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Wanted terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB leaders arrested – DHQ

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2024

Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba

Wanted terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB leaders arrested – DHQ

The Defence headquarters on Saturday disclosed that troops conducting counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations have arrested a notorious and wanted terrorist leader in the Northwest known as Abubakar Bawa Ibrahim aka Habu Dogo who is responsible for most of the terrorist attacks, killings and kidnappings, particularly in Sokoto State.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations said Habu Dogo was arrested in Rumji Village in Illela LGA of Sokoto.

“He (Habu Dogo) is a wanted terrorist on the watch list of security agencies both in Nigeria and in the Niger Republic because of the cross-border nature of his terrorist activities”.

Buba added that troops in the South East arrested 7 IPOB /ESN terrorists commanders and operatives during the week naming the terror operatives arrested as Dr Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha (aka Chapet) arrested in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr Oyekachi Ohia arrested in Umuahia South LGA of Abia States.

Additional IPOB operatives arrested are Mr Ifeanyi Eze, Mr Augustine Udemba and Mr Onyedikachi Udemba arrested in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. While Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke was arrested in Orsu LGA of Imo State.

Major General Buba disclosed that during operations across the country in the last week, troops neutralised 187 terrorists and arrested 311 other criminal elements including perpetrators of oil theft, while a total of 147 kidnapped victims were rescued.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of one billion, two hundred and fifty-four million, nine hundred and forty-six thousand six hundred and thirty nairas (N1,254,946,630.00) only.

“Troops discovered and destroyed 98 illegal refining sites, 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, 72 boats, 21 drums, and 30 storage tanks among others.

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“Troops recovered 1,090,135 litres of stolen crude oil and 873,510 litres of illegally refined AGO.

During the encounters, “troops recovered 205 assorted weapons and 5,241 assorted ammunition comprising, 2 G3 rifles, 2 PKT guns, 89 AK47 rifles, 22 fabricated rifles, 22 Dane guns, 2 FN rifle, 2 pistols, 2 fabricated revolver pistols, 27 locally made pistols, 19 pump action guns, 2 pump action shotgun, one DICON pistol, 8 double barrel guns, one Beretta pistol and 32 magazines.

Others are 1,862 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 131 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm, 959 rounds of 7.62 by 39mm, 352 rounds of 9mm ammo, 51 rounds of 7.62 by 51mm ball ammo, 662 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 6 vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 55 mobile phones amongst other items.

Detailing the operations, Major Gen Buba said, “In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 103 terrorists, arrested 64 suspects and rescued 15 kidnappers hostages.

“Troops also recovered 51 AK47 rifles, 2 PKT guns, 2 FN rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, 15 Dane guns, 5 double barrel guns, 2 pistols, 3 locally made pistols, 1,005 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 110 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm ammo, 661 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 653 rounds of 7.62 by 39mm ammo, 95 rounds of 9mm ammo, 123 live cartridges, 46 magazines, 15 motorcycles, 21 mobile phones amongst other items.

“Between 22 and 29 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Dikwa, Gwoza, Kukawa, Damboa, Konduga and Mafa LGAs of Borno State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 31 terrorists and arrested 12 persons.

“On 21 and 23 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations ambushed suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists and made contacts in Gwoza and Damboa LGAs of Borno State.

“Following a firefight, troops neutralized 33 terrorists and recovered 21 AK47 rifles,2 FN rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 6 Dane guns, 2 pistols, 542 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 341 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 221 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 54 rounds of 9mm, 24 magazines, one bayonet, one baofeng radio, 8 motorcycles and 7 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 21 October 2024, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists enclaves and made contact in Mafa LGA of Borno State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists and arrested 5 suspects. Troops also recovered one PKT gun, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 double barrel guns, 2 Dane guns, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 110 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 81 live cartridges and 5 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 25 October 2024, following confirmatory ISR, air interdiction was conducted against terrorist leaders at Bula Marwa in Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed.

