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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

Delta Police Arrest School Bus Driver over Minor’s Kidnapping, Assault

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A 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Ughagha, has been arrested by operatives of the Delta State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.

The suspect allegedly demanded and collected ₦503,000 in ransom from the student’s father before abandoning her along Oton Road, Sapele.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement in Warri on Sunday.

According to Edafe, the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

“The suspect subsequently contacted him (the father), demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid,” the statement added.

The police said the girl was abandoned along Oton Road after the ransom was paid and later reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications that she had been sexually assaulted.

Following the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command commenced an investigation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

The school principal and vice-principal were also invited for questioning as the police intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled.

Edafe said the operatives, acting on credible intelligence, traced Ughagha to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23, 2026.

The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.

The police spokesman added that arrangements were being made to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.

The commissioner assured that “investigations will be thorough and that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice”.

He also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to “exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children”, stressing that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain paramount.

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CRIME

Enugu CP Orders investigation into Man’s Death During Police Operation

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From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu 

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu (male) during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

 

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Oficer, Enugu State command, Daniel Ndukwe said that the CP has directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to establish the facts of the incident and determine whether the operation and use of firearms complied with established operational standards and extant laws.

Preliminary findings indicate that operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu, where Nworie Chidera Kelvin, a.k.a. “Akidi,” an alleged notorious drug peddler and Vikings Confraternity member, was lodged with associates. Akidi is reportedly linked to multiple cases involving unlawful firearm possession and cultism, including one in which he was charged in absentia. 

He was also suspected of keeping the gang’s firearms and other criminal tools. The operation led to the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, comprising males and females aged 17–28. Quantities of dried weeds suspected to be “loud” cannabis, a weighing scale suspected to be used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations were recovered.

During the operation, Nnaji and another suspect jumped through a window in an attempt to escape. While pursuing them, an operative was confronted by both suspects, who allegedly attempted to disarm him. In the ensuing struggle, the firearm discharged, leaving Nnaji with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped. Nnaji was rushed to hospital, where he was later confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

CP Giwa has urged the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm, assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and that any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action. He reiterated that professionalism, ethical conduct and strict adherence to operational standards, particularly those governing the use of firearms, must never be compromised in any police operation.

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CRIME

Police Officer Shoots Female Colleague to Death, Kills Self in Kogi

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja 

Kogi State Police Command has confirmed a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two police officers in Ajaokuta Local Government Area after a male officer allegedly shot his female colleague, before turning gun to shoot himself.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Aliu Afusat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP), on Sunday, said the Command was investigating the fatal shooting at ASCO Camp, Ajaokuta, on October 23, in which two serving police officers died.

According to the statement, “the incident was reported at 11:04 p.

m., and the Divisional Police Officer, Ajaokuta, led a team of police officcers to the scene.

“Preliminary findings indicate that Corporal Amos Yusuf, who was on night duty, shot Woman Corporal Grace Onimisi and thereafter shot himself. Both officers were taken to separate medical facilities, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel. Their remains have been deposited at the mortuary of ASCO Hospital.

“An AK-47 rifle and four expended cartridges were recovered at the scene as exhibits.

“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for in-depth investigation. The circumstances and motive remain subjects of investigation, and the Command will not speculate on matters yet to be established.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, extends his condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased officers over this tragic incident. The Command will provide verified updates as appropriate” the statement said.

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