Police

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The 24 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, have been rescued and have regained their freedom.

The students were taken from their school in a recent attack that sparked widespread condemnation and concern.

Authorities have confirmed the successful rescue operation, though specific details regarding the operation or the current condition of the girls have not yet been fully disclosed.

This news brings a wave of relief to the families and the local community, who had been anxiously awaiting their return.

Further details are expected as the situation develops.

By Anwar Usman

The Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has instructed all officers attached to VIPs and beats nationwide to return to their bases.

This was as a result of a directive issued on November 23 by President Bola Tinubu, who ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIP security across the country.

In a memo signed by the Commanding Officer of SPU Base 16 in Lagos, Neji Veronica, and shared on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, on X, all affected officers were instructed to report back before the close of business on November 24.

The memo reads, “Sequel to the directive of Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs, the Commanding Officer directs, with immediate effect, the withdrawal of all personnel of SPU Base 16 attached to VIPs/Beats across the federation back to base.

“You are all warned to report back before the end of today, Monday, 24/11/2025, and all to attend the lecture parade tomorrow. Attendance shall be taken from the nominal roll. This is for your information and strict compliance.”

Under the new setting, the president said VIPs in need of security protection will now need to request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), rather than relying on police officers.

The Presidency explained that the move aims to boost police presence in communities, especially in remote areas where police stations are often understaffed and citizens remain vulnerable to attacks.

The statement further revealed that, “Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” adding that the president wants police officers “to concentrate on their core police duties.”

To make the initiative an everlasting one, the president has approved the recruitment of 30,000 police officers nationwide, with plans underway to upgrade training facilities in collaboration with state governments.

By Anwar Usman

The Kaduna State Police Command has announced the rescue of 17 trafficked children and arrested three suspected child traffickers.

This was revealed by DSP Mansir Hassan, the spokesperson of the command, in a statement on November 12, 2025, following credible intelligence on suspicious movements of children under the Danmagaji Flyover in Zaria, detectives from Danmagaji Division swiftly swung into action, leading to the rescue of the children.

The rescued children were allegedly being prepared for trafficking to Abuja and other parts of the country and beyond.

Three suspects apprehended in connection with the incident include Musa Shuaibu, 21, a native of Funtua, Katsina; Sani Mamman, 23, from Ingawa, Katsina State; and Mubarak Ismail, 20, from Unguwa Uku, Kano State.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having brought the children from different locations and were in the process of transporting them to Abuja before their arrest.

All the rescued children are underage and were found in good health, who are currently under the care and protection of the police command, as efforts continue to locate and reunite them with their parents or guardians.

By Uzair Adam

Former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, was on Thursday taken into custody by armed police officers shortly after attending a court session for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Sowore, a prominent campaigner for Kanu’s release, was reportedly accosted by the officers who insisted that he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

When he asked for the reason behind his arrest, one of the officers replied that they were acting on the instruction of the Commissioner of Police.

“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the officer stated.

Despite questioning the lack of a formal invitation and insisting that his lawyer must be present, Sowore was eventually driven away in a police van.

It would be recalled that the Sahara Reporters publisher played a major role in organising the recent #FreeNnamdiKanu protest that took place in Abuja and other cities on Monday.

During the protest, police arrested 12 participants, including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, and one of his lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor. The detainees were later remanded at Kuje Prison.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed before a Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, the police accused the protesters of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and public disorder.

The report alleged that the protest, which violated a subsisting court order, obstructed traffic and posed a threat to public peace.

The court is expected to take the plea of the 12 defendants on Friday.

However, it remains unclear whether Sowore will be added to the charge sheet.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has arrested five members of a criminal syndicate that specialized in impersonating police officers to extort unsuspecting citizens across Kano, Kaduna and Katsina States.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Command’s Spokesman, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the suspects were apprehended on Thursday, October 16, 2025, around 1:00 p.m., following credible intelligence.

