metro
Police kill three suspected kidnappers, arrest two others in Imo
Police kill three suspected kidnappers, arrest two others in Imo
The police command in Imo says it has dismantled a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate in Orogwe, Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.
The Command’s Spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, who confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday, said three suspects were neutralised, and two others, David Ifeanyichukwu, 20, and Abuchi Joseph, 24, were arrested.
Okoye said the operatives of the police command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in the state followed extensive investigation and intelligence gathering to execute the operation.
“On December 19, 2024, the police engaged the criminals in a gun battle in Orogwe, Owerri West Local Government Area.
“The gang had been involved in the abduction of Osuji Chimereze and three others on November 12, 2024, during which they stole a Mercedes Benz and other valuables,” he said.
He said during the confrontation, the operatives recovered six AK-47 rifles with breach numbers 11330, 12102, 3836, 8260, and 9940.
Okoye added that 113 rounds of ammunition, a locally made gun, and two stolen vehicles—a Mercedes Benz ML 350 with registration number RRT 469 FF and a Hijet shuttle bus JRV 42 XA—were equally recovered.
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“The suspects had used these vehicles in their criminal activities, including the kidnapping of other victims.
“Unfortunately, two police officers were injured during the exchange of fire and later succumbed to their injuries.
“The Imo State Police Command mourns their loss and commends their dedication in the line of duty,” he noted.
Okoye stressed that efforts are now focused on capturing the remaining members of the syndicate, who managed to escape during the operation.
He assured residents that the command, under the leadership of Mr Aboki Danjuma, was intensifying patrols and security operations in synergy with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free yuletide.
The spokesman urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via 0803 477 3600.
In another development, the command on Tuesday donated palliatives to families of 30 deceased officers in honour of their sacrifice and in the spirit of the Yuletide.
The command donated essential items such as bags of rice, a live cow, and monetary gifts.
The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sirajo Fana, promised to prioritise the welfare of officers’ families.
Danjuma encouraged them to remain strong and resilient.
Mrs Gift Ubi, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed profound gratitude for the generous gesture.
Ubi noted that the gift was not only a material relief but also an emotional comfort, especially during the Christmas period.
Police kill three suspected kidnappers, arrest two others in Imo
(NAN)
metro
I was not removed by Tinubu – Ex-Women Affairs minister [VIDEO]
I was not removed by Tinubu – Ex-Women Affairs minister [VIDEO]
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has said that she was sacked, not removed by President Bola Tinubu.
Kennedy’s dismissal in October was part of a cabinet reshuffle that saw four other ministers relieved of their duties, including the ex-Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John; ex-Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; ex-Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo; and ex-Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim.
Following their dismissal, the Presidency attempted to downplay the nature of their departure, with Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, stating that the term “sacked” did not accurately describe their departure.
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However, in an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, Kennedy said she was sacked.
She said, “I was sacked, but my vision remains; my visions are not sacked; it still remains.”
She also acknowledged that her appointment and subsequent sacking were both done for a reason, but humorously declined to comment on the exact reasons, saying, “I’m not a witch to know why I was sacked.”
I was not removed by Tinubu – Ex-Women Affairs minister [VIDEO]
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Waiting for palliative: Ndume shares on X video of long queues outside Tinubu’s Lagos residence
Waiting for palliative: Ndume shares on X video of long queues outside Tinubu’s Lagos residence
Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has shared a video showing long queues of Nigerians on Christmas Eve waiting for palliatives from President Bola Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence in Lagos State.
The lawmaker posted the video on his X account on Wednesday to emphasise that poverty transcends ethnicity and religion, calling for urgent action to address the challenge.
Mr Ndume’s comment came days after three deadly stampedes were recorded during palliative distributions in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving no fewer than 60 people dead.
Mr Tinubu’s philanthropic gesture of providing assistance to poor Nigerians who queue at his residence during this period has been ongoing for years. A similar video went viral during the same period in 2023.
Mr Ndume’s statement seeks to highlight that poverty in the North, primarily caused by the Almajiri system, is also rising in the South due to the president’s harsh economic policies since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
According to the World Bank in its Nigeria Development Update titled ‘Turning the Corner: From Reforms & Renewed Hope, to Results’ released in December 2023, the country’s poverty rate rose from 40% in 2018 to 46%, representing an increase in the number of poor people from 79 million to 104 million.
The World Bank noted that the significant increase, caused by “sluggish growth and rising inflation,” has pushed “an additional 24 million people below the national poverty line.”
Despite the rising poverty figures, Mr Tinubu, during a media chat with journalists on Tuesday, insisted that Nigerians need to “manage.” However, after assuming office, he reportedly acquired a new luxury Airbus A330 aircraft, a yacht, and a bulletproof Escalade.
Queues for presidential handouts at Bourdillon on Christmas Eve highlight a sobering reality:
Poverty knows no tribe, religion, politics, or region. It is a universal challenge that demands collective action and sustainable solutions. pic.twitter.com/UFRuQ65n21
— Senator Ndume (@Senatorndume) December 25, 2024
Waiting for palliative: Ndume shares on X video of long queues outside Tinubu’s Lagos residence
metro
Military denies bombing civilians in Sokoto
Military denies bombing civilians in Sokoto
The Nigerian Military has denied claims that it bombed civilians during its operations in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
In a statemnt released on Wednesday, December 25, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, the coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma denied the claim.
Various media organisations had reported that a military fighter jet struck the community destroying civilians structures in the area.
However, in the statement, Abdullah said the reports are a cause of concern.
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He also noted that it crucial to clarify that military operations are carried out basic d on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
“This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organisation, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives,” Abdullah said.
He further urged the public to always rely on only confirmed information.
He said, “There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken,” Abdullah said.
Military denies bombing civilians in Sokoto
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