Category: Crime Diary

Lagos Police Command Invites Applicants for Screening Starting Monday
Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — The Lagos State Police Command has urged indigenes of Lagos State who completed the online registration for the 2025/2026 recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force as General Duty and Specialist Constables to present themselves for the Physical and Credential Screening Exercise.

The screening will run from April 9 to April 18, 2026, at the Police College, Ikeja, in the Centre of Excellence.

In a statement issued on March 5, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, emphasised that the exercise is free of charge and will be conducted strictly on merit, in line with the highest standards of professionalism and transparency.

Applicants are required to appear in clean white T-shirts and white shorts and must present the following mandatory documents, neatly arranged in two white flat files:
1. Invitation Slip (with assigned TABLE)
2. Credential Screening Form
3. Original National Identity Number (NIN) printout or card issued by NIMC
4. O-Level (GCE/SSCE) Certificate
5. Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
6. Local Government/State of Origin Certificate
7. Trade Test/Certificate (for Specialists only)
8. Duly completed and signed Guarantor’s Form with photocopies and passport photographs of referees attached
9. Original and duplicate copies of all credentials, packaged in two separate white flat files with recent passport photographs attached.
March 5, 2026
Enugu Police Raid Criminal Hideouts, Arrest Suspects, and Recover Exhibits

Enugu, Nigeria (NPA) — March 4, 2026 — The Enugu State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities in the metropolis, arresting four suspects notorious for snatching mobile phones and recovering stolen items alongside suspected illicit substances.

In a statement issued on March 3, 2026, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command confirmed that the raids targeted flashpoints and criminal hideouts across the city.

According to the statement: March 1, 2026 (8:00 p.m.) — Operatives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, raided a hideout along the Holy Ghost Rail Line. Two suspects, Nnachetam Didiugwu (20) and Ogbu Maduabuchi (22), both without fixed addresses, were arrested.

  – Recovered items: Four mobile phones (Honor, Vivo, Tecno, and Itel) and wraps of suspected cannabis sativa.

  – The suspects confessed to snatching phones and valuables from unsuspecting commuters, particularly during evening hours.

– February 28, 2026 (9:00 a.m.)— Operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, while on patrol, stormed a hideout at Eke Obinagu, Emene.

  – Arrested suspects: Eze Chukwuemeka (25) and Isiaka Musa* (25).

  – Recovered items: A large quantity of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa.

The Police Command stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend accomplices and recover additional exhibits. The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive operations aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements. He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the Police.

March 4, 2026
Amnesty International Accuses Nigerian Police of Enforced Disappearance of Children at Tiger Base

OWERRI, NIGERIA (NPA), March 4, 2026 — Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian Police of enforced disappearances involving children detained at the Tiger Base facility in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.

In its latest report, the global human rights organisation alleged that children arrested alongside their mothers by Tiger Base operatives were taken away by police officers and never returned. Amnesty stated: “These children are not simply separated but effectively disappeared — removed without any record, concealed from relatives, and never returned.”

The report, based on testimonies from survivors, described a “disturbing pattern” in which children detained with their mothers were removed without documentation, while officers refused to provide information and obstructed attempts by relatives to locate them.

“Testimonies from survivors detained at Tiger Base Owerri Imo state reveal a disturbing pattern in which children arrested alongside their mothers are taken away by police officers and never brought back.”

“Amnesty International’s findings show that these children are not simply separated but effectively disappeared — removed without any record, concealed from relatives, and never returned. The absence of documentation, officers’ refusal to provide information, and the deliberate obstruction of mothers seeking their children all point to a systematic practice that amounts to enforced disappearance.”

Amnesty concluded that the practice amounts to enforced disappearance.

Last week, Amnesty International released findings that Tiger Base — originally established to combat kidnapping and armed robbery — has instead been implicated in serious human rights violations, including unlawful killings, torture, extortion, and arbitrary detention. The organisation reported that detainees are held in “filthy, windowless cells,” subjected to beatings, and in some cases shot or forcibly disappeared.”

March 4, 2026
US Sanctions Rwandan Defence Force and Senior Officials

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA), March 3, 2026 — The United States has imposed sanctions on the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and four senior military officers for providing direct operational support to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The sanctions, announced on March 2, 2026, by the U.S. Department of State and signed by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, accuse Rwanda of violating commitments under the Washington Accords, an agreement reached between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The statement noted that RDF-backed M23 forces recently captured the Congolese city of Uvira, in breach of the accord.

