Author: Dodo Elias Denen

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, have dismantled a suspected cybercrime syndicate, arresting three individuals linked to a web of criminal conspiracy, fraud, forgery and impersonation.

The breakthrough, police sources disclosed, followed weeks of intelligence-driven surveillance targeting a network believed to be behind coordinated online scams within Lagos and beyond.

The operation, spearheaded by the Zonal Intelligence Department, gained traction on January 7, 2026, when detectives acted on credible intelligence pointing to activities in the Lekki–Ajah corridor.

In a swift and precise move, one of the suspects, Tega Emmanuel, 24, was intercepted along Chevron Drive while behind the wheel of a luxury Porsche, a development that immediately raised suspicion among operatives.

Preliminary questioning reportedly opened a floodgate of revelations, with Emmanuel admitting involvement in cyber fraud schemes, including romance scams and the creation of fraudulent online identities.

A subsequent search of his residence, executed under a valid warrant, led to the arrest of two alleged accomplices, Jacob Olatunde, 33, and Gift Okubakpere, 36, believed to be key actors in the syndicate.

Investigators disclosed that Olatunde allegedly managed financial flows and coordinated the movement of illicit proceeds, while Okubakpere was said to have handled cryptocurrency transactions and online scam operations across multiple digital platforms.

A cache of incriminating items was recovered during the operation, including laptops, mobile devices, suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes, multiple international passports and vehicle number plates.

Also found were a toy pistol, which the suspects claimed was used for content production, as well as substances suspected to be illicit drugs and materials linked to their consumption.

Police authorities confirmed that further forensic analysis is underway in collaboration with relevant agencies to ascertain the authenticity of the seized currency and the nature of the suspected drugs, even as efforts intensify to track down other members of the network.

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping infrastructure upgrade at 192 Battalion (Rear), Owode–Yewa, in Ogun State, signalling a renewed push to align welfare with operational strength.

The projects, commissioned by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, reflect a deliberate effort to reinforce both security architecture and living standards within the formation.

Executed under the direction of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the intervention underscores a command philosophy anchored on sound administration and a soldier-first approach.

Speaking at the ceremony, the GOC described the new facilities as practical evidence of leadership commitment to troop welfare, stressing that improved infrastructure remains central to discipline, morale, and combat readiness.

He noted that the upgrades are not merely cosmetic, but strategic investments designed to sharpen operational efficiency while strengthening the internal security framework of the battalion.

Major General Babalola also acknowledged the sustained backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose support, he said, continues to provide the enabling environment for institutional reforms and military capacity development.

Commending the Commanding Officer, Major S.I. Usman, the GOC praised his accountability and supervision, which ensured timely and efficient execution of the projects, urging the unit to sustain a strong maintenance culture.

In his earlier remarks, Usman said the interventions were targeted at closing critical gaps in accommodation, medical support, and perimeter security, assuring that the facilities would be judiciously utilised.

The newly commissioned projects include a secured perimeter fencing of the Battalion Arms Store, a modern guard house, upgraded medical reception station, renovated Regimental Sergeant Major’s residence, and new quarters for junior personnel.

Others are solar-powered water facilities, additional sentry posts to fortify security, and newly constructed married officers’ quarters aimed at enhancing family welfare within the barracks.

The Olu of Owode–Yewa, Oba (Rev.) Akindele Mathew Sunday, lauded the Army’s intervention, describing it as a transformative development, particularly the medical facility, which he said would benefit both soldiers and the host community.

The event drew senior military officers, traditional leaders, representatives of sister security agencies, as well as members of NAOWA and NASWA, and concluded

In a sweeping show of presence and purpose, the Ogun State Police Command on Wednesday stepped beyond the barracks, taking its message of civic responsibility directly to the people in a coordinated statewide sensitization drive.

The exercise, held to mark Day Three of Police Week 2026, unfolded simultaneously across all Area Commands and Divisions, transforming major roads and public spaces into platforms for engagement and awareness.

At the forefront of the initiative was the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, who led officers and men of the command in a determined push to deepen public understanding of electoral conduct and road safety obligations.

The campaign, themed Community Partnership Building Trust, underscored a growing resolve within the command to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Residents encountered a strong message against electoral malpractice, with officers warning of the dangers of ballot snatching, voter intimidation and other acts capable of undermining democratic processes.

