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Tag: Police

  • Police kill notorious kidnapper, murderer, M-Kaze, in Rivers

    Police kill notorious kidnapper, murderer, M-Kaze, in Rivers

    The police in Rivers State have killed a notorious kidnapper and murderer, David Uzoma Kamalu, popularly called M-Kaze and recovered exhibits during a tactical raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Rumuodogu 1 Community, Emohua Local Government Area.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, said the raid was carried out by operatives from the Rumuji Division of the state police command.

    Iringe-Koko explained that the operation commenced at about 0100hrs on May 25th, following days of intensive intelligence gathering.

    She said during the raid, the police operatives encountered fierce armed resistance from the gang members, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

    She said in the ensuing engagement, M-Kaze was neutralised, while many other gang members escaped with varying degrees of bullet wounds.

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    She confirmed that a thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of a cache of incriminating exhibits such as one pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges and various local charms believed to be used for protection and intimidation.

    The statement described the deceased suspect, M-Kaze, as a high-value target with a notorious reputation for orchestrating heinous crimes against innocent citizens. 

    The statement said, “Due to his egregious crimes and notorious leadership of a kidnapping syndicate, a bounty was placed on M-Kaze’s head by the then Chairman of Emohua LGA, and this declaration underscores the significant threats he has posed to the safety and security of the community.

    “He was declared wanted by law enforcement agencies for his involvement in the gruesome murder and beheading of a local security operative popularly called ‘Hunter Commander’,  Mr. Alete, in January 2025, and multiple high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies along the East-West Road corridor, terrorising residents and commuters”.

    Iringe-Koko said the investigation was currently ongoing, and that efforts were being made to apprehend the fleeing gang members.

    She urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency.

    She said, “All recovered items have been meticulously documented as crucial exhibits for further investigation and potential prosecution.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, reiterates the commitment to ensuring public safety and security, and assures the public that efforts will continue to be made to apprehend and bring to justice all perpetrators of crime in the state.”

  • Police officers who vandalised car in Edo face trial

    Police officers who vandalised car in Edo face trial

    The Edo State Police Command has said the officers who vandalised a car in Benin City, the state capital are facing trial..

    The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) said on May 20, recalled that the personnel of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were sent to rescue some police men who were on transit from Lagos through Edo, and were attacked by some protesting youths at Okhuimwun community, Benin Kingdom, in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area.

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    Yamu said: “A reinforcement team that was deployed in the scene rescued the IRT personnel and effected the arrests of some of the miscreants involved in the attack, but some police officers were captured in a video conducting themselves in an unprofessional manner, and smashed a vehicle parked in the location.

    “In as much as the command condemns the act of attacking the IRT personnel, it views the policemen’s conduct during the rescue as highly unprofessional.

    “The police officers that were involved in the unprofessional conduct, who have been identified to be from Edo Command’s Quick Response Team, have been arrested and are undergoing disciplinary procedures, as stipulated in the police regulations.”

  • Police arrest Rivers pastor for allegedly defiling 10-year-old girl

    Police arrest Rivers pastor for allegedly defiling 10-year-old girl

    The Police have arrested a 45-year-old pastor of a new generation church simply identified as Lucky for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl in Ihuaje community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The suspect was reportedly arrested by members of a local security outfit, the ‘ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee ( OSPAC)

    The Commander of OSPAC in Ahoada East LGA, Precious Ihuruzu was said to have led his men to the community after receiving reports of the incident, picked the suspect and handed him over to the Ahoada Police Division.

    A member of the association Against Child Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Dennis Otobo, said he received a call from the gender desk of the State Ministry of Health about the case.

    Otobo said:  “In the course of my investigation, I got to know that one Pastor Lucky who is also proprietor of a group of schools in Ihuaje community in Ahoada East has been having sexual affairs with a 10-year-old girl in his care.

    Read Also: Police rescue 80-year-old as operatives neutralise six bandits in Abuja, Jigawa

    “This got to the knowledge of the parents. When the parents visited her on that Saturday in the Pastor’s house, the girl now informed them of what she has been going through. That anytime he had affairs with her, he would give her N500 to keep quiet.

    “Her parents immediately took the girl to the hospital where they did preliminary investigation. On that level, I decided to call the Divisional Police Officer for assistance and arrest. 

    “It was in the evening that the DPO told me that they should come on Sunday and that he was going to handle the case professionally. Truly he did that because as we are talking, the man (pastor) is in Ahoada Police station, Ahoada East”.

    When contacted, Rivers police spokesperson ,Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the Pastor’s arrest and said it followed a complaint of alleged defilement by parents of the girl.

  • Police confirm release of kidnap victims in Lagos

    Police confirm release of kidnap victims in Lagos

    The two people kidnapped last Thursday at Igbelara in Ijede, Ikorodu have been released, the Lagos Police Command has said.

