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Lagos police arrest 52 suspected cultists, assure residents of safety

The Lagos State Police Command on Sunday night said 52 suspected cultists have been arrested in joint raids across the state, assuring residents of safety before, during and after the July 7 Cultism Day.

The suspects, the command said, were arrested in Mushin while preparing to unleash mayhem on innocents.

A statement by spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh also warned hoteliers to desist from letting their premises be used to host cult related activities, stressing that anyone caught would be prosecuted.

He warned parents, guardians to prevail on their wards to shun violence, noting that cult related activities as the law will catch up with anyone caught.

According to Hundeyin, the command was prepared and had fully mobilised Police Anti Cultism Squads, Special Tactical Squads, the Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Police State Intelligence Department and specially designated units against violent crimes and cultism to prevent, arrest and prosecute any cultist or gang of cultists before they unleash mayhem, havoc and destruction on lives and property.

“The police in furtherance to ensure the safety of the good people of Lagos has completed and implemented preventive, deterrence and detective strategies to nip in the bud and ensure that the peaceful atmosphere in Lagos State is not disrupted by the cultists under any guise.

“The command has deployed massively across the length and breadth of the Lagos State to guarantee the safety of lives and property of all residents and visitors to Lagos State.

“Following credible intelligence indicating that certain cult groups may attempt to cause mayhem and engage in reprisal attacks on July 7, the command has put robust measures in place to forestall any such activities.

“The command is fully prepared to maintain law and order and would ensure that no individual or group disrupts the peace of our dear state.

“Equally acting on this intelligence, the command today carried out proactive and advanced raids of cultists criminal hideouts around the Mushin area of the state, fifty-two (52) suspected culprits were arrested while in preparation for tomorrow’s violent attacks in the state.

Read Also: Police declare CSO, CoS wanted for attack on Rivers LG Administrator

“The suspects are currently detained in police custody and they will be charged to Court at the end of the investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, hereby issues a stern warning to hotel owners, managers of recreational facilities, and other establishments to refrain from allowing their premises to be used for meetings, gatherings and other violent activities by cult groups.

The full weight of the law will be fully applied on violators of the law.

“Parents and guardians are hereby strongly advised to prevail and counsel their children and wards to steer clear of cultism and all forms of violence and criminalities.

The consequences of engaging in such activities are severe, and the Command will not hesitate to apprehend and prosecute offenders in this regard,” he said.

Hundeyin said the police boss also held an operational meeting with all the Anti Cultism Squads and special tactical team commanders in the state at the Command Headquarters, charging them to ensure that no cult group was allowed to wreak havoc or disturb the peace in the state.

He said crime prevention operatives and detectives of the command have been deployed and are on high alert, adding that they remain resolute in the mandate of protecting Lagosians and visitors to the state.

“The Lagos State Command therefore wishes to encourage the good people of the state to go about their lawful activities and other businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation, but to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines on 08063299264 and 08065154338,” he said.

July 6, 2025
Police arrest 19 young Ghanaians allegedly trafficked to Oyo for fake jobs

Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested 19 young Ghanaians, including 14 males and five females, in the Kajorepo area of Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the Command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police Adewale Osifeso, the victims were allegedly lured into Nigeria with false promises of job opportunities and were subsequently exploited by unidentified traffickers for financial gain.

The arrest, which took place on July 2, followed credible intelligence received by the police about suspicious activities at a building in the area. Investigations into the incident are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the trafficking operation and apprehend those responsible.

Osifeso said, “The Oyo State Police Command proudly announces the successful completion of a targeted operation on July 2, 2025, based on credible intelligence related to suspicious activities at a building in the Kajorepo area of Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA).

READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa applauds Tinubu’s commitment to NDDC

“Around 5:30 PM, the State Intelligence Department, with the invaluable support of tactical command teams, executed a search warrant at the site, which had been securely locked from the outside. This operation led to the arrest of nineteen (19) individuals, comprising fourteen men and five women, all young nationals from Ghana.

“During the investigation, it became clear that these individuals had been lured to Nigeria with false promises of job opportunities, falling prey to a manipulative scheme by unknown perpetrators who exploited them for financial gain.

“The victims provided critical information about their ordeals, significantly aiding the ongoing investigations.

