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.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received a detailed briefing on the recent deadly attack in Jos, Plateau State, and approved additional security measures to restore lasting peace in the affected areas.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State disclosed this after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
The governor described the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, which claimed over a dozen lives and left many injured, as “an act of terrorism.”
He said security forces have since restored calm following fresh disturbances involving looters on Wednesday morning.
“Additional security measures have been approved by the President in conjunction with state security architecture, while investigations continue to unravel the identities and motives of the attackers, who are yet to be fully apprehended,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The governor also revealed that President Tinubu may visit Plateau State soon to commiserate with victims and affected families.
The meeting followed President Tinubu’s earlier high-level session with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and chart a coordinated response to the violence.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on Wednesday arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna for the hearing of his bail application in an ongoing alleged corruption trial.
The court premises witnessed a heavy security presence, with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies deployed to maintain order and control access to the facility.
Movement around parts of the court complex is restricted, reflecting heightened public interest and sensitivity surrounding the case.
El-Rufai, who has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is facing multiple charges, including allegations bordering on money laundering, possession of public property, and related offences.
More details later…
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.
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