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General News

Insecurity: Senate drafting law on state police, says  Bamidele

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Police
By Naomi Sharang

The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed that the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the creation of state police.

He said that the establishment of the state police will serve as part of measures to address insecurity in the country..

Bamidele made this known on Sunday in a statement in Abuja through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs.

He also celebrated with Christians worldwide to mark Easter asking leaders across boards to shun divisive agenda and narratives that could compound the country’s challenges.

Bamidele urged Nigerians at large “to consciously reflect on the virtues of Jesus Christ; learn from His consecration and live His life of purpose rooted in the pursuit of justice love and redemption for humanity”.

” In spite of the animosity He suffered and opposition He faced, Jesus Christ consciously sought and secured freedom for the captives, peace for the troubled, comfort for the sorrowful, love for the dejected, justice for the oppressed and hope for those who are in despair.

“In Nigeria today, Christ’s example clearly presents us a glimpse of how we should live together.

“As compatriots and not competitors, collaborators and not combatants, comrades and not contenders in the task of building a viable and virile federation that will serve the interest of all.

“The recent killings in Benue and Plateau states outrightly negated the virtues of peace and love that Jesus Christ taught during His days.

“The recurrent utterances by some political and sectional figures also belied the values of courage, perseverance and tolerance He evidently lived for.

“No country develops as a result of one section rising up against another vice versa.

“The Authority of the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the establishment of state police as one of the measures to address insecurity in the country.

“We urge security agencies to work together as a team to track and apprehend all the masterminds and sponsors of terror attacks nationwide.

“We appeal to some political actors that always lash on the country’s challenges to push divisive narratives to learn from the example of Jesus Christ.

“Such actors are no longer playing opposition politics, but simply taking advantage of the country’s internal conditions in the pursuit of their own parochial political outcomes”.

He further said that Nigeria is our ultimate project and as a parliament, we are committed to the actualisation of this project.

“This is evident in all the legislative initiatives we are pushing since the birth of the 10th National Assembly. And our goal is to build a federation that will be noted for peace, progress and prosperity anywhere in the world.

“Regardless of their ethnicity, politics and religion, all actors should shun all forms of divisive utterance and join forces against the common foes of Nigeria and not to subvert our effort to build a strong and virile federation”.

NAN reports a State Police Bill, was sponsored by a former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu (PDP, Enugu).

The bill seeks to establish the Federal Police, State Police, National Police Service Commission, National Police Council, and State Police Service Commission for the states.

It was first introduced to the eighth Senate on June 12, 2018 but did not scale through. Ekweremadu was the chairman of the constitution review committee at the time.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Police to probe Lagos explosion incident

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Explosion

By Deborah Akpede

The Police Command in Lagos State says it has begun an investigation into the explosion that claimed the life of a scrap metal dealer in the Mushin area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin made this known in a statement on Sunday, in Lagos.

He said that the incident occurred on Thursday at No 40, Taiwo Street, Idi-Araba in Mushin.

“The unfortunate explosion that occurred sadly claimed the life of one individual and left three others injured.

“The injured victims have been taken to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.

“Investigations revealed that the explosion occurred when the victim attempted to cut a metal object into smaller pieces which might be unknown to him, was a military-grade grenade, resulting in an explosion that led to his death,” he said.

Hundeyin said that upon receiving the report, police explosives ordnance experts of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit of the command arrived at the scene

The image maker said that the remnant of one exploded grenade, and two live (active) grenades were professionally and technically evacuated from the scene to the Base Headquarters of Police EOD-CBRN, Lagos, for safety.

He said that the area was immediately cordoned off, secured, and subsequently rendered safe by the Nigeria Police Force’s EOD-CBRN unit.

“The cordon of the scene and the adjoining areas is emplaced to facilitate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion and take immediate further necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished the injured, a speedy recovery.

The spokesperson said that CP Jimoh urged residents to remain calm, peaceful, and go about their businesses and other means of livelihood without fear or apprehension.

“The CP urges residents to be peaceful and assures them of their safety as the scene of the explosion and adjoining areas have been rendered safe and declared secure,” Hundeyin said.

He said the command’s EOD-CBRN unit had been working in collaboration with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, to determine the origin of the explosive device.

The commissioner ensured that all necessary actions were taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.

