From Francis Sadhere, Delta

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in the state, with the arrest of five suspected kidnappers and recovery of N5 million ransom from the criminal gang.

In a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, stated that the arrests were made during a series of coordinated operations carried out by the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad and the CP’s Special Assignment Team.

According to the statement, on July 12, 2025, at about 6:30 am, operatives led by Godwin Osadolor tracked and apprehended one Sanusi Abdulahi at a hideout in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Oshimili North Local Government Area.

Preliminary investigations linked the gang to multiple kidnapping incidents in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Obulu-Okiti, Isele-Uku, and Isele-Asagba. The gang was also fingered in the abduction of a young woman in Ogwashi-Ukwu on July 9, 2025. Based on intelligence provided by Abdulahi, police raided hideouts in Second Deputy and Oko, both in Asaba, leading to the arrest of four other members of the gang.

Meanwhile, in a separate sting operation on July 9, 2025, along the Patani-Ughelli Expressway near the Unenurhie axis, operatives of the CP’s Special Assignment Team stormed the hideout of a notorious gang led by one Solomon Danisco, alias “Picolo.”

Other gang members include Nelson Jacob, Oruma Saturday, Olise Jude, Precious Urhobowin, and Whisky Rufus, also known as “Asawana,” a native of Ewu community.

The suspects reportedly engaged the police in a fierce gun duel. Six of them sustained severe gunshot wounds and were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are receiving treatment under police custody.

Items recovered from the scene include four locally-made guns and 19 rounds of live cartridges.

Edafe reaffirmed the Command’s commitment under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda to rid Delta State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.

He also called on the public to continue supporting the police by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of criminals.

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From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

In a bold and coordinated crackdown on organised human trafficking, the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled two major syndicates operating within the country, rescuing multiple victims, including children, pregnant women and foreign nationals, while arresting a total of 11 suspects across two states.

Recently, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Zone-13 Police Command executed a precision-led sting operation, targeting a deeply rooted child trafficking and baby factory network.

These individuals, during interrogation, confessed to active involvement in child theft, abduction, illegal adoption schemes, and the operation of unlicensed medical facilities functioning as baby factories. Their criminal activities were strategically spread across Enugu and Anambra States, targeting vulnerable women and children for exploitation and sale.

The victims rescued during the operation include a seven-month-old infant, a four-year-old child, and two heavily pregnant women, all held under captivity in a remote village. Both pregnant women, identified as indigenes of Ebonyi State, were reportedly lured and held for the purpose of forced births and subsequent sale of their newborns. The rescue was swift and executed without harm to the victims, who are now in safe custody and receiving necessary care.

Meanwhile, in a statement sent by the force public relations officer, force headquarters Abuja, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said that efforts have intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate who managed to escape during the sting.

In a similar development, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have successfully rescued a Ghanaian national, David Angerinya, who was trafficked into Nigeria under false pretenses. This operation was launched following a formal petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja, calling for immediate police intervention in a suspected case of transnational human trafficking.

Acting swiftly, the operatives initiated a targeted investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects: Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix. Investigations revealed that these suspects are part of a wider international trafficking syndicate that specialises in deceiving individuals, particularly from neighbouring West African countries, with fake promises of employment and travel visas to countries like Canada.

During the operation, an additional thirty-nine Ghanaian nationals were discovered to have fallen victim to the same group. Many of them lacked valid travel documentation, while those in possession of passports presented expired papers, further underscoring the depth of exploitation. The victims were found in distressing conditions and are currently undergoing medical treatment.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commends the gallantry of all operatives involved in these successful operations, which further underscores the firm stance of the Nigeria Police Force against all forms of human trafficking, child exploitation, and transnational crimes.

Members of the public are encouraged to maintain vigilance and support ongoing efforts by reporting any suspicious individuals or movements to the nearest police station or command. The Force remains resolute in its duty to protect the vulnerable and bring perpetrators to justice, reinforcing the message that such crimes will not be tolerated under any guise.

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Gunmen suspected to be involved in illegal crude oil bunkering, on Sunday night, reportedly ambushed and killed the Community Development Committee (CDC) chairman of Igbomotoru 1 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

According to community sources, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, the CDC chairman, Goodnews Manash, was ambushed behind the community’s school compound about 10:30 pm, Sunday night, while on his way to his brother’s house.

Igbomotoru, rich in crude oil deposits and famous for ruthless militants and crude oil thieves, have had series of intra-communal clashes which has forced many indigenes to seek exile.

A community leader who pleaded anonymity, said that the assailants gained access into the town through a forest at the back of the community “because we have military check-points along our waterway, making it impossible for them to come in speedboats.

“There was no hint that the gunmen involved in illegal activities unchallenged, especially crude oil bunkering, would strike.

“They had been driven out of the community by the Nigerian army. And angered by that, they have succeeded in killing the CDC chairman who is working hard to restore peace in our community.”

Confirming the incident, the paramount ruler of the community, HRH. Ayibaikie Aseimighen Ofongo, said “within 12 midnight and 2am Sunday, somebody from the community called to inform me that gunmen have abducted the CDC chairman of our community.

“It was not until morning that I got concrete information that the CDC chairman was actually assassinated in the community. I can confirm that he is dead, but we intend to have meetings at the community level before we issue an office statement to the public”

Also, the Press Secretary to the chairman, Southern Ijaw LGA, Dr. Ayibaetare Easterday, said that he got wind of the news Sunday morning, and condemned the incident, stressing that such a case puts the community and LGA in bad reputation before the international community.

He said “the story is true but he was not killed in his house. He was killed close to another person’s compound, whom he was going to visit. It is an unfortunate incident and we pray that this kind of thing does not happen again.