Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Arrest Suspect in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued a kidnap victim, Ali Adamu, in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation followed a distress call reporting Adamu’s abduction while he was sleeping outside his residence. Soldiers immediately mobilized and pursued the suspects, forcing them to abandon the victim and flee into nearby bushes. Adamu was reunited with his family without ransom, according to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, spokesman for the 6 Brigade.

In a separate incident, local vigilantes and hunters apprehended a suspected kidnapper, 30-year-old Lalau Adamu, near Maraban Kunini. Troops intervened after the suspect suffered injuries from mob action and evacuated him for medical treatment.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa commended the collaboration between security forces and community members and urged residents to continue sharing credible information to support ongoing security operations in the state under Operation Lafiya Nakowa.

Fire razes Oba market.

A late-night fire on Wednesday razed part of the Oba Market in Benin City, even as reconstruction work on the facility is still ongoing.
The Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, who confirmed the incident, said the fire was caused by a solar panel malfunction.

This is the second time in five years that the popular market has been affected by fire.

According to eyewitnesses, they were in their shops opposite the market when they noticed smoke coming from a section where reconstruction work was ongoing.

They said they immediately mobilized, along with local vigilantes, while the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Oba Market Police Station led his men to the scene.

The DPO reportedly alerted the fire service, which joined civilians in battling the flames for about three hours before the fire was contained.

Addressing newsmen after inspecting the scene, Engr. Iduseri said that only one shop was affected, praising the swift response of firefighters and security personnel, which prevented the fire from spreading.

“We learnt that a solar panel caused the fire. We will suspend further installation of solar panels and conduct a thorough inspection of all electrical connections in the market to prevent future incidents.

“I also want to assure the affected traders that we will support them to return to business. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and the damage was minimal. The Oredo Local Government was fully on ground to prevent any case of looting,” he said.

Over 5000 People Flee to Cameroon as Boko Haram reportedly Seizes Nigerian Border Town.

According to a report by Reuters, more than 5,000 people have crossed into Cameroon after Boko Haram fighters captured the border town of Kirawa in Borno State.

The raid, which took place late Thursday, forced the district head Abdulrahman Abubakar to abandon his palace. His residence, a military barracks, and dozens of homes were set ablaze during the attack. Abubakar confirmed to Reuters that many residents fled in trucks while others escaped towards Maiduguri.

The insurgents, in a video seen by Reuters, claimed responsibility, chanting “victory belongs to God” as they torched the barracks. Survivors said Kirawa is now deserted. “Boko Haram is in control,” one escapee told the outlet.

This latest assault comes weeks after a September 19 attack on Banki, another border town, where militants overran a military base and seized weapons.

Local leaders interviewed by Reuters have appealed for urgent military reinforcements, noting that only vigilantes remain after the withdrawal of a multinational task force in August.

Borno State remains the epicenter of the 16-year insurgency led by Boko Haram and its splinter group ISWAP, whose attacks against civilians and security forces have escalated in recent months.

Kwara Police Seize Cannabis Hidden in Yam Tubers.

The Kwara State Police Command, working with operatives of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), and local vigilantes, has intercepted a vehicle transporting 127 bags of suspected cannabis concealed beneath tubers of yam.

Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement on Saturday, described the seizure as another major breakthrough in the fight against crime and drug trafficking.

The operation, conducted on September 26, 2025, around 4 p.m. along the Babanla–Oreke–Oke-Ode axis, led to the arrest of two suspects, Dan-Teni Haruna and Rabiu Ibrahim both from Saliku in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to unravel the wider network behind the smuggling attempt.

When protectors become predators.

