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Edo police, local hunters and vigilantes rescue 16 passengers kidnapped on Benin–Ore Expressway

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Operatives of the Edo State Police Command in synergy with vigilantes and local hunters, have rescued 16 passengers kidnapped by gunmen on the Benin-Ore Expressway and Benin–Lagos Road.
13 passengers were whisked away by armed men around Ekhiadolor on the Benin-Ore Expressway Saturday afternoon, August 23, 2025 after gunmen attacked the bus they were in.
The kidnappers had shot the bus driver and abandoned him beside the bus before marching the victims into surrounding bushes.
The spokesperson of the command, CSP Moses Yamu, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, August 26, said additional three victims were safely rescued along the Benin–Lagos Road.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the successful rescue of sixteen (16) kidnapped victims in separate coordinated operations carried out along Benin–Lagos and Benin–Akure Roads,” the statement read.
“On 23rd August, 2025, at about 1730hrs and 1800hrs respectively, armed kidnappers blocked the highways and abducted innocent travellers. Distress calls were immediately received, prompting swift mobilisation of security resources.
“Operatives of Iguobazuwa Division and Ekiadolor Division, in synergy with Tactical Teams, Vigilantes, and Local Hunters, embarked on intensive and rigorous bush-combing operations to pursue the hoodlums and secure the release of the victims.
“Demonstrating strong leadership and personal commitment, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, *CP Monday Agbonika, fdc,* personally led the operation along the Benin–Akure axis. To enhance precision and coordination, the Command deployed advanced technical support, including drones, which proved instrumental in the rescue efforts.
“These combined efforts yielded significant success as six (6) victims were rescued along the Benin–Akure Road, one (1) who sustained gunshot injury during the attack and rescued from the scene by public-spirited individuals is currently responding to treatment.
“Similarly, three (3) additional victims were safely rescued along the Benin–Lagos Road.
“Furthermore, seven (7) victims of the Benin-Akure road kidnap regained their freedom in the evening of 25th August, 2025.”
The Commissioner of Police commended the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives, as well as the vital role played by Vigilantes and Local Hunters in the operations.
He noted that the synergy between formal law enforcement and community structures continues to prove effective in tackling violent crime.
CP Monday Agbonika further assured the public that the Command will not relent until the remaining victims are safely rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
He reiterated the resolve of the Edo State Police Command to ensure that criminals find no hiding place within the State.
“We are determined to rid our highways and communities of violent crime, and we will continue to deploy all resources, both human and technological, to guarantee the safety of every resident and travellers,” the CP said.
“The Edo State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property, and calls on members of the public to continue to trust and support the Police as we work together to secure our communities.”

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Crime

150 terrorists convicted in 48 hours, says AGF

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The Federal Government has secured approximately 150 convictions within the first two days of its latest phase of mass terrorism trials, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed on Tuesday.

Fagbemi made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trials are being conducted simultaneously before 10 judges of the court.

The AGF said the current phase, which commenced on Monday, had already recorded about 160 trials leading to roughly 150 convictions on its first day alone.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi told reporters.

He added that proceedings on Tuesday brought approximately 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” the minister said.

Fagbemi appealed for patience from members of the public as the exercise continued, stressing that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.

On Monday, the AGF had said the ongoing phase marked the fourth round of mass terrorism trials conducted since the inception of the current administration, describing the exercise as a clear signal that the government would not tolerate terrorism in any form.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials.

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“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” Fagbemi added.

The prosecution is being led by the AGF himself, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.

Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, with proceedings taking place across several courtrooms simultaneously.

The current phase of trials is expected to run through Thursday, with the overall exercise scheduled to last one week.

The latest phase follows a previous round conducted between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists were tried before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

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Crime

Police arrest man for sharing fake video of bandit attack in Ekiti

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The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a man, Sunday Olawale, over allegedly spreading fake news of bandits’ attack on Are Ekiti in the Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, had been unable to give a reason for the false information.

Abutu stated, “The Police Command wishes to reiterate that there was no bandit invasion in Are Ekiti or any part of the Ekiti State”.

The statement reads in part: “On 14th of June, 2026, the Command Rapid Response Squad trailed and arrested one Sunday Olawale at Ekute area of Ado Ekiti for cyberstalking and giving of false information intended to cause breakdown of law and order.

“It would be recalled that on the 12th of June 2026, a video was circulating on social media claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti. The video was later confirmed to be false.

“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having peddled the false information on social media and was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his action.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, while warning that the Command will not tolerate any act of fake news peddling or content capable of initiating panic among members of the public, advises members of the public to always verify information they believe or share on social media,” the PPRO stated.

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Police confirm three security operatives killed in NIPSS Plateau gunmen attack

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The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that three security operatives were killed in an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, in the early hours of Monday.

In an information update in Jos on Tuesday, signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the command said, “The Plateau State Police Command, on a very sad note, wishes to confirm the incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 16th June 2026, involving security personnel on duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru.

“Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.”

The command disclosed that security has been beefed up around the facility following the attack.

“Security reinforcements have been deployed, and patrols have been intensified around the general area by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah,” SP Alabo stated.

The police also assured residents that calm has returned to the area.

“The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed,” the statement added.

On the next steps, the command said, “Investigation is ongoing. The command urges members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.”

The PPRO concluded that “Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

NIPSS Kuru is Nigeria’s premier policy training institution for senior public officials.

The attack marks one of the most serious security breaches at the facility in recent years.

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