The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police presents N43m cheques to families of deceased officers

    Police presents N43m cheques to families of deceased officers

    The Police Command in Cross River, has presented cheques of N43 million to the families of 17 deceased officers, who died while on duty in the state.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Gyogon Grimah, presented the cheques to the families of the deceased in Calabar on Wednesday.

    Grimah said that the presentation was in line with the welfare programme of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

    He said that the welfare programme of the Police boss covers the serving, retired and deceased personnel of the force.

    He urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the financial support and desist from creating division in the family because of the money.

    “I urge you all to make the best use of the amount for the prosperity of the family, especially the children of the deceased,” he said.

    In another development, Grimah said that the command has apprehended 20 suspected criminals across the state within the last four months.

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    The commissioner, who spoke through the command’s spokesman, Superintendent of Police, Irene Ugbo, said that out of the 20 suspects, 14 were arrested for cult related activities and have been charged to court.

    He said that the six others were arrested for various crimes.

    “The breakdown includes, one rape suspect, three armed robbery suspects, one kidnap suspect and one suspect for unlawful possession of arms,” he stated.

    (NAN)

  • Kidnapped journalists: Police begin manhunt for abductors

    Kidnapped journalists: Police begin manhunt for abductors

    The police yesterday intensified moves to free two journalists and a veteran Labour leader kidnapped at the weekend from their abductors.
    The Nation’s Kaduna Correspondent Abdulgafar Alabelewe, who is also the Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel in the state and Correspondent of Blueprint Newspaper, Abdulraheem Aodo, were kidnapped along with their wives, children and other family members from their homes.
    Also in Kaduna, former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leader, 78-year-old, Takai Shamang, was abducted.
    The Police confirmed the kidnapping of the journalists, which took place about 10:30pm on Saturday.
    Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, said operatives were trying their best to secure their release.
    He said: “We have deployed our operatives into the bush where the kidnappers are suspected to be.
    The victims are Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel, Kaduna State NUJ Council, and three of his family members, who were kidnapped at Danhono 2, Millennium City, Kaduna.
    “Also taken was the Correspondent of Blueprint Newspaper, Abdulraheem Aodu, and his wife.
    One of the victims’ family members, who lived close to their house, Taofeeq Olayemi, said the bandits attacked the community around 10:30 pm on Saturday, shooting sporadically before kidnapping the victims.
    He said they kidnapped Alabelewe, his wife, two of his children, and his family member.
    He said Aodu and his wife were kidnapped, leaving behind their daughter who was ill at the time.
    Olayemi said: “Initially, they picked Alhaji Abdulgafar, his wife and three of his children, and a girl staying with them before asking the girl to return back with one of the children. They left with Abdulgafar, his wife and two children.
    “They shattered their doors, windows and removed their burglary after scaling the fence.”
    Olayemi explained: “They came around 10:30pm on Saturday and started shooting sporadically. They first forced Aodu’s door open and picked him and his wife and left their sick daughter behind.
    “Then, they entered Abdulgafar’s house through the fence and jumped into his house. They went straight into his bedroom and picked him, his wife and two of their kids and left immediately, after which the vigilantes arrived and started shooting into the air.”

    Read Also: Hijack of PMS truck: Police confirm suspects as ex-officers 

    NUJ condemns abduction
    The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) condemned the abduction, describing it as barbaric.
    It said in a statement by the its Chairman Asma’u Halilu, and Secretary, Gambo Sanga, that the kidnapping underscored the level of insecurity in the country.
    The statement reads: “The NUJ has received with shock, the brazen and barbaric attack by suspected kidnappers.
    “We strongly condemn the ugly incident and appeal to the security agencies in the state to swing into action with a view to rescuing the journalists and their family members from the kidnappers’ den.
    “We implore the government at all levels to intensify efforts towards guaranteeing the security of lives and property of the citizens at all times.
    ”The ugly phenomenon of kidnapping in Kaduna and environs is now resurfacing and must be checked to avert the experiences of the recent past.
    “The Kaduna State Council of NUJ enjoined all practising journalists to be vigilant in their daily activities while also praying for the safe return of their abducted colleagues and their families.”

