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Troops Frees Nine Kidnap Victims In Delta, Arrests 10 Suspects

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The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe, says its troops on Monday rescued nine kidnap victims abducted by armed gunmen on March 29 along the Ugheli-Patani axis of the East-West road.

Rear Admiral John Okeke, commander of the joint military force deployed to Niger Delta, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday night.

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Okeke said that 10 suspected kidnappers were arrested in the rescue of the victims, who included an NYSC member and a Navy rating.

READ ALSO: Suspected Gunmen Abduct Students In Delta, Demands N10m

“In continuation to ensure safety of lives and property in the Niger Delta Region, the gallant troops of the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), comprising troops of Quick Response Force (QRF) of Headquarters OPDS, Land, Maritime, and Air Components, rescued nine kidnapping victims on Monday, April 1, 2024.

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“The freed victims were kidnapped on March 29, 2024, along Patani-Ughelli Road in Delta State.

“During the rescue operation, 10 suspects in connection with the kidnap incident were arrested. Among the rescued victims is a Naval Rating and an NYSC member,” Okeke said.

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The JTF Commander subsequently warned criminal elements within the Niger Delta region to desist from their nefarious activities as there will be no safe haven for them in the region as troops will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring a conducive environment for the safety of lives and properties.

Okeke also commended the troops for their gallantry and efforts in the rescue operation.

He urged the general public to always provide useful information to security agencies on criminal activities within their communities. (NAN)

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2-year-old Boy ‘Drowns’ In Lokoja River

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A two-year-old boy, Godwin Kumfa, is suspected to have drowned in Meme River in the Phase 11 area of Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

The incident reportedly happened at about 7:30 a.m. on Monday.

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His father, Mr Mamtip Kumfa, who revealed this said that he received a distress call from a neighbour around 7:30 a.m. that the boy was missing.

Kumfa, a security guard at a private school, said he returned home to find his wife searching frantically at the riverside.

READ ALSO: Three Drown In Rivers Boat Accident

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He explained that his wife had left Godwin sitting by the river while she went to collect sand, only to find the boy gone on her return.

“Godwin was left alone by the river while she gathered sand,” Kumfa said, his voice filled with grief.

“Later, we found one of his shoes near Arigbede, about 10km downstream. I’m lost. Godwin is my only son,” he added.

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A family friend, Mr Seun Babalola, said they trailed the river path, but could only find the boy’s shoe downstream.

READ ALSO: Praying Man Drowns At Lagos Beach

He revealed that a similar tragedy had happened at the same river two years ago, involving another young boy.

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Two years ago, a seven-year-old named Goodluck Friday also drowned here. It’s painful.

“We don’t know if it’s natural or something else. Only God knows,” he said.

The boy’s mother, Mrs Lovina Kumfa, cried uncontrollably, pleading for help and divine intervention.

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“I left him just for a while. When I came back, he was gone. Please God, help me find my child,” she sobbed.

The community remains in shock, as family, friends, and neighbours rally around the grieving parents.

At the time of filing this report, efforts to recover the child were still ongoing by local search parties.

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JUST IN: Gunmen Kill Policeman, Abduct Other In Imo

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Gunmen launched a deadly attack on a police patrol team in Imo State on Sunday, resulting in the death of a police constable and the reported abduction of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday and has launched a manhunt to apprehend those responsible.

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The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. near Finas Gas Station, along the Okigwe-Umuahia Road, specifically in the Old Gariki area of Okigwe, which sources described as a “dangerous zone.”

During the ambush, Police Constable Oluebube was fatally shot, and his service rifle was stolen by the attackers.

READ ALSO: Woman Killed, Five Others Injured In Imo Market Explosion

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ASP Casmir, who was leading the patrol team, has been missing since the attack, leading to fears that he may have been abducted and possibly killed. Other members of his team managed to return to base with their rifles and are currently receiving medical attention.

Police spokesman Henry Okoye stated that preliminary findings suggest the attackers are affiliated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

An intense operation is ongoing to apprehend the miscreants responsible for the attack,” Okoye said. He added, “We are aware that some may question why IPOB is being mentioned, but we cannot ignore confessional statements by suspects who openly associate their actions with the group. As a law enforcement agency, it is our duty to report facts as uncovered during investigations.”

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Police Declare Two Wanted Over Attack On Ahoada-East LGA Administrator, Theft

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The Rivers State Police Command has declared two top officials of the Ahoada-East Local Government Area wanted over their alleged involvement in the brutal attack on the LGA’s Sole Administrator, Hon. Goodluck Iheanachor.

Declared wanted are Mr. Hector Ekakita, Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Ahoada-East LGA, and Mr. Aloni Olodi, Chief of Staff (COS) of the LGA.

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In a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police said the duo is wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy, stealing, assault occasioning harm, and attempted murder. The offenses stem from a violent incident that occurred on June 20, 2025, at the Ahoada-East Council Secretariat.

READ ALSO:Rivers LG Administrator Appointed By Ibas Resigns

According to the statement, Ekakita and Olodi, alongside a group of about 30 others, allegedly conspired to assault the Sole Administrator, inflicted injuries on him, forcibly obtained his signature under duress, stole his mobile phones and sensitive documents, and carted away both personal and official property from his office.

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The police revealed that despite repeated invitations, the suspects have failed to appear for questioning, prompting the declaration.

The Rivers State Police Command has declared the following individuals wanted… Mr. Hector Ekakita – Chief Security Officer (CSO), Ahoada-East LGA, and Mr. Aloni Olodi – Chief of Staff (COS), Ahoada-East LGA,” the statement read.

READ ALSO:Uproar As Senate Okays Non-indigene As Rivers Electoral Commission Chairman

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Their actions resulted in bodily harm to the administrator, who continues to receive medical treatment.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, has urged the suspects to report to the Police State Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, without further delay.

He also warned that anyone found aiding or shielding the suspects would face the full weight of the law.

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The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to justice and maintaining public peace and safety,” the statement concluded.
(VANGUARD)

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