The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Police

  • Police, Customs pledge stronger intelligence sharing, security collaboration

    Police, Customs pledge stronger intelligence sharing, security collaboration

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening its collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing and internal security operations.

    Jimoh made the pledge on Thursday while receiving the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, NCS, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

    Welcoming the delegation, the CP described the Customs Service as a vital partner to the Police and assured that the long-standing synergy between both agencies would be maintained and enhanced.

    “We have been working closely with your predecessors, and there will be no missing link. What you have sought today, consider it granted,” Jimoh said.

    Read Also: Police probe armed escort for actress Angela Okorie

    He emphasized the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation, especially in Lagos, which he described as a critical hub requiring coordinated efforts to ensure public safety.

    In his remarks, Comptroller Shuaibu noted that the visit was aimed at reinforcing the partnership between the two agencies and boosting joint efforts in combating crime and securing lives and property.

    “We are here to synergise and collaborate in the interest of national security. The Nigeria Customs Service and the Police Force must continue to work hand in hand to secure the only country we call home,” he said.

    Shuaibu also noted that the Customs Police Unit was established to monitor officers’ conduct and handle internal investigations, adding that erring personnel are sanctioned accordingly.

    He appealed for continued intelligence support from the Police, especially in matters beyond Customs’ operational scope, and expressed readiness for collaboration beyond formal engagements.

    “This partnership is not just about our agencies; it’s about the safety, unity, and progress of Nigeria,” he added.

  • Reps to probe police over alleged corruption, asset sales, diversion of funds

    Reps to probe police over alleged corruption, asset sales, diversion of funds

    The House of Representatives has resolved to launch a comprehensive investigation into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over allegations of corruption, abuse of office, illegal sale of national assets, and gross violations of financial regulations.

    This decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance jointly sponsored by Hon. Ibe Okwarra Osunwa, Hon. Mark Esset, and Hon. Jafaru Leko.

    While presenting the motion, Hon. Okwarra expressed deep concern over a series of recent allegations that have cast a shadow on the integrity and operational effectiveness of the police.

    He cited reports of contract splitting, diversion of public funds, and asset stripping, warning that such practices threaten national security and public trust.

    Okwarra revealed that the NPF’s Procurement Department allegedly circumvented the Public Procurement Act, 2007, by splitting a ₦6 billion contract for police uniforms into 66 separate contracts awarded to Crown Natures Nigeria Limited. This act, he said, was reportedly aimed at avoiding due process.

    He also raised alarm over the alleged unlawful sale of strategic police barracks—including the Garki Barracks in Abuja, Falomo Barracks in Lagos, and Bompai Barracks in Kano—to private individuals linked to Exima Realty Company Ltd.

    These sales, he noted, bypassed approvals from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Federal Executive Council, in violation of Public-Private Partnership guidelines.

    Further allegations include the award of contracts worth tens of billions of naira under the 2024 budget without the required vetting by the Federal Executive Council, Ministerial Tenders Board, or obtaining a Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) “no-objection” certificate. Companies allegedly involved include Dexterity Development Ltd., KC Construction Ltd., and Strong Tower Infrastructure Development Ltd.

    The lawmaker also cited the diversion of ₦2.9 billion intended for the Safe School Initiative. The contract was reportedly awarded to Vigiscope Ltd. without compliance with statutory ICT procurement requirements, including certification from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    Read Also: Budget 2025: Reps okay N1.132tr for Customs

    Additionally, the House heard disturbing reports of over ₦50 billion paid to unqualified and unverified companies for the supply of arms, gunboats, boots, and forensic equipment. These contracts, awarded to firms such as PSGL Nigeria Ltd., SOLYD Nigeria Ltd., Toffy Ventures Ltd., Rush Rights Ltd., Value Exchange Ltd., and Radio Tactics Global Services, allegedly recorded no delivery or execution, posing a grave threat to national security.

    The House resolved to mandate its relevant committees to conduct a thorough investigation and report back with recommendations.

    He said these allegations point to a systemic abuse of office, blatant disregard for procurement regulations, undermining of internal oversight departments, and potential sabotage of Meera’s internal security architecture.

    He argued that if urgent steps are not taken, these acts of impunity and financial misconduct could erode public confidence in the Police Force and sabotage national security and development efforts.

  • Police probe armed escort for actress Angela Okorie

    Police probe armed escort for actress Angela Okorie

    The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the actions of armed officers seen escorting actress Angela Okorie while she jogged in a viral video.

    According to the Force’s Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the incident falls short of the professional standards expected of police personnel.

