New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Sokoto Governor Ahmad Aliyu declares open NBA Caliphate Bar Law Week, pledges stronger justice sector

    Sokoto Governor Ahmad Aliyu declares open NBA Caliphate Bar Law Week, pledges stronger justice sector

    SOKOTO, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, today declared open the 2026 Caliphate Bar Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sokoto Branch, themed “Secured Nation, Secured Future.”

    Speaking on the state government’s interest and participation in the law event, the governor said his administration remains steadfast in strengthening the justice sector—promoting judicial independence, improving infrastructure, and enhancing access to justice for all.

    He referenced his government’s latest promotion of judges and Khadis, alongside the ongoing construction of a new High Court complex and support for the Shari’ah Court of Appeal, as part of efforts to lay a solid foundation for a more efficient and responsive judicial system in the state.

    Governor Sokoto commended the NBA Sokoto Branch for its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and legal excellence.

    He also appreciated the presence and insights of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, noting that his call for grassroots justice and stronger community-based solutions resonates deeply with the vision of the state government for effective and efficient justice administration and dispensing.

  • Nigeria Police arrest 50 suspects, seize heavy weapons in nationwide crackdown

    Nigeria Police arrest 50 suspects, seize heavy weapons in nationwide crackdown

    ABUJA, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in its campaign against organised crime, arresting 50 suspects and recovering high-grade weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher, during nationwide operations.

    The disclosure was made at a press briefing on 13 April at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja.

    According to Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the intelligence-led raids targeted syndicates involved in terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

    Between January and April 2026, police operatives dismantled multiple criminal cells, recovering 17 rifles of various models, 1 anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, 5 walkie-talkie devices, 9 magazines, 3 mobile phones, and 1 Golf vehicle.

    Among the most notable successes was the dismantling of a 33-member gang linked to terrorism, cattle rustling, and the violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State. Police also apprehended suspects responsible for the murder of three officers in Taraba State.

    Further arrests targeted groups operating in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states, including syndicates behind “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and fake police checkpoints. These operations led to the recovery of stolen property and the disruption of criminal networks.

    In Benue State, operatives arrested 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim with an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of ammunition. Investigations revealed his connection to a notorious bandit known as Janari, who allegedly supplied the weapon. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Janari and other members of the syndicate.

    Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to safeguarding citizens, stressing that several suspects are set for prosecution while others remain under investigation. He said the achievements reflect the Police’s reliance on both human and technical intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements.

  • Ogun Police arrest 146 suspects in Sagamu security sweep

    Ogun Police arrest 146 suspects in Sagamu security sweep

    ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 146 suspects in a proactive, intelligence-led operation code-named “Operation Keep Sagamu Safe.”

    The Sagamu Area Command, working in close collaboration with community stakeholders and sister security agencies, carried out the coordinated raid on 13 April 2026. The operation targeted identified flashpoints where criminal elements were believed to threaten public peace.

    According to a statement by DSP Oluseyi B. Babasayi, Police Public Relations Officer, the exercise followed strategic engagements with traditional leaders, the Sagamu Local Government Council, and heads of security agencies to strengthen collaborative security architecture.

    The operation was jointly executed by the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Amotekun Corps, the Ogun State Community Security (So-Safe) Corps, and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), demonstrating a unified security response.

    The suspects are undergoing screening to determine their level of involvement. 

    Those found culpable will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Abeokuta, for discreet investigation and prosecution.

  • Peter Obi consoles victims of accidental military airstrike, urges investment in modern defence tools and training

    Peter Obi consoles victims of accidental military airstrike, urges investment in modern defence tools and training

    ABUJA, Nigeria — 13 April 2026  (NPA) — Mr Peter Obi, a presidential aspirant and chieftain of Nigeria’s major opposition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), has commiserated with the families and victims of the accidental Nigerian military airstrike that claimed the lives of dozens of citizens. He attributed the tragedy to a mix of operational constraints, coordination challenges, and outdated equipment, amongst others.

    In a statement titled “Borno–Yobe Border Airstrike: A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria’s Defence Strategy”, Obi said he had read accounts of the incident at Jilli Market, located in the Borno–Yobe border area, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of many innocent Nigerians. He extended condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the governments and people of the affected states, praying for eternal rest for the departed and comfort for those grieving.