    Shamang abducted
    Seventy-year-old former Labour leader Takai Shamang was abducted in his hometown, Biniki, in Kaura Local Government Area.
    He was President-General of the National Union of Electricity and Gas Workers, now National Union of Electricity Employees, between 1982 and 1989.
    Shamang is also the President and founder of Gantys Aid for Widows, Orphans and Needy Foundation, popularly known as GAWON Foundation.
    His daughter, Mrs Grace Abbin, said the unionist was abducted at his residence in Biniki, about 8:00pm on Friday.
    Yahaya calls for release of journalists
    Human rights activist Comrade Alhassan Yahaya called for the release of the abducted journalists.
    In a statement in Kano, Kano State capital, he said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news of the kidnapping of our members and their families in Kaduna State.
    “We urge security agencies to work around the clock and expedite action for the release of the kidnapped journalists unhurt.”

  • Hijack of PMS truck: Police confirm suspects as ex-officers 

    Hijack of PMS truck: Police confirm suspects as ex-officers 

    …as IGP orders speedy investigation, prosecution

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed that the suspects involved in the hijacking of a DAF SF Truck carrying 40,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Ohodo-Opi Road in Igbo-Etiti LGA on May 29, 2024, were dismissed police officers.

    This is in response to a trending video. 

    The former police officers were apprehended after a meticulous operation which led to the rescue of the abducted driver and motor boy. 

    Among those arrested are ex-Insp. Otache Egbe, ex-Insp. Abah Solomon and ex-Sgt. James Mamah.

    The investigation, the police said led to the recovery of significant exhibits, including two AK-47 rifles, 105 rounds of ammunition, and various security uniforms. 

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    In a statement issued on Sunday, July 7, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Police reassures that the operation exemplifies the dedication of the Force to eradicating criminal elements irrespective of their previous affiliations. The apprehended suspects have confessed to their crimes and are under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), with ongoing efforts to recover the stolen PMS”.

    The suspects, Adejobi said will soon appear in court for prosecution. 

    Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has emphasized the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to collaborate with all stakeholders in combating crime. 

    “He has issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in criminal activities, stressing that the law will inevitably catch up with them, and justice will be served, while urging well-meaning members of the public to support the police in the efforts to maintain safety and security across the country”, Adejobi added.

  • JUST IN: Police confirm killing of Woman in Ijebu Ode

    JUST IN: Police confirm killing of Woman in Ijebu Ode

    …as husband, community demand justice

    Olubukonla Adebanjo, a 35-year-old woman, was gruesomely murdered in the Iwesi area of Ijari, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, in the early hours of Saturday, June 29.

    Sources alleged that the victim went to buy food items and was attacked and macheted by unknown men until she passed away. 

    The victim’s husband, Olaoluwa Adebanjo, said he received a distress call from neighbours about the incident.

    According to him, upon arriving at the scene, he found his wife in a pool of blood.

    He said: “One of my neighbours called me and informed me of an urgent life-and-death issue. I tried calling my wife, but someone else answered; it was the woman she had gone to buy something from. She told me to come quickly because my wife was on the floor. When I arrived on our street, I found my wife dead on the ground with the police already at the scene. They were waiting for me to identify the corpse before they could take her to the mortuary.”

    While speaking to the Nation, Adebanjo lamented that he was heartbroken and still in shock about his wife’s tragic death. 

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    “I would be glad if the culprit is found as soon as possible because my wife must not have died in vain,” he said.

    The deceased is survived by a 4-year-old child.

    A resident of Iwesi, Ijebu Ode, Pastor Fidelis Elekwachi expressed his displeasure over the killing, noting previous incidents of armed robbery, burglary, assault, and murder in the area.

    He said: “Before this incident, on Thursday, we experienced a burglary at a barber shop in the area where clippers, generators, and many other things were stolen,” Elekwachi explained. 

    “The day before the burglary, there was an armed robbery at a shop where phones and other valuable items were taken at gunpoint.”

    Elekwachi urged the Ogun state police to tighten security in the area as such incidents are becoming commonplace and endangering residents’ lives.

    The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident. 

    She detailed how the police responded to a distress call from the victim’s neighbor.

    According to SP Odutola, the victim was attacked with a machete by an unknown assailant who fled when pursued. 

    She said that law enforcement promptly dispatched officers to the scene, where they gathered evidence and took photographs.

    She confirmed that the victim, Oluwabusola, was rushed to Ijebu Ode General Hospital for urgent medical attention but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

    SP Odutola assured the public of a thorough investigation, stating that every effort would be made to apprehend the perpetrator.

  • Police alert public to possible secret cult initiations nationwide

    Police alert public to possible secret cult initiations nationwide

    The Police Command in Rivers has cautioned the public regarding potential cult-related activities across the country on June 7.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command, disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that a large number of Black Axe cultists were preparing to mark their Founder’s Day.

    According to her, intelligence reports indicate that the confraternity intends to initiate innocent victims into their group and potentially engage in clashes with rival cults on the same day.

