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Police foil ambush in Delta, kill kidnapper, recover arms

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The Delta State Police Command has killed suspected kidnappers and recovered weapons in an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal hideouts in Ughelli North and Ethiope West Local Government Areas.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, on Monday.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team to track down criminal elements behind reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery around the Upper-Agbarho axis of Ughelli.

“In compliance with this directive, the operatives led by the commander ASP Julius Robinson on 30/9/2025 extended the investigation to Rivers and Imo States Command respectively and arrested one Abubakar Musa ‘m’ 28yrs of Ajase town, Irepodun LGA of Kwara State but resides at Abajo area, Port Harcourt, and Yusuf Sale ‘m’ 25yrs of Rimin-Zayam town, Toro LGA, Bauchi State but resides at New-Owerri Area, Owerri on 2/10/2025 and 4/10/2025 respectively,” the statement partly read.

The two suspects, during interrogation, reportedly led police operatives to a forested area between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North, where weapons were hidden.

“Upon interrogation, both suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor Communities in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, where one (1) AK-47 rifle with its two (2) magazines and forty-three (43) rounds of live ammunition, one (1) pump action, and a locally made pistol were recovered,” the statement added.

However, the police team was ambushed on their way out of the area by other members of the gang attempting to free the arrested suspects.

“On their way out of the bush, the operatives met an ambush by other members of the gang in an attempt to free the suspects already in custody.

“The operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel, where the suspects and some members of their gang who came to rescue them sustained gunshot injuries,” Edafe said.

Two police officers were also injured in the exchange of gunfire, while the wounded suspects later died in the hospital.

In a separate operation, the police said its anti-cult unit stormed a hideout in Jesse town, Ethiope West Local Government Area, following reports of renewed cult clashes in the area.

“On 5/10/2025, a combined team of State Anti-Cult Unit, following recent cult attacks in Jesse, stormed a hideout where stockpiling of firearms, ammunition, and meetings are usually held before attacks on rival cult groups usually take place,” the command stated.

The operation led to the arrest of multiple suspects and recovery of a pistol and ammunition.

“The operatives stormed Sylvester Street in Jesse town, Ethiope West LGA, Delta State, and arrested one Mudiaga Obey ‘m’ 20 years and eleven others.

“During the raid, one Beretta pistol and one live ammunition were recovered. Suspects are in custody, and investigation is ongoing,” Edafe added.

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Crime

Police bust child trafficking syndicate in Rivers, rescue babies

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The Rivers State Police Command said its operatives have busted a child trafficking syndicate that manipulates young mothers and vulnerable pregnant women, steals their babies, and sells them to waiting buyers.

The police said the four-member syndicate is led by an ex-convict identified as Blessing Jack, who had previously been arrested, tried, and imprisoned in Calabar, Cross River State, for a similar offence.

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday and sent to newsmen.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said Blessing, aged 54, was arrested by men of the Command’s C4i Intelligence Unit on October 9 in Igwuruta, near Port Harcourt, following a discreet probe into the activities of the syndicate.

She said Blessing’s arrest led to the location of her other three female partners, who were consequently taken into custody.

The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the activities of a child trafficking syndicate in the state, with the arrest of several suspects.

“The syndicate, allegedly led by one Blessing Jack, a 54-year-old female resident of Timber Road, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, exploits vulnerable young mothers, stealing and selling their newborn babies for significant financial gains.

“On October 9, 2025, at about 1500hrs, operatives of the Command attached to the C4i Intelligence Unit, through technically aided policing, arrested Blessing Jack at Igwuruta in Port Harcourt.

“A conversation between Blessing Jack and one Marley Oburu ‘m’ revealed the syndicate’s modus operandi. She discussed a recent incident where her associate had taken a woman’s baby, claiming the baby had died, but had been paid the sum of ₦2,000,000 for the transaction.”

She continued, “The transaction suggested that Blessing and her associates use fake scans and manipulate vulnerable pregnant women to obtain their babies.

“Other suspects arrested include: Chinonso Raymond, a 30-year-old male of Igwuruta, Port Harcourt; Chinyere Okorie, a 32-year-old female of Pipeline, Rumuoholu, Port Harcourt; and Nkechi Nwankwo, a 50-year-old female of Pipeline, Rumuoholu, Port Harcourt.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that Blessing Jack had previously been imprisoned in Calabar for three years for child trafficking, highlighting her long-standing involvement in the illicit business.”

The state police image maker said all the suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime, detailing their individual roles.

“Suspects are currently in police custody, while an in-depth investigation has been launched to arrest other members of the syndicate and dismantle the network,” Iringe-Koko stated further.

The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their diligence in investigating and apprehending the suspects, saying the Command will continue to work tirelessly to protect vulnerable individuals and combat human trafficking in the state.

CP Adepoju appealed to members of the public to report any information that may aid in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases, saying, “Together, we can build a safer and more secure society for all.”

Rivers State Police Command, in September, said its operatives have arrested three suspected kidnappers who allegedly killed two of their victims after collecting a total ransom of N10.4m.

Earlier in August, the Command said its men busted an armed robbery/kidnapping syndicate terrorising residents of Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of the state, and its environs.

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Crime

Hisbah arrests couple, three others over illegal marriage in Kano

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The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested five youths for allegedly conducting an illegal marriage ceremony without parental consent.

The Deputy Commander General of the board, Dr Mujahideen Aminuddeen, disclosed this in a statement he issued in Kano on Monday.

He said those arrested included the groom, bride, and three others who acted as representatives and a witness.

The marriage was allegedly contracted with a dowry of ₦10,000, below the minimum threshold recognised in Islamic legal standards.

Aminuddeen said that the union violated Islamic and legal marital procedures, and the board had launched an investigation.

He appealed to parents to monitor their children’s social engagements and guide them in marriage matters.

PUNCH Online reports that the development comes after Kano State government directed the state Hisbah Board to begin preparations for the wedding of no fewer than 2,000 couples under its mass wedding programme.

Aminudeen disclosed on Thursday that all intending couples are required to register and undergo compulsory medical screening to determine their health status.

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Crime

PHOTOS: Seven Bandits Captured In Kwara by Vigilantes

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Local vigilantes in Lade, a community within the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, have successfully apprehended seven suspected bandits in a well-coordinated operation.

According to reports from local vigilantes on Sunday, October 10, three of the suspects were apprehended while attempting to purchase fuel in Lade, while four others were caught hiding with concealed firearms in nearby villages.

The arrested suspects have since been transferred to Patigi for further investigation and necessary action.

Residents of the area have commended the vigilance group for their bravery and renewed commitment to securing the community.

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