    Obi noted that while the full details of the incident remain unclear, such tragedies often stem from systemic issues within Nigeria’s defence operations. He stressed the urgent need for investment in modern fighter jets, upgrades to existing platforms, and continuous training and retraining of military personnel.

    “In the midst of the challenges facing the country, we must continue to stand in solidarity with our military personnel who risk their lives daily to keep Nigeria safe, while also insisting that they are properly equipped and fully supported to discharge their duties effectively and prevent avoidable tragedies of this nature,” he said.

    Concluding his statement, Obi urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise to the challenge of national security, calling for decisive leadership, stronger coordination of Nigeria’s security architecture, and sustained investment in modern defence capacity to address worsening insecurity and prevent further loss of innocent lives.

  • Edo Police dismantle extortion syndicate, officers to face prosecution

    Edo Police dismantle extortion syndicate, officers to face prosecution

    BENIN CITY, Nigeria, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The Edo State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against criminal elements posing as law enforcement officers in Benin City and surrounding areas.

    According to a statement signed by ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, the Command uncovered a well-organized syndicate responsible for harassment, abduction, and extortion of citizens. Victims reported being unlawfully stopped along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, forcibly conveyed around the city, and taken to Point of Sale (POS) operators to withdraw money under duress.

    Commissioner of Police CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, ordered a discreet, intelligence-driven investigation that led to the arrest of several suspects, including serving and dismissed police personnel. Those arrested include:

    • Goodluck Jaja (POS Operator)
    • ASP Bonny Paul Onajite
    • Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom
    • Inspector Arebame God’s Power
    • Corporal Mordi Philip
    • Destiny Emmanuel (Dismissed Police Corporal)
    • Corporal Okon Elvis
    • Samuel Nicholas (Mini Bus Driver)
    • Etim Bright (Mini Bus Driver)

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects exploited police uniforms and accoutrements to deceive victims, tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force. Serving officers are undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials, and will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.

    The Command urged victims of the syndicate to come forward with information to aid prosecution. It also warned POS operators and merchants against colluding with individuals, including those in uniform, in unlawful transactions.

    Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, the Command stressed that no individual is above the law. CP Agbonika assured residents that the operation aligns with the mandate of Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, to restore public confidence and sanitize the system.

  • Amnesty urges donors to boost Sudan aid as conflict hits three-year mark

    Amnesty urges donors to boost Sudan aid as conflict hits three-year mark

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Amnesty International has called on high‑income countries to use the upcoming International Ministerial Conference on Sudan in Berlin on 15 April to commit increased funding and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, as Sudan’s conflict enters its third year.

    The organization warned that declining aid has worsened the crisis, leaving more than 33 million people in need of assistance. The war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has devastated health services, disrupted livelihoods, and forced over 4.5 million people to flee to neighboring countries. Amnesty said cuts to foreign aid are undermining efforts to tackle malnutrition, cholera, trauma, and sexual violence.

    Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stressed that “behind these numbers are real lives, real people who have lost their homes, loved ones and livelihoods, who are fighting to survive the war and the disease and hunger it brings.” He urged donors to move beyond rhetoric and provide concrete support to frontline NGOs delivering lifesaving services.

    Amnesty’s findings show that NGOs in Sudan face severe shortages of medicines, therapeutic food, and basic supplies. One international NGO reported being able to meet only half of the needs of malnourished children due to limited stocks of ready‑to‑use therapeutic food. CARE International estimates that up to 80% of community kitchens have closed, worsening hunger.

    Women and children are disproportionately affected. Grassroots groups providing post‑rape care and reproductive health services have been left without funding, leaving survivors of sexual violence abandoned. Amnesty also documented the struggles of displaced persons with disabilities, including children unable to access schools or medical care in camps in Chad.

    The organization emphasized that donor commitments must translate into sustained funding and diplomatic pressure to protect civilians, health workers, and aid providers. It urged high‑income countries to honor their pledge to allocate at least 0.7% of Gross National Income to overseas aid and consider debt relief measures to enable Sudan to invest in essential public services.

    “Sudan, like other highly aid‑dependent countries in protracted conflicts, needs the international community to act,” Amnesty concluded.

  • U.S. Southern Command confirms strikes on narco-terrorist vessels

    U.S. Southern Command confirms strikes on narco-terrorist vessels

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has announced that it carried out precision strikes on two vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations, in an operation described as “applying total systemic friction on the cartels.”

