Crime

PHOTOS: FG destroys 2,800 illicit weapons

Published

7 months ago

March 28, 2026

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSLAW) on Friday destroyed over 2,800 illicit firearms in its fifth arms destruction exercise held in Abuja.

The exercise marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to combat violent crime, terrorism, and insecurity.

Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the proliferation of small arms and light weapons as a major threat to national security.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Hillary Mabeokwu, Director of Defence Affairs in the Office of the NSA, Ribadu said the government remains committed to tackling the complex challenge of controlling the spread of illicit firearms.

He noted that the NCCSLAW, established in 2021, serves as a strategic platform to combat arms proliferation.

“The centre provides a structured framework to address national security threats in line with international protocols, including Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons,” he said.

Ribadu also commended the enactment of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024, signed by Bola Tinubu, describing it as a landmark step toward achieving an arms-free society.

“This Act provides the legal foundation for the centre to carry out its mandate more effectively,” he added.

Director-General of NCCSLAW, Johnson Kokumo, said the destruction exercise demonstrates the agency’s commitment to curbing the spread of illicit weapons and promoting regional peace.

He revealed that more than 16,000 illicit, decommissioned, and obsolete weapons have been destroyed since the centre’s inception, with 2,800 firearms eliminated in the latest exercise.

Kokumo explained that the weapons, including locally fabricated arms, were recovered from police commands nationwide, as well as from the military and other security agencies.

He added that the exercise aligns with international standards, including the ECOWAS Convention and the United Nations Programme of Action to prevent and combat the illicit trade in small arms.

Kokumo urged citizens to support security agencies by providing timely information, stressing that public cooperation is vital to ensuring peace and security across the country.

The event was attended by top security officials, representatives of service chiefs, heads of government agencies, ECOWAS delegates, civil society groups, corps members, and the media.

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Crime

Police arrest three suspected kidnappers, rescue 18-year-old victim in Abia

Published

3 hours ago

October 10, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Abia State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued an 18-year-old victim, Ifeoma Obinna, in Umuimo Community, Osisioma Ngwa.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, 8th October 2026.

According to the PPRO, the suspects, Chidozie Rainbow Hezekiah,65, Brave Rainbow, 21, Innocent Otodirichu,21, abducted the victim and demanded N5m ransom from her mother.

Chinada added that two daggers and the victim’s phone were recovered while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

“Sequel to a distress call received at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit on 04/10/2026, that an unknown caller called Mrs. Obinna and demanded the sum of N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) if they wanted to see their missing daughter,” the statement read.

“Leveraging on actionable intelligence, the above suspects were apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Abia State Command, in Umuimo Community, Osisioma Ngwa.

“The victim was rescued and exhibits recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other gang members of the syndicate.

“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, reiterates the Command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the state.

“He further assures members of the public that the Command will continue to leverage actionable intelligence, community partnerships, and other operational strategies to ensure the safety and security of residents.

“Members of the public are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant and provide the Police with useful information by reporting to the nearest police station or contacting the Command through its dedicated hotlines.

“Together we keep Abia safe
See Something Say Something.”

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Crime

Three suspects arrested over alleged m8rder of 65-year-old woman accused of witchcraft in Niger State

Published

3 hours ago

October 10, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Niger State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the alleged m8rder of a 65-year-old woman accused of witchcraft.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

According to the PPRO, one of the suspects, Mohammed Sani, allegedly trespassed into the residence of the victim identified as Tani Nuhu, in Kokolo village and k!lled her.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Isa Lamaran and Abdullahi Hamidu.

During interrogation, Mohammed revealed that he was contracted and invited as a wizard by Lamaran, Hamidu and one other suspect, Rufa’i Gado, currently at large, to k!ll three elderly women in the community over allegations that they were witches.

“On 03/10/2026 at about 2pm, a report was received at Nasko Div from Kokolo Village that one Mohammed Sani 35yrs of Kebbi state trespassed into the residence of a community member, and k!lled one Tani Nuhu, a female of 65yrs inside the house,” the statement read.

“On receipt of the report, detectives from Nasko Div were deployed to the scene and in the course of investigation, the following suspects were arrested; Mohammed Sani 35yrs of Kebbi State, Isa Lamaran 65yrs of Kokolo village via Auna District and Abdullahi Hamidu of the same address.

“During interrogation, Mohammed revealed that he was contracted and invited as a wizard who can detect witches by Isa Lamaran, Hamidu and one other suspect, Rufa’i Gado of Kokolo village currently at large, to k!ll three elderly women in the community over allegations that they were witches.

“He confessed that Isa gave him a hoe to use in perpetrating the crime while Abdullahi promised to give him two plots of land and his daughter’s hand in marriage if he succeed.

“Consequently, Mohammed succeeded in k!lling one victim, Tani and grievously injured another before his arrest.

“All suspects are currently in custody at SCID Minna undergoing further investigation with a view to arrest the other accomplice after which they will be charged to court for criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt.”

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Crime

PHOTOS: 130 supects arrested as FBI raids Ghana fraud center

Published

2 days ago

October 8, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

One hundred and thirty persons have been arrested after men of the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI raided a suspected fraud compound in Ghana and arrested more than 130 people.

The FBI Director, Kash Patel, disclosed this in a post shared on his official X account on Thursday.

Patel said the operation, codenamed “Operation Blackout”, was carried out in the week as part of the FBI’s efforts to dismantle global scam centres.

“OPERATION BLACKOUT: This is the FBI’s global scam-centre fraud demolition. Another takedown this week out of Ghana,” Patel wrote.

He said the operation had so far resulted in nearly $10m in identified losses, 89 victims identified, more than 130 individuals arrested or detained, including victims who would be repatriated to their home countries, and more than 300 devices seized.

“Investigation is ongoing. These scam compounds target American citizens and destroy lives – and this @FBI is crushing them in every corner of the world. More to come,” he said.

Patel also gave an update on the overall Operation Blackout figures, saying roughly $17bn had been seized, hundreds of alleged scammers arrested and thousands of trafficked workers freed.

He added that more than 10,000 Americans had been warned before losing their money, while an estimated $670m in losses had been prevented.