The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police reform group urges compliance with court orders on officers’ reinstatement

    Police reform group urges compliance with court orders on officers’ reinstatement

    The Civil Society Forum for Police Reform, led by Comrade Ibrahim Ilyasu, has called on the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to comply with existing court judgments directing the reinstatement of retired police officers.

    Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the Forum referenced recent rulings by the National Industrial Court (NIC) ordering the reinstatement of senior officers from Courses 18, 19, and 20, as contained in Suit No: NICN/ABJ/28/2025, presided over by Justice R. B. Hasstrup.

    According to the Forum, the court ruled in favour of the affected officers—ACP Chinedu Emengaha, ACP Victor Chilaka, ACP Egwu Otu, CSP Sylvester Ebosele, CSP Sunday Okuguni, CSP Asuquo Inyang, CSP Kalu Chikozie, and CSP Adetu Omoteso—after determining that their retirement did not align with applicable legal provisions on due process and retirement age.

    In its judgment, the NIC nullified circulars issued on January 31, 2025, and subsequent administrative actions related to the officers’ retirement. The court directed that the officers be recalled and reinstated to continue their service.

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    “The circular is hereby set aside. All the claimants are entitled to the reliefs sought. The Defendants are directed to recall the claimants to continue their service accordingly,” the court ruled.

    The Forum noted that the judgment aligns with earlier NIC rulings, including a 2022 decision ordering the reinstatement of disengaged officers from Courses 33, 34, and 35 of the Nigeria Police Academy.

    The group emphasized the importance of adherence to court judgments for maintaining institutional order, public trust in the justice system, and progress in police reform. 

    It also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the full implementation of all subsisting court rulings on the matter.

    The Forum expressed optimism that prompt action would reinforce respect for the rule of law, enhance police morale, and support ongoing efforts toward accountability and reform within the security sector.

  • Land dispute: Police command defied IGP, lawyer alleges

    Land dispute: Police command defied IGP, lawyer alleges

    A Lagos-based lawyer, Charles Ugwuanyi, has urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to call the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) to order over what he described as contradictory, unlawful and harassing actions of the Lagos State Police Command in a land dispute involving Peace Estate, Okota.

    Ugwuanyi said his client, Alhaji Jamiu Raimi Olonade, a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) holder, was arrested and detained over a parcel of land at Idowu Rufai Street, Okota, despite being provided with prior police security.

    He stressed that a state police command lacks the authority to interfere in a matter already before a zonal command acting on the instructions of the IGP, adding that the Lagos State Police Command must respect the offices of the IGP and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Onikan.

    According to the lawyer, the Lagos State Police Command allegedly acted at cross purposes within its own structure on January 15, 2026.

    Ugwuanyi said that on that day, about 30 police officers from the Lagos State Command were officially deployed to provide security for Olonade while he was erecting a fence on his land, following earlier disruptions by members of the Peace Estate Residents Association. He said the application for police protection was duly made and approved.

    “Yet, under the same Commissioner of Police, the Task Force was sent to arrest our client on the pretext that an alarm was raised on social media that someone was building on a road,” Ugwuanyi said.

    He explained that when Task Force operatives arrived at about 2pm, the police officers already providing security advised Olonade to cooperate and show them his documents, believing the issue would be resolved immediately.

    Ugwuanyi said that while the Task Force took Olonade away, the police officers attached to him continued to provide security for his workers, who continued the fencing of the land until about 6pm before closing for the day.

    “Shockingly, even though our client showed all his documents to the Task Force Chairman and their in-house lawyer, he was unjustifiably detained till about 8pm the following day,” he said.

    The lawyer further alleged that during the period of detention, the land was invaded at night and the fence erected by Olonade was destroyed after the police officers officially deployed to protect him had left.

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    Ugwuanyi said: “This raises a fundamental question. Is it the same Commissioner of Police who deployed officers to protect our client and his workers, who also sent Task Force operatives to arrest him based on a social media post? Obviously, something is not adding up.”

    The lawyer reiterated that the matter had earlier been reported to Zone 2 and was being handled under the directive of the IGP.

