New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Nigerian Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah killed in coordinated terrorist attacks in Borno

    Nigerian Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah killed in coordinated terrorist attacks in Borno

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Brigadier-General O.O. Braimah, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, has been confirmed killed in coordinated overnight attacks by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

    Military sources said the insurgents launched simultaneous assaults on Benisheikh in Kaga Local Government Area and Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday. The attackers reportedly overran a military base, setting vehicles and facilities ablaze before looting supplies.

    Alongside General Braimah, several security personnel—including the Brigade’s Imam—and civilians were killed. The military reported that dozens of insurgents were neutralised during the fierce gun battle.

    The Nigerian Army is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, which once again underscores how terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP are able to carry out strategic attacks against military positions in northeastern Nigeria despite ongoing counter‑insurgency operations.

    In the last two weeks, following the Maiduguri attacks, the Army has claimed to have decimated scores of terrorists and destroyed their camps in the northeast. However, the military continues to face public scrutiny over waves of killings by insurgents across the country, including in Kwara, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto and other states where active terrorist enclaves persist.

    The death of General Braimah marks a significant setback for Nigerian forces battling insurgency in the northeast. It follows the loss of other senior officers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba in late 2025, highlighting the escalating toll of the conflict.

  • Nigerian court orders Navy to restore Commodore Adebayo’s rank, awards ₦300m damages

    Nigerian court orders Navy to restore Commodore Adebayo’s rank, awards ₦300m damages

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — The National Industrial Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Navy, its governing board, and the Chief of Naval Staff to restore Commodore Adebayo to his pre‑trial rank of Commodore, effective 27 September 2016, in line with earlier rulings of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

    Delivering judgment, Hon. Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki‑Osaghae directed that Adebayo be paid outstanding salaries and allowances up to September 2022, as well as terminal benefits at the rank of Commodore, within 60 days. The court ruled that failure to comply would make the Navy, its board, and the Chief of Naval Staff jointly and severally liable for damages amounting to ₦300 million.

    Justice Obaseki‑Osaghae faulted the Navy’s actions as contemptuous of appellate decisions, noting that Adebayo continued to suffer the punishment of a reduction in rank despite the Court of Appeal’s 2018 order to restore him. The judge emphasised that the Navy’s issuance of a promotion letter in 2022 did not equate to restoration, as ordered, and had cost Adebayo his seniority and eligibility for promotion to Rear Admiral.

    Adebayo had argued that his conviction by a Special Court Martial in 2016 was overturned, but the Navy failed to properly reinstate him, thereby denying him consideration for higher promotion. His counsel, Odion Peter Odia, maintained that the Navy’s actions violated binding appellate orders.

    The defendants contended that Adebayo’s rank was restored in 2022 after due procedures, and that promotion to Rear Admiral is not automatic but subject to performance and vacancies. They also argued that his 2023 retirement complied with established service regulations.

    In her ruling, Justice Obaseki‑Osaghae stressed that obedience to court orders is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and public confidence in the judiciary. She awarded Adebayo costs of ₦5 million in addition to the damages stipulated for non‑compliance.

  • Ogun Police arrest suspect over motorcyclist’s murder in Igbesa

    Ogun Police arrest suspect over motorcyclist’s murder in Igbesa

    ABEOKUTA, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder of a motorcyclist in the Igbesa area of the south-western state.

    According to a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, detectives from the Igbesa Division arrested Chidi Ebere, male, aged 27, for the alleged killing of a commercial motorcyclist in Igbesa, Ogun State.

    The incident occurred on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, at about 7 a.m. The suspect reportedly boarded a motorcycle operated by the victim, Sunday Ogbu, male, aged 36, and attacked him in an attempt to seize the bike, leading to a violent struggle.

    A witness at the scene raised the alarm, prompting police officers to rush to the location. The victim was rescued and taken to hospital for urgent medical attention but was later confirmed dead by the attending doctor.

    The suspect was apprehended immediately, while the motorcycle and the knife used in the attack were recovered as exhibits. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for thorough investigation and prosecution.

    Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, condemned the act and assured that justice will be served. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.

    The Command called on members of the public can report concerns through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111. Emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

  • Ogun Police smash transnational fraud ring, rescue nine foreign nationals

    Ogun Police smash transnational fraud ring, rescue nine foreign nationals

    ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough with the rescue of nine foreign nationals and the arrest of two suspects linked to a transnational fraud syndicate. Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed a hideout in Owode Egba after receiving actionable intelligence from INTERPOL. At the location, officers freed Maclaud Owusu, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, along with eight others who had been unlawfully confined. The suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were arrested at the scene.

