The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police rescue six stolen, trafficked children in Enugu

    Police rescue six stolen, trafficked children in Enugu

    The Enugu State Police Command has rescued six stolen and trafficked children in multiple coordinated operations between June 30 and July 16, 2025.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who disclosed this in a statement issued weekend, added that 10 suspects involved in both local and transnational child trafficking networks were arrested in the process.

    Ndukwe stated that the breakthroughs were part of the command’s intensified efforts in combating the menace of child theft and trafficking in the state.

    Among the rescued children are a one-year-and-seven-month-old male child and a 14-year-old girl trafficked to Ghana.

    On July 15, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m., operatives from the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the Command, working with Neighbourhood Watch members, arrested one Chiaha Josephine (female, aged 64) and Ozomma Christopher Ubanagum (male, 67) in Ezeagu LGA. Two trafficked children were rescued: Loveth Mfonobong (female, aged 16), whose name had been changed to Chiaha Ifunanya, and Benjamin Alex Okon (male, aged 12), renamed Chiaha Udochukwu. Josephine confessed to buying Loveth in 2021 for ₦900,000 and Benjamin in 2024 for ₦1,400,000. Mfonobong could only give her place of origin as Affi (State or LGA unknown), while Benjamin gave his as Oron in Akwa Ibom State. On July 16, 2025, one Ilo Caroline (55) was also arrested for her involvement.

    Read Also: ‘Buhari, Awujale left indelible marks on Nigeria’s history’

    On July 13, 2025, police operatives from the Command’s Awkunanaw Division, with Neighbourhood Watch, rescued a one-year-and-seven-month-old male child and arrested Chiemerie Daniel Onwe (male, 28). The child’s mother, a trader at the cattle market in New Garriki, Awkunanaw, Enugu, had reported her son stolen. The suspect was found carrying the baby and arrested, while the child was rescued and reunited with her mother. The suspect has been arraigned in court and remanded in correctional custody.

    In a transnational case, on July 4, 2025, police operatives from the Emene Division of the Command arrested one Mirabel Oluebube (female, aged 21) after a report that she trafficked a 14-year-old female victim to Ghana. She confessed and helped police arrest her male accomplice, 32-year-old Udenze Ifeanyi. The victim was safely rescued and reunited with her family. Both suspects were arraigned and remanded in correctional custody.

  • Police halt proposed Obi’s birthday rally in Kaduna

    Police halt proposed Obi’s birthday rally in Kaduna

    The Kaduna Police Command has warned against a planned political rally by supporters of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to mark his birthday, citing security concerns and a ban on unauthorised political gatherings.

    In a security advisory, the Command said it received credible intelligence indicating that criminal elements were planning to infiltrate the rally to incite violence and disrupt public peace.

    The statement, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, noted that political rallies and gatherings remain suspended across the state until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially lifts the embargo on campaigns.

    “The Command wishes to bring to the attention of the general public that it has received credible intelligence regarding a planned political rally by supporters of Mr. Peter Obi,” the statement reads in part.

    It added that the timing of the rally also clashed with party primaries scheduled for the same day by political parties participating in an upcoming bye-election in the state—events which have been formally communicated to the Police in accordance with the law.

    According to the Command, the Obi birthday rally was expected to overlap with areas already designated for the primaries, increasing the risk of clashes, tension, and disruption of the electoral process.

    In view of this, the Command strongly advised organisers to shelve any planned gathering or procession in honour of the former presidential candidate, stressing that public safety must not be compromised.

    “If they wish to hold any form of event in honour of their principal, it is advised that such activities be suspended to ensure public safety and prevent potential hijack by miscreants,” the statement advised.

    The Police warned that any group or individual found violating the advisory would face legal consequences, even as it reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

  • Kaduna police nab most wanted bandit after 11 years

    Kaduna police nab most wanted bandit after 11 years

    • Recover arms, stolen jeep

    The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a notorious bandit kingpin who had been on the run for 11 years after allegedly leading deadly operations across Kaduna and Katsina states.

    The 34-year-old suspect, identified as Mati Bagio of Unguwan Galadima in Shika District, Giwa LGA, was apprehended at his hideout following a coordinated intelligence-led operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by CSP Sani Zuntu.

    Bagio, long feared by residents of Giwa, Hunkuyi, Faskari, Dandume and Funtua communities, was arrested alongside a cache of deadly weapons, including five rifles and over 100 rounds of ammunition.

