Category: Crime Diary

ASABA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in intelligence-led operations targeting suspected kidnappers and cultists in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas of the state.

The operations resulted in the recovery of four firearms, six live cartridges, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones, suspected illicit drugs and military camouflage uniforms.

The command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, said two suspects were arrested in Alisheme Community, Ika South LGA, while four others were arrested in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North LGA.

SAKU arrests two suspected cultists in Ika South

On September 18, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a covert operation in Alisheme Community, Ika South LGA.

The operation led to the arrest of Destiny Okafor, 18, and Sunday Bryan, 22, who the police said were suspected of involvement in cultism and kidnapping-related activities.

According to the command, preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects admitted membership of the NBM Confraternity.

Police said one locally fabricated single-barrel gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop were recovered during the operation.

The suspects remain in custody while investigation continues.

Four suspected cultists arrested in Issele-Uku

On September 15, the Divisional Police Officer, Issele-Uku Division, acting on intelligence about suspected cult activities around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku, led a combined team in a cordon-and-search operation.

The team comprised Police Anti-Cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspected cultists and the recovery of two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges.

The police said investigation into the case was ongoing.

Police intercept vehicle carrying suspected illicit drugs, military items

Also on September 18, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, intercepted a Toyota Sienna allegedly conveying suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements.

The police said they had received intelligence that the vehicle was travelling from Onitsha towards Ondo State and mounted surveillance along the anticipated route.

At about 4:50 a.m., operatives intercepted a green Toyota Sienna with registration number KP 527 AAA, driven by Isaac Urji, 45, from Abia State.

A search of the vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of cartons containing suspected Tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs, as well as military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.

Urji was arrested, while investigation has commenced to trace the source and intended destination of the items and identify other persons allegedly connected with the consignment.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reiterated the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state.

Erale urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to the police, assuring them that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the killing of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Prince Ikechukwu Oloto, popularly known as “Okanga Mo”, in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.

Oloto, aged about 53, was reportedly attacked at his residence in the Odenigbo area of Nsukka on Thursday evening, September 17, 2026.

The police said they received a report at about 5:45 p.m. that Oloto had been found in a pool of blood at his residence.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, operatives who responded to the scene found the victim with deep suspected machete cuts to his head and stomach.

“He was rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor. His remains were deposited at a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a manhunt has been launched for the assailant(s),” Ndukwe said.

The police spokesperson said investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.

“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of Ikechukwu Oloto, male, about 53 years old, in Nsukka,” he said.

Oloto, who hailed from Nsukka Local Government Area, was a prominent political figure in the area and had been associated with the APC in Enugu State.

Some reports and social media posts have alleged that unknown attackers were responsible for the killing, while other claims suggested the use of a knife. However, the police have only confirmed the suspected machete injuries and have not disclosed the identity or motive of the assailant or assailants.

The development comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with recent reports of attacks and disruptions at NDC’s political gatherings in parts of Enugu State.

Police said the investigation into Oloto’s killing was ongoing and that efforts were being made to apprehend those responsible.

The killing comes as the 2027 elections draw nearer, with politicians and their supporters continuing to issue threats of violence against opponents and their supporters.

Last week, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, was prevented from entering Makurdi, the Benue State capital, while on his way to Yelwata Community to visit displaced Nigerians and families affected by recent attacks. He was allegedly stopped by suspected political thugs wielding clubs and other weapons.

MAKURDI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Benue State Police Command has hosted state chairmen of political parties, candidates, representatives of security agencies and other stakeholders at a Peace Accord signing ceremony aimed at promoting peaceful political activities and sustaining security across the state.

The engagement, held in Makurdi on September 15, 2026, brought together political party leaders, candidates, heads and representatives of security and law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, on September 16, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful campaigns, respect for the rule of law and protection of lives and property throughout the electoral period.

Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, urged political leaders and candidates to ensure that their supporters conducted themselves peacefully and responsibly.

He particularly warned against the recruitment or use of political thugs, cult groups and other criminal elements to intimidate opponents or disrupt lawful political activities.

