©2022 DopeReporters. All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by multiplatforms
DANIEL DAUDA, Jos
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Plateau State Command, has said they have made a significant stride in the fight against crimes and criminality for the year 2024 in the state, as they apprehended about 859 suspects in connection with different offenses.
The Command revealed that its operational breakthrough saw them rescue 46 kidnapped victims, recorded 794 reported cases, seized 27 firearms as well as 115 ammunition from the suspects.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina made the disclosure Friday at the Command’s headquarters in Jos, at the Police end of 2024 press briefing. He confirmed they had charged 415 cases to court in the year under review.
Earlier, Adesina paraded 27 suspects in connection to armed robbery, kidnapping attempts, cultism, child molestation amongst other crimes across different locations in Plateau.
He assured us that all suspects would be charged in court as soon as the investigations were done.
According to him, over time, Police have put in place a series of strategies to prevent crime and ensure the security of all lives and properties within the State, especially during this festive season. One of such measure is the intensification of efforts toward ensuring the arrest and due prosecution of criminals. Before you today, are Twenty-Seven (27) suspects who will be paraded before you for various offences:
“On 15/12/2024 at about 08:00 am, information at our disposal revealed the activities of a gang of suspected hoodlums in possession of illegal firearms operating at Laplak Village, Pil-Gani District, Langtang North LGA.
“While acting on this information, a team of Policemen led by the DPO Langtang North Division immediately swung into action and arrested Four (4) suspects, namely; one Lohkur Ponfa, Monday Seljum, Nansak Ndam, and Nanbut Napdong, all of Pil-Gani District, Langtang North LGA.
“Upon conducting an on-the-spot search on the suspects, one AK 47 rifle and a magazine loaded with 13 rounds of Live Ammunition was recovered from the suspects. During our interview, the suspects confessed to having carried out a series of Armed Robbery operations including the one of 05/08/2024, where they robbed one Chukwuemeka of opposite COCIN RCC Langtang North. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of our investigations.”
The CP further mentioned that on 12/12/2024 at about 08:30pm, while acting upon credible intelligence received from one of our trusted informants, our men from Shendam Division arrested one Samuel Joti, Ponjul Paul, and Timfa Nimmyel all males of Shendam LGA at Lu-Shinkwan Hotel in Shendam.
“The suspects were attempting to execute a kidnap operation at Lu-Shinkwan Hotel, Shendam. The following items were recovered in their possession; one Locally fabricated Double-Barrel Pistol loaded with a Cartridge, a Jack Knife, Three (3) Handsets, and Two (2) local Knives. The case is currently under investigation at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and will be charged to Court upon Conclusion of our investigation.”
He expressed gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau people and other sister security agencies for the support given to the Police. Noting that “we could not have attained such tremendous levels of success without the cooperation and intelligence we have been receiving from the good and peace-loving citizens of Plateau State. For this, we are grateful and looking forward to greater collaboration in 2025.”
For a better society
_______________________________
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
The Oyo State Police Command says no fewer than 35 bodies of minors, who were killed in the Ibadan stampede have been recovered.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state, SP Osifeso Adewale, who confirmed this in a statement on Thursday, said about six minors who sustained severe injuries during the incident, are in critical condition.
“So far (35) thirty-five minors have been documented dead while (6) six others are critically injured and on various medical interventions,” he said.
DAILY POST recalls that a funfair organized by the former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Shikemi at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, had resulted in stampede, leading to the tragic incident.
The Oyo State Police Command said that eight persons involved in sponsoring the event had since been arrested.
The Police spokesman said those arrested include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, Fasasi Abdulahi, School Principal Islamic High School, Ibadan, Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.
Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, has disclosed that 22 bodies have been recovered after the boat mishap that occurred between Baro and Akwanu communities of Agaie local government area of Niger State.
It stated that a total of eight persons have been rescued alive.
The agency in a statement signed by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah in Minna, said the incident occurred on Thursday night, 28 November, 2024, at about 2:00 am.
He stated that the boat was sailing from Ebe Community of Kogi State with a population of almost 50 passengers heading to Katcha market, when the accident occurred.
According to him, ” NSEMA is currently directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and other community volunteers in the area.
“Thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers, twenty-two bodies have been recovered, and eight persons have been rescued alive so far.