    Among the items recovered were one AK-47 rifle, a fabricated AK-47, a pump-action gun, two English pistols, multiple magazines, dozens of ammunition, and weapon accessories—signaling the scale of operations linked to the suspect.

    Police said the arrest marks a “major breakthrough” in the Command’s efforts to stamp out criminal gangs operating along the Kaduna–Katsina axis.

    Spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan said Bagio would remain in custody and would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

    In a separate operation, police recovered a black Toyota Prado Jeep stolen at gunpoint in Abuja after tracking it to Unguwan Gwari, Kaduna.

    Read Also: Southwest governors demand restructuring, state police, resource control in constitution review

    The suspect, however, fled upon sighting the patrol team from Kawo Division.

    The vehicle has since been taken into custody and is to be handed over to the FCT Police Command for further action.

    Also, three motorcycle theft suspects—Yusuf Yakubu, Abubakar Jibrin, and Mustapha Aliyu—were arrested in a sting operation at Anguwan Rimi and Kujama.

    Police said the suspects specialised in attacking and dispossessing commercial cyclists of their bikes.

    Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the swift action of the officers involved and urged Kaduna residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to rid the state of crime.

  • Police kill suspected kidnapper, arrest five, rescue victim in Enugu

    Police kill suspected kidnapper, arrest five, rescue victim in Enugu

    The Police Command in Enugu State has killed a suspected kidnapper, arrested five suspects and rescued a victim in multiple operations in the state.

    The command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement in Enugu yesterday that police operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle with two rounds of live ammunition.

    Ndukwe said that other items recovered included a Toyota Corolla car, ₦10 million in cash obtained as ransom and other incriminating exhibits.

    He said the command achieved the feat through series of intelligence-driven operations conducted from July 5 to July 16.

    According to him, the command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its sustained fight against violent crimes, particularly kidnapping.

    “On July 16, at 3 pm, operatives attached to Okpuje Division, in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards and local hunters swiftly responded to a distress call regarding suspected armed kidnappers.

    “The armed kidnappers were sighted in a forest at Okpuje-Ani community in Nsukka Local Government Area.

    “Upon arrival, the armed suspects engaged the team. The operatives returned fire, neutralising one of the suspects while others escaped.

    “An AK-47 rifle loaded with two live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the neutralised suspect,” he said.

    The spokesman said that in a separate operation on the same day at about 4 pm., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Aliyu Adamu, 23, at Ugwu-Onyeama axis of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

    “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in multiple kidnappings, saying that he had been invited from Awka, Anambra State by another suspect now at large for criminal operations in Enugu State,” he said.

    Ndukwe said that on July 15, at about 2:20 pm, the Commands Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad apprehended two female suspects – Juliet Chukwu, 39, and Nancy Chukwu, 40; – in an intelligence-led operation.

    “The suspects, who are sisters and claimed to be law enforcement officers, were apprehended while sharing a ransom of ₦10 million.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Police rescue 31 kidnap victims in Edo, Taraba operations

    “The ransom was obtained from their kinsman, whom they had conspired to kidnap on July 14, 2025, after initially demanding ₦50 million.

    “The victim was rescued unharmed, and the operatives recovered the ransom cash and a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to one of the suspects,” he said.

    The spokesman said that earlier on July 5, at about 5:30 pm, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested two suspects – Usman Musa, 20; and Musa Zaria, 24; both from Kogi State.

    He said that the two suspects were apprehended during a tactical operation at Okemmou, 9th Mile Corner in Udi Local Government Area.

    “The suspects were found in possession of clothing and a wristwatch belonging to two male victims kidnapped on July 4, 2025.

    “The victims later identified both the items and the suspects as those involved in their abduction.

    “The detained suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded.

    “Efforts are ongoing to detain other suspects at large,” he added.

  • Police arrest man over death of three-year-old found in septic tank

    Police arrest man over death of three-year-old found in septic tank

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a resident of Durumi 2, Abuja, following the tragic death of a three-year-old boy who drowned in an uncovered septic tank on Tuesday night.

    The suspect, identified as Philip Jallo, was taken into custody by operatives from the Durumi Divisional Headquarters after the incident, which occurred around 9 pm on July 16, 2025.

    According to police investigation, the child was playing within the residential compound when he slipped and fell into the exposed septic tank filled with human waste.

    He was pulled out but was later confirmed dead at the hospital.

    The FCT Police Command said the tank had long posed a danger to residents in the area, with several neighbours reportedly raising alarm and urging Jallo to properly cover the structure.

