Metro

Military Arrests Two Security Agents, Others Helping Terrorists

Published

1 year ago

May 2, 2025

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of four collaborators aiding terrorist operations in the North-East, including two personnel from the hybrid forces who had been working alongside troops to combat insurgency.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday.

He said in operations from April 26 to 29 across Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali Local Government Areas, troops intercepted four terrorist logistics suppliers, two of whom were identified as hybrid force members.

He expressed concern over the betrayal and warned commanders to sensitise their personnel against acts that could sabotage ongoing military efforts.

“In a well-coordinated operation conducted from 26 – 29 April 2025 in Bama, Kukawa and Madagali Local of Borno and Adamawa States, troops intercepted 4 terrorists’ logistics suppliers. Sadly, 2 of them were confirmed to be members of hybrid forces. Commanders are to, therefore, sensitise hybrid forces personnel to desist from colluding with or encouraging terrorists’ acts capable of sabotaging their own operations, “Kangye said.

In another operation, Kangye said troops in conjunction with hybrid forces carried out offensive operations—including fighting patrols, raids, and clearance missions—in Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, Chibok, Gujba, Geidam, and Yunusari local government areas.

He added that several terrorists were neutralised during the operations, six kidnapped victims were rescued, and caches of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and bicycles were recovered.

In the South-South, Kangye said troops also achieved significant success in curbing oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.

He said they recovered over 86,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and over 2,600 litres of petrol.

In addition, troops destroyed dozens of illegal refining sites and seized boats, storage tanks, tricycles, mobile phones, and seven vehicles.

“Troops recovered 86,490 litres of stolen crude oil, 72,821 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,650 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 72 crude oil cooking ovens, 41 dugout pits, 13 boats, 2 speedboats, 29 storage tanks, 47 drums and 22 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 7 vehicles. Furthermore, 18 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered, ” he said.

Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding national security and urged citizens to remain vigilant and share credible information with security agencies.

He stressed that while some operational details must remain discreet for security reasons, the military remains focused on defeating terrorism, banditry, and other criminal threats to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

He said, “The Armed Forces will continue to be guided by clear objectives: to safeguard national security, support our allies, and maintain regional stability. We recognise the importance of transparency and accountability, and we remain committed to keeping the public informed through accurate and timely updates.

“While operational security requires discretion on certain details, we remain focused in our determination to defeat terrorism, banditry and other criminalities in the country in order to ensure the safety of all Nigerians. Against this backdrop, the Armed Forces is calling on all law-abiding citizens to continue sharing credible information with our troops in order to enhance our operations.”
(PUNCH)

Metro

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

16 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.

Metro

Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja, where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, who said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) after investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi, who allegedly gained employment as a chef at the residence, was said to have studied the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

Investigators said he reportedly worked with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.

Police alleged that food prepared in the house was laced with a suspected sedative substance to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

After they reportedly became unconscious, the suspects allegedly broke into the property, damaged CCTV installations and stole 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about N150 million, alongside other valuables.

Speaking on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while attempting to flee to Lagos. He added that an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.