Category: Crime Diary

Nigeria Police boost counter-terrorism capacity with new training, bases, and deployments

CRIME DIARY (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strengthened its counter-terrorism capacity through a specialised training programme and the establishment of new Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) bases across the country.

The training, conducted in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, is part of efforts to enhance the Force’s ability to combat terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes threatening national security.

In a statement issued Saturday, Acting ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, said the expanded capacity includes new CTU bases and additional deployments.

“The two-week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme featured fifty-six (56) participants drawn from the Counter Terrorism Units of the Nigeria Police Force. The officers were exposed to contemporary counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence analysis, and operational best practices aimed at strengthening coordinated responses to emerging security threats,” the statement read.

At the closing ceremony in Abuja, Lt. Col. Ian Tyler of the British High Commission commended the professionalism of participants and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by AIG Akoh Gabriel, said the initiative reflects his administration’s determination to continually upscale the operational capacity of officers. He expressed appreciation to the British Government for its sustained partnership.

As part of broader measures, the IGP approved the establishment of new CTU bases in Madagali (Adamawa State), Ikot Odo (Akpabuyo, Cross River State), and Ode-Remo (Ogun State), alongside additional deployments to strategic locations nationwide to enhance rapid response capability.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening partnerships, building operational capacity, and deploying strategic resources to combat terrorism and other emerging security threats across the country,” the statement added.

March 7, 2026
Boko Haram kills Lieutenant Colonel, 40 soldiers in Borno

Maiduguri, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — At least 40 Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following coordinated overnight attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on four military bases in Konduga, Mainok, Jakana, and Marte, Borno State.

According to SaharaReporters, the terrorists “reportedly fired at the military facilities sporadically, causing numerous casualties. The gunmen also came in different groups and could not be counted.” A senior officer, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu, commanding officer of the 222 Battalion, was among those killed.

A military source said, “We lost over 40 soldiers to those attacks. It’s so sad; we still can’t find some of our men, can’t say if they are alive or dead, but over 40 bodies have been recovered as of now.”

Another source added: “It’s so much that the Chief of Army Staff had to pay an emergency visit to Borno this morning; right now, he’s at the Headquarters Theatre Command in Maiduguri for more brief on the whole attacks.”

The militants reportedly burned armoured tanks, destroyed military vehicles, and seized ammunition during the raids. Security sources said several insurgents were also killed in the clashes.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and presidential aspirant, has condemned Thursday’s attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Ngoshe community in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

The assault, which destroyed a military base and struck an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, left at least nine Nigerian soldiers and several civilians dead, while an unspecified number of people were abducted, according to local reports.

In a statement issued Friday, Obi expressed deep concern over the tragedy: “I watched several videos of this tragedy with deep horror. Once again, we are confronted with the painful reality of the daily suffering that far too many Nigerians are forced to endure. This is unacceptable.”

He questioned the government’s response to ongoing insecurity: “How long will Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of poor leadership and mismanagement? How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to secure our communities, protect the vulnerable, and dismantle the structures of these insurgents?”

March 7, 2026
Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, nab suspects in Enugu

Enugu, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — Troops of the Nigerian Army under 82 Division Garrison have rescued 12 kidnapped victims in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

A credible Army Headquarters source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the rescue followed a distress call received on Thursday over the abduction of residents of Ette Community.p

He said the troops, in collaboration with local security outfits including Keystone operatives, Forest Guards and the Neighbourhood Watch, swiftly mobilised to the area and launched a fighting patrol to track the kidnappers.

According to him, on sighting the troops, the kidnappers fled into a nearby forest after a brief engagement, abandoning their captives.

“During exploitation of the area, the troops successfully rescued all 12 victims, who were later handed over to the police for debriefing and subsequent reunion with their families.

“The troops also arrested two suspects linked to the kidnapping incident, who are currently in police custody for further investigation,” he said.

The sources said the situation in the area remains calm as security agencies continue surveillance operations to track down the fleeing suspects. (NAN).

March 7, 2026
Nigeria Army dislodged separatists camps in Anambra and Imo, recover exhibits

Awka, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The Nigerian Army says it has dismantled camps allegedly belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during ongoing clearance operations in Anambra and Imo States.

In a statement issued March 5, the Army said troops under Operation Eastern Sanity are sustaining “aggressive clearance operations” aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the region.