    Despite repeated warnings, he allegedly failed to take any action.

    According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine yesterday, “the uncovered soak away was left dangerously open despite repeated appeals by concerned neighbours. The suspect’s negligence has now resulted in a tragic and entirely avoidable loss of life”.

    The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Adewale, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

    Read Aso: Mbappe faces probe over  payments to police officers

    He emphasised the need for residents to prioritise environmental safety within their communities.

    “This heartbreaking event is a stark reminder of how negligence can turn deadly.

    “We urge all residents to ensure their environments are safe, and call on parents and guardians to be vigilant and closely monitor their children to prevent similar occurrences,” the Commissioner stated.

    The police said the suspect would remain in custody while investigation continues.

    The FCT Police also reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and holding accountable anyone whose negligence threatens the safety of others, particularly vulnerable children.

  • JUST IN: Police rescue 31 kidnap victims in Edo, Taraba operations

    JUST IN: Police rescue 31 kidnap victims in Edo, Taraba operations

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully rescued 31 kidnapped victims in two coordinated operations across Edo and Taraba States.

    The operations, carried out in collaboration with local security outfits and other security agencies, reflect the Force’s intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and restore public trust in security.

    Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the first rescue took place on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Edo State, where armed men had earlier ambushed commuters along the Fugar-Agenebode Road in Etsako East Local Government Area.

    “The attack led to the tragic death of two persons and the abduction of several others.

    “Acting swiftly on intelligence, a combined team of police operatives and local security outfits launched a search-and-rescue mission in the Obe Hill area near the Ajaokuta axis.

    “The operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the bush with various degrees of gunshot wounds. Fourteen abducted persons were successfully rescued unhurt from the scene”, the Police said.

    Adejobi said security forces have intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and bring them to justice.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    In a related development in Taraba State, police operatives on Saturday, July 12, 2025, responded to a distress call around 11:45 p.m. reporting a kidnapping incident on the Wukari highway near the Federal University Wukari.

    He said; “A white Toyota bus carrying 17 passengers from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, had been intercepted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. Upon arrival, the operatives, working alongside other security agencies, advanced toward the scene.

    “The suspects, sensing the presence of law enforcement, abandoned their victims and fled into the bush. All 17 passengers were rescued unhurt”.

    The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun lauded the swift and courageous efforts of the officers involved in both operations.

    He emphasized that the successful rescue missions demonstrate the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to public safety and national security.

    Egbetokun also reiterated the Force’s determination to sustain and intensify targeted operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the country.

    “These operations are a testament to our proactive stance and resolve to ensure the safety of every Nigerian. We will not relent until all criminal elements are flushed out,” he said.

    The force assured the public that similar tactical interventions will continue nationwide to restore peace and order in troubled areas.

  • Suspected Lakurawa bandit held, AK-49 rifle recovered in Sokoto

    Suspected Lakurawa bandit held, AK-49 rifle recovered in Sokoto

    The Police Command in Sokoto State has announced the arrest of a suspected Lakurawa bandit and recovery of an AK-49 rifle with ammunition.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmed Musa, made this known in a statement yesterday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ahmad Rufai.

    According to Musa, operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested Buba Magaji from Julirkol Village in Silame Local Government Area. He said the arrest followed a tip-off.

    Magaji confessed to being linked to the syndicate, among others.

    “He also revealed the location where he had hidden an AK-49 rifle in the bush along the Silame axis,” he said.

    Read Also: 36 commissioners oppose Senate-proposed Electricity Act Amendment Bill

    The commissioner added that following his lead, police operatives yesterday conducted a meticulous search of the area and recovered an AK-49 rifle, a magazine, and 22 rounds of ammunition.

    Musa described the arrest and arms recovery as a breakthrough in the efforts to rid the state of criminals.

    “This operation is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of actionable intelligence and the dedication of our anti-kidnapping unit.

    “It directly disrupts the operations of a group that has inflicted immense suffering in Silame, Wamakko, Binji, and Yabo LGAs,” he stated.

    The CP commended the vigilance of community members whose tip-off led to the successful operation and urged continued public cooperation in the fight against crimes.

    Musa reassured the residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping, banditry, and all forms of criminality in the state.

  • Police arrest landlord over gruesome death of two missing Ondo varsity students

    Police arrest landlord over gruesome death of two missing Ondo varsity students

    The Ondo State Police Command has arrested the prime suspect in the brutal murder of two missing students from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) — Andrel Eloho Okah and John Friday Abba.