    The police have initiated an investigation to identify the officers involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the video.

    Read Also: Angela Okorie: I’m a free spirit who forgives easily

    According to the statement, the outcome of the investigation will determine the disciplinary action.

    The Force emphasised its commitment to upholding professionalism, discipline, and public trust.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force strongly frowns at the conduct of armed police officers seen in a viral video trailing actress Angela Okorie while she jogged—an act considered clearly inconsistent with the professional standards and decorum expected of personnel of the Force. The incident, which appears to have occurred on or around a movie set, has also sparked widespread public concern and criticism.

    “While it remains unclear whether the scene was part of a scripted production, the conduct of the officers seen in the video falls short of the standards expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force.

    “Accordingly, necessary administrative processes have been initiated to identify the officers involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the video, while appropriate disciplinary action will be taken based on the outcome of the review.

    “The Force remains committed to upholding professionalism, discipline, and public trust. Muyiwa Adejobi”.

  • Anambra Police, DSS in cold war over killing of Inspector

    Anambra Police, DSS in cold war over killing of Inspector

    A cold war is brewing between the Anambra Police Command and the Department of Security Service (DSS) over the alleged killing of a Police Inspector. 

    The incident happened in Uli, Ihiala local government area along Owerri/ Onitsha expressway near the Danaks filling station during a ‘stop and search’ exercise by the police. 

    It has heightened tension in the State as the Police and DSS are pointing accusing fingers at themselves.

    Though the Anambra Police Command has described the incident as unfortunate and a mistake, some of the Police men are spoiling for retaliation while the DSS are not taking it lying low. 

    The victim, Inspector Bello Abdullah of the 29 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Awka, was part of a patrol team conducting routine checks when they intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle reportedly driving against traffic.

    Unaware that the vehicle was used by DSS operatives, the police team flagged it down for a search. 

    The DSS personnel allegedly resisted the move, and in the ensuing altercation, a fired bullet hit the victim. 

    He was said to have been rushed to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi but confirmed dead on arrival

    Anambra Police command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, a Superintendent of Police, SP, told The Nation Thursday the two security outfits have settled amicably.

    Read Also: Anambra Police foil cult initiation ceremony, arrest six 

    He described it as a mistake, adding that the armed security operatives, in black attire, were said to have emerged from an unmarked Toyota Sienna vehicle, sparking suspicion and leading to an exchange of fire.

    He said the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Awka for further investigation.

    But one of the Senior Police Officers, who spoke with The Nation in confidence, said the command would not allow such an incident to die, describing it as an affront to the Police

    Another Senior DSS source, who pleaded anonymity, told The Nation what the stop-and- search team did was an embarrassment to them, adding that they always claim superiority over other security agencies

    “Anyway they want it we are ready. We’ve kept quiet for a long time. Our handicap now is that the current Police commissioner, Ikioye Orutugu is a nice person. Otherwise, most of his men behave like untrained people, ” the source said

  • Youths march on Kenya over police brutality, poor governance

    Youths march on Kenya over police brutality, poor governance

    Youth-led protests against police brutality and poor governance have erupted across Kenya, with thousands gathering in Nairobi.

    The protests, which coincided with the first anniversary of demonstrations opposing tax hikes that left 60 people dead and 20 others missing, followed last week’s rallies that demanded answers for the unexplained death of a Kenyan blogger while in police custody.

    Frustration is growing, especially among Generation Z, over police violence, economic struggles, and government mismanagement.

    The Communications Authority of Kenya has directed local media to stop all live broadcasts of the protests halfway through the day as President William Ruto warned that violence wouldn’t be tolerated.

    Many turned to social media to share updates and remember slain protesters. Others posted anti-government messages and memes. On the streets, some could be seen offering protesters water.

    Calls for accountability have grown louder in Kenya after a street hawker was killed during last week’s protests. A Kenyan court has given detectives 15 days to complete investigations into two police officers suspected of the shooting.

    This came as young people flooded social media platforms throughout the week with commemorations of protesters killed last year. At the time, Ruto apologised and vowed to end police brutality as the top police chief resigned.

    Read Also: Reps approve ₦1.132 trillion 2025 budget for Customs

    “Not a single officer has been held to account,” said Hussein Khaled, a human rights activist, adding that people took to the streets “to demand justice in terms of compensation … arrest of those officers who were involved … police reforms because too many Kenyans are losing their lives” to police brutality.

    Last year’s deadly protests strongly opposed a finance bill that raised taxes significantly to address debt, putting an undue burden on young, educated people struggling with unemployment and a rising cost of living. Ruto later scrapped the bill.