He advised members of the public to exercise serious caution, especially those involved in scavenging, scrap metal trading, and to report any suspicious objects at the nearest police station for appropriate action. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Maureen Atuonwu

Defence/Security

CDS’ wife tasks military, police personnel’s wives on regular exercise

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Mrs Oghogho Musa, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has urged military and police personnel’s wives to engage in regular physical exercise to boost their mental and physical health.

Musa, who is also the President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), made the call at the DEPOWA monthly aerobics and health walk on Saturday in Abuja.

She said that the association would add hiking and yoga to the monthly exercise to encourage the women to continue doing the exercise on their own at home.

According to her, a platform has been created for all the women to post videos of their ‘daily walk for life’ exercise to know whether they are keeping up with what they are doing.

“Also, the control of our food is very important because 80 per cent of our overall living is the food we take in, while exercise takes only 20 per cent, just to tone our body.

“So, we are encouraging all of us to be ready to drop your videos and be ready to encourage your sister.

“Now, whatever exercise you are doing, whether aerobics, whether walk, anything, we will drop it and then we will keep track just to encourage every one of us,” she said.

Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was the Guest of Honour, commended the DEPOWA President for the initiative to promote physical fitness among women.

She said that walking around the neighborhood was more beneficial, adding that it did not require having any exercise equipment.

Also, popular Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, who was part of the exercise, stressed the importance of physical exercise in preventing health problems.

She said it was also essential to eat right and walk out especially for pregnant women.

According to her, when a pregnant woman is healthy, the baby in her womb will be healthy, and her husband will be good.

“So, let’s do better. Eat right, walk out because when you are sane and you are in a good place, your family moves forward,” she said.

Dr Oluwayemisi Adegboye of Defence Health Maintenance Limited, said that physical activity was the best medicine, gift and investment to cater for all types of mental diseases.

Adegboye said that physical exercise could help reduce the chance of developing hypertension, diabetes, obesity, arthritis and anything that has to do with mental problems.

“So we need to begin to halt, stop and then reverse through physical activity,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Defence/Security

Police, stakeholders caution against jungle justice

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Police

By Christian Ogbonna

Some Stakeholders in Ebonyi including the Police have expressed concern over the spate of jungle justice across states of the federation, urging citizens to desist from the act.

They gave the advice on Thursday in Abakaliki at a Town hall meeting with relevant stakeholders in commemorations of the National Police day scheduled for April 7.

The theme of the meeting is tagged: “Police and the community: strengthening cooperation for improved service delivery.”

The stakeholders, who spoke at the event condemned the act of jungle justice, police extortions, police molestation and harassment, extra judicial killings among others.

CP Anthonia Uche-Anya, Commissioner of Police in the state explained that the meeting was to harness issues towards achieving maximum security of lives and security for citizens.

Uche-Anya noted that it was unlawful to take a life of fellow citizens.

According to her, nobody has the right to take the law into his or her hands.

“Citizen must follow due process in the efforts to ensure security,” the Commissioner said.

On police extortion, she said the Police Force had zero tolerance for such act and warned officers to disengage from the nefarious act.

Uche-Anya noted that the police had no right to check another person’s phone at the checkpoint except, if such a person was under investigation.

Earlier speaking, Nwanneka David, Ex-Officio, National Association of Nigeria Student (NANS), Ebonyi chapter, decried police harassments  of students in the state.

“We are not happy the way police have been harassing students, to the extent of tagging most of them, “Yahoo Boys”.

“We need the Commissioner to intervene. The police have gone the extra mile checking people’s phone,” David stated.

Mr Chidi Igboji, the state’s Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), also condemned the unprofessionalism among the police personnel.

Igboji, therefore, suggested regular training for the police force in the efforts to harness and promote security.

Mr Sunday Oketa, Traditional Ruler, Nkaliki-Echara Unuhu Autonomous Community, in Ebonyi Local Government Area, called for more stakeholders collaboration for improved security.

Oketa hailed community policing in the state and urged the officers to keep the flag flying. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Defence/Security

No community invaded, under siege in Enugu—Police

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Community

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Police Command in Enugu State says no part of the state or community including Eha-Amufu has been invaded, under siege or its residents displaced recently.

The Spokesman of the Command, SP. Daniel Ndukwe, on Wednesday in a statement in Enugu, said that the Command was aware of a spurious online report alleging that herdsmen had taken over homes and schools in Eha-Amufu community.

Ndukwe said that after a diligent review, the Command declared the report as “baseless, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to mislead the public and instill fear.”

According to him, the farm settlements allegedly overrun by herdsmen are temporary dwellings used by farmers who periodically return to their permanent residences in their villages.

