Police

By Anwar Usman

Another tragedy struck again in Plateau State as unknown gunmen invaded Nyango Gyel in Jos South Local Government Area, killing three people in a late-night attack.

The unknown gunmen arrived at the community around 10:40 pm on Friday, shooting sporadically before fleeing into the darkness, eyewitnesses and community sources said.

The incident was confirmed by the secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong,  describing it as “one too many.”

He strongly condemned the attack, saying it represents yet another senseless assault on innocent citizens going about their normal business.

“This cycle of attacks on our rural communities must stop. We call on security agencies to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Tengwong stated.

He urged heightened vigilance among residents of rural communities in Jos South, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.

Recakked that, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier vowed that such attacks would not continue unchecked, instructing security agencies to find out those behind the recent bloodshed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israeli police on Sunday prevented top Catholic leaders from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where they were scheduled to lead Palm Sunday Mass.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed the development in a joint statement issued with the Custody of the Holy Land. According to the statement, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Custos of the Holy Land, the Most Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo, were stopped while heading to the church.

The statement explained that the clerics “were stopped en route, while proceeding privately and without any characteristics of a procession or ceremonial act, and were compelled to turn back.”

Church authorities said the incident marked an unprecedented disruption. “As a result, and for the first time in centuries, the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,” the statement added.

They criticised the action of the police, describing it as “a grave precedent, and disregard[ing] the sensibilities of billions of people around the world who, during this week, look to Jerusalem.”

The Patriarchate noted that Christian leaders had adhered strictly to restrictions imposed since the outbreak of the war. It stated that public gatherings were cancelled, attendance was not allowed, and arrangements were put in place to broadcast religious activities to millions of worshippers globally.

The statement further condemned the move as “a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure.” It added that the decision was “hasty and fundamentally flawed decision, tainted by improper considerations” and represented “an extreme departure from basic principles of reasonableness, freedom of worship, and respect for the Status Quo.”

Expressing disappointment over the development, the Church authorities said, “We express our profound sorrow to the Christian faithful in the Holy Land and throughout the world that prayer on one of the most sacred days of the Christian calendar has thus been prevented.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Friday formally decorated Moshood Jimoh with the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

During the ceremony, the IGP said the elevation was merited. He pointed to Jimoh’s track record of disciplined leadership and clear operational achievements, especially during his time in Lagos, as reasons for the promotion.

Disu also called on the senior officer to apply his experience and professionalism to enhance policing efforts across the country.

“Your promotion reflects the confidence of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in your capacity to deliver,” the IGP said, urging the senior officer to sustain his commitment to service, integrity and strategic policing.

Jimoh is among several senior officers recently elevated to the rank of AIG and assigned to different zones and departments within the Nigeria Police Force.

Before his promotion, he served as Commissioner of Police in Lagos. He is now set to take charge of Zone 2, Lagos, in his new capacity.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command says it has recorded a notable reduction in crime across the state in the first quarter of 2026, crediting the progress to improved policing strategies, intelligence-driven operations, and closer collaboration with key stakeholders.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, made this known on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Bompai, Kano, where he outlined the current security situation.

Bakori explained that recent restructuring within the Command has boosted operational effectiveness and strengthened responses to emerging threats, noting that the reforms are already delivering encouraging outcomes in maintaining public safety.

He stressed that the police remain determined to build on the gains to ensure Kano continues to be secure for both residents and businesses.

Speaking on the Command’s 2026 roadmap, the commissioner said initiatives such as community policing, intelligence-led operations, capacity development, and collaboration with other security agencies have reinforced the state’s security framework.

He highlighted the impact of Operation Kukan Kura, which he said has played a key role in curbing thuggery, popularly known as Fadan Daba.

“Our roadmap for 2026 is already producing strong results, and we are focused on sustaining and improving this momentum,” he said.

Bakori further noted that coordinated efforts involving the Kano State Government and other security agencies have helped prevent bandit infiltration, while long-standing farmer-herder disputes have been addressed through dialogue and community engagement.

On the fight against drug-related crimes, he revealed that the Command has utilised open-source intelligence to identify suspected dealers, with over 2,000 names submitted by members of the public.

According to him, many of the entries appeared repeatedly, suggesting credible information.

