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NIGERIA POLICE FORCE FOILS MULTIPLE BANDIT ATTACKS, RESCUES 207 ABDUCTED CHILDREN

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant successes in its efforts to combat crime across the nation, with the foiling of multiple bandit attacks and the rescue of 207 abducted children. The Force’s commitment to adopting a more proactive approach in its efforts to combat crime has yielded impressive results, with intelligence-led policing being a key factor in these successes. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that on January 18, 2025, Police operatives attached to the Kogi State Command got information of a group of armed bandits holding a strategic meeting for a possible attack at a forest in Budon, Kogi State. Adejobi stated that operatives were mobilized and deployed to the scene, where they engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, neutralizing one bandit and arresting four others. Adejobi also revealed that the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition, and two motorcycles. Similarly, on the same day, a distress call was received at the Dutsinma Divisional Police Headquarters, Katsina State, that some suspected armed bandits were headed to attack Ruwan Doruwa Village, Dutsinma LGA of the State. Adejobi stated that Police operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, mobilized and intercepted the armed bandits, engaging them in a fierce gun battle that resulted in the neutralization of seven bandits, with the rest of the gang fleeing and abandoning 109 livestock suspected to be rustled animals. In another significant development, Adejobi disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force has escalated its initiatives to combat human trafficking and the operation of illegal baby factories, successfully rescuing more than 207 abducted children from suspected traffickers nationwide. A significant breakthrough was achieved with the arrest of a syndicate involved in child abduction and trafficking by the Ondo State Police Command. Adejobi stated that the operatives apprehended members of the syndicate, identified as Abosede Olanipekun, Lukman Isiaka, and Sabira Izuorah, and rescued 14 children between the ages of one week and seven years old. The success of these operations is a significant blow against those who serve as threats to the nation’s security, contributing to the overall efforts of the Force to enhance public safety. The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its dedication to duty and commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens. Adejobi reaffirmed the Force’s role as the protector of peace and security of the society, stating that the Force will continue to take a firm stance against criminal activities and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.

DELTA STATE LAND DISPUTE TURNS DEADLY: FATHER AND DAUGHTER BEHEADED

A gruesome land dispute in the Amai community, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, has resulted in the beheading of a 70-year-old man, Mr. Aghanti, and his 50-year-old daughter, Mrs. Atagoshi. According to reports, Mrs. Atagoshi, a secondary school teacher and pastor’s wife, had purchased a piece of land in the community, which was later claimed by some individuals. The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson DSP Bright Edafe revealing that the assailant lured the victims into the bush under the pretext of discussing the land issue. “The suspect called the woman, saying he wanted to discuss the land issue. He then took her and her father into the bush, killed them, and beheaded them,” Edafe said. In a shocking twist, vigilantes apprehended a suspect, Emeke, with two human heads, which were later identified as belonging to the father and daughter. Emeke was subsequently mobbed and set ablaze by angry residents. The headless bodies of the victims were found in the bush. Edafe added that the main suspect is currently on the run, while efforts are ongoing to arrest him. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the deadly consequences of land disputes in the region.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE RECEIVES AWARD FOR MOST IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY PARASTATAL OF 2024

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been recognized as the Most Improved Service Delivery Parastatal (SERVICOM Unit) in Nigeria for the year 2024. The award was presented to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, by the National Coordinator/CEO SERVICOM Presidency, assisted by other SERVICOM staff from the presidency. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said the award is a testament to the dedication and commitment of officers and men who are working tirelessly to improve service delivery of the Nigeria Police Force. Mrs. Nnena Akajemeli, in her address, noted that the strides the NPF has taken in recent times to ensure proper service delivery are remarkable, particularly in regards to the service charter and workplan on customer service in the year 2024. Adejobi stated that the IGP appreciated SERVICOM under the presidency for the recognition and reiterated the commitment of the Force to improved service delivery. “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to continuing this positive momentum, working closely with the public to create a safer and more secure environment for all Nigerians,” he said. The Inspector-General of Police urged all citizens to continue supporting the Force’s efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting all suspicious activities that could pose a threat to national security. Adejobi added that the award is given on merit, reaffirming that the Force has improved in service delivery, particularly in areas such as the creation of a customer service workplan to touch lives of Nigerians.

