Witchcraft Accusations, Agwu Beliefs and Police Abuse in Imo State — How Extortion and Impunity Thrive

This opinion piece by Leo Igwe exposes how witchcraft accusations and beliefs surrounding Agwu rituals are being exploited by families, vigilantes and even police officers in Imo State to justify abuse, extortion and human rights violations. Using the case of 70-year-old Joseph Ottih and his family, the article details alleged police brutality, illegal arrests, destruction of property and collusion between relatives, vigilantes and the anti-kidnapping unit (Tigerbase). Igwe argues that witchcraft accusations are unlawful under Nigerian law, that freedom of religion is constitutionally protected, and that the police must enforce the law—not tradition or superstition. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) vows legal support for the victims, insisting that witch-hunting, ritual policing and religious bias within law enforcement must end.

Delta Crisis: Abuja Businessman Alleges Monarch Plotting His Assassination Over Illegal Mining

An Abuja-based businessman, Anthony Anamonye, has raised alarm over alleged threats to his life, accusing the traditional ruler of Ugboba in Delta State, Ezedinmbu Nkebakwu III, of plotting to kill him. Anamonye said the threats followed his exposure of alleged illegal coal mining involving the monarch and Mosra Energy Ltd. He claimed to have survived multiple assassination attempts in Abuja and Delta, accused vigilantes and some police officers of complicity, and called on security agencies and civil society to intervene.

#DeltaState #HumanRights #NigeriaNews

Kwara Farmer Brutally Attacked by Bandits, Rescued by Vigilantes

In Koro community, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State, a farmer identified as Abayomi was violently attacked by bandits while tending his farmland near the Kogi border on Friday morning. The assailants inflicted severe injuries before fleeing, leaving the farmer in critical condition. Alerted residents quickly mobilized the Koro local vigilante group, who intervened and rescued Abayomi, rushing him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Community members have expressed concern over the rising insecurity, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by bandit attacks in the region and the critical role of local vigilantes in protecting citizens.

Six Kidnappers Arrested in Nasarawa: How Did Nigerian Police and Vigilantes Raid Forest Hideouts to Rescue Abducted Victims Alive—Is This the Turning Point in the State’s Kidnapping Crisis?

Can community cooperation finally break the grip of kidnappers in Nasarawa State? In a coordinated security operation, the Nigerian Police arrested six suspected kidnappers and rescued three abducted victims during a joint raid carried out with local vigilante groups in Angara and Fadaman Bauna villages.

According to police authorities, the operation was triggered by a distress report filed on January 7, after armed men reportedly invaded Angara village, abducted two women, and later seized one man, abandoning an infant at the scene. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, ordered an immediate manhunt for those responsible.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that officers from the Assakio Division in Lafia East Development Area, working alongside community vigilantes, tracked the suspects to forest hideouts in Angara and Fadaman Bauna. The joint raid led to the arrest of six suspects and the successful rescue of the victims alive.

Nansel disclosed that the rescued victims—two females and one male—were found unharmed, promptly given medical attention, and safely reunited with their families. He added that the suspects have confessed to their alleged crimes and have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation and prosecution.

Police authorities assured residents that the command remains committed to a sustained crackdown on criminal activities across the state. The commissioner emphasized that security forces will continue targeting kidnapping networks and forest hideouts to protect communities and restore confidence in public safety.

This development comes amid growing concerns over rising kidnappings in parts of central Nigeria, where rural communities have increasingly become targets for criminal gangs. Observers say the success of this operation highlights the importance of community intelligence, vigilante collaboration, and rapid police response in confronting organized crime.

But questions remain: Will this arrest disrupt wider kidnapping networks in Nasarawa? Can joint operations between police and local groups be sustained? And will the prosecution of the suspects send a strong enough message to deter future abductions? As residents welcome the rescue, many are watching closely to see whether this operation marks a lasting shift in the fight against kidnapping in the state.

Who Is Responsible for Oworonshoki’s Death Traps? How Exposed Electric Cables From Illegal Demolitions Killed a Lagos Teen After Oba-Ordered Evictions

How did a demolition exercise in Lagos turn into a deadly public hazard? And why were dangerous electric cables left exposed for months in a residential community?

