Police

By Anwar Usman

The National Police Council has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the 23rd substantive Inspector-General of Police.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this after the council’s meeting at the State House, Abuja, which lasted about 40 minutes.

The meeting is in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which requires the Police Council to consider the appointment.

The statement in parts reds “In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.”

The Police Council is chaired by the President and comprises all 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police.

Those in attendance were the meeting are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Head of Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, and Governors of Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo and Lagos.

Others were the Deputy Governor of Kogi State also attended alongside the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs and Interior.

Disu, 59, has been serving in an acting capacity since his appointment on Wednesday following Egbetokun’s resignation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have seized a large consignment of illegal drugs and arrested several suspects in separate operations carried out across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, made this known in a statement issued on 25 February in Asaba. He said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking and violent crimes in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, oversaw the exercise.

According to the statement, officers attached to the Eagle Net Special Squad intercepted a white J5 bus along the Asaba–Agbor Expressway near Northwest Filling Station on 13 February at about 10:30 p.m. The vehicle was stopped during a routine search.

A detailed inspection led to the discovery of 1,520 packets of Tramadol and Swinol tablets. The substances had been hidden beneath company machines inside the bus.

Police arrested the driver, Ebuka Dominion, 30, from Aguta Local Government Area of Anambra State, along with the motor boy, Emmanuel Terdule, 30, from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Investigators said early findings indicate that the drugs were meant for distribution. Further intelligence obtained during interrogation led to the arrest of Peter Akpan, 47, from Mbiaya in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He is believed to be the owner of the seized consignment.

Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the drug network.

In a separate operation on 22 February at about 3:20 p.m., operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team arrested a 23-year-old suspect linked to a series of robbery incidents in Warri.

The suspect later took officers to a bush in the Jedo area of Warri. A locally made gun buried at the location was recovered.

Police said the suspect admitted to being a member of the Aye Confraternity. He also confessed to participating in several door-to-door robbery operations within the Warri area.

Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.

The development comes amid rising concern over drug abuse in Delta State. Recently, community leaders raised alarm over the increasing rate of narcotics consumption among young people.

“We consider this development a matter of urgent public interest requiring coordinated and sustained intervention by all tiers of government and law enforcement agencies,” the elders under the aegis of the Aniocha–Oshimili Elders’ Association stated.

Data from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency also shows the scale of the challenge. The agency’s Delta State Command reported last year that it seized illicit drugs valued at over N3 billion.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Abia State Police Command has taken into custody a man identified as Edward Okorie for the alleged killing of his girlfriend, Sophy Chika, in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.

Reports indicate that the suspect, who is from Isiugwu in Ohafia, was involved in a domestic dispute with the victim, a nurse, before her death. Chika was said to be from Ozu Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

Sources familiar with the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the couple had been living together in Okagwe village prior to the tragedy. According to the sources, a disagreement between them escalated and led to the fatal outcome.

One of the sources said, “The tragedy struck yesterday, at Isiugwu Ohafia, in Ohafia LGA, Mr Edward Okorie killed his girlfriend. Miss Sophy Chika, who hails from Ozu Abam in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State, was killed by Mr Edward Okorie, an indigene of Isiugwu Ohafia, over a minor misunderstanding that ensued between them.

“The lovers, who were cohabiting for over three years now, had a misunderstanding in the early hour of yesterday and she was reportedly beaten to death by Mr Edward Okorie.”

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said she received a briefing from the Divisional Police Officer in Ohafia regarding the case.

She explained that the matter has been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Umuahia for further inquiry.

“Yes, the attention of the Divisional Police Headquarters, Ohafia, was called to it. Suspect has been apprehended, and the case will be transferred to SCID today by the DPO”

Chinaka added that the police have begun a detailed investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident has caused grief and outrage among residents of the Abam community, with many calling for justice and a thorough investigation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives in Kebbi State successfully repelled a late-night attack by suspected bandits along the Maje border road, averting what authorities described as a coordinated attempt to breach security under the cover of darkness.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 pm on February 20, 2026. Armed men, reportedly linked to the Lakurawa criminal network, advanced toward police positions while moving a herd of cattle, a tactic believed to conceal their movement.

Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force Counter Terrorism Unit, who were on high alert, confronted the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat.

Kebbi State Police Commissioner, Umar Mohammed Hadeija, confirmed that the prompt response of officers prevented any casualties and further destruction.