IF Nigeria remains the same by 2027, then let no one be surprised if war breaks out. Hunger is already chewing deep into the bone marrow of the nation. Nigerians are gasping under economic hardship, yet while poverty stares them in the face, harassment from those in uniform crushes their very spirit. Must Nigerians suffer hunger and still live under constant intimidation? The danger today is not only the bandits in the forest but also the criminals in multicolored uniforms roaming our streets. These officers — police, vigilantes, Amotekun — have turned their duty into tyranny. They trample the dignity of citizens in the mud and forget that even during an arrest, a citizen still has rights. The use of force is only lawful when a suspect attempts to flee or threatens violence, not when an officer wants to extort money. Extortion has become their trademark. Just recently, a young man on Oyo State’s Ogbomoso road made a live video, crying out to Nigerians and VeryDarkMan, as he was harassed by a police officer. His load was scattered across the road because he refused to pay ₦200. The officer shamelessly defended himself, saying: “Did I beat you?” — yet he never denied scattering the young man’s belongings or requesting ₦200. For ₦200, a man’s dignity was thrown on the highway. What then is the difference between these officers and the criminals in the bush?

At 5pm on July 13, a National Youth Service Corps member, Jennifer Eloho, was brutalised by Anambra security operatives, otherwise known as Agunechemba — vigilantes established to support police operations and safeguard local communities. Armed with guns, they stormed the corps members’ lodge in Oba, Idemili Local Government Area, accusing them of being internet fraudsters. A video of the beating went viral despite her cries for help. Jennifer was not only beaten — her dignity was thrown into the bin. If vigilantes empowered to protect communities can turn against unarmed youths serving their nation, then who is safe? In July 2025, another viral video from Adebayo area of Ado-Ekiti showed police officers trying to gain forceful entry into an apartment in broad daylight. The resident, Michael, captured the incident and shared it on X (formerly Twitter). Up till today, the police are still “investigating.” No officer has been named, no punishment announced, no justice seen. The silence of the police force is louder than any explanation — it smells of complicity. In April 2025, a lady in Ise-Orun, Ekiti State, accused a police officer of stabbing her father. Her testimony, captured on Punch Newspaper’s site, is chilling: her younger brother had a quarrel with a female classmate, which escalated until the girl called her boyfriend. When they stormed the house, they met only the elder brother. She narrated: “One of them went inside first and my brother started challenging the police officer — asking what did he do and why they were taking him to the station. In response, the officer started harassing him physically. At that point, the elder brother called my father to come and see what was happening. When my father came to separate the fight, another police officer stabbed him in the belly. Fortunately, my father used his hand to block the knife, and it tore his hand instead.”

11 security operatives confirmed dead, ASP still missing in Benue militia clash.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of seven additional bodies of security personnel killed during a violent confrontation with suspected herdsmen and local militia at Agu Centre in Katsina Ala Local Government Area.

The latest recovery brings the total death toll to 11 security operatives, comprising nine police officers, one hunter, and one Civil Protection Guard. Their remains have been deposited at Katsina Ala General Hospital.

Police also confirmed that ASP John Aledu, attached to Operation Zenda, remains missing as search and rescue efforts continue.

“The recovered bodies have been preserved as efforts are ongoing to contact their families,” sources told Zagazola Makama.

In response to the attack, police tactical teams, supported by local hunters and vigilantes, have intensified operations to rescue the missing officer and pursue the attackers.

So far, 15 additional suspects have been arrested in Ukum Local Government Area, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 21, following six earlier arrests in Katsina Ala.

The police assured that, in collaboration with other security agencies, they remain fully committed to bringing all perpetrators of the attack to justice

BREAKING: Bandits Attack Cattle Settlement In Kwara, Burn Vigilante Vehicle, Steal Cows

Armed bandits on Sunday morning attacked a cattle settlement in Ekuku, Kwara State, near the border with Egbe in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The attackers, who reportedly arrived in large numbers around 6:30 a.m., stole several cows and set ablaze a vigilante vehicle.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, a member of the local security team confirmed the incident in English and Yoruba, lamenting:

“Bandits attacked us at Ekuku today. Many cows were stolen and a vigilante vehicle was burnt to ashes. State government, please, come to our aid; these bastards are everywhere. They are uncontrollable.”

This latest incident comes barely a day after SaharaReporters reported a deadly ambush in Isanlu Isin, Isin Local Government Area, where bandits killed two vigilantes, left six missing, and destroyed over 27 motorcycles belonging to community defenders.