The police stressed that peaceful elections remain a shared responsibility, urging citizens to reject violence and report suspicious activities before they escalate into crises.

Beyond electoral issues, the campaign extended to road safety, where motorists and commuters were reminded of the consequences of traffic violations and the need for strict compliance with regulations.

Officers engaged commercial drivers, pedestrians and transport unions, emphasizing discipline, patience and adherence to traffic laws as critical to reducing accidents and saving lives.

In a softer, more human touch, the command distributed cooked meals, drinks and souvenirs to members of the public, drawing smiles and fostering a sense of goodwill rarely seen in routine policing.

The gesture, widely welcomed, reinforced the message that the police are not just enforcers of the law but partners in community wellbeing, committed to building trust one interaction at a time.

The third day of activities marking the 2026 National Police Day opened with a decisive push by the Zone 2 Command to confront rising concerns over electoral violence and public safety.

In a carefully structured engagement, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, led a high-level sensitisation programme targeting key stakeholders and commercial drivers across Lagos and Ogun States.

The initiative, held at the Zonal Headquarters in Lagos, drew participation from members of the Police Community Relations Committee, civil stakeholders and residents, all gathered to address the growing threat of ballot snatching and election-related unrest.

At the heart of the engagement was a clear message: electoral violence remains a critical threat to democratic stability and must be collectively resisted by all citizens.

Jimoh warned that acts such as ballot snatching not only undermine the electoral process but also expose perpetrators and communities to grave legal and security consequences.

He urged participants to embrace vigilance, lawful conduct and timely reporting of suspicious activities, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in securing peaceful elections.

Beyond electoral concerns, the Command extended its outreach to commercial drivers in a separate engagement at the bustling Obalende motor park in Lagos.

Addressing the drivers, the AIG underscored their strategic role in maintaining order on the roads, describing them as daily custodians of public safety.

He cautioned against reckless driving, overloading and operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, noting that such behaviours continue to fuel avoidable road accidents.

Jimoh maintained that strict adherence to traffic regulations is non-negotiable, insisting that compliance remains the most effective safeguard for lives and property.

He commended stakeholders and participants for their active involvement in the Police Day activities and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained public engagement as a cornerstone of effective policing in the zone.

The Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA) 2026 delivered a night of glittering recognition in Lagos, but one name towered above the rest, Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, whose double victory underscored a year of uncommon impact.

Held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, the 28th edition of the prestigious industry awards honoured outstanding performers across the maritime sector for 2025, drawing regulators, operators and stakeholders into a celebratory convergence.

Yet, amid the applause and accolades, Onyeka, Customs Area Controller of Tin-Can Island Port Command, emerged the defining figure of the evening, clinching two of the most competitive categories.

He was named Most Outstanding Customs Area Controller in Revenue Generation and Best in Anti-Smuggling, sweeping both awards with over 90 per cent of more than 4,000 votes cast.

The recognition, industry watchers say, reflects a rare blend of fiscal discipline and enforcement rigor that has reshaped operations at Nigeria’s second busiest seaport.

Since assuming office in December 2024, Onyeka has pursued a strategy anchored on efficiency, stakeholder engagement and uncompromising compliance, quickly earning the moniker “Revenue Guru.”

Born in Lagos in 1968 and hailing from Delta State, Onyeka holds degrees in Political Science and Public Administration, complemented by extensive professional training within and outside Nigeria.

His career trajectory in the Nigeria Customs Service began in 1991, rising steadily through critical commands including Seme, Jalingo, Lilypond Export Command and Kirikiri Lighter Terminal.

A defining phase of his service unfolded in the Tariff and Trade Department, where he honed expertise in valuation and system audit, later serving as Deputy Comptroller in Tin-Can and Apapa commands.

His appointment as Tin-Can Island Port Controller, initially as a Deputy Comptroller, broke precedent, reflecting institutional confidence in his leadership and technical depth.

Beyond operations, Onyeka has distinguished himself as a capacity builder, training officers and leading doctrine programmes, while also fostering strong media engagement through targeted workshops.

