Tag: Police

Beyond the clamour for state police as a solution to ring insecurity, security experts yesterday pushed for community involvement, adequate funding, equipping and total independence of the police.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Leye Oyebade (Rtd) and security analyst, Mrs. Chioma Okezie, cautioned that the establishment of state police alone will not yield the much-desired result.

According to them, Nigeria should embrace community policing in totality and ensure the national police are allowed to function without undue interference from the political class.

Sharing their views with The Nation, the experts noted that poverty, food insecurity, youth unemployment and restiveness must be tackled to nip insecurity in the bud.

They said that while it was the government’s policy to consider the unbundling of the national police, efforts must be made to ensure that more troubles are not created for society by a multiplicity of armed law enforcement agencies without the necessary equipment or motivation to function.

DIG Oyebade said the key to solving the security challenges was community policing, which involves residents’ participation, accountability, consciousness and sacrifice from the whole of society.

He said: “When it comes to strategy to nip crime in the bud, the sure way to go is community policing.

“Administratively, you can practice state police but still use community policing to combat crime.

“What I have posited is to adopt the Lagos model. There must be consciousness and sacrifice. Everybody must be ready to safeguard our communities. There must be a support system from all and sundry, including touching on governance.

“Every sector of society must be involved. It has to be from bottom to up. It should be community-policing driven. That is the key. There are legs to community policing, which are community partnership and organisational transformation.

Read Also: Police detain six suspected kidnappers, recover four AK-47 in Kaduna

“The key word is commitment, planning and then implementation. Over the years, there have been reports on the causes of insecurity. This information is available at the National Institute.

“I can tell you this on record because I was a directing staff and some of these researches have been conducted and the reports are there awaiting implementation.

“Some of the issues are unemployment, food insecurity, youth restiveness/unemployment, which need to be addressed headlong.

“Then, on the bottom-to-top policing approach, for example, a DPO should be able to engage the locals in his division and have all the stakeholders at his finger’s tips for the purpose of intelligence gathering and management.”

Mrs. Okezie spoke against the creation of state police.

She insisted that the police, as presently constituted, can do the job if properly trained, equipped and allowed to function freely.

She said: “Equip the police properly to function. Also, politicians need to allow the police to do their job. Police should be allowed to deliver on their mandate. The police should be adequately trained, equipped and well-remunerated.

“Undue interference from the political or elite class should be discouraged.

“At the moment, the police pander to the whims of the political class because if they don’t, they will be starved of the funds they need to survive. It should not be so.”

The Police Command in Kaduna State said its operatives have detained six suspected kidnappers and recovered four fabricated AK-47 rifles in Kaduna.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

Hassan said on Thursday, at about 3:20 pm, credible intelligence was received from a reliable source regarding the presence of a suspected kidnapper taking refuge at Gida Abe in Kaduna State.

“Acting swiftly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Tafa Division immediately mobilised a surveillance team to the location.”

He said the team successfully arrested one Isa Ibrahim, 30-year-old.

According to him, during interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a kidnapping gang operating in Kwara.

The suspect also disclosed that his accomplices had recently been arrested in Kwara, which led him to relocate to Kaduna with the intent to establish a new gang.

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He also disclosed that on the same date, at about 3: 30 pm hours, the DPO of Saminaka received credible intelligence indicating the presence of two notorious suspected bandits in Lamido village, Lere LGA.

”Acting promptly on the tip-off, the DPO mobilised his patrol team to the location.

“The team successfully apprehended two suspects namely: Sani Liman from Unguwan Fa, Rami Kura and Murtala Magaji (alias Seto) from Dambata in Galadimawa village, both of Kauru LGA.”

Hassan added that the suspects confessed to being involved in a series of kidnapping activities within the area.

He also revealed on Friday at about 6:00 pm that the DPO of Ikara Division received credible information from a reliable source about the suspicious movement of two suspected gun runners allegedly in possession of firearms.

“Acting swiftly, the DPO mobilised his patrol team to the scene,” Hassan added.

He identified the suspects as: Bajo Badun, male, of Vom Quarters, Jos, Plateau and Magaji Abdullahi, male, of Bargi village, Bebeji LGA of Kano State.

Hassan said that they were both arrested and found in possession of two fabricated AK-47 rifles.

“Additionally, on the same date, at about 4:30 am, a police patrol team conducting a routine patrol along the Kauru-Pambegua Road observed a man behaving suspiciously while carrying a sack.

“The individual was promptly intercepted by the officers for a search.

“Upon searching the sack, the patrol team discovered two locally-fabricated rifles and a long chain, which were carefully concealed within.

“The suspect was immediately apprehended and taken into custody along with the recovered exhibits.

“The suspect was Ishiyaku Ali, male, of Bakin Dutse, Kauru LGA, “he said.

Hassan said all the suspects were currently in police custody and cooperating with ongoing investigations and providing vital information.

The Kwara State police command has dismissed as untrue the alleged emergence of a terror group named ‘Mahmuda’ in the state.

