Metro

Nigerian Troops Rescue 17 Kidnap Victims, Including Four Chinese Nationals

Published

3 months ago

October 18, 2025

The Nigerian Army has rescued at least 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, during coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, on Saturday.

The statement said the daring rescue, was carried out on Thursday, October 17, 2025, adding that the operation involved personnel from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military offensive aimed at flushing out bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.

According to the army, the victims, who included 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were freed after troops intensified attacks on criminal hideouts in both states, stressing that some of the captives were said to have been held for more than four months before their release.

It further explained that the successful rescue was a result of the army’s renewed strategy to combat insecurity in the region.

“In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.

“The coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.

“The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States. Following the troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom had been with them for over four months,” the statement said.

Metro

Man, 49, Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 13-year-old Girl In Oyo

Published

2 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 49-year-old man, Peter Adubi, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.

According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended after the victim’s guardian reported the incident to the police on January 8, 2026, at about 8:50 p.m.

Ayanlade explained that the guardian became concerned after observing unusual sexual-related behavioural changes in the minor.

Upon gentle questioning, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused in 2022 while living with her mother in the Molade area of Ibadan.

He said, “Upon receipt of the report, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect (Adubi) allegedly committed the offence during that period. This disclosure provided the basis for immediate medical intervention to establish the facts of the case.

“Consequently, the minor was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed sexual abuse. This medical evidence strengthened the case against the suspect and guided the next steps in the investigation.

“As a result, the suspect (Adubi) was taken into custody. The crime scene was visited, and the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Desk, for a discreet and thorough investigation.”

The Police Command assured residents that justice would be diligently pursued and urged them to remain vigilant, reporting any incidents of sexual abuse promptly, as community cooperation is vital in safeguarding children and ensuring a safer society.

Metro

20-year-old Arrested For Allegedly Defiling Minor

Published

2 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Bauchi State Police command has arrested a 20-year-old man, Bilal Ya’u, for allegedly defiling a six-year-old girl in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The girl’s father was said to have reported the incident at the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters on January 6, 2026.

The father said the suspect, who is their neighbour, lured his daughter into an uncompleted building on January 5 where he assaulted her.

Police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, in a statement issued on Saturday stated that upon receipt of the report, detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Kadiri Danjuma, visited the scene while the victim was taken to the General Hospital, Alkaleri, for medical examination.

According to the him, the suspect who was later arrested confessed to committing the act during interrogation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a thorough investigation, after which the suspect will be profiled and charged to court.

According to DAILY POST, the incident is among a series of rape cases recorded in the area. Earlier, police arrested a 28-year-old man, Baffa’ji Abba, for allegedly raping his neighbour’s eight-year-old daughter in the same local government.

Metro

Panic In Benue Community Over Influx Of Armed Herdsmen

Published

2 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Fear has enveloped the Tyoshin community of Gwer-West Local Government Area in Benue State over the large influx of suspected armed herdsmen into the area.

This was disclosed in a statement by the National President, Prof Patrick Ukase and Secretary, Prof John Ajai of the Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA).

The forum called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly to address the development.

They expressed dismay over a statement by the Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, who, in a viral video, stated that all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, including those from Gwer-West, had returned to their ancestral homes.

The FoTA described the statement as “false”, noting that it does not reflect the realities on the ground.

“The commissioner’s statement appears to be a figment of his imagination rather than a reflection of lived realities in affected communities. There are several villages in Gwer-West Local Government Area that residents cannot safely access,” it insisted.

“Many people have not returned to their homes due to fear of being attacked. Others are displaced but no longer stay in official camps; they are scattered across neighbouring communities, living with relatives or in temporary arrangements.

“To suggest that there are no longer Internally Displaced Persons in Benue State, particularly in Gwer-West LGA, under these conditions, gives a false picture of reality. It risks creating the impression that all is well when, in fact, many communities remain vulnerable and exposed,” the statement said.

FoTA said it is in possession several credible reports from residents that the herders were already encroaching on farmlands, grazing on cultivated fields and destroying standing crops.

The group said such development could be a prelude to attacks on vulnerable farmers, and it called on relevant authorities to act without delay.

“We wish to draw the attention of the Benue State Government, relevant security agencies and the general public to the renewed and increasing influx of armed Fulani herders into Gwer-West Local Government Area in large numbers.

“FoTA has received repeated reports from residents and farmers that the herders are already encroaching, grazing on cultivated fields and destroying standing crops. This is a clear indication that the herders are not here solely to graze but may pose a serious threat to residents,” it stated.

The forum said the situation is causing panic and anxiety in the community and not be treated with levity by the authorities.

“Gwer-West is one of the areas that has suffered greatly from continued herdsmen attacks, displacement and loss of livelihoods. FoTA is raising this concern at this early stage, not to inflame tensions, but to prevent a situation that could further worsen the community’s condition if ignored,” the group added.