Metro

Police Raid kidnappers’ Hideout In Delta, Recover Rifles

Published

11 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 Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.

Metro

Grandfathers Arrested For Drug Trafficking

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

Two grandfathers, aged 83 and 78, are among several suspects apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a fresh nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking.

Pa John Ofiel, 83, was arrested on Tuesday, 28 April during a raid in the Aba region of Abia State.

The NDLEA said that operatives acting on credible intelligence recovered 700 grams of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis already packaged into retail sachets.

The octogenarian, who claimed to be a professional shoemaker allegedly confessed to delving into the illicit trade.

In Ekiti State on Thursday 30 April 78 year old Ogunjobi Samuel was detained at his residence in Ilupeju-Ekiti where officers seized 350 grams of cannabis from him, identifying him as a local peddler.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, (CCEO), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), commended the various state commands for their drug supply reduction efforts.

He urged officers to maintain the current momentum, balancing enforcement with the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities.
The enforcement drive also led to the arrest of a notorious drug dealer in Oyo State Taofik Adeyemi, 49.

He was apprehended on Saturday, 2 May, at his residence in Ibadan after months of evading the authorities.

He was caught alongside his salesman, Mustapha Oyerinde, with 3.085kg of cannabis and a getaway vehicle.

Across other states, the NDLEA recorded significant seizures including over 140,000 pills and capsules of Tramadol intercepted in separate operations targeting transit routes from Damaturu to Hadejia.

A raid on Awolowo Market in Mushin area of Lagos state resulted in the recovery of 740kg of cannabis while in Kaduna, two suspects were caught on the Abuja-Jos highway with 290kg of compressed cannabis concealed in a Honda Ridgeline.

A 65-year-old driver was intercepted at the Ile-Ife toll gate in Osun state conveying skunk and methamphetamine, leading to a follow up arrest of the consignment’s owner in Ilesha.

In line with it’s mandate, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, holding enlightenment lectures for students, Islamic schools, and commercial motorcyclists in Niger, Kano, Anambra, and Lagos states.

The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, noted that the agency remains committed to “cleansing the streets” of both notorious distributors and those who use age as a shield for criminal activity.