Police Arrest 10 Suspects Over Killing of Benue Miyetti Allah Chairman

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation in Otukpo Local Government Area on the night of June 27, 2026, less than 24 hours after the victims were ambushed and killed.

The Benue State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The suspects were apprehended on the night of June 27, 2026, during a coordinated operation by the Command’s tactical teams in Otukpo Local Government Area, following what police described as intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations. Confirming the arrests in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said the arrests marked significant progress in the investigation into the attack. The suspects arrested were 25-year-old Titus Thyodenda, 20-year-old Utibe Sam, 18-year-old Owoicho Ameh, 21-year-old Sunday Useni, 46-year-old Sunday Ogbanje, 23-year-old Daniel Raphael, 24-year-old Adokole John, 32-year-old Samuel Ogazi, 25-year-old Agbo Daniel, and 30-year-old Onazi James.

The MACBAN chairman and Yakubu Isa were reportedly ambushed and killed at Okudu community in Otukpo LGA on Friday by armed men, while returning from a peace meeting called by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Idekpa, Ohimini LGA. The peace meeting had involved community leaders and Fulani herders as part of efforts to ease tensions in the area. Reports indicate that after the meeting, Mohammed and Isa were travelling back when gunmen ambushed their vehicle along the Okwudu-Okpachenyi rural road and opened fire, killing both men on the spot. The incident has raised serious concerns among residents, especially in communities that have experienced repeated security challenges in recent months.

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Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the tactical teams and investigators for their swift response and professionalism. The CP said, “The Command has made significant progress in the ongoing investigation. Ten suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident following intensive intelligence and tactical operations.” He assured the public that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to identify and apprehend other persons linked to the crime. According to him, “The Command remains committed to ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.”

The Benue State Government has appealed to members of MACBAN not to resort to reprisal attacks. The Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Internal Security, Joseph Har, who addressed newsmen in Makurdi on Sunday, condemned the killing and described the deceased as an advocate of peace. Har stated that the incident was “not a Benue or Idoma agenda” but a criminal act, and called on security agents to promptly arrest the perpetrators. Chairmen from the Benue South senatorial district also condemned the murder, absolving the Idoma people of responsibility and describing it as the work of bandits. They appealed against any reprisal, noting that “any reprisal will be on innocent people.”

The Commissioner also appealed to residents of the state to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation. Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, the CP stressed that the Benue State Police Command remained resolute in protecting lives and property while sustaining peace and security across the state.

Police Arrest 10 Suspects Over Killing of Benue Miyetti Allah Chairman

NDLEA Seizes N12.4bn Cannabis at Lagos Port, Arrests China-Bound Businesswoman with Cocaine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a massive 4,959 kilograms of Canadian Loud cannabis valued at N12.397 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos. In a separate intelligence-led operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the agency arrested a China-bound businesswoman with 7.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a false luggage compartment.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded multiple major anti-narcotics breakthroughs across Nigeria. The agency intercepted a 40-foot container of Canadian Loud cannabis worth N12.397 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos, arrested a businesswoman attempting to smuggle 7.5 kilograms of cocaine to China, and dismantled a criminal syndicate that plants illicit drugs in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers at motor parks. The arrests and seizures were disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

The agency said operatives had tracked the 40-foot container carrying the Canadian Loud shipment for over four weeks before intercepting it on June 23 during a joint examination with officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies at the Apapa Port. A total of 4,959 kilograms of the illicit drug consignment, worth N12,397,500,000 in street value, was recovered. The container, which also contained a Ford and a Nissan vehicle, had been under surveillance since April 25, when it departed Toronto, Canada. The shipment traveled by truck to Montreal, moved by rail before passing through Tanger Med Port in Morocco, where it was loaded onto another vessel on May 23. It arrived at Tin Can Port, Lagos, on June 4, was discharged the following day, and later transferred to Apapa Port, where it was intercepted.

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In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives arrested 38-year-old businesswoman Iwebema Ogechi Peace at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport on June 21 while she was preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight to Beijing, China. Acting on credible intelligence, officers searched her luggage and discovered four large parcels of cocaine weighing 7.5 kilograms, expertly concealed in a professionally fabricated false bottom compartment of her suitcase. The suspect reportedly told investigators she frequently traveled to China to purchase goods for sale in Nigeria.