“Our operatives were vigilant and professionally responded to the attack. The bandits were repelled and forced to flee. Although some temporary security structures were damaged, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded,” he said in a statement released on Saturday.



The commissioner added that additional security personnel had been deployed along the border corridor and assured residents that the situation remained “calm and fully under control.”

He also issued a warning to herders and livestock owners against moving cattle at night or under circumstances that could provide cover for criminals.

“We urge herders and livestock owners to desist from night grazing or movement of cattle in a manner that creates suspicion or provides cover for criminals. Security agencies will take firm and lawful action against any unlawful activity linked to such practices,” he stated.



Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to combating criminal activities in border communities.

“The Kebbi State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state. We will not relent in our efforts to dismantle criminal groups threatening the peace of our communities,” he said.



Residents have been encouraged to continue with lawful activities without fear, as security agencies maintain patrols and surveillance along vulnerable routes.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Borno State Police Command has paid out N20,137,770.34 to families of officers who died while serving the nation.

The amount was released to nine beneficiaries under the Group Life Insurance Scheme. The presentation took place during a cheque handover ceremony. According to the command, the support is meant to assist the families with education, healthcare and other welfare needs.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nahum Daso, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Ibrahim Sumaila, stood in for the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, at the ceremony. He also delivered a message from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The message stressed that the Force places high value on the welfare of its personnel and their families.

“The Group Life Insurance Scheme is a testament to the IGP’s commitment to supporting officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for national peace and security,” DCP Sumaila said. He advised the beneficiaries to make careful use of the money.

A representative of the families, Mr. Modu Ishaku, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General for the support. He assured that the funds would be used judiciously.

This payment comes after a similar exercise in January 2026, when about N18.38 million was distributed to another nine families of fallen officers.

The Group Life Assurance Scheme provides financial assistance to families of deceased police personnel across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives in Adamawa State have arrested three suspects, including a son accused of taking part in the abduction of his own father in Malabu community, Fufore Local Government Area.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Adamawa State Command, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje. He said the development followed the kidnapping of Alhaji Ahmadu on January 30, 2026.

Nguroje explained that the action of the operatives was “in compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, to intensify operations against criminal elements.”

He stated that police personnel, in collaboration with members of the Miyetti Allah local security outfit, stormed a hideout believed to be used by kidnappers in Jera village, Malabu District of Fufore LGA.

During the raid, three men were taken into custody. The suspects were identified as Lawali Haruna, 45; Yahaya Ibrahim, 25; and Da’u Alhaji Ahmadu, 28. All are residents of Jera community.

Police authorities described the incident as “more worrisome,” after confirming that one of those arrested is the biological son of the victim.

“All the three suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime,” the statement added.

The command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victim safely and track down other members of the kidnapping gang. The suspects remain in detention while investigation continues.

The Commissioner of Police praised the joint effort between the police and local security groups. He assured residents of sustained operations to protect lives and property across the state. He also called on the public to assist law enforcement agencies with “timely and credible information” as the investigation progresses.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has handed over the sum of $23,000 recovered from an alleged international romance fraud suspect to the British High Commission in Abuja for onward return to the victim in the Cayman Islands.

Police authorities said the money was retrieved from Achufusi Obioma, a Nigerian national who was under investigation for allegedly defrauding a resident of the Cayman Islands through an online romantic relationship scam.

In a statement issued on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the complaint was first received by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

He explained that the recovered funds were later transferred to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service through Shaun McLeary, who represented the British High Commission in Abuja.

“The repatriation followed a request received from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service seeking assistance of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja to investigate a Nigerian national, Achufusi Obioma Ikenna, who defrauded a resident of the Cayman Islands through an online romance scam,” the statement reads.

“Acting on the request, INTERPOL NCB Abuja conducted discreet, intelligence-led investigations which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the sum of $23,000.

“Following the completion of all necessary documentation and in collaboration with international partners, the recovered funds were formally handed over to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, through the British High Commission in Abuja, represented by Mr. Shaun McLeary, for secure delivery to the victim. Meanwhile the suspect will be arraigned at the conclusion of investigation.

“This successful repatriation underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s sustained commitment to intelligence-driven policing, effective international collaboration, and the disruption of transnational cybercrime networks.”

The Cayman Islands is a self-governing British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Anambra State Police Command has taken into custody a 29-year-old woman, Mrs. Edeh Osinachi, over the alleged physical abuse of a 17-year-old domestic worker in Awka, the state capital.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday. He said officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Education handed the suspect over to the police on February 4, 2026.

Ikenga explained that the transfer of Osinachi to the police formed part of measures aimed at protecting the welfare and safety of students and pupils across the state.

Police said the victim worked as a domestic help under the supervision of the suspect.

According to the statement, the case came to light after school authorities observed serious injuries on the girl’s body during a teaching session. The discovery raised concern among staff members, which prompted further inquiries.

Subsequent findings revealed that the injuries were allegedly inflicted at home.

Ikenga said the teenager accused the suspect of attacking her after alleging that she used a mobile phone without permission. She claimed the suspect became angry and subjected her to severe punishment.

“She alleged that Osinachi, enraged by her action, punished her by pressing a heated electric iron against parts of her body, inflicting serious injuries.”

“During interrogation by the Police, the suspect reportedly confessed to the act,” the statement read.

The Police Command praised the alertness and swift response of the school authorities. It noted that their intervention prevented further harm to the victim.

Ikenga assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and that the suspect would face prosecution in accordance with the law.

He also urged parents and guardians to accept only responsibilities they can properly manage.

While investigations continue, the police warned that negligence can expose children to abuse when they are placed in the care of others.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Doma community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into renewed fear after armed bandits carried out a fresh attack on the area, despite a peace and surrender agreement earlier reached between local authorities and armed groups operating there.

It was gathered on Tuesday that the attackers arrived in Doma in large numbers, opened fire on residents, and set several houses and vehicles on fire.

According to a report by an online Nigerian newspaper, SaharaReporters, the incident has unsettled the community, especially as it came after a reported peace agreement between stakeholders in Faskari Local Government Area and bandit leaders. The deal was expected to end hostilities and encourage displaced residents to return to their homes.

A Katsina-based security expert, Bakatsine, confirmed the development and warned that the attack was still ongoing in Doma and nearby communities within Faskari LGA.

Bakatsine raised concerns over the safety of civilians and appealed for immediate security intervention in the area.

“Urgent deployment of security forces is needed to Doma and surrounding communities in Faskari LGA to protect civilians, stop the ongoing violence, and prevent further loss of lives and property,” the alert stated. “Immediate action could save lives.”

At the time of filing this report, there were concerns that casualties may have been recorded. However, the exact number of those killed or injured could not be independently verified.

Faskari Local Government Area remains one of the areas most affected by insecurity in Katsina State, with years of persistent bandit attacks, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and large-scale displacement of residents.

On September 17, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that a known bandit commander, Isya Akwashi Garwa, who was armed with an AK-47 and ammunition, released 28 abducted persons in the local government area after a peace arrangement.

Those released were mostly residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki, and Yar Dabaru communities, who had spent weeks in captivity.

Local authorities later confirmed that the release followed reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace and reducing violence in the area.

A security source, Zagazola Makama, also revealed on X that community leaders in Faskari welcomed the development and described it as a positive step. They urged all parties involved to sustain the “peace process.”

The leaders also appealed to the bandit commander to persuade other armed groups still carrying out attacks in the area to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested suspected informants and financiers linked to bandit activities during a security operation in parts of the state, with several rustled cattle recovered.

Details of the arrests were made public in a post shared on X on Tuesday by security analyst Zagazola Makama. According to the post, the operation took place in the early hours of Monday at about 1:00 a.m. in Sarma Village, Tangaza Local Government Area.

Makama said operatives of the Sokoto State Police Command, in collaboration with members of the community guard, carried out the intelligence-led raid, which led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Nura Dan Haruna, 20, and Buhari Salah, 18.

The suspects were found with seven cows suspected to have been stolen, as well as a motorcycle without a registration number.

Makama reported that preliminary findings showed the suspects were acting on instructions from two other individuals who remain at large.

“The suspects confessed they were sent by two individuals, Abdullahi Gulum and Dan Iko, who are currently on the run, to deliver the cows to Hamza Ibrahim, 56, of the Kara area in Illela,” Makama wrote.

He added that police later arrested Hamza Ibrahim in connection with the case.

“Hamza was later arrested by the police,” Makama wrote.

Further inquiries by the police also uncovered that Hamza Ibrahim admitted to selling two of the cows last month to Abubakar Muhammad, 31, from Gwadabawa Local Government Area. Police confirmed that Abubakar Muhammad has also been arrested.

Authorities said investigations into the case are continuing, while efforts have been stepped up to track down and arrest the remaining suspects linked to the alleged bandit network.