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Tag: Police

  • Police confirm release of three kidnapped JOSTUM students

    Police confirm release of three kidnapped JOSTUM students

    The Police Command in Benue has confirmed the release of three kidnapped students of Joseph Sarwuam Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM).

    This was contained in a statement by the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three female students abducted on the institution’s campus on Feb. 26 were released after five days in the custody of their abductors

    Anene said that the students, who were abducted on the school’s campus on Feb. 26, were released on March 3 at about 9:00p.m.

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    The police spokesman said that the students were currently receiving medical attention at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

    “On 26th February at about 9:00p.m., information was received from J. S. Tarka University, Makurdi, that three students were kidnapped within the school premises by unknown persons.

    “Swiftly a team of police officers were deployed to the scene for investigation.

    “During investigation, it was gathered that three female students were held hostage by their kidnappers.

    “On March 3, following continuous trail of the kidnappers, the victims were released at about 9:34p.m. and are currently receiving medical attention at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi,” he stated

    Anene said that investigation was still ongoing in the case.

    He quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr Steve Yabanet, as commending all officers involved in the operation, particularly the IGP Intelligence  Response Team from Abuja, for working assiduously to ensure release of the students.

    Yabanet assured that the police would do everything in its power to arrest the perpetrators of the crime. (NAN)

  • Police kill 16 kidnappers, arrest 300 over criminal offences in FCT

    Police kill 16 kidnappers, arrest 300 over criminal offences in FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu has disclosed that operatives of the command, in the determined efforts to rid Abuja of criminal elements, neutralized seven (7) kidnappers and 9 armed robbers during shootouts in the city while ten (10) others were arrested by the anti-kidnapping unit.

    The kidnappers were killed in a shootout with operatives of the Anti-kidnapping unit during a raid operation launched at the Sardauna Forest in the border community between Nasarawa State and the FCT, while several others were arrested.

    The ten arrested kidnappers are inclusive of the 300 suspects arrested by the Police in February for crimes including armed robbery, cultism, vandalism of critical infrastructure, drug peddling, one chance and gun running among others.

    Among those arrested are 59 suspects for armed robbery, 10 for kidnapping, and 16 for cultism.

    The CP noted that the operations led to the recovery of dangerous weapons and illicit substances, including 18 AK-47 rifles, 23 AK-47 Magazines, two (2) CZ scorpion A1 Rifles with Magazines, 9 English pistols, and 7 Pistol Magazines

    Others are 2 Dane guns, 116 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 102 rounds of .9mm live ammunition, 7 live cartridges and one (1) expended cartridge shell, 7 locally made pistols, 4 locally made shotguns, 3 axes, 4 cutlasses, 15 daggers, 9 pairs of scissors, 31 bottles of codeine syrup.

    Several small packages containing dried leaves suspected to be marijuana, Large quantities of small glue tubes (inhaled as intoxicants), Large bags containing dried leaves suspected to be marijuana, Several locally made bongs, Cash sum of twenty-eight thousand, fifty naira (N35,050) and Several cards of Rohypnol

    Continuing CP Disu said, “In our sustained effort to rid the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of crime and criminal elements, the FCT Police Command carried out a series of high-impact raids from January 1st to February 28th, 2025.

    “These decisive actions, driven by intelligence and executed with tactical precision, led to the arrest of 300 suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and illicit substances.

    The Command’s tactical teams raided identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the FCT in high-risk locations at Dei-Dei, Karu, Gwarinpa, Jikwoyi, Karimo, Maitama, as well as conducted Anti-kidnapping clearance operations in villages and communities bordering the FCT

    In a decisive move against banditry and kidnapping, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command conducted clearance operations in known bandit routes and kidnappers’ hideouts.

    They include FCT – Kaduna Border where Raid operations were conducted at Gidan-Dogo village and Kweri Forest, FCT – Niger Forest where Clearance operations were executed at Gauraka Forest and FCT – Nasarawa Forest where Raid operations were launched at Sardauna Forest.

