New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • Austin-Texas Mass Shooting Investigated as Possible Terror Attack

    Austin-Texas Mass Shooting Investigated as Possible Terror Attack

    AUSTIN, TEXAS (NPA) — The FBI announced Sunday that a mass shooting in downtown Austin, Texas, which left three people dead and 14 others injured, is being investigated as “potentially an act of terrorism.”

    Authorities said the suspect, who was wearing a hoodie emblazoned with the words “Property of Allah” and an undershirt featuring an Iranian flag, opened fire in a crowded entertainment district early Sunday.

    Federal law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal and residing in Pflugerville, Texas. Diagne reportedly became a U.S. citizen in 2013.

    Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the attack and whether it was ideologically driven.

    The incident comes amid heightened global tensions following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The development has sparked protests in several cities worldwide, including demonstrations in Pakistan and northern Nigeria, as military escalations continue between the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

  • Lagos Police Quell Gang Attacks Along Badagry Expressway

    Lagos Police Quell Gang Attacks Along Badagry Expressway

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) – The Lagos State Police Command has restored order in the Ijanikin, Agbara, and Oto Awori areas along the Badagry Expressway following reports of gang attacks. The intervention came after social media appeals by users calling on the state government and security agencies to address worsening insecurity in the axis.

    Responding to the appeal, the Police Command confirmed via its official X account that the situation was under control. It stated that the Commissioner of Police personally led teams from various units to the affected locations, ensuring that normalcy was restored. Authorities pledged to provide further updates as investigations continue.

    Gang-related violence remains a recurring challenge in Lagos, often driven by the activities of “area boys,” cult groups, and criminal networks competing for territorial control. Such clashes are fueled by unemployment, poverty, and weak enforcement, with incidents frequently occurring around transport hubs, markets, and densely populated districts. The police have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding residents and commuters along the Badagry corridor.

  • Troops overrun ESN/IPOB hideout in Anambra Mother Valley

    Troops overrun ESN/IPOB hideout in Anambra Mother Valley

    ANAMBRA, NIGERIA (Agency Report): Joint troops under Operation UDO KA have overrun the suspected Eastern Security Network (ESN)/IPOB supreme headquarters in Mother Valley in Nkwere area of Anambra, following a coordinated ground assault.

    A credible Army Headquarters source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the final assault commenced at about 7 a.m. on Feb. 26, involving personnel of the military, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    He said the troops advanced on foot for about three hours through difficult and restricted terrain to gain entry into the valley.

    He added that the joint force met heavy resistance from ESN/IPOB elements who employed locally-made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and intense gunfire.

    He explained that “the troops, however, displayed resilience and professionalism, overwhelmed the fighters and broke through their defensive positions.

    “The force successfully dominated the valley, neutralising one suspected IPOB member, while several others were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “Items recovered during the operation included two pump-action guns, one locally-fabricated firearm, one tear gas gun and seven gas cylinders.

    “Others were one electric kettle, one Biafran flag, one United States flag and one Israeli flag.”

    The source revealed that troops also destroyed life-support structures at the camp, including solar panels and a Mikano generator.

    He added that an ambush team also apprehended two suspected IPOB members during the operation.

    “One suspect was apprehended while allegedly attempting to plant an IED, while the other was arrested for allegedly spying on troop movement into the valley.

    “Both suspects are currently in the custody of the 34 Military Intelligence and are undergoing profiling and further investigation.

    “Troops also recovered one Kia saloon car and one black Toyota Sequoia SUV from a parking area within another sector of the valley.

    “Efforts were ongoing to move the vehicles to the Forward Operating Base in Orsu,” he added.

  • UN Rights Chief Raises Alarm Over Executions in Iran

    UN Rights Chief Raises Alarm Over Executions in Iran

    GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (NPA): The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has urged Iran to halt the use of capital punishment, warning that many more individuals could face execution following recent unrest.

    Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, Türk expressed deep concern after reports emerged that at least eight people — including two minors — have already received death sentences linked to the January protests. He noted that another 30 individuals may be at risk of similar rulings.

    One case involves a man convicted of “enmity against God” by a revolutionary court in Tehran. If upheld, this would mark the first death sentence directly tied to the mass demonstrations earlier this year.

    Rights organizations say thousands were killed during the crackdown, which has been described as the most severe domestic turmoil since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The unrest also drew international attention, with warnings from Washington about possible military consequences should executions proceed.

    Türk cautioned that escalating tensions could destabilize the wider region, stressing the need for restraint and dialogue. Meanwhile, talks in Geneva between U.S. and Iranian officials — mediated by Oman — made some progress on nuclear issues, though no breakthrough was reported that might ease fears of military confrontation.

  • Tiger Base Owerri Accused of Killings, Torture of Detainees — Amnesty International

    Tiger Base Owerri Accused of Killings, Torture of Detainees — Amnesty International

    ENUGU, NIGERIA (NPA): Amnesty International Nigeria has released a new report alleging serious human rights violations by the police unit known as Tiger Base in Owerri, Imo State, southeast Nigeria. The report, launched on 25 February 2026 at the Carlton Swiss Grand Hotel in Enugu, accuses the unit of unlawful killings, torture, and extortion.

    According to Amnesty International, its investigation found that Tiger Base — originally established to combat kidnapping and armed robbery — has instead been involved in “unlawfully killing suspects, torturing and ill-treating detainees to coerce confessions to fabricated crimes, and arresting individuals for the sole purpose of extorting bribes.”

    The organization further stated that detainees “are kept in filthy, windowless cells and subjected to regular beatings. Many are held for weeks or months without charge. Others have been shot or forcibly disappeared.”

    The launch event was attended by civil society groups, activists, survivors, lawyers, and students. Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to “promptly establish an independent, impartial, and effective investigation into the atrocities committed by Tiger Base officers in Owerri.”

    In recent weeks, civil society organizations, lawyers, activists, and families of alleged victims have intensified advocacy efforts, demanding accountability for those who died or went missing in Tiger Base custody.

    The Imo State Police Command, however, rejected the allegations, insisting that Tiger Base is not a “slaughterhouse” or torture centre, but a legitimate anti-kidnapping unit contributing to public safety.

    Despite this official position, mounting allegations of torture, unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, and extortion have fuelled fresh calls for investigations, reforms, and even the possible closure of the unit.

  • Police Declare Manfred Ekpe, ADC Spokesperson in Akwa Ibom State, Wanted

    Police Declare Manfred Ekpe, ADC Spokesperson in Akwa Ibom State, Wanted

    UYO, NIGERIA (NPA) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has declared Barrister Manfred Ekpe, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, wanted on allegations of cyberstalking, threats to life, criminal defamation, intimidation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

    Ekpe, a constitutional lawyer and community rights activist, is widely known for his outspoken criticism of government policies, particularly on environmental and community issues. He has publicly challenged state officials over the legal status and management of the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, accusing them of misrepresenting the law.

    The activist has also accused Governor Umo Eno of using state institutions to suppress dissent and intimidate critics, especially those active on social media.

    While police authorities maintain that Ekpe is wanted in connection with criminal allegations, the lawyer insists the charges are politically motivated, stemming from his criticism of the governor and his administration.

  • NSCDC Urges Federal Government to Boost Manpower for Effective Security Delivery

    NSCDC Urges Federal Government to Boost Manpower for Effective Security Delivery

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): As the global community marks World Civil Defence Day 2026, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has called on the Federal Government to increase its manpower to enable the agency to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities more effectively and address the nation’s security challenges.

    The appeal was made during a lecture delivered by Professor Tyoor Fredrick Terhemba in Abuja, as part of activities commemorating the event. Speaking on the theme “Managing Environmental Risk for a Resilient Future: A Civil Defence Perspective,” Prof. Terhemba emphasized that human assets, utilities, and property remain the most critical national infrastructures, underscoring the need to strengthen the NSCDC’s workforce to meet international standards of policing.