“Following established protocols, the victims have since been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service, for further investigations and to possibly reunite them with loved ones back in their Country.”

He reiterated the commitment of the Command to “uncovering the identities of those responsible for this alarming situation, with ongoing efforts to gather intelligence and locate the individuals behind these heinous activities.

“The Command assures the community that tranquillity remains, reaffirming our commitment to safety and security for all residents. We urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities directly to the authorities.”

July 6, 2025
Police declare CSO, CoS wanted for attack on Rivers LG Administrator

The Rivers State Police Command has declared the Chief of Staff (CoS), Aloni Olodi and Chief Security Officer (CSO), Hector Ekakita of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, wanted in connection with the violent attack on the council’s Administrator, Goodluck Ihemnacho.

A statement signed by the police public relations officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the attack on Ihemnacho occurred on 20th June 2025 at the Council Secretariat, Ahoada East.

The statement said that despite a prior public notice and formal invitation to report to the police state headquarters for questioning, the duo refused to obey the directive.

The police said, “These individuals, alongside a gang of about thirty persons, are alleged to have conspired to assault the Sole Administrator, inflicted bodily harm on him, forcefully obtained his signature under duress, stole his mobile phones and vital documents, and carted away both personal and official properties from his office.

“The Sole Administrator continues to receive medical attention due to the injuries sustained during the attack.

READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa applauds Tinubu’s commitment to NDDC

“Following their failure to honour Police invitation, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has now declared the aforementioned persons wanted. They are hereby advised, in their own interest, to report to the Police State Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, immediately”.

The police commissioner warned that anyone found aiding, hiding, or assisting the wanted individuals to evade arrest would face the full weight of the law.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to justice and ensuring public peace and safety. Anyone with credible information on the whereabouts of these individuals is urged to contact the Police State Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, or call the Command Control Room and Complaint Response Unit.

July 6, 2025
Police nab five suspects, dismantles kidnapping ring in Oyo

The Oyo State Police has arrested five members of the kidnapping gang operating in Ipapo, Okaka communities in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

The suspects were arrested at a local rendezvous within the Okaka community where they were found sharing money collected as ransom from the family of the kidnapped victim prior to his release.

With the arrest of the suspects who are currently in custody assisting investigation, the Command said, it has successfully dismantled the kidnapping syndicate which has been terrorising the area.

The spokesman of the Command, Adewale Osifeso, a Chief Superintendent of Police confirmed the arrest on Friday.

He said: “On June 26, 2025, at about 23:00 hours, the residence of one Timothy at Mokorede, Ipapo, in the Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, was attacked by a group of six armed men. During the invasion, the armed men forcibly abducted Timothy and took him to an unknown destination.

“Upon receiving a distress call regarding the kidnapping incident, the Divisional Police Officer, Ipapo Divisional Police Headquarters promptly mobilized detectives and Divisional Patrol team in conjunction with other security stakeholders including members of the WNSN (Amotekun corps), loval hunters, Fulani vigilante and embarked on a search and rescue operation.

“The incident was also reported to neighbouring police formations to facilitate a swift rescue and apprehension of the perpetrators.

“On June 30, 2025, at about 0940Hrs, following a meticulous intelligence-led investigation and substantial cooperation from public-spirited individuals, police operatives from Okaka Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Okaka, apprehended five members of a kidnapping gang.

“The arrest was made at a local rendezvous within the Okaka community, where the suspects were found sharing money collected as ransom from the family of the kidnapped victim prior to his release.

He gave the names of the arrested suspects to include: Usman Abubakar, 30; Umar Abubakar, 21; Abdulkadir Sulaiman, 22; Abdullahi Naira, 23 and Isiaku Saboyaro, 30.

Read Also: Police kill three suspected kidnappers, arrest 17 in Abuja

Osifeso added that, during the operation, a cash sum of ₦4,618,700.00, being part of the ransom collected from the victim’s family, was recovered.

“In a breakthrough during interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, volunteering details on how it was planned and executed, including the roles played by each member of the gang.

“They further revealed that a total of six individuals were involved in the kidnapping, including their gang leader, known as ‘Wetti,’ who remains at large and is currently being actively pursued by the Command.

