Metro

Police Rescue Woman After Weeks In Kidnappers’ Den In Bayelsa

Published

1 month ago

August 23, 2026

The Bayelsa State Police Command has rescued a 42-year-old woman, Esther Chinedu, who was abducted in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, after spending nearly one month in captivity.

The victim was abducted on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, after suspected kidnappers reportedly stormed her phone shop under the guise of wanting to buy an item.

The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Ajao Adewale, disclosed this on Sunday morning while briefing journalists on the successful operation, saying the woman was rescued unhurt from the kidnappers’ hideout in Ogumbri Forest, South-Dajo area.

Adewale said the command received a distress call at about 7 pm on the day of the abduction and immediately activated its intelligence network to track the perpetrators.

He said intelligence gathering, including digital and local sources, eventually provided clues on the movements of the kidnappers and their ransom negotiations with the victim’s family.

According to him, the kidnappers initially demanded N100m but later reduced the ransom to N20m.

The CP said operatives of the command’s Crime Response Squad, led by CSP Chris Mark, relocated to Ogumbri Forest five days before the final operation and began closing in on the suspects.

He said the operatives stormed the kidnappers’ camp at about 1:45 a.m., rescuing the victim and arresting one of the suspected kidnappers.

The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Mark from Akemfa 1 community, was arrested during the operation.

The CP said the suspect had confessed to his involvement in the abduction and explained how the gang allegedly carried out the operation.

According to Adewale, the suspects approached the woman’s shop under the pretext of buying food before taking advantage of the situation to abduct her.

“They surveyed the environment and saw that the woman was not sufficiently protected. They abducted her, put her in a vehicle and moved her to the riverside, where she was ferried to the camp,” he said.

The police commissioner said the rescue operation involved personnel from the Crime Response Squad, the Federal Criminal Investigation Unit and the Marine Department.

He commended the officers and men who participated in the operation, particularly those who endured difficult conditions on the river while tracking the kidnappers.

He also appreciated the Bayelsa State Government, led by Governor Douye Diri, for providing logistical support for the operation.

Adewale warned criminals operating in the state that the command would continue to hunt them down.

Husband recounts ordeal
The victim’s husband, who spoke after the rescue, recounted the difficult period he went through while negotiating with the kidnappers for his wife’s release.

He said he travelled to Abia State early on July 28 to purchase mattresses and began receiving strange calls after 8 a.m., informing him that his wife had been kidnapped.

“I have been in Bayelsa for the past 20 years. I have not had anything kidnapping in Amassoma. Why is it my wife?” he recalled asking himself when he first received the information.

The husband said he later contacted one of the callers, who confirmed that his wife had been abducted.

He said the Divisional Police Officer also contacted him and informed him that two patrol teams had been deployed to his residence along Amassoma Road.

According to him, while returning to Bayelsa, he received a call from his wife’s phone demanding N2m, with instructions to transfer N1m each into two different accounts.

He said he only had N300,000 in his account and transferred the money to one of the accounts supplied by the kidnappers.

However, after he arrived in Amassoma, the kidnappers called again and instructed him not to pay into the previous account.

He said one of the suspects then took over the phone and increased the ransom demand to N100m.

The husband said the kidnappers later reduced the demand to N20m after he pleaded with them, explaining that he did not have the money.

He said the negotiations continued for days, during which the kidnappers subsequently demanded N3m.

According to him, he eventually managed to raise another N1.5m, which he transferred to an account provided by the kidnappers.

He said the total amount paid was therefore about N1.8m, but the kidnappers continued to demand more money.

The husband said the situation also created tension between members of both families, as his wife’s mother reportedly confronted his own mother over the delay in securing her daughter’s release.

He said the kidnappers later demanded another N3.5m and promised to release his wife after the payment.

The husband said he eventually received the call that the police had rescued his wife.

“When they called me and said, ‘Come around and hand over your wife to me,’ that was when I knew the police had carried out their mission,” he said.

He described the period of his wife’s captivity as extremely difficult, saying he had to keep their children away from their home for their safety.

He said his young son repeatedly asked about his mother and that he struggled to explain her absence.

“When I went there yesterday, my last one was like, ‘Where is your mummy?’ I don’t really know what to answer the little boy,” he said.

Victim: ‘The place was very terrible’
The rescued woman also recounted how she was abducted and taken to the forest.

She said the kidnappers came to her shop pretending to buy something before bringing out guns.

“They said they wanted to buy something from my shop. Then, as I entered inside, that was when they brought out the gun and carried me,” she said.