    He accused the residents of engaging in forum shopping, moving from Zone 2 to Abuja, and now from the courts to the Task Force and the CP, in search of favourable intervention.

    The lawyer maintained that Olonade’s land was duly verified by all relevant Lagos State agencies, certified as residential, issued a valid C of O and granted building approval.

    He added that the dispute is already before the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, and warned that continued police involvement could amount to interference in a matter that is sub judice.

    Ugwuanyi said unless the IGP intervenes decisively to restore order and ensure respect for due process, the matter may be escalated to the Senate.

  • Police uncover N7.7b cyber fraud

    Police uncover N7.7b cyber fraud

    The Nigeria Police Force, through the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC), have dismantled a sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud syndicate.

     The syndicate, NPF said, was responsible for the illegal diversion of a telecoms company’s airtime and data resources, resulting in an estimated financial loss of over N7.7 billion.

     The breakthrough followed a petition by a Nigerian telecom company, which reported suspicious and unauthorised activities within its billing and payments infrastructure.

     According to a statement yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, investigations showed that internal staff login credentials had been compromised, granting threat actors unlawful access to core systems.

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     Hundeyin said: “Following weeks of planning, coordinated enforcement operations were executed in October 2025 in Kano and Katsina states, with a follow-up arrest in the Federal Capital Territory. The operation led to the arrest of six suspects: Ahmad Bala, Karibu Mohammed Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masa’ud Sa’ad.’’

     He said the items recovered items include two houses in Kano, two mini-plazas, GSM and laptop retail outlets containing over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile as well as a Toyota RAV4 vehicle – proceeds of the crime. Huge sums traced to the suspects’ account were also recovered.

    The suspects would be charged to court on the completion of the investigation.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the investigators for their professionalism. He reiterated the resolve of the Nigeria Police, through the NPF–NCCC, to safeguard Nigeria’s digital and financial ecosystems, dismantle cyber-criminal networks, and ensure that offenders were held accountable regardless of their position or affiliation.

  • Police uncover N7.7 billion telecom fraud

    Police uncover N7.7 billion telecom fraud

    • …arrests 6, recovers assets

    The Nigeria Police Force, through the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC), has uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud syndicate.

    The syndicate, NPF said, was responsible for the illegal diversion of a telecommunications company’s airtime and data resources, resulting in an estimated financial loss of over ₦7.7 billion.

    The breakthrough followed a petition by a Nigerian telecommunications company, which reported suspicious and unauthorized activities within its billing and payments infrastructure.

    According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, investigations revealed that internal staff login credentials had been compromised, granting threat actors’ unlawful access to core systems.

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    Hundeyin said, “Following weeks of planning, coordinated enforcement operations were executed in October 2025 in Kano and Katsina States, with a follow-up arrest in the Federal Capital Territory. The operation led to the arrest of six suspects: Ahmad Bala, Karibu Mohammed Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masa’ud Sa’ad.

    “Recovered items during the arrest include two residential houses in Kano, two mini-plazas, GSM and laptop retail outlets containing over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile as well as a Toyota RAV4 vehicle – all proceeds of the crime. Substantial sums of money traced to the suspects’ accounts were also recovered. The suspects would be charged to court on the completion of the investigation.

    “Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has commended the officers involved in the investigation for their professionalism. He reiterates the unwavering resolve of the Nigeria Police Force, through the NPF–NCCC, to safeguard Nigeria’s digital and financial ecosystems, dismantle cyber-criminal networks, and ensure that offenders are held accountable regardless of position or affiliation.”

  • Police arrest man for allegedly killing elder brother in Adamawa

    Police arrest man for allegedly killing elder brother in Adamawa

    Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command have arrested a 40-year-old man, Abubakar Sadiq, over the alleged murder of his elder brother, Alhaji Sadiq Kawu Boga.

    The police described Sadiq as the prime suspect in the killing, adding that five other individuals have been identified as accomplices in the case.

    According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Nguroje, the suspects are residents of Boga Village in Gombi Local Government Area and were tracked following actionable intelligence from officers attached to the Gombi Divisional Police Headquarters.

