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Edo Police Arrest 113 Suspected Kidnappers in Major Overnight Raids

Published

1 week ago

February 27, 2026

Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika (fdc)

Edo Police Arrest 113 Suspected Kidnappers in Major Overnight Raids

The Edo State Police Command has arrested 113 suspected kidnappers during coordinated security raids across Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts, as part of an intensified crackdown on kidnapping and related criminal networks in the state.

The arrests were confirmed on Thursday in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, who said the operation was carried out in the early hours of the day, at about 3:00 a.m., following actionable intelligence.

According to the statement, security agencies uncovered credible information indicating that ransom payments from kidnapping operations were being coordinated and received at designated locations popularly known as “zangos” in Agbede and Iruekpen.

Acting on the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, personally led a joint task force operation involving operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, vigilante groups, and local hunters.

Police said the coordinated raids targeted settlements where suspected kidnappers and their collaborators allegedly converged to receive ransom proceeds, regroup, and blend with unsuspecting members of the public. The operation resulted in the arrest of 113 suspects, all of whom are currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to establish individual levels of involvement.

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The command said suspects found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that investigations are ongoing to uncover wider kidnapping cells, financial channels, and logistics networks operating within and outside Edo State.

Agbonika reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain an unrelenting and uncompromising offensive against kidnapping syndicates, stressing that the fight would go beyond armed elements hiding in forests to include financial sponsors, informants, and logistics providers.

He assured residents that security agencies would continue to disrupt criminal supply chains, dismantle safe havens, and intensify patrols across flashpoints identified through intelligence reports.

The police operation comes amid heightened public concern following a recent deadly attack in Iduah Kingdom, located in Esan West Local Government Area. Days before the raids, gunmen reportedly attacked the residence of a palace chief, resulting in multiple casualties.

Sources said Chief Jimah Jacob Ogboi was shot at close range during the attack, while his wife sustained severe machete injuries. Two of the chief’s daughters were also reportedly abducted and later killed by their captors, a development that sparked outrage and renewed calls for decisive security action.

A son of the family, identified as Lucky, reportedly said the attack occurred while he was away from home, adding that the assailants struck swiftly before escaping.

Reacting to the developments, the Edo State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, assuring the public that all information shared would be treated with strict confidentiality.

“The Edo State Police Command remains firm, proactive, and battle-ready to safeguard lives and property. There will be no hiding place for kidnappers or their collaborators anywhere in the state,” Agbonika said.

Edo Police Arrest 113 Suspected Kidnappers in Major Overnight Raids

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Deputy Speaker Kalu Faces 72-Hour Ultimatum Over NYSC, Law School Records

Published

16 minutes ago

March 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu

Deputy Speaker Kalu Faces 72-Hour Ultimatum Over NYSC, Law School Records

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been given a 72-hour ultimatum to step aside over allegations of perjury, false representation and discrepancies between his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigerian Law School records.

The ultimatum was issued by a coalition of civil society organisations led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

The coalition said the call was necessary to allow for a transparent investigation into the claims while protecting the integrity of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, where Kalu currently serves as the second-highest ranking lawmaker.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the group’s president, Dominic Ogakwu, said the demand was rooted in constitutional provisions that require accountability from all public officials.

He cited Chapter 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which establishes the supremacy of the constitution and mandates compliance by all authorities and citizens.

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According to Ogakwu, the coalition is seeking clarification over how Kalu allegedly obtained both an NYSC discharge certificate and a Nigerian Law School certificate during overlapping periods, which they claim may violate the rules guiding both institutions.

The group questioned how Kalu could have sworn the mandatory oath under the National Youth Service Corps Act committing to a continuous one-year national service, while at the same time participating in full-time academic activities at the Nigerian Law School.

Civil society leaders further argued that the Nigerian Law School’s regulations prohibit students from engaging in other commitments such as the national service programme during the period of study.

According to the coalition, Kalu was admitted to the Nigerian Law School under the name Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu before subsequent name changes. They also claimed he declared on April 23, 2010, that he was not participating in NYSC while enrolled in the Law School programme.

However, the coalition said records indicate that Kalu holds an NYSC discharge certificate dated March 8, 2011, raising questions about whether he participated in both programmes simultaneously.

The civil society groups therefore demanded clarification from Kalu, the NYSC, the Nigerian Law School, the Council of Legal Education, and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

They also urged the relevant authorities to make public all official records relating to Kalu’s service year and legal training.

According to the coalition, if the institutions fail to act within the 72-hour window, they will escalate the matter through mass protests and may occupy the National Assembly complex to demand accountability.

The groups insisted they were not making a definitive accusation of wrongdoing but were seeking transparency regarding the alleged discrepancies.

They argued that Kalu should step aside temporarily because the office of Deputy Speaker is “too important for any form of controversy that could undermine public confidence.”

