Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Headquarters,says its operatives have made significant arrests of criminal suspects for various offences across Nigeria, in the last one month.

The Force said this was in line with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun’s policing vision which is to have a “Police Force that is professionally competent and well-positioned to carry out the constitutional mandate of the force which is the protection of lives and property, and maintenance of law and order,” among others.

The Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi during the parade of criminal suspects arrested for various offences across the country,disclosed that, “Over the last month, the Nigeria Police Force has made remarkable achievements in the fight against crime and criminality including violent crimes, recording the arrest of 295-armed robbery suspects, 186 kidnappers, 271 Murder/Homicide suspects, and 71 suspects for the unlawful possession of firearms.

“The Force also arrested 199 suspects for sexual-related offences, 143 suspects arrested for cultism, and 1575 suspects arrested for other various crimes.

“The total number of firearms recovered stands at 185, with a total number of 4087 ammunition of various calibres recovered, 111 vehicles recovered and 129 rescued kidnapped victims.”

The FPRO, however, revealed the notable successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force in its recent anti-crime efforts with several remarkable accomplishments nationwide during the period under review.

He said: “The IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) in its efforts to put an end to oil theft, illegal bunkering and economic sabotage on the 12th September, 2024 in collaboration with operatives of the Rivers State Command discovered, raided, and destroyed a storage facility in Trans Amadi, Rivers State used for dealing and processing illegally acquired crude oil.

“The operation led to the arrest of Four suspects namely: Emmanuel Nwachi ‘m’ 58yrs, Adamu Bala ‘m’ 35yrs, Nura Musa ‘m’ 22yrs, Bashir Abubakar ’m’ 28yrs and recovery of 40,000ltrs of petroleum products stored in 67 white storage tanks. Suspects would be charged to court accordingly upon conclusion of investigation.”

He also stated that, “On 15/09/2024 at about 9:15 pm, one Valentine Igbinevbo ‘m’ reported at the Ugbowo Divisional Police Headquarters, Edo State that his Mercedes Benz C350 car with Reg No. KWL 195 KC was snatched by two armed men and his friend named Iyobo Ighodaro ‘m’ 21yrs was kidnapped in the process.

“Police operatives immediately swung into action and trailed the hoodlums to their hideout in Egor where a gun duel ensued which led to the death of one of the kidnappers and the kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt. One locally made cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge, one cutlass, and three handsets were recovered from the scene. Efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

Speaking further on the illicit activities of the suspects, the Force Spokesperson narrated that, “On 12/09/2024, at about 4:30 pm, operatives of the FID-STS on investigation activities in Kaduna State intercepted one Zaharadeen Abdulsalam ‘m’ 33yrs of Jos Plateau State and one Abdullahi Tahir ‘m’ 35yrs of Kidandan village Kaduna, along Kaduna-Bauchi Road in a tinted Peugeot 406 vehicle.

“On the spot search led to the discovery of 3,700 rounds of 7.62x39mm, 170 rounds of 7.62x51mm nato live ammunition.

“The suspects confessed that the ammunition were for onward delivery to one notorious armed bandit named Yellow Jabros at Galadimawa forest Kaduna who terrorizes parts of Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states. Suspects are helping the Police in investigation as to the source of these ammunitions and would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”

Adejobi explained that, on the 12/09/2024, at about 10:15 am, operatives of the FID-STS on investigation activities in Kaduna state intercepted and arrested one suspect identified as Tijjani Dalja while suspect was trying to deliver some military wears which include 20-military jungle hats, 13 head warmers, 5 inner t-shirts, and 5 side bags to a notorious bandit known as Yello Jabros of Galadimawa forest.”

He also said that, “On 15/09/24 at about 6: 10 pm, gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Ipob-Esn militia in many vehicles attacked Njaba Divisional Headquarters in Imo State.

“They were met by a fierce resistance by Police Operatives who were on duty at the Division which lead to the death of three of the gunmen. One Lexus 470 vehicle, Mercedez Benz Glk, Toyota Venza, one General-purpose machine gun (GPMG), and one AK-47 Rifle were recovered in the process.”

In today’s press briefing, ACP Adejobi explained that, “We have a total of 12 suspects arrested by the gallant operatives of the FID-IRT. The suspects have all given their confessional statements and are still providing our operatives with relevant information to aid in the apprehension of other criminal element who threaten the peace and sanctity of our dear country.

