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CRIME

Troops Kill New ISWAP Leader, 37 Others

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By Gom Mirian, Abuja

The Military High Command, yesterday revealed that its troops fighting insurgents in the North East have killed the new leader of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), Malam Bako and thirty-seven (37) other terrorists.

Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, Acting Director Defence Media Operations, said yesterday that Bako, who succeeded Abu Musab Al-Barnawi as leader of ISWAP was gun down by troops in the course of its operations in the last two weeks.

General Onyeuko also said a total of eleven criminal elements comprising of terrorists, their informants as well as their logistics suppliers were arrested within the period under review.

According to him, items seized from the criminals include : 29 assorted weapons,166 rounds of assorted ammunition, gun trucks and 622 bags of fertilizer, used for production of IEDs while five kidnapped civilians were released by troops during the encounter.

Speaking at a bi-weekly conference on the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s operational activities in Abuja, Onyeuko said some of these feats were recorded at; Dar, Kumshe, Wulgo, Chabbol and Kijmatari villages in Borno State as well as locations along Ngala – Wulgo and Nguru along Kano roads.

Other locations he said include: Dikwa and Mafa villages as well as Ngama village in Yobe State.

“Between 15 and 28 October 2021, a total of 1,199 terrorists and their families, comprising 114 adult males, 312 adult females and 773 children, surrendered to own troops at different locations in the North East. 

“In another development, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted series of air interdiction missions against the BHT/ISWAP terrorists which were successful in different locations. Significantly, on 20 October 2021, the Air Component scored another devastating hit on BHT/ISWAP terrorist elements at Malam Fatori on the fringes of the Lake Chad.

“This feat was achieved on the heels of credible intelligence report and after series of aerial surveillance, which confirmed the convergence of terrorist elements in 20 boats at the location.

“Consequently, air strikes were executed on the target with various NAF platforms, which led to the destruction of the boats and neutralization of scores of the terrorists, while few of them flee in disarray with varying degrees of wounds.

“Similarly, on 21 October 2021, following report of ISWAP elements’ attack on own troops at Katarko area in Yobe State, the Air Component engaged the terrorists in successive air strikes and neutralized scores of them

“Furthermore, the Maritime Component of Operation HADINK KAI has remained committed in efforts to end the insurgency in the North East Zone.

“To further enhance its operational efforts in the Zone, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo paid operational visit to Baga on Tuesday 19 October 2021.

He assured officers and ratings of the Naval Base Baga of his commitment to ensure necessary assets and logistics needed for effective execution of operations in the North East are provided to achieve the joint operational objectives of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Onyeuko added.

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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