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Boko Haram: Lalong Happy over Rev. Zongo Release

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has expressed excitement over the unconditional released of Rev. Polycarb Zongo of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Wild Life Park, Jos who was abducted by insurgents October last year. 

He described the release of the Clergyman and other abductees as an answere to the prayers of the Church and other people of goodwill, an indication that God does not abandon his people even at difficult moments.

 

Lalong in a press statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affiars Dr. Makut Simon Macham and made available to newsmen yesterday in Jos the Plateau state capital.

The Governor commended all those who played various roles in facilitating the release of the clergyman, as well as those who showed concern to the family and the Church stating “this is the solidarity and humanity that is needed to overcome the insecurity and intolerance in the country.

Lalong wishes Rev. Zango well as he recuperates from the emotional and physical trauma he has undergone. He also urges him to remain strong and use his ordeal to encourage and motivate the people towards trust in God and respect for humanity. 

Lalong while celebrating with the COCIN family and its President, Rev. Dr. Dachollom Datiri, and charged them to continue to pray for God’s intervention in the affairs of the nation and interceed for other people in similar circumstances as well as upholding the security agencies as they continue to battle the insurgents in the country.

Nasarawa Police Parade 42 Armed Robbers, Kidnappers, other Suspects

From Beauty John, Lafia 

The Nasarawa state Police Command, on Wednesday, paraded 42 suspects for alleged armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, cultism and rail line vandalism in the different locations in the state.

The commissioner of Police in Nasarawa state, CP Bola Longe, while parading the suspects at the Police Headquarters in Lafia, the state capital, said 12 vandals , 24 armed robbery/kidnapping suspects, two rape suspects, and six cultists have been arrested by his men.

According to him, Six fire arms, eight live ammunition, one vehicle, and one handset were recovered from the suspects.

“On 26 /05/2021 at about 11:30am, information was received by Police personnel attached to Area Command, Keffi from a public spirited individual that, a commercial motorcyclist was attacked by suspected armed robbers along Pyanko road, Keffi.

Longe said that Police operatives who were on vehicular patrol close to the area raced to the scene, after a hot chase, arrested one Nwafor “M”23year old resident of Keffi LGA of the state.

Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed that, himself and other members of his gang from FCT Abuja came to Keffi and lodge at Kumbo Hotel along Keffi-Nasarawa road on a mission to rob designated houses at Federal Medical Centre quarters, Keffi before the arrest.

“Furthermore, the Police operatives moved to Kumbo Hotel in search of other members of the gang and one Afam Okoh ‘M’ 26yrs of Kabusa Area 1, FCT Abuja who on sighting the Police, scaled through the fence of the hotel in a bid to escape arrest but was shot on his left leg and arrested and taken to hospital for treatment.

“One Italian made pistol with breach number ITANFOGLIO/GUISPE was recovered from him as exhibit,” the CP added.

According to the CP, an Expanded investigation into the case, led to the arrest of other members of the syndicate and their arms supplier namely: Valentine ‘M’ 27yrs , Ikechukwu ‘M’ 28yrs and Justice ‘M’ and 50 year old Mukailu whom was the arms supplier to the syndicate and receiver of stolen vehicles from the criminal gang.

One Lexus ES300, Black in colour with registration number PHC 220 MS RIVERS snatched at gun point by the group in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State and one English Baretta pistol were also recovered from the suspects as exhibits.

CP Longe also disclosed that 12 persons have been arrested by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit for allegedly vandalizing railway sleepers in Gudi, Akanga LGA and Mararaba area of Karu LGA.

Three welding Machines and one Filling Machine were recovered from the suspects.

Longe thanked members of the public for cooperating with the police to ensure criminals are taken off the streets by providing useful information that leads to their arrests, as he called for sustenance.

He charged the people to be more vigilant especially people living along railway routes and its environs and to report any untoward activities to the Police.

“The responsibility of protecting and safeguarding public assets rest on all of us and people should not hesitate to inform the Police or other security agencies of suspicious moves or activities in their areas,” he said.

CRIME

Enugu Police Arrest 25-Year-old Man over Alleged Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

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From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the New Haven Division and the Distress Response Squad (DRS), on 6th December 2025 at about 6 a.m., swiftly responded to a distress call and arrested one Orlu Chukwuemeka (male, 25).

Investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplice, who is currently at large, disguised as commercial operators of an unregistered white mini bus and abducted their female passenger in a one-chance-styled operation at Fourth Dimension, along Chime Avenue, Enugu.

During the incident, the suspects stabbed the victim, pushed her out of the moving vehicle along the same Chime Avenue, and escaped, after robbing her of an Android phone and ATM card.

Police operatives immediately trailed and intercepted them within Independence Layout, Enugu, leading to the arrest of Orlu, while the other suspect fled.

Ina press statement sent by the Police public relations officer Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe stated that the victim was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention, where she regained stability and was able to positively identify the arrested suspect as part of the criminal gang.

