Tag: Police

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), on Thursday killed five armed bandits and recovered seven operational motorcycles which were used by the bandits in their criminal activities.

The police also rescued a kidnapped university student.

A statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “The Nigeria Police Force has once again achieved significant victories in the fight against various types of violent crime, including armed banditry and kidnapping. Successes from these coordinated operations have resulted in the neutralization of armed bandits, the disruption of their networks, and the safe rescue of a kidnapped university student. Police Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command, in a collaborative effort with the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante outfits conducted two successful operations that dealt a severe blow to armed banditry in the state. 

“On April 10th, 2025, at about 4:15 AM, a joint security team, led by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force proceeded to a suspected bandit route in Dutsen Wori village, Dandume Local Government Area, where the team successfully ambushed a group of suspected armed bandits along the route, leading to the neutralization of 5 armed bandits and the recovery of 7 operational motorcycles which were used by the bandits in their criminal activities. In a separate operation on the same date, at about 7 AM, the joint security team, acting on credible information, intercepted a suspected armed bandit in Unguwar Adam and Unguwar Judo villages, Danmusa LGA. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the dislodging of the bandits’ hideout. 3 suspected informants, who were providing information and logistical support to the bandits, were apprehended and 2 operational motorcycles and 2 bicycles were also recovered during the operation.

“In a similar development, operatives of the Kebbi State Police Command has successfully rescued Augustine Madubiya, a 23-year-old student of the Department of Economics at the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) who was kidnapped on April 8, 2025, at Unguwar Jeji, Kalgo LGA of Kebbi State. The rescue operation was conducted by a combined team of police officers and vigilantes in the Dakingari forest on April 10, 2025. Upon sighting the team of operatives, the kidnappers took to their heels. The victim was rescued unhurt and is currently receiving medical treatment at a local facility before being reunited with his family.

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“These successful operations highlight the importance of collaboration between the police and local communities and demonstrates the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to combating armed banditry and similar violent crimes, ensuring the safety and security of our communities. 

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, commends these gallant operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Armed Forces and local security groups. The Force remains dedicated to protecting the lives and property of all residents as investigations towards apprehending the remaining suspects and dismantling their entire criminal networks continues.”

Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has emphasised the need for a holistic and multifaceted approach among security agencies to combat terrorism and trans-border crimes.

Speaking at the Stakeholders Conference on Security themed “A Path to Regional Cooperation” held on Wednesday in Abuja, Gaidam highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts and modern border management practices.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Central Bureau (NCB).

Gaidam stated that adopting international standards and best practices in border security will significantly help mitigate the threat of terrorism in the region.

He called on stakeholders to work in unison toward a common goal of peace and stability.

“We can overcome these challenges and emerge as a beacon of stability and progress in Africa if all hands are put on deck,” he said.

The minister noted that the primary goal of the conference is to map out strategies to enhance regional security, with a strong focus on strengthening collaboration among Interpol member countries in West Africa.

He underscored the need for intelligence sharing, joint expertise, and unified approaches in tackling cross-border criminal activities.

In his words, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is pertinent to state that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has worked immensely to curb the insurgency caused by Boko Haram, bandits, and other transnational crimes. Some of these measures include biometric systems at border checkpoints, integration of data analytics into border security operations, and deployment of surveillance drones along critical border regions.

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Gaidam observed that despite the Government’s efforts to end the menace of terrorism and violent extremism in the country, the threat posed by terrorism has risen significantly, adding that Nigeria was ranked the 6th most impacted country globally according to the 2024 Global Terrorism Index.

He enumerated Government to mitigating insecurity which include deploying the military, cooperating with international partners, implementing counter-terrorism legislation; adoption of a legal framework related to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS); provision of (WAPIS) terminals to allow security agencies access to critical information and Establishment of National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC) for the Nigerian Police Force.

In his goodwill message the Chairman Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salisu (RTD) represented by Director Police Discipline, Ferdinand Uchechukwu Ekpe, stated that no nation can afford to stand alone in the face of threats and insurgency, noting that a secure and peaceful Nigerian state is necessary for a secure and prosperous West Africa and the entire ECOWAS market area.