    “We have received information about the Neo-Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aiye or Black Axe, which plans to hold a nationwide commemoration in honour of their Founder’s Day.

    “The event, code-named Aiye Day or 7/7, is scheduled to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in institutions of higher learning.

    “The command is aware of the antecedents of the confraternity, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes, and other criminal activities of a violent nature.’’

    Iringe-Koko said that intelligence reports suggested the group was plotting to disrupt public peace from their strongholds and on tertiary campuses across the country.

    “The ceremony could possibly lead to counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions in Rivers.

    “It might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims, as well as crimes such as rape and armed robbery.

    “Consequently, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olatunji Disu, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and tactical team commanders to conduct pre-emptive and responsive raids.’’

    The police image maker emphasised that the pre-emptive measures would target cult hideouts, high-risk areas and hotels that could serve as meeting points for cult leaders.

    She mentioned that police operatives had been instructed to prevent the planned event, arrest suspected cultists and bring them to justice.

    Read Also: Police foil kidnap attempt, kill nine suspects in Lagos

    “Police area commanders, DPOs and tactical team commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies, closely monitoring all tertiary institution campuses and public places to intercept cult members.

    “Parents and guardians should keep a close eye on their children and wards during this period and watch for warning signs in their interactions with friends.

    “Similarly, community leaders and security outfits are encouraged to report any unusual gatherings in their area, while religious leaders should preach to their congregants on the evil of secret cults,” Iringe-Koko appealed.

    (NAN)

  • Police foil kidnap attempt, kill nine suspects in Lagos

    Police foil kidnap attempt, kill nine suspects in Lagos

    The Lagos Police Command on Friday confirmed that its operatives foiled a kidnapping plot and killed nine suspects who had planned to kidnap some wealthy persons in the Ladipo area of Mushin.

    The spokesperson of the command, Mr. Benjanin Hundeyin said operatives acted on credible intelligence and laid an ambush for the kidnappers, which resulted in a fatal shoot-out on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

    Hundeyin said the operation, directed by the Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade, began two weeks ago when intelligence reports indicated the imminent threat.

    He said the police tactical teams monitored the gang closely and prepared to intercept them on the anticipated day of the attack.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Police, military storm bandits’ camp arrest suspects in Abuja

    According to him, during the confrontation, nine kidnappers were neutralized, while two others escaped with gunshot wounds. The police recovered a cache of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semiautomatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, a POS machine, and a loudspeaker, and the gang’s operational vehicles (a black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350) were seized.

     Hundeyin stated that operatives have been railing the gang for eight months, attributing numerous kidnappings in the Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo areas to their activities.

    Hundeyin said the operation has effectively ended the gang’s reign of terror

    He expatiated further that the success of the operation is among several recent achievements in combating kidnapping and armed robbery in Lagos, noting that many of these operations have not been publicised to protect informants’ identities.

    ” We are urging the public, particularly medical practitioners, to report any individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or emergency numbers, and the residents should also provide information on suspicious activities, promising to prioritize public safety and security”.

  • Police rescue five-year old chained, starved for three days

    Police rescue five-year old chained, starved for three days

    Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have rescued a five-year-old boy found chained by his father and starved for three days.

    The police got wind of the alleged maltreatment from a tip-off from concerned neighbours in the Gwallagan Mayaka area in the Bauchi metropolis.

    Spokesman of the Command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, in a statement yesterday, explained:  “On July 3, 2024 when the ward head of Gwallagan Mayaka area of Bauchi reported that he received information from a good Samaritan, a resident in the community, who revealed that his wife had informed him that she saw a five-year-old boy of their neighbours tied with a chain inside a room situated at the same address.

    “She promptly checked on the boy to confirm his condition and found him lying unconscious, tied with a chain.

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    “Upon receipt of the information, a team of detectives led by CSP Mubarak S. Baba, DPO D’ Division, Dutsen Tanshi, moved to the scene and rescued the boy.”

    The statement further revealed that during an interview, the victim, Hussaini Abubakar, disclosed that he was maltreated by his father, 50-year-old Abubakar Nuhu a.k.a Wanzam of Gwallagan Mayaka.

    The minor disclosed that he was confined by his father without receiving any human treatment for many days, during which he went without food for three days.

    The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammad, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer to apprehend the offender for investigation and prosecution.

    Wakil said during interrogation, the suspect, Abubakar Nuhu, popularly known as Wanzam, was arrested for the offence of child abuse.

