Police Arrest Four Suspected Terrorists in Imo, Recover Biafra Flags, Guns

• VCRU operatives raid Eziudo hideout, seize pump-action guns, live cartridges, recruitment forms, and group leaders’ photographs; five cultists also arrested in Owerri

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant breakthrough in its fight against terrorism and violent crime in the South-East, with the arrest of four suspected terrorists during a targeted raid on a hideout in Eziudo, Ezinihite Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. The operation, conducted by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) , yielded a cache of weapons, military paraphernalia, and documents linking the suspects to multiple terrorist attacks across the state.

The operation, which took place on Saturday, represents a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the South-East region. During the raid, security personnel recovered an impressive cache of exhibits, including three pump-action guns, 30 live cartridges, Biafra flags, military and police uniforms, recruitment forms, charms, and photographs of purported leaders of the group. The recovery of these items suggests the suspects were operating as a structured organization with clear chains of command and a systematic recruitment process. According to the police daily report obtained by The Whistler on Sunday, the four suspects confessed during interrogation to actively recruiting new members into their network and participating in multiple terrorist attacks across Imo State. The suspects were apprehended during the raid against an alleged terrorist cell operating in the state. The Force said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network, adding that efforts have been intensified to dismantle the group’s operational structure and prevent further attacks. The suspects are currently in lawful custody as investigations continue.

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The operation highlights the effectiveness of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in tackling terrorism and violent crimes. The Imo State Police Command had in May 2026 disbanded its Anti-Kidnapping Unit (popularly known as Tiger Base), Scorpion Unit, and Lion Squad, replacing them with the VCRU as part of broader reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, accountability, and professionalism in tactical policing nationwide. The VCRU, established on April 24, 2026, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, focuses on intelligence-driven operations targeting armed robberies, kidnappings, and violent crimes. Officers selected for the unit were carefully screened based on competence, discipline, integrity, and operational experience, and have undergone specialized training in tactical response, intelligence gathering, crisis management, and human rights compliance. The VCRU is also subject to a Civilian Oversight Board made up of representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society organizations, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), which monitors the unit’s activities, receives public complaints, and provides independent feedback.

In a separate operation, the Nigeria Police Force also arrested five suspected cultists at Bishop’s Court in Owerri, the Imo State capital, recovering firearms, ammunition, and other items allegedly linked to cult activities. Among those arrested was 23-year-old Opara Ikechi, alongside four other suspects. Police operatives recovered four firearms, including locally fabricated pistols, 31 rounds of live ammunition, a dagger, and a suspected confraternity scarf. According to the police, the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related violence and other criminal activities in the state. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Owerri has commenced investigations to determine the suspects’ involvement in cult-related crimes and identify other members of the group. The police added that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The operations in Imo were part of a wider nationwide offensive by the Nigeria Police Force against terrorism, cultism, and violent crimes. In the last 24 hours, police operatives arrested suspects linked to terrorism, murder, cultism, armed robbery, and railway vandalism across multiple states, including Benue, Lagos, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and the Federal Capital Territory. This follows coordinated nationwide security crackdowns that have resulted in the arrest of suspects and the rescue of kidnapped victims. The Force has urged residents to support security agencies with credible information to enhance crime-fighting efforts across the country.

Police Arrest Four Suspected Terrorists in Imo, Recover Biafra Flags, Guns

NDLEA seizes 1.63 million tramadol pills on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on illicit drug trafficking with the interception of 1.63 million pills of tramadol hidden inside two trucks travelling along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The anti-narcotics agency said the operation disrupted a suspected cross-border drug trafficking network believed to be moving large quantities of high-strength tramadol into Nigeria through the Togo–Benin Republic–Nigeria corridor before transporting the drugs to northern parts of the country.

According to the NDLEA, the seizures were the result of intelligence-led operations that enabled operatives to identify suspicious vehicles and uncover specially constructed compartments beneath the cargo floors of the trucks, where the illicit drugs had been concealed.

The first truck was intercepted while heading to Kano State, with officers recovering 853,000 pills of tramadol 250mg. The driver, identified as Jabir Kabiru, 22, was taken into custody as investigations commenced.

In a follow-up operation carried out along the same transport corridor two days later, NDLEA operatives intercepted another truck heading to Kano and recovered an additional 777,000 pills of tramadol 250mg concealed in a similar hidden compartment. The second driver, Muhammed Nuhu, also 22, was arrested.

