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Tag: Police Officers

  • Just in: Lukurawa reportedly kill police officers

    Just in: Lukurawa reportedly kill police officers

    Three police officers of the Niger Republic have reportedly been killed by the Lukurawa terrorist group in Goumki, a locality in Yelou commune, Gaya department, Dosso region.

    The attack reportedly took place late Sunday night, December 22, 2024, when heavily armed assailants stormed a police post in the area.

    According to Zagazola Makama, a security and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad area, the attackers swiftly overwhelmed the officers before retreating.

    While no official claim of responsibility has been made, the Lukurawa group, known for its violent activities in border regions, is strongly suspected of being behind the assault.

    It was previously reported that a newly formed Jihadist group known as ‘Lakurawa’ had emerged, imposing taxes and levies on communities in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria.

    It was learnt that heavily armed Lakurawa Islamic preachers were operating in five local government areas of the state namely Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Silame and Binji.

    Authorities and residents of the affected areas expressed deep concerns over the presence of the Islamic preachers, many of whom were believed to be foreigners.

    They were reported to have set up bases in the affected local government areas, moving from community to community and preaching against western civilization and democratic system of government, similar to the ideology of Boko Haram terrorists.

    Sokoto State deputy governor, Idris Muhammad Gobir, disclosed that the “majority of the members of the new Islamic sect are from the Sahel countries of Mali and Niger Republic”.

    A resident of the area said the terrorists “imposed strict Islamic laws, luring young people into the fold with business capital”.

    “They also collect taxes and levies,” the resident added. “During sermons, they’ll tell us they don’t recognize the Nigerian government and its security forces.”

  • 5 police officers dead, 11 others injured in Kano auto crash

    5 police officers dead, 11 others injured in Kano auto crash

    The Police Command in Kano has confirmed the death of five police officers in a ghastly motor accident at Karfi town in Kura Local Government Area of the state.

    The Spokesman of the Command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, said 11 other police officers sustained injuries in the crash.

    He said the accident occurred at Karfi village in Kura LGA while the officers were returning to Kano from an official assignment.

    “The accident occurred at Karfi, some few kilometers to Kano and five of the officers died as a result of the accident while 11 others sustained injuries.

    “It was gathered that the vehicle in which the police officers were traveling had a head on collision with a trailer in the village.

    “Five officers died on the spot while 11 others, who sustained various injuries, were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention”.

  • Imo: IPOB fingered in the death of two police officers

    Imo: IPOB fingered in the death of two police officers

    The Eastern Security Network, ESN, a wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has been accused of being responsible for the killing of two police officers and a civilian on Tuesday morning at Akabo in Ikeduru Council Area of Imo state.

    ESN was accused by the Imo state Imo State Police Command.

    This was made known by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye via a statement to newsmen in Owerri while reacting to the killings.

    Okoye said the command had deployed a Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources to apprehend the killers.

    “The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and clamp down on the hoodlums responsible for the unprovoked and unwarranted attack and killing of Police Mobile operatives conducting stop-and-search at Akabo in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.

    “The tragic incident was perpetrated In the early hours of 11/06/2024 by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) who attacked the operatives in their numbers firing sporadically. The operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, two personnel and a civilian were fatally hit.

    “In the wake of the tragic incident, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma alongside the DC Operations led Police Operatives to the scene of the crime for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident. Intense operation is ongoing in the area for possible apprehension and prosecution of the fleeing hoodlums responsible for the senseless act of violence.

    “Moreover, the Commissioner of Police has set up a high-powered investigation team and tasked them to carry out a comprehensive investigation to unravel the perpetrators of the attack. Meanwhile, the lifeless bodies of the affected officers and a civilian have been recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation.

    “The ugly incident serves as a stark and painful reminder of the daily risk and sacrifices Police officers embrace in their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of the good people of Imo State,” the police said.

    Sympathizing with the affected families on the death of their loved ones, the Commissioner of Police assured them that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that the culprits are brought to book.

    He called on all and sundry who may have any useful information that would assist in the ongoing investigation to bring the culprit to book to kindly report at the nearest Police Station.

