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Police arrest kidnappers, cultists in Edo, kill one suspect

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Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested suspected kidnappers, cultists, and armed robbers, neutralising one during a series of raids across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, who said firearms and cult paraphernalia were also recovered.

Yamu noted that the significant operational successes were due to a sustained onslaught against violent crimes, cult-related activities, kidnapping, and armed robbery across the state. He said the command remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded notable breakthroughs between 15 and 26 November 2025:

“On 15/11/2025, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Uromi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), stormed a hospital in Uromi and apprehended seven suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity. The suspects were allegedly holding a strategic meeting to plan an attack on the rival Aye Confraternity, following a clash on 14/11/2025 between one Eiye member, known as ‘I Dey Chop’, and Asuelimen Saviour (Aye member), during which both sustained injuries. Recovered exhibits include one battleaxe and various cult paraphernalia. Saviour was later arrested on 16/11/2025. Investigation is ongoing.”

Yamu added that in continuation of intensified operations against cultism, operatives of Uromi Division on 23/11/2025 arrested four suspects during a raid. The PPRO identified them as Godspower Ehihanor (24), Miracle Akhigbe (27), Miracle Kasheka (25), and Honest Idemudia (24). Ehihanor reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity.

He further said, “While the investigation was ongoing, on 25/11/2025 at about 23:30 hrs, two female suspects, Believe Ehinor (18) and Ofoma Sofia (19), were intercepted in possession of an automatic pump-action shotgun with five live cartridges concealed in a sack bag. They confessed that the weapon belongs to one Peace Ehinor, who escaped during an earlier raid. All suspects have been charged in court, while efforts to apprehend fleeing gang members continue.”

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Yamu also disclosed that on 25/11/2025 at about 19:30hrs, operatives of Uromi Division, relying on credible intelligence and technical surveillance, arrested Usman Shagari of the Elushi area, Ubiaja. The suspect is believed to be among the gang that kidnapped Daniel Okoekhian and his wife on 22/11/2025. Investigation is ongoing.

He added that operatives of Egba Division, led by the DPO, successfully rescued Uwa Greg (47) and Airen Osahimwian (37) on 22/11/2025 during a bush-combing operation in Ugha Forest. The rescue followed a gun duel during which the abductors fled. The victims, who were kidnapped on 20/11/2025, were immediately taken for medical attention and have since been reunited with their families.

The PPRO stated that on 21 November 2025, at approximately 02:55 hours, the DPO of Ikpoba Hill Division, acting on a distress call from the Ohovbe area regarding an ongoing armed robbery, led operatives and local vigilante members to the scene. Upon arrival, the team engaged the robbers in a gun duel, neutralising one unidentified armed robber while others escaped into the bush.

Recovered items included a Toyota Corolla with registration number BEN 149 BC, four mobile phones, three improvised explosive devices (knock-outs/bangers), and charms. Efforts to track and arrest fleeing gang members are ongoing, with preliminary investigations continuing.

The Edo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged the public to remain law-abiding and provide credible information to assist the police in their duties.

PUNCH Online reports that the Edo State Police Command has charged the arrested suspects in court. The command is also working with sister agencies to rid the state of criminal elements, as Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, warned criminals to stay away from Edo or face the full wrath of the law.

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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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