Metro

Police Inspector, Two Officers Die In Kebbi Lakurawa Bandits Attack

Published

11 months ago

July 12, 2025

The Kebbi State Police Command has foiled an attempted attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits on commuters travelling along the Zogirma-Tilli road in the Bunza Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, and made available to newsmen on Saturday, the foiled attack occurred on Friday, July 11, 2025, at about 7pm, following intelligence that the armed bandits were sighted in the surrounding forest, allegedly plotting to kidnap travellers.

A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of three officers, including a Police Inspector.

The statement said, “Acting swiftly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Zogirma mobilised a response team and engaged the criminals with the support of personnel from the No. 36 Police Mobile Force Squadron in Birnin Kebbi.

“The combined team of Policemen engaged the suspected Lakurawa bandits in a fierce gun battle. Several of the bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the forest.

“Tragically, the operation claimed the lives of three gallant police officers, who were hailed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, for their bravery and ultimate sacrifice”

While mourning the fallen heroes, CP Sani assured the public of the Command’s continued resolve to protect lives and property across the state. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

“The Command will not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the people of Kebbi State,” the Commissioner emphasised.

The police authorities also prayed for the eternal repose of the souls of the officers who died in the line of duty.

In response to the incident, Governor Nasir Idris expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and subsequently postponed a planned All Progressives Congress stakeholders’ meeting in Birnin Kebbi.

The troops of the Nigerian Army’s 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, also successfully repelled an attempted invasion of Ribah town by over 400 heavily armed bandits on Wednesday.

The bandits, in a coordinated assault, tried to overrun the town but were met with stiff resistance from the soldiers.

The intense firefight led to the death of many attackers. While some of the bandits were able to evacuate their dead, several corpses were left behind alongside a significant cache of recovered weapons.

Confirming the development, the Director of Security at the Kebbi State Cabinet Office, Alhaji AbdulRahman Zagga, lauded the gallantry of the Nigerian Army. He noted that despite the numerical strength of the attackers, the professionalism and firepower of the troops turned the tide of the battle.

These incidents highlight the persistent security challenges facing parts of Kebbi State, even as authorities intensify efforts to restore peace and protect residents from criminal elements.

(PUNCH)

Metro

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

18 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.