Tag: Police

The Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, has apprehended 20 suspects linked to cultism, armed robbery, and the murder of a police officer in the Ilesi community near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Umma Ayuba, confirmed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos.

She said that the incident occurred on Nov. 29 at about 9:30p.m, when suspected members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aye Fraternity, stormed the Ilesi area in retaliation for an earlier assault on one of their members.

“As the suspects moved through the neighbourhood in search of rival cultists, tension escalated, drawing the attention of a police officer who lived in the community, along with some residents.

“Upon sighting them, the armed cultists opened fire, killing the officer on the spot and leaving two other residents severely injured. In a gruesome twist, the attackers amputated the officer’s left hand and fled with it,” she said.

Ayuba said that operatives of the Zonal Dragon Squad launched a coordinated intelligence-led operation.

“In the early hours of Dec.1 at about 12:00 a.m, officers raided a hideout in the Ogbere area of Ogun, where the suspects were believed to be regrouping.

“The operation resulted in the apprehension of 20 suspects linked to the violent attack, as well as other offences including unlawful possession of firearms,” she said.

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The image maker said that the police also recovered several exhibits during the raid.

“Items recovered include one Nissan Micra (Reg. No. KSH 793 XA) a double- barrel short gun, a single-barrel short gun, two locally made single-barrel pistols, 29 live cartridges, 19 mobile phones, N72,000 cash, a wristwatch, three necklaces and three ATM cards, ” she said.

According to her, efforts are ongoing to apprehend a suspect still at large, who is believed to be in possession of the late officer’s amputated hand.

The spokesperson said that security had been intensified across the affected communities as investigations continue.

She said that the AIG of Police in charge of the zone, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.

“AIG Fayoade, while urging residents to remain vigilant, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of these heinous crimes are made to face the full wrath of the law,” Ayuba said.

(NAN)

Police officers yesterday denied workers of several companies access to their offices located within the Nestoil building in Lagos, despite a subsisting court order directing that they be allowed into the premises.

The affected workers had resumed duties following a court order delivered by Hon. Justice Ofili Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja on November 24, which directed that they be granted access to their offices.

The order, issued in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2385/2025 between the property owner, Drawcok Estate Limited (the applicant), and the Nigeria Police Force alongside the Inspector-General of Police (the respondents), restrained the respondents from interfering with or violating the applicant’s rights to ownership and possession of the properties.

 “The respondents, whether by themselves, their agents, agencies, or anyone acting for or through them, are hereby restrained from interfering with or impeding the applicants’ right to own and possess the said properties,” the court held.

In a related development, the workers also cited another judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Peter Lifu in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2534/2025, between Neconde Energy Limited (the applicant) and the Nigerian Navy, Abubakar Sulu Gambari (SAN) and First Trustees Limited (the defendants).

Justice Lifu’s ruling similarly restrained the respondents from obstructing the daily operations of the applicant’s business.

However, the situation became more complicated following an order of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, which reinstated a consortium of Nigerian lenders to take possession of the Nestoil office building.

Nestoil, one of Nigeria’s leading energy and infrastructure companies, has been entangled in a debt crisis reportedly exceeding $2 billion, prompting legal battles over ownership and control of its assets.

As a result of the appellate court’s decision, the building was placed under lock and key, leaving workers of other tenant firms stranded outside.

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On the premises, heavily armed police officers were deployed to enforce the court order, mounting barricades and restricting entry into the complex.

However, tension escalated when a police officer allegedly harassed a TVC cameraman and seized the mobile phone of our correspondent who attempted to take photographs of the scene. The incident sparked outrage among journalists and onlookers.

Addressing the workers, the Area Commander of Area 1 who was not in police uniform, ordered the workers to vacate the premises, warning of enforcement actions.

“I want everybody to leave this place because you are not the law. You must respect the Nigerian state and must not take the law into your hands. I have warned you,” he said.

Legal counsel to the applicant, Chinwo Obiagwu (SAN), insisted that the property in question belonged to Drawcok Estate Limited and not Nestoil, arguing that tenants were entitled to access their offices.

“This property belongs to Drawcok Estate and not Nestoil. The tenants have every right to gain access to their offices; no one should stop them or the owners of the property,” he stated.

At press time, police officers had reinforced their presence at the building, maintaining tight security and preventing entry into the premises.

…recover N800,000k, cigarettes, 

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man for allegedly masterminding his own kidnapping in an attempt to extort ransom money from his family.

In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the arrest reflected the police’s renewed commitment to tackling fraudulent and staged criminal activities across the state.

Ayanlade explained that operatives of the Police Command in Ogbese Division, working with non-state security groups including the Oodua Peoples Congress, hunters and vigilantes, intercepted two suspects during a routine patrol at Kashimola/Agunla Forest.

The suspects were reportedly found with N800,000, a roll of Benson cigarettes and a bottle of Aromatic Schnapps — items that immediately raised suspicion.

Ayanlade, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said that during interrogation, the suspects claimed the cash was ransom meant to secure the release of their younger brother, identified as Mathew Ekele, whom they alleged had been abducted.

He added that acting on the information, the police set up a sting operation to apprehend anyone who attempted to collect the purported ransom.

