Category: Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned Boko Haram’s attack on Guyaku community, Gombi LGA, Adamawa State, in which at least 29 people were killed on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The assault left villagers searching for loved ones who attempted to flee.

The rights group said the attackers shot victims at close range, burned churches, classrooms, and motorcycles, and slaughtered older people unable to escape inside their homes. Survivors described seeing bodies scattered across the village. Amnesty noted that Boko Haram continues to abduct women and girls and loot property extensively, stressing that such atrocities highlight the urgent need for stronger civilian protection and justice for victims’ families.

On Monday, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri confirmed the killings, describing the attack as a tragic and senseless act of violence. In a statement released by his aide, he said: “My heart breaks for the people of Guyaku in Gombi LGA. This act of cowardice is an affront to our humanity and will not go unpunished.”

Fintiri extended condolences to bereaved families, assuring them of the state government’s support. He vowed intensified security operations to restore peace and ensure residents feel safe again. “To the bereaved families: Adamawa mourns with you. To the attackers: justice is coming,” he added.

The governor pledged decisive action to pursue those responsible and prevent further attacks. The latest violence underscores the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s northeast, where communities continue to face relentless assaults from armed groups.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has expressed deep condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Corps Member Abdulsamad Jamiu (NS/25A/2904), who was allegedly killed during a military operation near his residence at Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, Abuja, in the early hours of Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Until his death, Jamiu was serving at Government Junior Secondary School, Bakin Ado, Nasarawa State, where he contributed to national development under the scheme.

In a statement, the NYSC described the incident as deeply distressing and said it is engaging relevant security agencies to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the killing. The scheme reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, security, and welfare of corps members and staff nationwide, adding that efforts would be strengthened in collaboration with security and intelligence agencies to mitigate risks.

The NYSC also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

Meanwhile, a relative of the deceased, Abu Bakr, a medical radiographer, criticised the NYSC’s response, accusing the agency of delayed communication and aligning with what he described as a questionable account of the incident as provided by the army, which the family had vehemently rejected.

He argued that the NYSC’s statement appeared contradictory, noting that while it attributed the death to a military operation, it also stated that it was still investigating the circumstances.

“You claimed Abdulsamad was killed during a military operation, yet in the same breath said you are still ascertaining the full circumstances. So which is it?” he queried.

He further questioned the nature of the operation, asking for clarity on its designation, command structure, and outcomes, including whether any armed suspects were neutralized in the so-called ‘military operation’ which led to the death of the young man.

According to him, the issue goes beyond rhetoric and raises concerns about accountability, adding that the NYSC’s response suggests a failure to adequately defend the interests of corps members.

ASABA, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of Headquarters 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation DELTA SAFE, have recorded significant operational gains, recovering four AK-47 rifles and arresting two suspected criminals in Ogidigben Community, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The operation followed reports of sporadic gunfire in the community. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops responded swiftly, seizing four AK-47 rifles, six magazines, 106 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two knives, ten machetes, and four pairs of rain boots.

In a statement issued on April 27, 2026, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba, confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.

Commending the troops for their resilience, the Commander 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Moronfolu Abdulmoshood Shonibare, charged them to sustain the operational momentum. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action and warned individuals or groups involved in illegal arms possession or criminal activities to desist, stressing that efforts would be intensified to track down offenders.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim and arrested a suspect linked to a criminal syndicate that lures victims through fake online job offers.

In a statement issued on April 27, 2026, by SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, the Command confirmed that officers attached to the Anti‑Kidnapping Sub‑Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), alongside the Nigeria Police Force and two others, successfully rescued a male victim on April 11. The victim had been abducted after responding to a fraudulent job advert and was forced to pay a ransom of ₦500,000.

During the operation, police arrested Aniagboso Ugochukwu (27), identified as a member of the syndicate. Preliminary investigations revealed that the same group had earlier kidnapped another victim on April 1, extorting ₦100,000 before releasing him.

Investigators found that the syndicate uses social media platforms to advertise fictitious job vacancies. Victims are directed to meet at Eke Obinagu, Emene, Enugu, then transported to a secluded location in Akpuoga Nike, where they are held captive and threatened with crude weapons, including iron objects and wooden planks, while ransom is demanded from their families.

The suspect confessed to the crime and remains in custody, assisting police efforts to apprehend fleeing accomplices, recover ransom payments, and dismantle the network.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with online job offers and verify their authenticity before taking further steps. He encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.

