New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Amnesty International slams Nigeria government over “horrific” Benue massacre

    Amnesty International slams Nigeria government over “horrific” Benue massacre

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the Nigerian government to investigate what it described as a horrific attack in which at least 15 villagers were killed on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Ojantele Community of Apa Local Government Area, Benue State.

    In a statement issued on March 15, Amnesty alleged that those killed were farmers picking fallen cashew nuts. It added that many people remain missing, and two women were abducted during the incident. The attack came just ten days after gunmen killed 13 people in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Kwande LGA.

    The human rights body criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s repeated claims of directing security agencies to end the killings, noting that the death toll continues to rise. Amnesty said villagers told its investigators that the government has left them “at the mercy of their attackers.”

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian authorities must investigate the horrific attack in which at least 15 villagers were killed on Friday when gunmen invaded Ojantele community of Apa LGA Benue state on Friday. Those killed were farmers picking fallen cashew nuts. Since after the attack many people are missing and two women were abducted. This is coming 10 days after gunmen killed 13 people in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura council wards of Kwande LGA. The President Bola Tinubu claims he has repeatedly tasked security agencies to end the killings, but the mounting death toll clearly shows nothing has changed. Most villagers told Amnesty International that the government left them at the mercy of their attackers. The government has an obligation to protect its population. The rising death toll in the north of Nigeria shows just how badly the authorities are failing in this responsibility.”

    Benue State has remained the epicentre of killings by suspected terrorist herdsmen. The unchecked bloodshed prompted Agatu youths to protest on March 15, blocking the Oweto–Otukpo highway to demand government action.

    This followed renewed violence in Kwande and Ushongo constituencies, where lawmakers raised alarms over escalating attacks. Together, these incidents underscore the scale of insecurity in Benue, with communities repeatedly targeted and residents demanding urgent intervention.

  • Oyo Police foil cattle rustling, arrest four suspects in Iserin Area

    Oyo Police foil cattle rustling, arrest four suspects in Iserin Area

    IBADAN, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 16, 2026 — The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a cattle rustling attempt in the Iserin area via Ado-Awaye, recovering stolen cows and arresting four suspects.

    According to a statement by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, March 13, 2026, at about 2:00 a.m. Armed hoodlums invaded a camp in the area, tied up two herders — Ibrahim Musa and Ibrahim Umaru — and attempted to steal their cattle.

    Police, working with local vigilantes, intercepted the criminals as they loaded two cows into a white Mazda bus (registration number KMA 178 ZY). On sighting security agents, the hoodlums abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush. Intensive bush combing led to the arrest of Sekooni Wale (30), the driver, and Jimoh Toheeb (25), the motor boy.

    Further investigation extended to Maya Town in Lanlate, where the principal suspect, Moshood Abdullahi (38), identified as a notorious cattle rustler from Badagry, was apprehended. His arrest led to the capture of another accomplice, Macho Sindi (29). During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, and both the stolen cattle and the vehicle were recovered.

    The police command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible information to security agencies, stressing that community collaboration is vital in combating crime.

  • Middle East War: UAE air defences intercept 6 ballistic missiles and 21 drones from Iran

    Middle East War: UAE air defences intercept 6 ballistic missiles and 21 drones from Iran

    MIDDLE EAST — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates military on Monday intercepted another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. According to a statement released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, six ballistic missiles and 21 drones launched from Iran were successfully intercepted.

    The ministry noted that “since the start of Iran’s brazen attacks, UAE air defences have dealt with 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,627 drones.”

    The UAE confirmed that these attacks have resulted in the deaths of two members of its armed forces and five civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities. Additionally, 145 others were injured, including individuals from Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian, and Swedish nationalities.

    The UAE Ministry of Defence reiterated its readiness to confront any threats, vowing to firmly respond to actions aimed at destabilising the country’s security. It emphasised its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, stability, and national interests.

  • Heavy gunfight and explosions as police foil Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Maiduguri

    Heavy gunfight and explosions as police foil Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Maiduguri

    MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Police in Nigeria’s northeastern state of Borno have foiled coordinated attacks in the Kofa axis of Maiduguri and Damboa Local Government Area (LGA). The attempted assaults were carried out by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists targeting Ajilari Cross in the Kofa area on the outskirts of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), as well as the Damboa–Maiduguri Road in Damboa LGA.

