Tag: Police

…10 firearms, 45 ammunition, others recovered 

Operatives of the Lagos Police Command have arrested 39 suspected for various offences and rescued 11 victims of kidnapping.

The arrests and rescue were made in the last two weeks, said the command at its forthnightly press briefing on Monday.

Spokesman for the command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who addressed journalists on behalf of the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, said 10 firearms, 49 live ammunition, two motorcycles, a vehicle, five vandalized street light poles, telecommunication cables, two phones and illicit drugs were also recovered.

According to him, the offences for which the suspects were arrested included murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, operation of baby factory, illegal possession of firearms and illicit drugs, among others.

Top among those arrested were the alleged operators of a baby sale factory at Afurugbin in Ijegun area of the state. The police said nine persons including three children were rescued from the place.

He said operatives uncovered the place on April 5, around 2pm following credible intelligence, adding that the operator, Mariam Vincent, 35, and two others, Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18, were arrested.

The police identified the victims as Precious ,24, Magdalene, 25, Adaobi, 23, Princess, 22, Ifeanyi, 25, Amaka, 26, Destiny, 7, Miracle, 5 and two-year-old Success.

“The operators held all of them in captivity. During interrogation, the suspects confessed that they abducted their victims in different areas of the state for the purpose of running a baby factory. Investigation is in progress” stated the police command.

The police said a man was arrested for allegedly beating his daughter to death at Okokomaiko on April 3, and buried her in a shallow grave within his compound at Afromedia area of Ojo.  

Read Also: Jigawa police step up surveillance, urge calm amid nationwide protest

“Following the report, a team comprising homicide and scene of crime detectives visited the address. The shallow grave was located, and the corpse was exhumed, photographed, and taken to a public morgue for autopsy. The suspect, Kamoru Ojo, has been arrested and is currently in police custody. Investigation is in progress.

“On March 26, at about 1810hrs, a Police officer of the Command reported at Victoria Island Police Division with two .22LR rifles, along with 38 rounds of live ammunition. The firearms and ammunition were recovered during the 

cleaning of an abandoned building located at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, which was recently acquired by a company. The rifles and ammunition have been registered and secured in the State Armoury. Investigation is ongoing to trace the origin and ownership of the recovered weapons.

“On April 3, at about 1217hrs, the command received a report from a representative of the British Embassy indicating that one Lei Lu, 40, a Chinese national, was arrested at the American Embassy while in possession of a fake British diplomatic number plate. 

“Upon receiving the report, a team of police detectives was mobilized to the scene. The suspect and the vehicle were handed over to the officers and taken to Victoria Island Division for further investigation. The suspect was unable to provide any documents or proof regarding the ownership or authenticity of the number plate. Investigation is ongoing. 

“On March 26, 2025, at about 0720hrs, a 47-year-old woman (name withheld) reported at Ikotun Division that one Sodiq Ojolowo, 23, allegedly broke into her room around 3am and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. Her cries for help attracted a neighbour, who came to her rescue. 

“The suspect, in a bid to escape, reportedly attacked the neighbour with a sharp object, inflicting injury on his forehead. A patrol team was swiftly mobilized to the scene. Both the survivor and the injured neighbor were taken to the hospital for treatment, while the suspect was apprehended on the spot. Investigation into the case is currently ongoing,” said the police.

…tight security in Abuja over protest

Protesters, who had gathered to express their grievances, were thrown into disarray as the tear gas canisters sent many scampering for safety.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday dispersed them with tear gas in the Maitama area of the nation’s capital.

The protest, which is part of a nationwide demonstration spearheaded by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society organizations, began on Monday morning to draw attention to several national issues.

Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, observed a police helicopter hovering around the nation’s capital, monitoring happenings from above at about 10 am.

As part of the security arrangements, authorities had placed a blockade around the Three Arms Zone, where top police officials were expected to attend the ceremony honoring the service of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Key among the concerns raised by the organizers are the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, the worsening economic hardship in the country, and what they described as a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.

The demonstrators carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe” as they marched through the streets of the Federal Capital Territory.

Read Also: Ondo Police deploy men to protect strategic assets

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joined by Deji Adeyanju; a human rights lawyer was also present at the protest ground to show solidarity with the movement.

In a statement released last Friday, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was aimed at resisting what he termed the “increasing authoritarianism” of the current administration and to demand urgent relief for Nigerians battling inflation and insecurity.

There were no reports of injuries or arrests, but the atmosphere remained tense.

The National Assembly complex — one of the protesters’ intended destinations — remained largely deserted due to the ongoing legislative recess. Lawmakers are scheduled to resume on April 29.

Despite the disruption, protest leaders insisted that the demonstration was both necessary and timely, stressing the urgent need for government action to address rising economic hardship, insecurity, and perceived efforts to silence dissent.

Some residents who spoke with our correspondent urged security operatives to handle the situation without a crisis.

• …Gov. Otti urges police to go after killers 

Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have rescued four Chinese expatriates kidnapped by gunmen in Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.

The ambush, however, led to the death of two expatriates—Mr. Quan and Mr. Cai—and their police escort, Inspector Audu Saidu, who were killed during a fierce gun battle with the attackers. 

