Category: Crime Diary

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 12, 2026 — The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday held a Pull-Out Parade in honour of its immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Dr Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun (rtd), PhD, NPM.

The colourful ceremony, staged at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, marked the formal conclusion of Egbetokun’s distinguished policing career spanning more than three and a half decades.

The current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, commended his predecessor for his dedication, professionalism, and exemplary leadership. He highlighted Egbetokun’s contributions to strengthening operational efficiency, advancing intelligence-led policing, enhancing professionalism, and reinforcing the institutional values of discipline, accountability, and service within the Force.

In a statement, on Thursday, issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the IGP expressed, on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, profound appreciation for the retired IGP’s outstanding service and invaluable contributions to policing in Nigeria.

In his farewell address, Egbetokun expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation for thirty-six years. He reflected on deliberate efforts made during his tenure to strengthen institutional processes, expand operational capabilities, and enhance professionalism across the Force. Among his key initiatives were the expansion of the Intelligence Bureau into a full department, the elevation of the Legal and Medical Units to directorate status, the establishment of the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Centre, improvements to the National Criminal Database, and the creation of additional Police Mobile Force Squadrons, Area Commands, and the Special Intervention Squad.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Dr Abubakar Yellman (represented by Hon. Kama Nkemkanma); the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi; the Chairman, Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd); former Inspectors-General of Police Mike Okiro (rtd) and Ogbonna Onovo (rtd); as well as heads and representatives of sister security agencies and traditional rulers led by the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.

ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 12, 2026 — The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has paid a condolence visit to the family of His Royal Highness Eze Francis Igwe, father of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, in Alike Ikwo Local Government Area. The visit follows the brutal killing of the traditional ruler by alleged kidnappers.

In a statement by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister (Media), Umahi condemned the act and urged the bereaved to remain steadfast in faith despite the painful loss. He described the killing as a disturbing reflection of society’s cruelty, saying, “When I heard of this occurrence, it was like a dream. The people that did this are not human beings.”

He added, “Such strange acts show the Bible is being fulfilled. He was a father to us, a man of wisdom, committed to God and humanity. My prayer is that the wrath of God will be upon those responsible.”

Umahi consoled the family, pledging support: “Your mother is now our mother; we must care for her. I commend the Governor for his efforts to save our father, though it pleased God otherwise. I assure you, I am part of your family, and you have my shoulder to lean on.”

Former Deputy Governor Barr. Kelechi Igwe thanked the Minister for standing with them: “On behalf of HRH Eze Igwe’s family and cabinet, we are grateful. The storms you have weathered teach us to be strong, and we are strong.”

ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 11, 2026 —Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, says the country’s military maintains control over insecurity despite renewed terrorist attacks in the North East.

Musa gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja after a strategic meeting with Service Chiefs to review operational strategies nationwide. He said the meeting assessed the current security situation and strengthened efforts to defeat terrorists and other criminal elements.

“We had a quick meeting to review our strategy in all theatres. We are aware of the issues, but I assure Nigerians the Armed Forces are working tirelessly to keep the country safe,” he said.

The minister acknowledged military casualties but stressed terrorists and bandits were suffering heavier losses. “We know we have suffered some casualties, but terrorists and bandits are taking more. We are eliminating their commanders and destroying assets,” he added.

Musa urged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces, warning that tackling insecurity required a whole-of-government and society approach. He cautioned against false information on social media, noting that misinformation could undermine security efforts and troop morale.

He appealed to media organisations to avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda through videos and materials produced by criminal groups. “When you use their videos and pictures, you give them the opportunity to shine and demoralise our troops,” he said.

Musa further urged citizens to report suspicious activities, warning that those aiding terrorists would be treated as accomplices. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces and congratulated the new Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, assuring him of strong collaboration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting comes amid a resurgence of attacks in the North East. The military has lost personnel in recent days while eliminating scores of terrorists and their commanders. (NAN).

Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — The Nigerian Army has commenced its Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria (LFSCN) Training Workshop, themed “Leveraging Joint and Multi-Agency Capabilities to Strengthen Troops’ Adaptability and Resilience during Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations.”

Declaring the workshop open on March 10, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waheed Shaibu, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to enhancing operational readiness through simulation-based training. He described the initiative as a vital tool for improving adaptability, decision-making, and coordination without the logistical constraints of large-scale field exercises.

According to a statement by Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Adebowale David Adejimi, the COAS urged participants to fully engage in discussions, share professional experiences, and explore innovative approaches to strengthen operational effectiveness. He emphasised that insights gained from the workshop would significantly improve joint and multi-agency collaboration in tackling contemporary security challenges.

The event drew senior officers from Army Headquarters departments, commanders from various units and formations, as well as representatives of selected paramilitary agencies. Participants will benefit from lectures delivered by seasoned resource persons, followed by intensive interactive sessions designed to foster cooperation and innovation in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

The Nigerian Army views simulation training as a cornerstone of modern military preparedness, ensuring troops are equipped to respond effectively to complex and dynamic operational scenarios. By leveraging joint and multi-agency capabilities, the workshop underscores the Army’s determination to achieve excellence in safeguarding national security.