“We have also recovered a total of 15 Ak-47 rifles, 7 pistols, 571 Rounds of live ammunition of various calibres including 7.62mm and 9mm live ammunition and some cartridges from the apprehended suspects.

“The operatives have also recovered Seven AK-47 rifles, Two (2) Berretta Pistols, One Type 06, and One (1) riot gunner in a coordinated operation in Ughelli, Delta State.”

The cases for the Thursday briefing, the Force Spokesperson said include the arrest of suspected gunrunners, namely, Taimako Mato ‘m’, John Danladi ‘m’, Mohammed Munkail ‘m’, Willia, Manasseh ‘m’ and Muhammadu Haddi ‘m’

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include 1 PKT machine gun, 40 rounds of 37.2MM and 95rounds OF 62MM cartridge ammunition.

According to Adejobi,operatives of FIB-IRT acting on credible intelligence, carried out an intense investigation, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the exhibits mentioned above.

During interrogation, he said the “suspects each voluntarily confessed their roles as a working gunrunning syndicate operating across Bauchi and Plateau States.

“Taimako Mato who was an instructor on weapon handling for the youth of his community and a Boko Haram Camp, confessed to having stolen the PKT Machine gun and an unspecified quantity of its ammunition from a Boko Haram Terrorist abandoned vehicle. Part of the stolen ammunition had been sold to John Danladi through William Manasseh, who served as a middleman.

“John Danladi deals in the sale of assault rifles and had sold 3 AK47 Rifles to Munkaila and bought hundreds of rounds of ammunition from Taimako Mato. Meanwhile, Mohammed Munkaila offered to buy the PKT Machine Gun from Danladi.

“Munkaila has also confessed to purchasing three AK47 Rifles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from Danladi, which he then resold. In a related development, Muhammadu Haddi was apprehended after being informed about the availability of ammunition for sale. He contacted Mohammed Munkaila to purchase the rounds, leading to his arrest.”

The Force Spokesperson also said one Lawali Ibrahim ‘M’, Umar Ibrahim ‘M’ and Abubakar Dan Mubi ‘M’ were arrested over the case of kidnapping and murder with out any exhibit.

He said, “Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives of FID-IRT carried out an intense investigation, leading to the arrest of the suspects mentioned above. The suspects voluntarily confessed their roles in the kidnapping and murder of one Abubakar Muhammad ‘m’.

“Lawali Ibrahim ‘m’ was arrested in Unguwan Fadama Dorayi, Kano State. He then confessed that he, Umar Ibrahim ‘m’ and Abubakar Dan Mubi ‘m’ had conspired to kidnap and kill Abubakar Muhammad.

“Following this information, operatives of FID-IRT proceeded to Jigawa State and made the arrest of Umar Ibrahim at Gilma Town in Taura LGA of Jigawa State. Subsequently, Umar Ibrahim confessed that he and Abubakar Dan Mubi had kidnapped Abubakar Muhammad at Babban Gida Forest, Yobe State and kept him for one week as their hostage.

“They negotiated and Collected the Sum of N3,500,000 as r ansom and shared among themselves, whereby Umar Ibrahim got the sum of N100,000. After the collection of the Ransom, Abubakar Dan Mubi then proceeded to kill Abubakar Muhammad, leaving his body in the Babban Gida Forest in Yobe State.”

He reiterated that the Force is striving towards the achievement of a stable society.

He added that the, “Force remains optimistic that synergy amongst security agencies, and collaboration with the good citizens of this country would bear positive fruits towards bringing this to fruition.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) Q2 2024 Fraud and Forgeries Report,has disclosed that 58 employees of deposit money banks in Nigeria were involved in 11, 532 cases of fraud reported between April and June,this year.

According to the report,banks fired 49 employees in the second quarter of 2024 due to their involvement in fraudulent activities.

The report quoted that the development indicates a 40% increase in the number of employees whose appointments were terminated when compared with the 35 cases of termination recorded in Q1 2024.

It also shows a 23% increase compared with 47 insider involvement reported in Q1 2024.

The report further revealed that outsider involvement in fraud cases increased by 5.20% from 10,397 in Q1 to 10,938 in Q2 2024.

Besides,the report indicates banks’ losses to financial fraud in the second quarter of this year jumped by over 9,00% to 42.6 billion compared with N468.4 million recorded in Q1.

It quoted that this also represents a 637% increase when compared with the N5.7 billion loss recorded in Q2 2023.