Also, the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (RTD)  represented by Director Intelligence Kennedy Zirangey in his good will message states that, the conference came at the right time where the nation is faced with insecurity such as terrorism, banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, community conflicts and myriads of other security challenges adding that all the catalyst behind these insecurity threats is drug usage by the foot soldiers perpetrating these crimes.

Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu, represented by Deputy Inspector General Logistics and Supplies DIG A. A. Hamzat, said the convergence of illicit drugs, small arms, and light weapons in the hands of criminal elements continues to fuel organized crime and extremism, adding that weak border enforcement mechanisms. Fragmented intelligence sharing systems exacerbate the situation.

Three mortuary attendants are currently in police detention in Abia state after being accused of tampering with the body of a deceased man. 

The alleged missing body parts include the man’s tongue and manhood.

According to reports, friends and family members of the deceased arrived at the mortuary, located between Afoukwu and Abayi Okoroato village along the Aba-Ikot Ekpene highway in Obingwa Local Government Area, to retrieve the body for burial. 

While preparing the body, they conducted a random check and discovered that both the deceased’s tongue and testicle were missing, sparking outrage.

The shocking discovery triggered a violent response from the youths of the deceased’s community, who accompanied the family to the mortuary. 

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the youths attacking the mortuary facility, damaging buildings, and vandalizing property.

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The mortuary attendants, who allegedly tried to flee, were apprehended by the mob, beaten severely, and left with injuries. 

Other youths also ransacked the facility, destroying everything in sight.

Police officers from the Eastern Ngwa Division in Umuobiakwa responded to the scene after the attendants had been beaten, rescuing them from further harm.

When questioned by the authorities, the mortuary attendants denied any knowledge of the missing body parts but speculated that rodents may have consumed them. 

However, some residents were skeptical, pointing out that it seemed unlikely that rodents could have entered the deceased’s mouth to eat his tongue.

The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many questioning the integrity of the mortuary and the possibility of foul play. 

The severing of body parts is considered a severe taboo in Igbo culture, and some families who had deposited their loved ones at the morgue rushed to retrieve their bodies, fearing their loved ones’ remains could also be tampered with.

The Police Command in Anambra has detained arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of an 80-year-old woman, Mrs Theresa Igbojonu.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed their arrest and detention for prosecution in a statement on Tuesday in Onitsha.

Ikenga said the alleged deceased octogenarian was from the Umunwaji Ogboro community in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state

He disclosed that the police had recovered the deceased’s motorcycle and launched a manhunt for two other suspects who remained at large.

“Today, April 8, 2025, the Ihiala Divisional Police Station has in custody two male suspects, both from Umunwaji Ogboro, Ihiala, in connection with the murder of the elderly woman,” he said.

According to the statement, the victim, Mrs Igbojonu, was tied at the legs and mouth before allegedly being killed.

“A black CG motorcycle, allegedly stolen from her, has since been recovered.

“The investigation began after the police received a report of the incident on April 2, 2025, at about 11:30 p.m.

“During a patrol in Ihiala on April 5, 2025, a joint aecurity team arrested one of the suspects after the deceased’s son spotted the stolen motorcycle being ridden by the suspect near Ezego Junction, Ihiala.

“Following interrogation, the confessed and led operatives to the arrest of his accomplice, on April 7,” Ikenga added.

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He further revealed that two other suspects identified as being part of the same gang, were currently on the run.

“The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for thorough investigation.

“He also directed operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and assured that all those involved would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,”Ikenga said.

(NAN)

Operatives of the Police Command in Lagos State have rescued a 28-year-old robbery suspect from an angry mob.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to journalists on Monday in Lagos.

He said officers on patrol responded to a distress call and intervened at Matana in the Suru-Alaba area.

The suspect was reportedly rescued from mob action following the alert.

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Hundeyin stated that the suspect and his gang had robbed a man and then snatched a phone from a woman.

Both victims later identified the suspect as one of the assailants.

An unregistered motorcycle allegedly used in the robbery was recovered at the scene.

The suspect confessed to the crime and is helping police locate his accomplices.

Hundeyin disclosed that investigations into the case are still ongoing.

(NAN)