“In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 14 violent extremists, arrested 25 persons and rescued 26 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, one locally made pistol, one Barreta pistol, 343 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 20 rounds of 9mm ammo, 46 live cartridges, 5 AK45 magazines, and 3 mobile phones amongst other items.

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“On 21 and 24 October 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 5 violent extremists/kidnappers which included 2 kidnap ring leaders in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau. Troops were also arrested in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 locally fabricated guns, one magazine, 196 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 46 live cartridges and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 24 October 2024, troops while on patrol responded to activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one magazine amongst others.

“Between 23 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping operations responded to information on kidnapping incidences. Troops made contact with violent extremists in Jos East, Jos South, Bokkos, Mikang, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.

“Troops also made contact with violent extremists in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 6 extremists/kidnappers, arrested 6 and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, one barrel pistol, 3 AK47 magazines, one pistol magazine, 113 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 20 rounds of 9mm ammo.

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Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 27 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, one locally made pistol, one fabricated revolver rifle, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 21 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 21 rounds of 54mm ammo, 9mm rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.

“Between 21 and 26 October 2024, following reports, troops arrested 20 violent extremists/terrorists including armed robbers in Gassol, Ussa and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State. Troops made similar arrests in Guma and Makurdi LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one locally made pistol, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.

“On 21 and 23 October 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on kidnapping incidents in Ussa and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages and apprehended one suspected kidnapper’s gang leader. Troops also recovered one fabricated revolver rifle and 21 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo.

“On 26 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations raided suspected violent extremists/kidnappers hideouts in Makurdi and Ukum LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspects and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one fabricated gun and 21 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo.

“On 25 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping criminality operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Logo and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State as well as Gwer West LGA of Benue State respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.

“In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 51 terrorists, arrested 55 persons and rescued 81 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 26 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 Dane guns, 5 pump action guns, 3 locally made pistols, 414 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 297 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 210 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 51 rounds of 9mm ammo, 30 live cartridges, 6 magazines, 7 motorcycles and 6 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 21 October 2024, troops in separate fighting patrol operations made contact with terrorists in Maradun and Isa LGAs of Zamfara and Sokoto States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists and recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 3 pump action guns, 297 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, 3 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 23 October 2024, troops while conducting a fighting patrol responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists/kidnappers in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm special as well as one mobile phone.

“Between 22 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Rabah and Tsafe LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara States as well as Wasagu and Batsari LGAs of Kebbi and Katsina States.

“Additionally, troops conducted operations in Giwa and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State. Following firefights, troops neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 11 and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 Dane guns, 2 pump action guns, 3 locally fabricated pistols, 210 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 51 rounds of 9mm, 30 live cartridges, 2 magazines, 4 motorcycles and 9 mobile phones amongst others.

“Between 22 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected kidnappers in Danmusa and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State as well as Isa LGA of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops rescued 26 kidnapped hostages.

“On 20 October 2024, following confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction on terrorist leader Alhaji Layi’s Enclave in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch arrested 32 suspects and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 locally made pistols, one Dane gun, 11 rounds of 9mm ammo, 33 live cartridges one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst other items.

“Between 21 and 27 October 2024, following credible reports, troops on separate patrols intercepted and arrested 16 violent extremists/kidnappers in Borgu and Tafa LGAs of Niger State as well as Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.

“On 22 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops raided violent extremists/kidnappers hideout in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

“During the operations, troops arrested 6 violent extremists and recovered 2 locally made pistols, one Dane gun, 11 rounds of 9mm ammo, 33 live cartridges one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 20 violent extremists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one G3 rifle, 14 pump action guns, 2 pump action shotguns, 4 Dane guns, one DICON pistol, 17 locally made pistols, 3 double barrel guns, one locally made revolver pistol, 31 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ball ammo, 171 rounds of 9mm ammo, 430 live cartridges, 3 large pipe-borne IEDs, one vehicle, 3 motorcycles, 11 mobile phones and amongst other items.