His leadership has translated into record-breaking numbers. The Tin-Can Command generated N1.256 trillion in 2024, before surging to N1.609 trillion in 2025, exceeding its target by over N85 billion.

Monthly and daily milestones followed, including a single-day collection of N16.4 billion and consistent triple-digit billion monthly revenues, cementing the command’s status as a fiscal powerhouse.

In tandem with revenue growth, Onyeka has led an aggressive anti-smuggling campaign, intercepting illicit drugs and contraband valued at over N15 billion, with major seizures recorded between October 2025 and February 2026.

These operations, conducted in collaboration with enforcement agencies, have significantly disrupted illicit trade networks and repositioned Tin-Can Port as a less permeable gateway for illegal imports.

With momentum sustained into 2026 and over N146 billion already recorded in January alone, Onyeka’s dual MIMA honours stand not just as recognition, but as validation of a model that blends revenue optimisation with national security imperatives.

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has commended the Federal Government for lifting the suspension on regulatory activities within Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector, describing the decision as a significant step towards revitalising the industry and advancing inclusive sector development.

Aare Fagade made this known while speaking at the National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders Forum, organised by the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) in Abuja, under the theme “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together.” The forum brought together key stakeholders across the public and private sectors to deliberate on strategies for strengthening collaboration, improving standards, and driving sustainable progress within the industry.

He noted that the directive of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, alongside the introduction of a concessionary framework offering discounts and flexible onboarding pathways, reflects a deliberate and strategic effort to deepen industry participation and enhance compliance.

According to him, the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises economic diversification, job creation, and the development of high-impact sectors such as tourism.

“This is not merely a regulatory adjustment. It is a forward-thinking strategy to reposition tourism as a key driver of national development. It demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness,” he stated.

Aare Fagade further highlighted NIHOTOUR’s dual mandate as both a regulatory and developmental institution, emphasising its focus on building a skilled, certified, and globally competitive workforce to support the sector.

He disclosed that the Institute is currently deploying the National Registration Portal (NRP), a transformative digital platform designed to formalise the industry through the registration, certification, and verification of tourism practitioners and institutions nationwide.

“The National Registration Portal is critical to addressing existing gaps in certification and compliance. It will improve service standards, strengthen industry credibility, and unlock economic opportunities for practitioners across the country,” he added.

Aare Fagade also acknowledged the leadership of the Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority for convening the timely stakeholders forum, noting that such engagements are essential for fostering alignment and collective action across the sector.

He observed that a significant portion of Nigeria’s tourism workforce currently operates outside formal regulatory structures, a challenge that continues to impact service delivery and international competitiveness.

He therefore called on key stakeholders, including private sector operators, industry associations, and state governments, to take full advantage of the Federal Government’s concessionary framework and actively participate in the ongoing reform process.

Reaffirming NIHOTOUR’s commitment to enabling progress, Aare Fagade stressed that regulation should be seen as a tool for advancement rather than a limitation.

“We are not here to restrict progress, but to enable it. We are not here to exclude, but to integrate. A well-regulated industry is one that attracts investment, creates jobs, and earns global recognition,” he said.

He concluded by urging sustained collaboration among stakeholders as a foundation for building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism sector that reflects Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and vast economic potential.

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, remains committed to strengthening professional standards, capacity development, and regulatory excellence within Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry.

On a humid Sunday morning in Victoria Island, Lagos, the pews of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redemption Pavilion Parish filled slowly but purposefully. Politicians sat beside serving and retired security chiefs, exchanging greetings before the arrival of the Clergy, family members and longtime associates in quiet procession.

They had not gathered merely to mark the successful retirement of mmediate past Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun (rtd) but to bear witness to a career marked by clarity, purpose and servant-leadershop.

Across speeches, tributes and personal recollections that morning, a consistent portrait emerged: a leader shaped by discipline, guided by loyalty to structure, and sustained by faith.

The officer Tinubu met before Nigeria knew him
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tribute reached back nearly three decades; before national appointments, command postings and the Inspector-General’s office.
He remembered meeting a young officer in 1998 before he became governor of Lagos State, who was disciplined, thoughtful and quietly confident.