    The victims, Wunmi, 38, and Abiola, 42, were released late on Sunday by their abductors who could not withstand the pressure from security forces.

    The Nation had reported that gunmen who stormed the street located by the Ijede creek whisked away the victims, causing panic in the neighbourhood.

    Residents were said to have been startled by sporadic gunshots from the invaders said to have kidnapped Wunmi after they didn’t see her husband-their main target.

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    As they were leaving with their victims, they allegedly spotted Abiola driving in with two of his friends and they singled him out and marched him into the mangroves alongside the woman.

    Confirming their release yesterday, the spokesman for the Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin said both victims were unhurt.

    He said their safety was a priority for the police throughout the operation, adding that they were released around 10pm on Sunday.

  • Police rescue 80-year-old as operatives neutralise six bandits in Abuja, Jigawa

    Police rescue 80-year-old as operatives neutralise six bandits in Abuja, Jigawa

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has disclosed that its operatives had eliminated six bandits and armed robbers during coordinated operations in Maitama, Abuja, and Jigawa State.

    The operations followed foiled kidnapping attempts, including the rescue of an abducted octogenarian and the arrest of 12 suspects.

    In Kano State, an 80-year-old woman who had been abducted was being transported to the kidnappers’ den in Jigawa when police operatives intercepted the group.

    A gun battle ensued, leading to the death of five bandits.

    According to a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday, said the significant breakthroughs in combating violent crimes and threats to national security were the result of several coordinated operations.

    According to him, “Operatives of the FCT Police Command, in a coordinated joint operation, successfully dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate responsible for several high-profile robberies and vehicle thefts across the capital.

    “Acting on credible intelligence, the police intercepted the gang as they prepared to strike in the Maitama area.

    “The criminals opened fire on sighting the officers, prompting a gun duel.

    “One of the gang’s most wanted suspects, Abdulmininu Bello, alias Babanle, was neutralized, while seven others were arrested at the scene.

    “The arrested suspects include: Ibrahim Muhammad (22, ex-convict), Abubakar Abdullahi (22), Sarajo Yusuf (20), Sanusi Ali (51), Abubakar Sani, Isiaka Adamu (ex-convict), Abdullahi Isah.

    “Exhibits recovered from the operation include: Four AK-47 rifles, Two locally made pistols with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, Eleven rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, One locally made shotgun, A 2004 Toyota Camry LE, A red Boxer motorcycle,” he further noted.

    In a related development, the Jigawa State Police Command rescued an 80-year-old kidnap victim, Hajiya Hajara, and neutralized five members of a kidnapping gang during a daring operation.

    Intelligence revealed that about 12 armed bandits had abducted the elderly woman from her residence in Sarbi Village, Minjibir LGA, Kano, and attempted to escape through Jigawa State.

    Swiftly responding, Adejobi said police teams from the Jigawa Command, supported by local security outfits, stormed the suspects’ hideouts between Danzomo and Medi villages.

    A fierce gunfight followed, leading to the neutralization of five suspects and the arrest of five others, including the gang leader, Yahaya (35).

    Read Also: Police confirm release of Ikorodu kidnap victims

    The victim was rescued unharmed, taken to the hospital for evaluation, and later discharged.

    Items recovered include: Two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated LAR rifle, 14 live rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles and two mobile phones.

    Speaking on the development, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their bravery and successful outcomes.

    He also thanked the public for their cooperation and urged continued vigilance, especially in reporting suspicious movements and gatherings.

    The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding public safety and ensuring national security.

  • Police confirm release of Ikorodu kidnap victims

    Police confirm release of Ikorodu kidnap victims

    The two people kidnapped Thursday night at Igbelara in Ijede, Ikorodu, have been released, the Lagos Police Command has said.

    The victims, Wunmi, 38, and Abiola, 42, were released late on Sunday by their abductors, who could not withstand the pressure from security forces.

    The Nation had reported that gunmen who stormed the street located by the Ijede creek whisked away the victims, causing panic in the neighbourhood.

    Residents were said to have been startled by sporadic gunshots from the invaders, said to have kidnapped Wunmi after they didn’t see her husband-their main target.

    As they were leaving the neighbourhood with their victims, they allegedly spotted Abiola driving in with two of his friends, and they singled him out and marched him into the mangroves alongside the woman.

    Confirming their release on Monday morning, the spokesman for the Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said both victims were unhurt.

    He said their safety was a priority for the police throughout the operation, adding that they were released around 10pm on Sunday.

    “A distress report was received at Ijede Division indicating gunshots in the vicinity of Igbe Creek Side settlement on May 22. Acting swiftly, combined teams of more than 15 police tactical squads, detectives, conventional policemen, vigilantes, hunters and the locals were immediately mobilised to the scene.