BAYELSA GOVERNOR DIRI DECORATES NEWLY PROMOTED POLICE OFFICERS, LAUDS POLICE ROLE IN MAINTAINING PEACE

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has commended the Nigerian Police and the Bayelsa State Command for their efforts in ensuring peace and security in the state. Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, said Governor Diri gave the commendation on Monday while decorating five newly promoted police officers in his office in Government House, Yenagoa. The officers promoted were Sylvester Eseimokumo Ebakumo from Superintendent of Police to Chief Superintendent of Police, Ifidi Ebitimi Henry from Deputy Superintendent of Police to Superintendent of Police, Mohammed Yusuf from Assistant Superintendent of Police to Deputy Superintendent of Police, Musa Mohammed from Assistant Superintendent of Police to Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Udonne Imo Emmanuel from Assistant Superintendent of Police to Deputy Superintendent of Police. Alabrah stated that Governor Diri congratulated the newly elevated officers and charged them to see their promotion as a call to higher service. He particularly commended the Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and other officers and men of the command, noting that it was due to their collaborative effort with government that the state remains peaceful and safe for residents. “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the top rank and junior officers for all that they are doing to contribute to the peace, security and stability of the state and Nigeria as a whole. “We are happy about your elevation because you have dutifully conducted yourselves to the service of this state and Nigeria,” Governor Diri said. Daniel Alabrah added that Governor Diri urged them to continue to serve diligently and expressed optimism that they would get to the pinnacle of their profession. The Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, was represented at the brief ceremony by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration and Operations), Ofem Arikpo.

TERRORISTS TARGET TELECOM WORKERS IN KEBBI, KILLING FOUR

A group of terrorists linked to the Lakurawa group launched a deadly attack on a construction site in Gumki village, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The victims were employees of a leading telecommunications firm, Airtel, who were installing a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service. According to the police, four people lost their lives in the attack. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed that three of the victims were Airtel staff, while the fourth was a local resident. The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M Sani, swiftly responded to the incident by deploying additional tactical teams to the area. CP Sani charged the teams to take decisive action against the suspected bandits responsible for the attack. In a meeting with local residents, CP Sani appealed for their cooperation and assistance in providing relevant information to aid the police in their response. The police have evacuated the bodies of the victims to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi. This latest attack comes just a week after the same terrorist group killed two police officers in the area, highlighting the escalating violence in the region.

POLICE RESCUE KIDNAPPED HOSTAGES, ARREST 17 FOR MURDER

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant successes in its ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety. In a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police announced the rescue of four kidnapped hostages and the arrest of 17 suspects for murder. ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi explained that the rescue operation was carried out by police operatives attached to the Imo State Command, who received a distress call reporting the abduction of four persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji LGA, Imo State. The operatives swiftly located the criminal hideout and engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, during which two of the kidnappers were neutralized. The success of the operation led to the rescue of the four victims and the recovery of one Ak-47 rifle, one Ak-47 magazine, and 21 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition. ACP Adejobi reiterated that the Force reaffirms its resolute devotion to combating heinous crimes and assures members of the public that efforts to rid society of criminal elements will continue relentlessly, ensuring the safety and security of all residents. In another development, police operatives attached to the Ebonyi State Command arrested 17 suspects in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo LGA for the murder of one Uromchi Okorocha, who was accused by local youths of being involved in the killing of several individuals through alleged witchcraft and spiritual means. The suspects had mobilized and apprehended the deceased but instead of handing him over to legal authorities, they took laws into their hands, becoming judge, jury, and executioner. ACP Adejobi quoted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, as condemning this act of jungle justice in totality. “Citizens are once again urged to refrain from taking laws into their hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them for necessary action,” IGP Egbetokun stated. The IGP reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Force to public safety and justice for victims of violent crimes. “Citizens are encouraged to engage with security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ultimate goal of creating a utopian society for all,” he added.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE DEBUNKS FALSE CLAIMS ON SOCIAL MEDIA, CONDEMNS SPREAD OF MISINFORMATION