She said the kidnappers left her daughter and another woman who was at the shop before taking her away.

According to her, she was moved through several boats before arriving at the location where she was held.

She said she did not know the exact location and described the environment as extremely difficult.

“There was like two, three days to be one month. And the place was very terrible, very, very terrible,” she said.

The woman said the kidnappers gave her food, but she often refused to eat because of her emotional state.

She said she was not sexually assaulted and was not seriously beaten during her captivity, except for one occasion when one of the kidnappers hit her while she was praying.

She also confirmed that the kidnappers initially demanded N100m before eventually reducing the ransom to N20m.

The victim expressed gratitude to the police for rescuing her.

“I thank the glory to Almighty God and to you people that rescued me,” she said.

She prayed for the officers involved in the operation, saying, “May God keep, strengthen and guide them. Also, may all that they want, may God provide it for them.”

The successful operation comes amid renewed efforts by the Bayelsa State Police Command to intensify its fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the state.

CP Adewale assured residents that the command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to make the state increasingly difficult for criminals to operate.

He urged residents to support the police with useful information and advised youths to take advantage of legitimate economic and empowerment opportunities rather than resort to crime.

Metro

Edo Police Nab 50-year-old Over Alleged Sexual Abuse, Impregnation Of Minor

Published

1 day ago

September 22, 2026

Editor

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 50-year-old Nicholas Nusa, for allegedly impregnating a minor.

The command operatives also arrested a man claiming to be a military personnel, killed a suspected kidnapper, arrested another for alleged car theft and recovered arms and ammunition in a state-wide raid.

The command Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen, said: “Within the past week, the command have arrested a total of 10 suspects for violent crimes, neutralized 1 suspected kidnapper, recovered 1 AK 47 Rifle, 10 7.62 mm live ammunitions, 1 barrette pistol with 14 live ammunition.”

The statement reads, “On 12th September 2026, the Command received information on the alleged abduction of five female children from the Ibillo/Imoga axis of Akoko Edo local government area. A 50 year-old suspect, Nicholas Nusa, was arrested following police intervention.

“Preliminary investigation revealed the children were sexually abused, he impregnated one of them who went into early labour. The victim lost the baby after surgery. The children have been reunited with their families and suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

“On 8th September 2026, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Sunday Irabor at Efe Classic Crown Hotel, near Oluku Market. Items recovered include three mobile phones, a Samsung tablet, wristwatch and some cash in Naira and Dollars, investigation by the Violent Crime Response Unit has revealed that the suspect is a notorious criminal and has confessed to several criminal activities within the State.

“On 7th September 2026, a report was received concerning the theft of a Toyota Camry with registration number BEN 572 BT. Thorough investigation and tracking by the Violent Crime Response Unit led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as the complainant’s driver, Isiaka Suleiman, in Warri, Delta State, and the recovery of the vehicle. The suspect and vehicle have been handed over to the VCRU for further investigation.”

The statement continues, “In a related incident, On 17th September 2026 at about 1400hrs, Operatives of Iguobazuwa Division on stop and search following emergency message received from the command control room recovered a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla, registration number GGE 675KR, belonging to Yikodeen Company Limited which was stolen from Lagos state.

“The vehicle was intercepted while on its way to Port Harcourt to be sold with its number plate detached and concealed inside the vehicle. The driver, 21-year-old Ahmed Musa Abubakar, has confessed to the offense and the vehicle has been released to the company.

“On 17th September 2026 at about 07:00hrs, based on credible intelligence, police operatives raided the premises of one Collins Aligwekwe ‘m’, 28 years, at No. 4 Sofia Street, Ovbiogie Community. During the search, one English Beretta pistol and 14 rounds of live 9mm ammunition were recovered concealed in a purse inside a bag of rice in the kitchen. One God’stime Erohuomhea ‘m’, 28 years, was also arrested at the premises. The suspects and recovered exhibits are in custody as investigation continues.

“Also, on 15th September 2026 at about 10:00hrs, following a distress call from community leaders that suspected kidnappers had entered a farm road, police operatives, in collaboration with Edo State Security Corps and local hunters, promptly mobilised men to the area.

“On sighting the operatives, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to a gun duel during which the operatives overpowered them and one suspected kidnapper was neutralised. One AK-47 rifle with 10 rounds of live ammunition was recovered, while the bush is being combed for possible arrests and recovery of additional arms. Monitoring and intelligence efforts remain ongoing.