    “It was confirmed that the two victims, both residents of Ijede Creek, whose houses are inside the creek, had been attacked and abducted by unidentified hoodlums who fled via the creek and adjoining forest.

    “On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, a robust and elaborate rescue operation was launched. The rescue teams were strategically deployed in different directions to block all entry and exit points to the surrounding creek and forest, combing the area and exerting significant pressure on the kidnappers. “This coordinated rescue operation led to the successful release of the victims at about 10 pm on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

    “The released victims have been reunited with their families. All police tactical teams, squads and other detectives in collaboration with the vigilantes, hunters and locals mentioned are currently combing the creek and the adjoining forest to apprehend the kidnappers to prevent further attacks on residents and bring them to justice.

    Read Also: Police arrest suspected kidnappers, others ‘terrorising’ Ogun communities

    “The Lagos State Police Command commends the bravery of its officers and cooperation of the local vigilantes, hunters, and community members whose swift response was instrumental to the success of the operations despite the difficulties encountered in accessing the area, which by all standards pose a danger to security and safety of the residents living inside this creek and forest in the affected areas.

    “The Command further reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Lagos State. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and security conscious at all times, most especially the residents residing inside the Ijede Creek and other difficult terrains in the forest around the area.

    They should report any suspicious activities to the Police Division or Police tactical squads deployed for their safety in the area or the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines: 08063299264 or 08065154338.”

  • Police arrest couple for alleged child trafficking, rescue 12 children in Abia

    Police arrest couple for alleged child trafficking, rescue 12 children in Abia

    The Abia State Police Command has arrested a couple, Sunday Emebo (42) and Blessing Emebo (49), for allegedly operating an unregistered motherless babies’ home and engaging in child trafficking.

    According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, the arrest was made on May 19, 2025, at about 11:45 a.m., following credible intelligence received by the command.

    The victims rescued include Ojiugo Caleb ‘m’ 14yrs, Christian okoro ‘m’ 12yrs, Samuel Okoro ‘m’ 13yrs, Clinton Nkemakolam ‘m’ 9yrs, Godwin Emmanuel ‘m’ 10yrs.

    Others include Osinachi Nkemakolam ‘m’ 6yrs, Marvelous Emmanuel ‘m’ 5yrs, David Emmanuel ‘m’ 7yrs, Testimony Emebo ‘m’ 2 months, Ogechi Nkemakolam ‘f’ 9yrs, Chinaza Okoro ‘f’ 9yrs and Anointing Okoro ‘f’ 7yrs.

    A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, giving details of the arrest said “On the 19/05/2025 at about 1145 hrs, detectives from Abia State Police Command, leveraging credible intelligence, apprehended one Blessing Emebo, f 49yrs and Sunday Emebo, m 42yrs, for operating an unregistered motherless babies’ home in their apartment at Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba.

    “The suspects were found in possession of twelve (12) children, aged between six months and fourteen years, from different villages in Arochukwu.

    “The rescued children have been safely handed over to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs for custody. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing.

    Read Also: Police arrest suspected kidnappers, others ‘terrorising’ Ogun communities

    “The suspects are currently being interrogated at the state CID, Umuahia and will soon be arraigned in court after the investigation.

    “The Command is committed to ensuring the reduction of crime and criminality in the state. 

    “We advise the public to stay security-conscious and ensure children’s safety.

    “Do not leave children with unfamiliar persons, and report suspicious persons with children to the Police or use our hotlines via: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210003, 08079210005, in order to nip crime at the bud.” The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said.

  • Police arrest suspected kidnappers, others ‘terrorising’ Ogun communities

    Police arrest suspected kidnappers, others ‘terrorising’ Ogun communities

    Operatives attached to the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 2, Onikan, have arrested suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, truck hijackers and cultists alleged to have terrorised communities in Ogun State.

    The suspects, identified as Damilare Babatunde, 30, alias Drey, Fatai Ishola, 25, and Segun Hammed, 28, a.k.a Opa, were arrested on May 8 at Sabo Hausa Market, Eleweran, Abeokuta, while allegedly planning a robbery operation.

    A fourth suspect, Abiodun Olanrewaju, 45, was said to have been apprehended in his hideout at Onigbedu, Ewekoro.

    A statement by the spokesperson for the zonal command, CSP Ayuba Umma, said their arrest by the Zonal Dragon Squad 2 followed reports of their activities.

    According to the police, investigations revealed that two members of the gang were behind the kidnapping of two Chinese nationals, Liang Ding Jia and Chen Wen Guang, last August 11, who were only released after N30 million ransom was paid.