The Nigeria Police Force has addressed and clarified a false and misleading claim circulating on social media, made by Adamu Garba Zango, a lecturer at Baze University. In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the claim alleged that a Deputy Commissioner of Police serving at the Kaduna State Police Command was arrested for supplying firearms to bandits and kidnappers. ACP Adejobi stated that the individual depicted in the shared photograph is not a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force. Investigations revealed that the man in the image is Kingsley Udoyen, a civilian arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command on January 2nd, 2019, for impersonating an Assistant Commissioner of Police. ACP Adejobi emphasized that Udoyen was found to have been using a fake police rank to defraud and intimidate unsuspecting members of the public. Items recovered from his residence included an English pistol without ammunition and portraits of various police ranks. The Nigeria Police Force condemns the spread of false information, which not only tarnishes the image of the Force but also undermines public trust and safety. ACP Adejobi urged members of the public to verify information from credible sources before sharing. “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of justice,” ACP Adejobi said. “Spreading unverified claims is a violation of laws concerning defamation and cybercrime, and the Police may pursue appropriate legal action against individuals or entities involved in disseminating such falsehoods.” ACP Adejobi encouraged the public to follow the official channels of the Nigeria Police Force on social media for accurate information and updates, as follows:X (formerly Twitter): @PoliceNGInstagram: @nigeriapoliceforceFacebook: @ngpoliceYoutube: @PoliceNGTiktok: @ngpolice

FCT POLICE COMMAND TARGETS COMMUNITY POLICING AND TARGETED OPERATIONS IN 2025

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has unveiled its strategy for 2025, focusing on enhancing community policing and conducting targeted operations to address evolving security demands. According to Josephine Adeh, the Command’s spokesperson, “Building on the successes of 2024, the command will intensify community policing engagements, intelligence-led policing strategies, targeted clearance operations, and public enlightenment initiatives”. Adeh noted that the command achieved significant success in 2024, with a 15.1% reduction in crime incidents compared to 2023. The command also recovered ₦409,992,000 from various suspects and rescued 68 kidnapping victims and 19 one-chance robbery victims. The command’s efforts in 2024 resulted in the arrest of 1,077 suspects from 1,426 reported cases. Notable achievements include the recovery of 376 firearms, 99 vehicles, and the arrest of 422 fraud suspects. Adeh emphasized that the command is committed to sustaining the momentum in combating criminal activities, citing the significant reduction in crime rates and the stable, peaceful atmosphere in the FCT. “With a significant reduction in crime rates and a stable, peaceful atmosphere in the FCT, the command is committed to sustaining the momentum in combating criminal activities,” she said.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE SUSTAINS FIGHT AGAINST KIDNAPPING, ARMED ROBBERY

The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality across the country. According to a press release signed by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police have successfully rescued numerous victims and apprehended several suspects over the past week. The Force Spokesman stated that coordinated operations were conducted in various states, including Lagos and Kwara States, resulting in the rescue of 13 individuals who had earlier been kidnapped and held for ransom On December 27, 2024, police operatives attached to the Kwara State Command stormed a den of kidnappers in the Idofin-Igbana area, overpowering the kidnappers and rescued 13 victims. ACP Adejobi further noted that on December 28, 2024, police operatives attached to the Lagos State Command arrested two individuals, Lawan Mustapha and Aina Daniel, and recovered one double-barrel rifle, 90 live cartridges, and five model rifles. Additionally, three suspected armed robbers were arrested at GRA Ikeja, with one locally made pistol, four live cartridges, and two cutlasses recovered. Adejobi reiterated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. The Force will continue its operations, leveraging all available resources to eradicate these heinous crimes from society. The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to create a safer environment for all Nigerians.