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Five killed in Kogi reprisal attack

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No fewer than five people have been killed in a reprisal attack on three communities in Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The affected communities are Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi, where unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked residents on Thursday.

The Kogi State Government confirmed the killings and ordered security agencies to arrest those responsible for both the initial killing of a herder and the subsequent reprisal attack.

The incident was reportedly triggered by the killing of an unarmed herder, allegedly by a member of a local vigilante group who suspected him of cattle rustling.

The killing was subsequently followed by a reprisal attack by armed persons who targeted residents of the three communities, leaving at least five people dead and heightening tension in the area.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Friday, the state government described the killings as tragic, senseless and unacceptable.

Fanwo said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed security agencies to immediately take control of the affected communities, restore peace and prevent further escalation.

He said the governor also ordered the arrest of the vigilante member allegedly responsible for the herder’s death and those linked to the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected of coordinating the assault.

“The Kogi State Government condemns in the strongest terms both the killing of the unarmed herder and the subsequent reprisal attack. These are criminal acts that have no place in our society. Anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, will face the full weight of the law.”

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Fanwo appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid further reprisals, while urging them to assist security agencies with credible information.

“We appeal to all residents to remain calm and resist the temptation of reprisals. We also urge members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that will aid ongoing investigations and the arrest of all those responsible,” he said.

The commissioner said the government was working with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore peace and rebuild confidence among residents of the affected communities.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting residents and ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.

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Crime

Police probe farmland destruction, land grabbing claims in Ogun

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The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into allegations of farmland destruction, criminal intimidation and suspected land grabbing in Ajogbo Akia community of the state.

The investigation followed media reports on concerns raised by the traditional leadership and residents of the community over alleged activities of suspected land grabbers.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

According to the command on X on Friday, the investigation aims to establish the facts, identify those responsible for any criminal acts, and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, has ordered an immediate, comprehensive investigation into the allegations to ascertain the true facts, identify perpetrators, and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice,” the Command said.

The police, however, clarified that disputes relating to land titles, ownership claims and boundary adjustments remain civil matters and should be resolved through competent courts of law.

The command explained that individuals with legitimate title and statutory documentation establishing land ownership can still approach the Police when criminal acts are allegedly committed against them.

“Where a party possesses legitimate title and statutory documentation of land ownership but suffers any criminal act such as malicious damage to crops, destruction of property, criminal trespass, or threats to life; the law gives such individuals the right to report these acts to the Police for thorough investigation and possible prosecution,” the statement added.

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As part of measures to prevent a breakdown of law and order, the Command has also directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers with jurisdiction over the area to deploy high-visibility patrols and intelligence assets to Ajogbo Akia and adjoining agricultural corridors.

The Police said the patrol teams would maintain a strong presence in the area, both day and night, to enable farmers and residents to access their farmlands and conduct their lawful activities without fear of violence, harassment or unlawful interference.

“The Ogun State Police Command reiterates its zero-tolerance stance against illegal land grabbing, self-help, and threats to life,” the Command stated.

The police also commended the traditional ruler of the community, Baale Dr. Oluwasegun Adebiyi, and other community leaders for seeking law-enforcement intervention instead of resorting to violence.

The command urged residents and members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, while calling for cooperation with investigators through the provision of credible and actionable information.

The police said such cooperation would assist the investigation and contribute to ensuring lasting peace in Ajogbo Akia and across Ogun State.

Source: punchng.com

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Army raids Boko Haram/ISWAP camp in Adamawa, kills 21

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The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser Tactical Team, has dismantled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist camp in the Kopre Mountain area of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, followed credible intelligence on the activities of the terrorists in the area.

Some of the terrorists killed
Photo: Nigerian Army

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai reportedly engaged the terrorists in two separate encounters, neutralising more than 21 of them, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

According to the military, on X on Thursday, the troops also destroyed the terrorists’ logistics infrastructure and recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines and a substantial quantity of 7.62mm ammunition.

Motorcycles, bicycles and jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit were also destroyed.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, said the operation was part of efforts to rescue victims abducted from the Mussa community and the Lassa area.

Army raids Boko Haram/ISWAP camp in Adamawa, kills 21

Ammunition recovered by the Nigerian Army Photo: Nigerian Army

“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, remains resolute in sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating and rescuing abducted persons, dismantling terrorist strongholds, degrading their logistics and fighting capabilities,” Goni said.