    Investigations revealed that the syndicate specialised in luring foreign nationals, particularly from Ghana, to Nigeria under the false promise of facilitating travel to Europe. Once in Nigeria, victims were deceived, confined, and their mobile phones were used to contact relatives to extort money. Owusu was defrauded of ₵31,000 before police intervention.

    The rescued victims have been provided with immediate assistance, with Owusu already reunited with his family. Efforts are ongoing to reconnect the remaining victims with their loved ones. Authorities confirmed that the suspects will face charges in court once investigations are concluded, while accomplices are being tracked down.

    DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement today, praised the swift tactical response of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and highlighted the synergy with international law enforcement agencies. Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for criminal syndicates, assuring that such networks will be dismantled.

    The Command urged citizens, especially those pursuing international travel, to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of agents to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Members of the public are encouraged to provide timely and credible information to the Police through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

  • UN marks 32nd anniversary of Rwanda Genocide amid rising ethnic hatred across Africa

    UN marks 32nd anniversary of Rwanda Genocide amid rising ethnic hatred across Africa

    INTERNATIONAL, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — Today, the world observes the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This solemn occasion marks 32 years since one of the darkest chapters in human history, when more than one million people — overwhelmingly Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the killings — were systematically murdered in less than three months.

    The United Nations commemorates this day with events at its Headquarters in New York and offices worldwide, honouring the victims and reflecting on the resilience of survivors.

    At the 31st anniversary commemoration in 2025, Ms Germaine Tuyisenge Müller shared her harrowing story of survival. At just nine years old, she was left alone for two months after neighbours abandoned her during the genocide. Her testimony underscores the enduring trauma and strength of survivors.

    In September 2024, the Republic of Rwanda gifted the UN the Kwibuka Flame of Hope statue, installed in the north garden of UN Headquarters. The flame symbolises resilience and courage in the face of hate speech, misinformation, and ethnic division that fueled the genocide.Since 1994, the UN has played a central role in Rwanda’s reconstruction. Through the One UN framework, 22 agencies coordinate efforts under a single leader, budget, and program to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Between 2018 and 2023, the UN invested approximately $631 million in Rwanda’s development initiatives.

  • Oyo Police arrest additional suspected kidnapper, recover weapon

    Oyo Police arrest additional suspected kidnapper, recover weapon

    IBADAN, NIGERIA, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command has arrested another suspected kidnapper in its ongoing crackdown on violent crimes, particularly kidnapping for ransom, across the state.

    The Command announced that the suspect, believed to be linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate earlier apprehended with an AK-47 rifle around Ikoyi-Ile, was arrested on April 5, 2026, at about 16:50 hours. Operatives attached to the Ikoyi-Ile Division, acting on credible intelligence and sustained follow-up operations, successfully apprehended one Taye Adamu at Iluju Village.

    According to a statement issued on April 6, 2026, by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), the suspect confessed during interrogation to involvement in several kidnapping and violent criminal activities in the area, providing investigators with useful leads.

    The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet and comprehensive investigation. He also confirmed that efforts are underway to track down other fleeing members of the gang.

    Acknowledging the collaborative efforts that led to the arrest, CP Olugbenga expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and support in combating violent crimes. He commended the operatives for their professionalism and resilience, and thanked members of the public for their cooperation, which he described as instrumental to the Command’s successes.

    The Commissioner reiterated that public support and timely information sharing remain critical to achieving a safe and secure Oyo State. He assured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining operations aimed at eradicating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

  • Inspector General of Police orders additional deployment after Plateau killings

    Inspector General of Police orders additional deployment after Plateau killings

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — Following the deadly attack in Ariko Village near Gurara Dam, Plateau State, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to deploy to Kaduna State to coordinate response efforts.

    In a statement issued by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, on April 6, 2026, armed bandits stormed ECWA and Catholic Churches in Ariko on April 5, firing indiscriminately. Five people were killed, while about fourteen others were abducted.

    The IGP ordered immediate operational intervention, sending DIG Nadada to assess the situation and lead security operations aimed at restoring order and securing the release of victims.

