From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has uncovered another transnational human trafficking scheme, rescued a 25-year-old female victim trafficked to Mali for prostitution, and arrested a 69-year-old male suspect, one Eze Boniface.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe, said that the suspect was arrested on 21st January 2026 by operatives of the Command serving in Igbo-Eze North Police Division, following a complaint lodged by the victim’s parents.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and his cohorts, now at large, in May 2023 allegedly deceived the victim (names withheld) and her parents with the promise of securing her employment in a textile company in a foreign country, where she would earn $100 daily.

However, the victim later found herself in Mali, where she was allegedly trafficked and forced into prostitution, and the syndicate reportedly made about 500,000 CFA francs from her exploitation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to ensure the dismantling of the trafficking network, uncover other criminal activities of the syndicate, and arrest all those connected with the crime.

He further urges parents, guardians, and young people to be wary of false promises of lucrative jobs and a better life abroad, and to avoid falling victim to the criminal schemes of human traffickers.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) wish to commend the courageous and patriotic traders of Onitsha Main Market for their patriotic decision to reopen their businesses after years of succumbing to empty threats of enemies of the Nation.

This bold step represents a collective stand for peace, security, and economic progress in Anambra State and the South-East region at large.

In a statement by the acting deputy director army public relations 82 division Nigeria, Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni said that for years, criminal elements masquerading as freedom fighters have been instilling fear and undermining the livelihoods of hardworking citizens.

Their action, which was designed to instill fear, cripple commerce, destabilize communities, and erode confidence in government institutions has long been defused, but the courage of these patriotic traders has authenticated the giant strides by the security agencies. By rejecting intimidation and resuming business, they have demonstrated resilience and a firm commitment to peace and progress.

On this note, 82 Division NA assures all stakeholders that the Onitsha Main Market, and indeed all economic centers in the region, will be protected with every necessary measure. Security forces remain fully deployed, on alert while intelligence-led kinetic operations are ongoing to dismantle the remnants of IPOB and ESN from their hideouts. The safety of lives and property of the traders and all law abiding citizens in general remain our highest priority.

We urge all residents to continue their lawful activities without fear, shun intimidation and embrace courage in the face of empty threats. The NA stands ready to defend the people against those who are bent on ruining the economic prosperity of the South-East.

All criminal elements are hereby warned to lay down their arms, renounce violence, and embrace peace. Unrepentant criminals will face the full weight of the law and the decisive force of the security agencies, as no hiding place will shield them from justice.

The Division reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of all citizens, the security of life and property, and the defense of Nigeria’s sovereignty. We further call on the public to disregard false threats intended to undermine the peace support efforts of the security agencies.

The Division will continue to work closely with civil authorities, traditional institutions, and other security agencies to ensure lasting peace and security throughout the state. Members of the public are encouraged to provide credible information on any security threat for prompt action.  Together we shall defeat all acts of terrorism.

The General Officer Commanding 82 Division NA and Commander Joint Task Force South East OPERATION UDO KA, Maj Gen Oluremi Fadairo appreciates the political will of the government of Anambra state. The support of the state government has been instrumental in the ongoing efforts to end terrorism and restore normalcy in the region. The government collaboration with security agencies has strengthened confidence and provided the enabling environment for commerce to thrive.

From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Agwara, the headquarters of Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, was thrown into panic in the early hours of Sunday after rampaging bandits stormed the town, setting a police station and a branch of the United Methodist Church in Africa (UMCA) ablaze, abducting members of a family and killing an elderly woman.

The attackers, believed to be operating from the Kainji National Park axis, struck late Saturday and operated until daybreak on Sunday.

Residents said the bandits moved freely for hours before encountering resistance from local hunters and vigilantes around the Kabe community.

Eyewitnesses told DAILY ASSET that the gunmen invaded the residence of the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the local government, Mallam Ahmed Burade, and abducted his wife—a nursing mother—and their four children.

Burade reportedly escaped during a gun duel between the attackers and vigilantes.

Sources said that after the confrontation, the bandits set the local UMCA church on fire before retreating toward the Sokonbate community near Kabe at about 6:00am. In Sokonbate, they allegedly ransacked homes, carting away foodstuffs and valuables, and killed an elderly woman.

The Niger State Police Command later confirmed the attack. In a terse statement on Sunday afternoon, the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said armed bandits invaded Agwara at about 3:40am, attacked the police station and engaged officers of a tactical team on duty.

“They overpowered the team and used suspected dynamite to set the station ablaze,” Abiodun said. “The terrorists later moved to the UMC church in the community, burnt part of the church, proceeded to other areas and abducted about five persons whose identity is yet to be ascertained. Monitoring continues, further development will be communicated.”

The latest attack has revived painful memories of previous assaults on Agwara communities. On November 21, 2025, students and pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, were abducted, while in December, bandits attacked Kasuwan Daji in the same local government, killing 42 residents.

Residents called for an urgent security overhaul in the area, warning that repeated attacks have left communities vulnerable and traumatized.