The U.S. condemned M23 for committing grave human rights abuses, including summary executions and violence against civilians, particularly women and children. It stressed that RDF support has enabled the rebels to seize sovereign Congolese territory and continue these atrocities. “The United States stands firm in its support for peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider region,” the statement read. “The Washington Accords mark a decisive turning point for the Great Lakes region, setting a new course for peace, cooperation, and prosperity among neighbours. Today’s action demonstrates the U.S. resolve to uphold the Washington Accords. As President Trump has made clear, the United States is prepared to use all available tools to ensure the DRC and Rwanda deliver on the promises of this historic agreement.”

Formed in 2012 by former members of the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), M23 rebels accuse the Congolese government of failing to honour a 2009 peace deal. Predominantly composed of Tutsi fighters, the group has long been suspected of receiving support from Rwanda, though Kigali denies this. Since its resurgence in 2021, M23 has captured significant territory in North Kivu, destabilising the region. While the rebels claim to be defending the rights of Congolese Tutsis and demanding political representation, critics argue their campaign is driven by territorial ambitions and political leverage, worsening humanitarian crises and regional tensions.

March 3, 2026
Police in Delta arrest cultists, foil armed robbery, recover weapons

ASABA, NIGERIA (NPA), March 3, 2026 — The Delta State Police Command has announced the successful disruption of cult activities and armed robbery operations in Warri, Ughelli, and Sapele during a series of coordinated security operations.

In a statement issued on March 2, 2026, Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe confirmed that three suspects were arrested, with three firearms and 27 live cartridges recovered.

According to the release, on February 27, 2026, at about 11:35 p.m., operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, stormed the Ekredjebor area of Ughelli and arrested one Oghenemaro Festus of Upper Agbarho. A pump-action gun loaded with two live cartridges was recovered. Police say Festus is linked to a series of house-to-house robberies, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

In another operation, officers responding to reports of armed robberies in Sapele arrested Prince Omanure, also known as “Anini,” aged 21, of the Ghana Area. During interrogation, the suspect led police to a bush along the Warri–Sapele Road near the Trailer Park, where a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition was recovered. Investigators say Omanure has provided useful intelligence, and the Command is pursuing other members of the syndicate.

A third sting operation in Warri targeted a suspected cult gathering at a building on Okwagbe Street, Igbudu. Several suspects fled upon sighting police, but three were arrested: Nelson Mudiagha (alias Diara), Efe Nyore, and Ebube Ifeanyi.

Commissioner of Police CP Aina Adesola assured residents that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property. He reiterated that the Delta State Police will continue to dismantle cult groups, armed robbery syndicates, and violent criminal networks across the state.

March 3, 2026
Dave Umahi Accuser Deletes Allegation Posts from Social Media

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA), March 3, 2026 — Mrs. Tracynither Ohiri, who previously accused Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, of indebtedness and sexual harassment, has deleted the posts she made on social media platforms.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on March 2 by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Works. According to the statement, “Within the last 24 hours, Mrs. Ohiri has quietly removed all videos and posts she made against the Honourable Minister of Works from her social media accounts, including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. A routine review of these platforms clearly shows that the same materials previously used to accuse, ridicule, and defame the Honourable Minister have now been deleted.”

Nwaze noted that the sudden deletion followed public exposure of inconsistencies in her claims, including ambiguities in timelines and discrepancies in the amounts alleged. “Faced with contradictions in her own narratives, she appears to have chosen deletion over explanation. These actions raise serious questions about the intent behind the allegations she promoted for years,” the statement added.

The minister’s office reiterated that all allegations remain unproven until substantiated, stressing that the burden of proof rests with the accuser. It emphasized that Senator Umahi remains focused on his mandate to deliver critical infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Meanwhile, Newpost Africa reported that over the weekend, Senator Umahi received the Silverbird Extraordinary Personality of the Year Award at a ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

March 3, 2026
Netanyahu accuses Iran of missile strikes on civilians amid escalating conflict

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA), March 3, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of launching missile attacks on civilian areas in response to ongoing joint military operations by Israel and the United States. Netanyahu said Israel’s strikes are aimed at protecting civilians and neutralizing what he described as “existential threats.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Netanyahu explained that Israel’s military campaign against Iran was designed to “remove existential threats and to create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to cast off the yoke of tyranny. That day is near—and when it arrives, Israel and the United States will be there.”