The group is said to be in existence in Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas of the state.

Reports went viral on social media that the group had allegedly attacked Kemaanji, Tenebo, Baabete, Nuku, and Nanu. Yashikira District in Baruten, Kaiama councils of the state and Borgu local council of Niger State are also affected.

The reports said that “a recent assault on a vigilante unit in Kemanji left over 15 dead. Eyewitnesses describe the group’s brutal tactics to include killings, kidnappings, and ransom demands. We urge authorities to take action and protect our communities.”

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A statement issued by the spokesperson of the command, Aderoun Ejire-Adeyemi said: “Our comprehensive and continuous threat assessments, intelligence surveillance, and tactical reconnaissance operations in these areas have yielded no evidence of insurgent activity, coordinated terrorist formations, or mass casualty incidents as described.

“The claim of 15 vigilantes being killed is entirely false and devoid of any factual basis.

“We wish to assure the public that all security formations within Kwara State remain proactive and are strategically deployed under a multi-agency operational framework involving the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with other sister security agencies. No breach of internal security has been reported or observed in the aforementioned communities.

• Arrest suspects, recover arms, N10m cash

In a pre-Easter crackdown, the Imo State Police Command has raided an IPOB/ESN terror hideout in Okigwe Local Government Area, arresting three suspects and recovering arms and ₦10.3 million in cash in a pre-Easter crackdown.

According to Police Public Relations Officer, Imo State Police Command, DSP Okoye Henry, said the operation was carried out on April 17, 2025, at about 0120hrs, by operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams, in synergy with local vigilante groups.

“We acted on credible intelligence and stormed a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout on Cameron Street, Ubahu, in Okigwe LGA, recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, eighteen live cartridges, mobile devices, laptops, and N10.3 million in cash.”

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The suspects arrested are Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent (21), Ugwu Ikenna (31), and Ofor Kasarachi (37), while two others escaped into the surrounding bushes, he said.

“Investigations revealed the money was contributed by IPOB members to finance terrorism,” Henry added.

He assured residents of robust security across the state during the Easter celebration, with intensified patrols, surveillance, and checkpoints in collaboration with sister agencies. “Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station,” Henry said.

He reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful celebration.

The Lagos State Police Command has denied a report that Boko Haram suspects have been apprehended in the state.

On Thursday, Kumar Sanda, the commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Lagos, was reported to have said thousands of suspected Boko Haram members had been arrested in the city.

“If I should mention the number of Boko Haram members we have arrested in Lagos State, people will not believe it. But we have arrested thousands,” he was quoted as saying.

In a statement on Friday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the state’s police spokesperson, said following the publication, Olohundare Jimoh, police commissioner, directed an immediate investigation of the claim.

Hundeyin said the investigation revealed that no Boko Haram member was seen or arrested anywhere in the state.

Read Also: No Boko Haram insurgents arrested in Lagos

“Furthermore, in the trailer park communities mentioned, the leaders, operators and drivers in the indicated places in the report clarified to the police that there were no such elements of Boko Haram seen or arrested in those localities,” the statement reads.

“The command, notwithstanding, deployed surveillance police detectives, the Lagos State Police Intelligence Department (SID), and other formations of the Force to the mentioned places for the purpose of verification of the claim.

“No one confirmed the presence or arrest of such group members as reported in the write-up throughout Lagos State.

“Therefore, the report in its entirety is false, malicious, and ill-intended to cause fear and apprehension in the minds of the public.”

Hundeyin said the report was a figment of the imagination of the writer, urging residents to go about their normal businesses without fear.

“Members of the public are encouraged by the Commissioner of Police to go about their duties and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension,” he said.

The Ekiti State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of the Odofin of Igede- Ekiti, Chief Emmanuel Adetona, who was found dead in a bush along Aramoko Road.

Adetona’s family had previously reported him missing, suspecting possible abduction, before his body was found in a bush near Baptist Cemetery in the community.

According to a family source, the body had visible injuries, including a bloodied head, and a stick suspected to have been used in the incident was found beside his lifeless body.

Read Also: Imo police raid IPOB/ESN hideout, arrest three, recover arms, N10 cash

The source said: “The family is saddened by the discovery of our beloved Odofin’s body. We suspect foul play and demand a thorough investigation into his death.”

“The circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear, and we urge the Police authorities to leave no stone unturned. Our community is mourning, and we pray for justice for our fallen leader.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident, saying the body had been deposited in the morgue while detectives were working to unravel the truth behind the tragic incident.

In a major pre-Easter security operation, the Imo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected IPOB/ESN terror hideout in Okigwe Local Government Area, arresting three suspects and recovering arms, ammunition, and N10.3 million in cash.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of April 17, 2025, was conducted by the Command’s Tactical Teams in collaboration with local vigilantes, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry.

“Acting on credible intelligence, our operatives raided a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout located on Cameron Street, Ubahu, in Okigwe LGA,” Henry said. “Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, eighteen live cartridges, mobile phones, laptops, and ₦10.3 million in cash.”

