Metro

Rivers Police Raid Suspected Kidnappers Camp, Arrest 10

Published

2 years ago

January 6, 2024

Picture of the suspected kidnappers camps destroyed by Rivers police on Saturday

The Rivers State Police Command said its men arrested 10 suspected kidnappers during a raid of a criminal hideout in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

The command said the feat was achieved after the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, led operatives to comb bushes and destroy suspected kidnappers’ camp behind the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Igwurita, on the outskirt of Port Harcourt, believed to be a hideout for miscreants.

The CP was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Adepoju Olugbenga; some area commanders, heads of tactical units, Divisional Police Officers and officers of the command.

Speaking with newsmen after the operation, Olugbenga said the command was worried about recent activities of suspected kidnappers terrorising the Obiri-Ikwerre-Airport Road axis, near the state capital.

He also disclosed that more than 12 make-shift tents in camps abandoned by the suspected kidnappers were destroyed.

Olugbenga said, “It is a routine exercise. We normally go on a show of strength once or twice weekly and we mostly patrol vulnerable points where we feel we are having issues with hoodlums trying to disturb the peace of the state.

“You would have observed that within these few days, there have been issues of hoodlums trying to waylay people going to the airport.

“We have deployed a lot of operatives in that axis and as part of our routine as directed by the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the state is free of crime and criminality we have to move in there. He (the Commissioner of Police) led the team to the place and distributed everyone to all angles of the bush.

“You know behind the stadium there are lots of abandoned buildings, buildings that were being developed and abandoned, tarred roads.

“And it is a very good place for criminals to hide. We got information that some of them hibernate in that place. From intelligence gathering, they normally come and do what they like and go back.”

Continuing, he said, “So we combed the area with the Commissioner of Police early hours of this morning and we have arrested some people who are hibernating in that area, about 10 of them.

“We equally have some camps where they have shanties with people resting. Many of them have left the place.

“We will continue to storm the area and other places as part of our routine to ensure that the good people of Rivers State sleep with their two eyes closed and to ensure that we don’t have any incident within the Airport axis.

“That place (Airport) is very important to us because of dignitaries and other citizens of the state, including foreigners, and we cannot afford anything untoward to happen there.

“So we have a special concentration in that area and other few places within the town. So that is the reason for this operation and it will continue.”

The DCP in charge of Operations called on law-abiding members of the public to assist the police with useful information that can lead to the identification and dislodging of criminal hideouts and the arrest of suspects.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

53 minutes ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

19 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

21 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.