Category: Crime Diary

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command has launched what it described as a massive manhunt and rescue operation following the abduction of pupils, students and school staff by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Friday when armed assailants riding motorcycles invaded schools and surrounding communities within the area.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the attackers simultaneously stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School/L.A Primary School, Esiele.

The police said the gunmen abducted several pupils, students and staff members, including the Vice Principal, Mrs Alamu Folawe.

The Command, however, clarified that no pupil or student had been confirmed killed as of the time of filing the report.

The police disclosed that an Assistant Headmaster, identified as Mr Adesiyan was killed during the attack.

In a related development, a commercial motorcycle rider was also reportedly shot dead after resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle.

Investigations revealed that Community Grammar School and L.A Primary School operate within the same premises in Esiele.

The attackers were also said to have taken away a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to the abducted Vice Principal before later setting it ablaze along a road leading to the forest.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, led security operatives and other service commanders to the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment and operational coordination.

The Commissioner subsequently directed an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and ordered the deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets and other operational resources to the area.

The police said the deployment was aimed at preventing further breakdown of law and order, securing the affected communities, rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those responsible for the attack.

The Command assured residents that rescue operations were ongoing and urged members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in the investigation.

Residents were also encouraged to report emergencies through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615 or the Command’s emergency numbers.

RIVERS STATE, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER, operating under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, has dismantled a major black-market fuel syndicate in Rivers State, uncovering a concealed storage hub linked to illegal petroleum distribution.

During anti-crude oil theft patrols in the Okochiri Kingdom, Okrika Local Government Area, naval personnel discovered a warehouse containing 410 drums, cumulatively laden with approximately 123,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

According to preliminary assessments, the products were transported from illegal refining sites outside the community and stockpiled for onward distribution through illicit supply networks.

In a statement signed by Abiodun Folorunsho, Navy Captain, Director of Naval Information Nigerian Navy, the Navy revealed that the syndicate’s operations reflect a growing trend in which criminal networks are shifting beyond refining camps into hidden storage and distribution systems designed to evade ongoing anti-crude oil theft crackdowns.

Exhibits recovered included the drums of AGO and evidence of illicit transport vehicles used in the scheme.

Navy Captain Abiodun emphasized that the operation demonstrates the Navy’s resolve to protect critical national assets and deny economic saboteurs operational space within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral environment. He reaffirmed that the Navy’s strategy remains intelligence-led, targeting both refining camps and the wider networks sustaining black-market fuel trade.

The Navy’s leadership stressed that such illegal activities not only undermine Nigeria’s economy but also pose environmental and security risks to communities in the Niger Delta. The crackdown forms part of the Chief of Naval Staff’s vision to strengthen maritime security and safeguard national resources.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against oil theft and illegal refining.

IJEBU-ODE, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has assured residents of Ijebu-Ode that the harmful chemical emission reported along the Agoro/Okunowa Road axis on 15 May 2026 has been contained, with no fatalities recorded.

According to a statement by DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, Police Public Relations Officer, the incident involved suspected methane gas emissions that temporarily affected students and residents in parts of Ijebu-Ode. Patrol operatives received the alert and swiftly mobilised tactical and surveillance teams from Obalende Division, activating emergency response measures to safeguard lives, coordinate evacuations, and maintain public order.

Victims, including students from Our Ladies Grammar School, Anglican Girls Grammar School, Titilayo Agbaje Comprehensive High School, Ifesowapo Comprehensive High School, St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School, and Orphanage Primary School, were promptly evacuated to the General Hospital and nearby private facilities. The Command confirmed that all affected persons are responding positively to treatment.

Preliminary assessments by the State’s Air Quality Monitoring infrastructure revealed elevated methane concentrations in the area. Technical experts and emergency agencies are conducting detailed investigations to determine the source of the emission and assess environmental risks.

Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni directed sustained surveillance operations and intensified security presence around the affected communities to prevent panic and support ongoing evaluations. He urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue lawful activities.

As a precaution, the Command advised residents to avoid open flames or ignition sources in areas where unusual gas odours are perceived and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, or respiratory discomfort.

The Police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property, pledging continued collaboration with the Ogun State Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure public safety.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and provide timely information through the Command’s emergency lines.

Exposure to methane gas can pose serious health and safety risks, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Although methane itself is not highly toxic, it can displace oxygen in the air and cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness and, in extreme cases, suffocation.

Methane is also highly flammable and can trigger explosions or fires when exposed to heat or sparks.

Health experts advise residents in affected communities to avoid open flames near suspected leak sites, ensure proper ventilation in homes and enclosed spaces, report unusual gas odours or leakages to authorities immediately, and evacuate areas where gas concentration is suspected to be high.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud.

Blessing CEO was arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.

According to the EFCC, she allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretext of leasing a six-bedroom duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.

At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, told the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the petitioner and requested a short adjournment to allow both parties to settle the outstanding balance.

However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the request, insisting that the Federal Government remained the complainant in the matter and urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.

Justice Dipeolu ruled that discussions between the defendant and the petitioner could continue while proceedings were ongoing and directed that the arraignment proceed.

One of the charges alleged that Blessing CEO fraudulently obtained the money between July 14 and 17, 2024, through false representation relating to the lease of the property.

She pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following her plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant pending trial.

The defence, however, informed the court that the charge was only served on the defendant on May 14, 2026, and prayed that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the filing of her bail application.

Justice Dipeolu granted the application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.

