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Tag: Police

  • Police recover 125 stolen manhole covers in FCT

    Police recover 125 stolen manhole covers in FCT

    • …intensify crackdown on infrastructure   

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recovered 125 stolen manhole covers in the nation’s capital.

    The command said the development underscores the relentless pursuit of criminals engaged in the destruction and theft of public assets.

    The police said the latest recovery, made on February 4, 2025, follows intelligence-led operations in the Dei-Dei area, where officers uncovered the stolen items concealed in a pit.

    According to a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josphine Adeh, the breakthrough was made possible through a tip-off from a vigilant informant, reaffirming the critical role of public cooperation in crime-fighting efforts.

    Adeh said the Commissioner of Police (CP), FCT Command, Olatunji Disu, has issued a stern warning to all perpetrators of vandalism and those complicit in the illicit trade of stolen public property.

    He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating infrastructure theft and dismantling criminal networks operating within the FCT.

    Read Also: Abia Police Command dismisses three personnel over misconduct

    She said: “We will not relent in our search for stolen public assets. Our operatives are intensifying efforts to locate and dismantle illegal warehouses and storage sites where vandals may be stockpiling stolen infrastructure. The FCT must be free from the grip of these criminal elements.”

    The operation, the police said comes on the heels of a major breakthrough last week when the Command, in collaboration with the Joint Task Force (JTF) constituted by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike intercepted and recovered vandalized public infrastructure.

    Disu commended residents for their continued support and urged them to remain vigilant, emphasizing that public assets are a shared responsibility and must be protected to ensure a safe and functional environment for all.

    She said: “The FCT Police Command urges residents to report any suspicious activities through the following Emergency Numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653, Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192, Public Complaint Bureau: 09022222352.”

  • Police arrest man for allegedly killing brother over foodstuffs

    Police arrest man for allegedly killing brother over foodstuffs

    The Nigerian Police Force has arrested a 37-year-old man, Anthony Kosisochukwu Okafor for allegedly killing his elder brother, Emmanuel Okafor, 45, over a heated argument about food.

    This was stated in a press statement issued by Anambra State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga on Saturday.

    The police said the altercation turned deadly when Kosisochukwu used a stick to pierce his brother’s chest. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

    Kosisochukwu has confessed to the crime, citing the argument over food as the motive.

    The police have transferred the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, and Kosisochukwu will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

    Read Also: Security operatives kill 100 gunmen in Anambra-Police

    The statement reads: “Police operatives attached to the Abagana Police Divisional Headquarters and AVG Operatives, Abagana on 7th February 2025 by 7 pm arrested one Anthony Kosisochukwu Okafor aged 37 years of Adegbe Village, Abagana, Njikoka LGA over the death of his elder brother, Mr Emmanuel Okafor aged 45 years.

    “The suspect confessed to having engaged the victim in a fight over a heated argument about using foodstuffs in the house. Kosisochukwu was said to have used a stick to pierce the deceased chest. The victim was rushed to the hospital and was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

    “This incident is quite disturbing and highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence and conflicts amongst family members.  It also underscores the need to manage conflicts and emotions healthily and constructively to avoid irreparable consequences.

    “The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka and shall be charged to court on the conclusion of the investigation.”

  • Fresh twist in police officers’ retirement saga

    Fresh twist in police officers’ retirement saga

    • IGP sets up disciplinary committee against senior police officers who refused to retire
    • Senior officers drag PSC before National Industrial Court

    Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has instituted a disciplinary committee to handle the cases of senior officers who have allegedly refused to proceed on retirement despite clocking 60 years or spending 35 years in service.

    The committee will sit at the Force Headquarters, Abuja from tomorrow till Thursday, it was gathered yesterday.

    Those summoned include an Assistant Inspector General, at least two Commissioners of Police and a high ranking police lawyer.

    The IGP directive said the affected officers should put up appearance in “their clean working dress.”

    They were also warned that daily dress code should be “strictly adhered to” during their appearance.

    The Police Service Commission(PSC) at a meeting in Abuja earlier this month ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are above the age of 60.

    Head of Press and Public Relations of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, recalled that the Commission at its 24th Plenary Meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017 had approved that the Force Entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment.

