Police Nab Bandit Logistics Supplier, Recover 109 Ammunition Rounds in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier and recovered an AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, an additional 79 rounds, suspected military uniforms, and other incriminating items in a swift operation at Rimaye Village, Bichi Local Government Area.

The suspect, identified as Mohammed Isah Haruna, 28, of Dan Dinshe Yamma Quarters in Dala Local Government Area, was arrested on Saturday, July 12, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. following a credible tip-off from a vigilant resident who reported seeing a man dressed in a suspected military uniform at Rimaye Village in Bichi LGA.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed the development in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa. According to the statement, operatives from the Bichi Police Division, working in collaboration with members of the Rimawa community, swiftly responded to the tip-off and intercepted the suspect. During a search of his bag, police recovered one AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, an additional 79 rounds of AK-47 ammunition bringing the total to 109 rounds, two sets of suspected military uniforms, three military caps, a suspected fake military identity card, a National Identity Card, a National Identification Number (NIN) slip, a voter’s card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, and a pair of desert boots.

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During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he was in the area to deliver the recovered items to bandits operating in the bush. The police said the suspect remains in custody while a discreet investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network. The case will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Commissioner Bakori commended members of the Rimawa community for their vigilance and prompt report, describing the arrest as a testament to the effectiveness of community policing. “This arrest underscores the importance of community partnership in policing. We appreciate the Rimawa Community and all good people of Kano for their support. Security is a collective responsibility,” the commissioner said.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led and community-based policing across Kano State’s 44 local government areas in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. It also urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at combating crime and enhancing public safety. In case of emergencies or to report suspicious activities, the command can be contacted via 08032419755, 08123821575, or 09029292926.

Police Nab Bandit Logistics Supplier, Recover 109 Ammunition Rounds in Kano

Lagos Police Bust N1.02bn Vehicle Fraud Syndicate, Recover Exotic Vehicles

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a sophisticated vehicle fraud syndicate accused of defrauding automobile dealers of exotic vehicles worth over N1.02 billion through deception, dud and post-dated cheques. Detectives have recovered several luxury vehicles and launched a manhunt for the alleged ringleader, Otunba Olamilekan Ismail, who is currently at large.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, disclosed the development on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja on recent breakthroughs recorded by the command. According to him, detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, harmonised three separate complaints initially reported independently by different victims after discovering striking similarities in the suspects’ operational methods. The harmonised investigations revealed a coordinated criminal network specialising in conspiracy, obtaining goods under false pretences, fraudulent conversion, stealing, and the issuance of dud cheques.

Investigations established that the syndicate targeted reputable vehicle dealers by falsely claiming they were purchasing vehicles on behalf of influential clients or for prominent politicians in Abuja. The suspects allegedly issued post-dated or dud cheques as payment before quickly transferring the vehicles to third parties and concealing the identities of the masterminds through intermediaries. The fraud involved vehicles valued at more than N1.02 billion, including seven luxury vehicles worth about N700 million and 10 Toyota Hiace buses valued at N320 million. Investigators also linked the syndicate to another 12 exotic vehicles allegedly obtained through similar means from different dealers.

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In the first case, a suspect identified as Muritala confessed to obtaining vehicles under the false promise that payment would be made after their disposal. During interrogation, he implicated Fatai Balogun, popularly known as “Eleku,” who was already under investigation for a similar offence. Balogun later admitted his involvement and told investigators that the vehicles had been delivered to Otunba Olamilekan Ismail, also known as Otunba Jaji, who is currently at large. Balogun claimed Olamilekan promised him a 30 per cent commission from the proceeds of the vehicles.

Using intelligence-led operations and the AUTOREG vehicle tracking platform, detectives recovered several vehicles linked to the syndicate. The recovered vehicles include a 2010 Toyota RAV4, a 2007 Toyota Highlander, a 2017 Toyota Highlander, a 2020 Toyota Hiace bus, a 2018 Ford Edge SUV, and two 2016 Toyota Hiace buses.