The Peace Accord was subsequently signed by participating political parties and candidates, signifying their collective commitment to reject political violence, respect the rights of other political actors and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.

The commissioner assured political parties and candidates that the command would remain professional, impartial and committed to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities.

He also urged stakeholders to maintain effective communication with the police and other security agencies, particularly regarding planned rallies, campaigns and other major political activities.

The command called on political leaders, candidates, supporters and the general public to uphold the spirit of the Peace Accord and work collectively towards peaceful and credible political activities in Benue State.

BENIN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has charged Nigerian youths to make integrity their guiding principle, describing it as the bedrock on which other values and aspirations are built.

Olukoyede gave the charge when executives of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) and leaders of the Association of Southern Nigerian Students (ASONIS) paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The EFCC chairman, who spoke through the Acting Zonal Director, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, commended the groups for the visit and said Nigerian youths were among the most industrious, creative, innovative and intelligent in the world.

He cited their achievements in fintech, music, sports, academics, business and other fields of endeavour as evidence of their potential to contribute to national development.

Olukoyede, however, said while many young Nigerians were aspiring to contribute to the country’s development, some misguided individuals had turned to crime, particularly internet fraud, which he said damages Nigeria’s image and reputation.

He urged the youths to uphold integrity and other positive values as they pursue their aspirations and contribute to the development of the country.

Comrade Wisdom Osaro Isaac, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the NYC, said the association was focused on youth engagement and empowerment across the country.

Isaac said the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of collaboration with the EFCC in tackling crime in Edo State, particularly cybercrime and other forms of fraud.

OWERRI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Imo State Police Command has arrested two suspects allegedly linked to the murder of a police inspector at the residence of the state Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Hon. Rex Anunobi.

The incident occurred on September 14, 2026, at the commissioner’s residence, according to a statement issued by the command on Wednesday.

The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said the suspects — Olivia Patrick, 31, and ThankGod Mourice, 25 — were arrested at the scene shortly after the incident was reported.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, directed a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

In compliance with the directive, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), alongside the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of New Owerri Division, visited the scene.

The police said necessary examinations were conducted, while relevant exhibits were recovered and secured. The remains of the deceased inspector were subsequently deposited at a mortuary.

The matter has since been transferred to the SCID for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects allegedly at large.

CP Bosso directed the investigating team to ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The commissioner also commiserated with the family of the deceased inspector, assuring them that the command remained committed to ensuring that justice was served.

The command said the situation was under control and that appropriate security measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property across the state.

It urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has engaged the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on strategies to strengthen public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force through professionalism, transparency, accountability and effective communication.

Disu received a delegation of the NIPR, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, fnipr, on a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the NIPR delegation commended the IGP’s professional accomplishments and briefed him on Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum and Africa Charter Forum.

The statement said the forum would take place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, and is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance for Public Relations.

The delegation sought the support of the Nigeria Police Force for security planning and coverage during the event. It also invited the Inspector-General of Police to serve as a keynote speaker and encouraged police officers to participate as registered delegates.

Speaking during the meeting, Disu noted that the Nigeria Police Force and NIPR shared a responsibility to build public confidence through professionalism, transparency, fairness and effective communication.

The IGP stressed that every police officer was an image-maker of the Force, noting that the daily conduct of personnel directly influenced public perception of policing.

He reiterated the Force’s commitment to policing by consent and a service-oriented policing culture anchored on professionalism, empathy, accountability and respect for human rights.

Disu also called for greater collaboration with the NIPR in providing specialised communication training for police personnel and developing a coherent messaging framework to better communicate the sacrifices, dedication and contributions of police officers to public safety and national security.

The NIPR delegation included the Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association, Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, fnipr; Dr Suleiman Haruna, mnipr; Mr Maryam Sanusi, fnipr; Mrs Olubunmi Badejo, fnipr; Commandant Olusola Odumosu; Chief Uzoma Oyegbadu, fnipr; Chief Moji Makanjuola, MFR, fnipr; Mr Stanley Ogadigo, fnipr; and other members of the delegation.

The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to productive partnerships with professional bodies and relevant stakeholders in strengthening public trust, public safety and national security.