“Investigation into the kidnapping case is ongoing, as the Command is working diligently to apprehend the remaining suspect involved in this heinous crime. The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Oyo State and urges anyone with information about the gang leader or any other criminal occurrence to come forward”, Osifeso added.

July 5, 2025
Police recover 50 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition after bandits attack
- Troops rescued victim, neutralizes bandit in failed kidnap attempt
Police operatives in Rijau Division of Niger State, working alongside local vigilantes, have recovered 50 rounds of anti-aircraft live ammunition believed to have been abandoned by fleeing bandits.

The ammunition was discovered on Saturday during a security sweep of Biyemu forest in the aftermath of a military airstrike launched following a deadly bandit attack on Watari village earlier that week.

According to the Niger state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the attack on Watari village via Rijau and its environs occurred in the morning when armed bandits invaded the area, rustling an unconfirmed number of cattle.

The attack prompted a swift response from the military, which carried out targeted aerial bombardments across the Sulupawa axis, stretching from Rijau to the neighboring communities of Kumbashi and Kakihum in Mariga Local Government Area.

“The bombardment scattered the bandits and caused significant casualties among their ranks. It was during a follow-up reconnaissance operation that we discovered the anti-aircraft ammunition hidden deep in Biyemu forest,” Abiodun stated.

Security analysts who spoke to our reporter expressed concern over the recovery of the anti-aircraft rounds as they pointed that such high-caliber ammunition is typically used against helicopters or low-flying aircraft and signals the rising sophistication of weapons in the hands of criminal elements.

Read Also: How we raised TB, flood risks awareness, by Oyo NOA

“If the bandits had managed to deploy the ammunition which is believed to be compatible with heavy machine guns or improvised anti-aircraft devices, it could have posed a serious threat to aerial patrols and civilian aircraft in the region.

“This recovery is not just about seizing ammunition. It has likely prevented future attacks on military aircraft and stopped the criminals from expanding their tactics. Anti-aircraft rounds in the hands of non-state actors could be catastrophic,” Lawal Mohammed, a security analyst said.

Abiodun stated that In response to the incident, police and vigilante units have intensified surveillance and security patrols in strategic locations, especially around border communities vulnerable to bandit incursions.

In a related development, Troops of operation safe haven OPSH said it has intercepted a kidnap incidence, rescued the victim, neutralized one of the bandits and recovered arms in Plateau state.

A statement by Major Samson Zhakom Media Information Officer of the OPSH noted that as part of efforts to flush out criminal elements from own Joint Operations Area, on Wednesday, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN conducting the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A laid ambush at the crossing points of bandits along Kampani Zurak-Sabon Gari road in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State

Major Zhakom said: “The operation was based on credible information about the movement of bandits who kidnapped a resident. During the operation, troops made contact with the criminals conveying their victim on a motorcycle, and neutralised one of the criminals while others abandoned the victim and fled into the surrounding bushes. Consequently, troops rescued the 45-year-old victim identified as Mr Adamu Alhaji Nuhu and recovered one fabricated pistol, one pistol magazine, 4 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, one Boxer motorcycle, and other sundry items abandoned by the criminals.”
July 4, 2025
Lagos LG polls: Only accredited federal security will function, says police commissioner

…assures residents of security, safety

.IG deploys additional personnel, assets from Ogun, others

Ahead of the Local Government Elections in Lagos State, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh has advised all security outfits not part of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security to stay at home as they would not be allowed to perform such duties.

He gave the admonition on Wednesday at the command headquarters in Ikeja while giving an update on security arrangements for the elections, stating that the command would announce if there would be restrictions on movement.

He said, “All the other agencies that are not federal government agencies will not be allowed to participate in the security of this election.

“We want you to get it across to them that the police and other security and safety agencies under what we call the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security are strictly those that provide security for the election.

“So any quasi/local security organisation should know that they shouldn’t come out on the day of the election. If they have any concerns, they should send them to us.”

The police chief said threat assessments had been conducted, areas of possible hiccups identified, and deployments made to cater to them.

CP Jimoh assured residents that security preparations have reached an advanced stage, adding that thr Inspector General of Police (IG) Olukayode Egbetokun has ordered the deployment of more personnel and equipment from neighbouring states to Lagos for the purpose of the polls.