He added that search and rescue operations were being intensified until all abducted persons were located and rescued.

The military high command commended the troops and the ONSA Tactical Team for their “gallantry, professionalism, resilience and seamless coordination,” saying the operation further demonstrated the forces’ ability to project combat power into difficult terrain and deny terrorists freedom of action.

See also  Police probe farmland destruction, land grabbing claims in Ogun

Source: punchng.com

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Crime

Court orders NDLEA to produce KC Luxury in Lagos

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Justice Friday Ogazi of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to produce Lagos social media influencer and businessman Kazeem Afolabi, popularly known as “KC Luxury”, before the court following his alleged 14-day detention without a formal charge.

The order was made on Thursday in an ex parte application filed by Afolabi through his counsel, A. Labi-Lawal, SAN, pursuant to the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009.

The court also directed the NDLEA to respond within five days to the application challenging Afolabi’s continued detention and to show cause why he should not be released or admitted to bail.

Afolabi was allegedly arrested by NDLEA operatives on August 13, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while preparing to travel to Paris.

His father, Eric Afolabi, who deposed to the affidavit in support of the application, alleged that the applicant had remained in the custody of the NDLEA since his arrest without being informed of the offence for which he was arrested or being charged before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Following the hearing of the ex-parte application, Justice Ogazi ordered the applicant to serve the NDLEA with the motion, enrolled order and other accompanying processes within four working days.

The judge directed the agency to file its response within five days of service and produce Afolabi before the court on the next adjourned date for the hearing of the substantive originating motion.

The matter was adjourned until September 9, 2026, for hearing.

See also  Police probe farmland destruction, land grabbing claims in Ogun

In the substantive application, Afolabi is seeking declarations that his continued detention without a formal charge is unconstitutional and amounts to a violation of his fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

He is also seeking an order directing the NDLEA to release him immediately or, in the alternative, admit him to bail on liberal terms pending the filing of any charge against him.

The applicant alleged that NDLEA operatives arrested and detained him after intercepting him at the airport.

He further alleged that, following his arrest, operatives of the agency searched his residence at Movamo Court, Banana Island, Lagos, without showing him or members of his family a search warrant.

According to the affidavit, the operatives searched the premises but allegedly recovered nothing incriminating.

Afolabi also alleged that the operatives seized his iPhone 15 and demanded the password to the device, allegedly threatening him with bodily harm if he refused to disclose it.

He maintained that the phone contained private information belonging to him and his wife and that the search of the device allegedly revealed no narcotics, drug-related transactions, communications or other material connecting him with any offence.

The applicant further alleged that the NDLEA took and circulated photographs and videos of him while in custody, portraying him as a criminal despite the absence of a conviction.

He contended that the alleged publication violated his constitutional rights to dignity and privacy and subjected him to ridicule, embarrassment and humiliation.

Consequently, he is asking for N100m for damages over the alleged taking and circulation of his photographs and videos.

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He is also demanding N50m for alleged unlawful arrest and detention and N40m for alleged invasion of the privacy of his home and telephone.

Afolabi is also seeking an order directing the NDLEA to return properties allegedly seized from him.

The items listed in the application include €8,000, £3,000, a blue-strap Patek Philippe Nautilus wristwatch, an Audemars Piguet wristwatch with three bangles, a Hermès handbag, a Hermès Birkin travel bag, a Louis Vuitton travel box, an iPhone 15, a Lexus RX350 and a 2024 Toyota Hilux.

He maintained that none of the properties was acquired from the proceeds of narcotics or any other criminal activity.

The applicant also raised concerns about his medical condition, alleging that he suffers from acute and severe asthma requiring urgent treatment and management which, he claimed, the facility where he is being detained is unable to adequately provide.

He further told the court that he has a permanent address in Lagos, strong family and business ties within Nigeria and is prepared to surrender his international passport and comply with any bail conditions imposed by the court.

The NDLEA, according to the processes before the court, linked Afolabi’s arrest to an investigation arising from the interception of 184.50kg of cocaine allegedly connected to an international drug trafficking network.

The agency alleged that the network used Nigeria as a transit point for cocaine shipments destined for the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.

It further alleged that the investigation resulted in the seizure of foreign currencies and luxury items and prompted searches connected with the applicant.

See also  PHOTOS: Three k!lled as rival cult groups clash in Benue

Source: punchng.com

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