The impression stayed.
A year later, as governor of Lagos State, Tinubu considered appointing him Aide-de-Camp but Egbetokun declined. The position, he said, belonged to a more junior officer. Instead, he accepted appointment as Chief Security Officer. For Tinubu, that decision revealed something enduring.
Respect for order, hierarchy and institutions larger than self.

“He distinguished himself everywhere he served,” the President penned in a congratulatory message to the retired police chief.

To those who worked with him in Lagos at the time, including the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, the pattern was already visible: loyalty without noise, discretion without drama, service without self-promotion.

The long road through command
Before the public knew his name, Egbetokun had already built a reputation inside the Force.
From the Rapid Response Squad to the Police Mobile Force, from Explosive Ordnance Disposal operations to the Federal Capital Territory Command and Kwara State Command, colleagues remember an officer who preferred clarity to spectacle and preparation to improvisation.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole encountered him during one of the most politically sensitive periods in Edo State.

As Squadron Commander of Mobile Police Force (PMF) 5 in Benin City, he ensured electoral security with what Oshiomhole described as rare civility and professional neutrality.
“You demonstrated courage, discipline, humility and integrity. You have written your name in gold in the history of our nation’s policing system,” acknowledged Oshiomhole.

Former Inspector-General Mohammed Adamu would later describe his leadership style in similar terms: calm, deliberate and purposeful even under pressure.
Also, former IGP Sunday Ehindero who attested to the character of Egbetokun, noted that the criticism and false publications that trailed his exit from office was more because of the extension given to him in office.

“It has become the norm in our our society with every IGP especially the one that gets tenure extention,” he said, drawing example from his own tenure as IGP which was extended.
Ehindero recalled how series of lies were published against him, urging Egbetokun not to be perturbed by negative publications

Reform without noise
Some careers are remembered for dramatic moments and others for what quietly changed.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said Egbetokun’s tenure strengthened internal security architecture through reforms, strategic policing and capacity building that left “an indelible mark on the institution and the country.”

Former Inspector-General Mohammed Abubakar went further, describing him as a servant-leader who placed personnel welfare at the centre of reform and promoted intelligence-led policing rooted in accountability and constitutional order.

Former Police Service Commission Chairman, IGP Mike Okiro (rtd), observed that he brought to the Inspector-General’s office something increasingly rare in public leadership: Calm strength,
intellectual depth and a clear vision for modern policing.
Together, these qualities defined a tenure shaped less by headline-seeking gestures and more by institutional direction.

Building bridges across Nigeria’s security architecture
Inside Nigeria’s security establishment, another dimension of his leadership stood out.
Collaboration. Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), recalled how coordination between the Armed Forces and the Police deepened under Egbetokun’s leadership through joint planning, intelligence sharing and synchronized operations.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede said that synergy strengthened national security responses at a time of evolving threats.
Director-General of the Department of State Services, Olowatosin Ajayi, credited him with strengthening operational policing nationwide while improving inter-agency trust, an achievement rarely visible to the public but critical to stability.

In a country where security institutions often operate in parallel rather than together, that cooperation became part of his legacy.

Respect from those who once occupied the office
Among former Inspectors-General, the tributes carried a particular weight. They knew the job.
They understood its pressures.
Alhaji Aliyu Attah, who interviewed Egbetokun during his recruitment into the Force in 1989, described watching his rise with quiet pride.

“You carried out your duties with dedication and responsibility. Your tenure made us proud,” he said.
IGP Ogbonna Onovo spoke even more bluntly about the scale of the task. Leading the Nigeria Police Force, he said, means navigating political pressures, operational shortages, public expectations and national insecurity, often all at once.

“Even Hercules with his strength and King Solomon with his wisdom could not have done better,” he remarked.

It was praise not easily given among professionals who understand how unforgiving the office can be.

The leader younger officers watched closely
Within the Force itself, his influence was measured not only in policies but in people. Egbetokun’s successor, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described him as a mentor whose humility, intellect and patriotism shaped a generation of officers.

Disu noted the exceptional courage Egbetokun demonstrated in the face of complex security challenges throughout his career, and provided steady leadership during critical periods in our nation’s history.

“Your dedication to institutional reforms, capacity building, and the strengthening of inter-agency collaboration has left an indelible mark on the Force. You consistently exemplified the highest ideals of policing, service, sacrifice, and honour, earning the respect of colleagues, subordinates, and the general public alike.