The NDLEA also announced the dismantling of a criminal syndicate operating between Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory that secretly plants illicit drugs inside the luggage of unsuspecting passengers traveling by commercial buses. The operation began after NDLEA officers intercepted a Sienna bus traveling from Nnewi, Anambra State, to Abuja at Abaji on June 20. During the search, officers recovered 467.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside a waybill package hidden among passengers’ luggage. The woman identified as the intended recipient, Gloria Peter, was arrested at Utako Motor Park but denied ownership or knowledge of the drug package. Her denial prompted investigators to arrest loaders at the departure park in Nnewi. One of the loaders confessed that he had secretly placed the narcotics inside the woman’s luggage on the instructions of the driver, identified as Abdurrazak Isah. Further interrogation led to the arrest of another passenger, Onyebuchi Victor Okoye, who was identified as the actual owner of the illicit consignment.

In another intelligence-led operation, NDLEA operatives arrested 57-year-old Ikechukwu Uwakwe at Iddo Motor Park in Lagos with 209.5 kilograms of Scottish Loud, another potent strain of cannabis, allegedly being transported to Enugu State. Similarly, two nationals of the Benin Republic—Hossou Tito Julien, 30, and Mancellim Dossou, 19—alongside a Nigerian, Jackson ThankGod, were arrested after operatives intercepted their truck on the Mile 2 Bridge in Lagos. A search of the vehicle uncovered 558,900 pills of Tramadol 250mg concealed inside a specially fabricated compartment after the consignment was allegedly smuggled into Nigeria from Togo through the Benin Republic. Along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, NDLEA officers also arrested Lucky Abonga and Osas Azamobo while transporting 118 kilograms of skunk concealed among legitimate goods in a truck traveling from Lagos to Onitsha. In another Lagos raid, Helen Ese Idiji, 40, and Rashidat Sa’adullah, 53, were arrested with 28.8 kilograms of skunk at a residence in Amukoko. Investigators said Helen allegedly used the premises to store and distribute illicit drugs.

Commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised their sustained efforts in reducing drug supply while intensifying preventive drug education, urging them to remain resolute in the fight against illicit drug trafficking. Beyond enforcement operations, the agency said it sustained its nationwide War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign with sensitization programs in schools and communities across Yobe, Lagos, Kano, Kogi, and Enugu states.

NDLEA Seizes N12.4bn Cannabis at Lagos Port, Arrests China-Bound Businesswoman with Cocaine

Parent allegedly beats female teacher to death in Kogi after disciplining student

A female teacher has reportedly died after she was allegedly assaulted by an angry parent in Ugbamaka, Okpo District of Olamaboro Local Government Area, Kogi State, in a tragic incident that has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger protection of teachers in Nigeria.

The victim was allegedly attacked by the father of one of her students after she disciplined the child during school activities, according to security analyst and counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama.

Makama, who disclosed the incident on his verified social media platforms, said the parent confronted the teacher over the disciplinary action before allegedly assaulting her, leaving her with fatal injuries.

Although the teacher’s identity has not yet been officially released, the incident has generated concern among education stakeholders and members of the public, who say it reflects growing threats facing teachers in the line of duty.

Describing the incident as heartbreaking, Makama said the attack raises serious concerns about the future of education if teachers can no longer enforce discipline without fear of violence.

“This heartbreaking incident raises serious questions about the future of education and the protection of teachers,” he said.

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He added that schools could become increasingly unsafe if educators are attacked for carrying out their professional responsibilities.

“The education sector appears to be under threat if teachers can no longer discipline students without fearing for their lives.”

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from residents, education advocates and social media users, many of whom have called for a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of anyone found responsible.

Stakeholders argue that teachers must be able to maintain discipline in classrooms without being exposed to intimidation, harassment or physical attacks.

They also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between schools, parents and community leaders to promote constructive engagement whenever disputes arise over students’ conduct.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Police Command had not issued an official statement confirming the incident or announcing the arrest of any suspect.

However, residents have urged law enforcement authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure that justice is served.

The tragic incident has also reignited concerns about violence against educators in Nigeria, with teachers’ unions and civil society organisations calling for improved school safety measures and stronger legal protections for teachers.

Education experts have warned that repeated attacks on teachers could discourage professionals from remaining in the profession and undermine efforts to improve learning outcomes across the country.

Community leaders have appealed for calm while urging parents to resolve grievances through lawful and peaceful channels rather than resorting to violence.

The latest incident adds to growing calls for governments at all levels to strengthen policies that protect teachers and create safer learning environments for both educators and students.

Parent allegedly beats female teacher to death in Kogi after disciplining student