In the second case, three complainants accused Balogun, Ismail Olamilekan, and others of conspiracy, fraudulent conversion, issuing dud cheques, and stealing. The suspects fraudulently obtained seven vehicles worth about N700 million after falsely claiming they were supplying them to prominent politicians in Abuja. Payment was made with post-dated cheques, all of which were dishonoured when presented at the bank. The principal suspect admitted selling the vehicles to different buyers.

In the third case, Balogun, Bashiru Babatunde, and others allegedly fraudulently acquired 10 Toyota Hiace buses valued at N320 million after claiming they were acting on behalf of one Alhaji Ismaila and another suspect identified simply as Segun, both of whom remain at large. The cheque issued in payment was returned due to insufficient funds. Detectives recovered eight of the buses, although they had sustained damage, while two buses valued at N56.5 million are still missing.

One of the suspects, a 68-year-old man, denied knowing the vehicles were fraudulently obtained, claiming his role was limited to introducing buyers for a 30 per cent commission. The police said the suspects remain in custody while investigations continue to identify and arrest other members of the criminal network. All cases will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Commissioner Fatai commended the detectives for their thorough work and advised vehicle dealers to exercise due diligence before releasing vehicles, especially where transactions involve post-dated cheques or unknown agents. “The success of this investigation underscores our commitment to dismantling organised criminal syndicates operating within and beyond Lagos State. All suspects connected with these cases will be apprehended and prosecuted,” he said.

Lagos Police Bust N1.02bn Vehicle Fraud Syndicate, Recover Exotic Vehicles

Police Rescue Three Kidnapped AAU Students, Neutralise Suspect in Fierce Gun Battle

The Edo State Police Command, in a coordinated joint operation with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters, has successfully rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were abducted by gunmen in the Esan West Local Government Area of the state.

The students were kidnapped on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during a brazen attack in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18; Favour Okoroji, 21; and Balogun Precious, 19. Tragically, a 24-year-old 300-level undergraduate, Peter Ekpen Adolor, was murdered during the assault. According to police findings, Adolor attempted to open a hostel gate to investigate a distress scream outside and was shot in the abdomen by one of the assailants. He was rushed to Eguavoen Hospital, Ekpoma, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, revealed the news on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma. Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the commissioner stated that the command received a distress alert at about 9:00 p.m. on the day of the incident indicating that armed individuals believed to be kidnappers had assaulted the area and abducted the students. Upon receipt of the report, the commissioner promptly ordered the deployment of tactical teams and nearby police divisions for a collaborative rescue mission that included the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters. The team subsequently conducted coordinated bush-combing and intelligence-led operations aimed at rescuing the hostages unharmed and apprehending the perpetrators.

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The rescue mission took place in the early hours of Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., when the joint security team located the kidnappers’ hideout in Erah Forest. Security forces engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, with the superior tactical response of the operatives forcing the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee. One suspected kidnapper was neutralised during the operation, while another was apprehended with serious gunshot injuries. The three kidnapped students were rescued alive and rushed to the hospital for medical attention. According to the police, the operation resulted in the seizure of three AK-47 rifles with magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, one Red Cross bag, and one charger.

The commissioner stated that operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the notorious gang that specialised in kidnapping in Ekpoma and its environs, ensuring that they are brought to justice. He commended the bravery, professionalism, and resilience of officers and personnel of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters whose joint efforts led to the successful operation. He also appreciated the support of the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible information that aided the operation.

Addressing journalists after their rescue, the three students recounted that they were held deep inside the forest by their captors, who repeatedly moved them from one location to another while demanding that they contact their relatives to raise ransom. They expressed gratitude to the joint security team, stating that they were eventually rescued without any ransom being paid.

Police Rescue Three Kidnapped AAU Students, Neutralise Suspect in Fierce Gun Battle