    Read Also: Police arrest man with human skulls, recover stolen tricycles in Ebonyi

    “During these special operations, seven (7) kidnappers were neutralized, while several others were arrested. These proactive measures have significantly disrupted the activities of criminal elements operating along these notorious corridors”.

    “The FCT Police Command remains resolute in its mission to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety. These operations are part of a broader strategy to ensure that criminals have no hiding place within the FCT,” he said.

    He commended the officers and tactical teams involved for their professionalism, bravery, and dedication to duty even as he urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely information and reporting suspicious activities.

    Disu said: “The Command assures the public that all suspects in custody will be thoroughly investigated and duly prosecuted.”

  • Police arrest man with human skulls, recover stolen tricycles in Ebonyi

    Police arrest man with human skulls, recover stolen tricycles in Ebonyi

    The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a suspect, Ovuta Chigozie, from Okoffia community in Ezza South Local Government Area, for being in possession of two human skulls and three locally made guns.

    Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu disclosed this in Abakaliki on Wednesday, stating that Chigozie confessed the skulls were given to him for preparing a spiritual concoction.

    “Authorities are actively pursuing the individual mentioned in connection with this case,” Ukandu added.

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    In a separate development, the police also recovered stolen tricycles and uncovered a syndicate altering the colors of stolen tricycles from neighboring states.

    The operation led to the arrest of four suspects: Nweke Chukwudi, Nwankwo Obinna, John Abba, and Uche Abba.

    “Three stolen tricycles were recovered from the suspects, who admitted to receiving the vehicles from accomplices for colour modifications”

    “All suspects will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations”, he said.

  • Police dismiss viral presence of 79 terrorists in FCT as fake

    Police dismiss viral presence of 79 terrorists in FCT as fake

    The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has debunked a viral social media message alleging the presence of 79 terrorists in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and announcing a curfew, describing it as false and misleading.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Force Headquarters urged the public to disregard the claim, stating that intelligence reports from the Force Intelligence Unit and other security agencies confirm that no terrorists are taking refuge in Lugbe.

    The police further clarified that the message, which was falsely attributed to “ACP Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Police Command Headquarters, Abuja,” is entirely fabricated.

    Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reaffirmed this in a counter-statement issued Sunday night, stressing that the police had not issued any such alert and warning against the spread of misinformation.

    “The Police Force categorically debunks the claims made in the message. 

    “The Force believes this message was generated by a devious person/persons with intents to create tension, incite panic and distabilize the existing peace in the FCT. 

    “We urge citizens to digest only news and information from the official handles of the Nigeria Police Force on social media, viz @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram and verified news sources.

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    “The Nigeria Police Force urges the public to exercise caution when sharing information online and to verify the authenticity of any security-related alerts with official sources before disseminating them.

    “Citizens should disregard news and information not originating from authentic police sources and should not panic due to unverified news circulating on social media.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and residents of the Federal Capital Territory and the entire country”.

    Adejobi encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the emergency contact lines.

    He said: “He Nigeria Police Force appreciates the cooperation of the public and assures them of our unwavering dedication to protecting lives and property.

  • Police arrest enraged father for abusing five-year-old boy

    Police arrest enraged father for abusing five-year-old boy

    An enraged father, Odukaye Kunle, who brutalised his five-year-old son, Boluwatife, in Ota area, Ogun State, as the boy was preparing to go to school, has been arrested by the police.

    The Nation reports that a trending video depicted Odukaye furiously using his right leg to kick the boy off his feet, apparently as the boy approached him in the morning to request money for snacks.

    The angry father, who was busy with phone, swept the unsuspecting boy’s feet of the ground, causing him to burst into a horrific shriek when he violently fell backward, hitting the back of his head hard on the ground.

    Horrified passers-by quickly rescued him from the abusive father and called on the police to take appropriate steps concerning him.

    The police, however, said yesterday that the abusive father had been arrested.

    Force spokesman, ACP ‘Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this on his social media account, said the errant father would be charged to court on tomorrow while the boy and his mother would be taken to the police medical unit for medical assessment and attention.