Ndukwe noted that available records indicated that farmers were temporarily displaced from these farm settlements during farmer-herder clashes sometimes in 2021 and 2022.

He said that peace and order had since been restored to Eha-Amufu through joint security operations contrary to the misleading report.

“The Police Command particularly acknowledges the intentional and intensive interventions of the Government of Enugu State to enhance security, especially in Eha-Amufu community and its adjoining communities under the leadership of Gov. Peter Mbah.

“These efforts include deploying 150 military personnel and well-equipped Special Forces, establishing security agency barracks, and constructing the nearly completed 21.7km Agape-Agu-Mgbuji-Ogbete access road leading to some farm settlements in the community.

“Regrettably, the medium that published the report ignored these facts and timelines, using unrelated pictures to support its sensational claims.

“After diligent forensic and digital fact-checking, it was discovered that the images were taken from old reports on incidents in neighboring states and other locations, then mischievously repurposed to mislead the public,” he said.

According to him, pictures of burnt houses posted by Amnesty International in condemnation of the Feb. 4, attack on the Nkalaeha community in a neighboring state have been falsely misrepresented in the report as a recent occurrence in Eha-Amufu farm settlements.

The spokesman said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had urged the public to disregard the unfounded report.

He said that the commissioner reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the police and other security agencies to maintaining law, order, and security across the state.

“The command calls on citizens, particularly those in the allegedly affected communities of Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and report any genuine security concerns through official channels.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Defence/Security

I-G inaugurates ultra-modern police headquarters in Adamawa

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By Talatu Maiwada

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, inaugurated an ultra-modern police headquarters in Adamawa.

Speaking at the event, Egbetokun said the project was to enhance service delivery, adding that it reflected the government’s commitment to the welfare of police officers.

“We now have a befitting headquarters worthy of our brave and dedicated officers.

“The newly commissioned complex is more than just a physical structure, it represents our commitment to serving and protecting our communities.

“It stands as a symbol of justice, dedication, and our resolve to improve service delivery in the state,” he said.

Egbetokun assured that his administration would continue working to equip officers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and logistics required for effective policing.

He appreciated stakeholders, partners, and community leaders for their support in ensuring the completion of the project.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police(CP), Adamawa Command, Dankombo Morris, lauded the I-G for prioritising the welfare of officers.

He noted that the project would help address the challenge of office accommodation in the command.

“This new police headquarters aligns with your vision for a better Nigeria Police Force, where every state command operates in a conducive environment.

“It will go a long way in boosting the morale of officers and enhancing the quality of service delivery to the community,” he said.

Morris disclosed that the command, which has 6,444 personnel, has been instrumental in ensuring the security and stability of the state.

He highlighted the command’s achievements this year, which he said included the apprehension of about 120 crime suspects and recording of 60 cases.

“The Command recorded about 60 cases, including kidnapping, armed robbery, culpable homicide, farmer-herder clashes, rape, and defilement.

“In addition, we arrested 120 suspects linked to these cases and rescued four kidnapped victims unharmed, with no ransom paid,” he said.

Morris attributed the command’s successes to the tireless efforts of officers, the support from Adamawa Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, collaboration with sister security agencies, and contributions from stakeholders.

He, however, pointed out some challenges, which he said included addressing kidnapping in border areas due to difficult terrain, inadequate operational vehicles, dilapidated police barracks, and manpower shortages.

The CP appealed to the I-G to address these challenges in order to enhance the operational capabilities of the command.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Defence/Security

Policeman shoots officer’s wife, injures 2 others in Calabar

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Killing
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

An inspector attached to the Police Command in Cross River has allegedly killed a woman and injured two others in sporadic fatal shootings on Sunday.

The  spokesperson of the command, SP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria  (NAN) in Calabar on Sunday.

She said that the policeman acted strangely before the shootings.

Ugbo said the officer, who was attached to Atakpa Divisional Police Station, had returned from a night beat at a microfinance bank before the shootings.

She, however, said the police had arrested the suspect while the two injured victims were receiving medical attention.

NAN gathered that the officer started behaving strangely when he returned from night duty.

“He blocked the gate of the station and refused everyone exit and entry into the facility.

“All efforts to disarm him through peaceful dialogue proved abortive.

“Tactical teams were mobilised to the scene, and he became apprehensive and started shooting sporadically.

