TheNewsGuru

Tag: Kidnap

  • Police neutralise 6 kidnap suspects in Delta

    Police neutralise 6 kidnap suspects in Delta

    The Delta Police Command says it has neutralised six kidnap suspects in the state.

    The Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, said this at a news briefing on Tuesday in Warri.

    Edafe said the suspects were neutralised on Wednesday, when operatives raided their hideout on the Ughelli-Patani Expressway.

    He said that the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was on a sting operation when they stormed their hideout, located near Unenurhei Community on the expressway.

    He said: “On July 9, the CP-SAT, while on a sting operation, raided the suspects’ hideout near Unenurhei axis, on the Ughelli-Patani Expressway.

    “During the operation, the suspects, who were heavily armed, engaged the police team in a fierce gun duel.

    “In the process, the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries.

    “They were taken to hospital, where six of them were confirmed dead, while two others are still receiving treatment.”

    He said that four locally-made guns and 19 rounds of live cartridges were recovered from them.

  • Police rescue 2 kidnap victims in Lagos

    Police rescue 2 kidnap victims in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos State says it has rescued two persons who were kidnapped on Thursday at Ijede creek side in the Ikorodu area of the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

    Hundeyin explained that the police stormed the scene after receiving a distress call on the incident at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday.

    ”A distress report was received at Ijede Division indicating gunshots in the vicinity of Ijede Creek side settlement.

    ”Acting swiftly, combined teams of more than 15 police tactical squads, detectives, conventional policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were immediately mobilised to the scene.

    ”On getting there, it was confirmed that two persons whose houses are inside the creek had been attacked and abducted by unidentified hoodlums who fled via the creek and adjoining forest, ” he said.

    Hundeyin said that on the directive of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, a robust and elaborate rescue operation was launched.

    ”The 15 policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were strategically deployed through different directions to block all entry and exit points to the surrounding creek and forest.

    ”This coordinated rescue operations led to the successful release of the victims unhurt at 10:00 p.m., on Sunday. The released victims have been reunited with their families,’’ he said.

    According to him, the police in collaboration with the vigilantes, hunters and locals are currently are still combing the creek and the adjoining forest to apprehend the kidnappers to prevent further attacks from them as well as bring them to justice.

    The Lagos Police image maker commended the bravery of the officers and cooperation of the local vigilantes, hunters, and community members whose swift response was instrumental to the success of the operations in spite the difficulties encountered in accessing the area.

    The spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the state.

    He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and security conscious at all times, especially residents leaving in the Ijede creek and other difficult terrains in the forest.

    He also advised residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency lines; 08063299264 or 08065154338.

  • 16-year-old girl fakes own kidnap for N2m ransom

    16-year-old girl fakes own kidnap for N2m ransom

    A 16-year-old SS2 student at a private secondary school in Abakaliki has faked her own kidnapping, says the police command in Ebonyi State.

    The girl allegedly contacted a family member claiming she had been kidnapped and demanded a ransom of ₦2 million for her release.

    SP Joshua Ukandu, Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi Command, told reporters on Monday that a family friend helped her plan the hoax.

    Ukandu said the girl attends a privately owned school located on Watchman Street in Abakaliki.

    She is a native of Izzi Local Government Area and was due to return to school for the third term on Saturday.

    The girl told police she had gone to buy second-hand clothes, known locally as ‘Okirika’, when someone tapped her from behind.

    She claimed to have lost consciousness and woke up the next day at Ishieke Junction in Ebonyi Local Government Area.

    She added that she often dreams of being kidnapped, and her mother regularly prays against it.

    Upon regaining consciousness, she asked for directions back to Abakaliki town.

    Instead of returning home, she went to the house of a family friend who had no idea she was missing.

    Using the man’s phone, she messaged her brother, claiming she had been kidnapped and demanded ₦2 million ransom.

    Her brother asked to speak with the kidnappers and requested their location, but she refused and blocked his number.

    Later, she unblocked his number and sent an account number belonging to the family friend hosting her.

    Unluckily for her, the phone was tracked. Police raided the house and arrested everyone involved in the plot.

    The police spokesperson confirmed that the command has launched a full investigation into the incident.

    The girl has since been reunited with her family, though the matter remains under police investigation due to her age.