Those arrested were identified as Aliyu Abbas (35), Sani Iliyasu (47), Ashiru Sule (41), Abubakar Yahaya (45), and Adamu Kalilu (45).

They were nabbed by operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) while parading themselves as police officers.

According to the statement, several incriminating items were recovered from the suspects, including a fake police warrant card, handcuffs, CFA 2,500, mutilated naira notes of various denominations, and a blue Peugeot 406 with registration number NSR-188-BD used for their operations.

“During investigation, the suspects confessed to engaging in a series of impersonations using the fake warrant card to extort innocent citizens and carry out other criminal acts in Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna States,” the statement added.

SP Kiyawa said the suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that the police would not tolerate any form of criminal impersonation or illegal activity in the state.

He further urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station.

By Anas Abbas

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested an 11-member gang of suspected armed robbers notorious for terrorising travellers along the Sha’iskawa, Charanchi and Katsina-Kankia-Kano highways.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Katsina.

He said the suspects specialized in ambushing and robbing motorists on major roads within the state.

According to Aliyu, those arrested include Dikko Maaru, Dardau Kabir, Muntari Musa, Labaran Amadu, Usman Maaru, Lawal Zubairu, Nasiru Sanusi, Adamu Kabir, Abdullahi Zubairu, Muhammad Usman, and Sale Shehu — all aged between 21 and 35.

He explained that the arrest followed credible intelligence which led to the interception of one of the suspects on Sunday around 10 a.m. while attempting to sell stolen items.

The suspect’s arrest, he said, led to the apprehension of other members of the syndicate.Items recovered from the suspects include 80 wristwatches, nine mobile phones, and a knife used in their operations.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bello Shehu, commended the operatives for their swift response and effective coordination.

He also appreciated the public for their continued cooperation and urged residents to keep providing timely information that could assist in combating crime across the state.

Aliyu added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.

By Uzair Adam

A violent confrontation between personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force in Bauchi State has resulted in the death of a police officer, Constable Ukasha Muhammed.

The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakil, who said the clash occurred on October 10, 2025, in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi metropolis.

According to Wakil, the command received a distress call reporting a serious altercation involving a police patrol team led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila during a routine operation.

“The patrol team encountered an assault on one of its members, Constable Ukasha Muhammed (F/No 533164), by two individuals in front of Padimo Hotel.

“The remaining members of the team responded swiftly, resulting in the arrest of one suspect while the other escaped,” the statement read.

The arrested suspect was later identified as Private Usman Mubarak (23NA/84/5346), a soldier attached to the Joint Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, in Jos, Plateau State.

Wakil added that the situation escalated when two other soldiers — Private Yakubu Yahuza (23NA/85/10185) and Private Godspower Gabriel (23NA/84/5654) — arrived at the scene armed and partially dressed in military uniform.

“They approached the team and fatally shot Constable Ukasha Muhammed in the left chest before fleeing the scene,” he stated.

The injured officer was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

His remains have been deposited in the hospital mortuary.

The police spokesperson said the command has taken the detained soldiers into custody and launched a full-scale homicide investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has constituted a team of seasoned homicide detectives to conduct a professional, diligent, and timely investigation to ensure justice is served,” Wakil noted.

He appealed for calm among officers and men of the command and urged them to exercise restraint pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police also extended condolences to the family of the deceased officer, praying for the repose of his soul.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may Aljannatul Firdausi be his final abode. May Almighty Allah grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement concluded.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has seized illicit drugs valued at more than N82 million and arrested a teenage suspect during an operation in the state capital.

Police spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.

He said the operation was carried out on September 20, 2025, after intelligence reports indicated that a suspicious vehicle was conveying cartons of intoxicants to Rimin Auzinawa Quarters in Kano.

“Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, our operatives cordoned off the premises where the vehicle was parked and arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Usman Umar,” Kiyawa explained.