He explained that the police and sister security agencies have been meeting to fine-tune their three-stage plans, which encompass pre, during and post-election security.

At the moment, CP Jimoh said there had been no flashpoints or incidents of concern as the various political parties were out in the streets campaigning for voters.

He said: “We have been meeting for several days with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and we have fine-tuned all the arrangements to ensure that we have a peaceful and free and fair local government election throughout the 20 local government areas and the 37 LCD areas.

“As I speak with you, the operation order is out, the deployment of our personnel are equally out and aside from that, the IGP has approved additional deployment to us from neighbouring states. I won’t reveal the number to you but it is significant and in thousands. He didn’t only give us the personnel, he also deployed equipment including anti-riot assets to add to what we have on ground in Lagos.

“We also brought together other federal security and safety agencies that are part of election security. We’ve had about two meetings in my office, outside the meeting that we had with the State Electoral Commission.

Read Also: Police launch manhunt on killers of 10 Ebonyi Indigenes in Anambra

“In these meetings, we have detailed all areas to be covered and equally ensured that we have enough deployments to reach the nook and cranny of the state.

“Although there have been no issues so far, we are not leaving anything to chance, and that is why we are receiving more deployments from outside the state to ensure the required number stipulated by the election guidelines is met,” he said.

For riverine areas, CP Jimoh said Marine Police operatives had been mobilised to ensure proper patrol of the waterways and protection of coastal communities.

“We have riverine communities in urban and rural areas in Lagos. So, all these major areas have been properly taken care of. We are equally aware that over six million electorates have collected their PVCs and they are all encouraged to go out and cast their votes for candidates of their choice. Security is guaranteed for them.

“We are aware that there may not be problems before or during elections, and it could start post-election, and that is why our plan also runs for one week after the elections. We know that there will be celebrations and over-dramatisation of victory or losses, so we are equally prepared for that.

“So, we are good to go for the election. And we are very bold to let you know that the IGP and the state government have provided all that is needed from manpower to logistics to ensure that we police the election properly.

“This is what we have been doing over the years, and it shouldn’t be a surprise to us. Though it is equally of note that the local government election is the most contentious because this is the election of the grassroots.

“We encourage the players, the stakeholders and others who are participating in the election to play the game according to the rules and be assured that we are here to secure everyone.”

Continuing, the CP said the control room at the command would be operational so that issues could be addressed in real time.

July 2, 2025
Police launch manhunt on killers of 10 Ebonyi Indigenes in Anambra

The Police Command in Anambra has launched manhunt for suspected killers of 10 persons in Ogboji, Orumba-South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on June 30.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Awka.

“The Police Command in Anambra has condemned the indiscriminate shooting incident that resulted in fatal injuries and fatalities to 10 persons on the evening of June 30 at Ogboji, Orumba-South LGA of the state.

“The police has further assured that the Command shall hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he said.

Ikenga said that the armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and attacked the gathering of a group unprovoked, shooting sporadically.

Read Also: Police nab two suspected vandals, recover stolen items in A/Ibom

He said that the victims were later taken to an hospital where 10 persons were confirmed dead.

The police spokesman also said that the bodies of the victims have been deposited in the morgue.

He further said that the police led security team had taken over the scene of the incident and were working on necessary information to arrest the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

(NAN)

July 2, 2025
Police nab two suspected vandals, recover stolen items in A/Ibom

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has arrested two suspected vandals and recovered stolen items in Uyo metropolis.

This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Monday.

John said that the suspects were arrested on June 29 along Ndiya Street off Aka Road in Uyo.

“On Sunday, June 29, 2025 at about 11:46am, based on credible information about an ongoing act of vandalism along Ndiya Street, off Aka Road, Uyo, operatives of the Command swiftly mobilised to the scene.

”On sighting the police, the suspects took to their heels, but the police went after them and arrested one. Further investigation led to the arrest of a second suspect, who was apprehended at about 3:40pm at Ebiare Afiat Lane, off Aka Road,” John said.

The PPRO said that on interrogation, the suspects led the police to another suspect now at large believed to be a receiver of stolen goods.

The police spokesperson said that efforts were ongoing to arrest the suspected receivers of the stolen items.

