Crime
KOGI: 21 Ajaokuta kidnapped victims rescued within 48 hours as Governor Bello reiterates zero tolerance for criminal activities

The 21 victims kidnapped along the Ajaokuta-Itobe road in Kogi State, on Thursday, have been rescued, within 48 hours, by a joint team of security operatives, comprising personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, Civil Defence and local vigilantes.
The victims, predominantly travelers, had been whisked away to an unknown destination within the dense forest around the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Upon receiving report of this distressing incident, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, CON, the Governor of Kogi State, promptly issued directives to both security agencies and local vigilantes to embark on immediate actions that will lead to the freedom of the captives.
He said the perpetrators of this reprehensible act must also be fished out.
This directive underscored Governor Bello’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens/residents under his charge.
The determined efforts of the combined security forces yielded results within 48 hours, leading to successful release of the 21 captives.
Furthermore, the operation led to the apprehension of some of the kidnappers while those still at large are being trailed.
Expressing his relief and satisfaction at the positive outcome of the operation, Governor Yahaya Bello commended the security operatives for their rapid and effective response.

The governor emphasized the paramount importance of maintaining peace and security within Kogi State, reiterating his administration’s steadfast commitment to leaving no stone unturned in its relentless pursuit of keeping Kogi as one of the safest states in the country.
Governor Bello, while commending the security agencies in the state, reiterated his government’s commitment and collaborative efforts in the ongoing battle against criminal elements.
He seized the opportunity to issue a stern warning to those with nefarious intentions and warned criminals against migrating to Kogi for illicit activities.
The Governor unequivocally declared Kogi as a no-go area for all forms of criminalities, making it clear that his administration would spare no effort in safeguarding the peace and security of the state.
The successful rescue operation stands as a testament to the coordinated and decisive efforts of the security apparatus in Kogi State under the guidance of Governor Yahaya Bello.
The unwavering commitment to the safety of citizens, coupled with a resolute stance against criminal elements, reflects the dedication of the administration to creating an environment where residents can live without fear.
Crime
Police rescue baby buried alive in Kebbi, arrest 20-year-old mother

The Kebbi State Police Command has said it exhumed a baby buried alive in Kebbi State.
Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, in a statement, said a farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, while working on his farm near the area, discovered a patch of disturbed soil resembling a fresh grave.
“He raised an alarm and, with the help of nearby residents, exhumed the baby, who was found alive.
The infant was rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where doctors confirmed her condition as stable after receiving medical attention.”
The statement further added that, following investigation, the police promptly arrested a 20-year-old mother, Maryam Atiku, for allegedly attempting to kill her newborn baby girl by burying her alive in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
It said the incident occurred on June 25, 2025, when Maryam allegedly tied the baby’s neck with wrappers, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush.
Commissioner of Police Bello Sani described the act as “inhuman and unacceptable,” reiterating the command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.
He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to protect children under their care and not compromise their future due to poverty or other pressures, even as he commended the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, for supporting the welfare of the rescued baby and praised Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad for his timely intervention.
“The suspect will be arraigned in court, where she will face prosecution aimed at serving as a deterrent to others,” the statement further said.
Business
Aviation Fraud: NCAA Calls for EFCC Intervention

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to escalate its fight against fraud and economic crimes plaguing the aviation industry.
NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the commission’s Abuja headquarters on Tuesday, according to a statement released on the EFCC’s official X handle.
Najomo highlighted how fraudulent activities are severely undermining safety oversight and operational transparency within the sector. He specifically pointed to high-value transactions like aircraft purchases, leasing arrangements, foreign maintenance contracts, and safety infrastructure procurement as areas particularly vulnerable to abuse.
“Non-remittance weakens the NCAA’s ability to fund safety oversight and operational efficiency, and may require EFCC’s intervention to investigate cases where deliberate withholding, diversion, or misappropriation of these funds is suspected,” Najomo stated.
He further alleged that some aviation operators deliberately under-report revenues, manipulate ticketing systems, or divert funds, actions that cripple the NCAA’s regulatory capacity.
Najomo also raised concerns about illegal charter operations disguised as private flights, which involve unregulated financial flows, emphasizing the critical need for the EFCC’s financial intelligence expertise to uncover such practices.
To address these challenges, Najomo proposed collaborative initiatives, including training NCAA personnel to identify financial red flags, organizing joint sensitization workshops, and establishing robust intelligence-sharing mechanisms to enhance regulatory oversight.
Responding, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede welcomed the partnership and announced that senior EFCC officers would collaborate with the NCAA to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement will focus on joint investigations, intelligence exchange, and compliance monitoring. “With the kind of work you do, when people see us beside you, they will take you seriously. Aviation is an area where we have seen money laundering, particularly through chartered services.
That is why we have been reaching out to you, and we will continue until we achieve the desired results,” Olukoyede affirmed.
Crime
60-year-old man arrested for raping Lagos lady

The Lagos State Police Command, Gender Unit, has arrested a 60-year-old man, Ajayi Femi, for allegedly raping a 24-year-old lady.
The command disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
The spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly spiked the survivor’s drink, rendering her unconscious, before having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
The incident took place on August 22, 2025, and was reported by the victim’s sister to the police at the Meiran Police Station before being transferred to the Gender Unit of the command for further investigation.
“Medical examinations conducted by the Gender Unit corroborated the survivor’s account, while the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation,” the statement read.
The command revealed that the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation and has since been remanded in prison custody until the next adjourned date.
It added, “The command remains committed to ensuring justice for survivors of sexual offences.”
This case comes weeks after operatives of the command arrested a 45-year-old man in Ikotun for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl.
The incident, which attracted widespread outrage, reignited calls from rights activists for stiffer penalties against sex offenders.
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