Category: Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has expressed deep sorrow over the brutal killing of Hon. Abba Anas Adamu of Jigawa State, who was allegedly murdered by kidnappers even after ransom was paid.

In a moving tribute, Dickson described Adamu as more than a political ally, calling him a brother and confidant. “Last night, I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the kidnapping and gruesome murder of my dear friend and ally, Hon. Abba Anas Adamu. Even after ransom was paid, he was still brutally killed. The news left me devastated and heartbroken at the tragic and painful manner in which such a good man lost his life,” he said.

Dickson recalled their shared history in the House of Representatives in 2007, where Adamu played a pivotal role in the Nigeria First Forum during the succession crisis following President Yar’Adua’s illness. He noted that Adamu seconded the historic motion that led to the Doctrine of Necessity, paving the way for President Goodluck Jonathan to assume office.

He praised Adamu’s courage, saying he resisted inducement, intimidation, and blackmail in pursuit of national interest. Though Dickson once nominated him for a ministerial position, local opposition prevented it from materialising. Despite political setbacks, their bond remained strong over the years.

The NDC leader emphasised Adamu’s role in the early formation of the party and his continued support throughout Dickson’s career as Governor and Senator. “We were truly like brothers. Even in the formation of the NDC, Abba Anas was among the original members of the team that conceptualised the movement. Despite political realities, we remained close and worked together continuously,” he said.

Dickson lamented the cruel circumstances of Adamu’s death, describing it as a painful reminder of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. “In the passing of Hon. Abba Anas Adamu, Nigeria has lost a patriot. We have lost a friend, a brother, and a committed nationalist. Personally, I have lost a loyal ally, confidant, and brother,” he said.

“I pray that Almighty God grants his family and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss, and grant his soul eternal rest,” Dickson’s statement concluded.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, has called on parents and guardians to promote responsible parenting and prevent their children from being used for violence ahead of future elections in the country.

Okafor made the call during a worship service at All Saints Protestant Church, where she engaged with members of the congregation on issues of security, peace and social responsibility.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, the police commissioner expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the people of the state.

She also highlighted the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, which she said is anchored on trust, transparency, accountability and empathy in service delivery.

According to her, the principles would continue to guide the operations of the Ebonyi State Police Command.

Addressing parents and guardians, Okafor urged them to closely monitor their children and wards, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.

She warned against allowing young people to be used as instruments of violence or disorder during political activities.

The commissioner also advised parents to pay closer attention to their children’s social media activities, peer influence and the growing menace of drug abuse in society.

Speaking on incidents of murder and violent boundary disputes in parts of the state, Okafor stressed the need for peace, tolerance and forgiveness among communities.

She noted that violence and the taking of lives only worsen conflicts rather than resolve them.

The police commissioner encouraged residents to become ambassadors of peace within their various communities.

Okafor further assured the congregation of her commitment to protecting lives and property across Ebonyi State, while pledging to uphold justice and professionalism within the command.

She stated that officers under her leadership would be held accountable to the highest standards of conduct and discipline.

The commissioner also appealed to members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support police operations in the state.

She encouraged residents to report any erring police officers for appropriate disciplinary action.

BENIN CITY, Nigeria (NPA) — The Edo State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into a fatal shooting incident that occurred on May 10, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m. around the University of Benin axis, Benin City.

Preliminary findings revealed that three occupants of a Mercedes-Benz GLK — Onwuke Blessed (M), Alexander Omogiate (M), and Chinenye Christian Mbagwu (M) — were driving out of the University of Benin when an unidentified white GLK intercepted them at the Ugbowo main campus gate. The assailants rolled down their glass and opened fire before fleeing to an unknown destination.

All occupants sustained gunshot injuries, alongside a female passerby, Dorathy Ubah. The victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where Alexander Omogiate was confirmed dead. Others are currently responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has ordered a full-scale investigation to track down the fleeing perpetrators and bring them to justice. In a statement signed by ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, the Command condemned the attack and assured residents that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring justice.