    According to SOUTHCOM, the strikes were conducted on April 11 under the direction of Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific. The first strike killed two male narco-terrorists, while one survived. The second strike killed three male narco-terrorists.

    In its statement, SOUTHCOM said: “On April 11, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted two lethal kinetic strikes on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two male narco-terrorists were killed, and one narco-terrorist survived the first strike. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during the second strike.”

    Following the engagements, SOUTHCOM immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor. The Command confirmed that no U.S. military forces were harmed during the operation.

  • Adamawa Police arrest four murder suspects

    Adamawa Police arrest four murder suspects

    YOLA, Nigeria, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested two additional suspects in connection with the killing of a young man in the Michika axis of the state.

    The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, fdc, condemned the incident and directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution. He urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to seek lawful means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to violence.

    In a related development, the Command confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the killing of Friday Isah, 25, in Mubi North Local Government Area. Items recovered in connection with the crime will be treated as exhibits.

    Police spokesperson, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, ANIPR, quoting the State Commissioner of Police, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to justice and public safety. He urged residents to remain law‑abiding and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

  • Amnesty International demands probe into alleged Nigerian Army airstrike in Yobe that killed civilians

    Amnesty International demands probe into alleged Nigerian Army airstrike in Yobe that killed civilians

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — Amnesty International Nigeria has called on authorities to investigate an alleged Nigerian military airstrike that reportedly killed more than 100 civilians in Jalli Futchimiram, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    In a statement on Sunday, Amnesty condemned the strike, citing witness accounts that three military jets fired on a market, noting that Geidam General Hospital’s emergency ward has reportedly received at least 35 people with severe injuries. 

    The rights group described the attack as “unlawful, outrageous, and a shocking disregard for civilian lives,” stressing that air raids are not a legitimate law enforcement method.

    The Nigerian military, however, maintains that the operation was a precision strike against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists planning attacks on troops in the corridor. Officials, in a statement, insist due process was followed and deny civilian casualties.

    The alleged Yobe incident has intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s military operations, recalling a troubling history of mistaken strikes:

    • January 2017 – Rann, Borno State: An airstrike on an IDP camp killed over 115 civilians, including aid workers.
    • September 2022 – Zamfara State: A raid targeting bandits struck a village market, leaving at least 20 dead.
    • January 2023 – Nasarawa State: A strike killed 39 herders in Doma LGA, sparking national outrage.
    • December 2023 – Kaduna State: A drone strike mistakenly hit civilians during a religious gathering, killing more than 80 people.

    Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to conduct an impartial investigation and hold perpetrators accountable. Civil society groups and commentators have echoed the call, warning that repeated targeting errors erode public trust and fuel resentment in conflict‑affected communities.

    The incident heightens the need for reforms in military operations to safeguard civilians while combating Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the northeast.

  • Nigerian Army denies market airstrike, confirms precision attack on terrorist hub

    Nigerian Army denies market airstrike, confirms precision attack on terrorist hub

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations that it carried out an airstrike on a market, insisting that its latest operation targeted a terrorist enclave and logistics hub.

    In a statement, the Army said the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted a precision strike on 11 April near the abandoned village of Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area. The operation followed sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions over the Bindul–Jilli axis, an area identified as a major corridor for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) movements. The Army emphasized that the strike was carefully planned and executed to neutralize terrorist elements and disrupt imminent attacks.

    The military recalled that in January 2026, eight soldiers were killed in an IED attack along the Gubio–Damasak road, while coordinated assaults were recorded in Ngamdu and Benisheik earlier this month. Intelligence reports indicated that terrorists were converging on Jilli with vehicles and motorcycles to receive logistics for further attacks. According to the Army, the precision strike destroyed the logistics hub, neutralized scores of terrorists, and forced survivors to flee in multiple directions.

    Post-strike assessments confirmed the destruction of vehicles and supplies, significantly degrading ISWAP’s operational capacity in the area. The Army also reported the arrest of a logistics courier, identified as Turja Bulu, in Ngamdu on 12 April. During interrogation, he confessed to participating in the 9 April attack on Benisheik and admitted he had been dispatched from Jilli to deliver food to terrorists in the Magumeri–Gubio axis.

    The Army stressed that the operation was conducted in line with professional targeting procedures and denied any civilian casualties. It described the action as a decisive blow against terrorist networks, aimed at safeguarding communities and reinforcing security in the North East.