“During this operation, the team intercepted a motorcycle conveying John Peter ‘m’, 30 years, and James Peter ‘m’, both of Igbodudu Camp via Daada Ala,” the statement read. 

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Ayanlade said one individual allegedly arrived at the designated spot to collect the ransom and was promptly arrested. 

“But, further investigation revealed a surprising twist: the supposed kidnap victim had orchestrated the entire scheme.

“Police later traced and arrested Mathew Ekele in a nearby bush along Ogbese Road, where he had taken position to collect the ransom after pretending to have been abducted. His motorcycle was also recovered as evidence,” it further read. 

Ayanlade lauded the success of the operation, crediting it to intelligence-led policing backed by the strategic leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, whose support, he said, continues to strengthen police operations nationwide.

The command, however, called on the residents of the state to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, noting that timely information is crucial in preventing criminals from deceiving families through staged kidnappings.

The police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring the public that all forms of criminality will be tackled decisively across the state.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the death of a suspected kidnapper as he and his gang members engaged police operatives in a gun duel in Obiaruku area of the state.

The command also confirmed the arrest of some suspected armed robbers and cultists as well as the recovery of some arms and ammunition.

Spokesman for the command SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Tuesday that on December 1, 2025, operatives of the Command’s State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), in collaboration with community volunteers, were on intensive patrol when they received credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were mobilising within the Obiaruku forest to carry out a deadly attack. 

He said acting swiftly on the information, the operatives advanced towards the location to forestall the planned criminal activity. 

Edafe said on approaching the area, the suspects opened fire from multiple directions in a bid to repel the team. 

He noted that the operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the death of one suspect, while others escaped into the forest with various degrees of injuries. 

“One AK-47 rifle with forty-two (42) rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms were recovered,” Edafe said.

In another development, the spokesman said operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by the Commander, ASP Julius Robinson, recorded a series of coordinated breakthroughs between November 28 and 29, 2025 in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to theft, armed violence, and cult-related activities across Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele. 

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He said the police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, around the Ekuigbo axis, intercepted one of the syndicate’s key actors, Kelvin Oke, male, 42, and recovered a stolen tricycle in his possession. 

He said more coordinated operations led to the arrest of two additional suspects: Victor Oyaye, male, 26, of Otor-Ogor community, identified as the gang leader, and Monday Emakpo, male, 31, of Okpara community, residing in Agbara, Ughelli. 

Edafe said another stolen tricycle and a locally-made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges were recovered. 

Building on this momentum, he stated that CP-SAT sustained the offensive into the Oghara–Sapele axis and on 29th November 2025, acting on further intelligence, operatives stormed the residence of one Jeffery Saint, male, 28, of Ogharake, Oghara. 

He stated, “The suspect attempted to evade arrest but was swiftly restrained. 

“A meticulous search of the premises led to the recovery of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and fifteen (15) rounds of live ammunition, which were concealed and ready for criminal deployment.”

Also, in another feat on 29 November 2025, Edafe said operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, under the command of SP Danyaya Inusa, were conducting a routine stop-and-search operation around the Northwest Filling Station by Mariam Babangida Junction along the Asaba–Benin Expressway when a seemingly ordinary traffic check turned into a dramatic chase. 

Edafe said, “The officers closed in quickly and apprehended the fleeing suspect, who was later identified as Ezekiel Edeya, male, 28, of Emevo in Isoko North LGA. 

“A thorough search was conducted, leading to the recovery of a red hand bag he had attempted to discard. Inside the bag were one locally fabricated pistol, three live cartridges, an iron plier, and one screwdriver. Suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing.”

Meanwhile, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has commended the operatives for their gallantry and appreciated stakeholders for trusting the police with information in crime fighting.

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Chibuike Joshua Ugwuja, for allegedly staging his own abduction and demanding ₦35 million ransom from his family.

Ugwuja, who works as a private security guard in an estate in Trans-Ekulu, was reported missing by his father on November 24 after he failed to return home two days earlier.

The father told the Trans-Ekulu Police Division that the suspect had sent a Facebook message to their female neighbour claiming he had been abducted by unknown persons in a commercial bus and that his “kidnappers” were demanding ₦35 million.

Police operatives immediately launched an investigation and intensified efforts to trace and rescue the purported victim.

But in a surprising twist, the suspect’s father brought him to the station on November 30, following days of coordinated search operations across the area.

Upon interrogation, Ugwuja confessed to staging the kidnap from the home of a friend in Amorji Nike, Enugu.

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According to the police, he admitted to fabricating the abduction story and sending ransom demands to his family.

He returned home on November 29 after his family failed to raise the ransom.

He allegedly told investigators that he acted out of frustration over his uncle’s inability to procure a tricycle (keke) for him.

Police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, said the suspect is now in custody and would be charged in court once investigations are concluded.

Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, described the incident as “a regrettable height of criminality”.

He praised the suspect’s parents for promptly reporting the case and producing their son, instead of shielding him.

He urged residents to always report suspected kidnapping cases and avoid rushing to pay ransom, assuring that the command remains committed to maintaining security during the yuletide season.