The Isanlu Isin Community Development Association had earlier raised alarm over escalating insecurity, citing repeated bandit raids, kidnappings, ransom demands, and the occupation of abandoned buildings by displaced Fulani settlers.

Despite prior intelligence warnings, security agencies have yet to respond decisively, leaving local vigilantes and residents vulnerable.

Community leaders are now calling on the Federal Government, police, and military to launch urgent operations, replace destroyed vigilante equipment, and rescue missing defenders before the situation worsens.

#Kwara #BreakingNews #Banditry

VIDEO: Enugu Vigilantes Kill Young Man Over False Theft Allegation

A young man, Nosike Madueke (popularly called Wojuwo), has been beaten to death by members of a vigilante group in Amagu Iwollo Oghe, Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State, following a false claim that he stole a woman’s clothes.

Witnesses said the vigilantes, led by the community’s CSO, Chukwuebuka Hillary Ngwueche (aka Osuofia), tied Madueke and assaulted him with machetes, guns, and irons until he died. A video showed the victim being paraded, beaten, and later lying lifeless on the ground.

Sources allege this is the third killing linked to the vigilante group, accusing them of repeatedly targeting people from Madueke’s community.

Police are yet to issue an official statement, though the case has been reported to the State CID.

#Enugu #HumanRights #Justice

Police Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims In Edo
Edo State Police Command says 16 abducted travellers have been rescued in joint operations with vigilantes and local hunters along Benin–Lagos and Benin–Akure roads. The Command vowed to rescue remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators.

#Edo #Nigeria #Security #Police

Some Bandits Terrorising Kwara Communities Are Foreigners — Community Leader

No fewer than 3,000 residents from 15 communities in Babanla, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, have fled their homes following repeated bandit attacks, kidnappings, and arson.

Community leader Anu Ibiwoye, a PDP chieftain, alleged that many of the attackers are foreign fighters who infiltrated the state, citing testimonies from kidnap victims who identified strange dialects and appearances among the gunmen.

He recalled how nearly 100 armed bandits on motorcycles stormed Babanla, abducting villagers — including the monarch’s wife — shooting vigilantes, and setting patrol vehicles ablaze.

Ibiwoye accused the Kwara State Government of failing to provide meaningful support, saying communities have been left to raise ransoms, buy fuel, and equip vigilantes themselves.

He warned that over 16 communities now stand deserted, markets shut, and farms abandoned, plunging the region into economic hardship.

“This is no longer politics. Bandits are taking over. If urgent action is not taken, we may lose our villages to criminals who are not even Nigerians,” he said.

#Kwara #Insecurity #Banditry

Sen Ned Nwoko Urges Security Agencies to Clamp Down on Fake Kidnappings.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has called on security agencies to prosecute individuals behind staged kidnappings, warning that the practice poses a dangerous threat to society.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Nwoko described the trend as reckless and unacceptable, stressing that offenders must face the full weight of the law to deter others. He recounted a recent incident where a young man faked his own abduction, prompting him to mobilise police and local vigilantes, only for investigations to reveal the kidnap was staged.

“Such criminal behaviour wastes security resources, traumatises families, undermines public trust, and trivialises the ordeal of real victims,” he said. The senator reaffirmed his commitment to supporting security agencies, safeguarding communities in Delta North, and promoting peace and trust among the people.

Hunter arrested after accidental shooting kills one in Katsina, others hospitalised.

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old hunter, Bashir Bala, for allegedly shooting three people, leading to the death of one person in Malumfashi Local Government Area.

The incident happened on Thursday around 4:10 p.m. at Marabar Kankara, a known hotspot in the area.

According to reports, Bala, who was attached to a local security team, went to the location to buy cannabis.

An argument reportedly broke out, and during the scuffle, he fired his rifle, hitting three civilians.

One person died instantly, while two others sustained injuries and were taken to the General Hospital for treatment. The deceased’s body has been released to his family.

A joint security team made up of the police, army, and vigilantes quickly moved to the scene and arrested the suspect.

The police confirmed that investigations into the incident have already begun, adding that security in the area has been reinforced to prevent further violence.