“On 22 and 27 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orsu and Umunneochi LGAs of Imo and Abia States respectively. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 6 suspects. Troops also recovered 6 Dane guns, one locally made revolver pistol, 2 motorcycles, and 8 mobile phones amongst other items.

“On 22 October 2024, following credible reports troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremist in Uzo–Uwani LGA of Enugu State. Troops also recovered one pump action gun, 23 cartridges and one mobile phone.

“Between 22 and 27 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested 7 suspected IPOB/ESN/terrorists including a gunrunner in Aba South and Umuahia South LGAs of Abia as well as Ihiala and Owerri West LGAs of Anambra and Imo States. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Uwani and Ikwo LGAs Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively.

“During the operations, troops recovered 2 G3 rifles, 9 pump action guns, 3 double barrel guns, 17 locally fabricated pistols, 4 Dane guns, one DICON pistol, 286 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 171 rounds of 9mm ammo, 31 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ball ammo, 343 live cartridges, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 21 and 22 October 2024, troops in separate fighting patrol operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ihiala and Aguata LGAs of Imo and Anambra States. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and recovered 4 pump action guns, 2 pump action shotguns, 64 live cartridges, one vehicle and 3 large pipe-borne IEDs amongst others.

“Troops of Operation Delta Safe rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 39 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 7 assorted arms, 3 magazines and 96 assorted ammunition.

“Troops also arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted raid operations in Ndokwa East and West LGA of Delta State as well as Degema LGA of Rivers State respectively.

“Troops recovered 1,090,135 litres of stolen crude oil and 873,510 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, 72 boats, 21 drums, 30 storage tanks and 98 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 4 speedboats, one tricycle, 4 pumping machines, one outboard engine, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 3 vehicles among others.

“Between 23 and 27 October 2024, following credible reports troops in separate fighting patrols intercepted and arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/pipeline vandals including militant leader identified as Mr Eddy Edidiemokuma Korokoro in Ndokwa East and West of Delta State as well as Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State respectively.

Wanted terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB leaders arrested – DHQ

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Osun Guber: IGP Deploys New Election CP as INEC Identifies 11 Flashpoint LGAs

Published

7 minutes ago

July 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Osun Commissioner of Police Elections, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale

Osun Guber: IGP Deploys New Election CP as INEC Identifies 11 Flashpoint LGAs

CP Erale Samuel Etaifo takes over security operations for August 15 poll as former CP Gotan is redeployed to Force Headquarters amid neutrality concerns.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed a new Commissioner of Police in charge of Elections, CP Erale Samuel Etaifo, to Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The deployment comes as part of measures to strengthen security arrangements and ensure the neutrality of security agencies during the poll. In a statement signed by the Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the Police said the deployment reflects the Inspector-General’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and adherence to democratic principles throughout the election. CP Etaifo will oversee the entire security architecture for the poll and coordinate election security operations with other security agencies and stakeholders.

CP Etaifo’s deployment follows the redeployment of the former Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on special duty. His redeployment was conveyed in a police wireless message issued by the Force Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday and marked “Most Immediate,” with a directive for immediate implementation. The move comes after persistent calls from the state government and civil society organisations for Gotan’s removal over allegations of partisanship. The Accord Party had accused the police of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against its members and top government officials ahead of the election. According to the party, about 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members, and supporters across the state have been arrested and detained by the police, with some reportedly moved to Abuja. However, a senior police source clarified that the redeployment was not linked to any specific allegation against CP Gotan and that he may be redeployed back to the state after the election. Sources familiar with the development also noted that Erale’s posting came shortly after his promotion to the rank of Commissioner of Police, having been decorated with his new rank on July 21.

