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: Police Find Pastor Adefarasin Innocent in Viral Gun Video Case

The Lagos State Police Command has cleared Senior Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church of any wrongdoing after a viral video showed him holding what appeared to be a firearm.
In a statement on Wednesday, police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that Adefarasin voluntarily reported to the Ikeja headquarters for questioning. Investigations revealed that the object in the video was a stun gun—not a lethal weapon.
“After thorough investigation, including interrogation and a cautionary statement from Pastor Adefarasin, it was established that the object was a stun gun and not a firearm. There are no sufficient grounds to proceed, and the case is discontinued,” the statement said.
The police emphasized their commitment to transparency, rule of law, and public safety.
This development contrasts with an earlier statement in June by the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, who noted that stun guns fall under prohibited riot control equipment and that pointing one at someone could be a criminal offense. At that time, both Adefarasin and the person allegedly threatened were set to be questioned.
The video showed the pastor in a Range Rover holding the device during an exchange. Adefarasin has maintained that he never brandished a firearm and that the object was non-lethal.
Crime
EFCC: Yahoo Boys Fuel Stricter Visa Rules for Nigerians

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned that increasing cases of internet fraud are leading to stricter visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent Coker Oyegunle, spoke on Monday at a Port Harcourt event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. He stressed that fraudulent activities damage Nigeria’s reputation, causing harsher travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.
Olukoyede urged youths to focus on productive sectors like digital innovation, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, warning that “fraud is not success; it is a trap” with lasting consequences.
The EFCC recently intensified efforts against cybercrime, arresting 38 suspected fraudsters in Lagos and securing convictions in Edo State for fraud-related offences.
In July, the US reduced the validity of Nigerian visas, including business, tourism, and student visas, a move linked to the rise in fraud cases.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to combating fraud through enforcement and community collaboration.
Crime
Gov Alia’s Aide Abducted by Unidentified Gunmen

The Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youth and Media Mobilization, Mr. Atu Terver, popularly known as Krayzeetee, has reportedly been abducted by unknown individuals.
The incident came to light late Tuesday after his wife shared an emotional post on social media, raising the alarm.
She revealed that her husband called her in a terrified voice saying, “I have been abducted, call mummy,” before his phone went unreachable.
Terver recently made headlines after dismissing one of his aides who took part in a protest against killings in Benue.
Authorities have yet to confirm the abduction or provide updates on any rescue efforts.
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