Metro
Traore: Edo CSO Community Protests Continued Detention Of Activists

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin
Civil Society Community in Edo State, on Monday in Benin protested the continued detention of two human rights activists, Kola Edokpayi and Hadson Oracle.
The CSO groups who protested under the coalition, Civil Society Community in Edo State, caused gridlock at the city centre; Oba Ovonramwen Square and adjoining roads in the city
Edokpayi and Oracle
were reportedly arrested by men of the Department of State Services (DSS) over an alleged plan to organise a pro-Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso’s protest.
Ibrahim Traore is the military president of Burkina Faso.
The planned protest was, however, called off after their meeting with the Commissioner of Police.
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Despite the cancellation of the planned protest and meeting with the CP, the duo were still picked up by the DSS on April 30th.
The CSO groups said they met with the leadership of the DSS who promised to release them on Friday but failed to meet up with their (DSS) earlier promise.
The civil society community lamented that to worsen the situation, the rights activists have been denied access to their lawyers, family members and associates, adding that this denial has fuelled speculation that they may have been moved to Abuja.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson and Legal Adviser of the group, Rev. David Ugolor and Abraham Oviawe, the CSO groups expressed disappointment that the DSS did not meet its promise of releasing their comrades.
“This has given rise to growing concerns within our community, especially as it appears that the continued detention may exceed the period permissible under the law.
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“We also wish to revisit the understanding reached at the meeting regarding the reasons for the arrest, which we had understood to have been amicably addressed by the Edo State Commissioner of Police.
“We remain concerned about the implications of this development on the longstanding and collaborative relationship between the Civil Society community in Edo State and your esteemed office- a relationship that has been built over the years on mutual respect and open dialogue.
“In light of this,we respectfully request an update on the current status of Mr.Edokpayi and Mr.Oracle,including confirmation of any transfer,as is being speculated in some quarters. We would also appreciate clarity on any plans concerning their possible release.
“Additionally,we humbly urge your office to facilitate access to legal representation and family visits for the detained individuals,in accordance with their constitutional rights and our shared commitment to justice and fairness.
“Please be assured that our preference for diplomacy and engagements rooted in our desire to maintain peace and partnership.”
Metro
Police Recover 75 Stolen Phones, Five Laptops In Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has recovered 75 mobile gadgets and five laptops abandoned by fleeing suspects during a routine patrol conducted by the Rapid Response Squad in Ikeja.
The operation, according to the command, was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and combat property crimes across the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the recovery followed the interception of two suspects who abandoned two large “Ghana Must Go” bags upon sighting police operatives near Allen Roundabout, Ikeja.
“On Sunday, 5th October, 2025, at about 5:30 a.m., operatives inspected the bags and discovered 32 iPhones of different models, 38 other smartphones of various brands such as Samsung, Redmi, Tecno, and Honour, as well as five laptops, several smart wristwatches, AirPods, a Samsung Tab, and a Sorapad.”
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Speaking on the recovery, the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad, CSP Shola Jejeloye, said, “Preliminary investigation indicates that the items were stolen property hurriedly abandoned by the suspects.”
“Members of the public who may have lost similar devices are advised to visit the RRS Headquarters, Alausa, with verifiable proof of ownership for proper identification and reclaim,” the statement read.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, commended the RRS operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention.
He assured residents that the command would continue to enhance patrol visibility and maintain public safety across all parts of Lagos.
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The command had earlier arrested four members of a notorious car-snatching and armed robbery syndicate said to be responsible for several violent attacks on vehicle owners within and outside the state.
In a statement on Friday, Adebisi said the suspects were arrested by officers of the Command’s Tactical Squads following intelligence-led operations between October 15 and 17.
Adebisi said, “The notorious and vicious armed robbery and car-snatching gang was responsible for a series of violent attacks on vehicle owners.”
Metro
NSCDC Mining Marshals Smash Illegal Mineral Storage Network In Rivers

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals, South-South Zone, have dismantled an illegal mineral storage network uncovered within the Onne axis of Rivers State.
CSC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the command disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
According to the statement, the efforts was in a bold step to protect the nation’s resources and ensure the safety of local communities.
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It said the operation, led by DSC Emmanuel Abiahu, followed credible intelligence and was carried out in collaboration with officials of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, just as the team discovered warehouses stockpiling mined minerals without valid permits, licenses or evidence of royalty payment to the Federal Government.
It said the illegal activities does not only undermine the economy but also poses environmental and safety risks to residents.
DSC Abiahu noted that the action was in direct response to the directive of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, who has consistently emphasized the need to protect Nigeria’s solid mineral wealth and create a fair, regulated space for legitimate miners, investors, and communities that depend on the sector for livelihood.
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He warned that all operators within the region must comply with the law or face decisive enforcement action, adding that the Corps remains committed to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the environment through sustained surveillance and collaboration with stakeholders.
The NSCDC called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that will help curb illegal mining and ensure that the benefits of Nigeria’s natural resources serve the people and the nation at large.
Metro
Nigerian Troops Rescue 17 Kidnap Victims, Including Four Chinese Nationals

The Nigerian Army has rescued at least 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, during coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
This was contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, on Saturday.
The statement said the daring rescue, was carried out on Thursday, October 17, 2025, adding that the operation involved personnel from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military offensive aimed at flushing out bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.
READ ALSO:FG, Nigerian Army Intensify Forces To Combat Proliferation Of small Arms, Light Weapons
According to the army, the victims, who included 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were freed after troops intensified attacks on criminal hideouts in both states, stressing that some of the captives were said to have been held for more than four months before their release.
It further explained that the successful rescue was a result of the army’s renewed strategy to combat insecurity in the region.
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“In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.
“The coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.
“The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States. Following the troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom had been with them for over four months,” the statement said.
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