The matter was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Industrial Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a wrongful termination suit filed against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and two others by a former employee, Mr Thankgod, for lack of proof and jurisdiction over parts of the claims.

Delivering judgment, Justice Buhari Sani held that the claimant failed to establish the terms and conditions of his employment and therefore could not sustain his claims for wrongful termination, reinstatement and damages.

Mr Thankgod had approached the court seeking a declaration that the alleged termination of his appointment via SMS on January 2, 2023, was improper, illegal, unconstitutional and contrary to the principles of fair hearing.

The claimant argued that his appointment was wrongfully terminated without due process and alleged that the decision was maliciously instigated following accusations of theft levelled against him.

He sought several reliefs, including reinstatement, payment of accrued salaries and benefits, damages for malicious instigation, damages for defamation and compensation for breach of contract.

However, the NCC maintained that the termination of the claimant’s employment was based strictly on poor performance during his probationary period and not on allegations of misconduct.

Counsel to the commission argued that the allegation of malicious instigation was speculative and unsupported by evidence, noting that the termination notice did not state any reason for the dismissal.

The defence further contended that the claimant’s defamation suit was outside the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court and urged the court to dismiss the case in its entirety.

In response, counsel to Mr Thankgod insisted that the NCC, Mr Tony Okpara and Mrs Venny Eze were proper parties in the matter and maintained that the claimant’s dismissal was influenced by allegations of theft made against him.

In his judgment, Justice Sani ruled that the claimant failed to plead and provide evidence of the specific terms of employment allegedly breached by the defendants.

The court also dismissed the claimant’s N5 million claim for malicious instigation against the Zonal Coordinator, holding that the evidence presented was based on hearsay.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have rescued six abducted women and children, neutralised terrorists and arrested suspected collaborators in sustained operations across the North East under Operation DESERT SANITY.

The victims, who were rescued during a clearance operation along the Mandara Mountains axis on May 14, were identified as Amina Salihu, 52; Aishatu Musa, 50; twin sisters Hassana and Hussaina Abubakar, both aged nine; Adamu Zakariyya, 12; and Usman Zakariyya, 10.

According to a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the operation was carried out at a suspected terrorist crossing point along the Amuda–Gava corridor following credible intelligence.

The statement said the victims, all residents of Ngoshe community, had been held captive by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists before their rescue by troops.

It added that the rescued civilians were received by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi, and given medical attention at the Brigade Medical Reception Station before being reunited with their families through the community leader, Mallam Bulama Kunda, and the Chief Imam of Ngoshe, Mallam Auwalu Hudu.

“The Commander assured residents of Ngoshe community that troops will sustain ongoing rescue operations until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families,” the statement said.

It noted that a total of 60 women and children had so far been rescued since the March 3, 2026 attack on Ngoshe community.

The military said prayers were also offered for the success of troops in ongoing operations, while personnel continued to maintain what it described as an aggressive operational posture in the area.

In separate operations across the theatre, troops reportedly neutralised terrorists and arrested suspected collaborators in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno and parts of Yobe State.

The statement disclosed that troops of Sector 1 conducted a successful raid at Bazamri village in Konduga LGA, killing two Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters.

Recovered items included detergent, salt and a carton of spaghetti believed to be logistics supplies intended for insurgents.

“No own troops’ casualties were recorded, and troops have since repositioned to sustain offensive pressure,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, troops deployed at Mainé checkpoint in Yobe State arrested a suspected Boko Haram collaborator identified as Ibrahim Alhaji Julo, 30.

The suspect was intercepted in a red Golf vehicle with registration number KTG-397AA from Bauchi State.

Preliminary investigations indicated that he allegedly used the vehicle to transport terrorist elements and facilitate illegal tax collection within communities.

Troops recovered a mobile phone and cash from the suspect, who remains in custody for further investigation.

The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing abducted civilians and restoring peace and economic stability across the North East.

The military high command also commended troops for their professionalism, resilience and operational successes, urging them to sustain the current momentum in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed circulating reports alleging civilian casualties and unverified casualty figures from the Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted on 10 May 2026 in Zamfara State.

According to a statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, the air‑land strike targeted a confirmed high‑level gathering of terrorist ring leaders at Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area. The location was verified through credible, multi‑source human intelligence as a coordination point for planned attacks against communities in the North West region.

The DHQ clarified that the operation was an air interdiction strike, which does not permit immediate ground‑level enumeration of casualties. It stressed that the varying figures currently in circulation, including those attributed to international and local media outlets, are speculative and unverified. The official position remains that “several terrorists were neutralized,” as confirmed by a Battle Damage Assessment conducted after the strike.

On allegations of civilian casualties, the Defence Headquarters stated that no credible evidence has been established through official assessments or independent verification. The identified target was a confirmed terrorist structure occupied exclusively by armed non‑state actors. The DHQ urged those making such claims, including certain international human rights organisations, to rely on verified evidence rather than unconfirmed social media reports.

The statement emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria operates under strict Rules of Engagement and in full compliance with International Humanitarian Law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in attack. It reaffirmed that civilians are never targets and that every operational measure is taken to prevent civilian harm.

Ground troops continue clearance operations in the area, while the public has been advised to rely solely on verified information released through official Defence Headquarters channels. Any confirmed incidents of civilian casualties will be communicated appropriately, in line with directives on professionalism and transparency.

The Defence Headquarters concluded by reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting civilian lives, stating: “God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”