New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Borno Police issue security advisory ahead of the end of Ramadan

    Borno Police issue security advisory ahead of the end of Ramadan

    Borno, Nigeria — March 9, 2026 — The Borno State Police Command has issued a public security advisory as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan draws to a close. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious during religious activities and the upcoming Salah celebrations.

    In a statement (Public Service Announcement) released Monday, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso outlined precautionary measures designed to safeguard citizens amid heightened movements and gatherings associated with Tafsir, Iftar, and night prayers.

    The advisory cautioned residents to remain mindful of their surroundings and take necessary precautions in light of ongoing threats from terrorist groups in the state. Citizens were encouraged to promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or objects to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency contact lines.

    Parents and guardians were specifically advised not to leave children unattended, particularly in crowded areas, places of worship, and public gatherings.

    Following directives from Commissioner of Police CP Naziru Abdulmajid, the Command announced plans to intensify patrols, surveillance, and strategic deployments across Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State to ensure public safety.

    “The Command calls for continued cooperation and support from members of the public, as security remains a collective responsibility,” the statement read.

    For emergency assistance or to report suspicious activities, residents may contact the Command via 0806 807 5581 or 0802 347 3293.

  • Adamawa declares 24-hour curfew over ethnic clashes in Lamurde

    Adamawa declares 24-hour curfew over ethnic clashes in Lamurde

    CRIME REPORT (NPA) — March 9, 2026 — The governor of Adamawa State in northeast Nigeria, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on several communities in Lamurde Local Government Area following deadly ethnic clashes.

    According to eyewitness accounts, heavily armed attackers stormed villages, killing residents and burying victims in shallow graves.

    The curfew was announced in a statement issued on March 8 by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, who said the measure was aimed at halting bloodshed linked to ethnic rivalry between the Bachama and Chobo-speaking communities.

    Quoting Governor Fintiri, the statement read: “Government views these disturbances as unacceptable and has directed security agencies to enforce the curfew strictly.” The governor added that the curfew would remain in place until further notice while security forces devise measures to end the violence.

    “The government will not condone acts of violence and will take necessary measures to restore peace and order,” Fintiri said, appealing to residents to cooperate with security agencies.

    The crisis stems from a protracted land boundary dispute between the Chobo and Bachama communities, which flared into violence on March 7, 2026.

  • JUST IN: Monday morning multi-vehicle crash triggers major traffic chaos in Lekki

    JUST IN: Monday morning multi-vehicle crash triggers major traffic chaos in Lekki

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 9, 2026 — The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has urged motorists in Lekki to exercise caution following a multiple-vehicle collision on Admiralty Way, near Admiralty Roundabout and Road 14.

    According to the agency, three vehicles were involved in the crash, with one reported to have caught fire. LASTMA confirmed that traffic flow has been severely disrupted, with diversions in place through Road 14 to connect Durosimi Etti Road.

    Officials stated that LASTMA officers are currently managing the situation on the ground while awaiting the arrival of the Nigeria Police and fire service personnel.

    The incident has resulted in significant gridlock across the corridor, extending to the Lekki-Epe Expressway, which is presently undergoing rehabilitation.

  • Fatal bus crash claims one life, injures six on Oworonsoki–Apapa Expressway

    Fatal bus crash claims one life, injures six on Oworonsoki–Apapa Expressway

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — A female passenger has lost her life in a devastating accident at New Castle Bus Stop along the Oworonsoki–Apapa Expressway in the Gbagada area of Lagos, Nigeria’s southwest, with six others critically injured.

    According to eyewitnesses, a Volkswagen commercial bus, populalarly knownm as danfo, suddenly lost control and slammed into a roadside culvert. The violent impact threw passengers inside the vehicle into disarray, with some being ejected onto the expressway.

    Tragically, one female passenger was flung directly into the path of an oncoming articulated trailer. The driver was unable to halt in time, and she was fatally struck, dying instantly at the scene. Six other occupants, including the bus driver, sustained severe injuries and multiple fractures.

    Emergency responders acted swiftly. Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) cordoned off the crash site and initiated traffic control measures to avert further accidents. 

    Officers from the Pedro Police Division secured the area, while the Lagos State Ambulance Service rushed the injured victims to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.

    The Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit later evacuated the deceased’s remains. Once the wreckage was cleared, LASTMA restored normal traffic flow along the busy expressway.

    In a statement, LASTMA’s management expressed condolences to the victim’s family and urged motorists to prioritize regular vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices to prevent such avoidable tragedies.

