Nigeria Police Force

October 1 Protest: Police in Katsina promise to safeguard protesters

By Anwar Usman

The Katsina State Police Command has assured the public that it has taken the necessary measures to ensure the planned nationwide Fearless October 1st protest does not descend into chaos.

This follows concerns raised due to previous violent protests, including the recent nationwide demonstrations against bad governance, which resulted in the loss of lives and property worth billions of naira.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq, who is the Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina, made this known to journalists on Saturday evening.

He said the command has mobilized both human and intelligence resources to guarantee safety before, during, and after the protest.

He further explained that, “We have taken proactive measures to ensure public safety and security. Adequate personnel have been deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order, with enhanced intelligence gathering, surveillance, and patrols across the state.

“While we recognise the rights of citizens to protest, we urge protesters to exercise these rights responsibly and within the framework of the law.”

Army hands over suspected killer of FUNAAB student to police

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Army has apprehended 23-year-old Adeleye Ayomide, suspected of being the killer of Christiana Idowu, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), who was abducted in Lagos State.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the handover of the suspect on Thursday, following an investigation into the incident.

According to Lagos Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, Ayomide was handed over by the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade at about 2 p.m. on September 5.

The late Christiana was kidnapped along the Ikorodu-Yaba Road on August 19, sparking public outrage, especially on social media.

The hashtag #JusticeForChristianah has gained traction, with many Nigerians calling for justice.

A user on social media, going by “Man of Letters,” shared details of how the suspect, who was reportedly in a close relationship with Christiana based on their interactions on Instagram, was tracked down.

Security operatives traced Ayomide through his mobile phone, leading to his arrest at his parents’ house in Ikorodu.

Among the evidence recovered from the suspect was the victim’s blue ITEL A56 phone.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to bring justice for the slain student.

97 Shi’ites arrested over attack on police officers in Abuja

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 97 individuals linked to the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite group, following a violent confrontation with police officers in Abuja on Sunday.

The incident resulted in the deaths of two policemen, with three others sustaining serious injuries on Sunday.

Additionally, three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze during the clash.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the arrests were made based on credible intelligence.

He noted that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has directed that all measures be taken to ensure that those involved in the attack are prosecuted.

Adejobi further stated that the IGP is committed to maintaining law and order across the country and will not tolerate any form of anarchy or unrest.

He described the killing of police officers in the line of duty as “outrageous and unacceptable,” emphasizing that those responsible must be brought to justice.

As investigations continue, the police have vowed to uncover the full extent of the attack and prevent future incidents of violence against officers.

The IGP expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased officers and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

He also called on the public to support the police in their efforts to uphold peace and security in the country.

Police arrest notorious kidnapper, recover AK-47 refle, ammunition

Uzair Adam

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kaduna State Police Command has successfully apprehended a notorious kidnapper.

Spokesperson of the Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, said “The suspect, identified as Abdulrahman ‘M’ of Karshi, Abuja, was arrested in possession of an AK-47 rifle along with twenty-seven (27) rounds of live ammunition in Karshi.”

He said upon interrogation, Abdulrahman confessed to being involved in several kidnappings in Ikara Local Government Area (LGA).

He stated that, “Further investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will be prosecuted upon the completion of preliminary investigations.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Ali Dabigi psc, commended the officers involved for their exemplary work and assured the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of life and property throughout the state,” he said.

Hunger Protest: Justice for Kano victims

By Abbas Datti

Peaceful demonstrations turned deadly when security forces used live ammunition against unarmed civilians in Kurna, Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nassarawa, Kano. That resulted in the loss of innocent lives and left many others injured and traumatised.

This brutal response has sparked outrage within the state and across the country as concerned citizens demand accountability and professionalism. An image of a well-armed police officer who allegedly opened fire on innocent victims of Kurna is now circulating on social media. 

Reports indicate that the police fired indiscriminately to scatter the protesters, resulting in the death of innocent young children.

Consequently, it’s up to the Inspector General of Police to probe the unfortunate incident.

The protesters had reportedly assembled themselves and marched to express their grievances over deteriorating hardships, hunger, economic inequalities, corruption and other social injustices, exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly and free speech. However, what began as a lawful and largely non-violent demonstration quickly escalated into a scene of chaos and bloodshed, as security forces resorted to excessive force and unprofessionalism 

Families of the victims are now left to mourn their loved ones, grappling with the devastating loss and an overwhelming sense of injustice. Our sons went out to make their voices heard, to fight for a better future for themselves, and now they are gone. As a result, we demand justice for their senseless deaths.

We are calling on human rights organisations and civil society groups to condemn the brazen actions of the security forces, calling for an independent investigation into the incident. The use of live ammunition on peaceful protesters is a gross violation of human rights, which is a fundamental right given by the Constitution. 

Abbas Datti wrote from Kano via comradeabbasdatti@gmail.com.

Protests: Police refute viral video claiming officer killed in Katsina shooting

By Uzair Adam

The Katsina State Police Command has debunked claims circulating in a viral video that a police officer shot and killed a colleague during recent protests against bad governance in the state.

The video, shared widely on X, shows a security agent allegedly shot by a police officer while dispersing protesters in Katsina. The agent is seen lying motionless on the ground, sparking outrage and concern.

