Category: Crime Diary

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.”

ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has warned members of the public and applicants seeking recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force to disregard a fake “2026 Recruitment Medical Screening Schedule” currently circulating online.

The command said no official date has been fixed for the medical screening exercise, describing the circulating notice as fraudulent and misleading.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the police advised applicants to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to scammers attempting to exploit the recruitment process.

The command urged candidates to rely only on official communication channels for authentic updates regarding the recruitment exercise.

According to the statement, verified information can only be obtained through the official Police Service Commission websites and approved social media platforms.

Applicants were directed to monitor Police Service Commission, NPF Recruitment Portal and the official X handle, @PSCNigeria for credible announcements and further instructions.

The command further advised candidates to await official directives through authorised channels to avoid misinformation and possible fraud.

Police authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible recruitment process while cautioning applicants against dealing with unauthorised individuals or platforms.

LAGOS, Nigeria (Agency Report) — The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commended the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) for ongoing reforms aimed at addressing estimated billing and strengthening consumer protection in the state’s electricity market.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by the FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu.

According to the commission, the reforms outlined in LASERC’s 2025 Lagos Electricity Market Report include stricter enforcement against electricity supply to unmetered consumers and a phased rollout of universal smart metering across Lagos State.

LASERC is expected to begin compulsory metering from 2026 through a feeder-by-feeder deployment strategy for smart meters across the state’s electricity network.

The initiative also provides for tighter regulatory oversight of electricity distribution companies, improved consumer complaint resolution processes and sanctions for operators that fail to comply with regulatory standards.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, described the reforms as a significant step toward achieving transparent billing systems and strengthening consumer confidence in the power sector.

“Estimated billing remains one of the leading sources of consumer complaints within Nigeria’s power sector,” Bello said.

He added that measures aimed at accelerating metering and improving billing transparency were essential to enhancing consumer protection and market accountability.

According to him, effective metering promotes fairness, reduces billing disputes and strengthens accountability within the electricity value chain.

Bello urged other state regulators and governments to adopt similar reforms to improve service delivery and consumer protection across the country.

He also called on electricity distribution companies and other market operators to support ongoing metering programmes and comply with their consumer protection obligations.

The FCCPC noted that LASERC’s report identified persistent service delivery gaps, complaint resolution challenges and electricity supply inefficiencies affecting consumers in Lagos State.

It stated that the findings underscore the need for stronger consumer safeguards, sustained infrastructure investment and improved electricity service delivery nationwide.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and fair market practices across Nigeria’s electricity sector.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging civilian casualties during a recent aerial bombardment in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the operation targeted armed bandits and terrorist hideouts.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, on Wednesday.

According to the DHQ, the airstrike was conducted following credible intelligence on the movement and gathering of armed bandits in Lukupe Village and adjoining communities within Shiroro LGA.

The military said intelligence reports and post-strike assessments confirmed that the operation successfully neutralised several terrorists, particularly in Kusasu community, where about 70 bandits were reportedly killed.

It added that surviving fighters were seen evacuating the bodies of their dead colleagues for burial after the operation.

The statement further disclosed that more than 200 armed fighters mounted on motorcycles reportedly fled towards Zango following the air interdiction.

The DHQ maintained that the operation was carefully planned and executed based on verified intelligence, stressing that civilians were not present at the targeted locations during the bombardment.

According to the military, residents of nearby communities had relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the commencement of the operation, contrary to claims that innocent civilians were affected.

“The operation specifically targeted armed bandits and terrorist enclaves,” the statement said.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and conducting military operations in accordance with established rules of engagement and international laws governing armed conflict.

The DHQ also assured Nigerians that ongoing military operations across the country would continue to focus on dismantling criminal and terrorist networks threatening national security.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a staggering consignment of Canadian Loud cannabis worth ₦10.43 billion at the Tincan Island Port, Lagos, dealing another heavy blow to international drug syndicates.

The seizure — weighing 4,173.5 kilograms — followed two months of intelligence-driven surveillance, tracking the shipment from Toronto, Canada, through Montreal and Morocco’s Tanger Med Port, before it arrived in Lagos on May 9.

NDLEA operatives, working in synergy with the Nigeria Customs Service, the UK Home Office International Operations, the US DEA, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, uncovered the drugs concealed inside a Ford Bus and a Mercedes-Benz C300 hidden within the shipping container.

This breakthrough comes just days after NDLEA raided a Lekki mansion, recovering 2,326 kilograms of Loud valued at ₦5.8 billion, underscoring a coordinated attempt by cartels to flood Nigeria’s market.

NDLEA’s Director of Seaports Operations, ACG Ibinabo ArchieAbia, hailed the bust as proof of the power of inter-agency cooperation and global collaboration.

Reacting, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) praised the vigilance of officers, warning syndicates that Nigeria’s ports will not serve as gateways for their trade. “This second massive seizure in less than a week is a clear message to international syndicates. We will not rest until every link in this supply chain is broken and those behind these shipments are brought to justice,” Marwa declared.

The back-to-back seizures highlight NDLEA’s growing capacity to dismantle transnational drug networks, while sending a strong signal to cartels that Nigeria is no longer a haven for their illicit trade.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified that the visit of its operatives to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday was to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect standing trial.

The commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Oyewale said the suspect was remanded by Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court, Uyo, over alleged fraud involving multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

According to him, the suspect had presented a medical report which required verification by the management of the teaching hospital.

He explained that the EFCC had earlier written two letters to the hospital management on March 11 and April 20 requesting authentication of the medical report but received no response.

“The investigating officer handling the matter took a further step of visiting the hospital to enquire about the status of the request. Still, no response,” he said.

Oyewale stated that EFCC operatives later visited the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital on Tuesday for further enquiries but were allegedly attacked and locked inside the facility by some staff members.

“As a last resort, operatives of the commission visited the Chief Medical Director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attack by misguided staff of the facility who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects,” he said.

The spokesman, however, said there was no breakdown of law and order during the incident, adding that the operatives exercised restraint and left the premises without disrupting hospital activities.

He further alleged that while the operatives were inside the hospital, the CMD directed that the hospital gates be shut, making lawful enquiries difficult.

According to him, police authorities in Akwa Ibom later advised the hospital management to reopen the gates to allow the operatives leave peacefully, but the request was allegedly ignored.

Oyewale stressed that enquiries relating to EFCC operations were lawful and urged individuals and organisations to cooperate with the commission during investigations.

“Contrary action could be deemed as obstruction, which is criminal with attendant legal consequences,” he added.