Crime
SLAIN LAWMAKER: Two Suspects escape from police custody in Anambra
Police in Anambra State have confirmed the escape of two suspects allegedly involved in the kidnap and eventual murder of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.
The remains of the late Azuka were interred over the weekend in his hometown, Onitsha.
However, disturbing news of the escape of two of his suspected killers had been circulating, albeit unconfirmed.
In a press statement, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the command was working to rearrest the fugitives and that operatives involved in the case would face sanctions.
His statement read: “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, upon receiving the report today, 18th February 2025, regarding the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka, Member Representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly, has deployed human, operational, and intelligence assets of the command to ensure their re-arrest.
He has also ordered immediate disciplinary action against any officers found culpable in the matter.
“Preliminary findings reveal that, following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects were assisting police investigators in an operation to apprehend the receiver and recover the operational vehicles used by the gang in their deadly activities.
During the operation, the receiver was arrested, and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from unsuspecting members of the public were recovered. However, the other two suspects managed to escape.
“The Commissioner of Police has assured the public that the command remains resolute in its fight against criminal elements in the state.
Efforts are in top gear to ensure that the suspects are re-arrested and brought to justice. Any officers found to have been negligent will also face disciplinary action.”
Crime
More Than 23 Terrorists Killed in Boko Haram-ISWAP Clash in Sambisa (Video)
More than 23 terrorists have been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, security sources say.
The latest clashes erupted around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members advancing into the area. The fighting forms part of a fresh wave of hostilities that began about two days ago.
A video obtained by Zagazola Makama shows sustained exchanges of fire as both groups tried to consolidate positions and block the other from expanding influence inside the forest.
Preliminary intelligence puts the death toll at more than 23 on both sides since the latest round began, though exact figures for each faction could not be independently verified.
The violence underscores the ongoing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas. The confrontation has further weakened both groups and disrupted their activities in a long-standing insurgent stronghold.
Security forces are closely monitoring the situation and exploiting intelligence on the factions’ movements. The military continues to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts across the North-East as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents.
Officials have urged communities near the forest to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. The situation remains fluid, with further clashes possible as both sides seek to reposition and reinforce their fighters.
Watch video below:
Crime
10 Out of 15 Abducted NYSC Members Rescued in Kogi (Video)
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 of the 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by suspected bandits along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued.
Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi said security operatives are combing surrounding forests and intensifying efforts to free the remaining victims.

He dismissed reports that the 10 rescued corps members were among the 11 persons freed during a joint security operation last week, clarifying that those earlier rescued were other travellers caught up in the same kidnapping incident.

The commissioner added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.
Watch the video below:
Crime
JUST IN: Terrorists kill 4, abduct others in Gorau after boat tragedy
Suspected terrorists killed four people, abducted four others and injured several more in an attack on Gorau town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday night.
The attackers invaded the community around 9pm and shot 11 residents, according to the village head, Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Na-Batsami. Seven of those shot survived and were rushed to hospital for treatment, while four died instantly.
The assault came barely six days after a boat accident claimed 65 lives in the same community. Na-Batsami said the terrorists specifically targeted families of the boat mishap victims over the N1 million relief money donated by the Sokoto State Government to each bereaved family. He said the bandits went from house to house searching for the cash.
Bashir Usman Gorau, the member representing Gada/Goronyo Federal Constituency, confirmed the incident and offered condolences to the affected families.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were unsuccessful as calls were not returned at the time of filing this report.
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