youths, boost internal security mechanisms, and maintain law and order.

    Read Also: Troops kill two sit-at-home enforcers in Abia

    A statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi explained: “In light of this development, training for the newly recruited officers is scheduled to commence on Saturday, August 10th, 2024. The training program will be intensive, designed to equip the recruits with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and uphold the core values of the Nigeria Police Force. 

    “In furtherance of the directive of the IGP, the trainees are to be schooled on modern policing ethics and principles, community policing strategies, ICT, artificial intelligence, human relations, attitudinal and behavioural change etc. 

    “The Inspector General of Police extends gratitude to all stakeholders and the general public for their patience and support throughout this process”.

  • Police kill six in Benue community

    Police kill six in Benue community

    Benue State policemen have gunned down six bandits in Mbavuur Ward, Logo Local Government Area.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kate Aneene, said a team of Operation Zenda JTF stormed the camp on Saturday and engaged the militia group in a gun duel, during which the  bandits were killed.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Pandemonium as police teargas students, staff at FCE Akoka

    Their bodies were recovered and deposited at NKST Ugba morgue.  items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle and two locally fabricated short guns loaded with ammunition.

  • Police teargas FCE students, officials

    Police teargas FCE students, officials

    Police yesterday opened canisters of teargas on protesting staff members and students of Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos.

    The Nation learnt that the development resulted in a stampede as the students ran for cover. It was gathered that they had staged a protest against the institution’s Provost, Dr. Wahab Azeez, over his tenure.

    The protest, which took place in the institution’s premises, was directed at the alleged unlawful stay of the provost, which commenced on May 26, last year, who had been confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Education.

    Azeez lamented that some unionists in the college under the aegis of “Concerned Staff” had threatened him and his family. He said the group also locked up his office and issued him a quit notice from his residence on the campus.

    Findings indicated that Azeez was appointed in May 2019 for a four-year term but his letter of reappointment was dated January 23, last year.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Gunmen kill four policemen, PoS operator in Imo

    Following his re-appointment by the government, Azeez said he resumed on May 26, last year. However, on June 12, last year, an amended Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023, which recommended five-year single term for management officers of education colleges nationwide, came into effect.

    Last December, Augustine Nwachukwu and Kazeem Qadri wrote to the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, seeking interpretation of the Act in connection with the provost’s tenure.

    An eyewitness said: “The members of the Governing Council and the embattled provost wanted to enter the college as agreed, but the entrance was blocked. They had to manage to enter the college through the staff quarters. The protesting workers and some students converged near the Sports Complex, saying that they must be addressed there.

    “The workers and the students later insisted that the provost must not enter the venue of the meeting. He had to be escorted to the official quarters, while he was going, some students and workers followed him and started throwing stones at the official quarters of the provost. They vandalised the place and while that was going on, security agents arrested some of the protesters.’’

  • Police arrest five for selling two-month-old baby

    Police arrest five for selling two-month-old baby

    The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested five persons, including a couple, over their alleged involvement in selling a two-month-old baby.

    The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests on yesterday in a statement in Lagos.

    Hundeyin said that detectives from the Oko-Oba Police Division arrested the suspects following a report from the mother of the baby boy.

    According to him, the mother of the child reported that one of the suspects absconded with her son to an unknown destination on July 11.

    ”Detectives swung into action, which led to the arrest of one Gloria, whom during interrogation confessed to selling the baby for ₦500,000 to one Pastor Peter.

    Read Also: Anguish in Nnewi community over Ubah’s death

    ”Pastor Peter, who was subsequently arrested in Ikene Town, Ogun State, admitted reselling the child for N1.4 million to one Loretta.

    ”Loretta was then also arrested in Festac Town, Lagos. She confessed to selling the baby for N2.3 million,” he said.

    The image maker said that further investigations led to the arrest of the final buyers of the baby, one couple, simply identified as Mr and Mrs James, during the naming ceremony of the stolen child.

    ”All suspects will be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigation,” he said.