“Eighteen out of the 22 bodies recovered are from Kogi State, while four are from Akwanu community in Agaie LG.
He added that a search and rescue operation was still ongoing to locate more survivors.
A suspected armed robber said to be terrorising residents along the Nkwo Enugwu-Ukwu Road in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, met his waterloo as security operatives shot him dead in a gun battle.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a press statement on Saturday.
Ikenga said the joint security operatives neutralised the suspect after engaging the gang in a gun duel.
The PPRO said, acting on credible information, the joint security task force demobilised the gang members by responding swiftly to the planned activities of the notorious gang in the area.
“Joint security operatives comprising of Police and Anambra vigilantes on 22/11/024 by 10:30am neutralised a member of an armed robbery gang operating along Nkwo Enugu Ukwu Road and recovered one Ak-47 rifle, two magazines and five rounds of live ammunition.
“The joint security forces responded swiftly and acted on credible information about the planned activities of the notorious gang in the area.
“The operatives engaged the criminals and subdued them in a gun duel, while some of the gang members escaped with bullet wounds. The operatives have further sustained security dominance in the area and activated an onslaught of operations against the fleeing gang members.
“To this end, the Command urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their area. You can call the Command Control Room at *07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer at 08039334002,” Ikenga said.
The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday said three bodies had been recovered following the boat accident which occurred on Monday at Imore town in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of the state.
PUNCH Metro reported that a boat with the inscription, “Only God 13”, travelling from Ebutte Ero to Badagry with 15 passengers collided with a wooden boat carrying 10 passengers from Alakija to Imore.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, in a statement on Tuesday, stated that all the 15 passengers on board the “Only God 13” boat were rescued while five passengers from the wooden boat sustained injuries.
He, however, stated that efforts were underway to locate the whereabouts of five other passengers.
While providing an update on the incident, on Wednesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed that emergency responders combing the lagoon recovered three bodies.
“Three bodies recovered today. Rescue operation is still ongoing,” he noted in a terse statement sent to PUNCH Metro.
LASWA boss had on Monday stated that the agency and the National Inland Waterways Agency convened an emergency meeting with the Imore community chiefs and the State Marine Officer to coordinate rescue operations and support affected families.
Meanwhile, the National Inland Waterways Authority said the manager of the “Only God 13” ferry had been arrested.
The agency in a statement on Tuesday said the ferry fibre boat veered off its channel and collided with the wooden boat due to the obstructed vision of its captain, largely attributed to the load onboard.
The ferry company was also alleged not to have adhered to operational safety standards and improper navigation procedures.
“As a result of these findings, NIWA has taken decisive action by arresting the manager of Only God Ferry for negligence and failure to comply with safety regulations as stipulated by the authority. The arrest is aimed at ensuring accountability and setting a precedent for strict adherence to waterways regulations to prevent future occurrences,” the statement added.
NIWA added that further legal actions were underway as investigations continued until the management of “Only God Marine” produced the captain of the boat to determine if additional charges would be filed.
As Nigerians prepared to celebrate the 64th Independence anniversary, the sleepy Gbajibo community in Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State, was plunged into mourning.
A wooden boat conveying over 300 people, mainly women and children from Mundi Local Government Area in Kwara State to Mokwa LGA, for the Malud celebration, capsized.
While 150 passengers managed to escape, 42 bodies have been recovered through search and rescue operations carried out by emergency responders, while 108 individuals are still missing.
The cause of the accident remains unclear, however, a source in the Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, who pleaded anonymity as he was not allowed to comment on the incident, attributed it to the overloading.
He claimed the passengers disregarded safety warnings, saying, “This was a truly avoidable accident—300 people on a wooden boat. They had been warned about the dangers of overloading boats and travelling with them. How can anyone claim this wasn’t due to overloading? None of the passengers wore life jackets, despite repeated government warnings. It’s just tragic.”
Following the incident, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency released a statement confirming that 150 people had been rescued, while another 150 remained missing.
The Director General of the agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, stated that search and rescue operations are ongoing to recover more victims.
Baba-Arah confirmed that the majority of the passengers were women and children travelling from the Mundi Community in Kwara to Gbajibo for the Maulud celebration.
He said, “NSEMA has received a report of a boat mishap that occurred last night, 1st October 2024, around 8.30 pm, on River Niger upstream Jebba dam, at Gbajibo Community in Mokwa LGA. The boat was sailing from Mundi Community with almost 300 passengers.
