Metro

Security Operatives Arrest 31 Vandals, Recover Stolen Items In Abuja

Published

1 year ago

February 1, 2025

A joint security task force comprising the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, the Military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 31 suspected vandals across Abuja.

The suspects were found in possession of stolen public infrastructure worth over one billion naira.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, while parading the suspects on Friday, stated that some of those arrested had stolen critical public infrastructure, causing severe disruptions in several parts of the capital.

Disu added that the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that a significant portion of the recovered cables and electrical components had been vandalised from multiple electricity stations across the FCT.

As a result, he said, residents of Dawaki, Mpape, Nyanya, Karu, and surrounding communities have suffered prolonged blackouts.

Disu said, “Upon recovery, AEDC officials were invited to identify some of the items. They confirmed that the recovered cables and electrical components had been vandalised from multiple electricity stations across the FCT.

“As a direct consequence of these acts of vandalism, several areas, including Dawaki, Mpape, Nyanya, Karu, and surrounding communities, have been plunged into total blackout. The estimated value of all the recovered items exceeds ₦1,000,000,000.”

Other recovered infrastructure items include 115 stolen manhole and drainage covers, five motorcycles, stripped parts of electric transformers, industrial scaffoldings, bundles of armoured and insulated cables, government-installed barbed wire, copper wires, 29 industrial and solar batteries, and other items.

Disu disclosed that security forces conducted targeted raids on scavengers’ colonies and illegal scrap yards, known as “Pantakers,” where stolen public assets were allegedly dismantled and sold.

“On 24 January, raids on Zuba (Abuja) and Diko (Niger State) led to the recovery of vehicle documents with unverifiable ownership, fake Mercedes-Benz chassis numbers, industrial solar batteries, solar panels, and large sacks of stolen armoured cables.

“On 26 January, further raids in Diko yielded similar stolen infrastructure materials.

“On 28 January, illegal structures along the road corridor in Dape Village were demolished to reclaim public infrastructure.

“On 29 January, a raid on Dei-Dei ‘B’ Pantaker led to the recovery of stolen government-installed barbed wire,” Disu said.

He added that 16 of the suspects had already been charged to court for criminal conspiracy and mischief by damaging public infrastructure.

The suspects are: Abubakar Adamu, Emmanuel Eze, Emeka Eziekel, Ahmad Suleiman, Dennis Chiagozie, Ismail Usman, Victor Ezeokoye, Izundu Fidelis, Alex Eddy, Jonathan Obi, Simon Samuel, Mubarak Lawal, Okafor Ekene, Usman Lawal, Shuaibu Yahaya, and James Edu.

Disu stated that the operation is part of a larger effort to curb vandalism and protect critical infrastructure in Abuja and surrounding areas.

He warned criminal elements that security forces will continue to intensify efforts to root out those sabotaging public utilities.

“This comprehensive operation represents a decisive move towards eliminating vandalism and safeguarding critical infrastructure within the FCT and neighbouring states,” he said.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

7 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days 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.