Two Rifles, Live Ammunition Recovered as FCT Police Storm Bandits’ Hideout

In a major breakthrough against organized crime, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have raided a suspected bandits’ hideout in Dajin Madam Forest, recovering two FN FAL rifles and live ammunition. The operation, which followed the arrest of four suspects, has dealt a significant blow to an arms supply network fueling banditry across the region.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has recorded a significant victory in its ongoing fight against kidnapping and banditry with the recovery of two FN FAL rifles and live ammunition during a targeted raid on a suspected bandits’ hideout in Dajin Madam Forest, located between Plateau and Bauchi states. The operation, conducted on August 2, 2026, by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, followed credible intelligence obtained during investigations into a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in supplying arms, ammunition, and illicit substances to bandits operating across the North-Central and North-West regions.

According to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the breakthrough came after the arrest of four suspects who were previously paraded at the Command Headquarters on July 11, 2026. One of the arrested suspects, identified as Musbahu Ishaq, provided actionable intelligence that led operatives to the forest hideout where the criminal syndicate allegedly maintained one of its operational bases. Further investigation established that Ishaq allegedly obtained arms and ammunition from one Rabiu Hassan and supplied them to Baba Alhaji Sanusi, a suspected bandit kingpin who is currently at large and believed to be hiding in a forest in Katsina State.

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A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of the two FN FAL rifles and live ammunition, which were allegedly concealed within the forest camp. The police spokesperson noted that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large, recover additional weapons linked to the network, and ensure all suspects are prosecuted. The command has also intensified efforts to track down Baba Alhaji Sanusi, the suspected kingpin, whose arrest is considered critical to dismantling the entire arms trafficking network.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and assured residents that sustained operations would continue until all members of the criminal syndicate are apprehended and brought to justice. He emphasized that the command remains resolute in its determination to rid the territory of criminal elements and called on residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information through the nearest police station or the command’s emergency lines.

The police have also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their communities, stressing that the cooperation of citizens remains vital in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and organized crime across the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

Two Rifles, Live Ammunition Recovered as FCT Police Storm Bandits’ Hideout

Police Launch Investigation as Three Children Die at Anambra Native Doctor’s Residence

Tragedy strikes Ideani community as three children are confirmed dead and a fourth fights for life after being discovered unconscious at a female traditional healer’s residence. The suspect, known as “Ezenwanyi,” is now in police custody.

AWKA, Nigeria – A quiet community in Anambra State has been plunged into mourning after the lifeless bodies of three children were discovered at the residence of a female native doctor in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, August 5, 2026, has left residents reeling as they grapple with unanswered questions about how four young children ended up unconscious inside the compound of a woman popularly known in the area as “Ezenwanyi.” Three of the children – believed to be between the ages of 6 and 15 – were confirmed dead by medical doctors upon arrival at the hospital. A fourth child, who was found still breathing, remains in critical condition and is currently receiving emergency medical care.

According to eyewitness accounts, residents of Umuoduba Village raised the alarm after discovering the children lying unconscious within the female native doctor’s residential premises. The compound, which also serves as a livestock farm housing pigs and poultry birds, became the scene of a frantic rescue operation. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the harrowing moment, stating that the four children were found unconscious in the woman’s compound, with three already lifeless when they were discovered, while the fourth child was still breathing and was rushed to the hospital. The resident added that the incident has left everyone in the community in shock. Community leaders and local security personnel quickly mobilized, and the fourth child was rushed to a nearby hospital by residents before emergency responders could arrive. The identities of the deceased children and their relationship to the suspect have not yet been established.

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The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that operatives attached to the Ogidi Police Division responded immediately after receiving a distress call. In an official statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, expressed the command’s profound sadness over the discovery, explaining that upon receipt of the information, the rescue team led by police operatives rushed the victims immediately to a hospital for emergency medical attention. He regretted that three of the children were certified dead by medical doctors, while the fourth victim is currently receiving treatment in a critical condition. The female suspect, identified locally as Ezenwanyi, was arrested and taken into custody by police operatives in collaboration with community leaders. She is currently being held at the Ogidi Police Division, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case for a comprehensive, intelligence-driven, and evidence-based investigation.