“NSEMA is coordinating search and rescue operations in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transport, Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and community volunteers. Thanks to the prompt response from community volunteers, over 150 individuals have been rescued alive so far. The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and the public will receive updates as the situation develops.”
In an initial update on the recovery efforts, Baba-Arah disclosed that nine bodies were retrieved, including two females and seven males.
The agency later announced the recovery of an additional 16 bodies from the river in Gbajibo, comprising two females and 14 males.
Subsequently, another 16 bodies were recovered, bringing the total number of recovered victims to 42 at the time of this report.
NSEMA assured the public that search and rescue operations are ongoing and regular updates will be provided.
However, some residents of Niger State have expressed doubts about the agency’s ability to locate additional victims.
Sadiq Bello, an official from one of the state ministries, told Saturday PUNCH that the state government needs to implement and enforce policies to prevent avoidable deaths during water travel.
He said, “I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but I only hope there are no dangerous fish and reptiles, such as sharks and crocodiles in the river.”
He feared that many victims’ remains could be consumed by aquatic life, leaving the rescue team with little to recover.
“Boat mishaps in Niger State have become a recurring decimal, happening every year, sometimes multiple times, with the same stories of overloaded boats, submerged trees, or turbulent waters.”
Bello insisted that the government must prohibit the use of wooden boats and strictly regulate the number of passengers allowed on board.
He also advocated for mandatory life jackets for all water travellers, noting that such measures would significantly reduce casualties in future incidents.
“Why should a wooden boat carry 300 people at once? Were they out to commit suicide?”
He noted that most of the boat’s occupants were residents of Kwara State travelling to Niger State to celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammed.
While acknowledging the significance of the celebration, he questioned the choice of transport and urged the government to address the underlying issues that lead to such tragedies.
Based on reports, Niger State is fast becoming synonymous with mass fatalities and burials.
In September, 59 people were reportedly burnt to death following a head-on collision between a petrol tanker and a trailer carrying passengers and 50 cattle in Lapai-Agaie Local Government Area.
Baba-Arah confirmed that 48 of the passengers, whose bodies were burnt beyond recognition, were given a mass burial in the local government.
“NSEMA has received a report of a deadly tanker explosion that occurred on Sunday, 8th September 2024, at about 12.30 am along Lapai-Agaie, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie LGA. The incident occurred when a petrol tanker loaded with PMS collided with a trailer truck loaded with travellers and cattle from Wudil in Kano State heading to Lagos; two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van, were also caught in the incident,” the agency stated.
Three kidnappers suspected to have attempted to kidnap the wife of a member of the Delta State House of Assembly have been killed by the police in a fierce gun duel.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the hoodlums had failed in an attempt to kidnap the woman on September 2, 2024, at the Okoloba Junction, Jakpa Road, Uvwie, where the suspected kidnappers killed two policemen and the driver, Mr. David Imela, during the incident.
However, the police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed this to PUNCH Metro on Sunday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
He said, “Following the failed attempted kidnap of the wife of one of the members of Delta State House of Assembly where the suspected kidnappers murdered two Mobile Policemen and the driver, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, immediately ordered a water-tight deployment around Warri and its environs as well as narrowing the roads and blockage of all exit points.
“Police operatives of the Ebrumede Division led by the DPO CSP Iwok Ndifereke strategically deployed and created an artificial hold-up at the DSC Roundabout and sighted the vehicle as described with a matching registration number.
“On noticing the traffic and sighting the policemen, the hoodlums opened fire on the team which the team equally responded professionally owing to the busy nature of the area.”
He said the hoodlums immediately abandoned the vehicle shattered with bullets and escaped with bullet injuries while three AK-47 rifles and their operational vehicle with registration no. WWR-436-GZ were recovered.
According to Edafe, the CP who was not satisfied with their escape, directed that the DPO Ebrumede should go all out and ensure the suspects were arrested and brought to book.
“Armed with available information and exhibits found in the abandoned vehicle, on October 3, 2024, the DPO Ebrumede Division, CSP Iwok Ndifereke, led operatives to their hideout in Agbarho where the police engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel.
“The policemen who prepared for the battle ahead overpowered the hoodlums, three of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped and another AK-47 rifle was also recovered.