The CP also urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against cultism and criminal activities, stressing that the Command remains resolute in its mission to rid the state of crime. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, police operatives in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) arrested 12 suspected cultists in Auchi on May 7, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., following credible intelligence. The suspects — Abiola Anabgaifo (33), Idogo Joshua (28), Oseni Sani (22), Aminu Abubakar (19), Iyamah Precious (29), Usman Raphael (29), Ogene Jude (31), Ibrahim Aheem (27), Tunde Bright (20), Jude Edeh (21), Godwin Edeh (19), and Aigbona Clifford (20) — allegedly mobilised from Okpella to launch attacks on perceived rivals.

During preliminary investigations, seven suspects confessed to cult-related activities, with affiliations to the Aye and Vikings confraternities. A grey Mercedes-Benz Jeep (GWA 471 DS) allegedly belonging to one Balogun Isreal, currently at large, was recovered.

CP Agbonika commended the swift response and professionalism of the officers involved, stressing that the Command will sustain its crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across Edo State. All suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit and will face prosecution upon conclusion of investigations.

The Command warned criminal elements to repent or leave Edo State, reiterating its readiness to deal decisively with anyone threatening the peace and security of residents.

OWERRI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Imo State Police Command has declared a full-scale war against cult-related violence following the Nekede killings of May 10, 2026, which claimed two lives in the Polytechnic Community, and went viral on social media.

In a statement signed by DSP Okoye Henry, ANIPR, Police Public Relations Officer, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, announced intensified security operations across the state, including sustained raids on criminal hideouts and a coordinated manhunt for perpetrators of the attacks.

The Command condemned the violence and assured residents that all individuals connected to the incidents will be swiftly identified, arrested, and prosecuted. It emphasised that intelligence-led policing, tactical deployments, and surveillance operations have been reinforced across identified flashpoints and criminal enclaves.

CP Bosso extended condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to ensure justice is served decisively. He noted that adequate security measures have been deployed in affected areas and adjoining communities to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The Police Commissioner urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities that threaten public peace. He also called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and report suspicious movements or information to the nearest police station.

The command reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining proactive policing efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security across Imo State.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of Operation HADIN KAI say they have repelled a coordinated attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on the Headquarters of 27 Brigade and the Buni Gari checkpoint in northeastern Nigeria.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, the attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 8, at about 2:00 a.m.

The military said the insurgents launched the assault from multiple directions under the cover of darkness in an attempt to overwhelm troops stationed in Buni Gari.

The statement noted that the attackers initially advanced from the western flank before reinforcing from the southern axis along Ganinga Junction and later from the south-western flank.

However, troops reportedly resisted the attack with sustained firepower and tactical counter-operations, forcing the insurgents to retreat.

The military claimed that no fewer than 50 suspected terrorists were killed during the encounter, including casualties inflicted through coordinated air interdiction operations conducted by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

According to the statement, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support enabled precision strikes on fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal routes.

The military added that several bodies were recovered within the area, while intelligence reports indicated that additional casualties were discovered along escape routes around Gashua, Azare and Kamuya.

Recovered items from the operation reportedly include eight AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns, two Rocket-Propelled Grenade tubes, five RPG bombs, three RPG chargers, ammunition boxes, loaded magazines, bandoliers and improvised explosive device canisters.

Troops, alongside volunteer forces, are said to be carrying out follow-up operations in the area to track fleeing insurgents and prevent regrouping.

The military also disclosed that some equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks, sustained minor damage during the confrontation.

It further confirmed that two soldiers were killed during the operation, while wounded personnel are currently receiving medical treatment.

Operation HADIN KAI described the fallen soldiers as gallant personnel who demonstrated courage and commitment in defending the country against insurgent attacks.