    Some tax proposals were reintroduced later, drawing widespread criticism and calls for Ruto’s resignation, following the appointment of a new but widely criticized cabinet. A revamped healthcare levy also changed standard premiums to a progressive tax, based on income.

    United Nations’ data shows that 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30, with 67% of Kenya’s young people unemployed.

     “Both the health and the education sectors, which greatly affect the youth, are seemingly sinking due to misguided policies and failure to provide needed resources. At the same time, there appears to be unlimited funds for ‘aristocratic’ luxuries,” said Macharia Munene, professor of History and International Relations at United States International University Africa in Nairobi, referring to some state people’s spending that has been strongly condemned.

    Ruto has been accused of misappropriating taxpayer money on lavish trips, most notably the use of a private jet on his trip to the United States right before last year’s protests. He apologized and dismissed ministers accused of incompetence, corruption and displays of opulence amid complaints about the high cost of living.

    Meanwhile, Kenya’s opposition received its share of criticism, with many saying it avoided challenging the status quo after some of its members were appointed in Ruto’s new cabinet

     “Enough is enough … We are here for change, it is time for us to get our nation (back),” said a protester, Sevelina Mwihaki. “The blood that we have shed is enough.”

  • Police neutralise two robbers, arrest two others after midnight attack in Kaduna

    Police neutralise two robbers, arrest two others after midnight attack in Kaduna

    Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have neutralised two armed robbers and arrested two others following a fierce midnight shootout after a robbery attack at Gashash Estate in Barnawa.

    The armed gang, numbering about eight, invaded the estate around 3:10 a.m. on Wednesday, carting away valuables including mobile phones, laptops, gaming consoles, wristwatches, and jewellery.

    The incident triggered a swift response from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Barnawa Division, who mobilised patrol teams with reinforcements from the DPOs of Kakuri and Sabon Tasha Divisions, along with soldiers from the 312 Artillery Regiment, Kalapanzi.

    According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the joint security team intercepted the fleeing robbers along Makera Main Road in Kakuri, where the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape.

    In the ensuing gun duel, two of the suspects were gunned down while two others were arrested. The rest managed to flee.

    The police say efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining members of the gang.

    He said, “A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of two robbers, while two others were overpowered and arrested. The police recovered a locally made pistol, live ammunition, and an assortment of dangerous weapons from the suspects.

    Read Also: Yeletawa massacre: NOA commends police, security agencies over arrest of suspect

    “Further investigations led to the recovery of seven mobile phones, three wristwatches, two laptops, two PlayStation gaming consoles, and assorted jewellery, believed to have been stolen from the Gashash Estate victims,” he said.

    DSP Hassan, however, said that one Police officer sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and is currently receiving treatment at the Police Clinic, but said efforts were ongoing to track down the remaining gang members who fled the scene during the gunfight.

    Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, lauded the gallantry and swift coordination between the police, military, and other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

    He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and called on Kaduna residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their communities.

  • JUST IN: Police arrest 26 suspects over Benue massacre

    JUST IN: Police arrest 26 suspects over Benue massacre

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, disclosed that 26 suspects have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the massacre at Yelewata community, in Benue State.

    Egbetokun disclosed this while addressing reporters at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

    The arrest is coming barely a week after President Bola Tinubu directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest killer herders who perpetrated the heinous killing of over 100 people in Yelewata community in Benue State.

    Read Also: Police nab suspected cultists, armed robbers, recover firearms

    Tinubu gave the directive while addressing stakeholders at the Government House, Markudi.

    The meeting included the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, Traditional Rulers, and former Governors of the state.

    The governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa also attended the meeting.

    Tinubu had called out the Inspector General of Police to know why arrests have not been made.

    “How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata? Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” President Tinubu said.

    He urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.

    Sources said security agencies have been working around the clock to arrest the perpetrators.

    Details shortly….. 

  • Police nab suspected cultists, armed robbers, recover firearms

    Police nab suspected cultists, armed robbers, recover firearms

    The Delta State Police Command has intensified efforts to rid the state of criminal elements with the recent arrest of suspected cultists and an armed robbery suspect, alongside the recovery of prohibited firearms and dangerous weapons.

    In a statement on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, reported that during a routine stop-and-search operation on June 18, 2025, at around 12:20 PM, officers from the Eagle-Net Surveillance Team intercepted a black Toyota Corolla at Otokutu Bridge in Ughelli North LGA of the state

    He said the vehicle was driven by Telvin Richmond, 27, and accompanied by Frank Obiorah, 26, both from Opete in Otokutu.