  • Cross River bans VIOs from road operations, slashes daily ticket fees

    Cross River bans VIOs from road operations, slashes daily ticket fees

    POLITICS (Agency Report) — March 8, 2026 —The Cross River Government has banned the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from road operations across the state.

    The governor, who made the announcement in Calabar on Saturday, restricted activities of the VIO to office duties.

    According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Linus  Obogo, the directive followed protests by commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators over high tickets, excessive fines and alleged harassment by enforcement teams.

    The governor, who made other announcements in the sector, said the measures were approved after a meeting with key transport stakeholders.

    According to the statement, other announcements made was the reduction of daily ticket fee from N850 to N500, while the penalty for failure to purchase the ticket had also been reduced to N10,000.

    “All traffic-related fines be slashed by 50 per cent and must be paid only into designated Cross River Government accounts.

    “Daily ticket for tricycle riders has been reduced from N1,200 to N500,

    however, every activity of commercial tricycle operators ends at 6 p.m. daily, night operations are permanently banned,” Otu asserted.

    He said the review was aimed to ease the burden on drivers and restore order in the state’s transport system.

    Speaking further, the governor said the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA) would now focus on vehicle registration and sale of tickets at approved rates.

    He noted that enforcement officers must operate only in proper uniforms and with verifiable identification.

    He directed the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) to restrict its activities to statutory traffic management duties.

    In addition, the governor announced that “commercial bus drivers and tricycle riders will no longer purchase tickets on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.”

    “These directives will take effect from March 9, and I urge all residents and transport operators to cooperate with relevant authorities.

    However, speaking to NAN, some commercial drivers said the statement did not address some activities of TRAMRA such as the illegal “no parking order” for drivers who only pick and drop passengers.

    For Johnson Ade, a commercial driver, he said there should be an official release stating the traffic infractions in the state and the fine for each of them.

    He said slashing the fines by 50 per cent was ambiguous, adding that the amounts to be paid for each crime should be clearly stated to prevent criminal elements who posed as government traffic regulatory officials from abusing the directive.

    On his part, Mr Sunday Dennis, Metropolitan Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), said they would convene a meeting immediately to critically look at the governor’s statement.

    It would be recalled that series of protests by commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators had led to the suspension of all forms of transport tickets in the state by the government. (NAN).

  • Ebonyi Police Command sets date, venue for constable screening

    Ebonyi Police Command sets date, venue for constable screening

    CRIME DIARY (NPA) — March 7, 2026—The Ebonyi State Police Command has released the schedule for the screening of applicants seeking recruitment as general duty and specialist police constables. The exercise will run from March 9, 2026, to April 18, 2026.

    In a statement issued on March 7, 2026, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the screening will take place at the Police Officers’ Mess, Udensi Roundabout, Abakaliki, beginning daily at 7:00 a.m.

    Applicants who are indigenes of Ebonyi State are advised to log into the official recruitment portal — https://npfapplication.psc.gov.ng — to confirm their status, check their screening date, and print the required documents.

    Candidates must present the following items, enclosed in two white office files:

    1. Application Submission Slip
    2. Physical Screening Form
    3. Invitation Slip (with table number)
    4. Credential Screening Form
    5. National Identity Number (NIN) printout/card
    6. O’Level Certificate(s)
    7. Birth Certificate/Age Declaration
    8. Local Government/State of Origin Certificate
    9. Trade Test Result (for specialist candidates)
    10. Completed Guarantors Form with passport photographs
    11. Credentials arranged in two white files with recent passport photographs

    Dress Code: Applicants are expected to appear in:

    • White canvas shoes
    • White T-shirts
    • White shorts
    • White stockings

    The Command emphasized that the screening process is completely free of charge.

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) are jointly recruiting 50,000 constables to strengthen manpower across the country. The screening is being held in designated centres in each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to make the process accessible and reduce travel burdens for applicants. By conducting the exercise nationwide, the NPF ensures that all candidates undergo the same physical, credential, and background checks. 

    Recruitment is spread across states to maintain federal character principles, ensuring representation from all parts of Nigeria. Holding screenings in multiple centres helps prevent overcrowding, reduce malpractice, and allow closer monitoring of applicants.

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

    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.

  • Boko Haram kills Lieutenant Colonel, 40 soldiers in Borno

    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?”

  • Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, nab suspects in Enugu

    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).

  • Nigeria Army dislodged separatists camps in Anambra and Imo, recover exhibits

    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.