Babatunde Solanke

Gunmen on Monday attacked Umunze Police Station in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing two policemen.

It was learned that the suspected gunmen attacked the police facility with improvised explosives, shooting sporadically, which caused a fire to catch part of the station.

During the attack, two police operatives on duty were killed in the gun battle as they attempted to resist the assailants and prevent further damage.

The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, a Superintendent of Police,who confirmed the incident,stated that the bodies of the deceased policemen have been recovered and taken to the morgue.

He also disclosed that joint security forces, including the police, army, navy, civil defense, and other agencies, have recovered five unexploded improvised explosives and are on pursuit of the gunmen.

He said assailants are members of the armed secessionist group.

He further noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the scene for a spot assessment to reinforce and reassess security deployment and has called on anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward, assuring that any such information will be handled with confidentiality

Mohammed Shosanya

The Lagos State Taskforce,has arrested six suspects involved in the illegal sale and display of petroleum products in the state .

They were apprehended when the Force conducted a sweeping operation from Fadeyi down to Maryland and Charity Bus Stop to Airport Road,in Lagos.

The six suspects,Toibu ishola 44, Yakubu Olayiwola 34,Adebayo Rasak 29,Maria Balogun 50,Motunrayo Dosunmu 43, John Ogunfowokan will be charged to court,while the petroleum products seized will be forfeitted to the state government through the court.

A press release from the agency, said, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Chairman of the Agency, who led the operations disclosed that the current fuel scarcity is no excuse for miscreants to exploit Lagosians through hoarding large quantity of petrol in gallons and kegs, only to resell them on the streets at exorbitant prices.

He stressed that the unscrupulous practice not only burdens already struggling motorists but poses significant safety risks due to the highly inflammable nature of petroleum products.

“We are committed to curbing these illegal activities and ensuring that the safety and well-being of the public are not compromised. The actions of these black market operators are not only cruel but also a severe threat to public safety, as the improper handling and storage of petrol could lead to catastrophic fire disaster”.

He warned individual or groups,who connive with petrol stations to sell petroleum products to desist forthwith or risk being arrested.

He urged members of the public to report any suspicious collaborations between any elements involved in the sale of petrol illegaly in order to forestall any disasters.

He also urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the illegal storage and sales of petroleum products, warning those involved in such practices that they will be met with the full force of the law, the release added.

Adding that the Lagos State Taskforce will continue to clamp down on these sets of merchants or any other individuals involved in activities that could be harmful to the environment and poses a threat to safety and wellbeing of Lagosians.

He assured that safety, serenity and habitability of the residents and visitors of the metropolis are not undermined in any form.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested several suspects involved in unauthorized revenue collection and multiple taxation along the Enugu, Abakaliki, and Ebonyi axis.

The arrests mark a significant step towards eradicating illegal activities, promoting economic growth, and free flow of industrial and agricultural produce on highways across the country,its spokesman,Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement on Wednesday.

The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force,he quoted in the statement, made the first breakthrough on 24/08/24, with the arrest of 14 suspects at the Abakaliki and Ebonyi boundary at 3 AM.

Additional arrests were made, including 5 suspects at Abumeje, Ogoja, and the last suspect at the Onuakpu area of Ebonyi, while the 5 suspects have been charged to court for economic sabotage and illegal and multiple taxation on highways. Other suspect s who are un the custody at Ebonyi Command will soon appear in court.

According to the statement,the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun,has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to dismantling all illegal revenue collection points, and illegal taxation, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for citizens most especially businessmeb and women in Nigeria.

It added:”This operation remains a good start for the police to escalate and enforce the Presidential order on ease of doing business and the fight against illegal road blocks, revenue collection and multiple taxation on the higways with a view to promoting economic development in Nigeria”.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Police Force,has condemned attack by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shi’ite group, on police personnel in Abuja on Sunday.

The incident occurred at Wuse Junction by the traffic light, where assailants targeted a police checkpoint and descended heavily on policemen on duty.

The attackers, who were armed with machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives, embarked on several violent attacks which left two police officers dead instantly and three unconscious, currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Besides,three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze during the attack.

The progressive efforts of police operatives have led to the arrest of 97 suspects and the recovery of several weapons used in the attack,Olumuyiwa Adejobi,spokesman of Nigeria Police Force,said in a statement on Monday.

