Police Raid Church-Disguised Criminal Hideout, Arrest Seven Suspects

In a decisive intelligence-led operation, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven suspects after raiding a criminal hideout disguised as a church in Ndiya Mfia village, Ikono Local Government Area. The early morning operation on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, marks another breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to curb crime.

The operation, confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, followed credible intelligence indicating that criminals were hiding under the guise of a religious facility. Police operatives swooped on the premises at about 6:00 a.m., leading to the arrest of seven suspects and the seizure of several items linked to criminal activity.

During the raid, officers recovered two locally made double-barrel guns, five expended cartridges, four motorcycles, three large generators, ten mobile phones, one police crest, and other items used in criminal operations. The seizure underscores the serious nature of the criminal activities being carried out under the church disguise.

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The suspects taken into custody include Preacher Brain Ebeka, Kenneth Ezekiel, Dickson Ndueso, Abang Rowland, Esther Elijah Okon, Joy Elijah Okon, and another Esther Elijah Okon. Preliminary investigations revealed that the church facade was being used to mask unlawful activities, highlighting the misuse of religious institutions as a cover for crime.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the raid and intensified efforts to apprehend the principal suspect, who remains at large. The police warned that any attempt to disguise criminal activities under religious or other fronts will face severe legal consequences.

The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, continue providing timely and credible information, and support law enforcement in safeguarding lives and property across the state. The operation aligns with directives from the Inspector-General of Police to decisively combat crime and dismantle criminal networks.

This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing in targeting criminals exploiting unsuspecting citizens and religious institutions, reinforcing public confidence in law enforcement efforts across Akwa Ibom State.

Police Raid Church-Disguised Criminal Hideout, Arrest Seven Suspects

Police Debunk Viral Claim of 488 Boko Haram Arrests in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has dismissed viral reports claiming that 488 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested in Abia State, describing the information as false, misleading, and capable of causing panic among residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, clarified that no such operation or mass arrest took place anywhere in the state, urging the public to disregard the widely circulated claim.

According to the Command, the report was deliberately fabricated to disturb public peace and create unnecessary fear, especially across communities in Abia State. Chinaka explained that the video accompanying the claim is not recent, noting that it is an old broadcast that has been circulating for over 11 years and has no connection to the current security situation in the state.

She stressed that there has been no infiltration or arrest of Boko Haram suspects in Abia, reaffirming that security agencies remain fully alert, proactive, and in control of the state’s security architecture. The Command also reassured residents that there is no imminent threat, encouraging them to go about their normal daily activities without fear.

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The police further emphasized that the spread of such misinformation—particularly on social media—can undermine public confidence and disrupt peace, warning that individuals found sharing false security reports would be dealt with according to the law.

Quoting the statement, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, cautioned against the deliberate dissemination of fake news, stating that anyone found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted under relevant laws, including provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Cybercrime (Prohibition/Prevention) Act.

The Command also reiterated that while security agencies across Nigeria continue intelligence-led operations to tackle insurgency and other criminal activities, there has been no verified incident linking the activities of Boko Haram to Abia State in the manner reported.

Residents were therefore advised to rely only on credible news sources and official communication channels for accurate information, as authorities intensify efforts to curb misinformation and maintain public order.

The police assured that it remains committed to protecting lives and property, adding that any attempt to incite panic through false reports will attract serious legal consequences.

Police Debunk Viral Claim of 488 Boko Haram Arrests in Abia

2026 NYSC Batch A Stream II: Registration, Swearing-In Dates Announced

The National Youth Service Corps has released the full timetable and key guidelines for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course, confirming that the nationwide exercise will begin on April 22 across all orientation camps in Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said the three-week programme will be conducted simultaneously in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for eligible prospective corps members (PCMs).

The scheme disclosed that registration of prospective corps members will commence on April 22, 2026, and will run until midnight on April 24, 2026, stressing that the deadline is strict and no late entry into camp will be permitted. According to the NYSC, any PCM who fails to report within this period risks being deferred to another stream, making it crucial for candidates to adhere strictly to the approved timetable.

The NYSC further stated that the swearing-in ceremony will take place on April 24, 2026, marking the official commencement of full orientation activities nationwide. Following this, corps members will participate in a structured three-week programme designed to prepare them for national service, including drills, lectures, and social integration activities.

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The orientation exercise is expected to end on May 12, 2026, after which participants will be deployed to their respective Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) across the country. This phase signals the transition from camp activities to practical service in various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The scheme also reiterated that only graduates who have been properly mobilised and verified will be admitted into the orientation camps. Prospective corps members are therefore advised to ensure that all their records and documentation are complete and accurate before travelling.

In addition, the NYSC outlined mandatory requirements for camp registration, urging all PCMs to report with essential documents such as their call-up letter, original academic credentials or statement of result, a valid means of identification, a medical fitness certificate, and recent passport photographs. Failure to present any of these documents may result in denial of registration at the camp.

Emphasising safety, the NYSC issued a strong advisory against night travel, urging prospective corps members to prioritise their security while travelling to their assigned orientation camps. The scheme specifically advised that journeys should be broken once it is 6:00 p.m., with corps members encouraged to lodge in safe and secure locations such as hotels, police stations, or other approved places before continuing their journey the next day. The agency also recommended the use of reputable transport companies to minimise risks.

With thousands of Nigerian graduates expected to participate, the NYSC 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation is set to be a major nationwide exercise, reinforcing the scheme’s role in national integration and youth development. All prospective corps members are therefore urged to stay informed, comply with official guidelines, and make adequate preparations ahead of the programme.

2026 NYSC Batch A Stream II: Registration, Swearing-In Dates Announced