“The suspects were taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead. A manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing,” he said.
Edafe said Olufemi also commended the bravery the DPO and his men displayed during the operation and urged other officers and men of the command to emulate them.
The Anambra State Police command on Wednesday said it arrested two suspects and recovered a bag of gunpowder and ammunition at different locations in the state.
This was disclosed in a press statement by the command’s spokesman, S.P. Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday.
Ikenga said the police led by their joint security force carried out the arrest through intelligent-driven routine patrol carried out at different localities in the state.
He said, “The police have arrested two suspects, recovered a large quantity of gunpowder concealed in a bag of cassava flakes (garri), one locally-made pistol and live ammunition.
“Police-led Joint Security Force while on a intelligence-driven routine patrol along the pillar-pole area of Aguata on September 22, 2024, intercepted a suspect (name withheld) carrying three bags of garri.
“The operatives upon a search of the suspect discovered beneath the edible a large quantity of gunpowder.
“Preliminary information revealed that the suspect was en route to a criminal camp to deliver groceries for consumption and the gunpowder for production of Improvised Explosives for the gang.
“The suspect is currently in custody and assisting the police to arrest the other gang members.”
In another development, the PPRO said operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, acting on credible information, stormed a criminal hideout in Oba in Idemili South LGA in the early hours of Wednesday and arrested one Nelson Wisdom, ‘M’, from Etsako East LGA, Edo State and recovered one locally fabricated pistol with two live ammunition.
He stressed that the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, reiterated that the police command and other security agencies would continue to act on information to sustain the onslaught of operation and to frustrate evil plans of the criminal elements in the state.
He said all suspects would be charged in court at the conclusion of the investigation.
The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended a notorious gun runner and recovered 20 locally-fabricated AK-47 rifles.
The suspect, Bitrus Gyang, from Barkin Ladi in Plateau State, was arrested on September 19, 2024, at Buruku Bridge during a routine patrol by officers from the Buruku Division.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, said the rifles and an empty Type 06 magazine were concealed in the trunk of a black Golf III saloon vehicle.
During interrogation, Gyang admitted to being involved in gun running and disclosed that he had previously transported fabricated rifles on at least three occasions.
Hassan noted that Gyang had been cooperating with the police, and efforts were being made to locate his accomplices.
The state Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi, praised the officers for their dedication to duty and assured the public that “kidnappers and bandits will continue to have no breathing space throughout the state.”
On the day of the arrest, at around 4 pm, officers intercepted the vehicle during their patrol.
Upon thorough inspection, they discovered the 20 fabricated rifles and the magazine hidden in the vehicle’s boot.
The police are continuing their investigations to dismantle the broader network involved in this illegal operation.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended two men and recovered several items worth over N800,000 from them.
Our correspondent gathered on Thursday that the items were stolen from a church; St. Michael Archangel Catholic Church, Igode located in the Sagamu area of the state.
PUNCH Metro that the incident occurred in the early hours of that same day.
The incident was reported to the police by one Onojwu Aaron and some members of the church.
The stolen items are a generator valued at N400,000, one big OX fan valued at N60,000, a music amplifier valued at N180,000 and other musical instruments valued at about N200,000, all totalling N840,000.
The state police command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said upon receiving the report, the police sprung into action immediately and began an investigation. They visited the scene and monitored the place together with the vigilante group in the area.
Along the line, she said two men were arrested in connection with the incident.
Upon further investigations, their identities were revealed as 21-year-old Destine John and 23-year-old John Peter, who were said to be indigenes of Benue State living in the Odongunyan area of Lagos.
The PPRO said they were arrested at Fakale inside a Keke Marwa (tricycle) where they were hiding the amplifier.
One of the suspects denied the allegations and claimed he bought the amplifier from one pastor but could not prove his claims.
The other man in his statement claimed his partner asked him to wait inside the tricycle at Fakale and later came back with the amplifier after informing him that a pastor sold it to him.
Odutola noted that statements provided by all parties concerned had been documented and further investigations were ongoing.
“Statements have been obtained from all concerned parties; investigation is in progress. Further developments shall be communicated,” Odutola said.
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a suspected drug trafficker in the Toto Local Government Area of the state.
According to the command, the suspect was arrested with 15 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, following painstaking efforts of its gallant officers in the area.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this in a statement in Lafia on Sunday.