  • Correctional Service denies involvement in alleged Rivers’ kidnap case

    Correctional Service denies involvement in alleged Rivers’ kidnap case

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied any involvement in the reported kidnap of a 12-year-old girl in Rivers, describing the allegation as false and malicious.

    Abubakar Umar, Service Public Relations Officer, (SPRO), Deputy Controller of Corrections, (DCC) said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Umar said that the claim was a fabrication intended to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the organisation.

    “The attention of the NCoS has been drawn to an online publication alleging complicity in the kidnap of a 12-year-old girl in Rivers State.

    “The Service wishes to unequivocally debunk the story as false, malicious, and a figment of the writer’s imagination.

    “The records from Enugu State Command show that no inmate currently in custody bears the name “Chi boy” as claimed in the report.

    According to him, the failure of the reporter to provide full details of the alleged inmate further undermines the credibility of the story.

    “The service categorically states that it is not aware of any kidnap incident in Rivers State or any other command as alleged.

    “At no time was any kidnapper tracked to any custodial facility in Enugu or Delta State,” the spokesperson said.

    Umar added that the service had no knowledge of any ransom payment and maintained that “it does not operate in isolation but in collaboration with other security agencies.”

    He also discredited the claims made by one Enaafe Georgewill, who addressed the press but allegedly never visited any custodial centre to verify his claims.

    The spokesperson noted that the same applied to the author of the viral video, describing their actions as attempts to mislead the public.

    Umar reaffirmed the service’s commitment to upholding discipline and security, stating that “NCoS does not and will not support or engage in criminal activities.”

    He, however, urged media organisations to verify reports before publication to avoid spreading misinformation.

  • Police foil kidnap attempt, arrest 4 suspects in Jos

    Police foil kidnap attempt, arrest 4 suspects in Jos

    The Police Command in Plateau has foiled a kidnap attempt and arrested four suspects at Little Rayfield Community in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Jos.

    Alabo, who said that the incident occurred on Tuesday night, however, said that two policemen were killed during the operation.

    “The command wishes to inform the general public of the arrest of four suspects during a the foiled kidnap incident at Little Rayfield- Bukuru road.

    “Sadly, two of our personnel attached to Force Investigation Department (IRT), on special duty in Jos, lost their lives while exchanging gunfire with the suspected kidnappers.

    “The case is under investigation; further development would be communicated in due course,”he said.

    Alabo urged residents of the state to remain calm, insisting that the situation was under control.

    The command’s spokesman said that all efforts were being made to apprehend other suspects who escaped.

    He said that all those involved in the incident would face the full wrath of the law.

  • INSECURITY! Gunmen reportedly kidnap 10 travellers in Ondo

    INSECURITY! Gunmen reportedly kidnap 10 travellers in Ondo

    No fewer than ten passengers have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen along the Owo-Ipele-Benin Highway in Ondo State.

    Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, stated that seven persons were kidnapped by the assailants.

    Sources in Akure, the Ondo State capital, revealed that the travellers were returning from a South-South state and heading to Akure when the gunmen struck.

    Their commercial vehicle was later found abandoned by the roadside, prompting other drivers to raise the alarm.

    Odunlami assured the public that further details would be provided as investigations continue.

    Meanwhile, it was gathered that the kidnappers have contacted the families of the victims and are demanding ransom for their release.

  • Just in: Sporadic gunshots as gunmen kidnap Anambra lawmaker on his way home for Christmas

    Just in: Sporadic gunshots as gunmen kidnap Anambra lawmaker on his way home for Christmas

    The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Mr. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North Constituency.

    Azuka was reportedly abducted on Tuesday night, December 24, 2024, along Ugwunapampa Road in Onitsha while returning home.

    In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga revealed that the Command has “activated operational plans for the possible rescue and arrest of the kidnappers.”

    According to Ikenga, Azuka was taken around 9:20 pm by unidentified gunmen, and the police are working on some leads to facilitate his rescue.

    The incident has heightened concerns about the growing insecurity in the region, particularly the spate of kidnappings targeting public figures. Residents of Onitsha have expressed fear over the safety of the area, calling for increased security measures. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate by providing any information that could assist in locating the lawmaker and apprehending the perpetrators. As the investigation continues, the Anambra State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

    This abduction marks another troubling development in the ongoing battle against insecurity in Nigeria, further underscoring the need for robust measures to protect citizens and public officials

  • Kidnap kingpin killed, 2 arrested during medical students rescue – IG

    Kidnap kingpin killed, 2 arrested during medical students rescue – IG

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said that a notorious kidnap kingpin was killed, and two abductors were arrested during an operation to rescue the 20 abducted medical students.

