metro
Monarch assassinated in Rivers during traditional rulers’ meeting
Monarch assassinated in Rivers during traditional rulers’ meeting
A traditional ruler, Chief Ferdinand Dabiri, has been shot dead by suspected cultists during a meeting of local chiefs in Obelle, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Dabiri, who also served as Vice Chairman of the Obelle Council of Chiefs, was reportedly gunned down when armed assailants stormed the venue of the meeting in Omuwoka village on Saturday evening.
According to a report by Leadership, the violent attack triggered panic, causing fellow chiefs and residents to flee for their lives. As of Saturday night, some community members had reportedly deserted the area for fear of further violence.
Speaking with reporters, the deceased’s second son, Joseph Dabiri, recounted the moment he heard of his father’s murder.
“I heard that a guy came with gun while my father was in a meeting at Omuwoka village in Obelle, shot at him twice and fled on Saturday evening,” he said.
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Joseph added that the matter had been formally reported to the Rumuji Divisional Police Headquarters and called for swift justice.
As of press time, the Rivers State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the killing.
In a separate but related incident, operatives from the Azikiwe Division and the Octopus Tactical Unit disrupted a violent clash between rival cult groups in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt.
Reports indicate that one group was en route to a university campus in the city to launch an attack when they encountered their rivals along Azikiwe Street/Opobo Lane. A gun battle ensued, sending pedestrians and business owners scrambling for cover, with some shops hastily closing down.
A source said the quick intervention by the Azikiwe Police and the Octopus Strike Force led to the arrest of three suspected cultists.
Confirming the incident, State Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko said:
“Yes I can confirm the incident. Three suspects were arrested. One English made revolver pistol, one live ammunition and three expended ammunition were recovered in the bag of the suspects.”
She noted that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the cult groups.
Monarch assassinated in Rivers during traditional rulers’ meeting
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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