The conflict has intensified, with Israeli and U.S. forces carrying out repeated strikes on Iranian military targets, while Iran has retaliated with missile barrages targeting Israel and several Gulf states. Netanyahu urged Israeli citizens to strictly follow Home Front Command instructions, noting that compliance has saved lives, though some casualties have occurred among those outside protected areas.

Addressing the Iranian people directly, Netanyahu called on them to prepare for change, saying: “The day to cast off the yoke of tyranny is near as the ‘Lion’s Roar’ military campaign continues. Israel and the United States will stand with the Iranian people—but it depends on them. We will be there.”

Netanyahu also warned that Iran’s missile strikes have extended beyond the Middle East. “They fired yesterday on a large part of the countries in the region, and indeed, they have fired on Europe too,” he said. He cautioned that if Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, “they will threaten all of humanity.”

He also stressed that Israel’s actions, in coordination with the United States, are not only for national defense but also for global security: “We embarked to remove this danger first and foremost from ourselves, but we are acting together with the United States on behalf of and for all of humanity.”

March 3, 2026
Dangote Industries warns against impersonators and fraudulent social media accounts

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA), March 3, 2026 — Dangote Industries Limited has issued a public warning over the growing number of impersonation and fraudulent activities carried out by individuals falsely claiming to represent the company, its leadership, and members of the Dangote family.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the company said impostors have been using the names of its executives and family members to defraud unsuspecting individuals through fake investment offers, business proposals, charity solicitations, employment promises, and other deceptive schemes.

The company emphasized that neither Dangote Industries Limited, its Group President Aliko Dangote, nor any executive or family member—including Fatima Aliko Dangote, Mariya Aliko Dangote, and Halima Aliko Dangote—solicit funds, investments, contracts, or personal information via WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media platform. It further clarified that neither Aliko Dangote nor the company maintains accounts on Facebook or TikTok.

“For the avoidance of doubt, under no circumstances do the company’s executives initiate direct contact with private individuals through social media channels for financial transactions, business opportunities, or personal requests,” the statement read.

Dangote Industries urged the public to disregard unsolicited messages, calls, or social media accounts claiming affiliation with the company or its executives. It stressed that all official communications are disseminated exclusively through verified corporate channels and recognized media outlets.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to protecting brand integrity and public safety, noting that it is working closely with security and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind these fraudulent activities. Members of the public who receive suspicious communications are encouraged to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities immediately.

March 3, 2026
Police confirm arson attack on Catholic Church in Cross River State

BOKI, NIGERIA (Agency Report): The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed an attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Katchuan Iruan, Boki Local Government Area. The incident, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Police spokesperson ASP Sunday Eitokpah said the attack was carried out by suspected arsonists. While the motive remains unclear, investigations are ongoing.

The assailants reportedly destroyed church records stored in the sacristy and set fire to two vehicles on the premises—a Lexus 350 SUV belonging to the parish priest and a Toyota Corolla.

ASP Eitokpah stated: “No suspect has been identified at this time. Efforts are ongoing to ascertain those responsible for this unfortunate criminal act. The scene has been visited, photographs taken, and the case referred to Okunde Police Station for discreet investigation. Any identified suspects will be made known to the public.”

The incident comes amid growing concerns over attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria. The United States recently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to religious freedom violations. Last week, a U.S. Congressional committee submitted recommendations to President Donald Trump aimed at addressing alleged attacks on Christians and the displacement of local communities by armed groups.

March 2, 2026
Nwifuru condemns abduction of Royal Father, orders security agencies to Act

ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA (NPA): Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has condemned the abduction of His Royal Highness, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area and father of former Deputy Governor Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe. The monarch was reportedly kidnapped by suspected hoodlums on Sunday morning while on his way to church.

Governor Nwifuru described the incident as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable,” stressing that criminal acts against innocent citizens, particularly respected community leaders, will not be tolerated in Ebonyi State. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, on March 1, 2026, the governor announced that the state government has activated all security and intelligence mechanisms to ensure the monarch’s safe rescue.

He further directed security agencies to work in synergy to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice, pledging that the government will deploy all available resources to unmask those behind the crime and prevent future occurrences.

Kidnapping remains a widespread challenge in Nigeria, driven by poverty, unemployment, and weak law enforcement. While ransom payments are the primary motive, political grievances, ethnic tensions, and insurgency also contribute to the menace. The consequences are far-reaching, eroding public trust, discouraging investment, and instilling fear in communities. Experts emphasize that solutions must combine stronger security operations with socio-economic reforms. The Nigerian government has introduced tougher anti-kidnapping laws, launched military campaigns against bandits, and invested in community policing.

March 2, 2026