    Speaking while handing over the students to their Vice Chancellors in Abuja on Sunday, Egbetokun added that the arrested suspects were in custody.

    Recall that the 20 medical students were on Aug. 15 abducted in Benue while on transit to Enugu by the criminal gang.

    Egbetokun said the students, five other passengers and two other victims who were already in the captivity of the kidnappers were on Aug. 22 rescued following successful operation by the Nigeria Police.

    He said the successful rescue of the 27 individuals was achieved without the payment of any ransom.

    “I am pleased to inform you that the kingpin of this notorious gang was neutralised during an exchange of fire with our operatives.

    “Two other members of the gang were arrested, with their weapons recovered.

    “These individuals are currently in our custody where they are providing valuable information that will help in dismantling their criminal network and prevent future occurrences of such abductions,” he said.

    He said the rescue operation was painstakingly difficult and complex, requiring not only deployment of massive resources, but also physical courage, meticulous planning and coordination.

    “In this regard, I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) whose support was instrumental in this operation.

    “I must place on record, the personal commitment of the NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to the success of the operation that led to the successful rescue of the victims.

    “I also wish to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of other security agencies who partnered with us, as well as the local vigilantes who played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the mission,” he said.

    The I-G said the successful recue of the victims was a demonstration of what could be achieved through teamwork for a common goal.

    In their remarks, the Vice Chancellors of the two universities commended the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the students unhurt and without payment of ransom.

    Prof Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos said the university management had concluded plans to work on the trauma associated with kidnap in the lives of the students.

    NAN

  • Kidnapped ex-NLC president regains freedom

    Kidnapped ex-NLC president regains freedom

    Mr Takai Shamang, former leader of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who was abducted by kidnappers on July 5, has been freed.

    The abductors had invaded his Biniki village in Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State and took away the 78-year-old former unionist.

    One of his daughters, Mrs Grace Abbin, confirmed her father’s release via a post on her WhatsApp status.

    “To God Almighty be the Glory. My family lack words to appreciate everyone of you for the safe return of our daddy, comrade Elder Takai A. Shamang,” she stated.

    She, however, did not state the circumstances of his release and whether a ransom was paid.

    NAN reports that this is the second kidnap attempt on the elder statesman within two years.

    Shamang is currently the President and Founder of Gantys Aid for Widows, Orphans and Needy (GAWON), Foundation.

    Kaduna has become a hotbed of abductions with several prominent figures, including clergies and journalists, kidnapped in recent times.

  • Police neutralise kidnap suspect, arrest 4 others in Delta

    Police neutralise kidnap suspect, arrest 4 others in Delta

    The Police Command in Delta has neutralised a suspected member of a kidnap gang during a shootout in Ughelli North Local Government area.

    The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe told newsmen on Friday in Warri that the other members of the gang escaped during the shootout.

    Edafe said that the incident occurred on Thursday near the Adjekota-Ogor communities  of Ughelli North.

    He said that the team of police operatives deployed by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, intercepted and engaged the hoodlums resulting in the death of one of the gang members.

    Edafe said that the team lead by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a criminal hideout on the Ughelli/Patani Road by an abandoned filling station.

    “The hoodlums on sighting the police opened fire on the team, and the police responded.

    “In the ensuing gun duel, one of the hoodlums sustained serious gun shot injuries while others escaped.

    “The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he died while receiving treatment,” he said.

    Edafe said that two Beretta pistol and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the gang members.

    The command’s spokesman said that a manhunt was already underway for the fleeing members of the gang.

    Edafe also said that the police special team arrested four robbery/kidnap suspects in Sapele Town on Wednesday.

    He said that ASP Robinson led the police team to the suspects hideout in Sapele and effected the arrest.

    According to him, one locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspects.

    Edafe said that preliminary investigation revealed that aside the hoodlums’ involvement in cult-related activities, they were also suspected to be armed robbers

    The police spokesman said that investigation into the case was ongoing.