Metro

Troops Arrest Chinese National, Five Others In Borno Over Terrorism Links — DHQ

Published

11 months ago

June 14, 2025

Editor

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday confirmed the arrest of a Chinese national and five others in Borno State over suspected involvement in terrorism-related activities.

The arrest, which occurred during ongoing counterterrorism operations in the North-East, was made by troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces operating in Kukawa and Ngala local government areas of Borno State, as well as Geidam Local Government Area in Yobe State, between June 5 and 7, 2025.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja, where he provided updates on military operations across the country.

According to Kangye, the five Nigerian suspects were identified as logistics suppliers and collaborators for terrorist groups, while the Chinese national, who claimed to be a miner, was arrested under suspicious circumstances.

“Troops arrested five terrorist logistics suppliers, collaborators, and a Chinese national claiming to be a miner during well-coordinated operations. Items recovered include a vehicle, a motorcycle, mobile phones, a Chinese international passport, and the sum of N10,000,” Kangye said.

The senior military officer questioned the foreigner’s presence in a conflict zone under active military surveillance.

“Anyone caught in such an area must be properly scrutinised. Criminals typically deny involvement, but the real question is: what brought him to that location during an ongoing military operation?” Kangye asked.

He confirmed that the Chinese national is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation.

“A thorough investigation is underway. Once concluded, the public will be informed of his reasons for being there, the circumstances surrounding his arrest, and any possible links to terrorist groups,” he added.

‘Troops not slow to respond’

Responding to allegations that troops are often slow in responding to distress calls, especially in remote communities, Kangye described such claims as misleading and lacking context.

“People must understand that troops are not stationed in every village. Many incidents occur 10 to 15 kilometres from the nearest military base. Before a response can be initiated, a unit must be designated, a commander identified, and logistics secured. These take time,” he explained.

Drawing an analogy, he compared the military’s operational challenges to a hospital triaging multiple patients with different levels of urgency.

“You might feel neglected if you don’t understand the internal priorities, but that does not mean we are not taking action. Let’s not be quick to label our troops as slow. They are working under extremely difficult conditions and remain committed to responding to every call,” he said.

‘Military operations yield more gains’

Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to securing the nation and upholding its sovereignty through strategic and well-coordinated operations.

“Our goal remains the safety of all Nigerians and the protection of their property. By adhering to the rule of law and partnering with the public through both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, we are creating an environment where citizens can thrive without fear,” he said.

Highlighting achievements in the week under review, Kangye noted that troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled attempts to steal crude oil and destroyed illegal refining infrastructure worth an estimated N146,614,380.
(TRIBUNE)

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.