    Read Also: Police raid abandoned buildings, isolated areas in Abuja

    “The mother of the boy and the boy will be taken to our police medical centre, Ota for further medical assessment and attention.

    “The OC Medical, Ogun State has been ordered to proceed to Otta on this mission.

    “Kunle will be charged to court on Monday.

    “We commend the CP Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, and his team for their commitment and ensuring that the boy gets justice.

    “We appreciate you all for your concerns as well,” he said.

  • Police pathologist advocates data collection, trained manpower to curb femicide

    Police pathologist advocates data collection, trained manpower to curb femicide

    To stem the menace of femicide in the country, the Pathologist of the Nigeria Police, Dr. Samuel Keshinro has emphasized the need to collect and aggregate data as well as deploy trained manpower.

    Keshinro made the call at the “awareness symposium on measuring gender-related killing of women and girls (femicides) in Lagos State to present recommendations for data systems improvements, advocacy and action” held in Ikeja.

    Making a case for innovative approaches to tackling gender-based violence (GBV) including femicides, and homicides, Keshinro, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said the symposium was part of a research sponsored by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiative (D4H), as part of a broader series of activities designed to enhance data-driven decision-making within the police.

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    The pathologist said the framework was based on globally accepted concepts and principles designed to enhance the consistency of crime statistics and improve analytical capabilities both nationally and internationally.

    The symposium which brought together lawyers, members of the civil society, stake actors and security operatives, aimed to raise awareness about GBV, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and the extreme manifestation of such crimes- femicide.  

  • Police arrest enraged father for abusing five- year-old boy

    Police arrest enraged father for abusing five- year-old boy

    Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta The police have arrested an enraged father, Odukaye Kunle, who brutalised his five – year – old son, Boluwatife, in Otta area, Ogun State as the boy was ready to go to school

    The Nation reports that a trending video, depicted Odukaye furiously using his right leg to brush the boy off his feet, apparently when the boy approached him in the morning to request money for snacks.

    The angry father, who was busy with phone, swept the unsuspecting boy’s feet of the ground, causing him to burst into a horrific shriek when he violently fell backward, hitting the back of his head hard on the ground.

    Horrified passers – by quickly rescued him from the abusive father and called on the police to take appropriate step concerning him.

    However, on Saturday, March 1, the police said the abusive father had been arrested.

    Read Also: Police raid abandoned buildings, isolated areas in Abuja

    Force spokesman, ACP ‘Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this on his social media account, stated that the abusive father was nabbed today.

    Adejobi stated further that the man will charged to court on Monday while the boy and his mother will also be taken to the police medical unit for medical assessment and attention.

    “The mother of the boy and the boy will be taken to our police medical centre otta for further medical assessment and attention. The OC Medical, Ogun State has been ordered to proceed to otta on this mission. Kunle will be charged to court on Monday. 

    “We commend the CP Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, and his team for their commitment and ensuring that the boy gets justice. We appreciate you all for your concerns as well. “

  • Imo Police arrest child traffickers, rescue two children

    Imo Police arrest child traffickers, rescue two children

    • • Reject N1m bribery

    Imo State Police Command has arrested two suspected child traffickers and rescued two stolen children in separate operations.

    On February 4, this year, detectives arrested 32-year-old Confidence Odoh for abducting her ex-neighbour’s three-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri. The child was rescued and reunited with his parents.

    Also, on February 21, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit arrested 45-year-old Eze Chika, for stealing a four-year-old child. Chika admitted to buying the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8 million.

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    The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye said Chika offered N1 million bribe to evade arrest, but the detectives rejected the money.

    He said: “We are committed to combating child trafficking and other organized crimes in Imo State. We will not tolerate any form of corruption or bribery that undermines our efforts to protect the citizens of this state.

    “The operatives rejected a N1 million bribe offered by Eze Chika to evade arrest. Our officers demonstrated exceptional integrity and professionalism in rejecting the bribe and ensuring the safe rescue of the child.”