Governor Soludo Sacks 8 Vigilantes for Brutal Assault of Female Corp Members in Anambra State.

The Anambra State Government has dismissed eight operatives of the Agunechemba Security outfit for assaulting and publicly stripping a female corps member, Jennifer Elobor.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, announced the dismissal on Wednesday at the agency’s headquarters in Awka. He said the operatives would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

According to Emeakayi, the officers had been chasing suspected cultists on Tuesday when they attacked the corps member—an act he described as “totally outside the agency’s mandate and utterly condemnable."

He stressed that the Soludo administration would not tolerate brutality, abuse of office, or unprofessional conduct, warning that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face dismissal and legal action.

Despite appeals from the victim’s family and NYSC officials for a quiet resolution, the state government insisted on pursuing justice to serve as a deterrent.

Emeakayi added that the government had settled the victim’s medical expenses, replaced her damaged belongings, including a laptop and phone and issued a public apology to her family, the NYSC, and the public.

He said the incident would mark a turning point in reforming the outfit and restoring public trust in community security operations.

ssault On Corps Member Unacceptable, Operatives Arrested — Anambra Govt

The Anambra State Government has condemned the assault of NYSC member Jennifer Elobor by members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group in Oba, Idemili South LGA, describing it as “unacceptable.”

Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, confirmed that the operatives who beat and stripped the corps member naked have been arrested and placed under suspension pending investigation.

He stressed that the actions of the vigilantes were outside their duty and violated established protocols. The case is now under review to determine whether the suspects will face internal disciplinary measures or full prosecution.

#Anambra #NYSC #Security #Justice #HumanRights #Nigeria

Assault On NYSC Member In Anambra ‘Very Wrong’ — Police

The Anambra State Police Command has condemned the assault of female NYSC member, Jennifer Elobor, by local vigilante operatives in Oba, Idemili South LGA.

Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga described the viral video showing Elobor being beaten and stripped naked as “very, very wrong,” assuring that justice will be served.

The operatives, under Operation Udo Ga-Achi (Agunechemba Vigilante Group), had stormed the corps lodge, accusing corps members of fraud. Despite presenting her ID card, Elobor was attacked and humiliated.

Ikenga said the police are ready to act once the victim completes her medical treatment and reports formally. The Anambra State Government confirmed the arrest and detention of the vigilantes involved.

#Anambra #Police #NYSC #Justice #Nigeria #Vigilante #HumanRights

News Brief:
Amnesty International Indicts Security Agencies, Ebube Agu Over South-East Killings

Amnesty International has accused Nigeria’s police, military, and the South-East security outfit Ebube Agu, alongside non-state actors, of widespread killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other human rights abuses in the region.

In its report “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in Southeast Nigeria”, the group said at least 1,844 people were killed between January 2021 and June 2023, with violence linked to security forces, armed groups, vigilantes, cults, and criminal gangs.

The report also highlighted IPOB/ESN’s sit-at-home enforcement, which has led to beatings, killings, economic hardship, and school closures. Amnesty further accused Ebube Agu of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial executions, and intimidation of political critics.

Amnesty urged the government to end impunity, investigate abuses by all actors, and ensure justice for victims. As of press time, the Nigerian government and security agencies had not responded to the allegations.

200 bandits raid Kwara town, kill police officer, loot market.

Armed bandits numbering about 200 on Friday afternoon stormed Babanla town in Kwara State, killing a police officer and looting a local market.

This was made known by a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, in a post on his X handle on Saturday.

The attack, which occurred around 1:00 p.m., saw the assailants arrive on motorbikes and launch a raid on the Babanla Police Station.

During the assault, ASP Adejumo Wasiu, attached to the ACPOL Offa, was shot dead, and his AK-47 rifle was taken.

According to Makama, the station was ransacked, but no other weapons were stolen as they were secured at the time of the attack.

After targeting the police facility, the gunmen proceeded to the town’s market, carting away large quantities of foodstuffs.

Makama added that a joint team of military personnel, police officers, vigilantes, and local hunters later mobilized to repel the attackers and restore calm to the community.