  • Insecurity: Police, military storm bandits’ camp arrest suspects in Abuja

    Insecurity: Police, military storm bandits’ camp arrest suspects in Abuja

    Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and in synergy with troops of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade have arrested six suspected bandits.

    The development, the police said, is in continued effort and stride against criminality in the Federal Capital Territory.

    A statement issued on Friday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said: “The operatives of the FCT police command from the anti-kidnapping unit, in synergy with troops of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, conducted clearance operations in some identified bandits camps in Kaduna and Niger states, respectively, all bordering FCT.

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    “The security operatives, in a streak of well-coordinated operations between June 30 and July 4, 2024, stormed some identified bandits camps in Gidan Dogo and Jerei forests, Kaduna State, and Niger State, all bordering FCT, and apprehended six (6) suspects: Inusa Musa, Isiya Adamu, Kare Gambo, Aminu Musa, and Muhammed Ibrahim, who voluntarily confessed to having been involved in a string of kidnappings in FCT and its environs.

    “While the operatives are still navigating the identified bandit camps and hideouts in the forests and hills in and around FCT, the commissioner of police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, reaffirms the command’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the security and safety of residents of the nation’s capital.

    “He also urges the residents to be vigilant and take advantage of the police emergency lines in reporting suspicious activities through 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653 PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192”.

  • Lagos Police foil kidnap plot, neutralise nine suspects

    Lagos Police foil kidnap plot, neutralise nine suspects

    The Lagos state police command has successfully thwarted a planned kidnapping of high net-worth individuals in the Ladipo area.

    Acting on credible intelligence, the police laid an ambush for the kidnappers, which resorted to a deadly shoot-out on Thursday, July 4.

    The operation, directed by Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, began two weeks ago when intelligence reports indicated the imminent threat.

    The police tactical teams monitored the gang closely and prepared to intercept them on the anticipated day of the attack.

    During the confrontation, nine kidnappers were neutralised, while two others escaped with gunshot wounds.

    The police recovered a cache of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semiautomatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, a POS machine, and a loudspeaker, and the gang’s operational vehicles (a black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350) were seized.

    The state public relations officer, Benjamin Hundayin stated that police have been tracking this gang for eight months, attributing numerous kidnappings in the Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo areas to their activities.

    Read Also: GAC members meet Lagos speaker over proposed Lagos electricity law

    The command proudly announced that this operation had effectively ended the gang’s reign of terror

    He further stated that these highlighted that this success is among several recent achievements in combating kidnapping and armed robbery in Lagos.

    Many of these operations have not been publicised to protect informants’ identities.

    He said: “We are urging the public, particularly medical practitioners, to report any individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or emergency numbers, and the residents should also provide information on suspicious activities, promising to prioritise public safety and security”.

    “The command’s efforts reflect a commitment to maintaining law and order in Lagos, ensuring a safer environment for all residents.”

  • Police rescue five-year old chained, starved for three days

    Police rescue five-year old chained, starved for three days

    Operatives of the Bauchi Police Command have  rescued a five-year-old boy found chained by his father and starved for three days .

    The Police got wind of the alleged maltreatment following a tip-off from concerned neighbours  in the Gwallagan Mayaka area in the Bauchi metropolis.

    Spokesman of the Command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil in a statement m on  Friday explained:  “On July 3, 2024 when the  ward head of  Gwallagan Mayaka area of Bauchi reported that  he received information from a good Samaritan,  a resident in the community, who revealed that his wife Amina (not real name) had  informed him that she saw a 5-year old boy of their neighbours tied with a chain inside a room situated at the same address.

    “Amina promptly checked on the boy to confirm his condition and found him lying unconscious, tied with a chain.

    Read Also: Police rescue 19-year-old woman from suicide

    “on receipt of the information, a team of detectives led by CSP. Mubarak S. Baba DPO D’ Division ,Dutsen Tanshi moved to the scene and rescued the boy.”

    The statement further revealed that during an interview,  the victim, Hussaini Abubakar, disclosed  he was maltreated by his father, Abubakar Nuhu ‘m’ 50yrs AKA Wanzam of Gwallagan Mayaka.

    The minor  disclosed  that he had been confined by his father without receiving any humane treatment for several unspecified days, during which he went without food for three days.

    Commissioner of Police,  CP Auwal Musa Muhammad immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer ,DPO to apprehend the offender for investigation and prosecution for the established offence.

    Wakil said during interrogation, the suspect Abubakar Nuhu popularly known as Wanzam was arrested for the offence of Child Abuse.

     The defendant had claimed to have confined the minor “in order to restrict him from stealing their neighbour’s valuables” and he was advised to do so by a friend.”