He said a search of the house led to the recovery of 603 packets of suspected Tramadol tablets containing 60,300 pieces, estimated at N60.3 million, and 299 packets of suspected Pregabalin capsules with 44,850 pieces, valued at N22.4 million.

The total worth of the seized drugs, he noted, stood at N82.7 million.

Kiyawa added that the suspect is in custody and is assisting detectives with information to track down other members of the drug trafficking network.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, while reacting to the breakthrough, commended residents for their cooperation.

“This success would not have been possible without the vigilance and timely information from the good people of Kano,” he said.

Bakori assured that the Command will sustain the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, urging the public to continue sharing credible information.

He stressed that such intelligence would always be treated with confidentiality and prompt action.

By Anas Abbas

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspected vandals in connection with the destruction of a transformer at Government Girls Secondary School, Bunza, Bunza Local Government Area.

The suspects,Sanusi Muhammad and Ibrahim Lawal from Sokoto State, as well as Tasi’u Abubakar and Tasi’u Abdullahi from Zamfara State,were caught following a joint operation by the Divisional Police Officer in Bunza and local vigilante groups.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said in a statement on Saturday that the incident occurred at about 3 a.m. on September 10.

The gang allegedly tied up the school’s watchman before dismantling the transformer with chainsaws and other tools.

Recovered from the scene were a black Toyota Corolla with registration number KNT-359-SN, believed to have been used for the operation, as well as the vandalised armoured cables and equipment employed in the act.

“While two suspects were arrested at the scene, further investigations by the State CID in Birnin Kebbi led to the capture of the fleeing gang members,” the police spokesman said.

He confirmed that all suspects remain in custody and will soon be charged to court.Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, lauded the prompt response of the Bunza DPO and vigilantes, describing the arrest as proof of the value of police-community cooperation.

He assured residents of the state that the Command remains committed to rooting out criminals and ensuring public safety, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and share credible intelligence with security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Command also announced progress in another high-profile case.

On September 10, six suspects were arrested over the theft of gold ornaments worth over ₦109.5 million in Ka’oje, Bagudo Local Government Area.

Among those apprehended was a serving Nigerian Correctional Service officer, Ibrahim Abubakar, who confessed to taking part in the heist.

The valuables, belonging to the family of Hajiya Amina Hassan Bello, included five necklaces, nine bangles, and four rings weighing 782.7 grams.

According to investigators, the suspects conspired to sell the stolen gold and channel the proceeds into land purchases.

The police said efforts are ongoing to track down additional suspects and recover more of the stolen property.

By Uzair Adam

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman, Maryam Atiku, for allegedly attempting to kill her newborn baby girl by burying her alive in a bush in Dandi Local Government Area of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, Bello M. Sani.

According to the statement, the incident happened on June 25, 2025, around 8:00 p.m., when Maryam, a resident of the Nasarawa area of Kamba, gave birth and allegedly tied three wrappers around the baby’s neck, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush.

The statement explained that on June 26, at about 12:30 p.m., a farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, discovered a disturbed patch of soil resembling a fresh grave while working on his farm near Mallam Yaro village.

He raised an alarm, and with the help of nearby residents, the baby was exhumed alive.

The statement further noted that the baby was immediately rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where she received medical attention and was certified to be in stable condition.

On receiving the report, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Birnin Kebbi, swiftly arrested the suspect.

According to the statement, she confessed to the crime during preliminary investigation. The Commissioner of Police, as quoted in the statement, condemned the act and described it as barbaric.

He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and all forms of gender-based violence in the state.

The statement added that CP Bello urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to fear Allah in safeguarding children under their care and to resist compromising their future because of poverty or other factors.

It also acknowledged the support of the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajia Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, for her intervention in ensuring the rescued child’s welfare, as well as the efforts of Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, whose quick action saved the baby’s life.

The statement concluded that upon completion of investigation, the suspect was arraigned in court for prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.