    Nguroje disclosed that the victim was killed on January 20, 2026, and that during interrogation, Abubakar Sadiq confessed to his involvement in the crime alongside five other persons.

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    He added that the suspect led security operatives to recover an AK-47 rifle believed to have been used in the attack, as well as the arrest of two alleged accomplices, identified as Jalo Hamiyu, 35, and Umar Baba, 41.

    “A joint security team comprising police operatives, hunters, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force moved to arrest the duo on the same day,” Nguroje disclosed, adding, however, that the suspects opened fire on the operatives in an attempt to escape, resulting in a gun battle in which the two men were neutralised.

    According to Nguroje, “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network who are currently at large.”

  • Two dismissed Army officers nab for robbery as police recover three cars in Ibadan

    Two dismissed Army officers nab for robbery as police recover three cars in Ibadan

    Two dismissed Nigerian Army officer, David Okhaie and Balogun Afolabi, have been arrested by operatives of Nigerian Police, Oyo State Command for armed robbery 

    The two notorious robbers specialized in dispossessing unsuspecting members of the public of their vehicles at gunpoint, thereby instilling fear and disrupting public peace within the state.

    Confirming the development in a statement, the Spokesman of the Oyo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka said the duo were arrested following credible intelligence and an intense manhunt, which culminated in a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation carried out within the Ibadan metropolis.

    Ayanlade said search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of three vehicles including: a Toyota Camry, Toyota Corrolla, a Lexus RX 350 and one Super Cargo motorcycle.

    He said, “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that, in furtherance of its sustained efforts to combat violent crimes and ensure the safety of lives and property across the State, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit have recorded a significant operational success with the arrest of two notorious armed robbery suspects.

    “This breakthrough followed credible intelligence and an intense manhunt, which culminated in a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation carried out within the Ibadan metropolis.

    “The suspects were identified as David Okhaie, male, aged 48 years, of Ojoo Area, Ibadan, a dismissed Corporal of the Nigerian Army with Service Number 2005NA/…./…., who falsely paraded himself as an Army Captain, and Balogun Afolabi, male, aged 43 years, of Wakajaiye Area, Ibadan, also a dismissed Corporal of the Nigerian Army with Service Number 2011NA/…./……

    “Subsequent investigations revealed that the suspects specialize in dispossessing unsuspecting members of the public of their vehicles at gunpoint, thereby instilling fear and disrupting public peace within the State.

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    “Consequently, a search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of the following exhibits from the suspects: one Toyota Camry, black in colour, with registration number KRD 253 KC; one Toyota Corolla, metallic in colour, with registration number JTA 938 AA; one Lexus RX 350, silver in colour, unregistered; and one Super Cargo motorcycle, black in colour, with registration number YRE 487 VD.”

    He said both suspects have confessed to the commission of the crimes and are currently providing useful information to assist ongoing investigations, with a view to apprehending other members of the criminal syndicate and recovering additional stolen properties.

    He urged the members of the public who may have lost their vehicles to armed robbery or theft, and whose vehicle descriptions match any of the recovered exhibits, to come forward to the Oyo State Police Command with valid proof of ownership and means of identification for verification and possible claim of their vehicles.

  • Oloka killing: Seven bandits in police net

    Oloka killing: Seven bandits in police net

    Security agencies have arrested no fewer than seven suspected bandits, including a notorious ringleader, in connection with the deadly attack on the Nigerian Park Service (NPS) facility at Oloka Village, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, which claimed the lives of five forest rangers.

    The suspects were tracked and apprehended in different parts of the country, including Niger, Benue and Kwara states, following an intensive manhunt launched after the attack.

    About 10 armed men assaulted the NPS officers in what is believed to be a carefully planned retaliatory mission.

    Police spokesperson in Oyo, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the arrests.

    He said investigations were still ongoing.

    It was learnt that the attackers were angered by the arrest of some illegal miners operating within the forest reserves.

    The miners had earlier been apprehended by NPS officials for alleged involvement in unlawful mining activities.

    According to a source, five suspects were arrested by NPS operatives, who allegedly demanded the sum of N200,000 each for their release.

