DEFENCE
COAS Lauds Troops for Quelling Insurrection, Arson in S/East

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has lauded troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army for quelling insurrection and arson within the South-East.
Yahaya said this in an address at a combined special church service held in commemoration of the 2021 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) at St.
Martin’s Military Catholic Church, Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.The service was to celebrate the 158 anniversary (1863 – 2021) of the Nigerian Army and its service to the nation and humanity.
Yahaya, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding of 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, saluted the courage, patriotism, loyalty and commitment of Nigerian Army troops in defense of the nation.
According to the COAS, I must congratulate the troops for the exploits and achievements so far in the country especially in quelling insurrection, arson and other forms of criminality in the South-East.
He noted that the Nigerian Army troops had continued to pay sacrifices and at times ultimate sacrifice of lying down their lives for the peace, security and oneness of the country.
Yahaya also condoled with families and friends of fallen heroes particularly the immediate families they left behind.
”We must do all to take care of them and show them a sense of belonging.
“We must learn to spear little bread, money and kind words for the families of our fallen heroes.
“The government is trying but most times it is not enough. We must support them,’’ he said.
The COAS also urged officers and soldiers to ensure they protect themselves against COVID-19, adding that all non-pharmaceutical measures of protection must be strictly observed.
“Please, you do well by wearing your face masks, washing your hands regularly with soap in running water and observing social and physical distancing as well,’’ he said.
In a sermon, Col. Cosmas Nwankpa, Deputy Director Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), said that the celebration called for stock-taking, sober reflection, introspection and prayers for the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
Nwankpa, who is a Reverend Father, also urged troops to remain focused, loyal and do all to ensure peace, security and calm return to all parts of the country.
“I want officers and soldiers to remain professional in the discharge of their duties and operate within the ambit of the rules of engagement to win the trust of the civilian populace,’’ he said.
The service featured special prayers for peace in the nation and protection of her leaders as well as for the success of the Nigerian Army, for retired and discharged colleagues and for the wounded, widows and orphans of the army.
The church service featured a special thanksgiving offering led by the GOC 82 Division, special song renditions, displays and group photograph. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CRIME
Police Rescue 28 Kidnap Victims, Detain 10 Suspects In Enugu

The Police Command in Enugu has rescued 28 kidnap victims and detained 10 suspects in Enugu State.
The command also recovered firearms, ammunition, cash, vehicles, motorcycles and other exhibits in separate coordinated operations within the past 10 days.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe on Tuesday in Enugu.
Ndukwe said that the feat was part of the Command’s sustained efforts to rid Enugu State of unrepentant violent criminals.
“On May 18, at about 6:30 p.m., operatives attached to Umumba Police Division, working with the Neighbourhood Watch, Forest Guards and community members, rescued two male and two female victims kidnapped along Umumba-Ndiuno-Aguoba Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
“This followed a tactical bush-combing operation.
“Four male suspects linked to the crime were immediately detained and are currently assisting with ongoing investigations,” he said.
The spokesman said that on the same day, at about 6:34 p.m., operatives from 9th Mile Division responded to a distress call and arrested a suspect.
According to him, the suspect and three others have attempted to kidnap a woman, who raised an alarm.
He said that the suspect, who was severely beaten by the mob, was taken to hospital for treatment and is being investigated further.
“Similarly, operatives from Okpuje Police Division of the Command, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards, on May 17, 2025, carried out a strategic bush-combing operation in a forest bordering Okpuje in Enugu State and Odolu in Kogi State.
“During the operation, they intercepted two men found with ₦150,000 and ₦70,000 respectively, intended for ransom payments, as well as loaves of bread and drinks requested by the kidnappers.
“Upon further incursion, the team encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers but responded with superior firepower, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds and abandon the victims, a pump-action gun, and two live cartridges.
“The victims were rescued unhurt and the exhibits recovered. Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” he said.
Ndukwe said that earlier, on May 14, 2025, at about 5:30a.m., operatives from Igbo-Eze North Division, with the Military and Neighbourhood Watch, rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Amaka-Okpodu community in Kogi State.
He said that the victims, some of whom were returning from a traditional marriage ceremony, had been allegedly abducted on May 10, 2025, along Iyionu-Aguibeje Road in Igbo-Eze North LGA by hooded armed men.
“Five male suspects were subsequently detained following credible intelligence, and three firearms were also recovered. Additionally, a minibus and four motorcycles used by the travelling victims were earlier recovered from the scene of the crime.
“In another operation, on May 13, 2025, at about 9:45 p.m., operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, acting on credible information, rescued a kidnapped victim along the Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway and recovered his Toyota Camry.
“A white Toyota Corolla with registration number ENU 703 LP used by the suspects and a Lexus 330 Jeep abandoned at the kidnapping scene in Premier Layout, Independence Layout, Enugu, were also recovered.
“Operations to hunt down the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” he said.
Ndukwe said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had commended the police operatives, the collaborating security agents and law-abiding community members for their efforts in making the operations successful.
The spokesman said that the commissioner reaffirmed the command’s avowed commitment to make Enugu State safer and more secure by rooting out violent criminals and their activities.
He said that the state police boss urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and cooperative with police and other law enforcement authorities. (NAN)
CRIME
Police Nab Native Doctor, Recover Arms, Ammunition From Shrine

The police operatives of the Enugu command, attached to the Special Anti–Cultism Squad (SPACS) have nabbed a native doctor, for alleged possession of fire arms and ammunition hidden in his shrine.
This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in Enugu on Monday.
Ndukwe said that the police recovered one locally-made pistol, one revolver pistol, one expended and one live .
38 special calibre ammunition and one live cartridge from his shrine located at Ugwuochie-Iwollo in Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state.“The recovery followed the suspect’s confessional statements after his earlier arrest, as well as a subsequent raid on the shrine by the operatives.
“The suspect confessed to being a member of the Black Axe confraternity.
“He will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, commended the operatives for their efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum, ensuring that “Enugu State remains uninhabitable for unrepentant criminals.”
The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain supportive of the command’s efforts. (NAN)
DEFENCE
FG Introduces New Online Citizenship, Business Management Platform

The Ministry of Interior has announced the launch of a new Online Citizenship and Business Management Platform.
This is contained in a statement by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani on Friday in Abuja.
Ajani said that the new digital platform was designed to streamline the application and processing of citizenship and business-related services, ensuring faster turnaround time and improved user experience.
The platform is aimed at managing citizenship applications, processing business permits, and administering regulations related to businesses and foreign workers.
The permanent secretary explained further that the initiative was part of the ministry’s ongoing reforms aimed at promoting transparency, enhancing operational efficiency thereby significantly improving service delivery to the public.
“Members of the public, corporate entities, and other stakeholders are hereby expected to access the platform through the following official channels: Ministry of Interior’s website: https://interior.gov.ng.
Direct portal access: https://candb.interior.gov.ng, candb-support@interior.gov.ng for support or inquiries.
“The ministry remains committed to establishing a more efficient, transparent, and secure framework for citizenship administration, while continuously enhancing service delivery through digital transformation.(NAN)