Category: Cityscope

PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigerian Navy has rescued a kidnapped victim, Mr Benedict Eze, in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, southern Nigeria, following sustained security operations by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny.

The victim, who was abducted on 23 March 2026 at Aganya Community, was rescued at Coconut Jetty after his captors abandoned him around the Opuoma waterside due to intensified operational pressure. Naval personnel had mounted intelligence‑led patrols, deployed technological enablers, and coordinated actions on land and across the creeks to block possible escape routes since the incident was first reported.

According to a statement, Friday, signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the sustained search efforts eventually forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim. Eze was evacuated to the Naval Base medical facility for evaluation and debriefing before being safely reunited with his family.

The recovery underscores the effectiveness of coordinated maritime and land‑based security operations conducted by the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with other agencies to deny criminal elements freedom of movement within the Bonny–Port Harcourt waterways and adjoining creeks.

The development also aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify operational efforts against criminal activities in the maritime domain. The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining proactive patrols and intelligence‑driven operations to enhance security, protect lives and property, and bring perpetrators of criminal acts to justice.

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — Inspector‑General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has undertaken an operational visit to Plateau State following the terrorist attack in Angwan Rukuba, Nasarawa Gwong area of Jos North, which claimed several lives.

According to Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the IGP condemned the killings and, upon arrival, paid a courtesy call on Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to commiserate with the people of Plateau. He later visited Angwan Rukuba for an on‑the‑spot assessment of the affected community.

Disu noted that upon receiving the distress call, a robust response was immediately activated. This included the deployment of DIG Usman Nadada, AIG Francis Iwu, eight units of the Police Mobile Force, the Special Intervention Squad, and other tactical and intelligence teams, working in collaboration with the military.

He said coordinated operations and engagements with local leaders and youth groups have significantly de‑escalated tensions, with personnel strategically deployed to maintain order while intelligence‑led efforts continue to track down perpetrators. The IGP stressed that operations would be sustained until normalcy is fully restored, warning against reprisals or vigilantism that could worsen the crisis.

Governor Mutfwang commended the Police for their swift response, praising CP Bassey Ewah and the Mobile Force for their decisive role. He, however, called for structural reforms, including the establishment of State Police, and urged investment in modern tools such as night‑surveillance drones with infrared capability. He also highlighted challenges of terrain, manpower, and logistics, pledging continued support for the Force.

The IGP assured that he will brief the President on the situation as part of national security coordination. He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies by providing credible information.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the country.

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued a three‑day‑old baby boy abducted in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area, and arrested two suspects in connection with the crime.

Police spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel said the incident occurred on 29 March when two men broke into the home of 19‑year‑old Aisha Bada at Unguwan Bawa, Orange Market, threatened her with violence, and took away her newborn. Her husband, a commercial tricycle rider, was away in Lagos at the time.

Following the report, Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed ordered detectives from Mararaba ‘A’ Division to launch a full‑scale investigation. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested Furera Abdulrahman, 35, and Sadiya Abdullahi, 39, in the early hours of 3 April. The baby was found in their possession and safely rescued.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed and named an accomplice still at large. Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect. The child was examined at Mararaba Medical Centre, certified healthy, and reunited with his mother.

The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for further investigation. The Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered the deployment of additional troops to Plateau State to stem escalating killings and terrorist attacks in the North Central region.

According to a statement by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, the reinforcement is a swift and decisive move to restore law and order in affected areas.

Addressing troops at the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace in Jos, Lt. Gen. Shaibu urged personnel to remain professional, disciplined, and firm in confronting criminal elements. He assured them that adequate logistics and combat enablers have been provided to ensure the effective execution of their mission.

The newly deployed contingent, numbering over 850 soldiers, was drawn from formations in Abuja and Kaduna. Their mandate includes protecting lives and property, de-escalating tensions, and ensuring the safety of residents across Plateau State.

The Nigerian Army emphasised that the deployment underscores its commitment to safeguarding citizens and stabilising communities under siege by violent groups.

OWERRI, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — The Imo State Police Command has disbursed ₦54 million to families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, as part of activities marking the 2026 National Police Day.

State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, made the presentation on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, during a ceremony in Owerri on Thursday.

According to a statement signed by DSP Henry Okoye, Police Public Relations Officer, the cheque presentation formed part of Day 4 of the National Police Day celebration, honouring the sacrifices and dedication of fallen officers.

Speaking at the event, CP Bosso reiterated the Force’s commitment to the welfare of officers and their families, stressing that the gesture, facilitated through the Police Force Insurance Scheme, demonstrates that the sacrifices of fallen heroes will never be forgotten.

Beneficiaries included Bridget Innocent, Hillary Okoye, Joy Enerst Emman, Ifunaya Joy Okoro, Okafor Sampson, and Sunday Ann. Mr Okafor Sampson, giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients, expressed deep gratitude to the Inspector-General and the Nigeria Police Force for their support.

The ceremony was attended by senior police officers, representatives of the Police Force Insurance Scheme, and families of the deceased, who commended the Force for its recognition and assistance.

The Imo State Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to protecting lives and property while ensuring the welfare of personnel and their loved ones.

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 2 April 2026 (NPA) — As part of activities marking National Police Day 2026, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, on Thursday, presented cheques totalling ₦39,147,777.24 to families of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

During the presentation, CP Shetima expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olantunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, for his continued commitment to the welfare of officers and their families. He noted that the gesture was intended to provide relief and support to bereaved families, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr Moses Ebi conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Inspector-General and the Commissioner of Police for the assistance, stressing that the support would go a long way in easing the challenges faced by families of fallen officers.

The presentation underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to the welfare of its personnel and the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 02 April 2026 (NPA) — The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted a major arms courier, arresting a 25‑year‑old female (Nafisa Usman) in Kano State, Nigeria’s northwest, for allegedly transporting ammunition to terrorists across northern Nigeria.

According to a security publication covering the Lake Chad region and analyst Zagazola, Usman was apprehended at a busy motor park with 200 rounds of ammunition. The consignment, traced from Lafia in Nasarawa State, was destined for Kankara in Katsina State, a notorious hub for terrororists activity.

Security sources revealed that the arrest followed actionable intelligence tracking her movements. Usman, a native of Zango village in Kankara Local Government Area, admitted she had been involved in the illegal trade for two months. She claimed the ammunition was supplied by an associate known as “Teso,” who allegedly collaborates with a military operative in Lafia.

Further investigations showed she had facilitated transactions worth over ₦5 million through the Unguwa Uku motor park in Kano, with deliveries intended for a bandit leader identified as Mallam Haruna, as well as operatives named Buba and Abu in the Kankara forest. Usman also confessed that she was introduced to the network by a Kano‑based livestock trader, Sulaiman.

Zagazola noted that the operation highlights the DSS’s determination to dismantle criminal supply chains and weaken the logistics sustaining bandit groups. Officials stressed that cutting off access to arms and ammunition is critical to restoring security in affected states.