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Police arrest 17 for killing suspected wizard, rescue kidnap victims
Police arrest 17 for killing suspected wizard, rescue kidnap victims
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued four kidnapped hostages and arrested 17 persons for the murder of an alleged wizard in two separate operations in Imo and Ebonyi states respectively.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, January 5.
Adejobi said police operatives attached to the Imo State Command successfully executed a daring rescue operation that led to the safe liberation of four kidnapped hostages.
He said the operation was carried out on Saturday, January 4, after the operatives received a distress call reporting the abduction of four persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji LGA, Imo State.
“The police operatives swiftly swung into action, locating the criminal hideout and engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun-duel, during which two of the kidnappers were neutralised.
“The success of the operation led to the rescue of the four victims and the recovery of one Ak-47 rifle, one Ak-47 magazine and 21 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition,” the statement reads in part.
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Adejobi reaffirmed the NPF’s resolute devotion to combating heinous crimes such as the abduction and assured members of the public that efforts to rid off criminal elements from the society would continue relentlessly, ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
Meanwhile, on January 3, police operatives attached to the Ebonyi State Command arrested 17 suspects in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo LGA for the murder of one Uromchi Okorocha, who was accused by local youths of being involved in the killing of several individuals through alleged witchcraft and spiritual means.
Adejobi said the suspects had mobilised and apprehended the deceased, but rather than handing him over to legal authorities and committing to the rule of law, they decided to take laws into their hands, becoming judge, jury and executioner.
He said police operatives attached to Uwanna Division mobilised tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission but the angry mob had already killed and burned Okorocha before the arrival of the police team.
Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun condemned this act of jungle justice in totality.
“Citizens are once again urged to refrain from taking laws into their hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them for necessary action.
“The efforts of the police are constant reaffirmations of the dedication to bring to book perpetrators of heinous acts of crime in our societies.
“The IGP once again reiterates the unwavering commitment of the force to public safety and justice for victims of violent crimes.
“Citizens are encouraged to engage with security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ultimate goal of creating a utopian society for all,” the FPRO said.
Police arrest 17 for killing suspected wizard, rescue kidnap victims
metro
Ogun police busts child trafficking syndicate, arrests 3 suspects
Ogun police busts child trafficking syndicate, arrests 3 suspects
The Ogun State Police Command has successfully dismantled a child trafficking syndicate led by a suspect known as Mama Faith, who is currently detained at the Ibara Correctional Centre.
Three other individuals—ThankGod Taiwo (35), Patience Chikezie (54), and Oluyinka Folake (43)—were arrested in connection with the illegal activities.
During a press briefing on Monday, January 6, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, paraded the suspects at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Taiwo was apprehended at his hideout after abducting a seven-year-old girl, Mercy Akande. He sold the child to Chikezie for N650,000 at Ipaja Roundabout in Lagos.
Chikieze, arrested on 29 December at Lafenwa-Itele, led police to her residence, where the child was rescued unhurt.
According to the CP, Chikieze confessed that her buyer rejected Mercy because of her age.
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Further investigations revealed that Chikieze had previously purchased a three-year-old boy, Mohees Daniel, for N250,000 and sold him for N3 million.
Chikieze also allegedly bought another child, David Jesulayomi, from Oluyinka for N1.5 million, which she attempted to sell for profit.
Both children were recovered, along with fake adoption agreements issued by Chikieze.
“She created a WhatsApp group named Prema Consult to lure unsuspecting adopters under the guise of legal child adoption,” the CP explained.
“She and her accomplices, including Taiwo and Folake, confessed to working for Mama Faith, who orchestrated the illegal operations.”
CP Ogunlowo, who assumed office three weeks ago, warned criminals in the state to desist from illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.
He urged residents to support the police with timely intelligence to combat crime effectively.
Speaking to newsmen, Chikezie, a mother of two, confessed to the crime and begged for forgiveness.
“It’s not right. I have offended man and God. I plead for mercy.”
Ogun police busts child trafficking syndicate, arrests 3 suspects
metro
46 kidnapped in Zamfara as gunmen attack Gana town
46 kidnapped in Zamfara as gunmen attack Gana town
No fewer than 46 individuals, including women and children, have been abducted in Gana town, Zamfara State, during a violent attack on Sunday night.
Residents reported that the incident occurred around 10 p.m. when dozens of gunmen on motorcycles stormed the community, setting fire to homes and businesses.
Although authorities are yet to release an official statement, a traditional leader, Alhaji Garba Haure, confirmed the incident to Reuters, describing the scale of destruction and the trauma experienced by the affected residents.
“We have 46 men, women and children that have been abducted altogether, and are still counting,” Haure said.
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He said the quick intervention of government security forces prevented the assailants from setting the entire town ablaze, adding that no life was lost in the attack.
But another resident, Bala Harauma, told Reuters that the actual number of abducted people could be higher.
“Six people managed to escape while the armed gang moved the captives in the early hours of Monday,” Harauma said.
Another resident, Yusuf Mohammed, explained that the bandits set ablaze dozens of houses and silos containing foodstuff.
The Northwest has been experiencing a severe security crisis, with terrorist and bandit groups wreaking havoc on local communities.
These groups have been responsible for a multitude of violent attacks, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread kidnappings.
46 kidnapped in Zamfara as gunmen attack Gana town
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Six soldiers killed, 34 terrorists eliminated in Borno troops, ISWAP clash
Six soldiers killed, 34 terrorists eliminated in Borno troops, ISWAP clash
The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday confirmed that over 34 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were neutralised in a fierce battle at Sabon Gari Community, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.
The attack also resulted in the loss of six soldiers.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this in a statement titled “Terrorists Killed in Attack on Sabon Gari in Damboa LGA of Borno State.”
He revealed that the terrorists, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks, attempted to retaliate the recent killing of their commanders but were overwhelmed by joint air and ground forces.
The statement reads: “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari Village of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight. The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.”
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“The terrorists were taken unaware when troops’ fighting patrol, returning to base, foiled their planned attack as soon as the assault commenced. Additionally, a reinforcement team comprising elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilante, and hybrid forces arrived at the scene in time to overpower the terrorists.”
The statement further detailed how the battle unfolded: “Though the reinforcement team encountered an improvised explosive device, injuring the vigilante commander, they arrived timely to decimate the fleeing terrorists. Furthermore, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists.”
Battle damage assessments revealed that 34 terrorists were killed, with 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition recovered.
The statement also highlighted the toll on the military:”Sadly, six personnel were killed in action. Kindly note that the names of the personnel killed in action are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their next of kin to be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect this process, please.”
“On the whole, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation. Accordingly, troops remain committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.”
Six soldiers killed, 34 terrorists eliminated in Borno troops, ISWAP clash
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