The suspect has since been arraigned in court and remanded in custody, while intensive efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and ensure every person involved is brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, appreciates the timely support from public-spirited citizens that aided the swift arrest. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering resolve to combating violent crimes across Enugu State this festive season and beyond, urging residents to continue providing credible and timely security information.

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CRIME

We Say No to killings of Christians in Nigeria – Group

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By David Torough, Abuja

The Future Platform, a Nigeria-based organization headquartered in the United States, has expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks and killings of Christians in various parts of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its President, Mr.

Austine Dafe, the group condemned the ongoing violence and called on the Nigerian government to take decisive steps to ensure the safety of all citizens.

The organization cited recent incidents in Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Jigawa, Anambra, and Kaduna States, where Christian communities have come under repeated attacks, leading to loss of lives, destruction of properties, and displacement of families.

It described the situation as deeply troubling and urged authorities to act swiftly to bring perpetrators to justice.

“The government must address the root causes of these violent attacks and prioritize the protection of human life,” the statement said. “Every Nigerian, irrespective of religion, deserves to live in peace and worship freely without fear.”

The group further noted that the persistent killings have drawn international attention, with calls from the United States and Canada for urgent intervention to halt the violence.

The Future Platform appealed to Federal and State Governments, as well as religious and community leaders, to speak out against hate and intolerance while working together to promote peace, unity, and justice.

“This is a time for leadership and moral courage,” Mr. Dafe stated. “The killings must stop, and the lives of innocent Nigerians must be protected.”

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CRIME

Police Arrest Seven Suspects Linked to Murder of IBBUL Student

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From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Following the killing of a 300 level Student of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), Abdulwahab Jafar that led to a massive protest, the State Police Command has arrested seven persons linked to the crime.

The Niger State Police Command in a Statement on Tuesday by the police public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun said a total of 19 persons  were initially arrested,  but after screening 7 were detained.

He said the breakthrough is coming almost four months after the 23yrs old was killed from wounds he sustained while been stabbed at his lodge.

“It could be recalled that on June 23, 2025 at about 3am, there was a report of an unfortunate attack on a student of the IBBUL identified as Abdulwahab Jafar 23yrs of Paiko at his lodge in the school, among other attacks leading to loss of life of the said student”

He recalled that, the incident led to other crises in Lapai community and Police tactical teams were deployed to the town through which normalcy was restored.

“However, in a follow up investigative effort of the Command, jointly carried out by TST and FID STS, a total of 19 persons were arrested in Lapai and other locations in the State based on intelligence and other information at the disposal of the Police Command

“The investigation activities were narrowed down to seven suspects for criminal conspiracy, robbery, unlawful society, internet fraud, having in possession of dangerous weapons and suspected culpable homicide “

The Command  named the seven suspects  as ; Idris Hamza 27yrs of Maikunkele, Suleiman Damilare 27yrs of Maikunkele, Abdulsemiu Bashir 23yrs of Lapai,Bawa Aliyu 27yrs of Suleja and Yakubu Musa – Pypa 24yrs of Maikunkele .

Others are Samson Abbah, Small 28yrs Rafin /Yanshi, Solomon Musa – Cabella 28yrs of Maitumbi.

Acvording to SP Wasiu Abiodun, based on credible intelligence, Idris Hamza and Suleiman Damilare were arrested on June 27 at Fadikpe with cannabis, charms, and local black soaps with a Toyota Corolla vehicle at one Abdullahi Ahmed a.k.a catch-up residence.

The suspects confessed to members of Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM) and further confessed to having carried out a series of cultist activities in IBBUL such as initiation of members’ e.g Jolijoli and other members.

“Their confessions led to the arrest of Abdulsemiu Basir, who is reasonably suspected to be a rival member of the group known as VIKINGS.”

He explained that, upon his arrest in Lapai at a motor park on June 29, a spot search was carried out on him, he was found in possession of 16 SIM cards, POS machine and sum of seventy-seven thousand naira.

“He claimed that he bought the SIM cards from one Audu, another member of VIKINGS presently at large, and the SIM cards were confirmed to be from stolen/robbed phones of victims”.

Bawa Aliyu, before his arrest, was said  to have admitted  that he was a butcher with axe in NBM Lapai while Yakubu Musa a.k.a PYPA (protect your peace) was arrested on August 14, also a member of NBM, they confirmed to have carried out several attacks and robberies in students lodges to finance their dues, with internet fraud.

Samson Abbah a.k.a Small of Rafin-Yanshi was a student of Federal Polytechnic Bida, graduated in 2017, but joined NBM in 2015, he was also mentioned as the group Admin officer of their WhatsApp platform for Minna zone.

The platform was named as “Men that matters” before he changed it to “Football News”, where they discussed their nefarious activities. Solomon Musa known as Cabella, a close friend of Bawa and Yakubu, the three of them with others attempted to attack another student in the school in August, but met his absence and destroyed the student’s apartment over an alleged rude attitude of the student to them as they claimed.

The Command said investigation is still ongoing and effort to identify either VIKINGS or NBM members responsible for the attack of the deceased is intensified, as it was established that the attack was cultists related.

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