The assailants also made away with Inspector Saidu’s service rifle.

The rescue operation was carried out by a combined team of security agencies, led by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Uturu Division.

The victims were reportedly on their way to their company site at Agukwu-Amaya in Ndundu Community around 5:30 p.m. on Friday when they were ambushed by unidentified gunmen.

Confirming the incident, Abia State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, said a swift joint operation involving the police, military, and other sister agencies was launched immediately after receiving the report, resulting in the successful rescue of four of the expatriates.

“As a result, three Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt, while one sustained injuries. Inspector Uba Ahmed, who was also rescued, suffered gunshot injury on his leg. 

Read Also: Two brothers headed for India arrested at Lagos airport with cocaine hidden in suitcases

“Both the injured officer and the expatriate are currently receiving treatment and responding to treatment at FMC Abakaliki.

“The tactical team operatives of the command, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), visited the crime scene as part of the ongoing search and rescue efforts. 

“Through collaborative action involving the police, the military, and local community members, Inspector Ijeagwa Friday was also rescued unhurt.

“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, has assured the good people of Abia State that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice.

“He urged residents to remain security conscious, go about their lawful activities without fear, and support the police by reporting any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest Police Station Or call the following Command’s emergency lines: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006”

Meanwhile, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on Security Agents in the state to go after the yet-to-be identified gunmen who ambushed and killed two Chinese Miners and a police officer at a mining site in Uturu Abia State and bring them to justice. 

The media aide to Governor Otti, Ferdinand Ekeoma in an interview said, “The governor is enraged that the perpetrators of the dastardly act could unleash such unprovoked attack on innocent persons, assuring that his government would provide the necessary support to security agents to ensure that the killers don’t go scot-free. 

“The Abia Chief Executive disclosed that beyond creating the enabling environment for businesses and other economic activities to thrive, his government has ensured that lives and properties are protected through the provision of the necessary support to security agencies in the state, and regretted that the attack bore the imprimatur of terrorism and should be strongly condemned by all men of good conscience. 

“The governor also promised to intensify security cooperation with states that share boundaries with Abia so as to build a formidable security architecture that would ensure that criminals don’t stray into Abia from such states for the purpose of committing crimes on Abia soil, as was the case in this situation.

“Finally, Governor Otti sent his condolences to the Nigerian Police Force, the Chinese Embassy and the families and loved ones of the victims of the attack, and prayed God to grant their souls eternal repose.”

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 61 suspects across different areas of Minna, the state capital, following a spike in thuggery and youth restiveness after Ramadan.

The suspects, all male and aged between 17 and 25, were apprehended in coordinated sting operations conducted on April 3rd, 4th, and 5th. 

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, 42 were arrested in Tunga on April 3rd, 19 in Angwan-Daji and surrounding areas on April 4th, and six others in Barkin-Sale on April 5th.

The thugs reportedly came from various neighbourhoods including Dutsen Kura, Kpakungu, Soje A & B, Morris Area, Tudun Wada, Maitumbi, Limawa, Ketaren Gwari, and others. 

They were allegedly involved in violent acts such as attacking residents, engaging in fights with dangerous weapons, destroying property, and injuring bystanders.

Read Also: Two brothers headed for India arrested at Lagos airport with cocaine hidden in suitcases

Police recovered illicit drugs, cannabis, and dangerous weapons from the suspects, who are currently undergoing investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna.

In response to the unrest, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, led a high-level security tour of Minna. 

He was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Director of the State Security Service (SSS), the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the State Commandant of the Vigilante Group, Nasiru Manta.

The delegation visited several areas to assess the security situation and interact with residents. 

Garba condemned the resurgence of violence and warned that the government would no longer tolerate threats to lives and property. 

He directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and community policing.

The Deputy Governor also issued a stern warning to district heads, known locally as ‘Mai-Angwan’, urging them to identify and expose thugs in their communities. 

He emphasised that any district head who fails to act will be held accountable for any further disturbances.

Benue State Police Command said they have rescued 14 passengers out of 18 that were kidnapped on Thursday in Ikobi, near Benue Burnt Brick, Otukpo town, in Benue State.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, CSP Sewuese Aneene, said one passenger has been confirmed dead, bringing the total of those who died in the unfortunate incident  to four.

The driver of the vehicle Samuel Agege was shot and killed at the spot before the passengers were taken into the forest.

Reports say gunmen on Thursday opened fire on an 18-passenger bus belonging to Benue Links Nigeria Limited, a state-owned transport company.

The PPRO said “Our team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately. On 4/4/2025 at about 1500hrs they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel.

Read Also: Police, JTF dislodge criminal camp after six hour gun battle

“The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels abandoning their captives.

“Unfortunately, they had inflicted machete cuts on two of the victims before the rescue.

“Fourteen (14) victims were rescued and taken to the hospital where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Steve H. Yabanet FCID, psc (+) commiserates with families of the three passengers that lost their lives in this dastardly incident and pledges his commitment to bring the perpetrators to book.

“He enjoins the good people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the police as many of these bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.”