Police

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, held a virtual conference on January 13, 2025, with key strategic managers of the Nigeria Police Force, including tactical commanders, Commissioners of Police (CPs), and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs).

During the meeting, the IGP commended officers for their efforts in combating crime throughout 2024 but urged them to enhance their anti-crime strategies in 2025.

Egbetokun underscored the importance of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in policing and stressed the need for specialized training for Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigators to improve their ability to handle complex cases.

He ordered immediate reorientation programs for all police personnel, focusing on human rights, community policing, ethical conduct, and appropriate use of force.

In addition, the IGP directed the introduction of weekly lectures across all police divisions, area commands, and state levels.

These sessions will focus on continuous professional development, legal updates, and technological advancements in law enforcement.

The IGP emphasized that these initiatives are aimed at fostering a culture of learning and accountability within the Force.

The IGP further tasked strategic managers with ensuring professionalism within their commands, holding supervisors accountable for any misconduct.

He reiterated his commitment to strengthening the police force and improving its relationship with the Nigerian public.

By Anas Abbas

The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, stated that the police command in the state has apprehended approximately 916 criminals, neutralized 40 bandits, and rescued 319 victims of kidnapping in one year.

This announcement was made on Monday during an end-of-year event in Katsina, where Aliyu celebrated the command’s accomplishments in combating crime and enhancing public safety.

He expressed pride in the dedication shown by the police force throughout the year, which has led to a notable decrease in crime rates across the state.

“Our commitment to fighting crime has been unwavering, resulting in significant achievements that have improved the safety of our communities,” he stated.

The Commissioner listed several key successes, including the dismantling of multiple criminal networks, recovery of valuable evidence, and the successful rescue of numerous kidnapped individuals.

He reiterated that these accomplishments reflect the hard work and bravery of the officers who strive to protect the community.

Among the notable milestone, he explained that,”We rescued over 319 kidnapping victims, reuniting them with their families.”

The police neutralized 40 bandits, which has contributed to safer neighborhoods.

The recovery of 2,081 rustled animals, aiding local farmers and the economy.

While speaking he stated that “we arrested 199 suspected armed robbers, enhancing street safety.”

The prosecution of 23 major drug dealers, disrupting illegal drug activities.

These enhancements have increased operational efficiency and improved emergency response capabilities.

“Our community policing initiatives have also fostered stronger relationships between law enforcement and the public,” he added.

The Commissioner expressed gratitude to other security agencies for their collaboration over the year, underscoring the importance of teamwork in addressing security challenges.

Governor Dikko Radda, represented by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, acknowledged that Katsina State continues to face significant security challenges but commended the efforts of law enforcement in addressing these issues.

By Uzair Adam

The Kwara State Police Command has successfully rescued 13 individuals abducted by armed assailants while traveling to a wedding in Kogi State.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with personnel from the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative, was confirmed in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Saturday in Ilorin.

According to DSP Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation underscores the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining security in the state.

She explained that the rescue followed a distress call received on December 21, 2024. Acting on credible intelligence and with support from local informants, security operatives identified the kidnappers’ hideout in the Idofin-Igbana area.

“The kidnappers, numbering six and some dressed in military uniforms, engaged the operatives in a gun battle.

“However, they were overpowered by the superior firepower of the security team, forcing them to flee with injuries and abandoning their captives,” the statement read.

The rescued victims include three females and 10 males from locations such as Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and a group of trailer drivers en route to Kogi.

While two of the victims sustained minor gunshot wounds, all 13 individuals received medical attention, were stabilised, and later reunited with their families.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, commended the resilience and swift action of the operatives, noting the importance of community collaboration in combating criminal activities.

The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and called on the public to provide timely information that could aid in curbing crime.

By Uzair Adam

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) achieved significant success in 2024, with 30,313 suspects arrested for various criminal activities and 1,581 kidnap victims rescued.

This was disclosed during a strategic meeting with senior officers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.In addition to these accomplishments, the NPF recovered 1,984 firearms and 23,250 rounds of ammunition throughout the year.

The IGP praised the police for their dedication, particularly in reducing crime and engaging with the community to foster trust and collaboration.

He noted the importance of continued innovation in technology and operational strategies in 2025 to build on these successes.

Looking ahead, the IGP stressed that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to prioritize safety and security during the festive season, ensuring a peaceful environment for citizens across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has clarified that directing curses at individuals online is a criminal offense under the law.

He explained that this behavior is considered cyberbullying and cannot be justified as freedom of expression or constructive criticism.

In his statement, he noted: “Raining direct curses on someone online is cyberbullying, not expression of freedom or criticism. And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offense and punishable. Be guided.”

This statement comes amid discussions among netizens about the defamation case involving Nigerian singer Burna Boy and his colleague Speed Darlington, with some questioning whether the offense committed by Speed Darlington qualifies as a criminal act.

Reacting to Adejobi’s statement, one X user commented:@felabayomi: “When does raining curses become a crime? I look forward to the day someone will challenge these laws they are using to take away people’s human rights in the Supreme Court. Late Gani Fawehinmi would have challenged that law by now.”

Another user, @omoopee_, agreed with the FPRO:“You are absolutely right, sir. Raining curses and engaging in cyberbullying is not freedom of expression but an act of harm. We must all learn to express ourselves responsibly. That said, sir, please, you are yet to respond to my question.”