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    “Unknown to the officers, those who came to plead and facilitate the release of the detained illegal miners were themselves deeply involved in the illegal mining business,” the source said.

    Unable to secure the release of their colleagues through negotiation, the attackers were said to have regrouped after conducting surveillance on the NPS office before launching the deadly attack, with the sole aim of freeing those in custody.

    During the assault, the detained suspects were successfully rescued, but five officers of the Nigerian Park Service were killed in the process.

    The source alleged that some traditional rulers in the area were deeply involved in illegal mining activities within the forest reserves, adding that the attackers were mobilised from different parts of the country.

    The suspected gunmen attacked the NPS facility on January 6, killing five forest rangers in one of the deadliest assaults on forestry officials in the state in recent times.

  • Police arrest suspect over bomb threat to Lagos schools, nab ‘one chance’ robbery gang

    Police arrest suspect over bomb threat to Lagos schools, nab ‘one chance’ robbery gang

    The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Kosisochukwu Ogumbo of the Okota area for allegedly sending bomb threat messages to two schools in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA) last week.

    The Command also confirmed the arrest of eight additional members of a notorious “one chance” robbery syndicate, alongside the recovery of four operational vehicles allegedly used by the gang to rob unsuspecting residents across Lagos.

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this during a briefing with journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

    According to him, at about 4:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026, the Human Resources Manager and Chief Security Officer of the affected schools separately reported to the Ikeja Divisional Police Headquarters that they had received threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unidentified phone number.

    The messages claimed that explosive devices had been planted within the school premises.

    Following the reports, security operatives were immediately deployed to the area, including personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and other tactical squads, to secure the schools and assess the threat.

    He said, “After a thorough sweep of the premises, no explosive device was found and the schools were immediately declared safe. Police investigations led to the arrest of Kosiso Chukwuem-Nenyem, a resident of Okota, identified as the sender of the threat messages.”

    The Police boss added that although the suspect claimed he lost his phone in November 2025, police investigations revealed he continued to receive calls from family members during the period the threats were issued. The SIM card was also recovered from him.

    “This individual acted alone and deliberately attempted to cause panic among parents and school authorities. He will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the CP stated.

    In other developments, the CP said the latest arrests of eight more members of ‘one chance’ bring the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the syndicate to 21, adding that the gang had been fully dismantled, and that the breakthrough was a result of sustained intelligence-led policing and cooperation from members of the public.

    He described the gang as a “double-edged” criminal network, explaining that victims who complied were robbed and released, while those who resisted were detained and their families contacted for ransom under the guise of kidnapping.

    “They are a double-edged sword criminal gang. If you cooperate with them, they take what you have and let you go. If you resist, they detain you and contact your family to demand ransom,” he said.

    The commissioner added that the suspects also took victims to a shrine in the Idimu area of the state, where they were forced to swear oaths, while some were deceived with promises of dollar investment schemes.

    “All the suspects have confessed to the crime. Some victims have also come forward to identify them. Investigation is ongoing, and they will be prosecuted accordingly,” he added

    Among the 25 recovered vehicles linked to different offenses, including robbery, fraud, and theft, was a Toyota Camry 2007 model with registration number ABJ 582 LB, reportedly stolen in the early hours of January 25, 2026, after the owner left the engine running while entering a supermarket.

    The suspect, Jaffon Godswill, was subsequently arrested, and the vehicle was recovered the following day during a stop-and-search operation in the area.

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    He added that operatives of the command intercepted three suspected vandals who removed 154 electronic reflective markers from the Third Mainland Bridge during patrol operations.

    In addition, the police boss announced the strengthening of the School Protection Squad, established by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to cover Lagos East, West, and Central districts.

    Headquarters are located at Ikorodu (East), Idimu (West), and Lion Building, Lagos Island (Central).

    The CP also disclosed the deployment of Eko-Strike Force, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and a newly established Nightlife Patrol Squad to secure entertainment hubs, hotels, and recreational centres across Lagos.

    “The entire Lagos State is safe. Residents, investors, and visitors are encouraged to go about their lawful activities without fear”, he said.

    He commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and investments in Lagos State.

  • Police inaugurate RRT to enhance operations in Jigawa

    Police inaugurate RRT to enhance operations in Jigawa

    The Jigawa State Police Command has inaugurated Rapid Response Team (RRT) to enhance security operations in the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Shiisu Lawan, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Dutse.

    “The Jigawa Police Command, under the visionary and proactive leadership of its Commissioner of Police, Mr Dahiru Muhammad, has established a Special Tactical Unit code-named the Rapid Response Team (RRT).

    “This is part of strategic efforts to further strengthen security operations and improve rapid response across the state,” the statement said.

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    The statement said that  officers posted to the newly established unit underwent rigorous tactical and operational training conducted by operatives of the 35 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Dutse.

    It explained that the intensive training covered combat operations, tactical maneuvers, and weapons handling, including practical training at the command’s shooting range to enhance operational efficiency and professionalism.

    The statement added that in addition to the trainings, several lectures were delivered to equip the officers with vast knowledge in the rudiments of police operations, investigative techniques, human rights standards, and ethical policing.

    According to the statement, the Command also emphasised on the dangers of bribery, corruption, assault and extortion, in line with the Nigeria Police Force’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.

    The statement said that the CP, Muhammad,  while addressing the officers, underscored the importance of strict adherence to the Police Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement, and Force Order 237 on the use of firearms.

    Others are the rights of human beings and the need for continuous self-development and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

    It added that the CP also charged the officers to remain disciplined, patriotic and people-oriented while carrying out their assignments.

    “The CP assured the public that the team is designed to improve swift response to distress calls, violent crimes, handle farmer/herder conflicts, conduct special operations, control crowds and enhance public confidence in policing.

    “Following the launch, the Rapid Response Team personnel have been deployed across the seven Area Commands of the State, with the Office of the Overall Commander located at the State Headquarters, Dutse, to ensure effective coordination and statewide coverage,” the statement said.

    The statement also reiterated the command’s commitment in safeguarding lives and property, while urging members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information. (NAN) 

  • Suspected gunmen ambush police patrol, kill officer in Oyo

    Suspected gunmen ambush police patrol, kill officer in Oyo

    • Police intercept truckload of suspected explosive materials
    • Kidnap attempt foiled, victim rescued 

    A police officer has been killed in an ambush by suspected gunmen at Budo Masalasi Border Post in Oyo State.

    The incident, which occurred about 2pm yesterday, happened as the Police who were on routine patrol in the area encountered a group of about 15 suspected bandits.

    The source added that an exchange of gunfire ensued, during which the Inspector was hit. An unconfirmed source added that the assailants also seized his AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition, bearing breach number 4516.

    Spokesman of the Oyo State Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the development, saying preliminary findings indicated that some of the attackers sustained bullet injuries, and operatives were on their trail.

    Also, the state Police Command has announced the interception of a truck conveying suspected explosive materials during a stop-and-search in Saki.

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    According to the command, the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence, leading to the discovery of the suspicious consignment.

    In a statement, DSP Olayinka said the truck and the suspected explosive devices have been secured and are in police custody for further investigation.

    He assured residents that the command is taking steps to ensure public safety and prevent any potential security threats.

    He said: “Upon receiving a briefing on the development, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Femi Haruna, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.’’

    A resident, Haruna Lawal, who was abducted at Olorunda Village, Oyo State has been rescued by operatives of the state Police Command.

    The victim, who was abducted alongside his motorcycle, to an unknown location was rescued after his sister, Alimot, made a distress call to the Police to alert them of the invasion of the residence by suspected kidnappers who were said to be armed with dangerous weapons.

    DSP Olayinka said the prompt response and aggressive bush-combing by the police exerted pressure on the suspects.

    He explained that as police operatives advanced into the area with patrol vans and sirens, the kidnappers, realising that security forces were closing in on them, abandoned the victim and fled, adding that the kidnapped victim was consequently rescued alive.

    He said the victim sustained a head injury during the ordeal and was conveyed to the General Hospital, Oyo, where he is receiving  medical attention.