    He said: “The Commission has passionately revisited their decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of a merger of service in the public service, and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii) which provides for retirement on the attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.

    “Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.

    “The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.”

    Critics had queried the PSC decision to retire the affected officers while the tenure of IGP Egbetokun was extended by President Bola Tinubu.

    But the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) explained that the President acted within the law.

    Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria has adjourned further hearing in the case of some police officers contesting their retirement to March 18.

    Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Egong Egwu Egong, Edwin Okoro and three others claimed that the PSC relied on a controversial circular to calculate their years of service from their initial date of entry into the police force rather than from when they entered the Police Academy.

    Read Also: Police rescue abducted Edo traditional ruler

    Their counsel Adeleke Agbola (SAN) had urged the court to ensure that the status quo remains, pending the determination of committal proceedings to ascertain whether the judgment had been violated.

    “The judgment of the court is that the date is when the policemen got into the Academy. There is no appeal against the judgment.

    He pleaded with the court to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the committal proceedings to determine if there has been a breach on the basis that the judgment of the court must be obeyed.

  • Nigerians in S/Africa protest death of compatriot in police custody

    Nigerians in S/Africa protest death of compatriot in police custody

    The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the death of a 40-year-old Nigerian citizen, Benjamin Okoli, in police custody.

     According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Okoli’s death comes less than a month after NICASA condemned the alleged killing of another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, who died in police custody on Jan. 13.

     NICASA President-General, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, described the curious deaths of Nigerians in South Africa as unbearable during a midnight telephone interview with the NAN.

     Okoli, from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, is survived by his wife and child.

     “The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another loss in police custody.

     “Okoli was stopped, searched by police officers, and taken to his house with his brother for further inspection.

     “In spite of finding nothing, the officers tortured, beat, and brutalised them. Okoli couldn’t withstand the assault and fell into a coma,” Onyekwelu said.

     “His brother’s attempts to revive him failed while the police stood by and watched as Okoli’s life slipped away. Paramedics later pronounced him dead,” he added.

     He noted that investigations into Okoye’s death were still ongoing when Okoli died in similar circumstances, allegedly at the hands of the same police unit.

    Read Also: Security operatives kill 100 gunmen in Anambra-Police

     “This is the same group of officers accused of killing Okoye. Now, two Nigerians have died in police custody in less than a month,” Onyekwelu stated.

     According to him, NICASA leaders in Limpopo are struggling to come to terms with the disturbing trend, which is increasingly targeting Nigerians in the province.

     “We call on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure the officers responsible for these gruesome deaths are brought to justice,” he urged.

     NICASA has informed the Nigerian Missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg about these disturbing incidents. The organisation hopes the killings will stop.

     “We appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily activities peacefully,” Onyekwelu prayed.

  • Security operatives kill 100 gunmen in Anambra, say Police

    Security operatives kill 100 gunmen in Anambra, say Police

    The outgoing Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Obono Itam, says the Joint Security Forces have killed no fewer than 100 gunmen in the state and many buildings demolished.

    He said the security operatives did it in partnership with the recently launched Operation ‘Udo Ga Achi’.

    He also paraded about nine other hoodlums terrorizing the state who were arrested by the security outfits.

    According to Itam, “Our interaction today is to highlight some of the notable breakthroughs recorded by the Anambra State Police Command on major incidents in the state within the period under review.

    “We have neutralised more than one hundred (100) notorious criminals and successfully destroyed many criminal camps in Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, Ogbaru and many other places in the State.

    “The Command Operatives have also successfully arrested one kidnap suspect in Uruagu, Nnewi and neutralised some of his gang members that were involved in the attack of police personnel attached to the Rapid Response Squad after a successful arrest on 3rd October 2024.”

    According to him, all the people involved in the killing of the Anambra lawmaker, Hon Justice Azuka, who was kidnapped on December 24 and whose decomposing body was found on February 6 have been apprehended.

     “Many of you are aware of the gruesome murder of Hon Justice Azuka, the Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly who was abducted on 24th December 2024 in Onitsha.

    “This serious incident motivated the Command to go the extra mile in intelligence gathering and discreet investigation.

    “In the early hours of 6th February 2025 at the second Niger Bridge, the Joint Security team comprising of the Police and AVG Operatives on a mission to rescue the abducted Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North, Hon Azuka, his lifeless body was regrettably found at the scene. (May his soul rest in perfect peace).