By Uzair Adam

The Zone 16 Police Command has apprehended three suspects in Rivers State for alleged involvement in illicit drug activities and fraud.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Gunn Emonena, operatives from the Zonal Financial and Cybercrime Unit, acting on credible intelligence, raided the Rumukparali community in the Obio/Akpo Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

The suspects—Billion Ndubuisi, Charles Amachree, and Martins Chinemike—reportedly confessed to impersonating Ryam Bill, a U.S.-based professional, and defrauding two victims, St. Andrea and Charlen Zielinsky, of $71,500.

During a search of their residence, the police recovered wraps of illicit drugs suspected to be hemp, two vehicles, two laptops, and 10 mobile phones. SP Emonena revealed that the suspects attempted to bribe the officers with $17,000 through an agent, but the offer was rejected.

“The money is registered and will be presented as evidence in court,” he said.

The Assistant Inspector General of the Zone, Adebola Hamzat, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding lives and property within its jurisdiction.

He commended the officers for their professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.

The police, under the leadership of Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, continue to prioritize citizens’ safety and security nationwide, the statement added.

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the Special Investigations Team (SIT) attached to the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos State have apprehended one Chinedu Ngwaka, accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme valued at ₦320 million.

Ngwaka, who presented himself as a licensed Bureau De Change operator, allegedly used a counterfeit presidency number plate on his 2024 Toyota Hilux and carried a forged identity card supposedly issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCID Annex in Lagos, Mayegun Aminat, through a post on her X handle, #mayegunAmina.

According to the statement, a petition was submitted on September 9, 2024, to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex, by Chinedu Laz and Partners (Deo Gratia Chambers) on behalf of Mr. Tochukwu Unachukwu, the Managing Director of Casco Electronics Company Limited.

The petition accused Ngwaka and his wife, Janet Onyekachi Ngwaka, of defrauding Unachukwu of ₦320 million.

Following the petition, SIT detectives initiated an intelligence-led investigation.

Banking records were reviewed, and a warrant of arrest was secured, which later led to the detention of leading to Ngwaka.

Investigations revealed that between March and May 2024, Unachukwu transferred ₦320 million to Ngwaka’s companies, Edunaco Multiple Resources Limited and Bright Janes World, for the procurement of USD 200,000 to facilitate the supply of goods from China.

However, the Chinese suppliers confirmed they never received the funds, despite Ngwaka presenting fraudulent documents, including a telex confirmation from Zenith Bank, indicating the transactions were completed in two tranches of USD 100,000 each.

During the arrest, police recovered the black Toyota Hilux bearing a fake presidency number plate (02B679FG).

Further checks with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed that Ngwaka had no affiliation with Phobia BDC Ltd., the company he claimed to represent, and that its license had been revoked earlier in the year.

The police also received additional petitions against Ngwaka, including claims from Mr. Moses Chizoba Enechukwu and Chinedu Nwaforcha, who alleged losses of ₦1 billion and ₦840 million, respectively.

Ngwaka and his accomplices will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex, has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent activities to law enforcement agencies.

By Uzair Adam

Police in Adamawa State have detained a 19-year-old man for allegedly killing his newborn son in Mubi North Local Government Area.

SP Suleiman Nguroje, spokesperson for the Police Command, announced the arrest in Yola on Saturday.

The Daily Reality learned that the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into custody on November 8 after the baby’s mother, who is reportedly his girlfriend, filed a complaint.

She alleged that the suspect came to her residence to see the newborn but later took the baby, under the pretense of an errand, and killed him.

Nguroje reported that the suspect is accused of burying the infant’s body in the Girpata area of Mubi.

Following the arrest, Commissioner of Police Morris Dankombo has ordered the case to be escalated to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

By Uzair Adam

Authorities in Kano have apprehended 31-year-old Salisu Bala, who has been impersonating a police officer to extort and intimidate residents in the city.

Bala was arrested by members of the Police Special Constabulary at Koki Quarters while wearing a black uniform and a camouflage peak cap.

The Kano State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, revealing that Bala, a resident of Kurna Quarters, had been defrauding members of the public and tarnishing the reputation of the police force.

Reports had been circulating about individuals posing as officers, particularly in areas like Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, directed Divisional Police Officers to take action, leading to Bala’s arrest on October 14, 2024.

Investigations revealed that Bala was not affiliated with the police force, despite his use of multiple police uniforms.

He also admitted to being a drug user.

The police have urged the public to come forward with any complaints about Bala or similar incidents of impersonation.

For emergencies or to report suspicious activities, the Kano State Police Command can be contacted through their emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.

By Uzair Adam

A man identified as Markus Dali from Sina Kwande, Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, tragically lost his life while attempting to mediate a conflict between two individuals.

The incident, which occurred on August 30, involved a dispute between Barka Yama and Alex Z. Tari.

Dali intervened in an effort to stop the fight but was struck by Barka, and that him go into a coma.

He was later confirmed dead at a hospital.

Barka, 32, has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide under Section 191 of the Penal Code.

The case was presented at a magistrates’ court in Yola, where ASP Francis Audu, the prosecuting officer, detailed the events leading to Dali’s death.

Chief Magistrate Muhammed Njidda ordered Barka to be remanded at a correctional facility, awaiting legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions.