Crime
Police Smoke Out Kidnappers in Benue, Nasarawa, and Bayelsa
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the operatives for these successes recorded specifically in the affected states and across the country.
The Nigeria Police Force successfully smoked out kidnappers from their dens in Benue, Nasarawa, and Bayelsa State, between December 31st, 2024 and January 7, 2025.
The Force also recovered arms and ammunition, and rescued victims.
This was disclosed n a statement with the Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/326 Date: 9th January 2025, signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force PRO, Force Headquarters Abuja.
It said: ” at Kwande LGA, Benue State, Police operatives of the Vandiekya Police Divisional Headquarters, Benue State, received a distress call concerning the kidnap of one Tor Gajir by unknown gunmen at the Kwande LGA of the state
. “Upon receipt of this information, the investigation was swiftly escalated, and the police operatives followed the trail to one Desmond Ahar.
The suspect was accosted, and subsequent interrogation revealed the suspect was part of the kidnappers. The suspect, Desmond Ahar, then led the operatives to where the victim was being kept at Adikpo, Benue State.
Upon arrival at the kidnappers’ den, the kidnappers spotted the police operatives and immediately engaged them in a gun duel.
In the ensuing confrontation, officers were able to neutralize three of the suspects, while others fled with bullet wounds.
The victim was rescued unhurt and immediately given medical attention to assess any physical or psychological impact.
The success of the operation also led to the recovery of 2 AK-47s and 6 loaded magazines, with several live ammunition. Efforts are intensified to apprehend the fleeing member of the gang and recover other arms.
In a similar operation in Nasarawa State, police operatives attached to the state command located an abandoned sienna vehicle on the 28th of December 2024, along Keffi-Kaduna Highway, Angwan Wayo Village, suspected to have been attacked.
The operatives followed the trail and located 2 hostages who had been captured by kidnappers. The victims were rescued unhurt, and efforts are still ongoing to arrest the fleeing kidnappers.
More recently, on the 7th of January 2025, police operatives of the Bayelsa State Command intercepted one Usman Mohammed ‘m’ en route to Rivers State.
A thoroughly conducted search led to the recovery of 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 Type 09 AR, 2 AK-47 Magazines, 2 Type 09 AR Magazines, and 120 rounds of ammunition of various calibers concealed by the vehicle.
The suspect has been arrested, and the investigation is still ongoing.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the operatives for these successes recorded specifically in the affected states and across the country.
He charging them to sustain the tempo to attain excellence in internal security and safety in Nigeria.
The incidents highlight the bravery and dedication of our police officers to keep our communities safe.
The IGP further encourages members of the community to remain vigilant and volunteer to play their role in ensuring public safety and general security in Nigeria.
Crime
JUST IN: Terrorists Invade Kaduna Wedding Ceremony, Kill 13 Guests In Late-Night Attack
At least 13 people have been killed and several others abducted after heavily armed terrorists invaded a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to reports, the attack occurred around 11:47pm on Sunday when the assailants, wielding AK-47 rifles, stormed the venue and opened fire on guests.
A resident of Kagarko, Shehu Bala, said the attackers arrived in large numbers and began shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall.
“They came in their numbers and started shooting sporadically at people,” Bala said. “Some of the victims who sustained gunshot injuries were rushed to Kagarko General Hospital, while two others with severe injuries were taken to Kaduna.
He added that the exact number of those abducted remains unclear due to the chaos that followed the attack.
“In fact, there are two of my friends who were inside the hall that also sustained bullet injuries during the attack,” he said. “But one cannot ascertain the number of those that were kidnapped because of the sporadic shootings.
”A community leader, who requested anonymity, also confirmed the incident, listing some of the victims killed in the attack.
They include Bako Danjuma, Williams Luka, Peter Williams, Joseph Yakubu, Victor Peter, John Dan Asabe, Angulu Markus, Maikano Aribi, Douglas John, Ado Yakubu, Zaphaniah Alhaji, Joseph Kaddah, and Francis Unguwa Doya.
Meanwhile, the police at the Kagarko Division confirmed the attack, noting that authorities are still working to determine the number of those kidnapped.
The Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the killings and abductions but said details were still sketchy.
Crime
12 killed in Plateau attack
At least 12 people were killed when armed gunmen attacked Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night, March 29, 2026.
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the victims comprised 10 men and two women. Several others sustained injuries during the assault.
In a statement, Commissioner of Police CP Bassey Ewah expressed condolences to the affected families and the people of Angwan Rukuba, describing the attack as unfortunate.
Security forces have launched investigations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.The state government has condemned the “barbaric” killings and imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to restore calm and prevent further violence, as panic and tension gripped residents following the incident.
This latest attack adds to the recurring security challenges in Plateau State, where communities continue to face threats from gunmen amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace in the region.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities as investigations continue.
Crime
Vietnam Police Dismantle Multi-Billion Dollar Cryptocurrency Fraud Operation
Vietnamese authorities have busted what officials describe as one of the country’s largest cryptocurrency scams, arresting key suspects in a multi-billion dollar Ponzi-style scheme that allegedly defrauded thousands of investors both domestically and overseas.
The operation, centered around a fraudulent digital token known as Paynet Coin (PAYN), was dismantled by police in Phu Tho province in August 2025. Authorities charged at least 20 individuals, including the alleged ringleader, Nguyen Van Ha, a 45-year-old entrepreneur and founder linked to the Hahalolo platform.
According to reports from local state media, including Công an Nhân dân, the suspects operated an illegal multi-level marketing (MLM) network disguised as a legitimate cryptocurrency investment platform.
Victims were lured with promises of high returns through the Paynet Coin scheme, which authorities labeled as the biggest crypto fraud uncovered in Vietnam to date. The operation reportedly spanned multiple provinces and attracted investors from abroad.
Police seized evidence related to the scheme and charged the suspects with fraud and organizing illegal MLM activities. Estimates of the total scale have varied in reports, with some describing losses in the billions of dollars, though exact figures for victim losses and assets recovered have not been fully disclosed publicly.
This bust is part of a broader crackdown on cryptocurrency-related crimes in Vietnam, where digital asset trading has grown rapidly in recent years but has also attracted scammers exploiting regulatory gaps.
Other recent cases include arrests tied to platforms like ONUS and HanaGold for alleged price manipulation, as well as smaller scams involving fake exchanges and investment schemes totaling millions of dollars.
Vietnamese law enforcement has intensified efforts against online fraud, Ponzi schemes, and unlicensed crypto operations amid a surge in investor complaints. Officials have warned the public to exercise caution with high-yield crypto investments promising unrealistic returns.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging additional victims to come forward. This case highlights the risks in Vietnam’s booming but largely unregulated crypto market, where millions of citizens hold digital assets.
No further details on trial dates or additional arrests have been released as of the latest reports.
-
Sports2 days agoCAF appoints Nigeria’s Samson Adamu as acting secretary general
-
Business2 days agoGovernor Otti Commissions Ultimum Manufacturing Plant in Aba
-
Politics2 days agoJUST IN: Kwankwaso Set to Join ADC on Monday
-
News1 day agoPresident Tinubu at 74, Donates Salaries to Armed Forces Welfare Fund
-
Politics1 day agoPDP will contest 2027 polls, says Wike
-
Business1 day agoOPay launches new office in Jos
-
Politics24 hours agoPDP Leadership Crisis: Faction Heads to Supreme Court as Tussle Deepens
-
Crime23 hours agoJUST IN: Terrorists Invade Kaduna Wedding Ceremony, Kill 13 Guests In Late-Night Attack