    During the mission, the team, working with the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS), rescued seven kidnapped victims. They were taken to Katari Hospital for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition, awaiting reunion with their families.

    The Inspector-General affirmed that operations are ongoing to free the remaining abductees and bring the perpetrators to justice. He urged the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to support ongoing efforts.

  • Nigerian Army neutralizes terrorists, arrests kidnapper in Plateau operations

    Nigerian Army neutralizes terrorists, arrests kidnapper in Plateau operations

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The Nigerian Army has announced a series of successful clearance operations in Plateau State, neutralizing suspected terrorists, arresting a kidnapper, and dismantling criminal hideouts.

    According to a statement by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, troops operating under the mandate of Operation Wutan Daji carried out coordinated missions in Wase Local Government Area on April 4, 2026. Working with local vigilantes, the troops targeted insurgent corridors across Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the Dutsen Zaki forest.

    During a firefight along the Babangida–Adua road, soldiers neutralized two suspects while others fled with gunshot wounds. A search of the area led to the recovery of arms and ammunition, including a locally fabricated firearm, 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass.

    In a separate operation on April 5, 2026, troops in Namu District, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, intercepted four suspected terrorists based on intelligence reports. They were found with 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. While dismantling the suspects’ hideout, the unit came under heavy fire. Amid the chaos, three of the suspects attempted to escape but were killed by gunfire from their associates.

    Meanwhile, at about 9:35 a.m. in Shendam Local Government Area, troops working with residents apprehended a suspected kidnapper in Gidan Mangoro village. The suspect is believed to be linked to a kidnapping incident on April 3, 2026. He is currently in custody for investigation and prosecution.

    The Army emphasized that these operations highlight its commitment to restoring peace and security in Plateau State. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security post as clearance efforts continue.

  • ICE detains relatives of late Iranian General Soleimani in Los Angeles after Ali Larijani’s daughter

    ICE detains relatives of late Iranian General Soleimani in Los Angeles after Ali Larijani’s daughter

    INTERNATIONAL, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained two relatives of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in the Tujunga neighborhood of Los Angeles, intensifying a broader crackdown on families of senior Iranian officials residing in America.

    The individuals were identified as Soleimani’s niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, and her daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny. According to officials, both women were taken into custody after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their Lawful Permanent Resident status. They are currently being held while awaiting deportation proceedings.

    Authorities allege that the pair lived a lavish lifestyle in the United States while simultaneously using social media platforms to promote propaganda supportive of Iran’s Islamic regime. Investigators also accuse them of celebrating attacks against American soldiers online, raising concerns about their activities while enjoying residency privileges.

    This latest action forms part of a wider U.S. initiative targeting relatives of high-ranking Iranian officials who have settled in the country. The campaign has already led to the termination of legal status for several individuals, including the daughter of former Iranian security chief Ali Larijani.

    Officials say the crackdown is intended to send a clear message that the United States will not provide safe haven to family members of foreign leaders or officials who are accused of undermining American interests while benefiting from residency in the country.

    ICE emphasized that the arrests reflect a growing determination to confront foreign influence operations and ensure that U.S. immigration laws are applied consistently, particularly in cases involving individuals linked to hostile regimes.

    The detention underscores the continuing geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran, and immigration enforcement as a tool of foreign policy.

  • Child found at Catholic Church in Calabar, police seek public assistance to locate parents

    Child found at Catholic Church in Calabar, police seek public assistance to locate parents

    CALABAR, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The Cross River State Police Command has announced that a yet-to-be-identified child was found on Monday, April 6, 2026, at about 08:30 hours within the premises of St. Bernard Catholic Church in the Akim area of the state.

    According to a statement issued by ASP Eitokpah Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, the child was discovered wandering inside the church compound by a security guard, who subsequently brought him to the police. Efforts to obtain useful information from the child were unsuccessful, as he could not provide his name, address, or details of his parents or guardians.

    Preliminary findings suggest that the child may have either been abandoned or lost his way.

    “The child is currently in protective custody at Akim Police Station, where adequate care and safety measures have been put in place pending identification,” the police said.

    The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly vulnerable members of society. It appealed to members of the public who may have information about any missing child, or who can assist in identifying the child or locating his parents or guardians, to report to Akim Police Station or contact the following numbers:

    • DPO: 08067339179
    • PPRO: 07067977330
    • Or visit the nearest police station.

    Police authorities assured that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the child’s safety while efforts continue to trace his family.