Crime
BREAKING: Local Government Secretariat in Rivers State set ablaze by suspected hoodlums (Video)
Suspected hoodlums have set ablaze a section of the Eleme Local Government Area secretariat in Rivers State.
According to source, a newly elected chairman, Brain Gokpa, came to the LG secretariat accompanied by his councillors and supporters but discovered that some buildings in the complex had been set ablaze.
In a video shared by Intel Region, a man alleged that the suspected hoodlums were sent by Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister and former governor of the state.
Watch video here:
The Eleme Local Government Secretariat in Rivers State has allegedly been set ablaze by thugs. pic.twitter.com/s9PnY9Ho7A
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) October 7, 2024
Meanwhile, it was gathered that there is a palpable fear of a potential outbreak of violence in some LGAs of the state.
Some disagreement were said to have ensued in the Ahoada East of Rivers State following lifting of the three-month ban on the Local Government Area secretariats by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun on Monday.
Ahoada East is the L.G.A of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Edison Ehie.
A statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko earlier on Monday morning, had directed the re-opening of all the 23 LGA secretariats in the state.
The newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Bala acting on the orders of the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the council secretariats in the state.
The secretariat was sealed in June following the disagreement between the Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the immediate past local government chairmen, who were loyalists of Wike.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara had sworn in 23 newly elected local government chairmen in the state.
The exercise held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Sunday, comes a day after the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission (RSIEC) conducted an election at the grassroots.
There was also an initial report that some individuals had attempted to barricade the Port Harcourt City LGA secretariat earlier on Monday, when the Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati tried to access the council secretariat.
The crisis was, however, allegedly foiled when the men sighted the chairmen, councillors and supporters arriving at the council.
Ichemati was later seen supervising the clearing of overgrown grasses and cleaning of the council and other facilities within the premises.
Crime
Nigerian Military Confirms Coup Plot Allegations: 16 Officers to Face Court-Martial
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that investigations into the conduct of 16 military officers arrested in October 2025 have been completed, with some found to have allegedly plotted to overthrow the government.
In a press release issued today, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) stated that the officers were initially detained over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Following a thorough investigation conducted in line with established military procedures, the probe uncovered evidence linking a number of the officers to a plot against the government—an action deemed inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of AFN personnel.
“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” the statement read. The comprehensive report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority for further action.
Those implicated and found to have cases to answer will be formally arraigned before a special military judicial panel, where they will face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations.
The DHQ emphasized that this process upholds accountability while maintaining the integrity of military discipline.
The arrests were first announced by the Defence Headquarters in October 2025, initially described in neutral terms as related to indiscipline. Today’s update marks the first official confirmation from the military that the matter involved an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The AFN reiterated its commitment to professionalism and adherence to constitutional order, assuring the public that the judicial proceedings will be conducted transparently and in full compliance with military law.
No further details on the identities of the officers or specific timelines for the trials were provided in the statement.
Crime
DSS Arrests Suspected Sea Pirates, Foils Planned Hijack of Crude Oil Vessel
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several suspected sea pirates in a swift operation that successfully thwarted a planned hijack of a crude oil vessel off the Nigerian coast.

According to security sources, the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence that indicated an imminent attack on the vessel transporting crude oil.
The operation, carried out by DSS operatives in collaboration with other security agencies, prevented what could have been a major maritime incident in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The arrested individuals are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to uncover possible accomplices, sponsors, and details of the foiled plot. Authorities have not yet released the exact number of suspects or their identities, citing ongoing investigations.
This latest crackdown highlights the persistent threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, where armed groups target oil vessels for ransom, theft of cargo, or both.
The DSS emphasized its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime economy and critical energy infrastructure.
No injuries or damage to the vessel were reported, and normal operations have resumed.
Crime
Police Foil Bandit Attack, Rescue 6 on Yankara–Funtua Highway
Security operatives in Katsina State have successfully thwarted an armed bandit attack on the Yankara–Funtua highway, rescuing six kidnapped victims unharmed.
According to reports from local security sources, the incident occurred in the Faskari Local Government Area when suspected bandits ambushed travelers along the highway. Prompt response by police officers led to a confrontation with the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
The rescued individuals have been identified as Rabi Hamisu, Safare Musa, Abubakar Samaila, Shehu Umar, Sara’u Yahaya, and Ibrahim Babangida. All six were reported to be in good condition following the operation and have been reunited with their families.
The Katsina State Police Command has intensified patrols and surveillance along vulnerable highways in the region amid ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping.
Authorities urged residents and commuters to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
This latest success underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target highways for ambushes and abductions. No casualties were reported among the security personnel involved in the rescue.
-
News3 days agoGovernor Alia Showcases Administration’s Completed and Ongoing Projects Across Key Sectors
-
News3 days agoSuicide: Man, 84 rescued from 140feet well in Lagos
-
News3 days agoBello Turji member of APC? It’s not true – Morka, APC spokesman
-
Business3 days agoCBN grants Opay, Moniepoint, Kuda Palmpay and Paga national banks status
-
Sports3 days agoSuper Eagles captain Ndidi mourns father’s death
-
News3 days agoLagos renaming Obalende Bus Park to MTN Y’ello Bus Park
-
Business2 days agoNAFDAC misleads the Senate to ban sachet alcohol – MAN
-
News3 days ago“I was never chased out of my office” – Wike