  • Police restore Meranda’s security detail, explain withdrawal

    Police restore Meranda’s security detail, explain withdrawal

    The Lagos Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh has confirmed that the earlier withdrawal of police protection from Lagos Speaker Mojisola Meranda was as a result of personnel audit, dismissing insinuations that the withdrawal was politically motivated.

    CP Jimoh made this clarification at a briefing, reiterating that there was an ongoing personnel and arms audit by the police across the country.

    The security detail of Merand at her residence and escorts withdrew Thursday morning causing controversy.

    Her detail were withdrawn just as those of former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa were reinstated and followed him to the House of the Assembly complex.

    According to CP Jimoh, Obasa wrote to the police alleging threat to his life and requested armed protection.

    He reemphasised that the police have maintained neutrality and stayed out of politics in the Assembly leadership issue, urging the public not to drag the service into political matters.

    “There is an ongoing Police Personnel Audit of our personnel attached to eminent personalities, individuals and groups, and their legal states.

    “This is a statutory laid down procedure, which is not limited to Lagos State. The same practice is going on in various commands across the country without any issues. This is to ensure that the police personnel are accounted for, including their firearms and other crime fighting equipment in their possession.

    “We are doing this to ensure that they are on their duty post and that their firearms and equipment under their custody is not misused.

    “This exercise will equally avail the command the opportunity to discover where police personnel are posted without approval, and those that are on illegal duties and unapproved duty posts, so that we can withdraw those on unapproved duty posts, illegal duty and invalid approvals, and redeploy them on duty to police posts, police stations, police divisions and area commands to provide security and safety for all residents and visitors,” he said.

    The police chief explained that with less than 18,000 police strength to secure more than 20 million people, there was need for more personnel to be at police posts, stations, divisions and the command for the safety and adequate protection of life and property of all the people of the state.

    “The ongoing police personnel audit is done in public interest and not with any consideration except for the safety of all in the state.

    “As we speak, the audit of the police personnel attached to Hon. Mojisola Meranda has been completed and the form-armed police personnel attached to her from the State Police Command have been returned back to her for her protection.

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    “It is pertinent to state that the ongoing police personnel audit has been on for several days now, and prominent personalities and individuals have been complying with the process. The exercise, once again, is not aimed or targeted at any individuals.

    “For prominent personalities or business executives that have no valid approval, or having policemen that are with them under unapproved beats, they are implored to revalidate their approval for those with invalid approval, or apply afresh to the Inspector General of Police for their request to be approved without any delay.

    “However, for those whose police personnel are still undergoing the audit process with us, the outcome of the audit will enable the next line of action to be taken by them. I want to send a note of warning that any prominent persons or individuals without approval for police deployment to them, their personnel will be withdrawn throughout the state.

    “The Special Protection Unit Department at the Force Headquarters have been mandated to provide security coverage for every Nigerian needing police protection in the country, and will henceforth provide deployment of police personnel for guard duties and personal protection will be centrally done throughout the country.

    “In the ongoing personnel audit of some personalities in Lagos, approval for their police personnel attached to them cannot be traced and verified, but they can still apply to the Inspector General of Police for the approval of their request and application of their police need.

    “This will be treated on merit as stipulated in the Police Regulations of Guards and Protection of VIPs, Non-VIPs, and other individuals,” he stressed.

    On Obasa, the CP said: “There was application from Hon. Mudashiru Obasa on threats to his life and that of his family in the last few days. It was on the basis of that application that police personnel were approved to him for that purpose only.

    “The Lagos State Police Command is not aware or in the know of how and where the office of the Speaker of the Lagos State Assembly was broken into. The Lagos State Police Command is neutral in the whole episode and will continue to do so to ensure law and order and public safety and security throughout the length and breadth of Lagos State.

    “This, we will not be tired of doing at the Lagos State Police Command. I hereby appeal for calm, for everyone to go about their lawful duty and other responsibilities peacefully.

    “The police deployment at the Lagos State House of Assembly has been reinforced and fortified with more Mobile Police Force (PMF) personnel sent. Counter-terrorism units are equally being increased and sent there.