  • Robbers shoot police officer dead in Delta

    Robbers shoot police officer dead in Delta

    Suspected armed robbers shot a Deputy Superintendent of Police dead in Asaba on Tuesday in a robbery attempt at a residential neighbourhood in the Delta capital.

    The robbery was, however, repelled by men of the “Operation Still Water II’’ of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba.

    Col. Ibrahim Gambari, the brigade’s Chief of Staff paraded the suspects and items recovered from them.

    He said 141 suspects were subsequently arrested after Tuesday’s early morning robbery attempt.

    He said troops arrested eight of the suspects at the crime scene; two were shot and wounded while two others fled with bullet wounds.

    “At about 3 a.m. on Tuesday, men of “Operation Still Water II’’ responded to a distress call about the robbery.

    “We got there and met an exchange of gunfire. The robbers had gunned down a police officer and our men engaged them in another gun duel.

    “In the process, two of the suspects were shot and captured along with eight others, while two others managed to escape with bullet wounds.

    “After the incident, troops swooped on criminal hotspots in the area and arrested another 135 suspects.

    “We also recovered a locally-made pistol with live cartridge at the scene of crime and many items stolen from residents of the neighbourhood.

    “After the random arrests, residents identified eight of the suspects as criminal elements terrorising the area,’’ Gambari said.

    He said the army had handed over all the suspects to the police for profiling and prosecution.

  • NPF fire 3 senior officers, demotes 5 over misconduct cases

    NPF fire 3 senior officers, demotes 5 over misconduct cases

    Three senior police officers have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.

    The Police Service Commission approved their dismissal over “serious misconduct” cases.

    The commission also approved the demotion of five others found wanting in their official duties.

    This was disclosed in a statement by the commission spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, on Friday.

    He said the decisions were some of the highlights of the commission’s 21st plenary, which ended on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

    “The dismissed police officers were two Deputy Superintendents of Police and one Assistant Superintendent of Police.

    “One Chief Superintendent of Police, one Superintendent, one Deputy Superintendent, and two Assistant Superintendents of Police were reduced in rank for misconduct.”

    He also said 14 were severely punished, six were punished, and seven were issued warning letters.

    “Fourteen Officers received severe reprimands, six received reprimands, and seven received letters of warning. The commission also reinstated six dismissed Officers who got favourable court judgements or reviews of their cases.

    “The commission had earlier on Wednesday, July 18 approved the appointment of two Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Mathew Akinyosola who retired on July 1 this year, and Slyverster Abiodun Alabi whose tenure started on the same July 1, 2023, and now represents the South West in the Police Management Team.”

     

  • IGP orders police convoys to obey traffic rules

    IGP orders police convoys to obey traffic rules

    The acting Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, has directed all police convoys in the country to obey all traffic rules and regulations.

    According to the IGP, the force must obey traffic rules, regardless of their operations.

    The IG gave the directive on Monday during his meeting with the Mobile Police Squadron and commanders at the Force headquarters in Abuja.

    He noted that the Force must lead by example if it is to command the respect of the general public. He, therefore, pledged to lead by example, promising to also observe all traffic regulations.

    He said, “Let me end this speech by reminding you that those who keep the peace must be the epitome of peace. Those whose duty is to enforce the laws of the land must respect and obey the laws of the land. Without obeying the laws, the Police lack the moral high ground to interrogate and bring lawbreakers to book.

    “Consequently, in line with my vision of building a rule of law compliant Police Force, it is my directive that henceforth all police convoys on routine, non-emergency movements must obey traffic lights and other traffic rules, I pledge to lead by example in this regard. As you will be returning to your various bases, I wish you a safe journey and please be assured of my best wishes always.”

    Speaking further, the IG also said the newly created special squad—Special Intervention Squad—will comprise 40,000 specially trained officers, selected from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force personnel and all tactical units across the country.

    He said, “Modalities for the creation of a new special squad—the Special Intervention Squad have been initiated. This special squad will consist of 40,000 specially trained elite officers. The Squad will be formed by selecting officers from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force personnel and all tactical units in the country.

    “These officers will undergo intensive pre-deployment training to make them combat-ready for frontline operational duties in all the states of the Federation, with a particular focus on areas plagued with unrest and turmoil. By pooling together the expertise and experience of our PMF personnel and other tactical units, we can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges we face.