Another teenager has been electrocuted in Oworonshoki, Lagos State, after coming into contact with live electricity wires abandoned following what residents describe as illegal demolitions ordered by the Oloworo of Oworonshoki Kingdom, Oba Saliu Babatunde. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has intensified outrage over the failure to remove or secure exposed cables after buildings were pulled down late last year.

According to community members who spoke to SaharaReporters, the demolitions carried out in November 2025 left behind dangling electric wires and open power lines, effectively turning streets and former residential areas into death traps. Despite repeated complaints, the hazardous infrastructure was never cleared, ultimately leading to the fatal electrocution of a young resident. A photograph obtained at the scene reportedly shows the teenager lying lifeless on the ground.

This latest death adds to a series of traumatic events linked to the demolition exercise. On November 25, 2025, SaharaReporters documented how two young girls returned from school to find their home allegedly burned down during the operation. In a widely circulated video, the children—one still in school uniform—described how their house was destroyed while their parents were at work, with no opportunity to retrieve personal belongings.

Residents allege that police officers and local vigilantes known as “Madanwo” participated in the operation, acting on the monarch’s directives. Bystanders in the footage accused authorities of burning houses without notice, arresting residents during clashes, and ignoring claims that government had ordered a halt to forced demolitions in the area.

Now, the fatal electrocution has raised urgent questions:
Why were live electric cables left exposed for months?
Who bears responsibility for clearing dangerous infrastructure after demolitions?
And how many more lives must be lost before accountability is enforced?

Community members insist the tragedy was preventable, arguing that basic safety measures—such as disconnecting power lines or fencing off hazardous areas—could have saved lives. The incident highlights a broader pattern of urban displacement, alleged abuse of authority, and neglect of public safety, especially in low-income communities affected by forced evictions.

As families mourn the teenager’s death, residents continue to demand answers from traditional authorities, security agencies, and government officials. The Oworonshoki case has become a stark symbol of how demolition policies, when carried out without planning, oversight, or accountability, can turn vulnerable neighborhoods into deadly zones—raising a chilling question: is urban “development” in Lagos now coming at the cost of human life?

Rivers State Police Arrest 12 Suspects Over Deadly Unity Estate Attack as Vigilantes Commander, Others Flee

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested 12 suspects involved in a violent attack on Unity Estate along Mbodo–Aluu, Port Harcourt, on January 5, 2026. The assailants, reportedly members of a vigilante group and hired thugs, fired gunshots indiscriminately, vandalized property, and abducted one resident, Apostle Stephen Nmacha, who sustained a leg injury before being rescued.
Police sources said the attackers stormed the estate around 1:15 pm, wielding pump-action guns, cutlasses, and other weapons. Investigations revealed that two suspects allegedly coordinated the attack and remain at large, along with the Akpor OSPAC Commander, Azubuike, aka “Ocean.”
Recovered items include firearms, ammunition, charms, motorcycles, and vehicles. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju condemned the attack as unlawful, warning that vigilante groups must operate strictly under police supervision. Residents have been urged to provide information to help apprehend fleeing suspects.

#RiversStateAttack #UnityEstateIncident #RiversPolice #VigilanteViolence #PortHarcourtNews #AbujaCrimeAlert #NigeriaSecurity #CrimeInRivers #OSPACInvestigation #GunAttackNigeria

Boko Haram/ISWAP Ambush in Gwoza, Borno State Kills One CJTF Operative as Security Forces Respond

A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Hamman Ibrahim, 40, was killed in a suspected ambush by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters along Warave–Bayan Dutse Road in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, on January 5, 2026. The attack occurred during a routine patrol of CJTF members and local hunters in an area that remains volatile despite ongoing counterinsurgency operations.
Following the ambush, troops from Operation HADIN KAI, alongside police officers and CJTF members, responded to the scene. Ibrahim was evacuated to the General Hospital in Gwoza, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was released to his family for burial according to Islamic rites.
The incident highlights persistent security challenges in southern Borno, where local vigilantes and CJTF members continue to play a crucial role in supporting military operations against insurgent groups. Authorities continue investigations into the ambush to prevent future attacks.