He quoted the Inspectator General of Police,Kayode Egbetokun,to have also reaffirmed the unalloyed zeal of the Force to arrest other involved persons and bring the killers to justice, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining law and order and resisting all sorts of anarchy and unrest in any part of the country.

The unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are highly outrageous and unacceptable as those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace,the statement said.

The statement added:”As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of such violence against police officers. The IGP offers heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families of the fallen police officers, mourning their loss alongside them and also wishes a speedy recovery to those currently undergoing treatment, hoping for their swift return to full health.

“The NPF, therefore, seeks the support and understanding of the general public in its quest to maintain law and order even in the face of extremist threats and other forms of violent crimes across the country”.

Tọluwani Shosanya

No fewer than 27 kidnappers, including members of the Auto Pilot, also known as Unknown Gunmen, a notorious breakaway faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) loyal to the Finland based fugitive, Simon Ekpa, which terrorized Enugu and its environs had been killed in shoot-outs with security operatives.

According to a statement from the Governor media office, the kidnappers were killed at various locations across the state in the past two weeks.

It said the residents of the state appealed to the governor to invoke the provisions of the state’s criminal code and demolish all the properties used by kidnappers and other criminal elements as stash houses, saying it would serve as deterrent to criminals.

According to the statement, a Police Superintendent, SP Onochie Ezeh, who led a joint security operation to rescue some kidnap victims, while Speaking at Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Road in the early hours of Wednesday,said the operation led to the killing of 7-man-gang kidnappers at Ogbeke Nike where the kidnappers used a large poultry farm to hide their hostages.

He explained that Wednesday’s successful operation was part of the sustained operations in the state to flush out criminals operating from other neighboring states, including kidnappers, unknown gunmen and other unscrupulous elements.

“We were on the trail of these kidnappers for more than three months now. They had been operating within this axis where they kidnapped their victims and kept them at a large poultry farm at Ogbeke Nike until ransoms are paid. So, on a tipoff from members of the public who suspected the strange movements in the area and the accounts of some of the victims of these criminals, we swung into action. On sighting us, these men of the underworld opened fire on my men, and we quickly retaliated and overpowered them with our superior firepower,” he stressed.

Ezeh disclosed that the combined security task force, set up by the Enugu State governor, Mr Peter Mbah, as a tactical squad against kidnappings and activities of unknown gunmen, had recorded milestones in policing the state and flushing out criminal elements.

“This is a gallant crack squad with the mandate to eliminate every form of threat in the state. We have recorded huge successes over the past months. You know our role is not to rush to the media to tell our story but to ensure that every citizen and resident of the state has peace.

“I can tell you that we have already neutralized over 7 criminal gangs who were mostly kidnappers and unknown gunmen. We are going after them. We are taking the battle to their doorsteps because the governor said we should not come back home if we don’t completely rid the state of threats.

“So we are on it. In fact, during our operations, we identified many criminal hideouts that serve as rogue premises where kidnap victims and dangerous weapons are kept. These places include New Artisan Market, Akwuke community, Akegbe-Ugwu, Four Corners, Awgu, Mgbowo, Emene, Eke and Afa in Udi and some parts of Isi Uzo local government. During rescue operations, we were able to neutralize over 30 of the kidnappers and recovered guns and valuables,” the police chief added.

The statement further stated that, residents in the state have called on Governor Mbah to go beyond arresting and hunting down the kidnappers to invoking his power as the chief security officer of the state through the demolition of all the properties harbouring the kidnappers.

According to them, the law empowers the state government to demolish buildings used for kidnap activities, including hotels and private facilities.

The statement further said, A senior lawyer, Chief Ani Iheanacho, who spoke to newsmen in Enugu, said the state has an existing criminal law which was amended in 2016 to accommodate a new section which empowers the governor to pull down structures used for kidnapping.

“We cannot continue like this. Yes, beyond going after the criminals, the governor must show both political and legal courage to go after properties used as hostage holding cells and bring them down irrespective of who the owner or owners are.

“The state must deter these criminals and those enabling their access to such buildings. That is what justice is all about. It’s justice to the kidnap victims; justice to the family of the victims, and justice to the society at large,” the legal practitioner submitted.

One of the rescued kidnap survivors, Dr Kate Pamela according to the statement said she was traumatized by the ugly experiences at the hands of the kidnappers.

“Each time I pass through that poultry, I feel I have been denied justice by still allowing it to operate. They kidnapped us and kept us there for five days. They even killed two of the victims because their families could only afford ten million naira each against the fifty million naira demanded. Notwithstanding that I was able to identify the bodies of three of the kidnappers when they were killed, I still feel that the area should be cleared.