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According to the Osun Command, CP Etaifo will ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty, and other extant laws guiding the electoral process. The police assured residents that comprehensive security measures have been put in place across the state to protect lives, property, and critical electoral materials before, during, and after the election. All officers deployed for election duty have been directed to remain impartial, professional, and respectful of the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation. The Command also issued a strong warning to political actors and their supporters, stating that electoral violence, vote buying, voter intimidation, the spread of misinformation, and any other form of criminality will be met with the full weight of the law. Residents were urged to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency channels. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties and ensuring that the will of the people prevails through a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, has reiterated that INEC has no preferred candidate for the election, assuring that the Commission will provide a level playing field for all candidates and parties. He urged residents to come out en masse and vote, assuring that adequate security will be provided. “The Independent National Electoral Commission has no preferred candidate, holds no political allegiance, and seeks no outcome other than the lawful choice of the electorate. Our sole loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” Amupitan said at a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo. During a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Amupitan declared that the next governor of Osun State would emerge through the ballot and not through violence. “We don’t want violence. And the blood of every Osun citizen is not worth to be shed, just for the purpose of election to the office of the governor,” he said. The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission had identified 11 Local Government Areas as potential flashpoints that would receive specialised, high-visibility security deployment. These include Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Boripe, Ede North, Ede South, Ife Central, Ifedayo, Ila, Osogbo, Ifelodun, and Oriade local government areas. “Security forces have been issued strict operational directives to neutralise thuggery, cult activities, and any attempt at ballot disruption, while maintaining absolute professional neutrality,” Amupitan stated.

According to INEC, the election will feature 2,339,233 registered voters spread across 30 Local Government Areas, 332 Registration Areas (Wards), and 3,763 Polling Units in the state. Fourteen political parties will participate in the contest. A total of 4,427 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have been customised and deployed for the election, including 664 dedicated backup units representing a 15% operational reserve. All polling unit result sheets (Form EC8A) will be scanned and uploaded directly from the polling unit to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), guaranteeing public transparency from the moment voting closes. The Commission also announced that a statewide Mock Accreditation Exercise is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, across 12 selected Local Government Areas to test its preparedness ahead of the governorship election.

Osun Guber: IGP Deploys New Election CP as INEC Identifies 11 Flashpoint LGAs

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Catholic Priest Found Dead in Kogi After Machete Attack as Police, Govt Launch Investigations

Published

24 minutes ago

July 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro

Catholic Priest Found Dead in Kogi After Machete Attack as Police, Govt Launch Investigations

The Catholic Diocese of Lokoja and the Kogi State community are in mourning following the tragic death of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, a Catholic priest whose lifeless body was found by the roadside along Church Road in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. The cleric, who served at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Egbe and was also associated with St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, was reportedly attacked by yet-to-be-identified assailants on July 29, 2026. Initial reports indicated that the priest was stabbed multiple times, but police later confirmed that he had sustained severe machete cuts to the head. According to a source, Fr. Oyetoro was on relief duty to the steel town of Ajaokuta when his life was cut short. A native of Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area, he was born in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. The police received a report at about 9:30 a.m. on July 29 that the body of an unidentified male had been discovered along the roadside in Ajaokuta. Officers who responded to the scene observed the severe injuries, evacuated the body to the ASCL Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed the priest dead, and then deposited the remains at a mortuary for an autopsy.

In an obituary issued by its Chancery Office on July 29, 2026, the Catholic Diocese of Lokoja announced the priest’s passing, describing the loss with deep sorrow while expressing hope in the resurrection. “It is with profound sorrow and in the hope of the resurrection that the Catholic Diocese of Lokoja announces the passing of our beloved priest, Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, who departed this life on Wednesday, 29th July 2026,” the Diocese said. The Church described the late priest as a devoted servant of God whose life was marked by dedication to the ministry. “As we mourn the loss of our dear brother and priest, we commend his soul to the infinite mercy of God, whom he served with dedication and love,” the statement read. The Diocese urged priests, religious faithful and members of the laity to remember the deceased in their prayers and Holy Masses while also seeking divine comfort for his family and the Lokoja Diocese. “We kindly request all priests, religious and laity to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul during their Holy Masses and personal prayers and to pray for strength and consolation for his aged parents, siblings, parishioners and the entire Diocese of Lokoja during this time of grief,” it said. The obituary ended with a prayer for the repose of the late priest’s soul: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