He said, “The Nasarawa State Police Command in its relentless drive to tame the excesses of criminals have on 31/8/2024 at about 1300hrs arrested one Saturday Gabriel ‘M’ 43 years of Edo State while one other escaped.
“Consequently, a Toyota Camry with registration number: Lagos KSF 843 FN and 15 bags of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from the suspect as exhibit.”
Nansel explained that the arrest was based on a tip-off that a Toyota Camry with two occupants was sighted heading to the Nasarawa Toto area and reasonably suspected to be carrying criminals.
He further narrated that acting on the strength of the information, some personnel attached to the Toto Division were strategically deployed to be on the lookout for the suspects.
“Consequently, the vehicle was intercepted at Gadabuke area of Toto LGA, Nasarawa state where the suspect was arrested and the exhibits were recovered,” he added.
The statement added that the state Commissioner of Police, Umar Shehu Nadada, had directed the Divisional Police Officer to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia for onward handing over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have neutralised a notorious Kidnap kingpin, and gang leader of the Bling Bling Marine Strike Force, one Ubong Effiong Archibong, alias Condiment.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo, the state capital, titled, “Notorious kidnap kingpin/sea pirate meets Waterloo,” on Thursday.
She stated that the suspect was killed in a gun battle with operatives of the command in his hideout at the Uyanga Community of Cross River State and a G3 rifle with ammunition recovered from him.
According to the statement, the suspect was responsible for the kidnap of a High Court Judge, Joy Unwana and the killing of her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, in 2023.
Other kidnap cases linked to the slain suspect, the statement claimed, included the gruesome murder of the CEO Emem and Sons Nig. Ltd and the kidnapping of his sales representative and pharmacist, Joemel
The statement reads, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, has neutralised a dreaded kidnap kingpin/ sea pirate whose stock in trade was to kidnap, kill, maim and wreak havoc in society.
“The kingpin, Ubong Effiong Archibong, (M), alias Condiment, a gang leader of the Bling Bling Marine Strike Force terrorising the Uruan/Oron Waterways were responsible for the kidnapping of a High Court Judge, Joy Unwana and the killing of her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet, the gruesome murder of the CEO Emem and Sons Nig. Ltd and kidnapping of his sales rep.
“The suspect was also responsible for the kidnap of Pharmacist Joemel as well as also responsible for the kidnap of Mr. Brown, CEO Mingles Hotel.
She said the suspect was neutralised during a gun battle with operatives of the command in his hideout at Uyanga Community in Cross River State.
“One G3 rifle with four live ammunition was recovered from the suspect. The corpse of the suspect was recovered and deposited at the morgue. Investigations with full intent to arrest other members of the gang are ongoing.”
As Niger State government inaugurated a 13-member committee to distribute N50 million relief package to families of victims of the collapsed mining pit in the state, four more bodies of the miners in the Galadima Kogo pit have been recovered two months after the incident.
The recovery of the dead bodies was carried out through community efforts and engagement of 40 men from other mining sites to carry out a more intense excavation at the scene of the incident.
LEADERSHIP reports that the mine site collapsed over two months ago, and since then, excavation has been on with 30 people reportedly buried under the pit since June 3.
The District Head of Galadima-Kogo, Mallam Umar Aliyu, confirmed to journalists on Thursday that four more bodies were recovered through intense excavation that involved combined efforts of search workers at the site.
Details Later…
The body of a yet-to-be-identified man was recovered in the Manjasurawa area of Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on Sunday, after reportedly drowning in a well.
The incident, according to a statement by the Kwara State Fire Service Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle, occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
He noted that residents had alerted the fire service about a man reportedly found floating in a well which prompted the firemen to embark on a rescue operation.
Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, Adekunle noted that the body of the man was recovered by the firefighters.
He said, “On Sunday, August 4, 2024, at approximately 08:23 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service was summoned to a rescue operation at Aliara Street, Manjasurawa Area, Ilorin.
“An unidentified man, estimated to be about 38 years old, was found drowned in a domestic well. The firemen promptly commenced their rescue operations and recovered the man dead.”
Adekunle noted that the body was handed over to the police in the area for further investigation.
“His body was handed over to DCO Olatunji of the Nigeria Police Force, Ganmo Division. An investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the incident,” he concluded.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]