#BornoState #CJTF #BokoHaram #ISWAP #NigeriaNews #GwozaAttack #SecurityUpdate #TerrorismInNigeria #NorthernNigeria

Kwara Police Clear, Release Six ‘Armed Men’ Initially Linked to Miyetti Allah After Investigation, Say They Are Legitimate Vigilantes in Federal Security Operation Against Banditry

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the investigation and release of six armed men earlier alleged to be members of Miyetti Allah, stating that the individuals were legitimate vigilante operatives working with recognised security agencies in a federal security operation.

The men were initially arrested by Nigerian Army personnel along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State while travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. Their interception, reportedly with AK-47 rifles, triggered widespread concern and speculation over possible links to armed groups operating across the North-Central region.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the suspects were formally handed over to the Kwara Police Command by the 22 Armoured Brigade for investigation and profiling. According to police findings, the men were exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing and identified as members of a vigilante group collaborating with security agencies in efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities. They were subsequently released to their leaders.

Earlier, the Kwara State Government had clarified that the men were part of a federal security initiative coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). This followed public outrage after reports suggested soldiers had intercepted armed individuals believed to be bandits, who allegedly claimed sponsorship by the “Ilorin government.”

Further explanations by state officials revealed that the individuals were members of Miyetti Allah incorporated into a Joint Task Force–style security arrangement after deadly attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area in September 2025. According to the governor’s aides, the operation involved recognised security officers alongside local vigilantes and Miyetti Allah members, with logistical support provided through local government channels.

Officials also disclosed that after completing their assignment, the men allegedly absconded with a patrol vehicle, prompting security agencies to track and arrest them in Edo State. The state government later requested the return of the vehicle. Authorities clarified that the suspects were neither arrested within Kwara nor linked to any bandit activity.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to inter-agency collaboration and lawful community-based security operations, assuring residents that security agencies remain focused on safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State.

LOKOJA: TROOPS FOIL BANDITS MOVEMENT: ARREST LOGISTICS SUPPLIER IN KOGI

Troops, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lokoja on Saturday 3 January 2026 recorded another operational successes following coordinated patrols and ambush, conducted in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

A statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lieutenant HASSAN ABDULLAHI says the troops, acting on credible intelligence on the movement of bandits from Adankolo area towards Agbadu Bunu in Kabba Bunu LGA, swiftly deployed and laid ambush at bandits identified crossing point.

He says the he bandits subsequently ran into the troops's ambush where they were engaged.

In the course of the encounter, troops neutralized two bandits and recovered one AK 47 rifle.

Relatedly, further intelligence revealed another movement of bandits around Saminaka village in Yagba West LGA.

The statement says Troops, in conjunction with local vigilantes, conducted a patrol to the village and adjoining forested areas. On arrival, the village was observed to have been deserted, prompting troops to dismount and explore the surrounding forest and routes leading towards the Saminaka Sabo Rijiya road where they came across a number of bandits and engaged them.

During the operation, troops also arrested a suspected bandit logistics supplier identified as Sunday Adedotun, from Odo Eri village in Yagba West LGA.

The suspect was apprehended on a farmland within Saminaka village, claiming to be assisting farmers in transporting produce from their farms.

Items discovered include cartons of energy and soft drinks, bottled water and harvested farm produce.

The suspect according to the statement is currently in custody undergoing investigation.

Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi commends the troops for their professionalism, courage and timely response to credible intelligence, noting that their actions reflect the high level of commitment to duty.

He assures the public that troops will continue to sustain aggressive patrols, ambushes and intelligence driven operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area.

Zamfara Man Allegedly Beaten to Death by Vigilantes Over 3 Watermelons, Family Demands Justice

A young man, Abdullahi Ibrahim, was allegedly beaten to death by members of a local vigilante group, Yansakai, in Gusau, Zamfara State, over suspicion of stealing three watermelons. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 21, 2025, along Gusau Hotel Road. His elder brother, Aminu Ibrahim, recounted that Abdullahi, who was mentally ill, was severely assaulted and denied immediate medical care.

