New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

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.”

March 16, 2026
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.

March 15, 2026
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.

March 15, 2026
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.

March 15, 2026
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.

March 15, 2026
EXCLUSIVE: Shock in Ikorodu as two female corpses wash ashore within a week

LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — Residents of Owode-Ibeshe community in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State have been left in shock after the body of a young woman was discovered washed out of the lagoon, barely a week after another female corpse was found in the same location.

The bodies were recovered behind the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal (ILT), an NPA-approved facility, adjacent to the popular Ajose Bus Stop after Rabaka, often referred to locally as the “Dangote Container Yard” due to the heavy presence of Dangote trucks and cargo operations in the facility.

An eyewitness, a staff member of ILT who requested anonymity, told our correspondent that both corpses were washed ashore at the same spot, just a week apart.

Residents expressed concern that the victims were not known members of the community and may have been carried downstream by strong currents from other parts of Lagos, as the lagoon stretches across the state.

The latest victim was described as a young woman in her twenties, dressed in tight-fitting clothing.

According to the eyewitness, who expressed his worry, the earlier corpse was evacuated by Lagos State authorities after the terminal contacted officials, who arrived with a boat.

Residents are now calling on the state government and security agencies to investigate the unsettling coincidence, which has sparked panic in the area, and to determine what may have happened to the two women whose bodies were washed out of the lagoon, and locate their families.

March 15, 2026
Nigerian Navy destroys illegal oil storage site in Rivers State

ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — The Nigerian Navy says its Operation Delta Sentinel has destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site in the Niger Delta, as part of intensified efforts to curb oil theft and bunkering.

In a statement issued Saturday, the Navy confirmed that personnel from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny uncovered concealed dugout pits hidden beneath dense vegetation in the Opotumbi area of Rivers State. Using maritime surveillance technology, the operation discovered four pits containing an estimated 17,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. The products were destroyed in line with operational guidelines.

The Navy described the action as evidence of renewed momentum in tackling crude oil theft and maritime crimes, highlighting continuous patrols, enhanced surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard national assets and Nigeria’s economic interests.

Illegal oil bunkering remains pervasive in the Niger Delta, costing Nigeria billions of dollars annually in lost revenue. Beyond the economic damage, the practice has severe environmental consequences, including oil spills, soot pollution, and the destruction of farmlands and waterways. Communities face chronic air and water contamination, declining fish stocks, and rising health risks, while cleanup costs run into hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite repeated crackdowns, the trade persists, driven by its profitability and limited economic alternatives in the region.

March 15, 2026
South Africa deploys 2 200 soldiers to five provinces

PRETORIA-SA (Agency Report) March 15 — President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of his decision to deploy 2 200 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

This is in line with section 201 (3) (a)(b)(c) and (d) of the Constitution.

According to the Presidency, the deployment serves to prevent and combat crime, and support and preserve law and order under Operation Prosper which is targeting illegal mining and gangsterism.

“The deployed members of the SANDF will assist the South African Police Service to prevent and combat illegal mining and gangsterism in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.

“The deployment is for the period 01 March 2026 until 31 March 2027,” said the Presidency in a statement on Friday.

Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, directs that, “Only the President, as head of the national executive, may authorise the employment of the defence force in co-operation with the police service”.

The Presidency said expenditure for this employment is estimated at R823 153 960.

During the State of the Nation Address 2026, President Ramaphosa announced the intention to deploy the South Africa National Defence to areas afflicted by illegal mining and gang violence.

President Ramaphosa has called on communities to welcome and work more closely with the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force to identify and alienate criminal elements and make neighbourhoods safer in the process. (SAnews.gov.za).

March 15, 2026
IGP Disu starts on a good note as police arrest 32 suspected bandits in Kwara

ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — The Kwara State Police Command, under IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has arrested 32 suspected bandits, showcasing discipline, clarity, and strategic purpose. Aliyu Giwa, Force New Media Officer, said the arrest followed credible intelligence, careful planning, and courageous execution by officers working under a leadership that demands professionalism and precision.

The statement noted: “Policing under IGP Disu will not be defined by reaction alone, but by anticipation—by intelligence that keeps the Force ahead of criminals, strategic deployment of resources, and decisive, lawful action. The Kwara operation reflects that philosophy in practice.”

Since assuming office, IGP Disu has maintained a firm grip on operations, reinvigorated command structures, sharpened intelligence frameworks, and reminded officers that discipline and purpose are the foundation of effective policing. Criminal elements, once emboldened, now find their space rapidly closing.

“This is the Nigeria Police Force under new direction: vigilant, coordinated, resolute. To the officers who executed this operation with courage and professionalism—your conduct honours the uniform and reflects the standard IGP Disu has set for every command nationwide.”

Banditry in Kwara State escalated in 2026, with deadly attacks and kidnappings across Kwara South and Kaiama. The worst incident came in February, when armed bandits stormed Woro village, killing at least 35 people and burning homes and shops.

Security analyst commendations have followed IGP Disu’s attention to the crisis, though calls remain for sustained action to fully stem the banditry and terrorism in the state.

March 14, 2026
Nigerian forces crush ISWAP fighters close to Cameroon border

ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — Troops of Operation Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army have thwarted an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists at Bitta, a village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State near the Cameroon border, dealing a decisive blow to the insurgents.

The victory followed a failed assault by ISWAP fighters who, in a desperate bid to regain the initiative after recent battlefield setbacks, advanced towards the troops’ position. The soldiers launched coordinated spoiling actions that disrupted the attackers’ formation while manoeuvring to block their withdrawal routes. The terrorists were met with overwhelming resistance and superior firepower, forcing them into a chaotic retreat with heavy losses.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, this marks the third major defeat inflicted on the terrorists within 24 hours, following failed attacks at Banki and Azir Bridge. These successive setbacks underscore the sustained operational pressure mounted by the troops, which has severely constrained ISWAP’s freedom of action and denied them opportunities to exploit propaganda narratives.

The statement added: “Troops remain firmly in control of all locations and continue to dominate the operational environment with high morale, superior tactical coordination, and sustained offensive action. The Military High Command commended the troops for their continuous gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.”

March 14, 2026