Kano State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has reinforced the existing ban on the conveyance of passengers on all forms of motorcycles.

The police also enforced the restriction of commercial tricycles from operating between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am daily across the state.

The laws remain in force in Kano Municipal, Gwale, Dala, Fagge, Nassarawa, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo (Jido area), and Dawakin Kudu (Tambuwal), Gurjiya, and Jido wards, police said.

A statement by the police spokesman, Abdullahi Kiyawa, on Monday, said an enforcement team was empowered to profile individuals who flaunt the ban and to curb the spread of unverified information that could cause fear or confusion.

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He reminded operators of motorcycles and commercial tricycles that the measures were intended to enhance public safety and security.

“Any person found contravening the ban will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori urged residents to comply with the regulations and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and order in Kano State.

He encouraged members of the public to report violations or suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

He charged security partners, such as the Kano Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA), to ensure full compliance with the directives for the safety and security of all.

The Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, on Monday convened a high-level stakeholders’ peace meeting involving representatives of Okwama, Okoloba, and Akugbene communities to address emerging tensions arising from boundary disputes, fishing rights, and other related disagreements.

The meeting, which commenced at the Area Command, Warri, brought together community leaders, youth representatives, security stakeholders, and traditional authorities for frank deliberations aimed at preventing conflict and restoring lasting peace.

In his opening remarks, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda emphasised that the Command would not allow preventable disputes to undermine the peace and stability of Delta State.

 He described the meeting as a proactive initiative designed to listen to all concerned, mediate fairly, and reinforce the commitment to peaceful coexistence. 

The CP warned that any attempt to breach the peace or resort to self-help measures would attract firm and decisive police action.

Stakeholders in attendance, including the Ag. President General of Okwama community, representatives of the Okoloba community led by Dr David, and delegates from the Akugbene community, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention of the Police Command. 

They acknowledged that the unresolved issues primarily revolve around boundary adjustments and fishing rights, and they reaffirmed their readiness to cooperate for the greater good of all parties. 

Additional inputs were provided by Pastor Edewor, Mr Prince (Youth President, Okoloba), Chief Okoloko Tata (Akugbene), Comrade Cletus (Akugbene), Aaron Young (Okwama), and others who shared valuable perspectives on restoring trust and strengthening communal relations.

Following extensive deliberations, all parties adopted several key resolutions. 

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Community leaders agreed to caution their youths against carrying arms during fishing activities and to discourage any acts of self-help capable of provoking violence.

 It was unanimously resolved that no community should impose boundaries on waterways, and that all individuals should be free to fish without intimidation or obstruction. 

Stakeholders further agreed that the request letter previously submitted to the State Government on boundary adjustments must be diligently followed up to ensure appropriate governmental attention and implementation.

It was also agreed that the DCP Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, will invite the Chairmen of the affected local government areas for a follow-up meeting with the Commissioner of Police to review strategies for monitoring activities along the waterways, in line with resolutions reached during the 2024 Government House Annexe meeting.

It was also resolved that any individual or group that violates the peace agreements or engages in conduct likely to disturb public order will be arrested and handed over to the Area Commander for prosecution. 

It was further agreed that a Peace Committee WhatsApp platform will also be created to strengthen communication, enhance early-warning systems, and promote sustained engagement between Okwama and Okoloba stakeholders.

The CP commended all participants for their maturity, cooperation, and genuine commitment to peace. 

He assured the public that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led and community-based policing strategies to prevent violence and safeguard the lives and property of all residents. 

Abaniwonda urged the communities to uphold the resolutions reached and to embrace continuous dialogue as the most effective tool for conflict prevention and peaceful coexistence.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command has foiled a planned terror attack, following a coordinated ambush on a bandits’ hideout in Kwali that left three members of the gang dead.

Intelligence reports had revealed that the criminals had concluded plans to strike the community on or before December 1, prompting the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, to direct the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify operations and track the syndicate’s movement.

FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said on Monday that the operation began after officers traced and arrested a key conspirator, Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as Boko, at about 2:11 p.m. on November 30.

She said his mobile phone, suspected to be the primary device used to coordinate the gang’s operations, was recovered from him.

Though the police did not disclose the specific community targeted for the planned attack, Adeh explained that, “Investigations confirmed that the suspect belonged to the gang responsible for the previous attacks and kidnappings in ACO and Dupa and Gwagwalada, as well as multiple armed robbery incidents across Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. 

He also admitted that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had converged to commence their next planned community attack.”

She explained that the Anti-Kidnapping team advanced into the forest at about 11:01 p.m., reached the gang’s meeting point, and laid an ambush.

Adeh said, “On sighting the operatives, the heavily armed bandits opened fire. The Police responded decisively, engaging the criminals in a fierce 30-minute gun duel, during which three of the bandits were neutralized, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds”.

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Items recovered from the bandits include three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 33 rounds of live ammunition.

The police further disclosed that a joint operation involving police operatives and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 176 Battalion is ongoing, with teams combing the forest and blocking all escape routes. 

Medical facilities across the area have also been placed on alert to report persons presenting with bullet wounds.

The Commissioner of Police commended the gallantry of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information.