    According to the Borno State Police Command, the incidents occurred on March 16, 2026, at about 12:00 hours in Ajilari Cross, Kofa (MMC), and around 01:00 hours along the Damboa–Maiduguri Road axis in Damboa LGA. Suspected insurgents attempted to infiltrate the areas but were swiftly engaged by joint security operatives. In a coordinated response, the operatives repelled the attacks, forcing the terrorists to retreat.

    Police Public Relations Officer ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso stated on Monday that no casualties were recorded among security personnel or civilians during the operations. However, the insurgents are believed to have suffered losses, though the exact figures remain unconfirmed.

    The Commissioner of Police has urged continued vigilance, cautioning residents against spreading unverified information. He emphasized the importance of supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to sustain peace and security in the state.

  • Shock at Akure Airport: FAAN, military forces nab four suspected bandits

    Shock at Akure Airport: FAAN, military forces nab four suspected bandits

    AKURE, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — In a dramatic security operation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed the arrest of four suspected bandits at Akure Airport in Ondo State. According to Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, the suspects were apprehended after a distress alert reported suspicious individuals lurking behind the airport perimeter near the Eleyewo Community.

    The swift arrest was made possible through a joint operation involving FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and local security outfits, including Amotekun and community vigilantes. The suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for interrogation.

    FAAN commended the seamless collaboration among security agencies and emphasised that the incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen airport perimeter protection nationwide.

    A statement from FAAN, on Monday, highlighted ongoing efforts: “The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports across the country.”

    FAAN clarified that work has already begun in phases to fortify airports against unlawful access and potential threats, and reassured travellers and host communities of its unwavering commitment to safety and security across all airport facilities.

  • Two suspected logistics suppliers to kidnappers arrested by Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Ondo

    Two suspected logistics suppliers to kidnappers arrested by Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Ondo

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected logistics suppliers linked to a kidnapping syndicate terrorising the Ilu-Abo community and its surrounding areas.

    The suspects, Alhassan Muhammad (20) and Faruq Muhammad Sanni (25), both residents of Sabon-Sango, Akure, were apprehended on March 15, 2026, following credible intelligence provided by a vigilant member of the Ilu-Abo community.

    According to a statement issued by DSP Abayomi Jimoh, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), one of the suspects posed as a commercial motorcyclist while secretly working with kidnappers, delivering supplies to their hideouts.

    Upon the arrest by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, other members of the criminal syndicate fled the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had been playing supportive roles in sustaining the kidnappers’ operations within the forested areas around Ilu-Abo and neighbouring communities.

    The suspects are currently in custody and have provided useful information that will aid further investigations. The police have intensified efforts to track down the remaining suspects and dismantle the entire kidnapping network. The arrested individuals will be charged in court upon completion of the investigations.

    The statement read in part: “The Ondo State Police Command commends the vigilance, courage, and cooperation of members of the Ilu-Abo community whose timely, credible, and actionable information greatly contributed to the success of the operation.”

    The Command emphasised that community support remains a critical component in the fight against crime and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies. It assured the public that all information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.

    “The Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to deploy strategic operations aimed at ridding the state of kidnapping and other criminal activities.”

  • Nigerian Army invites media to verify IED recoveries amid IPOB manipulation claims

    Nigerian Army invites media to verify IED recoveries amid IPOB manipulation claims

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 15, 2026 — The Nigerian Army, Operation Udo Ka, and 82 Division have invited media organisations and civil society groups to a verification tour of Orsu-Eketutu Mother Valley, Orsu–Ihiteukwa in Imo State, following viral claims on social media that images of recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) released on March 12 were fake and manipulated.

    In a statement on Sunday, signed by Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, the Army clarified that the devices were recovered during ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity in Imo and Anambra states. It explained that geo-location data on the images was deliberately blurred for operational security, not deception, countering allegations spread by IPOB sympathisers online.