    The NSCDC, a member of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), reiterated its vital role in disaster management, mitigating environmental hazards, and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

    In a statement issued by ACC Afolabi Babawale, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, the agency announced that activities marking World Civil Defence Day 2026 would conclude on Friday with a grand finale at the NSCDC National Headquarters Parade Ground in Abuja.

    Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi also urged the Corps to enhance its intelligence-gathering capacity, assuring that the NSCDC remains committed to discharging its core mandate in protecting lives and property.

  • Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    Narendra Modi Visits Holocaust Museum, Calls for Humanity, Dignity, and Peace

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day visit to Israel for bilateral talks and to strengthen defense cooperation, on Thursday visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.

    In a statement posted on his official X account, Modi expressed gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying him during the visit. “I placed a wreath at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. I am grateful to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accompanying me during this visit,” he wrote.

    Modi also toured the Hall of Names, a solemn memorial space that preserves the memory of those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust. Reflecting on the experience, he stated: “The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history. It is an eternal reminder of the need to uphold humanity, dignity, and peace.”

    Yad Vashem, located on the western slope of Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, serves as Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The center is dedicated to preserving their memory, honoring survivors, and educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust.

  • Nigeria Navy Hands Over 9 Suspected Oil Thieves to EFCC

    Nigeria Navy Hands Over 9 Suspected Oil Thieves to EFCC

    AKWA IBOM, NIGERIA (Agency Report): The Nigerian Navy Shipyard (NNS) Jubilee, on Wednesday, handed over nine suspected oil thieves to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Commander, Commodore Mohammed Manga, told newsmen in Ibaka that the suspects were apprehended over oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the state.

    Manga said that on Monday, men of the command apprehended the suspects with a wooden boat at an oil platform situated offshore Asabo Oil Field in Akwa Ibom.

    The commander said that the boat and the nine-man crew members were intercepted while attempting to illegally siphon crude oil from the platform.

    “The wooden boat and the tools used for the illicit activity were confiscated in line with extant regulations and operational procedures,” he said.

    He said that preliminary investigations had revealed that the suspects were engaged in illegal bunkering activities.

    “Illegal oil bunkering is a criminal act that undermines Nigeria’s economic stability and threatens maritime security. It causes significant environmental degradation,” he said.

    Manga said that the navy had intensified its anti-illegal bunkering operations within the state to ensure that the nation’s oil assets were safe.

    “The base is committed to combating maritime crimes within its area of operations.

    “This arrest is part of sustained operational efforts aimed at actualising the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

    “Our patrols are strategically designed to protect critical national assets, safeguard offshore and coastal infrastructure, and secure commercial maritime routes within our operational environment,” he said.

    The commander warned perpetrators of illegal maritime activities to desist immediately, saying that the navy remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.

    Receiving the suspects and exhibits on behalf of EFCC, Mr Taiwo Adetona, said that the commission would ensure a thorough investigation on the matter, and that those found liable would be prosecuted accordingly. (NAN).

  • Tinubu Urges Acting IGP Disu to Restore Public Confidence in Police

    Tinubu Urges Acting IGP Disu to Restore Public Confidence in Police

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday decorated the newly appointed Acting Inspector General of Police (AIG), Tunji Disu, following the resignation of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun.

    During the ceremony, the President charged Disu to “restore peace and strengthen security nationwide,” emphasizing the need to rebuild public trust in the police.

    Expressing confidence in the appointee, Tinubu urged Disu to lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at all levels, and prioritize the safety of lives and property. “It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” Tinubu added.

    In a statement issued by the State House Press Office and signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Tinubu described the appointment as coming at a critical moment. He tasked Disu with rebuilding public confidence in the police’s capacity to collaborate effectively with other security agencies and to advance the security pillars of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” the President said.

    The Nigeria Police Council is expected to meet next week to ratify the appointment, after which Senate confirmation will follow.