    In his confessional statement, Segun Hammed, the police said, admitted that he took part in a robbery operation at Obada Oko on January 27, where he raped a 62-year-old woman in the presence of her children.

    “The victims identified him and narrated their ordeal at the hands of this gang.

    Read Also: Police rescue two kidnap victims in Lagos

    “During an interview with the 62-year-old woman, she stated that the suspect Segun Hammed wanted to have unlawful carnal knowledge of her daughter, but she pleaded with him then, he turned to her and forcefully had his way with her in the presence of her two children.

    “All the suspects confessed to taking part in the hijack of cement-laden trucks along the Onigbedu area of Ewekoro in Ogun State.

    “Items recovered from them included a locally made pistol, three live cartridges, two unregistered Bajaj Motorcycles and a Berreta pistol with 13 live ammunition.

    “Meanwhile, N300,000 cash, one iPhone 7+, a small Tecno Phone and Opay Digital Service, as well as UBA ATM cards they carted away during the robbery operation, were said to have a suspect still at large.

    “Investigation is ongoing, and efforts are intensified to arrest other suspects at large and recover all exhibits. Suspects will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation,” police said.

  • Police rescue two kidnap victims in Lagos

    Police rescue two kidnap victims in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos State says it has rescued two persons who were kidnapped on Thursday at Ijede creek side in the Ikorodu area of the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

    Hundeyin explained that the police stormed the scene after receiving a distress call on the incident at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday.

    ”A distress report was received at Ijede Division indicating gunshots in the vicinity of Ijede Creek side settlement.

    ”Acting swiftly, combined teams of more than 15 police tactical squads, detectives, conventional policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were immediately mobilised to the scene.

    ”On getting there, it was confirmed that two persons whose houses are inside the creek had been attacked and abducted by unidentified hoodlums who fled via the creek and adjoining forest, ” he said.

    Hundeyin said that on the directive of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, a robust and elaborate rescue operation was launched.

    Read Also: Police hunt Lagos kidnappers, comb creeks

    ”The 15 policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were strategically deployed through different directions to block all entry and exit points to the surrounding creek and forest.

    ”This coordinated rescue operations led to the successful release of the victims unhurt at 10:00 p.m., on Sunday. The released victims have been reunited with their families,’’ he said.

    According to him, the police in collaboration with the vigilantes, hunters and locals are currently are still combing the creek and the adjoining forest to apprehend the kidnappers to prevent further attacks from them as well as bring them to justice.

    The Lagos Police image maker commended the bravery of the officers and cooperation of the local vigilantes, hunters, and community members whose swift response was instrumental to the success of the operations in spite the difficulties encountered in accessing the area.

    The spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the state.

    He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and security conscious at all times, especially residents leaving in the Ijede creek and other difficult terrains in the forest.

    He also advised residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency lines; 08063299264 or 08065154338.

    (NAN)

  • Police hunt Lagos kidnappers, comb creeks

    Police hunt Lagos kidnappers, comb creeks

    Operatives of the Lagos Police Command and vigilante members in Ikorodu have started operation to rescue two persons kidnapped at Igbelara in Ijede, The Nation has learnt.

    Gunmen on Thursday night stormed the community and  abducted a 38-year-old woman identified simply as Wunmi, and Abiola, 42.

    It was gathered that the woman was kidnapped from her residence by the gunmen suspected to have targeted her husband while Abiola, said to have driven to the area with two others, was spotted by the criminals on their way out.

    Crying out for help on social media, Abiola’s brother lamented that no efforts were made by the police to pursue the kidnappers’ whose torchlight, he claimed, could be seen at the time of their arrival.

    He said the kidnappers took the victims through the swamps at the end of the street, lamenting that his aged mother might not survive the trauma.

    Confirming that several police teams had visited the scene, the man, however, claimed that they refused to go deep into the creek and remained at its edge.

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    In a video posted on social media, the man said: “This is my brother’s car. He was kidnapped on this street. According to information, the kidnappers went with him through the forest. Police have been here since last night without any results. They just stand at the edge of the forest, no one is entering.”

    The video, which has been trending across social media platforms, however generated mixed reactions with many cautioning the man for divulging too much information about his elder brother.

    Others told him the police were searching for the victims as they were seen in neighbouring bushes and surroundings, including Tazan.

    A police source, who confirmed the incident, told The Nation that rescue started the same night, in collaboration with vigilantes and local hunters.

    “Yes, two people were kidnapped and we are already working towards rescuing them. The man accusing the police of not doing anything is probably expecting that we will divulge vital information but that is not possible.

    “At least, he acknowledged that he saw so many police teams at the scene, that’s to show him we are not sleeping. Work is going on behind the scenes and special tactical squads have since been deployed,” said the source.