Beyond your professional accomplishments, your humility, intellect, and deep sense of patriotism have been truly inspiring. You have mentored countless officers, instilling in them the values of discipline, diligence, and excellence.

“The enduring impact of your leadership will continue to resonate within the Nigeria Police Force for years to come. As you transition into a new chapter of life, we celebrate not only your years of service but also the remarkable legacy of honour, reform and steadfast commitment to the safety and unity of our nation, you leave behind,” said IGP Disu.

Retired DIG Adeleke Adeyinka Bode, who enlisted into the police the same day as Egbetokun decades earlier, remembered a friendship that grew alongside a shared commitment to service.
“What began as friendship, grew into family,” he said.

Retired DCP Sunday Felix Chukwurah recalled an officer whose intelligence, resourcefulness and integrity were already visible in his early investigative years.
To many colleagues, his rise to Inspector-General felt less like surprise and more like inevitability.

The man behind the uniform
Outside policing, the tributes became more personal.
Chairman of Lagos Building Investment Company Plc, Hakeem Oguniran, who has known him since their student days, described a young mathematician whose intellectual curiosity once suggested a future in engineering or oil and gas before he chose policing instead.

Behind the public image of firmness, he said, was “a deeply humane and genuine person.”
Dr Muiz Banire (SAN) remembered a man who remained calm and forgiving even under criticism during his tenure.

“He demonstrated that it is possible to rise to the highest levels of public service without compromising one’s values,” Banire said.

A career anchored in faith
Standing before the congregation that morning, Egbetokun offered his own interpretation of the journey.

It was not ambition, he said.
It was grace.
“My journey … culminating in the rare privilege of leading Africa’s largest police force for two years and eight months is not a story of human effort. It is a testimony of grace.”

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described his career as evidence of divine preservation through decades of law-enforcement challenges.

Pastor Bisi Oluwoyo of RCCG Redemption Pavilion Parish said his leadership combined professionalism with spiritual grounding, an anchor, he noted, that sustained him through responsibility at the highest level.

A date that became a marker of memory
Even the choice of date for the thanksgiving carried meaning.
March 29. It’s the President’s birthday, as well as that of his daughter, Abimbola’s. To ensure a threefold special anniversaries for the date, he fixed his retirement thanksgiving for the same day which has become a personal calendar of gratitude.

Not an ending, but a crossing
Retirement, he told the congregation, was not withdrawal.
It was transition.

“I did not merely retire. I transitioned under divine direction, with peace in my heart and joy in my spirit,” he said.

For those gathered that morning and those who worked with the former IGP across decades, the message resonated:
Some leaders are remembered for moments, others for movement.

Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun will likely be remembered for something quieter but rarer:
steadiness in authority
discipline in leadership
and loyalty to institutions larger than himself. In the often turbulent theatre of public service, that kind of legacy does not fade quickly.

At the event were Elerinja of Erinja, Oba Ebenezer Alani Egunjobi; IGP Sunday Ehindero (rtd); DIGs Abiodun Alabo (rtd), Jonathan Towuri (rtd), Yakubu Kwasi (rtd) and Bode Adeleke (rtd), AIG Zone 2, Olorondare Jimoh, AIG Zone 16, Wale Adenola; former Force Secretary, Yetunde Alonge (rtd); AIG Ronke Okunade and AIG Omolara Oloruntola.

Commissioners of Police (CP) Ahmed Lateef, Olusola Amore (rtd), Bode Ojajuni, Betty Ofimeyin and Dr Muiz Banire (SAN) were also there.

The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT on Wednesday handed over three suspected stowaways to the Nigerian Immigration Service, tightening the noose on illegal maritime migration along Nigeria’s coastline.

The suspects were formally transferred at the BEECROFT parade ground in Lagos, following their rescue from a merchant vessel, MT Anatolia, in an operation underscoring inter-agency cooperation.

Commanding Officer of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine Adams-Aliu, said the exercise reflects sustained collaboration among security agencies to curb irregular migration and strengthen maritime security.

He explained that a stowaway is an individual who secretly boards a vessel with the intent of travelling illegally across international borders without due authorisation.