“On 16th September 2026 at about 14:00hrs, personnel of 195 Battalion, Agenebode, stationed at Okpella, arrested one Mohammed Manfred Abdulramah, 32, of Okene, Kogi State, along the Auchi–Okene Expressway for suspected impersonation.

“The suspect, who was travelling from Warri, Delta State, to Okene, was found dressed in military camouflage trousers and a camouflage vest. During Police Investigation it was discovered that the suspect is not a military personnel and stole the uniform from a Navy officer based in Niger State. Preliminary investigation is ongoing.”

According to the statement, these operations underscore the Command’s sustained commitment to intelligence- led policing, rapid response and relentless pursuit of persons involved in kidnapping, violent crime, sexual offenses and other criminal activities across Edo state.

Ikoedem also said that the recovery of the stolen vehicles, the arrest of suspects and the disruption of criminal activities within the period under review demonstrate that the Command remains firmly on the trail of criminals and will continue to deploy all available resources to protect lives and property.

The statement reiterated the command’s call on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information to the Police, assuring the people of Edo State that no effort would be spared in bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

Metro

Gunmen Launch Fresh Attack In Plateau, Kill Five, Injure Others Inside Market

Published

3 days ago

September 20, 2026

Editor

Gunmen in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State struck again at a vegetable market, killing five persons and injuring many others.

According to Nigerian Tribune, the gunmen attacked the market at about 8:45 p.m. on Friday when the traders were about closing for the day, opening fire at random on the people and forcing them towards various directions.

A source who escaped the attack told Sunday Tribune that in the confusion that ensued, some traders were injured and others hit by bullets, adding that the attack lasted for about 20 minutes.

The source said: “The unfortunate incident caused a pandemonium in Mangu town as people could not come out of their hiding even when the gunmen had gone. Five persons were killed and many were injured.”

President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Deacon BulusDabit, who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen also shot at vehicles leaving the vegetable market.

Dabit said the identities of the victims were not immediately known, adding that several passers-by were injured and were being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

He said: “Around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, gunmen shot several times at a vehicle leaving the vegetable market in Mangu..

“The names of the victims are not known yet. Several passers-by were injured and are being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.”

The attack came only hours after the MDA raised concerns over continued threats to communities in Mangu, claiming that more than 750 Mwaghavul people had been killed since 2023.

In a related development, the Plateau State Police Command has recovered 10 rifles, 54 live ammunition and arrested 25 suspects in its August operations.

Addressing newsmen, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ayodeji Faniyan, said those arrested were linked to various offences, including arms possession, kidnapping, drug abuse, armed robbery, theft and sexual offences.

Faniyan said the achievements formed part of the command’s intelligence-led policing strategy, proactive crime prevention measures, rapid response to security threats and strengthened collaboration with communities and other security agencies.

Metro

Ondo Herbal Drink Death Toll Rises To 49, 170 Affected

Published

6 days ago

September 17, 2026

Editor

The death toll from the consumption of suspected toxic herbal drinks in Ondo State has risen to 49, with no fewer than 170 people reportedly affected across three local government areas of the state.

The latest development came barely days after 24 residents of Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area were reported dead after consuming the suspected herbal substance.

Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, had disclosed that eight people initially died in Araromi-Obu while 16 others lost their lives in Odigbo town.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, who confirmed the figure rose from 29 to 49 as of Wednesday, said the situation in the council area had subsided following the prompt intervention of the state and local government medical teams.

Ajaka, while speaking on the telephone, told our reporter that the health crisis had spread to Irele Local Government Area, where eight people had reportedly died.

He said, “As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been confirmed as of last night.

“So all the people that have been affected altogether now is about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died.”

Ajaka reiterated that the crisis was linked to the consumption of ethanol by the victims, adding that the state government had intensified efforts to prevent its spread to other parts of the state.

He said medical and health officials, alongside other stakeholders, had been deployed to communities whenever reports of suspected cases were received.

“We are always fast about it. Wherever and whenever we hear the report of the issue, our teams are already in Irele as I’m talking to you now,” the commissioner said.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko,” over the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to have caused the deaths.

The command also arrested 14 other persons for allegedly violating the ban imposed on the sale of herbal products in the affected areas.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, the police said investigation had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The command added that the bodies of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures.

“The Ondo State Police Command has contained the situation arising from reported cases of sudden and unnatural deaths involving youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions,” the statement said.

It added that the arrest of Babatunde followed allegations that he was involved in the production of substances suspected to contain methanol.

The police said the suspect was assisting investigators in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the deaths.