Gunmen Kill Eight, Burn Six Houses in Imo Community Attack

OWERRI — A wave of terror swept through a community in Imo State on Saturday, May 30, 2026, as unidentified gunmen stormed a local security checkpoint, killing no fewer than eight people and setting six houses ablaze, according to multiple community sources. The attack, which witnesses described as “like a war,” has thrown the affected community into serious tension and fear, with many residents fleeing their homes for fear of a second strike.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, told journalists that the assailants arrived at the checkpoint and immediately opened fire. “They killed about eight people, including a security man. The attack was targeted at a checkpoint. It was like a war. They shot for some time and set about six houses ablaze,” the source said. The gunmen reportedly operated for an extended period before retreating, leaving behind multiple casualties and burning structures. Witnesses said the attackers showed no regard for residents, firing indiscriminately before setting nearby homes on fire.

In the aftermath of the raid, panic has gripped the community, with residents fearing that the attackers may return, especially as security presence in the area remains thin. “There is serious tension and fear in the community. Some residents have fled the area for fear of another attack,” the source added. Local businesses remained shut on Sunday morning, and vehicular movement was significantly reduced as families sought refuge in neighboring towns.

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As of the time of filing this report, it remained unclear whether the attack was linked to the sit-at-home order declared by pro-Biafra groups to mark Biafra Day (May 30), or if the gunmen were executing a different mission. Biafra Day is observed annually by separatist groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), often accompanied by restrictions on movement. A separate report confirmed that the IPOB-led sit-at-home order heavily disrupted commercial activities across Imo State on May 29, despite a heavy deployment of security personnel at major junctions. However, authorities have not confirmed any connection between the observed sit-at-home and the Saturday attack.

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Imo State Police Command were unsuccessful as of Sunday morning. The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, had yet to comment on the incident or release a statement regarding casualties, arrests, or investigations. This lack of official communication has fueled anxiety among residents, who are calling for increased security patrols and a swift investigation into the killings.

The attack comes just days after the Imo State Police Command announced a major security breakthrough. On May 27, 2026, police authorities revealed the arrest of 179 criminal suspects, including individuals linked to terrorism-related offenses connected to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The operation, led by Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso, targeted violent crimes across the state. Despite this crackdown, Saturday’s attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing rural communities in Imo State.

As of Sunday morning, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack. Security analysts warn that without a rapid official response, the attackers may strike again, and displaced residents may be reluctant to return home. The Imo State Government has not yet issued a statement on the incident.

Gunmen Kill Eight, Burn Six Houses in Imo Community Attack

Ogun Police Gun Down 2 Suspected Kidnappers

Abeokuta, Ogun State – In a pre-dawn operation that has dismantled a major criminal network, police operatives in Ogun State have killed two suspected kidnappers and arrested a prominent Fulani community leader, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, over alleged ties to a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan road corridor.

The Ogun State Police Command, through its spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that the operation also led to the arrest of Mohammed Bello, a suspected gang member, alongside the recovery of N1.5 million believed to be ransom proceeds, an AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, a single-barrel gun, several mobile phones, and a black bag allegedly used for ransom transactions.

According to police sources, the operation stemmed from the kidnapping of three persons on May 11, 2026, in the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu. The victims were released unharmed three days later after an unspecified ransom was paid.

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Acting on intelligence gathered after the victims’ release, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led by SP Bamidele Shittu stormed a suspected kidnappers’ camp along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis at about 5:00 a.m. on May 15, 2026. On sighting the police operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to a fierce gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralisation of two of the suspected kidnappers, while other gang members escaped into the forest with bullet injuries.

In a dramatic follow-up operation, police arrested Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, the Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode, who is also the father of one of the fleeing suspects. Sources told journalists that the investigation initially targeted Bala, Abdullahi’s son, who had reportedly just been released from prison after serving a five-year sentence for kidnapping. Police sources further revealed that the black bag used for ransom delivery was allegedly recovered inside the kitchen of the Seriki’s residence, linking the community leader directly to the criminal network.

Among the items recovered from the gang are N1.5 million suspected to be ransom cash, one AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of live ammunition, one single-barrel gun, several mobile phones, and one black bag used for ransom transactions.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised the operatives for their gallantry, professionalism and resilience, reaffirming the command’s resolve to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the state. The bodies of the two slain suspects have been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing gang members, including Bala. Investigations are continuing to uncover the full network of the syndicate, and the police have assured that all those arrested will face prosecution.

Ogun Police Gun Down 2 Suspected Kidnappers

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, Wife Abducted by Gunmen in Katsina

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife have reportedly been abducted by suspected armed bandits in Katsina State, in a fresh incident highlighting the worsening insecurity across Nigeria’s North-West region.

Sources familiar with the development said the retired senior military officer and his wife were kidnapped on Saturday while travelling to Katsina when heavily armed attackers intercepted their vehicle along the Matazu Local Government Area axis of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred along a stretch of road notorious for repeated attacks by armed criminal groups operating in parts of Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State.

According to security sources, the attackers ambushed the couple’s vehicle and forcefully whisked them away to an unknown destination.

A source close to the matter disclosed that the retired general’s driver narrowly escaped the attack despite sustaining a gunshot wound during the incident.

“Maj. Gen. R. Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, was kidnapped together with his wife on his way to Katsina today. He was kidnapped along Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. His driver escaped with a gunshot injury,” the source said.

The source added that the retired officer’s vehicle, a red Peugeot 504, was later recovered and taken to the Nigeria Police Force divisional headquarters in Matazu.

“The senior officer’s Peugeot 504, red in colour, is parked at the Matazu Division of the Nigeria Police Force,” the source stated.

A separate alert reportedly circulated among military and security circles, allegedly forwarded by retired Brigadier General Sagir Musa, calling for urgent intervention by relevant security agencies.

The message appealed for immediate action to secure the safe rescue of the former military spokesperson and his wife.

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As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the abduction, while military authorities had also not publicly commented on the development.

However, security sources said search-and-rescue efforts had been initiated, with intelligence operatives and local security formations mobilised to track the abductors.

Major General Abubakar is a well-known retired military officer who served as Director of Defence Information, the arm of the Nigerian military responsible for strategic communications and media relations.

His reported abduction has triggered concern within military and security circles due to his status as a former top defence official.

The attack adds to a long list of kidnappings and violent assaults linked to armed bandit groups operating across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and parts of Kaduna State.

Matazu Local Government Area has witnessed recurring security breaches despite intensified military operations and surveillance in the region.

Katsina State, the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has remained one of the worst-hit states by armed banditry, with criminal gangs frequently targeting communities, highways and high-profile individuals for ransom.

Over the years, both federal and state authorities have introduced military offensives, dialogue initiatives and local peace agreements aimed at ending the violence.

Several of these peace efforts, however, have collapsed amid repeated attacks and allegations that some criminal groups exploit negotiations to regroup and rearm.

Security analysts say the reported abduction of a retired major general further underscores the boldness of armed groups and raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current counter-banditry strategies in the region.

Residents and stakeholders are now awaiting official confirmation and further updates on efforts to secure the release of the retired officer and his wife.

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, Wife Abducted by Gunmen in Katsina