“We are profiling and verifying these individuals with a view to taking decisive action,” he said, emphasizing the importance of technology and community support in tackling crime.

The commissioner added that suspects linked to offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, cybercrime, and drug trafficking have been arrested and prosecuted, with several stolen items recovered during operations.

While admitting that security challenges persist, Bakori reassured residents of the Command’s resolve to address them through sustained collaboration with relevant authorities.

He also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside the cooperation of the public.

The police chief urged citizens to continue providing timely and useful information, assuring that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has denounced the alleged assault on Albarka Radio reporter, Mohammed Adamu, by police officers during the Eid Durbar celebration in Bununu, located in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

According to the organisation, in a statement signed by the Executive Director of CITAD, YZ Ya’u, the incident occurred while the journalist was on assignment to cover the event.

He was reportedly stopped by police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer, Jamilu Kabir. Although he identified himself and made efforts to reach the designated media section, officers allegedly attacked him.

The assault left him with head injuries and compelled him to seek medical care.

CITAD described the development as “a grave violation of press freedom and a direct attack on the fundamental rights of journalists in Nigeria.”

The group stressed that journalists remain vital to public awareness and accountability. It added that any form of intimidation or harm against media professionals weakens democratic governance and undermines the rule of law.

The organisation also noted that the incident reflects a broader concern. It stated that cases of harassment and violence against journalists by security personnel have become frequent.

According to CITAD, such actions create fear and hinder the ability of the media to function independently.

“We therefore call for:

1. An immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the incident.


2. The identification and prosecution of all officers involved in the assault.


3. Adequate compensation and protection for the assaulted journalist.


4. Clear directives and training for security agencies to respect and protect journalists in the course of their duties.”



CITAD further urged the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities to act decisively to address what it described as a growing pattern of attacks on journalists and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The organisation emphasized that Nigeria must remain a country where journalists can perform their duties without fear.

It maintained that protecting press freedom is essential for the preservation of democracy and the rights of citizens.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There is growing unrest within the Nigeria Police Force following a directive from Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu, ordering the immediate dissolution of multiple tactical units across the country.

Units reportedly affected include the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti-Cultism, Anti-Kidnapping, Scorpion Squad, Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Monitoring Units, Tiger Squad, Gender Units, and Anti-Robbery squads, among others.

The directive, obtained from an internal wireless message by SaharaReporters, followed a recent virtual meeting between the IGP and senior police officers. According to the message, “all existing tactical teams at commands are being reformed into two, with operational names to be provided by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations.”

The signal further specified that units such as “Lion, Tiger, Scorpion squads and others by whatever names called” will no longer operate in their current form. Under the new arrangement, only area commands and divisional surveillance units are allowed to function temporarily, pending further instructions.

Personnel from the disbanded units are to be redeployed into conventional policing structures, including patrol and guard duties, the Divisional Crime Branch (DCB), Juvenile and Women Centre (JWC), and general beat assignments. “The dissolved teams are to be subsumed into patrol and guard, DCB, JWC and beat with immediate effect,” the directive added.

Further details on the restructuring are expected to be revealed during the Officers’ Conference scheduled for March 26, 2026. While the rationale for the sweeping reforms was not explicitly stated, the move comes amid longstanding public concerns over misconduct by some tactical units, many of which have faced accusations of human rights abuses, extortion, and extrajudicial operations.

The restructuring follows closely on the heels of a special resit promotion examination for senior officers reportedly overlooked in previous cycles. A confidential police message dated March 16, 2026, shows that the Police Service Commission (PSC) has rescheduled the exercise for Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs) who were “not successful” in the December 2025 and March 2026 promotion cycles.

Sources say that some officers were allegedly sidelined by a bribery scheme orchestrated during former IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure. The current IGP is reportedly moving to “reconsider and rectify” these injustices by providing a transparent opportunity for affected officers to earn their next ranks.

The wireless signal directs all commands to release the affected officers to attend the interviews as scheduled and advises them to refresh their knowledge in professional studies, law, and local acts. Security arrangements include twelve armed men provided by AIGPOL MOPOL and two Hilux vans from the transport wing (TRANSFOR), to be ready at the FHQ Parade Ground by 06:00 HRS.

This move marks one of the most significant structural overhauls in the Nigeria Police Force in recent years.

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.