Tag: Police

The Zamfara State Police Command has foiled an attempt by armed bandits to block a major highway in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ASP Aliyu Bilyaminu Koko, were on routine patrol along the Tsafe–Yankuzo axis when they received credible intelligence that armed bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, had blocked the Tsafe–Yanwarin Daji Road.

He explained that upon swift response and arrival at the scene, the bandits opened fire on the police team, leading to a fierce gun duel.

“During the exchange of fire, some of the bandits fled into the bush with possible gunshot injuries, while others jumped into a nearby riverside and escaped,” the police said.

In a statement, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the arrest of one suspected bandit identified as Umar Alhaji Buhari, popularly known as “Bingil.”

According to him, the suspect surrendered and was arrested and is currently in police custody.

“Umar Alhaji Buhari ‘Bingil’ is in custody and will be subjected to thorough investigation, after which appropriate legal action will be taken,” DSP Abubakar said.

CP Maikaba commended residents of Zamfara State for providing timely and useful information that aided the prompt police response.

He reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The Benue State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued a victim unhurt in the early hours of Thursday, December 25, 2025.

The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. in the Tiortu area, as the victim, identified as Akume Geoffrey, was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi. He was reportedly accosted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers and forcefully taken towards a nearby forest.

Police sources said operatives swiftly mobilised after receiving a distress alert, launching intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area. On sighting the police team and hearing sirens, the suspects abandoned the victim and fled into the forest.

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The victim was rescued without injury and no ransom was paid. He was later taken to Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Ifeanyi Emenari, before being reunited with his family.

Emenari praised their swift response, courage and professionalism of the operatives, while reassuring residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, particularly during the festive season.

Police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Operatives of Anambra State Police Command have dominated strategic locations across the State to ensure safety of residents and visitors as social activities heighten during this festive period.

Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement on Friday listed the strategic locations to include major roads, markets, worship centres, motor parks, and recreational areas

According to him, eight Area Commanders across the State have stepped up supervisory duties to ensure proper coordination and effective deployment of personnel within their respective jurisdictions.

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“The areas of jurisdiction include Onitsha, Ihiala, Oraifite, Awka, Aguata, Otuocha, Ogidi, and Nnewi. Tactical teams and joint security forces have also intensified security patrol operations across the State.

“The Police Command encourages residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, reassuring the public of its continued commitment to maintaining peace, safety, and order throughout the celebrations,” he added.

• Recover arms, cash, motorcycle

Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested two notorious bandits and kidnap kingpins responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.

They were arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The suspects arrested are Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi ‘m’ aged 26 and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’ aged 30.

Both suspects were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA of Kwara State at the time of arrest.

According to a statement issued on yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, during the operation, the following items were recovered from the suspects: one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, red in colour, valued at N1,850,000.00, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments; N500,000.00 cash, being unspent ransom money; one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.

Preliminary investigation, Hundeyin said revealed that; ” the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements.

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“Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery of additional weapons.

“The Nigeria Police Force further recalls that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and large sums of money on social media.

“The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, commends the operatives involved for their professionalism and dedication, and reassures Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

“Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations”.

The Police Command in Lagos State says the importance of stop-and-search operations remains a proactive crime- prevention strategy as the Command recovered an illegal firearm during a routine patrol in the state.

The command confirmed this in a statement shared on its X handle@ LagosPoliceNG on Friday.

It stated that the operatives of the Anti-Crime Unit attached to the Ishashi Division recovered the locally made, cut-to-size double-barrel firearm with two cartridges on Tuesday, at about 10:45 p.m.

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“The recovery was made during a patrol and stop-and-search operation carried out within the Ishashi Division’s jurisdiction.

“The operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities and ensure public safety, ” it stated.

The Command emphasised that such preventive policing measures remain critical to disrupting crime and enhancing security across the state.

It assured residents that sustained patrols and intelligence-led operations would continue to keep the state safe.

(NAN)

As part of moves to tackle insecurity, the people of Iresi in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State have renovated the police station in the community and donated a vehicle to the police.

During the inauguration of the police station and vehicle, the President of Iresi Progressive Union (IPU), Alhaji Adekunle Yusuf, said the move became necessary to strengthen police operations.

He said the renovation was conceived to provide a conducive environment for police operations.

He added: “This project affirms our belief that when communities take ownership of security, peace and progress naturally follow.”

Yusuf called on the police authority to upgrade the police station at Iresi to a divisional police headquarters, considering the growing population of Iresi as a result of the presence of a higher institution, The Polytechnic, Iresi, the strategic location of the town and the increasing security demands of surrounding communities.

He said: “We appeal that this police post be considered for an upgrade to a full-fledged police division. The upgrade will further strengthen policing operations, improve response time and enhance the overall security architecture of Iresi and its environs.’’

Police Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan, represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Ikirun Area Command, ACP Ajayi Williams, receiving the facilities, hailed Iresi people for the gesture and assured them of security.

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He said measures had been put in place to prevent criminals from harassing residents, cautioning youths against criminal tendencies or any form of unruly behaviour.

The Asiwaju of Iresiland, Dr. Oluwole Aina, lauded the police for prompt response to security issues and said residents would continue to cooperate with the police in combating crime.

He appealed to indigenes and residents to imbibe good conduct and shun inimical acts that could lead to breakdown of law and order or threaten peace.

The Oluresi of Iresiland, Oba Sikiru Ibiloye, Odumirin II, advised his subjects to be law-abiding, patriotic and responsible.

He warned youths to shun hooliganism, saying whoever committed crime would face the full wrath of the law.

Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) have arrested 22 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other incriminating items.

The arrest followed a series of intelligence-led operations carried out across several states in the country.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Thursday said the suspects were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling and car snatching to economic sabotage, impersonation and drug trafficking.

Hundeyin said, “Recovered during the operations were six firearms, comprising one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle, as well as two live rounds of ammunition.

“The police also recovered 45 other exhibits, including vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and items suspected to have been used in criminal activities.

“In one of the major operations along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles alongside weapons and other incriminating items.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with armed robbery and economic sabotage.

“Related operations within the Federal Capital Territory resulted in the arrest of a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected of robbing a serving Nigerian Army officer.

“In another case, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested with a stolen tricycle. Police investigations revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, with a police mobile uniform and a police identity card recovered from him.

“Operatives also intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances.

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“In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and for alleged violent attacks on a community.

“In Lagos and Ogun States, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended.

“Similarly, in Nasarawa and neighboring states, 12 suspects connected to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling were arrested, with several firearms recovered during the operations.

“Police authorities said investigations into all the cases are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, in line with extant laws.

“Commending the operatives of the Special Tactical Squad for their courage and professionalism, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said the successes underscore the Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety”.

He urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support the police in the fight against.