    “Given the above on the same day, the Command Operatives in a joint operation with Anambra State Vigilante Operatives acting on intelligent-led information arrested nine suspects actively involved in this unfortunate incident and recovered two pump action guns.

    Read Also: Police rescue abducted Edo traditional ruler

    “One of the suspects sustained a gunshot injury in his leg during a gun duel with the Police operatives.

    “The arrested suspects include: Ugochukwu Onuorah aged 30 years; Ikemefuna Ossai aged 20 years;  Ikenna Orugu aged 27 years; Chibuike Obiefuna aged 19 years; Chinonso Olisa aged 19 years; Chinedu Okoli aged 21 years; David Ojini aged 25 years.

    “The most notorious of them was one Peter Sunday aged 20 years with a big tattoo inscription on his chest, which read ‘No peace 4 d Government.”

    The CP however, commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his guidance and overall support, while appreciating Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma  Soludo for his support.

  • Police rescue abducted Edo traditional ruler

    Police rescue abducted Edo traditional ruler

    Edo Police Command has rescued the kidnapped Onogie (traditional ruler) of Udo-Eguare, Udo Kingdom in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, HRH Friday Ehizojie. 

    The monarch was seized on February 3, 2025, but was freed in an operation led by Edo new Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin.

    Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), stated that the rescue of the monarch took place on Friday evening with the breakthrough credited to the support from Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Read Also: Minister seeks accelerated implementation of Nigeria for women project

    He said: “The rescue operation was made possible through the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies, Edo State government, and the unwavering vigilance of the residents of our local communities.”

    Yamu also stated that Otimenyin hailed the logistical backing from Edo state government and the critical roles played by community members, including local hunters and vigilance members, who he said provided vital intelligence and ground support.

    The PPRO noted that Edo police commissioner reassured residents of the state of the command’s relentless commitment to fighting crime and maintaining peace across Edo.

    The Onogie’s safe return,  according to Yamu, marked a significant victory in the ongoing battle against kidnapping and insecurity in Edo.

    Details of the monarch’s health condition but it was gathered that he was receiving medical evaluation at an undisclosed location in the State. 

  • Security operatives kill 100 gunmen in Anambra-Police

    Security operatives kill 100 gunmen in Anambra-Police

    Anambra outgoing Commissioner of Police Obono Itam said the Joint Security Forces has killed no fewer than 100 gunmen in the state and many buildings demolished

    He said the security operatives did it in partnership with the recently launched Operation ‘Udo Ga Achi’

    He also paraded about nine other hoodlums terrorising the state arrested by the security outfits 

    According to Itam: “Our interaction today is to highlight some of the notable breakthroughs recorded by the Anambra State Police Command on major incidents in the State within the period under review.

    “We have neutralised more than one hundred (100) notorious criminals and successfully destroyed many criminal camps in Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, Ogbaru and many other places in the State.

    “The Command Operatives have also successfully arrested one kidnap suspect in Uruagu, Nnewi and neutralised some of his gang members that were involved in the attack of Police personnel attached to the Rapid Response Squad after a successful arrest on 3rd October 2024.”

    He said all the people involved in the killing of the Anambra lawmaker, Hon Justice Azuka, who was kidnapped on December 24 and whose decomposing body was found on February 6 have been apprehended

     “Many of you are aware of the gruesome murder of Hon Justice Azuka, the Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly who was abducted on 24th December 2024 in Onitsha.

    Read Also: Nigeria must build a resilient economy to overcome poverty — Makinde

    “This serious incident motivated the Command to go the extra mile in intelligence gathering and discreet investigation.

    “In the early hours of 6th February 2025 at the second niger bridge, the Joint Security team comprising of the Police and AVG Operatives on a mission to rescue the abducted Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North, Hon Azuka, his lifeless body was regrettably found at the scene. (May his soul rest in perfect peace).

    “Given the above on the same day, the Command Operatives in a joint operation with Anambra State Vigilante Operatives acting on intelligent-led information arrested nine suspects actively involved in this unfortunate incident and recovered two pump action guns.

    “One of the suspects sustained a gunshot injury in his leg during a gun duel with the Police operatives.