Read Also: Police mobilise stakeholders to protect pupils, schools in Lagos

She said that a thorough search of the surrounding area led to the recovery of items suspected to have been stolen.

According to her, items recovered include two large oxygen gas cylinders, one SUMEC Fireman 3000 generator and one Fireman 1800 generator

‘’Other items include one 12.5kg gas cylinder, one complete mechanic toolbox, two wheelbarrows, one 4kg gas cylinder, one aluminium car wheel, one metal Coca-Cola stand, one tile cutter and one solar light panel among others.

John said that the suspects arrested would be charged to court when investigations are concluded.

She called on residents to continue to partner with the police in the fight against crime through timely and useful information for prompt action.

(NAN)

July 1, 2025
Four arrested in Turkey over alleged Mohammed cartoon in satire magazine

Turkish police have arrested four staff members of the satirical magazine Leman over an alleged caricature of the Prophet Mohammed, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced late Monday.

Yerlikaya shared footage on X (formerly Twitter) showing the arrests of the magazine’s graphic designer, illustrator, editor-in-chief, and managing director, calling the cartoon “despicable.”

The videos showed officers restraining the suspects with cable ties and escorting them from the premises.

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç said on X that Leman was under investigation for “publicly denigrating religious values.”

Leman denied the allegation, stating on X that the cartoon in question did not depict the Prophet Mohammed.

Read Also: Police mobilise stakeholders to protect pupils, schools in Lagos

The arrests came after a protest outside the magazine’s Istanbul office in the Beyoğlu district on Monday evening, where demonstrators reportedly chanted “Long live Sharia” and damaged windows and doors, according to local media.

In response to the unrest, authorities imposed a one-day ban on public gatherings in Beyoğlu on Tuesday.

The Contemporary Lawyers Association (ÇHD) condemned the arrests, describing them as “torture” and accusing the government of using the incident as a pretext to silence dissent.

(dpa/NAN)

July 1, 2025
Police mobilise stakeholders to protect pupils, schools in Lagos

The police yesterday held a stakeholders’ forum at the POWA Hall, Ikeja on the security of schools in Lagos State.

Organised by the Police’s School Protection Squad (SPS) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the two-day event also saw the commencement of training of the Lagos State Command’s SPS.

The Nation reports that by this action, Nigeria joins the list of global actors like the United States of America (USA) and Israel that have upscaled their protection of schools and demonstrating proactive models that combine law enforcement, police, innovation and community engagement to fortify school safety.

Read Also: E-visa system processes over 14,000 applications in six weeks, says minister

Speaking at the event, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, said the initiative was borne out of the desire to ensure the safety and security of pupils and educational institutions in the light of trends of attacks across the globe.

Egbetokun, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, noted the safe schools programme integrates the culture of safety for pupils, teachers, staff and host communities, adding that all parties must be involved in the security architecture of schools.

Recognising the vulnerability of pupils and educational infrastructure in the light of violent conflicts, gang violence, ideological extremism and criminal operations, whose perpetrators see schools as soft targets, the IGP said he already directed the Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun states, to engage their various stakeholders in meetings towards guaranteeing safety of schools.

Quoting statistics from the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), the IGP said between 2020 and 2022, over 5,000 attacks were recorded on schools, students and educators worldwide, which affected more than 22,000 individuals and disrupted the right to education across 28 countries.

“These acts are not isolated; they reflect a rising global trend where learning environments are being weaponized and turned into theatres of fear. From Boko Haram’s abductions in Nigeria to school shootings in the United States and bombings in Afghanistan, students are increasingly caught in the crosshairs of violence.

“The psychological scars, interrupted education and community displacements that follow such incidents are long-lasting and undermine national development.

“School insecurity is not only a breach of the right to education; it is a direct threat to global peace and human capital development. It challenges the international commitment to Sustainable Development Goal4 (Ensuring Quality Education) and Goal 16 (Promoting Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). It is imperative that our educational authorities and community leaders work hand in glove with the police and

other security agencies, to ensure that our schools are fortified against any potential threats and as we launch the Schools Protection Squad, we mark a significant stride towards an all-inclusive approach to school safety,” Egbetokun said.

July 1, 2025