As of the time of filing this report, Benjamin Kalu has not publicly responded to the allegations or the ultimatum issued by the civil society coalition.

Political observers note that controversies over academic and service credentials have previously triggered major legal battles and electoral disputes in Nigeria, making the issue particularly sensitive for high-ranking public officials.

Deputy Speaker Kalu Faces 72-Hour Ultimatum Over NYSC, Law School Records

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ISWAP/Boko Haram Abducts Over 100 Women, Children in Borno Assault

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Trends Admin

ISWAP/Boko Haram Abducts Over 100 Women, Children in Borno Assault

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists carried out a massive assault on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, abducting over 100 women and children, killing soldiers and community leaders, and forcing thousands of residents to flee, security sources and local officials report. The attack occurred shortly after Muslims broke their Ramadan fast earlier this week and targeted both a military base and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.

The militants first stormed a military base belonging to the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division Task Force Battalion, overpowering troops due to their large numbers. Soldiers were killed, and weapons, ammunition, and vehicles were seized or destroyed. Following this, the insurgents moved into Ngoshe town and attacked the IDP camp, abducting women and children and killing the chief imam along with some elders. Residents described the attack as devastating, noting that informants may have aided the insurgents’ coordinated strike.

It has been difficult to confirm the total casualties, but at least nine soldiers have been recovered dead, with many more feared missing. Armoured tanks and military vehicles were burnt, and villagers fled to Pulka community and surrounding areas for safety. Survivors described heartbreaking scenes of mothers searching for children and families torn apart, highlighting the humanitarian toll of the assault.

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In response, the Nigerian military carried out precision airstrikes under Operation Hadin Kai, targeting insurgents along known escape routes. Reports indicate that over 50 terrorists were killed, disrupting their ability to regroup and carry out further attacks. However, the devastation caused by the initial strike left thousands displaced and without basic necessities, amplifying the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in the region.

The attack has been attributed to a resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAP activity in areas such as Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains, despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) condemned the assault, mourning the loss of soldiers and community leaders while calling for intensified military efforts in these insurgent strongholds. He stressed that the lack of stationed attack helicopters and fighter jets in the Northeast hindered effective military response. The senator also coordinated with local authorities to provide relief to displaced families in Pulka.

Residents of Ngoshe reported that many fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs. One local man said, “You will see mothers crying, searching for their children and husbands. The trauma is devastating.” The attack has renewed concerns over security in northeastern Nigeria, particularly as it comes during Ramadan, when Boko Haram/ISWAP historically intensifies operations against civilians and military targets.

The Nigerian government and military authorities continue to pursue insurgents, but the incident underscores the enduring security challenges in Borno State and the wider Lake Chad Basin region. Ongoing displacement, abductions, and attacks on military installations highlight the need for sustained and enhanced counter-insurgency measures.

ISWAP/Boko Haram Abducts Over 100 Women, Children in Borno Assault

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CSP Aliyu Giwa Set to Become Nigeria Police Force PRO, Replacing Hundeyin

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Aliyu Giwa

CSP Aliyu Giwa Set to Become Nigeria Police Force PRO, Replacing Hundeyin

The Nigeria Police Force is set to appoint Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Aliyu Giwa as its 27th Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), following the removal of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Hundeyin. The move signals a key leadership transition in the Force’s public communication and media management.

CSP Giwa, a 40-year-old cybersecurity specialist, currently serves at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, a position he has held since February 2025. His extensive experience in media relations and public communication made him a strong candidate to succeed Hundeyin, according to sources familiar with the development.

Giwa previously served as the Assistant Police Force Public Relations Officer (ANNEX), Obalende, Lagos, between February 2017 and March 2022. He also held positions as Police Assistant to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in the Department of Logistics and Supply (September 2023–December 2024), and Personal Assistant to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police at the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Limited (March 2022–September 2023).

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In addition, Giwa was the Public Relations Officer at the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Limited from October 2017 to March 2022 and served as Deputy Police Public Relations Officer for Lagos State between December 2014 and February 2017. Sources described him as having “the charisma and expertise” to lead the Force’s communication team effectively.

Born in Maiduguri, Borno State, and a native of Kwara State, Giwa holds a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Maiduguri and attended the Federal Government College, Sokoto for his secondary education. He also holds numerous professional certifications, including Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and a certification in Telecommunication Fraud from Zhejiang Police College. He is also an associate member of both ACAMS and the International Compliance Association.

The Nigeria Police Force praised Hundeyin’s tenure, noting that his leadership as PRO significantly enhanced the Force’s media engagement, crisis communication, and public relations strategies. CSP Giwa’s appointment is expected to continue strengthening transparency, public trust, and strategic communication between the Force and citizens.

The official announcement confirming CSP Giwa as the new FPRO is expected shortly, with stakeholders anticipating a seamless transition in leadership amid ongoing efforts to modernize the Force’s public relations operations.