Metro

Joint Task Force Kills 23 Bandits Fleeing Kano After Attacks

Published

5 months ago

January 4, 2026

Troops of the Joint Task Force, supported by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, have killed no fewer than 23 bandits who were fleeing Kano State after launching deadly attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas.

The Nigerian Army said the bandits carried out the attacks on Thursday night, with the violence stretching into the early hours of Friday.

Ground troops were able to repel the assaults, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers before pursuing them as they fled toward neighbouring Katsina State.

According to a statement issued on Sunday in Kano, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Zubairu Babatunde, said the fleeing bandits were tracked to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, following intelligence that they had regrouped in Dan Marke, also in Matazu LGA, to bury some of their members killed during the initial encounter.

Babatunde noted that the Air Component Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma located the bandits and monitored their movement until their motorcycles converged after crossing a dry riverbed.

“A precision air strike was thereafter conducted, resulting in the neutralisation of at least 23 terrorists, while several others were believed to have sustained injuries,” he said.

He added that the operation, which was supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, also led to the destruction of several weapons and equipment belonging to the bandits.

Babatunde said the Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended both the air and ground forces for their courage and professionalism during the operation, describing their performance as exemplary.

“Their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable,” the commander was quoted as saying.

The Army spokesman noted that the security situation in Kano State remained calm, with troops maintaining robust patrols and continuous monitoring across affected areas.

He added that troop morale and fighting efficiency were “very satisfactory.”

Babatunde also appreciated members of the public for their support in the fight against banditry and terrorism, urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

According to him, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, “remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to take necessary measures to ensure national security.”

The latest operation adds to recent successes recorded against armed groups in the area. Kano Times had reported on Friday that the Joint Task Force foiled an attempted incursion by bandits into several communities in Shanono Local Government Area after a prolonged gun battle.

The clash, which reportedly began late Thursday night and lasted until the early hours of Friday, occurred in Yankwada, Babanduhu and other neighbouring villages.

Confirming the incident, Babatunde said the attack was a revenge mission following the loss of some bandits to superior military firepower during an earlier encounter last week.

Metro

Police Arrest Mother, Daughter Over Alleged N18m Romance Scam

Published

4 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NPF-NCCC, have arrested a woman and her daughter over their alleged involvement in a romance scam that reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of more than N18 million.

The police disclosed that the arrests followed investigations into allegations bordering on computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering after receiving intelligence from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU.

In a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Uwana Imah, the suspects were identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that a Lagos resident identified as Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, allegedly collaborated with Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru to open and operate multiple bank accounts used in carrying out fraudulent transactions.

“One of the victims was identified as a resident of Malta whose identity has been withheld,” the statement said.

The police further disclosed that proceeds from the alleged romance scam were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

Investigators also alleged that the funds were later moved into an Ecobank account owned by Urowhe Diana, where the money was allegedly spent.

According to the statement, forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities allegedly linked both mother and daughter to the cybercrime operation, leading to their eventual arrest.

The police added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, who was described as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

“Investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to safeguarding Nigeria’s cyberspace and tackling cybercrime across the country.

The NPF-NCCC also urged members of the public to report suspicious cyber-related activities through its official online reporting portal and designated communication channels.

Metro

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

22 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.