On March 3, troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, advanced on Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The Army reported that several insurgent camps were identified and destroyed. Items recovered included pump-action rifles, locally made firearms, assorted magazines, ammunition belts, cutting machines, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, and Biafran flags. The Army said Nigerian flags were hoisted after the destruction of separatist symbols.

Continuing operations on March 4, troops reportedly dismantled additional camps within Camp Gbadoanya and uncovered an IED fabrication site. Equipment recovered included welding and drilling machines, car batteries, locally fabricated guns, rifle components, and other bomb-making materials.

The Army emphasized that the coordinated operations are part of efforts to neutralize IPOB/ESN activities and ensure security across the South-East.

March 7, 2026
7 dead as Russia launches massive missile and drone strikes across Ukraine

Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — At least seven people were killed and more than ten injured as Russia unleashed waves of ballistic missiles and drone swarms against cities across Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian officials said Saturday.

The strikes hit multiple regions, including Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Chernivtsi, Zhytomyr, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, and Cherkasy. In Kharkiv, a residential building was destroyed by a ballistic missile, leaving several people trapped under rubble. Rescue operations are ongoing.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the casualties in a statement, noting that children were among the injured. “Unfortunately, as of now, 7 people have been killed. More than 10 have been injured, including children. People may still be trapped under the rubble. All necessary services are working at the scene,” he said.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia launched 29 missiles — nearly half of them ballistic — and 480 drones, most of them Shahed models, targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, and Chernivtsi, as well as railway facilities in Zhytomyr. Damage was also reported across several other regions.

The president urged Ukraine’s international partners to respond to what he described as “savage strikes against life.” He stressed that Russia has not abandoned its attempts to destroy Ukraine’s residential and critical infrastructure, calling for continued support from allies.

Zelenskyy highlighted ongoing cooperation with the European Union and initiatives such as PURL, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defences. “We count on active work with the European Union to guarantee greater protection for our people. I am grateful to everyone who helps strengthen our protection,” he added.

March 7, 2026
U.S. lawmaker condemns Taraba church burning, says Washington will act

Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Riley Moore, a member of the United States Congress tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, has condemned the reported burning of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Wukari, Taraba State, on March 4, 2026.

The attack, attributed to Islamist militants, drew widespread attention after images of the destroyed church circulated on social media. In a statement on March 6, Moore offered condolences to parishioners and cited scripture: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Moore stressed that Christians in Nigeria continue to face targeted violence, adding: “The United States has declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, and we won’t stand idly by as Christians continue to face this violence.”

Last week, the congressional committee chaired by Moore submitted recommendations to the U.S. President on measures to address what it described as systematic attacks on Christian communities in Africa’s most populous nation.

According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety Nigeria), Islamist extremist groups in Nigeria—most notably Boko Haram and allied militants—have systematically targeted churches as part of a campaign to intimidate Christian communities, diminish their presence, and advance their goal of establishing a religiously homogenous state. Since 2009, an estimated 19,100 churches have been attacked, burned, or destroyed, averaging about 1,200 per year (roughly 100 per month).

The primary driver behind these attacks is ideological motivation. Groups such as Boko Haram seek to impose a strict Islamist order, viewing Christian institutions as symbols of resistance to their ideology and as strategic targets for undermining community cohesion and morale.

The Nigerian government has introduced several measures to address the violence, including military operations such as targeted airstrikes against Islamist extremist groups. However, analysts caution that these efforts remain insufficient, noting that the attacks have continued to escalate in both frequency and scale.

March 7, 2026
Father of former Ebonyi deputy governor murdered after abduction

Abakaliki, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — His Royal Highness, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe and traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, has been killed by kidnappers. The monarch was abducted on his way to church on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Police confirmed that he was murdered by his abductors on the day, March 2, following confessional statements by suspects connected to the crime.

In a statement issued Friday, the Ebonyi State Police Command said its operatives immediately launched a manhunt after the abduction was reported. According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu, two suspects were arrested and confessed to the killing. They also offered to lead investigators to the gang’s hideout.

Ukandu explained that as officers approached the location, they came under fire from other gang members. A shootout ensued, during which one suspect was killed while others escaped.

Seven more suspects were later apprehended, bringing the total number of arrests to nine. A locally made pistol was recovered during the operation.

