Category: Crime Diary

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man accused of beheading his mother, while another suspect reportedly died after allegedly murdering and beheading his sister and her child in separate incidents in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on May 16, 2026, both gruesome incidents occurred on May 15 in different communities within the council area.

Police said operatives attached to the Igbo-Etiti Division responded at about 3:10 p.m. to reports that a 40-year-old man, identified as Anikwe Onyebuchi, allegedly used a cutlass to murder and behead his 60-year-old mother, Anikwe Felicia, at Nkporogwu Ukehe Community.

The command disclosed that the deceased’s body and severed head were recovered and taken to the hospital, where doctors confirmed her dead before the remains were deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The suspect was reportedly rescued and rearrested from an angry mob that had severely beaten him before he was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Police said investigations into the incident have commenced.

In a separate but similar incident reported at about 3:18 p.m. the same day, operatives attached to the Command’s Distress Response Squad stationed at Ekwegbe Junction along the Ugwuagu/Opi/Nsukka Road responded to a distress call alleging that one Joshua Eze used a cutlass to sever the heads of his sister, identified as Nwabuche Eze, and her child.

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, revealed that after allegedly killing the victims, the suspect buried their remains in a shallow grave alongside a dead white cock, raising suspicions of possible ritual motives.

The police authorities further disclosed that the suspect later died under circumstances yet to be officially clarified.

Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the killings, describing them as barbaric and unacceptable.

The police commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to immediately commence comprehensive investigations into both incidents to determine the circumstances surrounding the murders and ensure all necessary legal actions are taken.

He also urged residents to avoid taking laws into their own hands through jungle justice, advising members of the public to report criminal suspects to the police and other lawful authorities for proper prosecution.

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command has commenced forensic analysis of a viral video linked to the recent abduction incident in the state, reaffirming its commitment to the safe rescue of victims and the arrest of perpetrators.

In a statement signed by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, on 17 May 2026, the Command said the footage is undergoing comprehensive forensic examination to determine its authenticity and to aid ongoing investigations. The police assured residents that intensive intelligence-driven operations, in collaboration with other security agencies, are underway to secure the victims unharmed.

The Command urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative by providing credible information to assist rescue efforts. It warned against sharing unverified content that could heighten tension or panic, stressing that such misinformation is often exploited by criminal elements. Citizens with useful information were encouraged to contact the authorities through the Oyo State Call Response Centre.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, visited Oriire Local Government Area following the tragic attack and abduction incident that occurred on 15 May 2026. The IGP expressed condolences to the families of those killed during the attack and assured residents of intensified rescue operations.

Accompanied by CP Ojo Adekimi of Kwara State Command and CP Abayomi Shogunle of the Schools Protection Squad, the IGP met with CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga of Oyo State Command and other security stakeholders. He received operational briefings on ongoing deployments and directed the reinforcement of tactical and intelligence assets to strengthen search-and-rescue missions across affected communities and adjoining forests.

The IGP condemned the attack as “cruel and unacceptable,” pledging that no effort would be spared in restoring normalcy. He emphasised the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting schools, communities, and citizens nationwide, while assuring parents and guardians that the abducted victims would be rescued safely.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced a series of major operations across Nigeria, intercepting consignments of cocaine and opioids concealed in carton walls bound for the United Kingdom and Australia, destroying large cannabis farms, recovering military-grade ammunition, and arresting multiple suspects involved in drug trafficking and production.

According to a statement issued by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, 17 May 2026, the seizures were recorded at a courier company in Lagos on Friday, 15 May. Operatives recovered 170 grams of cocaine hidden in a carton of clothes destined for Australia, and a separate shipment to the UK containing 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 1,100 capsules of tramadol, and 100 ampoules of promethazine injection.

In Delta State, NDLEA operatives raided Ejeonu village, Ukwuani LGA, on 10 May, destroying 27,500kg of skunk on 11 hectares of farmland and arresting a suspect, Ifeanyichukwu Peter. A similar raid in Orogun village, Ughelli North LGA, on 12 May led to the destruction of 37,500kg of skunk on 15 hectares and the arrest of Godwin Vincent Osadera. In total, 65,000kg of skunk was destroyed in the two operations, supported by soldiers.

In Kaduna State, NDLEA recovered 361kg of skunk and arrested Husaini Suleiman during a raid in Zaria on 13 May. A day earlier, operatives intercepted 1,989 rounds of RLA 7.62mm ammunition concealed in cassava granules (“garri”) along the Abuja-Kaduna highway. The suspect, Abdullahi Hassan, was handed over to another security agency for further investigation.

In Abuja, NDLEA arrested Ogadi Peter, 29, who specialised in producing drug-laced cakes and cookies for parties. He was nabbed at his Life Camp residence on 11 May, with 800 grams of skunk and 2.7kg of drug-laced cookies recovered.

Other operations included the arrest of Aliyu Sani in Ogun State with 181kg of skunk, and Sufiyanu Mohammed Misa, 27, in Taraba State with 105,850 pills of opioids. In Oyo State, two suspects were arrested with 99 litres of “skuchies”, while NDLEA destroyed 1,388kg of skunk in Edo State. In Kano, Aminu Isa, 35, was arrested with 30.5kg of skunk, and officers recovered 1.2kg of tramaking pills concealed in palm oil.

Meanwhile, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, delivering sensitisation lectures in schools across Oyo, Niger, Lagos, Katsina, Ekiti, and Kano.

Commending the officers, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised their efforts in balancing drug supply reduction with demand reduction, stressing that the agency remains committed to dismantling drug networks and safeguarding communities nationwide.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly investigate allegations that governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted ₦800 billion from public funds for political and campaign purposes.