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The arrested suspects have been identified as Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent (21), Ugwu Ikenna (31), and Ofor Kasarachi (37), while two others managed to flee into nearby bushes.

Preliminary investigations suggest the cash was pooled by IPOB members to fund terrorist activities, Henry revealed.

The police assured residents of heightened security across the state throughout the Easter period, with increased patrols, surveillance, and joint checkpoints with other security agencies.

“Residents are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station,” Henry added, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to a peaceful holiday celebration.

The Ekiti State Police Command has launched investigation into the death of the Odofin of Igede- Ekiti, High Chief Emmanuel Adetona who was found dead in a bush along Aramoko Road. 

The deceased family had previously reported him missing, suspecting possible abduction before his body was discovered lifeless in a bush near Baptist Cemetery in the community. 

According to family source, the corpse had visible injuries, including a bloodied head, and a stick suspected to have been used in the incident was found beside his lifeless body. 

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He said, “The family is saddened by the discovery of our beloved Odofin’s lifeless body. We suspect foul play and demand a thorough investigation into his death.”

“Thecircumstances surrounding his death are still unclear, and we urge the Police authorities to leave no stone unturned.Our community is in mourning, and we pray for justice for our fallen leader.”

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident, saying the corpse has been deposited in the morgue detectives were working to unravel truth behind the tragic incident. 

Abutu noted that further updates would be provided on the incident as the probe progressed.

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has been described as distinguished and worthy partners of the Nigeria Police in crime prevention and control.

Police Commissioner (CP) in charge of Airport Command, Olufunke Ogunbode, gave the rating at the 41st anniversary of the PCRC and the foundation laying ceremony of a hall at the Hajj Camp Police Station, Murtala Mohammed Airport Road, Ikeja.

CP Ogunbode, who noted that the police have enjoyed seamless relationship and support from the PCRC over the years, encouraged members of the organisation to continue to be good citizens with identifiable sources of lifelihood.

According to her, the notion from the public that PCRC members were police informants was wrong, stressing that they were invaluable partners of the police undertaking voluntary services for a safer society.

The police boss recalled a personal experience when she was deployed to Ibadan, Oyo State as a cadet ASP and did not know anyone nor had an accommodation.

“But my DPO then said I should not worry that he will call the PCRC chairman in the state. He assured me that they were good partners of the police and when he called the chairman, I was immediately sorted. Since then, my relationship and experience with the PCRC has been wonderful,” she said.

In the area of intelligence, the CP said the PCRC have been the eyes of the police in the communities, providing timely and credible information to fight crime.

“For record purposes PCRC members are well-meaning members of the public. They are dignified people in the society. We don’t have miscreants among them. So they are at variance with anything that will constitute crime and criminality to the society. 

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“We have enjoyed that collaboration from them and that is why if they have anything doing, they have a positive ally in us. The relationship has recorded tremendous progress. The police and PCRC share a very good bond.

“You are not informants you are helping us to combat crime. In as much as it’s not easy to combat crime but through your help we are reducing crime to the barest minimum.

“We appreciate you we love you and I know God loves you most,” said the CP.

She commended the PCRC on the building project at the police station, adding that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has urged that the project be completed within 10 months.

Earlier in his remark, the National President of PCRC, Alhaji Ibrahim Mogaji Olaniyan, said the committee would continue to support the police because they were aware that the service alone cannot fight crime in the society.

“Majority of fencing projects, repair of vehicles across the country are embarked upon by the members of PCRC. The issue of security is beyond what you will leave in the hand of the government. So the majority of police buildings are embarked upon by PCRC. 

“In fact, in Lagos state, we have so many projects. Recently Lagos State PCRC provided close to 200 phones so Lagosians can have access to our policemen, and we are recharging them. 

There arebso many things we are supporting the police on. 

“When I was PCRC PRO in Ogun State, there was a time I donated blood to an injured policeman who was shot by armed robbers. They were looking for blood and I offered myself immediately. 

“I thank God the police officer in question is still in service. I visited Ekiti State recently and a senior officer there stood up to greet me that I donated blood for him when he was attacked by criminals as DPO Ogbere. We also raised money then. So, we are police partners and are proud of them because the police are the best in terms of workforce that we have in this country. 

“I stand to be corrected. I can challenge anybody that the bad eggs in Nigeria Police are 5%. You know, we are 41 years in relationship with Nigeria police. We are their closest partner, and we are all from all works of life. We know what happens in other services,” said Olaniyan.

Continuing, he said the information PCRC provides to the police were free, disowning anyone who trades intelligence for money or any material gain.

“We have our own big effort in prevention and control of crime, especially seeing what our people are doing in Borno and Yobe. We are not relenting in South South either. Across the country we are supporting Nigeria Police and we are proud of doing that and will continue to do that,” he said.

Olaniyan also commended IGP Egbetokun, describing him as the best police chief in the history of the PCRC.