According to him, the trio was discovered on March 28 concealed in the vessel’s rudder compartment while the ship was berthed at Dangote Terminal, Lagos, in a development that raised fresh concerns over maritime vulnerabilities.

Naval personnel promptly evacuated the men from the confined compartment and transferred them to NNS BEECROFT, where preliminary investigations and profiling were conducted.

Initial findings identified the suspects as Armah Peter (26), Amisah Daniel (22) and Amoh Michael (25), all nationals of Ghana.
Further investigation revealed that the men had travelled from Ghana to Abidjan, where they reportedly lived and worked as fishermen for about a year before embarking on the risky journey.

They allegedly used a canoe to access the vessel’s rudder compartment prior to its departure from Ivorian waters, hoping to reach Europe undetected, but later alerted the crew after mistakenly believing they had arrived.

The Navy warned parents and community leaders across West Africa to caution youths against such perilous ventures, stressing that the risks far outweigh any perceived opportunity abroad.

Adams-Aliu reaffirmed that NNS Beecroft will remain aligned with the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff to sustain a professional force capable of defending Nigeria’s maritime domain and supporting national security objectives.

The Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday deepened its community engagement drive as officers, stakeholders and residents converged on major roads for a state-wide walkathon marking Day Two of Police Week.

The exercise, held under the theme Community Partnership Building Trust, unfolded simultaneously across Area Commands and Divisions, projecting a unified message of collaboration and shared responsibility for security.

At the centre of the initiative was the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, who led the procession alongside senior officers and rank-and-file personnel in a visible demonstration of leadership and inclusiveness.

The walkathon drew participation from the Police Community Relations Committee, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices team, the Police Officers Wives Association and other civic stakeholders.

Participants moved through designated routes in an orderly procession, engaging residents and reinforcing the importance of collective vigilance in safeguarding communities.

Security observers noted that the exercise goes beyond symbolism, serving as a strategic bridge between law enforcement and the public in a climate where trust remains critical.

Across the state, similar scenes played out as Divisional Police Officers mobilised local participation, turning the walk into a grassroots-driven campaign for peace and cooperation.

The initiative also underscored the Command’s emphasis on physical fitness, discipline and readiness among personnel, aligning operational preparedness with community outreach.

Officials said the walkathon forms part of a broader lineup of activities designed to commemorate Police Week while strengthening public confidence in policing structures.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining people-oriented policing, urging residents to remain engaged partners in the ongoing effort to secure lives and property across Ogun State.

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have recorded a significant breakthrough in the war against kidnapping, arresting a suspected gang member and recovering high-grade weapons after foiling an attempted abduction in Port Harcourt.

The operation, described as swift and intelligence-driven, underscores renewed security momentum under the Inspector-General of Police, as law enforcement tightens its grip on violent criminal networks.

CSP Grace Iringe-Koko disclosed that the breakthrough followed a distress call in the early hours of March 20 from a resident, Mr. Fadi Nasser, who reported that armed men stormed his residence along Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in the Government Reserved Area of the state capital.

The attackers were said to have opened fire in a bid to abduct the victim, triggering panic in the neighbourhood. In a dramatic twist, the target escaped unhurt, a development that proved pivotal in setting off an immediate police response.

Investigators later recovered a mobile phone believed to belong to one of the suspects at the scene, a critical piece of evidence that shifted the trajectory of the operation.

Acting on the digital trail, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics unit in Aluu deployed technical intelligence, leading to the arrest of one Joseph Abibo, identified as a member of the kidnapping gang.

Under interrogation, the suspect reportedly provided vital information that guided operatives to the group’s hideout, setting the stage for a high-risk confrontation.
On arrival, police operatives came under intense gunfire from other gang members, forcing a fierce exchange in a tense gun duel that lasted several minutes.

The superior response of the police overwhelmed the suspects, who fled in disarray. Security sources confirmed that at least six members of the gang escaped into a nearby river with gunshot wounds, as the net closed in on them.

A subsequent sweep of the hideout yielded two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 108 rounds of live ammunition, reinforcing suspicions of the gang’s involvement in a string of violent crimes.

Iringe-Koko say a coordinated manhunt is now in full swing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant and volunteer credible information as the command intensifies efforts to restore lasting security in the state.