Metro

Police Raid kidnappers’ Hideout In Delta, Recover Rifles

Published

2 months ago

May 26, 2025

A suspected kidnapper is in police net in Asaba, Delta State capital just as operatives of the State Command have recovered from the syndicate hideouts assorted dangerous firearms including two AK-47 rifles, thirty-two rounds of live ammunition, one locally fabricated revolver pump action single barrel rifle, and 15 rounds of live cartridges.

This was contained in a statement signed by the police public relations officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe which was made available to journalists in Warri on Monday.

The PPRO stated that “in a decisive move that reaffirmed the zero-tolerance stance of the police against violent crime, the State Command has recorded two separate but significant operational breakthroughs, resulting in the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of dangerous firearms”.

“The operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team struck a major blow on the notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate terrorising Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States”, the statement said.

It noted that the operatives, acting on credible intelligence and building on the momentum of an earlier breakthrough, arrested one suspected kidnapper “directly linked to an earlier operation where three of the suspects’ accomplices were apprehended and dangerous weapons recovered”.

According to the statement, “on May 20, 2025 at about 1735hrs, operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team effected the arrest of one Abubakar Hassan ‘m’ 30yrs of Niger State but resident at Woji area Port Harcourt, River State.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect who heads the syndicate operating along the Ughelli-Ozoro axis led the team to a forest along the Ozoro axis where two AK-47 rifles and 32 rounds of live ammunition and four AK-47 rifle magazines were recovered.

“The trail of other gang members has been intensified for possible arrest and recovery of more arms”.

In another development, on May 20, 2025 at about 1630hrs, officers attached to the Safer Highway Patrol while on routine stop-and-search duty along Ughelli road, intercepted a vehicle.

“Upon conducting a thorough search, one locally fabricated revolver pump action single-barrel gun, and 15 rounds of live cartridges were recovered”.

The suspect, Obi Ezekiel ‘m’ age 38yrs of Kogi state, was arrested and investigation is ongoing, the police spokesman affirmed.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has stated that “these recent achievements are a testament to the professionalism, vigilance, and dedication of the command”.

The CP added that “these sorts of operations will continue relentlessly until all members of the criminal syndicates are apprehended and brought to justice”.

The police boss further assured members of the public that their safety remains a top priority, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with operatives by providing credible and timely information.

He emphasized that public support is crucial to the success of law enforcement activities.

The Commissioner of Police also issued a stern warning to criminal elements, saying that the Command is actively monitoring and tracking all threats and that “there will be no hiding place for those involved in criminal activities within the State”.
(PUNCH)

Metro

Gunmen Abduct Chief Imam In Edo, Demand N30m Ransom

Published

3 hours ago

July 13, 2025

Editor

The Chief Imam of Uromi, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, has reportedly been abducted by unknown gunmen.

Muhammad, who is also the
President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, was said to have been kidnapped at the Angle 90 Area of Uromi, in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, around 2 p.m. on Thursday

Eyewitness accounts revealed that Muhammad had stepped out to buy food for his family near his residence shortly after observing one of the daily prayers when he was forcefully taken away.

Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), while confirming the incident on Sunday to newsmen, condemned the act and called for the immediate release of the Islamic leader.

“I am hearing that they are asking for a very large amount of money, and we don’t have such.

“Even if you have it, if you pay, you are encouraging them,” he said.

The chairman urged the Edo State government to intensify efforts to protect ordinary citizens.

“They are the ones with the apparatus for security. So they should do everything possible to ensure the Imam is released unconditionally and unharmed.

“Government should also make every effort to ensure that citizens can sleep with their two eyes closed and move freely without fear of kidnapping or assassination,” he added.

A family source disclosed that the suspected kidnappers have contacted the family and are demanding a ransom of N30 million.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community in the state, considering the victim’s dual role as a revered religious leader and youth development advocate.

Contacted, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the report, saying: “It was reported to us on 10/7/2025. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and track down the culprits.”

Metro

NDLEA Intercepts Drugs In Factory-fitted Lipsticks At Lagos Airport

Published

12 hours ago

July 13, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a shipment of illicit substances concealed in factory-fitted female lipsticks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The discovery, which marks the second of such in less than a week, was announced by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday.

“Ladies beware! It does appear like female lipstick is becoming attractive as an instrument for concealment and trafficking now,” Babafemi warned.

“With yet another consignment of factory-fitted female lipsticks stuffed with illicit substances intercepted at MMIA barely a week after NDLEA officers uncovered a similar cargo at a courier company in Lagos.”

He urged Nigerians, particularly women, to be cautious when purchasing or accepting cosmetic products, especially from unfamiliar or suspicious online sources.

The NDLEA has yet to reveal the identity of the suspect(s) behind the latest smuggling attempt, but investigations are said to be ongoing.

Metro

50-year-old Bandit, Two Informants Arrested

Published

12 hours ago

July 13, 2025

Editor

The Zamfara State Police Command has announced the arrest of eight suspected criminals, including a 50-year-old bandit and two informants, as part of ongoing operations to dislodge criminal elements across the state.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Yazid Abubakar, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed these successes during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Gusau.

Abubakar stated that the arrested individuals include Ibrahim Mohammed, a 50-year-old suspected bandit from Maru Local Government Area of the state, two bandit informants, a gun runner, and five other suspects.

He credited the arrests to credible intelligence received from members of the public.

Items recovered during the operations include assorted rifles, a stolen ATM card, leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and a Toyota Corolla vehicle, among other items.

The arrests are part of the Zamfara State Police Command’s sustained efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities plaguing the state.