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
Police Arrest 32 Suspected Bandits in Kwara Forest Crackdowns
the operation targeted criminal hideouts in forest areas around Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, and Babanla, where the suspects were allegedly involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes
Photo: IGP Tunji Disu
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested thirty two suspected bandits during intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating in forest corridors across the state.
The police said that two of those arrested are foreign nationals from Niger Republic who are suspected to have collaborated with local bandits in cross-border criminal activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids carried out by operatives of the Kwara State Police Command and detectives of the Intelligence Response Team.
The police assures that the suspects will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
She explained that the operation targeted criminal hideouts in forest areas around Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, and Babanla, where the suspects were allegedly involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during an operational visit to Kaiama, commended officers of the command and the Intelligence Response Team for what he described as a successful operation against forest-based criminal gangs.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday 6, at Eha-Amufu and Umuhu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Enugu State, arrested a suspected notorious Eastern Security Network (ESN) commander, Sabastine Odo Odam, and Ejike Daniel, a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Security sources revealed that the arrest followed months of sustained intelligence gathering on activities of the suspects.
The arrests came on the heels of series of violent attacks on police stations and killings between 2024 and 2026, all in Isi-Uzo LGA.
“Both men have confessed to being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and carting away of weapons. The attacks include the February 26 killing of 11 labourers, and that of five policeman between December 24, 2025 and January 26, 2026.
“The arrests represent a major success for the DSS in the fight against insecurity in the southeast and country at large,” remarked the source.
Residents of Isi-Uzo LGA expressed excitement as news of the arrests filtered in. Many noted that the arrests will restore some peace to the affected communities.
Both suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS and awaiting arraignment in court, the source added.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari of a 23-count charge alleging non-declaration of assets, brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt against Kyari and his co-defendants, including his two brothers.
The judge held that the NDLEA did not provide sufficient evidence to prove that the disputed properties allegedly linked to Kyari belonged to him or that he failed to declare them. He described aspects of the case as unsubstantiated and lacking credible proof.
This acquittal pertains specifically to the asset declaration and related allegations. Kyari continues to face separate ongoing charges, including those related to drug trafficking matters.
Kyari, once celebrated as a top police investigator, has been suspended amid multiple legal battles. The ruling marks a significant development in one of his high-profile cases.
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