    “The arrested suspects include: Ugochukwu Onuorah aged 30 years, Ikemefuna Ossai aged 20 years, Ikenna Orugu aged 27 years, Chibuike Obiefuna aged 19 years, Chinonso Olisa aged 19 years years, Chinedu Okoli aged 21 years, David Ojini aged 25 years.

    “The most notorious of them was one Peter Sunday aged 20 years with a big tattoo inscription of on his chest, which read ‘No peace 4 d Government.”

    The CP commended the Inspector general of police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his guidance and overall support, while appreciating Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for his support.

  • Police neutralise 11 suspected bandits, rescue 85 victims in Katsina

    Police neutralise 11 suspected bandits, rescue 85 victims in Katsina

    The Police Command in Katsina State has succeeded in neutralising 11 suspected bandits and rescued 85 kidnapped victims in January 2025.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this to newsmen while reviewing the achievements of the command.

    He said that the police also recovered 213 suspected rustled animals during the period under review.

    According to him, the command apprehended 45 suspects in connection with 52 reported major crimes.

    He said that those apprehended included four suspected kidnappers, six culpable homicide suspects, seven suspected armed robbers and three suspected informants to bandits.

    Aliyu added that the other 32 suspects were apprehended in connection with other offenses.

    The crimes they allegedly committed, according to him, included armed robbery, culpable homicide, kidnapping, and rape, among others.

    The PPRO revealed that the items recovered included four rounds of AK 47 live ammunition, three motorcycles, five vandalized street solar lights, two machetes and two sharp knives.

    Read Also: Police on trail of truck driver for killing three in Ogun

    He added that other items include one digger and some quantity of vandalised armored cables.

    “Our achievements in the month are a testament to our tireless efforts in ensuring a safer Katsina state.

    “I want to commend our officers and men for their hard work and dedication to duty.

    “I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Katsina state government, members of the press for their objective reporting,” he said

    He quoted CP Aliyu Abubakar-Musa as saying that “they will continue to work closely with the community and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that crime-fighting efforts are effective and sustainable,”. (NAN)

  • Police rescue kidnapped Edo chief after 4-day captivity

    Police rescue kidnapped Edo chief after 4-day captivity

    Operatives of the Police Command in Edo have rescued the Onogie of Udo-Eguare, a traditional ruler in Edo Central, who was kidnapped on Feb. 3.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, said in a statement on Saturday in Benin that the rescue operation took place on Friday at about 6:00 p.m.

    He stated that the rescue was made possible through sustained police efforts, supported by the Edo  Government, vigilantes, hunters, and other well-meaning residents of the state.

    Read Also: Police on trail of truck driver for killing three in Ogun

    Yamu said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Betty Otimenyin, had vowed to rescue the kidnapped traditional ruler, and her team worked tirelessly to keep that promise.

    He said the Command thanked Edo State Government and attributed the success to the logistic support rendered by Gov. Monday Okpebholo.

    “The Command equally appreciates the vigilantes, hunters and other well-meaning residents of the State for their support so far.

    “The general public is assured that the Command’s commitment to the fight against crime remains unshaken,” Yamu said.

    (NAN)

  • Police on trail of truck driver for killing three in Ogun

    Police on trail of truck driver for killing three in Ogun

    Operatives of the Ogun Police Command are on the trail of the truck driver who crushed three automobile technicians to death at Kemta, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.

    Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) disclosed this on Friday in Abeokuta.

    Odutola explained that the driver escaped from the scene, immediately after the incident happened.

    Members of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA    at the Ajebo Mechanic Village, Abeokuta on Thursday, protested the killing of their colleagues.

    The technicians blocked the Ajebo/OGTV road and vowed not to allow trucks to ply the road until necessary steps were taken.

    Read Also: The Ogun State ‘Baale’ who ‘owns’ the Police

    They sought for concrete solution to eliminate the series of accidents being experienced around the area by the government.

    Odutola said: ” The driver is at large. The technicians are aware of the whole issue that he has not been arrested. The truck is in the police station.”

    The chairman of the Ajebo Mechanic Village Chairman, Saheed Arulogun, also confirmed that the truck driver was at large.

    Arulogun noted that the truck owners were making moves to ensure that the deceased were released to their families for burial.