In a letter dated 16 May 2026 and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, the organisation urged INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan to demand full disclosure from APC governors and the party regarding contributions to any campaign fund, including the identity of donors and the lawful origin of such funds. SERAP stressed that Nigerians deserve transparency in political financing to safeguard electoral integrity.

The group also urged INEC to collaborate with anticorruption and law enforcement agencies to enforce sanctions where violations are identified, including prosecution, fines, and forfeiture of unlawful contributions. SERAP warned that the allegations, if proven, pose a grave risk to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Recall that last week, the said money was alleged to have caused division and rancour within the Progressive Governors’ Forum, with some members reportedly demanding the ouster of the forum’s chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, over the alleged mismanagement of the funds.

SERAP noted that the abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. It cited Section 91 of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers INEC to set limits on donations, demand disclosure of contributions, and enforce sanctions against violations. The law prescribes fines of up to ₦10 million for political parties that exceed donation limits, while individuals face penalties of up to five times the excess amount contributed.

The organisation also referenced constitutional provisions, including Section 14(2)(c), which guarantees citizens’ participation in government, and Section 15(5), which requires public institutions to abolish corrupt practices. It further cited Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Convention against Corruption, all of which impose duties on state institutions to ensure transparency in political finance.

SERAP gave INEC seven days to act on its recommendations, warning that failure to do so would compel the organisation to pursue appropriate legal action in the public interest.

“Any use of public funds for political advantage would constitute a grave violation of national and international standards and a threat to electoral credibility,” SERAP stated.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — Senator Ali Ndume has raised alarm over the abduction of at least 42 school children following an attack by suspected Islamist militants on a school in insurgency-ravaged Borno State.

According to a report by Reuters, armed men stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area on Friday while classes were ongoing and abducted an unspecified number of pupils.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District where the school is located, disclosed in a statement that school authorities confirmed that 32 pupils were abducted directly from the school premises, while another 10 children were reportedly taken from their homes near the school.

The lawmaker condemned the attack and expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the North-East.

No group has officially claimed responsibility for the abduction, although Boko Haram has carried out similar mass kidnappings in the region in the past.

The latest incident comes hours after the United States military and the Nigerian Army carried out a joint counterterrorism operation that eliminated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the global second-in-command of ISIS.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced the operation on his Truth Social platform, describing it as a meticulously planned overnight mission executed by American forces alongside the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also praised the operation, declaring that terrorists have no hiding place in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, the Borno State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement concerning the abduction.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The joint security task force, Operation Sweep FCT, has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying coordinated security operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding communities.

Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja following the reactivation of the security operation.

According to him, the renewed offensive became necessary in response to emerging security threats across the FCT and neighbouring areas, including kidnapping, armed robbery and banditry.

“Our operation is not targeted at any particular group, religion or culture. Crime has no tribe, no religion and no culture. Our mandate is to face criminals and criminality at whatever level,” he said.

Sanusi explained that the operation involves personnel drawn from the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Other participating agencies include the FCT Directorate of Road Transport Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security formations operating within the territory.

He noted that the operation demonstrates strong inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity and sustaining peace within the nation’s capital.

“We will face the dreaded monsters head-on and bring about peace, tranquillity and a higher level of security within and around the FCT,” the police commissioner stated.

Sanusi assured residents that security operatives involved in the operation would maintain professionalism and avoid harassment or intimidation of innocent citizens.

He also urged residents, the media and international partners to support security agencies with credible intelligence capable of helping to dismantle criminal networks operating within the capital city.

“This operation will remain for as long as the FCT remains. There is no part of the FCT isolated from our operation,” he added.

Also speaking, Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, Mr Adamu Gwary, said the administration remained fully committed to supporting the joint security initiative.

According to him, the operation is designed to guarantee safety and stability ahead of increased political activities towards the 2027 general elections as well as the forthcoming Sallah celebrations.

“Beyond political activities towards the 2027 general election, the operation is to ensure that the FCT is rid of all forms of crime and criminality,” Gwary said.

Operation Sweep FCT was reactivated in November 2025 by the FCT Security Committee to combat kidnapping, banditry and rising urban crime across the territory.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Army has released a detailed account of the joint counter-terrorism mission that led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s global second-in-command, alongside several senior commanders in Metele, Borno State.

In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the Army confirmed that the operation was conducted in close coordination with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). The meticulously planned precision air-land strike, executed between 0001 and 0400 hours on 16 May 2026, neutralised al-Minuki and multiple combatants without any casualties or loss of assets.

Al-Minuki, also known as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, was a U.S.-designated Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) since June 2023. He served as a leading official within ISIS’s General Directorate of Provinces, channelling international funding and operational guidance to terror cells across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. His elimination is described as the most consequential counter-terrorism outcome in the North East Theatre since the inception of OPHK.

The Army disclosed that the operation was the culmination of protracted intelligence efforts, including legal intercepts and sustained reconnaissance, which confirmed al-Minuki’s fortified enclave in Metele. Special Forces secured the perimeter, denied escape routes, and ensured extraction readiness for air platforms. The synchronised strike left the terrorists with no avenue of escape.

Battle Damage Assessment is ongoing, with aggressive follow-on exploitation operations underway to dismantle splinter cells and prevent reconstitution.

The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, acknowledged the success, commending the partnership with Nigeria’s Armed Forces. He described the mission as “meticulously planned” and a decisive blow to ISIS’s global operational structure.

The Nigerian Army emphasised that the operation reaffirms OPHK’s position as the foremost counter-terrorism formation in sub-Saharan Africa, sending a clear message that terrorists will find neither sanctuary nor safety in the North East Theatre.