In a statement to the press, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Katsina State clarified that the video was “manipulated and taken out of context.”

The PPRO identified the individual in the video as an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who sustained injuries from an accident during the protest, not from a gunshot.

“The fact is that the security agent shown in the video is an officer of the NSCDC who fell from a patrol vehicle due to an accident involving the vehicle at the scene of the protest.

He was immediately rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital (formerly Federal Medical Centre), Katsina, where he was treated and discharged,” the PPRO explained.

Katsina State Police Commissioner, CP Aliyu Musa, reiterated that no fatalities were recorded during the protest.

He urged the public to prioritize accuracy and verify information through official channels.

“We call on members of the public to disregard this misinformation and always verify information through official channels,” CP Musa stated.

He reassured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state, in collaboration with other security agencies.

Borno enforces 24-hour curfew

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Borno State Government has announced an immediate 24-hour curfew across the state.

This is in response to the tragic detonation of an improvised explosive device in Kawori Market, Konduga area of Borno State on Wednesday night.

The explosion suspected to be carried out by a Boko Haram suicide bomber resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and critical injuries to several others.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, disclosed this in a Thursday press release obtained by The Daily Reality titled, “Imposition of Curfew,”, the statement noted that the bomb explosion prompted Governor Babagana Zulum, to consult with top security officials before implementing this measure.

According to the statement, the curfew aims to restore law and order and ensure public safety.

It read, “In view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security and law enforcement agencies toward the preservation of law and order in the state. You are all aware of the incident that took place at Kawori which was the detonation of an improvised explosive devices ordinance device which led to the death of (16) persons while several others were critically injured and on admission across various Government hospitals in the state.“

In line with our constitutional mandate towards the restoration of law and order his Excellency the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum in consultation with heads of security in the state, finds it’s expedient to declare 24hrs curfew in the state with immediate effect.

The PPRO urged residents to stay calm and adhere to the curfew. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

“I, therefore, wish to call upon the good people of Borno State to remain calm and law-abiding. Further developments will be communicated to you accordingly, please,” it concluded.

Police gun down kidnappers, rescue four hostages in Ogun

By Anas Abbas

In a dramatic turnaround, operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed two kidnappers and freed four captives, including a Nigerian and three Indian nationals, in a daring operation.

The rescue mission occurred on Sunday night along the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway, near Delabo Junction, after a driver was shot and travellers kidnapped by gunmen.

Police Commissioner Abiodun Alamutu briefed reporters at the state headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, saying the anti-kidnapping squad traced the hoodlums to a bush hideout, where a fierce gun battle ensued.

“The suspects engaged our men, but our superior firepower led to the elimination of two kidnappers while others fled with injuries,” Alamutu said.

The police recovered 109 rounds of ammunition, five AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 magazines, and two cell phones from the suspects.

The rescued hostages were reunited with their families, unharmed. The police commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, saying, “We will not tolerate criminality in Ogun State.”

This operation marks a significant victory in the fight against kidnapping and crime in the state.

Policeman rejects N150m bribe, honoured for integrity

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Superintendent of Police, Ibrahim Sini, has been honoured for rejecting an N150m bribe from a Lagos-based businessman, Akintoye Akindele. 

Akindele was arraigned in August 2023 for allegedly diverting $5.6m and N73.5m belonging to Summit Oil International Ltd. Sini led the investigation team and was offered the bribe to permit Akindele’s escape abroad and write a favourable report.

Sini said, “I am very happy to be here and I want to appreciate the organisers of this programme. They have beat my imagination and added more grease to my elbow.”

He recalled the incident: “The person in question asked me, ‘Do you want to be rich?’ He said this is an opportunity for you to be rich. So, what I said was that it depends on the kind of riches. 

“I would like to have money so that I can lay my head down and sleep at night. I don’t want to have something that will make me think twice and be running from one hole to another. 

“So, I decided to do the right thing so that I can have peace of mind and also stand to do what is right for myself, for my organisation, that is, the Nigeria Police, and also for the country at large,” he added.

Sini advised youths not to trade their integrity for anything, stating that he would like to have money that would allow him to sleep at night and have peace of mind.

Presenting Sini with the document of the land, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, said Sini’s conduct has brought pride to the Nigerian Police Force.

The charge sheet revealed that Akindele and his company, Duport Midstream Company Limited, were accused of conspiring to commit a felony, stealing, and dishonest conversion of the sum of $5,636,397.01 and N73,543,763.25 belonging to Summit Oil International Limited.

Six killed, many others injured in Borno bomb blast

By Abdullahi Khairalla

Borno State Police Command has confirmed that eight people were killed and fifteen others sustained various degrees of injuries following a bomb explosion in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, which is about 100 kilometres away from Maiduguri.

Police Public Relations Officer ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso reported that the tragic incident occurred on June 29, 2024, at approximately 15:40 hours. 

The command further notes that ” a woman carrying a baby detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at a busy motor park in Mararaba T. Junction in Gwoza town. 

The explosion claimed the lives of the woman, her baby, and six others, with fifteen individuals who sustained injuries currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Gwoza”.

This is happening in the wake of the cropping season, which many observe is part of the sinister efforts of the insurgents to cause havoc and instil fear in the people, thereby preventing them from accessing their farmlands.