    “Special protection units are equally attached there. The Bomb Squad and the Conventional Police Team and Detectives were increased and sent to the State House of Assembly to fortify the security. We also stationed Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and other vehicular patrol teams to prevent any untoward incidents.

    “Whatsoever has been done in the Lagos State House of Assembly today, the Lagos State Police Command is not in the know. Police do not have responsibility in the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly. We are limited to providing adequate security coverage for the House of Assembly and not to be involved in any other matters of politics inside the premises, except if there is complaint that borders on crimes and safety.

    “The Lagos State Police Command will continue to be neutral and not to get involved in politics at whatever level. Security situation in the House of Assembly is firmly under control and normalcy has been fully restored.

    “Lagosians are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses and other responsibilities without fear as the police are completely resolved to maintain law and order throughout the state, to engender public safety, public security,” he added.

  • House receives submissions from Miliary, Forest Security Service, Police, others, on Intelligence Trust Fund

    House receives submissions from Miliary, Forest Security Service, Police, others, on Intelligence Trust Fund

    The Commander General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr. Wole Joshua Osatimehin, has appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence where he made a submission on the proposed establishment of the National Intelligence Trust Fund.

    Other agencies that appeared before the Committee and made submissions at the event include Defence Headquarters, the three arms of the Nigerian military- Army, Navy and Air Force as well as the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigeria Police, Customs, Immigration and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), among others.

    The House Committee, in a letter dated February 4th 2025, invited the NFSS and others, to the public hearing on the proposed bill for the establishment of the Fund to “Provide Funding for Security Related Issues Apart from Usual Budgetary Provisions from the Federation, Intervene in Combating Security Issues in Nigeria and for Related Matters.”

    In his submission, Osatmehin, supported the establishment of the proposed Fund, saying any effort to strengthen the security situations in the country will be a great initiative.

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    “…The Fund and its disbursement for various interventions should be designed for easy access and accountable manner for emergency need. This fund would provide rapid response against threats. The complementary nature of this Fund to augment the efforts of the usual budgetary provisions from the federation is commendable. I want to believe no country in the world has entirely met the funding needs of its security sub-sector; any effort to increase security fundings is advocated.

    “Timely disbursement from this Fund for the execution of security projects and programs has a way of motivating our security personnel out there. I strongly believe our security personnel need better trainings, health care, housing, weapons/security infrastructure etc. to aid their morale and performance.

    “Sincerely, the establishment of this Fund will further show the commitment of this administration at tackling insecurity enough to boost public confidence in this government to secure them. This would reduce anxiety among citizens as they go about their normal businesses. The establishment of this Intelligence Trust Fund would go a long way at improving the socio-economic and national security.

    “Considering the great achievements Officers and Men of the NFSS have recorded in collaboration with other government security agencies at combating criminalities in our forest; we therefore solicit the support of both chambers of the National Assembly as well as the Presidency to ensure the bill for the establishment of Nigeria Forest Security Service becomes a law to further strengthen the security architecture of our dear country Nigeria,” Osatimehin stated.

    Reacting to the development, the Deputy Commander General, Intelligence, of the NFSS, Ambassador John Metchie said the proposal to establish a special Fund purely for intelligence purposes, was a testimony of the seriousness and commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to rid the country of all forms of insecurities, as according to him, intelligence gathering and sharing remain the brain-box towards tackling insecurity anywhere in the world.

    Metchie, who is also the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), commended the National Assembly for thinking alongside the President as well as taking proactive measures in support of the government’s efforts to secure the country.

    While commending the Commander General of NFSS, Dr. Wole Joshua Osatimehin for his great leadership stride, which he said was responsible for the various achievements recorded by the NFSS, Metchie called on the National Assembly, the National Security Adviser and other critical stakeholders to work together in getting the NFSS bill signed by President Bola Tinubu, saying it would add great value to the collective efforts to secure Nigeria, especially the forested and ungoverned areas.