The combined recovery brought the total seizure to 1,630,000 tramadol pills, making it one of the agency’s significant drug interceptions in recent months.

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Investigators believe the two consignments are connected to an earlier seizure involving another truck intercepted in June. Preliminary findings suggest the vehicles may have been operating as part of the same organised trafficking network responsible for moving illicit pharmaceutical opioids across West African borders into Nigeria.

The NDLEA said investigations are continuing to identify other members of the syndicate, including suppliers, financiers, transport coordinators and intended recipients of the consignments.

The agency has repeatedly warned about the dangers of high-dose tramadol, noting that its abuse has been linked to addiction, mental health problems, violent crime and insecurity in several parts of the country. Security agencies have also expressed concern that illicit opioids are increasingly being trafficked through regional routes by organised criminal groups.

Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA said it remains committed to preventive measures through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. As part of the initiative, the agency recently organised a drug awareness programme for students and teachers at Government Junior Secondary School, Gabasawa, in Kano State, highlighting the health, social and legal consequences of substance abuse.

Commenting on the latest operation, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved for their professionalism and vigilance. He urged operatives nationwide to sustain intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within and across Nigeria’s borders.

The latest seizures underscore the agency’s determination to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and strengthen efforts to protect communities from the devastating impact of substance abuse.

NDLEA seizes 1.63 million tramadol pills on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

NBA President-elect Badejo-Okusanya vows better welfare for lawyers after election victory

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to prioritise the welfare, professional development and economic well-being of lawyers across the country following her election to lead Nigeria’s largest association of legal practitioners.

In her first public message after emerging victorious in the NBA national election, Badejo-Okusanya thanked members of the association for the confidence reposed in her, describing her election as a shared achievement for lawyers committed to building a stronger, more inclusive and forward-looking Bar.

She said the outcome of the election reflected the collective desire of members for a Nigerian Bar Association that is responsive to the needs of legal practitioners, promotes professional excellence and protects the interests of lawyers at every stage of their careers.

The President-elect also commended members who participated in the electoral process, noting that the peaceful conduct of the election demonstrated the NBA’s commitment to internal democracy and institutional development.

Badejo-Okusanya expressed appreciation to her fellow contestants, saying their participation enriched the democratic process and reinforced the association’s tradition of healthy competition based on ideas and service.

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She also acknowledged the contributions of her campaign team, coordinators, volunteers, supporters, colleagues, mentors and friends, describing their dedication throughout the campaign as instrumental to her success.

The Senior Advocate reserved special appreciation for her family, particularly her husband, for their encouragement, understanding and unwavering support throughout the electioneering period.

With the election concluded, she said the focus would immediately shift from campaigns to governance, promising to provide transparent, accountable and inclusive leadership that would serve every member of the association regardless of how they voted.

According to Badejo-Okusanya, improving the welfare of lawyers will remain one of the central priorities of her administration. She pledged to pursue initiatives that would enhance lawyers’ earning capacity, strengthen professional opportunities, improve continuing legal education and promote better working conditions across the legal profession.

She also promised to work with NBA branches, senior members of the Bar and other stakeholders to address longstanding challenges affecting legal practitioners, including young lawyers who have consistently called for improved remuneration, mentorship opportunities and greater access to professional development programmes.

Legal practitioners have in recent years advocated reforms aimed at improving lawyers’ welfare, including enhanced enforcement of the Remuneration Order for Legal Practitioners, expansion of capacity-building initiatives and policies that promote the sustainability of legal practice in Nigeria.

Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence is widely seen as a significant milestone in the history of the NBA and is expected to usher in a new phase of engagement on issues affecting the legal profession, judicial reforms, rule of law and access to justice.

Observers say her administration will face expectations to strengthen the association’s role in defending constitutional democracy, protecting the independence of the judiciary and advocating policies that improve the practice of law in Nigeria.

As preparations begin for her formal inauguration, members of the Bar are expected to closely monitor the implementation of the promises made during the campaign, particularly those relating to lawyers’ welfare, professional development and institutional reforms.

Her election marks the beginning of a new leadership chapter for the Nigerian Bar Association, with many lawyers expressing optimism that the incoming administration will deliver meaningful reforms capable of improving both the profession and the justice sector.\

NBA President-elect Badejo-Okusanya vows better welfare for lawyers after election victory