YOLA, Nigeria (NPA) — At least 29 people have been killed in a deadly attack by gunmen suspected to be terrorists in Guyaku community, Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, targeted residents—mostly young people—who had gathered at a football pitch, according to local sources.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri confirmed the killings, describing the attack as a tragic and senseless act of violence.

In a statement shared by his aide, the governor said the assailants stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately on the victims.

“My heart breaks for the people of Guyaku in Gombi LGA. This act of cowardice is an affront to our humanity and will not go unpunished,” Fintiri said.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them that the state government stands with them in their time of grief.

“To the bereaved families: Adamawa mourns with you. To the attackers: justice is coming. We are intensifying security operations immediately to restore peace and ensure every resident feels safe again,” he added.

The governor also pledged that authorities would pursue those responsible and take decisive action to prevent further attacks.

The latest violence underscores ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s northeast, where communities continue to face relentless attacks from armed groups.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed Paradise Estate in Abuja following allegations that its developers failed to deliver homes to buyers who had completed payment.

In a statement issued on April 27, 2026, the Commission said complaints from affected consumers triggered regulatory action in line with its statutory mandate.

FCCPC stressed that consumer protection extends beyond retail purchases to major financial commitments such as housing, where many Nigerians invest their life savings based on developers’ promises.

A portion of the statement read: “Following complaints received and reviewed concerning Paradise Estate, Abuja, including allegations that some buyers completed payment but have not received the homes promised to them, FCCPC has initiated regulatory action in line with its statutory mandate.”

The Commission emphasized that businesses must not make promises they cannot fulfill. Where payments have been received, agreed timelines must be honoured, delays properly explained, and lawful remedies provided where obligations are unmet.

FCCPC noted that confidence in housing markets depends on transparency, honest communication, proper records, and delivery in line with commitments. It urged affected consumers to submit relevant documents, evidence of payment, and correspondence through its complaints portal: http://complaints.fccpc.gov.ng.

ILORIN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Kwara State Police Command has issued an alert over increasing fraudulent schemes targeting Point‑of‑Sale (POS) operators and financial service providers across the state.

In a statement signed by SP Adetoun Ejire‑Adeyemi, Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, on April 27, 2026, the Command revealed that criminal elements suspected to be operating across state lines are engaging POS agents in transactions involving unusually large sums of money, often running into millions of naira, under the guise of money transfers.

According to the police, these transactions are processed with small commissions, making unsuspecting POS operators complicit in illicit financial activities. In several cases, agents have later been subjected to interrogation or arrest by law enforcement from other jurisdictions, as the supposed senders or recipients of funds remain untraceable.

The Commissioner of Police strongly advised POS operators to exercise extreme caution when handling large transactions, particularly with unfamiliar customers. Operators are directed to promptly report any suspicious or high‑value transactions to the nearest police station before completion, to enable verification of the source and legitimacy of funds.

The Command assured the public of its commitment to work closely with financial service stakeholders to curb fraudulent practices and safeguard the integrity of financial transactions across Kwara State.

ILORIN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Kwara State Police Command has arrested suspected armed robbers and cult members during a targeted operation in the Amoyo area of Ilorin, as part of efforts to curb violent crime.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said the arrests followed a report of an armed robbery incident received on April 19 at the Amoyo Division.

The police identified the suspects as Abdulazeez Isiaq, also known as “Pumpin,” and Rilwan Mohammed, while noting that efforts are ongoing to apprehend another accomplice still at large.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects allegedly attacked victims at Kabba Kajola Junction, forced them into an uncompleted building used as a hideout, and threatened to kill them before dispossessing them of valuables, including an iPhone 13, a Samsung A2S, and other personal belongings.

Police said a locally made pistol and one of the stolen phones were recovered from the suspects, who have reportedly confessed to the crime.

Further investigations at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) revealed that the suspects are linked to the notorious Eiye Confraternity, believed to be responsible for multiple cases of armed robbery and cult-related violence in Ilorin and surrounding areas.

The command described Abdulazeez Isiaq as a known criminal figure, adding that his arrest has disrupted ongoing criminal activities in the area.

The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while the police reassured residents of their commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Meanwhile, security concerns persist in Kwara State following reports that suspected Boko Haram fighters issued a one-week ultimatum to the government over the release of abducted women and children in Kaiama Local Government Area.

Local sources said the threat, reportedly relayed by captives after a recent prayer session, has heightened anxiety among residents, who continue to call for urgent intervention by authorities.