“Government must ensure justice by turning that place to a landfill,” Dr Pamela said.

Mohammed Shosanys

Police have arrested 2,726 criminal suspects and recovered 150 firearms, 1788 ammunition in the last one months.

In a statement to newsmen, on Friday, the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi who paraded the suspects in Abuja said, operatives have also rescued 207 kidnapped victims.

According to the statement, the several suspects who were apprehended for different heinous criminal acts was a “display of unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety.”

This decisive action, the Force Spokesperson said, “underscores the Police Force’s relentless efforts to combat crime and bring perpetrators to justice.”

The suspects,who were apprehended and have equally confessed to the commission of various offences ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping, were presented to the media and the general public, sending a clear message that criminal activities will not be tolerated.

One of the significant cases is that of one Hauwa Yusuf ‘F’ 30 years of Dutsin-Ma LGA of Katsina State, who was intercepted while in transit from Lafia, Nasarawa State to Katsina State, inside a Sienna Bus along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

“Upon interception, a search was conducted and one AK-47 Rifle without breach Number and Four AK magazines concealed inside a white Sack of Garri were recovered from the suspect.

“During the interrogation, the Suspect confessed that she was delivering the weapons at the behest of a notorious bandit terrorizing Katsina State.

“The Inspector General of Police has reiterated the Police Force’s dedication to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerian citizens.

“This parade serves as a testament to the ongoing work being done to maintain law and order and instil a sense of security within our communities.

“The Nigeria Police Force urges the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information that can aid in the investigation and apprehension of criminal elements. Together, we can build a safer Nigeria for all.”

Mohammed Shosanya

A middle aged man seen in a video footage currently trending wielding a dangerous weapon and assaulting Staff of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has been arrested by the Kaduna State Police Command, Rigasa Division.

The man who was later identified as Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda attached to Tudun Wada Police Station in Kaduna metropolis as seen in the video, assaulted and made several attempts at stabbing officials of the Electricity Distribution Company with a knife.

Kaduna Electric has formally reported the matter to the State Police Command via a petition to the Kaduna State Police Commissioner.

In the petition,the company prayed that Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda be arrested,investigated and charged to court for assault, attempted murder, harassment, and intimidation of staff.

Seeking the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for thorough investigation, Kaduna Electric also sought the police commissioner to intervene in the matter and ensure its staff protection is guaranteed in order to carry out lawful official duties in the area without any form of hindrance.

A press statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Kaduna Electric, said the action of the police officer is not only against the law, but could also set dangerous precedent and pose serious threat to the fragile peace currently being enjoyed in the State.

“The action of the Police Officer, to say the least, is in sharp contrast with the law and Police code of conduct; the relevant Police Authority shall be petitioned for appropriate administrative actions and subsequent prosecution”, the statement said.

It added that Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda “viciously attacked the staff of the Company on lawful duty who were at his house at Rimaye Road, Hayin Danmani for routine inspection of his Pre- paid meter”.

According to the Kaduna Electric, investigation has shown that the customer vended for electricity only twice this year.

Eyewitnesses said the Kaduna Electric staff had arrived at the officer’s home to inspect his meter for suspected bypass.

The situation escalated rapidly when the officer, visibly agitated as seen on a video trending online, brandishing a knife and attempted several times to deliver a fatal blow to the electricity worker.

The employee was fortunate to have escaped unharmed. Unfortunately, a passerby who tried to intervene sustained actual bodily harm injuries to the leg.

The violent incident has sparked discussions about the safety of utility workers and the challenges they face in enforcing regulations.

Mohammed Shosanyq

The Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh has ordered discreet investigation into the death of a male crossdresser whose lifeless body was found along Katampe-Mabushi in Abuja.

In a statement to newsmen, on Thursday, the Command Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh said this was in response to a distress call received by the Command Control Room on 08/08/2024 at about 07:40 AM, that an unidentified lady was seen lying motionless along Katampe – Mabushi express way.

A team of detectives were immediately dispatched to the scene,the statement said.

It said:”Preliminary investigations revealed that the individual was a man fully dressed in female clothes with no means of identification on him.

“He was immediately taken to Maitama District Hospital where Doctors on duty confirmed him dead.”

The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh,has promptly ordered a thorough and discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death. Updates on this matter will be communicated in due course.