    “This dedicated force will bolster our capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats, ensuring that our presence is felt and our response is effective in every corner of our country.

    “1,000 personnel from this new squad will be deployed to every state of the Federation for immediate operations as standby intervention units, while more troubled spots or zones will receive the remaining officers out of the 40,000.

    “These officers will not perform routine police duties but will be housed and kept combat-ready at all times, engaging in daily training in readiness for deployments to intercept and neutralize high-profile criminals and those terrorizing our communities. They will be deployed to intervene rapidly and proactively in any situation necessary in their states of assignment”, Egbetokun said.

  • I’ll not tolerate misconduct, corruption, abuse of power – IGP warns police officers

    I’ll not tolerate misconduct, corruption, abuse of power – IGP warns police officers

    The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP),Egbetokun Olukayode Adeolu, has warned men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force that his administration will not tolerate misconduct and abuse of power.

    Egbetokun made this warning after taking over the mantle of leadership from the outgoing IGP, Alkali Baba Usman in Wednesday in Abuja.

    The Acting IGP disclosed that his team will introduce proactive steps to instill discipline across all ranks of the Force.

    “Accountability will be the cornerstone of my tenure as the Inspector General of Police. I am committed to fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and respect within the Police Force.

    “We will prioritize new ways of recruiting, training, and equipping our officers to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties efficiently, and with excellence and this we will do to the admiration of the people that we serve.”

    While revealing that his administration will hold accountable those who betray the public’s trust, he said: “To regain the trust of the Nigerian people, we will establish a robust internal system to investigate allegations of misconduct within the Police Force. Additionally, we will actively promote a working culture that will encourage officers and citizens alike to report instances of corruption or abuse they may witness.”

    The Acting IGP said that the police force under his watch will be a beacon of integrity and that: “We will hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

    “Henceforth, every police officer will be selected not only for their skills but also for their compassion, empathy, and commitment to public service.

    “We will invest in innovative ways to foster ongoing training, promoting a culture of continuous learning where we adapt to the evolving needs of our communities and the challenges of our times.

    “Furthermore, we will embark on an ambitious and visible program of community policing. We recognize that the true measure of our success lies in the safety and well-being of our communities.

    “To achieve this, we will forge stronger ties between the police and the public, fostering an environment of mutual trust and cooperation.

    “Regular citizen engagement and community interaction programs will create meaningful dialogue and collaboration opportunities.”

    IGP Egbetokun Olukayode noted that the fight against crime and insecurity will receive top priority in his administration.

    “The fight against crime and insecurity will also be a top priority as well as the welfare of our officers.

    “We will strengthen our intelligence-gathering capabilities, bolster inter-agency cooperation, and enhance our capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats.

    “In the coming days and weeks, we will unveil plans and strategies to secure the nation and build enduring peace across our communities.

    “We are the Nigeria Police Force and we will live up to our constitutional obligation as the primary agency for internal peace in Nigeria. We will be bold about this duty.

    “We will also adopt a technology-driven approach to law enforcement, leveraging modern tools and techniques to ensure the effective and efficient deployment of our resources.

    “New policies to promote the welfare of officers will be implemented in the months ahead. We will provide support structures for our police officers that will cater for their peculiar physical, psychological and emotional needs as law enforcement officers.

    “We will introduce unprecedented well-being programs to strengthen the hearts and minds of every officer.”

    He, therefore, called on Nigerians to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in what he described as the transformative journey.

    “The challenges we face are not insurmountable if we stand together as a united front. I encourage every Nigerian to embrace civic duty, report suspicious activities, and work hand in hand with the police to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria for all.

    “Let me reiterate my unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, security, and the rule of law. The Nigeria Police Force, under my leadership, will strive for excellence, transparency, and accountability.”

  • MBAKA’S PROTEST: Police barricades entrances of Enugu Catholic cathedral, residence of Bishop

    Police officers have taken over the entrances of Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu and the residence of Bishop Callistus Onaga at Independence Layout, Enugu over protest by supporters of Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka.

     

    The protest followed the ban on Catholic faithful from worshipping at the Adoration Ministry of Mbaka in Enugu. State.