The family condemned the act as “jungle justice” and a gross violation of human rights, demanding accountability for the vigilantes’ actions. Human rights lawyer Mubashir Umar confirmed involvement of the Yansakai group and stated that legal steps are underway to ensure justice. The Zamfara State Police have yet to release an official statement.

The incident has sparked public outrage, drawing comparisons to similar cases in Ondo State where young individuals were fatally beaten over minor accusations, highlighting ongoing concerns about vigilante justice in Nigeria.

Yobe Arrested Suspect Confesses to Maiduguri Mosque Bombing, Says Boko Haram Sent Him to Spy on Soldiers and Vigilantes

A suspect arrested in Damaturu, Yobe State, identified as Ibrahim Muhammed, has allegedly confessed to his role in the deadly mosque bombing in Maiduguri, Borno State, that killed five worshippers and injured more than 30 others. In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the suspect claimed he and other Boko Haram members planted explosive devices at a mosque near the Kalumari area of Maiduguri, acting on orders from group leaders identified as Adam and Abubakar operating around the Beki-Duse and Mubi axis of Adamawa State. Ibrahim said he was sent to Damaturu on a reconnaissance mission to spy on soldiers and local vigilantes before being apprehended by residents and a vigilante group. He further alleged that another explosive device was left behind in the Tashan Joni area of Maiduguri, heightening security concerns. Police confirmed that the December 24, 2025 explosion at Al-Adum Juma’at Mosque within Gamboru Market was likely a suicide attack, with fragments of a suicide vest recovered at the scene. Investigations and security operations in the area are ongoing.

Kwara Families Appeal for Help as Gunmen Demand ₦500 Million Ransom for Abducted Workers

Families of five workers abducted at a road construction site along Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, are appealing to the government and security agencies for urgent intervention. The victims include two engineers, two labourers, and a driver. Kidnappers reportedly demanded a ₦500 million ransom, an amount far beyond the families’ means. Security forces, including police, military, and local vigilantes, have launched operations to rescue the victims. This incident mirrors another recent abduction in Oba community, Isin LGA, highlighting rising insecurity and targeted attacks on construction workers in Kwara State.

#KwaraState #Kidnapping #Insecurity #NigeriaNews #RansomDemand #ConstructionWorkers #PoliceOperations

EXCLUSIVE: Tinubu’s VIP Police Withdrawal Directive Undermined by Officers
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police personnel from VIP protection and redeploy them to core policing duties, some officers have circumvented the order. Sources revealed that officers have disguised themselves as vigilantes, NSCDC personnel, or private drivers to continue providing protection for VIPs. Many reportedly paid bribes of up to ₦500,000 to resume duty with their service rifles reissued.
The withdrawal was intended to strengthen police presence for public safety amid rising insecurity, including kidnappings, and to prevent overstretching of police resources. Tinubu also approved recruitment of 30,000 additional officers and instructed VIPs to seek NSCDC personnel for protection if necessary.
Enforcement of the directive has been largely symbolic. A monitoring team by the Inspector-General of Police arrested a few officers, who were quickly released, highlighting the resistance from parts of the political elite and the ineffectiveness of previous similar directives. Critics claim the policy primarily benefited senior officers, leaving the original objective unfulfilled.

Yoruba Union Questions Tinubu, NSA Ribadu Over Alleged Arming of Miyetti Allah Amid Rising Insecurity in Kwara and Kogi

The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá has criticized President Bola Tinubu, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, and Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for allegedly supplying rifles and ammunition to Miyetti Allah members in Yoruba-speaking areas of Kwara and Kogi States. The group expressed concern that local vigilantes, hunters, and community security groups were sidelined and disarmed, despite their familiarity with local terrains and history of defending communities. The Union warned that arming a non-indigenous group could exacerbate insecurity, fuel mistrust, and set a dangerous precedent, urging the federal and state governments to clarify the purpose, legality, and scope of such engagements.