The remains of the slain monarch have been recovered and placed in a morgue for autopsy. Police say investigations are ongoing, and the suspects in custody will face prosecution once inquiries are complete.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru strongly condemned the abduction, calling it “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable.” He emphasised that criminal attacks on innocent citizens—especially respected traditional leaders—will not be tolerated in the state. The governor also directed security agencies to intensify collaboration to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face justice.

March 6, 2026
Edo Police Command arrests 65 suspected kidnappers, recovers ransom money, others

Benin City, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — In a major breakthrough against kidnapping, the Edo State Police Command has arrested 65 suspected kidnappers and recovered ransom money along with military uniforms during a coordinated raid in the Aviele axis of the state.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the operation was carried out at about 2:45 a.m. on March 2, 2026, following credible intelligence reports.

The statement explained that tactical teams from the State Headquarters, working in collaboration with operatives under Area Command Auchi and Area Command Ekpoma, stormed hideouts at Zango and Max Square Properties in Aviele after surveillance and technical analysis linked ransom negotiations to the area.

“The operation led to the arrest of 65 suspected kidnappers and the recovery of exhibits, including the cash sum of ₦1,850,000 reasonably suspected to be ransom proceeds, as well as Nigerian Army uniforms, kits, and other incriminating items,” the Command said.

ASP Ikoedem further noted that the suspects are currently undergoing discreet investigations to determine their level of involvement in kidnapping activities.

March 6, 2026
Botswana court hears landmark same-sex marriage case by LGBTQ+ rights groups

Gaborone, Botswana (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — The High Court in Gaborone, Botswana, has begun hearing a landmark case challenging the legality of same-sex marriage under the country’s Marriage Act. The petition was filed by Bonolo Selelo and Tsholofelo Kumile, a same-sex couple seeking legal recognition of their union.

The case, which could redefine Botswana’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, comes amid growing calls from advocacy groups for broader recognition of same-sex unions following the 2019 decriminalisation of homosexuality. On Thursday, the court heard arguments questioning whether the Marriage Act’s definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman violates constitutional protections of equality and dignity.

The petitioners, supported by the Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO), argue that excluding same-sex couples from marriage is discriminatory and inconsistent with constitutional values. They contend that the 2019 ruling decriminalising same-sex relations laid the foundation for marriage equality.

Government lawyers, however, maintain that the Marriage Act reflects Botswana’s cultural and social norms, insisting that any change should come through legislative reform rather than judicial intervention. The case has drawn significant public attention, with human rights organisations emphasising that recognition of same-sex marriage would strengthen Botswana’s reputation as a progressive democracy in Africa.

A ruling in favour of the petitioners could set a precedent for marriage equality in the region, while a rejection may reinforce existing legal barriers but intensify advocacy efforts both domestically and internationally.

March 6, 2026
Borno killings: Obi condemns Boko Haram/ISWAP attack, blames poor leadership

Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and presidential aspirant, has condemned Thursday’s attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Ngoshe community in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

The assault, which destroyed a military base and struck an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, left at least nine Nigerian soldiers and several civilians dead, while an unspecified number of people were abducted, according to local reports.

In a statement issued Friday, Obi expressed deep concern over the tragedy: “I watched several videos of this tragedy with deep horror. Once again, we are confronted with the painful reality of the daily suffering that far too many Nigerians are forced to endure. This is unacceptable.”

He questioned the government’s response to ongoing insecurity: “How long will Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of poor leadership and mismanagement? How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to secure our communities, protect the vulnerable, and dismantle the structures of these insurgents?”

Obi criticised political leaders for prioritising electoral gains over national security, saying: “While Nigerians are slaughtered daily by terrorists, what is more troubling is that amid these killings, our political leaders are preoccupied with selfish schemings on how to steal, grab and run away with the next election cycle, keeping us in insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment.”

Offering condolences to victims, he added: “To the families who have lost loved ones, to the children now displaced, and to the communities living in fear, I stand with you in grief and in resolve. Your pain is Nigeria’s pain. Your safety and dignity must be the priority of any government that claims to serve the people.”

Obi emphasised that Nigeria requires leadership that values human life above all else: “Our nation is stronger than the terror that threatens it. But we cannot remain silent, and we cannot accept inaction. We must act now—for today’s victims, for tomorrow’s children, and for the Nigeria we all deserve.”

March 6, 2026