    Recall that the army in an earlier report said troops have dismantled several IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN) camps and IED factories in the Mother Valley area in Anambra State, Nigeria’s southeast.

    The Army accused IPOB of spreading misinformation and manipulating image metadata to suggest the photos were taken in Lagos and Oyo states, while also exploiting ethnic identity to discredit operations. These tactics, the Army said, reflect attempts to sow division and undermine peace in the South-East.

    According to the military statement, to counter these claims and build public trust, the Army has invited media and civil society representatives to verify recoveries and inspect operational areas without compromising security. It reiterated its apolitical, professional, and multi-ethnic character, stressing that personnel serve across Nigeria regardless of origin. The Army urged Nigerians to rely on official sources, exercise restraint on social media, and prioritise unity over divisive narratives.

    PHOTO: The images allegedly questioned by IPOB. Credit: Nigerian Army via X.
  • UAE air defences intercept another wave of Iranian missiles and drones

    UAE air defences intercept another wave of Iranian missiles and drones

    INTERNATIONAL — (NPA) March 15 — The United Arab Emirates authorities announced that its air defence system intercepted four ballistic missiles and six drones launched from Iran on March 15, 2026.

    According to a statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the latest interception adds to a growing tally since the start of Iranian attacks. In total, UAE air defences have dealt with 298 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,606 drones.

    The ministry noted that the Iranian strikes have caused the deaths of six individuals of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationalities, while 142 others sustained minor to moderate injuries. The injured include people of diverse backgrounds, among them Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian, and Swedish nationals.

    The UAE Ministry of Defence stressed that the country remains on high alert and fully prepared to counter any threats. It reaffirmed its commitment to firmly respond to actions aimed at destabilising the state’s security, while ensuring the preservation of sovereignty, stability, and the protection of national interests and capabilities.

  • NDLEA arrests UK-bound 74-year-old grandfather with 11kg of cocaine

    NDLEA arrests UK-bound 74-year-old grandfather with 11kg of cocaine

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old grandfather, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, after discovering a large consignment of cocaine concealed in foil papers and balloons inside his luggage.

    According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, the septuagenarian claimed he was travelling to London for vacation and was attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow on Saturday, March 14, 2026. “During a search of his luggage, blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons,” Babafemi said.

    In a separate operation, the agency, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Mrs Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites, Etim Inyang Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, in the early hours of Monday, March 9. She was caught attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis. At the time of her arrest, she was with her three children, including an infant. She confessed that the drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who was later taken into custody the same day, while she was released immediately.

    Ibrahim admitted ownership of the illicit substances in his statement. Further investigation revealed that he had previously been arrested, convicted, and sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment for a similar offence in 2015.

  • Kenya county commissioner issues two-week ultimatum to illegal firearm holders

    Kenya county commissioner issues two-week ultimatum to illegal firearm holders

    NAIROBI— (KNA-Peter Gitonga) March 15 — The Kenyan Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to persons in illegal possession of firearms to surrender them.

    Speaking on Friday during the 5th Edition of the Kenya Public–Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue (MSMEs Connect) in Lodwar, County commissioner Julius Kavita said after the two weeks the security agencies will conduct a forceful disarmament.

    “We are appealing to those in possession of firearms illegally to take them to the chiefs, who will hand them over to the police; failure to do so, and we shall come for them. The culprits will not be spared either,” warned Kavita.

    The warning comes at a time when the government is conducting an operation in Turkana, West Pokot and Samburu, among other banditry-prone areas.

    Kavita said the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for traders, transporters and passengers.

    The County has enjoyed relative calm since the operation commenced, with zero incidents of cattle rustling and highway robbery being reported in the last two weeks.

    Kavita attributed this to the operation, saying the government will not relent in dealing with criminal elements sabotaging peace efforts.

    Insecurity had threatened economic activities in the region, including the proposed mega irrigation project along the Turkana-West Pokot border that seeks to boost food security.

    Additionally, oil exploration and development are facing Insecurity challenges if residents’ concerns during the public participation exercise are anything to go by.

    Some residents warned that Oil production would not take place until insecurity was addressed.

    When he visited the county last month, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would deal firmly with bandits.