Category: Crime Diary

ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — Nigerian Army troops, in the early hours of Sunday, rescued 31 hostages abducted from a church in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

An operational report made available to the News Agency said the attackers struck at an ECWA Church in Ariko village, targeting worshippers during a religious gathering. Troops deployed in the area responded swiftly to intelligence, mobilised to the scene, and—guided by local residents—pursued the fleeing assailants.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops of Sub-Sector 5, Operation FASAN YAMMA were promptly deployed at about 0920 hours on April 5, 2026, to Ariko Village following reports of a terrorist incursion on an ECWA Church. During the operation, the troops made contact with the terrorists and successfully rescued 31 abducted persons, including one injured victim. However, five persons were confirmed killed in the attack, with troops recovering their bodies and returning them to the community,” the military said.

Army authorities stated that Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation FASAN YAMMA, is currently on the ground overseeing operations and conducting an on-the-spot assessment. The GOC is directing additional measures to reinforce security presence and prevent further attacks in the area.

“Troops have intensified clearance and pursuit operations across identified flashpoints, while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to deny terrorists freedom of action, enhance community protection, and counter other threats to national security. The Nigerian Army reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Citizens are urged to continue providing timely and credible information to troops and other security and intelligence agencies, as sustained cooperation remains vital to restoring peace and security. Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant, worship in locations with adequate security presence, avoid isolated centres, and promptly report suspicious activities or individuals to security agencies,” the army said.

ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate in intelligence-led operations lasting three weeks. Cocaine consignments concealed in tins of palm kernel extract were uncovered.

This was disclosed in a statement by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Sunday in Abuja. He said the drugs, bound for the United Kingdom, were intercepted and the warehouse raided, leading to the arrest of the kingpin.

The breakthrough began on March 11 when NDLEA officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 3.10kg of cocaine hidden in tins of palm kernel extract. Two suspects were arrested. A sting operation on April 2 led to the arrest of the sender, operating under a fake identity, which exposed the syndicate’s head, 52-year-old King Arinze. He was flushed out of a hideout in Isolo, Lagos, and taken to his warehouse, where 886 tins prepared for concealment were recovered, along with industrial tools, cannabis, and gloves. He confessed to draining oil from tins to hide cocaine.

In Borno, NDLEA operatives intercepted a female supplier to bandit groups along the Gamboru-Ngala road with 4.3kg of Colorado, a potent synthetic cannabis. Meanwhile, a pastor of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Sakpo, and his wife were arrested at Gbaji checkpoint, Badagry, Lagos, with 11kg of skunk concealed in their SUV. Their arrest followed that of a fake security agent at the same checkpoint earlier in the week with 24.5kg of skunk.

In Adamawa, NDLEA officers intercepted a trailer transporting 48,000 tramadol pills. The driver and the recipient were arrested. A 60-year-old woman was also arrested with 15kg of skunk in Osogbo. In Ondo, operatives raided Itaogbolu forest, Akure, recovering 351kg of skunk and seeds. In Benue, 28,600 tramadol capsules were seized from a 66-year-old man in Aliade. In Edo, a suspect was arrested after 1,378kg of skunk was found in his warehouse. In Oyo, a notorious dealer was arrested in Ibadan after using her 11-year-old daughter to deliver drugs; 45.6kg of skunk was recovered.

NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy continued nationwide. Babafemi said NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa commended officers in MMIA, Seme, Borno, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Edo, Adamawa, and Benue for their arrests and seizures. Marwa praised all commands for balancing supply and demand reduction efforts. “These successful operations show our evolving intelligence capabilities and commitment to choking drug cartels’ supply lines. Whether they hide behind businesses, religious titles, or complex methods, we will find them,” he stated.

ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 5, 2026 (NPA) — Terror struck Benue State today as gunmen stormed Agena community in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area, killing no fewer than ten people in a dawn raid. The terrorists razed homes, food barns, and the local market, leaving widespread destruction and forcing terrified residents to flee.

Eyewitnesses described the assault as sudden and merciless, with the agrarian community caught off guard on Easter Sunday. Survivors recounted scenes of chaos as families scrambled for safety amid gunfire and flames.

As of press time, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, had yet to issue an official statement, and state government officials remained silent on the massacre.

Benue has endured relentless violence, with killings and mass displacement becoming a grim reality. Amnesty International previously reported that as of July 2025, more than 510,000 people were internally displaced across the state, many languishing in squalid camps without adequate food, water, or healthcare.

The latest atrocity follows the June 14, 2025 raid on Yelewata, where gunmen killed over 100 people and forced nearly 4,000 to flee. Amnesty investigators described the aftermath as harrowing, with decomposing bodies, bullet shells scattered across the ground, and freshly dug mass graves.

Survivors continue to seek refuge in IDP camps across Gwer West, Agatu, Ukum, Kwande, Logo, Guma, and Makurdi, often left to fend for themselves as security forces arrive only after attackers have vanished.

BORNO, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — According to a report by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst and counterinsurgency expert covering the Lake Chad conflict theatre and West Africa, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade, working in close collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected kidnapper at Benisheikh market in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources confirmed that the suspect, identified as Chari Modu, was apprehended on March 30 at about 4:45 p.m. following credible human intelligence provided by local informants. The swift operation demonstrated the growing synergy between the Nigerian military and community‑based security outfits, which has been critical in tackling insurgency and criminal activities across the region.

According to the sources, the operation led to the recovery of one AK‑47 rifle with registration number 5657218, a magazine, and the sum of ₦4,500 believed to be proceeds from illicit activity. The suspect and the recovered items have since been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary action. 

Authorities say the arrest underscores ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in Borno, while also highlighting the importance of community cooperation in counterinsurgency operations.