    The police spokesman said during the search, officers found several concealed items in the vehicle, including: one locally-made cut-to-size gun, two yellow hand bands with “NBM” (Neo Black Movement) inscribed, one battle axe and one wooden pistol.

    Edafe stated that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects are affiliated with the Aiye Confraternity, a known cult group.

    He said one suspect admitted to buying the firearm for ₦87,000 in 2024 from an individual who is currently evading arrest.

    Read Also: One dies, three injured as police foil robbery attack in Abuja 

    He said the suspects would remain in custody as investigations continue.

    In a related development, the PPRO said that on June 14, 2025, at about 06:30hrs, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad, acting on credible intelligence, executed a search warrant at the residence of a native doctor, identified as Okonji Chimeze (47), of Umuehe Quarters at Ibusa.

    He said during the operation, operatives discovered and recovered two automatic pump-action guns and one cutlass concealed in the ceiling of the suspect’s bedroom.

    Edafe said the suspect was currently in custody, and investigations were ongoing to uncover the full extent of his activities and any possible affiliations.

    He expressed the Command’s appreciation for the continued support of members of the public and urged anyone with useful information that could aid ongoing investigations to reach out through any of the Command’s dedicated emergency lines.

    The police have achieved a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against crime in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, specifically around the notorious Otokutu Bridge.

    This comes years after a syndicate believed to be involved in ritual killings was dismantled, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

    The previous incidents had raised considerable anxiety among local residents about their safety. The latest police action is aimed at reinforcing security and restoring public confidence in the area.

  • One dies, three injured as police foil robbery attack in Abuja 

    One dies, three injured as police foil robbery attack in Abuja 

    One person have been killed while three injured during a clash between the police and armed robbers in Abuja. 

    Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday foiled the robbery attempt in the Zone E Extension area of Apo Resettlement, Abuja. 

    The incident occurred around 10:30pm 

    The police got the hint following a distress call received from a commercial motorcycle rider in Apo Resettlement, reporting heavy gunfire in the area. 

    During the operation, the police said three persons were rescued with varying degrees of injuries inflicted by the attackers. 

    A light green Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 620 AU, belonging to one of the victims, was recovered at the scene.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh: “the Divisional Police Officer of Apo Division, CSP Uchenna Igwebuike, immediately mobilized his Ambush and Surveillance Teams to the scene.

    “The attackers engaged the police team in a fierce gun battle. In a swift tactical response, a reinforcement team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Isyaku Sharu, arrived at the scene. The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee into the surrounding hills.

    “A joint manhunt operation involving Police operatives and local vigilantes is currently ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    Read Also: Police clear lawyer, developer of alleged forgery

    “All injured persons were immediately evacuated to Sahad Hospital, Apo Resettlement, for emergency medical care. Sadly, one of the victims later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by medical personnel. His remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assures residents that the Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the Territory.

    “The CP also appeals to members of the public, especially residents of communities around Apo Resettlement and its environs, to report anyone seen with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station or via any of the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913 or 08028940883”.

    He urged the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue supporting the Police in their fight against crime and criminality.

  • Kogi police operatives in gun duel with kidnappers

    Kogi police operatives in gun duel with kidnappers

    Operatives of the Kogi State Police Command yesterday rescued 25 passengers travelling on Obajana /Oshokoshoko Road after a gun duel with armed hoodlums.

    The hoodlums had ambushed and attacked the vehicles conveying the passengers.

    Command’s spokesman William Aya, a Superintendents of Police (SP), who confirmed the incident, explained that the operatives, who were on building patrol, were attracted by sounds of sporadic gun shots  coming from  where the passengers were attacked.

    Aya further revealed that a gun duel ensued between the police patrol team and the armed hoodlums who reportedly fled into the forest, abandoning  the passengers.

    Read Also: FG reports N6.9tn revenue in first four months of 2025

    SP Aya said: “On 23rd June, 2025 (yesterday), the operatives attached to Obajana Division, while on a confidence building patrol on Obajana – Oshokoshoko Road, foiled an attempted abduction of passengers who were attacked by armed hoodlums.

    “The hoodlums had ambushed: One J5 vehicle with registration number LSD 572 XJ driven by Suleiman Sani with his motor boy, en route from Zaria to Ekiti, one Toyota Hiace bus with registration number KPA 93 LG, driven by Adeleke Ifelaja, traveling from Abuja to Lagos with ten (10) passengers, one Toyota Hiace bus with registration number GWA 663 XD, driven by Dare Oloyede, also traveling from Abuja to Lagos with thirteen (13) passengers.”