    The Nation had earlier reported the grim discovery of their bodies near the Ondo-Ekiti border, weeks after they were declared missing and absent from classes by their coursemates.

    Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Akure, Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal revealed that the suspect, identified as Femi Oladele a.k.a. ‘Tallest,’ was the students’ landlord. 

    He was said to have ordered suspected cultists to “deal with” the victims for allegedly being disrespectful to him.

    According to CP Lawal, the two undergraduates were abducted, robbed, raped, and murdered. 

    The suspect, now in custody, reportedly confessed to orchestrating the attack and helping conceal the crime.

    He revealed that the landlord was arrested after investigation to a petition filed on behalf of one Mr. Emmanuel Peter from Shagari Village, Akure, who reported the disappearance of his younger brother and his girl-lover, Abba, 25, and Okah, 19 to the police. 

    Lawal said the Anti-Kidnapping Squad launched an intensive investigation, with forensic tracking leading operatives to Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos, where an iPhone 14 Pro Max belonging to one of the student was recovered from a man identified as Abdul Mohammed Mubarak, 38.

    “Mubarak reportedly confessed to buying the phone from one Ojo Michael, who was later arrested in Aramoko-Ekiti. A Lexus RX 350, which belonged to the victims (students), was also recovered during the arrest.

    “Under interrogation, Michael confessed to being involved in the robbery, abduction, and subsequent murder of the students. 

    “He claimed that the operation was masterminded by Oladele Femi, the landlord of one of the victims, who recruited him and an accomplice, known simply as “Kola” (still at large), to carry out the crime,” the CP said. 

    Explaining further, Lawal disclosed that the sum of N800,000 was transferred from one of the students’ accounts during their captivity, stating that the arrested suspect (Michael) also admitted to raping the female student before killing her. 

    According to the police boss, the suspect reportedly told investigators that he murdered the female student because she recognised him and could expose his identity. 

    “Both victims (Abba and Okah) were then killed to prevent them from revealing their attackers. Their bodies were disposed of at different locations between Agbado and Ode-Ekiti,” he added. 

    CP Lawal further said investigations led to the arrest of the landlord, who allegedly confessed to orchestrating the crime and helping to conceal the killings. 

    Read Also: N151 senior Police officers face disciplinary committee

    He revealed that acting on the landlord’s confession, police recovered the body of the female student in a bush near Ode-Ekiti. 

    “Her remains have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary for autopsy, while efforts continue to recover the male victim’s body, believed to have been dumped in a river.

    “This case stands as a tragic reminder of the brutality of premeditated crimes and the devastating consequences of betrayal and greed. 

    “The victims, young and promising undergraduates, were senselessly raped and murdered in cold blood. The command will ensure all those involved are brought to justice,” he said. 

  • Retired police officers demand action on N758b pension arrears

    Retired police officers demand action on N758b pension arrears

    Nigeria’s retired police officers have again called for improved pension benefits.

    The former police officers spoke as the National Assembly continues to delay the approval of N758 billion in outstanding pension liabilities.

    In a statement in Abuja by its National President, Paul Ochonu, the National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON) urged the Federal Government to urgently address the grievances of retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to avert a planned protest by serving police officers.

    Read Also: Traditional institutions key to nation building, says Shettima

    The association highlighted the economic hardship faced by police retirees and called for calm, dialogue, and policy-driven engagement.

    NARPON noted that the National Pension Commission (PenCom) had, on June 18, approved a significant upward review of pensions for CPS retirees, demonstrating the system’s responsiveness to economic realities.

    The association stressed that approving the N758 billion pension liabilities currently pending before the National Assembly would significantly enhance the retirement benefits of both serving and retired officers.

  • N151 senior Police officers face disciplinary committee

    N151 senior Police officers face disciplinary committee

    About 151 senior officers are facing disciplinary committee over allegations of misconduct and ethical breaches.

    Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement yesterday.

    He said the review started on Monday and would be concluded on July 25, at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Force spokesman stated that the committee investigates cases involving senior officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) upwards.

    Read Also: Nigerian student innovators’ march to global stage

    “The Force Disciplinary Committee is an essential internal structure responsible for reviewing and adjudicating cases of alleged breaches of professional conduct, misconduct, and ethical violations involving senior officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and above,” the statement read.

    Adejobi reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to discipline and ethical conduct and emphasised that the Force would not condone any form of indiscipline or misconduct under his watch.