     

    It was gathered that the deployment of security operatives to the two premises was to avoid a repeat of last year’s incidents.

    Police

     

    Hundreds of the followers of Fr Mbaka last year stormed the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu and destroyed valuables worth millions.

     

    They were protesting the sudden disappearance of their Spiritual Director, who was allegedly invited to the Cathedral by the operatives of the Department of State Services(DSS).

    Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that three patrol vans, fully loaded with police operatives, barricaded the two entrances to the street of the Bishop’s home at Independence Layout, Enugu.

     

    At the Old Market Road, Enugu where Holy Ghost Cathedral is situated, security operatives were stationed at various entrances to the church.

     

    An anonymous source noted that the security operatives were at the venue to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

     

    “Didn’t you hear about these Church people and their wahala? That’s why we’re here to prevent any problem,” the source said.

     

    Members of Mbaka’s Adoration Ministry on Sunday trooped to the streets of Umuchigbo to protest the ban on the Adoration Ministry Enugu, headed by the priest.

     

    The Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Most. Rev. Callistus Onaga on Saturday banned all priests and Catholic faithful from attending Mbaka’s Adoration Ministry, following the priest’s scathing remarks on Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

     

    Mbaka on Wednesday at his Adoration ground said Obi would never be the President because he is a stingy man, adding that the politician is cursed.

     

    The Priest’s remarks drew heavy criticisms from various quarters, prompting the under-fire priest to backtrack and apologise for maligning Obi and injuring his supporters.

  • AIG Zone 5 tasks newly promoted officers on professionalism

    AIG Zone 5 tasks newly promoted officers on professionalism

    The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Zone 5, Lawan Jimeta, on Tuesday tasked newly promoted officers in the zone on professionalism and commitment to efficient and effective policing.

    Jimeta gave the charge in Benin while decorating the three newly promoted officers serving at the headquarters of the zone comprising Edo and Delta.

    He also charged the newly elevated officers to see their promotion as the work of God as “promotion comes from above.”

    The AIG reminded them that they must remain professional, committed and dedicated as promotion came with additional responsibilities and challenges.

    He congratulated them and prayed God to grant them wisdom to shoulder the responsibilities of their new ranks.

    Jemeta also appreciated the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alkali Baba, and the Police Service Commission for the recommendation and subsequent promotion of the officers.

    According to him, the promotion will go a long way in boosting the morale of the officers and enhance their productivity.

    Newsmen reports that the officers decorated with their new ranks included DCP Charles Dike.

    Dike, until now, was the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Zonal Criminal Investigations Department, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin.

    Others promoted were CSP Oweikpo Pere, the Zonal Provost Marshal as well as SP Blessing Evbakhavbokun, the 2IC, General Investigation, Zonal CID, Benin.

    Responding on behalf of the promoted officers, Dike thanked God Almighty for considering them worthy of elevation to their next ranks.

    He also thanked the AIG for finding out time to personally decorate them and promised to work harder, in line with professional ethics and constitutional provisions to justify the confidence reposed in them.

  • Sad! 3 police officers die in Abuja auto crash

    Sad! 3 police officers die in Abuja auto crash

    No fewer than three police officers lost their lives in an auto crash that occurred along Kubwa-Zuba expressway, opposite popular Gwarinpa Estate in Abuja.

    The incident involved men of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigerian Police.

    An eyewitness simply identified as Musa said that the accident occurred when one of the tyres of the speeding police van burst.

    He explained that the Police Hilux van suddenly veered off the road and entered the drainage where three officers among the occupants died instantly, leaving others seriously injured.

    “I was about crossing to the next lane when the police escort van on speed suddenly lost control and crashed into the drainage, leaving three policemen dead,” he said.

    Another eyewitness said he learnt the officers are escort who were heading to Kaduna for a special assignment.

    He added that some officials of the Kubwa unit command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) arrived the scene to evacuate the bodies to an undisclosed hospital.

    When contacted, the spokesperson of FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), described the incident as sad.

    Adeh, while confirming it, said she did not know the number of casualties involved in the “unfortunate” development.

    “It is really sad we lost our officers”, Adeh told the newsmen.