Videos circulating on social media showed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ogidi Division, accompanied by community leaders, local security personnel, and the President-General of Ideani Community, Chief Paul Okoye, inspecting the premises shortly after the incident. The footage also captured the suspect leading security operatives around different sections of the compound, including shrines and residential areas, as stunned residents watched from a distance. Also present at the scene was the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka, who joined the inspection team.

As of the time of filing this report, several critical questions remain unanswered, including the identities and ages of the children, which have not been officially released, and what their relationship was with the suspect. Community members have speculated that the children may have been workers at the residence or possibly relatives, but these claims remain unverified. The cause of their deaths also remains unclear, as autopsy results are pending, with the bodies having been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and further examination. The police spokesperson expressed hope that the surviving child’s testimony, subject to medical recovery and clearance, would provide crucial clues to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga extended the command’s condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Ideani community, urging residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and allow investigators to conduct their work without interference. He reiterated that the Anambra State Police Command expresses profound sadness over this incident and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while allowing investigators to conclude their work, adding that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Ideani and beyond, with many residents struggling to come to terms with the loss of three young lives. The incident has also reignited conversations about the activities of traditional healers and the safety of children in communities across Anambra State. As the investigation continues, the community waits for answers – and justice – for the three children whose lives were cut short in such heartbreaking circumstances.

Police Launch Investigation as Three Children Die at Anambra Native Doctor’s Residence

Explosion kills ISWAP bombmakers, foreign IED experts in Borno

Five suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including a medical officer and four alleged improvised explosive device (IED) specialists, have reportedly been killed in a premature explosion while assembling explosives in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the explosion occurred at Maina Daya village, located between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram in the Marte axis, an area within the wider Lake Chad region where ISWAP has maintained a presence.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, those killed included an ISWAP medical officer identified as Usman Dan Fulani, two foreign nationals described by the sources as Arab IED technicians, and two suspected bomb-making specialists.

The identities and nationalities of the foreign nationals had not been independently confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Sources said the suspected ISWAP members were assembling improvised explosive devices when the explosives detonated unexpectedly.

The group was reportedly preparing the devices for possible deployment along strategic military supply routes in Sector 1 of Operation HADIN KAI, raising concerns that the explosives may have been intended for attacks on security forces or vehicles operating in the area.

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The explosion reportedly destroyed the location where the devices were being assembled and prevented the suspected explosives from being deployed.

Security analysts said the deaths of experienced bombmakers could represent a significant setback to ISWAP’s IED network, particularly in the Marte-Monguno axis, where explosive devices have been used to target military patrols, security convoys and major transport routes.

However, analysts also noted that the long-term impact of the incident would depend on the group’s ability to replace the personnel and restore its technical capacity.

The development comes amid sustained military operations aimed at disrupting terrorist networks, destroying logistics facilities and limiting the movement of insurgents across Borno State and other parts of the North-East.

ISWAP has continued to use roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices as part of its campaign against military formations, security personnel and civilian targets in the Lake Chad region.

Military sources said troops under Operation HADIN KAI had been directed to take advantage of the development by intensifying patrols, intelligence gathering, cordon-and-search operations and targeted offensives across the Monguno, Marte and Gamboru Ngala areas.

The operations are expected to focus on preventing surviving members of the suspected network from regrouping, relocating their activities or rebuilding their IED-manufacturing capacity.

Security forces are also expected to strengthen surveillance along routes that have previously been targeted with explosive devices.

The Nigerian military has continued to carry out intelligence-led air and ground operations against suspected ISWAP camps, logistics hubs and movement corridors across Borno.

While the latest explosion may temporarily disrupt the group’s operations, security analysts said sustained military pressure, improved intelligence gathering and continued collaboration with local communities would be necessary to prevent ISWAP from rebuilding its explosives network.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military had not issued an official statement confirming the incident, the identities of those killed or the reported involvement of foreign IED technicians.

Explosion kills ISWAP bombmakers, foreign IED experts in Borno