Miyetti Allah’ Vigilantes Parade Suspected Kidnappers in Kogi, Defend Arrested Members Labeled ‘Bandits’ in Edo

Miyetti Allah–affiliated vigilante members paraded suspected kidnappers in Obajana, Kogi State, claiming their operations are coordinated with security agencies, including the Army, DSS, and police. They defended members recently arrested and labeled as “bandits” in Edo State, insisting the accusations are false and unjust. The vigilantes emphasized their work in arresting actual criminals, often at great personal loss, and warned that withdrawing their support could worsen insecurity in rural communities. Meanwhile, MACBAN clarified it is not a security outfit and has no involvement in armed operations or criminal activities. The Office of the National Security Adviser confirmed support for vigilante operations as part of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy.

Tinubu’s NSA Ribadu’s Office Admits Supplying Arms To Vigilantes In Kwara, Defends Hybrid Counter-Terrorism Strategy Under ONSA And NCTC

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has confirmed that arms were supplied to vigilante groups in Kwara State as part of a legally backed hybrid security strategy to combat terrorism, banditry and other crimes in difficult terrains. The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) said the action aligns with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, stressing that trained vigilantes and hunters operate alongside regular forces under strict oversight. ONSA dismissed claims that weapons were given to socio-cultural groups, urging the media to avoid misinformation and protect sensitive security operations.

Miyetti Allah Member Arrested in Kwara With Rifle Allegedly Issued by NSA as Questions Grow Over Use of Armed Non-State Actors

A member of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association has been arrested in Kwara South after allegedly being found in possession of a rifle reportedly issued through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for security operations. The arrest, which followed residents’ suspicions after the suspect was seen moving around with the weapon, has intensified concerns over the proliferation of arms and the involvement of non-state actors in security arrangements in the state. While state officials later clarified that the suspect was part of a federally coordinated security initiative involving Miyetti Allah members and vigilantes, the development has sparked public outrage and renewed fears amid rising attacks, kidnappings, and insecurity in Kwara South.

Kwara Government Confirms Arrested Armed Men Are Miyetti Allah Members Linked to NSA Ribadu-Led Federal Security Operation

The Kwara State Government has confirmed that armed men recently arrested by Nigerian soldiers were members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association participating in a federal security operation coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The clarification followed public outrage after the suspects, found with AK-47 rifles, claimed they were sponsored by the Ilorin government. State officials explained that the men were incorporated into a Joint Task Force-style security arrangement after deadly attacks in Ifelodun Local Government Area, involving security agencies, vigilantes, and Miyetti Allah members. Authorities said the suspects later absconded with a patrol vehicle and were arrested outside Kwara State. The development has reignited debate over the controversial use of armed non-state actors in combating insecurity, amid growing fears among residents and calls for calm from the state government.

Suspected Bandits Invade Osun Community, Kidnap Former Customs Officer, Kill Resident While Fleeing Through Farmlands

Suspected bandits on Monday night attacked Ora-Igbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, abducting a former Nigerian Customs Service officer and killing a resident during their escape. Community leaders said the assailants ambushed the victim at his residence before fleeing through nearby farmlands, where they allegedly shot a farmer who was working with his 10-year-old son. The Osun State Police Command confirmed the kidnapping and said tactical teams, supported by vigilantes and forest guards, have been deployed to rescue the victim and apprehend the suspects as investigations continue.

Terrorists Strike Again in Kwara State as Gunmen Ambush and Kill Two Residents in Ifelodun Community, Heightening Fear Over Worsening Insecurity

Suspected terrorists have killed two residents in Kwara State’s Ifelodun Local Government Area after ambushing them along the Babanla–Oreke road while they were on an errand to buy food for their community. Video footage from the scene showed the victims lying in pools of blood as police officers and local vigilantes secured the area. The latest attack adds to a growing wave of terrorism, kidnappings, and violent crimes across rural parts of Kwara State, with residents expressing deep frustration over continued insecurity despite repeated assurances from authorities.