The number of civilian casualties was yet to be confirmed at the time of filing this report.

Police Arrest 24 Suspected Criminals in Minna Raid

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 24 suspects linked to thuggery, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms in the Maitumbi area of Minna.

Spokesman SP Wasiu Abiodun said the arrests were made during a sting operation between 3 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on July 30, 2025. The Anti-Thuggery Unit, alongside officers from Maitumbi and Central stations and local vigilantes, raided several hotspots including Angwa-Roka, Kwari-Berger, Flamingo, and Tudun.

Recovered items included a pump-action gun, cartridges, cutlasses, knives, and illicit substances. The raids targeted hideouts of two notorious gang leaders—one of whom remains at large.

All suspects are under investigation, as the police intensify efforts to arrest fleeing gang members.

GistCult Leaders Arrested As Security Operatives Raid More Hideouts In Benin.

A special security team in Edo State on Wednesday continued its operations across Benin City, arresting several suspected cult leaders and criminals.

Naija News reports that the operation is part of an ongoing effort by the Edo State government to tackle violent crime and restore safety in the state.

The security outfit, known as Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, was launched by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The team is made up of soldiers, police officers, civil defence personnel, hunters, vigilantes, and former cult members, all working together to remove criminals from the streets of Benin City.

During the raid, security personnel targeted known hotspots in areas such as Obe Community along Sapele Road, Iyowa Community, Evbonika, and Azuwa village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

Acting on intelligence, the operatives stormed a compound in Azuwa and made arrests.

At Evbonika, they searched a building believed to be used for cult meetings and questioned the property owner.

The team also carried out an operation at a hotel located along Power Line, off First Ugbor in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), where they arrested more suspects and seized items linked to criminal activities.

Naija News reports that Governor Okpebholo approved the formation of the squad earlier this year as part of his plan to ensure law and order across the state.

He has warned that the state government will not allow criminal groups to operate freely or threaten peace and development.

The administration has tasked the security team with carrying out its duties with discipline, transparency, and involvement of the local communities, as they push forward in their mission to make Edo a safer place

SPD Youth leader Enemi Muhammad shot dead by police officer in Kogi.

A source told SaharaReporters on Monday that the incident occurred on July 10 at the Aija roundabout near the Attah of Igala Palace in Idah.


A Nigerian police officer, identified as Constable Kebiru Bello, has allegedly shot and killed the Zonal Youth Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Enemi Muhammad, in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A source told SaharaReporters on Monday that the incident occurred on July 10 at the Aija roundabout near the Attah of Igala Palace in Idah.

According to the source, three officers were sent to arrest Enemi on the orders of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ihongbe J. Swetine, following an allegation that one of their colleagues had confessed to selling a rifle to him.

The source said the officers arrived in a Toyota Camry and approached Enemi.

Meanwhile, when Enemi requested to see an arrest warrant or a formal invitation to the station, one of the officers allegedly accused him of being defiant and shot him three times. It was also gathered that after the police failed to present any warrant, Enemi attempted to flee, prompting the shooting.

The source further explained that Enemi was a strong supporter of Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, widely regarded by many as the rightful winner of the 2023 Kogi governorship election.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, the source alleged that Enemi’s support for Ajaka was seen as a grave offence by those responsible, leading to his killing without any prior invitation or warning.

The source explained that local vigilantes and naval personnel are currently guarding the police station in Idah, amid fears that enraged residents may attempt to storm the facility in protest over Enemi’s killing.

The source said: "Enemi Muhammad was murdered by the police in Idah, Kogi State, on the 10th of July, 2025. The officer who pulled the trigger is Constable Kabiru Bello."

Narrating how the situation escalated, the source said: "The officers came in a Camry car. Enemi demanded to see a warrant of arrest or a formal letter inviting him to the station. Constable Kabiru Bello responded that he was being stubborn and then shot him three times.

"Enemi was the Zonal Youth Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a strong opposition party in Kogi State. He was a staunch supporter of Murtala Yakubu Ajaka. That alone, they said, was a big offence. There was no prior invitation issued to him before the attempted arrest."