“In the process, he shot three persons, including the deceased aged 41 years and wife of a retired police officer as well as two others,” a source told NAN.(NAN)
(Edited by Bukola Adetoye/Mufutau Ojo)

Defence/Security

Police applaud Anambra residents for defying sit-at-home order

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Sit-at-home
By Obinna Unaeze

The Police Command in Anambra has commended residents for resisting the Monday sit-at-home order orchestrated by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Awka, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, lauded the people’s resilience.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the illegal sit-at-home has severely disrupted socioeconomic and academic activities across the region.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, stated that the police had intensified security measures, including the Police Safe School Initiative(PSSI), to combat insecurity.

“I want to thank the people of Anambra for standing up against the illegal sit-at-home order, thereby improving socioeconomic activities,” Orutugu said.

According to him, the PSSI  is a proactive strategy aimed at safeguarding schools, students, teachers, and staff.

He also highlighted the negative impact of the sit-at-home order and reassured residents that security agencies had taken control of the streets, particularly on Mondays, to ensure public safety.

Orutugu urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear of harassment. (NAN)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Defence/Security

Support Police during Ramadan- PCRC

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By Monday Ijeh
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has called for support for Nigeria Police Force personnel through the provision of food and other items during Ramadan.

Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim-Olaniyan, National Chairman of PCRC, made the call on Friday in Abuja during the distribution of food items to personnel at the Force Headquarters.

He said that police officers were among the most selfless civil servants in the country, often working without time to rest or celebrate with their families to ensure the security of others.

He emphasised the importance of showing love and appreciation to the officers during Ramadan, urging other organisations to support by identifying their needs and providing assistance.

Ibrahim-Olaniyan noted that the food distribution was part of the PCRC’s routine efforts to identify with both Muslims during Ramadan and Christians during Christmas.

“Since the beginning of Ramadan 2025, PCRC has distributed food to about 2,000 police officers across the country.”

He explained that the initiative was also aimed at supporting the Inspector General of Police’s efforts to improve the welfare of police personnel.

Ibrahim-Olaniyan encouraged the public to embrace peace during Ramadan and view security agents as partners in progress.

He urged the public to expose criminal elements in their communities, emphasising that it was the time for collective action against crime.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force
Defence/Security

Police nab man over $597,000 romance scam

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By Monday Ijeh

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) said its operatives had arrested a suspect over 597,000 dollars romance fraud.

 

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

 

Adejobi said the suspect was arrested for allegedly defrauding a female American, Deborah Woods, through an online love romance.

 

He said the suspect had fraudulently assumed the identity of an American, using a fake name, to deceive and exploit unsuspecting victims, primarily women in online romance scams.

 

He said the suspect, arrested over identity theft, computer-related fraud and money laundering had confessed to defrauding the victim.

 

The police spokesman said a search of the suspect’s premises led to the confiscation of multiple electronic gadgets, used in perpetrating the illicit activities.

 

Adejobi said eight BMW vehicles, suspected to be proceeds of the crime, recovered from the suspect were currently in the police custody, while efforts were ongoing to trace and identify other victims.

 

In a related development, Adejobi said operatives of the NPF-NCCC arrested two suspects in connection with the creation and distribution of compromised financial accounts.

 

The police spokesman said the suspects had used the accounts to facilitate fraudulent transactions amounting to over N400m.

 

According to him, investigations reveal that the suspects were recruited via Telegram by an unidentified foreign cybercriminal.

 

He said the duty of the first suspects was to create Moniepoint financial profiles, using pre-registered SIM cards and email addresses, and distribute to local accomplices across different states for Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.

 

Adejobi said the second suspect distributes the KYC verifications for the compromised accounts, and fraudulently obtains Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) and KYC details from individuals within his community.

 

He said the suspect uses the identities to upgrade the accounts to Tier 5 verification.

 

“Upon completion of the KYC process, the second suspect hands over the verified accounts to the first suspect who changes the passwords to secure them for their unknown foreign contractor.

 

“Both suspects had confessed to the crimes and further revealed that they received payments in cryptocurrency for their services.

 

“They are currently facing prosecution at a Federal High Court in Abuja for Computer-Related Fraud, Impersonation and Criminal Conspiracy in accordance with the provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act,” he said.

 

Adejobi said the Nigeria Police Force, in January arrested a total of 84 suspects over cyber related offences.

 

He said 32 of the suspects were arrested through the NPF-NCCC, while 52 were arrested by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Lagos.

 

Adejobi attributed the successes to the Action Plan and the zeal of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to redeem the reputation of Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

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