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

Dismissed Soldier Soja Boi Dares Nigerian Army to Publish Payroll Over Pay, Welfare Claims

A dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, has challenged the Nigerian Army to release its payroll amid growing controversy over soldiers’ remuneration, allowances, and welfare. The former lance corporal made the call in a video posted on Tuesday, showing what he claims are bank transaction alerts reflecting his earnings while in service.

In the video, Olamilekan identified a payment of ₦112,061.59 as his monthly salary, alongside ₦20,000 described as a “grumbling allowance,” ₦45,000 operational allowance for deployment to active theatres like Maiduguri, and a ₦6,000 security allowance. He alleged that soldiers not on operations receive only their salary and the grumbling allowance, while operational allowances are conditional.

He also claimed that military personnel often pay out-of-pocket for helmets, boots, and protective jackets, stating: “Helmet, you go buy. Fragmentation jacket, you go buy them.” Olamilekan urged Nigerians to verify his claims with relatives serving in the Army, insisting his goal is not to discredit the institution but to present facts backed by evidence.

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However, the Nigerian Army has rejected Olamilekan’s claims as false and misleading. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, clarified that uniforms, kits, arms, and protective gear are supplied through official channels, and no soldier is deployed without adequate operational equipment. The Army said Olamilekan was dismissed for repeated indiscipline and violations of military social media policies, not for raising concerns about pay or welfare.

On remuneration, the Army emphasised that personnel receive structured monthly salaries and allowances, including operational, mission-specific, and uniform allowances paid directly into their accounts. Soldiers deployed to conflict zones such as Operation HADIN KAI receive additional benefits such as ration cash and habit allowances, alongside free feeding and protective gear.

The Army warned that spreading unverified information could undermine morale and national security, urging the public to rely only on official sources for military news. Despite the rebuttal, Olamilekan’s challenge has sparked debate online, with calls for greater transparency in military pay and welfare systems.

Dismissed Soldier Soja Boi Dares Nigerian Army to Publish Payroll Over Pay, Welfare Claims

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