The military maintained that ongoing operations in the North-East continue to place sustained pressure on terrorist groups operating within the region.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to investigate a military airstrike that allegedly killed more than 100 civilians at Tumfa market in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

In a statement issued on Monday, the rights organisation said the incident occurred on Sunday, May 10, during activities at the weekly market.

According to Amnesty International, residents reported seeing military jets hovering over the area around noon before the aircraft allegedly returned about 2:00 p.m. and bombarded the market.

The organisation claimed that more bodies were still being recovered from the scene, while some victims reportedly died on their way to the hospital.

“Dozens of people injured are currently receiving treatment at the general hospitals of Zurmi and Shinkafi. Eyewitnesses said many of those killed are women and girls,” the statement said.

Amnesty International compared the incident to an earlier airstrike in April at Jilli, a border community between Borno State and Yobe State, where it alleged that over 100 civilians were killed during a military operation targeting a weekly market.

The organisation argued that such incidents reflect a growing pattern of civilian casualties linked to the conflict involving armed groups, bandits and military operations in northern Nigeria.

“Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard. Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s disregard for civilian lives,” Amnesty International stated.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Armed Forces had not issued an official response to the allegations.

KATSINA, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified offensive operations against terrorists and criminal syndicates in parts of Katsina State, killing three suspected terrorists, recovering 175 rustled livestock and arresting six alleged drug peddlers.

The operations were carried out across Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Dutsin-Ma and Malumfashi Local Government Areas on May 9, according to a statement issued on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force.

The Nigerian Army said troops of the 171 Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base FUDMA launched an ambush along the Matazu–Dutsin-Ma axis following intelligence reports that terrorists were fleeing from recent military offensives in Dikawa.

During the operation, troops engaged the suspects in a gun battle, neutralising three alleged terrorists.

The military said items recovered from the scene included two AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, one motorcycle, three cutlasses and assorted charms.

In a separate clearance operation targeting terrorist hideouts in Matazu, Musawa, and Kankia LGAs, troops supported by the Katsina State Community Watch Corps raided suspected enclaves in Torcachi, Giginya and Tashar Ganji villages.

According to the statement signed by Hassan Abdullahi, Lieutenant Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, the terrorists abandoned their camps and fled due to sustained military pressure.

Troops subsequently recovered 175 rustled livestock, which the military said would be handed over to the appropriate authorities in Matazu Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, troops of the Forward Operating Base Malumfashi, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), conducted a raid at Kauyan Dawo in Malumfashi LGA.

The operation led to the arrest of six suspected drug dealers identified as Sani Rabiu, Umar Nasiru, Abulkubus Aminu, Abdullahi Halilu, Abubakar Rabiu and Abubakar Dahiru.

Recovered substances included 82.5 grams of suspected Cannabis Sativa, 15.7 grams of Exol-5 and 1.8 grams of D5.

The suspects and the recovered substances have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Malumfashi Area Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the North-West and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

OYO, Nigeria (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command has announced a breakthrough in its fight against crime, with the arrest of an eight-man motorcycle theft syndicate in Kishi town and the recovery of four stolen Bajaj motorcycles.

According to a statement signed by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, the operation was carried out on May 8, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m., following credible intelligence that a group of individuals were in possession of stolen motorcycles.

Swiftly mobilising, operatives attached to the Kishi Division arrested the suspects: Akeem Kehinde (20), Rasaq Muhideen (35), Jimoh Musakiru (28), Ganiyu Saheed (30), Iliasu Abdullahi (25), Owonikoko Nurudeen (27), Mukaila Ibrahim (26), and Badmos Awwal (26).

Preliminary investigations confirmed the recovery of four stolen motorcycles, strengthening the intelligence received. Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the theft and unlawful possession, while further investigations are ongoing to trace the rightful owners and uncover the syndicate’s wider network.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, while also appreciating the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his strategic leadership and support in strengthening public safety.

The Command urged residents to continue supporting the police through prompt intelligence sharing and community cooperation, stressing that effective policing thrives on mutual trust. It reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Oyo State, encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and law-abiding.