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Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, stated that the killing occurred on July 29, 2026, and that the case is under active investigation. “On 29th July 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., the police received information that the lifeless body of an unidentified male was found by the roadside along Church Road, Ajaokuta,” she said. “Operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head. The body was evacuated to the ASCL Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, and was thereafter deposited at the mortuary for autopsy,” she added. The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State. The police confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible, and upon the conclusion of preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation. “We will provide further updates as the investigation progresses,” ASP Afusat added.

The Kogi State Government has also stepped in, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directing security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face justice. The directive was announced in a statement by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who described the killing as a “heinous and unacceptable act”. “The murder of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi is a painful tragedy that has saddened the Government and the people of Kogi State. We condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms and assure the Church and the family of the deceased that the perpetrators will not escape justice,” the statement read. Fanwo said the government had absolute confidence in the capacity of security agencies to unravel the incident and assured that it would provide all necessary support to ensure justice is served. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information, while cautioning against spreading rumours capable of undermining the investigation. The government reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and pledged to continue to strengthen security across the state.

The tragic death of Rev. Fr. Oyetoro has thrown the Catholic community and many residents of Kogi State into mourning. The incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted. As investigations continue, the motive behind the killing remains unknown. Authorities have yet to release a detailed official account of the incident, while the search for those responsible intensifies. The Catholic Diocese of Lokoja has called on all faithful to remember the slain priest in their prayers and Holy Masses during this period of grief.

Catholic Priest Found Dead in Kogi After Machete Attack as Police, Govt Launch Investigations

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Vehicle allegedly driven by drunk soldier kills two police inspectors

Published

45 minutes ago

July 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Vehicle allegedly driven by drunk soldier kills two police inspectors

Two police inspectors attached to the Kawo Police Division in Kaduna State have died after a Toyota Hilux vehicle allegedly driven by a soldier struck them near the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Junction in Kaduna metropolis.

The fatal incident reportedly occurred on Thursday in the Kawo area while the officers were crossing the road as pedestrians.

The deceased officers were identified as Inspector Tanko Musa and Inspector Ajubi Onah.

According to sources familiar with the incident, the Toyota Hilux was reportedly travelling at high speed when it rammed into the two officers at the busy junction.

A source described the incident as a “black moment” for the Kawo Police Division and alleged that the vehicle was driven by a soldier who was under the influence of alcohol.

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However, the allegation that the driver was intoxicated had not been independently confirmed as of the time of filing this report. No official medical assessment, police investigation report or statement from military authorities had been released to establish the claim.

A video said to have been recorded shortly after the crash showed the bodies of the two police officers on the road as residents and sympathisers gathered at the scene.

The incident has reportedly caused grief among officers and personnel attached to the Kawo Police Division.

As of the latest available information, there was no official confirmation that the driver had been arrested or taken into custody.

The identity of the alleged driver, the military unit involved and other circumstances surrounding the crash were also not immediately available.

Neither the Kaduna State Police Command nor the Nigerian Army had issued an official statement on the incident at the time of publication.

The circumstances surrounding the fatal crash are expected to be investigated to establish the identity of the driver, the speed of the vehicle and whether any traffic or road-safety regulations were violated.

Investigators may also examine claims concerning the driver’s condition at the time of the incident and determine whether any other factors contributed to the crash.

The incident has renewed concerns about road safety, responsible driving and the need for thorough and transparent investigations into fatal accidents involving security personnel or official vehicles.

Further updates are expected from the police, military authorities or other relevant agencies as investigations continue.